Why This Smartwatch is More Popular than Garmin for Strava Runners

Apple Watch has been outselling the Swiss Watch market and is now making a mark in the sports watch arena as well. According to the latest report from Strava for the Year of Sport: Trend Report 2024, the Apple Watch was one of the top devices used to upload activities on the platform.

The report analyzed user data from activities uploaded between September 1, 2023, and August 30, 2024, highlighting the most popular smartwatches used for uploading activities. The Apple Watch Series took the lead in uploading running activities, followed by the Apple Watch SE and the Garmin Forerunner 245.

Interestingly, Google Wear OS smartwatches like the Pixel Watch 3 were not mentioned in the report, indicating a gap in Google’s sports tracking efforts.

In the previous edition of Strava’s report, the Garmin Forerunner 235 was the most popular upload device. However, this time, the Apple Watch surpassed Garmin, signaling Apple’s increasing influence in the sports watch market.

Having tested various Apple Watch models, including the latest Watch Ultra 2 and Watch Series 10, it’s no surprise that Apple’s smartwatch is gaining recognition on Strava. The ease of use and advanced features make it a natural choice for runners.

Mike Sawh

Why the Apple Watch wins for runners

Running is gaining popularity, with Strava reporting it as the fastest-growing social sport on the platform. The rise in running clubs and engagement indicates a shift towards more social running activities. The Apple Watch is popular among 5k runners, while Garmin is preferred for longer distances.

The Apple Watch offers a seamless experience for tracking runs and workouts, especially with its user-friendly features like the Workout app. It strikes a balance between workout tracking and everyday use, making it a versatile option for fitness enthusiasts.

Apple Watches excel in tracking runs accurately, with the latest models showing impressive GPS accuracy and heart rate monitoring capabilities. The higher shipment numbers of Apple Watches compared to Garmin and other brands contribute to its dominance in the market.

While Garmin remains a top choice for longer runs and cycling activities, Apple Watch is gaining ground as a reliable sports watch alternative. The competition is heating up in the sports watch market, with Apple leading the way in innovation and user experience.

To check the current prices for the Apple Watch Series 10, visit the following retailers:

$349

$349

$349

$399

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$399.99