Apple Watch vs Garmin Heart Sensor Accuracy Tested
An informal test comparing the Apple Watch Series 12 and Garmin Forerunner 570 across treadmill runs, trail runs, rowing, and strength workouts.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Tested Apple Watch Series 12 and Garmin Forerunner 570 simultaneously on opposite wrists
- Used an electrical chest strap as the baseline reference value for heart rate data
- Evaluated performance across treadmill runs, trail runs, rowing, and weightlifting
- Results show Apple Watch is no longer lagging behind competitors in sensor accuracy
A tech reviewer recently put the Apple Watch Series 12 and the Garmin Forerunner 570 through a series of informal tests to compare their heart rate accuracy. Wearing one device on each wrist according to manufacturer guidelines, the tester also wore an electrical chest strap to provide accurate reference values during workouts. Both watches were the 42-millimeter size, fitted snugly on six-inch wrists with no tattoos to ensure clear optical sensor readings.
The testing regimen included treadmill runs, outdoor trail runs, rowing machine sessions, and heavy strength training involving overhead barbell presses, front squats, and dumbbell curls. These varied workouts created peaks and troughs in heart rate data, allowing the reviewer to observe how each device handled rapid intensity changes, grip interference, and different ambient temperatures.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Heart rate sensor accuracy is one of the most critical metrics for fitness enthusiasts choosing between a smartwatch and a dedicated sports watch like Garmin. Historically, sports watches held a clear advantage in high-intensity intervals and strength training, making Apple's recent improvements in the Series 12 a notable milestone for health and fitness tracking.
During running tests, both devices performed well overall but exhibited distinct quirks. The Garmin occasionally lagged slightly at the start of an interval before catching up, whereas the Apple Watch avoided this lag but sometimes missed the absolute peak values during sudden spikes or dropped data points entirely near the beginning of a workout.
Source: Lifehacker
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