This article will be an in-depth brand comparison between Polar vs Garmin (watches and more). Polar and Garmin are 2 of the most common watches brands for sports. There are plenty of comparisons between the brands but there are also a lot of differences and each brand has its own identity. To compare the watches of two brands, I will focus on 3 categories: Basics, features and navigation.
However, I will also take a look at what other products these brands manufacture at the end of the article.
Origin
Before getting in some of the more practical things, I would like to shortly cover origin.
Garmin was founded in 1989 and is originally from Kansas while Polar find its origin in Finland and was founded in 1977.
Garmin is currently a lot bigger than Polar, but is it also better? Let’s find out!
Polar vs Garmin: Basics
Materials | straps & glass
Let’s start with taking a look at the straps. Garmin has a clear overview of all the straps you can buy on this webpage. Usually they will present the option to choose the band material, simply take a look at this QuickFit watch brand, you can take silicone, nylon, leather or metal as band material. Whatever suits you best. Also, you have a say in the sizing, you can choose between small/medium or large.
It also seems that the ForeRunner model (a popular Garmin watch among runners/athletes) has custom straps that are specifically made for this watch.
All in all Garmin tries to give you the option to select the strap that best fits your needs and preference. In all cases they try to make the straps as comfortable as possible.
Turns out that Polar is very similar to Garmin when it comes to straps. They have plenty of options and allow you to choose the best material for your needs/preference. As you can see on this webpage.
Also, when it comes to pricing and quality the brands are pretty similar. A basic strap will cost you around $20 whether it’s a Garmin strap or a Polar strap.
When it comes to the glass of the watches both brands are similar once again and provide high quality. That being said, make sure to buy the proper watch screen protector just to be safe, examples: Garmin screen protector, Polar screen protector (you might need to look for your specific watch)
Size
The size of the watches are more dependent on the specific watch than the brand. However, Polar seems to be more focused on keeping their watches lightweight and as small as possible. This way the watch is less of a distraction/annoyance during an intense workout.
Garmin also has smaller models, but they also make more robust watches, these are often more suitable for hiking etc.
Simply compare the Garmin Instinct with the Polar Ignite. That being said, both brands make watches for multiple situations. Garmin also makes smaller sized watches that are more suitable for intense workouts.
Display
One of the most obvious differences when it comes to displays is that Polar focuses a lot more on touchscreens.
Garmin does have some watches with touchscreen functionality, but most of the watches only have the old-school button controls. Models like the Garmin vivioactive 3 and the Garmin Forerunner 630 for example do have touchscreen functionality.
Overall, Polar focuses a bit more on clean looks while Garmin focuses on functionality. That being said, both brands have a lot of different types of watches. It’s not like all Garmin watches are ugly and all Polar watches are good-looking.
Some models are intended to be smaller than others, but both brands have smaller and bigger displayed models.
In terms of sheer quality, both brands are high in quality. One focuses slightly more on looks, the other slightly more on functionality, but the overall quality is good for both brands!
In the end Garmin is a close winner because most displays are easier to see in heavy sunlight.
Battery
Another very important feature in a watch is the battery life. Especially for long distance runners and hikers this might be extremely important. But even for everyday use, it’s nice to have a long lasting battery.
Once again, both brands put a lot in effort in making the batteries in their watches last as long as possible.
If you are looking for the longest lasting battery, you should focus more on the model than on the brand of your watch.
The reason why Polar has a lower rating than Garmin is because for some of the watches you can’t replace the battery yourself, you would have to go to a Polar service center.
I would recommend to check whether or not you can replace the battery yourself before buying a watch from Polar, here is a quick overview of the models: Polar battery replacement.
Replacing a battery in a Garmin wearable can be done by following the Garmin RMA process
Polar vs Garmin: Features
Comparing features on a brand level is pretty difficult. Both brands have a lot of different watches and there are a lot of features to be discussed.
Both brands have a lot of possible features on their watches. However, overall Garmin seems to have more features. You can even use Garmin Pay to pay with your smartwatch etc.
You can take a look at Garmin IQ to get an idea of what is possible with Garmin devices. This very clear overview of what is possible with what device is another plus for Garmin.
Both brands have devices where you can make phone calls, use voice commands, music, alarm, barometer, altimeters, etc.
Polar also invests in systems that will estimate/track the recovery in your body.
The main benefit that Polar has over Garmin is that it is (most of the time) more accurate. Polar has been specialized in heart rate monitors as well. For the most accurate results, you should take a look at the polar chest straps or even the wrist strap. These are still the most accurate heart rate sensors you can buy right now. That being said, the heart rate monitors in watches are slowly catching up.
Garmin usually has more features and more possibilities, but Polar is slightly more accurate. I’m not saying that Garmin is always way off, most users are actually pretty happy with the accuracy of the devices. However, Polar is simply slightly better in terms of precision.
Polar vs Garmin: Navigation
How does Polar compare vs Garmin in terms on navigation?
Where Polar has been focusing a lot on measuring heart rates etc. Garmin has been making GPS devices for quite some time. In terms of navigational features (uploading maps, downloading maps, tracking routes, gathering data, etc.) Garmin has more experience and better equipped devices. However, Polar is slightly more accurate in tracking. For hikers, I would always recommend Garmin over Polar – but for runners who are looking for a super accurate device, Polar might have the better watch.
Let’s take a look at some of the navigational features:
GPS
Both brands come with a built-in GPS, but the Garmin GPS will usually have more features, the maps can be upgraded to fit your location. On top of that, the Garmin track mode options allows the watch backtrace your route. This feature is really useful, especially in a new environment.
Barometer
Barometers are used to measure the pressure of the air by calculating the altitude changes of the surrounding. With this option, you can easily predict the weather changes in a region. Once again a feature that both brands include in some of their watches.
Distance tracking
Both brands have the capability of distance tracking to record the performance runner accurately in distance, speed, and pace.
Route tracking
Both brands have features that allow us to track the exact location + determine the pace and distance covered – by use of satellite.
Good to know
OS compatibility
Garmin and Polar watches are compatible with Windows and IOS software. The apps can be synced and stored in the cloud for easier access.
Connectivity
They both connect through Bluetooth and USB to other devices while most Garmin has added the option of Wi-Fi connectivity where you can stream music or use the social media platform on your watch.
Sleep Tracking
The ability to track and analyze the time spent in each stage of sleep, sleep tracking also helps in making sure you get enough sleep and tracks the quality of your sleep, which can also help in identifying sleep issues like snoring. This feature that is available on both brands. Most sleep tracker track body movement and noise.
Heart rate monitor
The option is available in the wearable of both brands and help with monitoring the heartbeat. This technology uses lights that are emitted by the body against the skin to detect changes in blood volume. The sensor then measures the rate of blood pumping and gives the data of heart rate in real-time.
Accelerometer
An accelerometer is a small device made up of an axis motion sensor. Used to measure the change in velocity (speed divided by time). Both brands respond to the vibration associated with movement. Accelerometers help in counting the steps accurately, the pace and will help in getting an estimated overview of your burned calories.
Tracking goals/progress
Other features that are similar for garmin vs polar watches include the option of monitoring the overall progress with the statistic of different activities recorded in the smartwatch. Also, it’s possible to set personal goals that you would want to achieve after a specified period.
Polar watch: top picks
Covering the best watches of each brand is outside of the scope of this article, but I feel like i should at least include a couple of recommendations. So let’s take a look at some of the best watches from both brands.
Polar vantage 5 Titan
One of the most complete polar watches would be the polar vantage 5 Titan.
It comes with all the features you would expect from a top-notch sports watch including a GPS, but it comes in a premium casing as well.
The lowest price can usually be found on amazon: Polar Vantage 5 Titan
If you care more about your budget than about the premium casing, you might be more interested in the Polar Vantage 5
Polar Vantage M
For the best bang for your buck you should definitely take a look at the Polar Vantage M. It weighs 45 grams including wrist band.
It still has most of the features of a good sport watch, but it isn’t quite as well equipped as the Polar Vantage V.
That being said, for the price, this product is really high quality!
For more information, including the latest price, you should take a look on amazon: Polar Vantage M.
Garmin watch: top picks
Next, let’s take a look at some of the best Garmin watches available today. We also did an entire article on the best garmin watches for hikers, feel free to take a look!
Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire
One of the best equipped Garmin watches for a very reasonable price.
It’s an amazing multisport watch loved by many athlete (especially runners) and hikers.
Once again, the lowest price acn usually be found on amazon: Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire
Garmin instinct
A very solid budget option would be the Garmin instinct.
It’s one of the cheapest sport watches that has a built-int GPS.
Also, it’s rugged and high quality, which makes it perfect for hikers or maybe even trail runners.
The Garmin Instinct even won a well deserved spot on my article about the best cheap hiking watches.
The only sad thing about the Instinct is that it is not connect to Connect IQ, which means it is a lot more limited in terms of what apps you can use.
For more information you can take a look on amazon: Garmin Instinct
Other devices
In terms of other devices, it’s pretty simple. Polar makes heart rate monitors, fitness trackers and GPS sport watches, as you can see here.
Garmin simply makes everything… Okay, maybe not everything, but they make a lot of different products. We are also talking about aviation and marine products by the way. There is even an entire wikipedia page about the different products that Garmin makes.
For the record, Garmin also makes heart rate monitors, fitness trackers and GPS watches.
Conclusion
As always, it’s pretty hard to create conclusions about a certain brand in terms of quality, features, etc. Simply because it depends so much on the actual product you are looking at. That being said, I’m still going to give you a generalised conclusion. Just keep in mind that this does not necessarily apply to every single product of both brands.
In terms of features and possibilities, Garmin is superior to Polar.
In terms of accuracy – both in tracking as in measuring, Polar is the winner.
In terms of overall quality, it’s pretty much a tie.
For hikers/outdoor enthousiasts I would generally recmmend Garmin. For runners who are looking for a very accurate device, I’m tempted to recommend Polar. Once again – this is a generalised conclusion.
That pretty much wraps it up. This was my take on Garmin vs Polar. Do you have any experiences with these brands? What where your conclusions? Feel free to let me know in the comments below!
Awesome. Still undecided on what watch to get. I really want to get into hiking so maybe I ll look at that route
Thanks