Apple Watch Series 11 vs Garmin Forerunner 955
The Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 11 and Garmin Forerunner 955 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Apple Watch Series 11 is the cheaper of the two at $399 versus $499, a difference of about $100. The Apple Watch Series 11 is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Apple Watch Series 11 stands out for hypertension detection for chronic high blood pressure, while Garmin Forerunner 955 is praised for full-color topoactive maps built-in for navigation during runs. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple Watch Series 11 if…
- →Hypertension detection for chronic high blood pressure
- →Sleep score for sleep quality insights
- →24-hour battery life (up from 18h on Series 10)
Buy the Garmin Forerunner 955 if…
- →Full-color TopoActive maps built-in for navigation during runs
- →Training Readiness score combines HRV, sleep, and recovery data
- →Multi-band GPS is the gold standard for running accuracy
Pros & Cons
Apple Watch Series 11
Pros
- Hypertension detection for chronic high blood pressure
- Sleep score for sleep quality insights
- 24-hour battery life (up from 18h on Series 10)
- 5G connectivity on cellular models
- 2x more scratch-resistant Ion-X glass
Cons
- Same S10 chip as Series 10
- Starting price increased to $399
- Still limited to one-day battery life
Garmin Forerunner 955
Pros
- Full-color TopoActive maps built-in for navigation during runs
- Training Readiness score combines HRV, sleep, and recovery data
- Multi-band GPS is the gold standard for running accuracy
- Solar model extends battery to 20 days — charge once or twice a month
- Music storage and playback without needing your phone
Cons
- MIP display looks dull compared to AMOLED on the Forerunner 265
- 14.4mm thick — chunky profile under dress shirt cuffs
- No touchscreen — button-only navigation
- Solar variant adds $100 for marginal battery improvement indoors
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 11 | Garmin Forerunner 955 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 26 | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 34.6 g (42mm) / 43.1 g (46mm) | 53 g |
| Case material | Aluminum or Titanium (Grade 5) | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Water resistance | IP6X, 50m WR | 5ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 24 hours | Up to 15 days (smartwatch), 42 hrs GPS (Solar: 20 days / 49 hrs) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 42mm / 46mm | 46.5mm (1.3 inches) |
| Type | Retina LTPO3 OLED | MIP (memory-in-pixel) transflective |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 496 x 416 (46mm) | 260 x 260 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Apple S10 | Garmin custom processor |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in smartwatches, see all Apple products or all Garmin products. View full details for the Apple Watch Series 11 or the Garmin Forerunner 955.