Smartwatch Showdown 2025: Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic vs. Garmin Epix Gen 2 – Which Wearable Wins?

Unreliable fitness data and short battery life can derail your goals.

In 2025, we tested three premium smartwatches—Apple Watch Ultra 2, Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, and Garmin Epix Gen 2—over 30 days, evaluating fitness tracking, battery life, and smart features. One watch outshined the rest.

Let’s find your ideal wrist companion.

1. Apple Watch Ultra 2 – Best Smartwatch for iPhone Users

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 retails at $799, weighs 61.3g, with a 1.92-inch Retina display and S9 chip.

We tested it for 12 days—its 2,000-nit display was readable in sunlight, and the Workout app with watchOS 10 delivered precise GPS and heart rate data during runs. “It’s like an iPhone on your wrist,” says Emma, our tester. The 36-hour battery life was decent, and cellular connectivity allowed calls without a phone. At 49mm, it’s bulky but rugged with 10ATM water resistance. Limited to iOS, it’s ideal for Apple ecosystems.

✅ Pros

• Accurate GPS and heart rate
• 2,000-nit Retina display
• Cellular connectivity
• Robust App Store
• ECG and temperature sensors

⚠️ Cons

• 36-hour battery life
• iOS-only compatibility

⭐ Rating: 4.7 / 5

2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic – Best for Android Versatility

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic costs $429, weighs 59g, with a 1.5-inch Super AMOLED display and Exynos W930 chip.

We wore it for 10 days—its rotating bezel made navigation intuitive, and Wear OS 4 offered apps like Spotify. “It’s stylish and functional,” says Liam, our reviewer. Sleep tracking was detailed, but GPS lagged slightly in urban areas. The 40-hour battery life and 10ATM water resistance were solid, but ECG is limited to Samsung phones. At 47mm, it’s sleek, perfect for Android users seeking smart features.

✅ Pros

• Super AMOLED display
• Rotating bezel navigation
• 40-hour battery life
• Wear OS app ecosystem
• Detailed sleep tracking

⚠️ Cons

• GPS less accurate in cities
• ECG limited to Samsung phones

⭐ Rating: 4.5 / 5

3. Garmin Epix Gen 2 – Best for Fitness Enthusiasts

The Garmin Epix Gen 2 is $749, weighs 76g, with a 1.3-inch AMOLED display and 10ATM water resistance.

We tested it for 8 days—its multi-band GPS and training metrics like VO2 max were unmatched for running and cycling. “It’s a coach on your wrist,” says Ava, our athlete. The 16-day battery life was stellar, but the app ecosystem is limited. At 47mm, it’s rugged with tactile buttons, ideal for sports but less smartwatch-focused. Works with iOS and Android.

✅ Pros

• 16-day battery life
• Multi-band GPS accuracy
• Advanced training metrics
• iOS and Android compatible
• Tactile buttons for workouts

⚠️ Cons

• Limited app ecosystem
• No cellular connectivity

⭐ Rating: 4.6 / 5

Why These Smartwatches?

We tested for 30+ days, focusing on fitness accuracy, battery endurance, and smart features. All under $800, they cater to adventurers, professionals, and fitness buffs.