Apple Watch Series 10 Edges Out Garmin Forerunner 570 in Cycling Accuracy Test

In a second consecutive accuracy challenge pitting Apple’s latest smartwatch against Garmin’s fitness tracker, the Apple Watch Series 10 has emerged as the victor – albeit narrowly – following an 11-mile cycling test. The previous comparison, which involved tracking steps, saw the Garmin Forerunner 570 secure a marginal win over the Apple Watch.

The Apple Watch Series 10, launched last fall with a starting price of $399, is known for its comprehensive features including an immersive display, health and safety monitoring capabilities, fitness tracking tools, sleep analysis, and access to a broad app ecosystem. The Garmin Forerunner 570, released earlier this summer at $549, offers comparable technology despite a higher price point. Both devices feature AMOLED screens; however, the Apple Watch boasts increased brightness for improved visibility in direct sunlight.

Both smartwatches incorporate optical heart rate sensors, pulse oximeters (with access currently restricted for U.S. customers on the Apple Watch), GPS for phone-free location tracking, altimeters to measure elevation, and thermometers for body temperature data. A Strava application running on an iPhone mounted on handlebars served as a control during this latest evaluation. To ensure independent data capture, both smartwatches were unpaired from the iPhone prior to the ride.

This outcome echoes previous testing of the Apple Watch’s cycling capabilities. While the Garmin technically achieved a closer distance measurement – less than one-tenth of a mile difference – its inaccurate elevation gain readings led to the Apple Watch Series 10 being declared the overall winner.

Both devices represent robust and reliable options for fitness tracking, despite occasional data anomalies inherent in smartwatch technology. Reader suggestions for future head-to-head comparisons between different wearables and workout types are welcomed.