Garmin Fenix 8 Pro vs. Apple Watch Ultra 3: Satellite & Connectivity Showdown
Garmin and Apple have announced their satellite emergency and connected services over satellite and cellular networks. The complete package each offers is complex. That’s why you came to this post: to find a simple answer: “Which is best?”
Answer: The surprising and simple answer is that Apple has the best overall SOS and Connectivity package.
It gets worse for Garmin. Apple’s satellite offering is generally better, and its cellular package is faster and better.
Worse still, although Garmin appears to have a superior, dedicated Response Center, Apple provides superior methods of communication with known and recent contacts.
![Garmin Edge 850](https://the5krunner.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/61Np9DovIhL._AC_SL1500_1.jpg")
Which Has the Best Global Cellular Coverage?
A: Apple Watch Ultra 3 has the best global cellular coverage. It offers a faster 5G service that falls back to 4G when 5G is unavailable. Garmin only has access to the 4G LTE-M service.
In more detail
Apple has a Broader Geographic Reach: Its 5G RedCap is supported in over 50 countries, including the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, Japan, and parts of Asia, compared to Garmin’s 32 countries (no Australia, Japan, or New Zealand). Global 5G covers ~40% of the population, and 4G LTE fallback reaches 90% globally, surpassing Garmin’s regional LTE-M footprint. There is wider 5G/4G availability, especially in urban and suburban areas of high-income countries (89% 5G coverage).
However, due to deeper signal penetration, Garmin still has an edge in certain rural scenarios in parts of the U.S. and Europe, but that’s it. Its limited global presence, for example, no Asia-Pacific coverage, makes it less competitive overall.
Which Has the Best Global Satellite Coverage?
A: Although limited at launch, Apple Watch Ultra 3 has the best satellite coverage with the Globalstar satellite network.
Globalstar provides superior global support in key regions, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Ireland, the UK, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and expanding areas. It covers ~60 million sq. km., where regulations allow, with fewer exclusions than Skylo.
Globalstar’s Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites offer faster connections (~10 seconds), better reliability in terrains like forests or canyons, and automatic alignment without manual positioning. This outperforms GEO satellites in obstructed or remote spots.
Garmin Fenix 8 Pro uses Skylo, limited to 32 countries/territories (continental U.S., parts of Canada up to 50 miles offshore, most of Europe). It excludes Australia, New Zealand, Japan, areas above 65°N latitude, and polar regions. Furthermore, connecting with arm positioning skyward requires 20-30 seconds, and it’s less reliable in mountains or dense areas.
Thus, Apple wins if you need worldwide off-grid access, especially in Oceania or high latitudes. That said, Garmin’s Skylo is focused on the USA and some European countries where it has a large part of its customer base.
Garmin or Apple: Who has the best emergency response service?
A: Similar
Assuming you are in a covered area and can get an emergency connection, Garmin’s longstanding dedicated emergency response centre appears ideally placed to offer more trusted service. However, I would hope Apple’s service is of a similar standard.
Garmin or Apple: Who has the best non-emergency contact service?
A: Apple.
The flaw with Garmin’s offering is that you can only contact someone with the Messenger app installed on their device (smartphone).
Apple’s system might be flawed as its service definition is worded unclearly. It is stated to include
to friends and family— including anyone they’ve been in touch with over the last 30 days [Apple]
But who are friends and family? It would be great if this included everyone on your contacts list, plus people you’ve contacted in the last 30 days.
Neither Apple nor Garmin offers satellite calls, but both offer a form of live tracking. Apple’s FindMy system works best if the other person has an Apple device, just as Garmin’s system requires the other person to install the Messenger app for messaging. However, anyone can follow a Garmin LiveTrack link.
Redundancy
‘Redundancy’ covers what happens if your safety solution somehow fails. There are many possible points of failure.
Apple’s most obvious failure point is the 2-day battery life of the Watch Ultra 3. Once it runs out, what do you do? You could argue that you will likely have a recent iPhone with a decent battery and satellite capabilities.
Garmin typically has superior battery life compared to its competitors. The risk of needing to fall back on your backup is lower.
High-end Garmin owners may well have a satellite-enabled smartphone – Android or iPhone.
Garmin or Apple: Who wins on cost?
Apple’s satellite service is free for two years, but you must pay your cellular carrier for a 5G/4G connection from day one. My cellular mobile plan for my Watch is the same price as a monthly Garmin inReach subscription. However, Garmin’s inReach subscription for the Fenix 8 Pro includes a waived activation fee at launch, with a free 30-day trial, but adds additional costs for overage (over-plan usage).
Garmin vs Apple – Off-Grid Emergency and Casual Support – the winner
Houston. We’ve got a problem.
Unless I’m missing something, Garmin has a real problem here.
It’s only been a few days since Garmin launched the Fenix 8 Pro. On first hearing the news about its autonomous satellite SOS service from the wrist, the company appeared to have a powerful contender that held at bay the satellite services offered by the iPhone.
However, the more you read about Garmin’s overall package, the more holes appear. The coverage isn’t as good, the cellular connection isn’t the fastest, and a key drawback is that your friend/family member needs Messenger installed for routine communication. All of that describes a service with some holes and imperfections, compounded by requiring an activation fee (waived), a monthly subscription, and ongoing over-plan usage charges.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 seems to wipe the floor clean, winning in every respect. And it gets worse. Even if your Apple Watch Ultra 3 runs out of battery, you’ll likely have a satellite-enabled iPhone in your backpack to take over. If your Garmin Fenix 8 is lost, broken or runs out of battery, your smartphone won’t be enough to save you; you’ll need an inReach device at a higher cost.
Considering one of Garmin’s core strengths is the outdoor adventure market, personified over the years by fenix, Instinct and inReach, the seeds of doubt must now be cast that this is the best service. Once again, this adds doubt to the mass-market future of the Fenix line – although it will always be the favourite of pro adventurers.
Sources and Further Resources
- The Verge — Garmin’s new Fenix 8 Pro adds LTE and satellite messaging with a microLED display
- Android Central — Garmin Fenix 8 Pro announced with LTE, satellite messaging, and microLED display
- DC Rainmaker — Garmin Fenix 8 Pro with LTE & Satellite Messaging: Hands-On
- Apple Newsroom — Introducing Apple Watch Ultra 3
- Wired — Apple Watch Ultra 3, Series 11, and SE: All the Details
- Hiking Guy – iPhone Satellite vs Garmin inReach: Which Is Better for Hikers in 2025?
A Detailed Comparison – Satellite & Cellular Connectivity: Fenix 8 Pro vs Watch Ultra 3
Let’s take a more granular look at Globalstar and SKYLO and their respective implementation through Fenix 8 Pro and Watch Ultra 3.
| Feature | Garmin Fenix 8 Pro | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Satellite Network Used | Garmin’s inReach technology via GEO satellite (Skylo-based service) for off-grid connectivity, combined with LTE-M cellular. Requires Garmin’s inReach subscription (active plan mandatory for all features, including emergency SOS; free 30-day trial available). Coverage in 32 countries/territories (continental U.S., parts of Canada up to 50 miles offshore, most of Europe); not global. | Apple’s Globalstar satellite network supports two-way satellite communications for messaging, emergency SOS, and Find My. Global coverage, where supported. Cellular models use 5G (RedCap) for standard connectivity (cellular plan required for non-SOS satellite features; GPS-only models lack standalone cellular/satellite). |
| Core Services | SOS, two-way messaging (via Garmin Messenger app), LiveTrack, check-in messages, weather updates via LTE-M cellular/satellite. Satellite requires clear line of sight to GEO satellites and arm positioning for connection (20-30 seconds to connect). No photos/voice over satellite.
Prerequisites: Active inReach subscription; Garmin account; compatible Garmin Messenger app on paired phone or standalone via LTE. |
Emergency SOS via satellite; Messages via satellite with contacts recently corresponded with (last 30 days); location sharing via Find My every 15 minutes. End-to-end encrypted. Supports texts, emojis, Tapbacks. 5G cellular for standard use.
Prerequisites: For SOS: None (no cellular plan needed). For messaging/Find My: Active 5G cellular plan; paired iPhone powered on and connected to Wi-Fi/cellular (but not nearby). |
| Emergency SOS Process | SOS distress signal sent to Garmin Response Center; trained specialists respond via text, coordinate rescue, and notify contacts. Works over satellite (unlimited with subscription) or LTE-M cellular.
Prerequisites: An Active inReach subscription is required even for SOS; clear sky view for satellite. |
SOS via satellite to Apple relay centre; handles emergency contact notification and emergency services; communicated via text. Automatic if unresponsive after crash/fall detection. Works without a cellular plan.
Prerequisites: None beyond device setup; clear sky view for satellite. |
| Messaging Capability | Two-way text messaging via the Garmin Messenger app (satellite or LTE-M cellular). Limited to app users or texts to non-app users from a random Garmin number (not direct SMS to arbitrary numbers). $0.50 per satellite message or $0.10 per check-in (non-emergency, depending on plan).
Prerequisites: Active inReach subscription; Garmin Messenger app; for satellite: clear sky view and arm positioning. |
Satellite Messages via iMessage/SMS (texts, emoji, Tapbacks) with recent contacts (last 30 days). No special app needed. Requires an active 5G cellular plan; SMS rates may apply. Paired iPhone must be powered on and connected to Wi-Fi/cellular (not nearby).
Prerequisites: Active cellular plan; iPhone setup; recent contact history (last 30 days); clear sky view for satellite. |
| Location Sharing | LiveTrack via LTE-M cellular (unlimited with subscription); satellite check-in messages and location sharing via Garmin Messenger (limited by plan allowances, ~10 min polling on satellite).
Prerequisites: Active inReach subscription for LTE/satellite; app setup for sharing. |
Find My location sharing via satellite with pre-added contacts, updating every 15 minutes. Requires an active 5G cellular plan.
Prerequisites: Active cellular plan; pre-added contacts in Find My app on paired iPhone; clear sky view for satellite. |
| Subscription & Cost | Garmin inReach plans: Starts at $7.99/month (US)/£7.99/month (UK)/€9.99/month (EU) for “inReach Enabled” tier: unlimited LTE-M cellular (messaging, calls, LiveTrack) + unlimited satellite emergency SOS. Non-emergency satellite: pay-per-use ($0.50/msg) or higher tiers (Essential $14.99: 50 msgs/month; Standard $29.99: unlimited msgs; Premium $49.99: advanced features). Free 30-day trial; no activation fee.
Prerequisites: Garmin account; one device per account (cannot pair with other inReach devices); coverage in supported regions only. |
All satellite features are free for two years with purchase. Emergency SOS works without a cellular plan; messaging and location sharing require an active 5G cellular plan (carrier pricing, typically $10-15/month). Post-two-year pricing not announced; SMS rates may apply for satellite messaging.
Prerequisites: For full features: Cellular model with active carrier plan; paired iPhone (iOS 18+); setup via Watch app. GPS-only models are limited to SOS if paired nearby. |
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Neither watch is a good option for off grid safety in remote areas. You need a Spot or InReach for that. They maybe are ok for the occasional camping trip not too far into the backwoods. But then you would also have a phone which if it’s an iPhone has a better satellite and better cellular capability.
Apple has better SOS in suburban or casual sport circumstances — not least because it is free.
The Garmin feature is really primarily un-tethered LiveTrack with a side of Garmin Messenger.
I have yet to meet the person that does regular Dick Tracy watch-phone conversations (or Star Trek: The Motion Picture if you prefer). I’m not sure why, but I suspect people still carry their phone most of the time and the phone is better for making and receiving calls — not least because it has a huge battery.
This stuff is interesting but needs to mature.
I was going to say the same thing. Neither of these solutions, nor the phone, hold water to a standalone inReach device off grid. Where I run and ride most, I have very limited LTE coverage, and since I’m usually alone and in rugged terrain, I wouldn’t leave home without my Messenger+.
That said, it’s impressive what both Garmin and Apple are fitting into a watch and will be exciting times over the next couple years to see where this technology goes. I’d be surprised if I can’t ditch the standalone inReach within a couple years – as long as it’s just a day adventure.
Strongly agree with Brian, these devices and services do provide an additional layer of security but it is _far_ from a robust and “commercial grade” solution.
Notably, even the much more robust Iridium based solutions were for a long time not accepted as emergency devices for SOLAS/GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress & Safety System) purposes (and even today still require Flag State Type Approval for Sea Area A3) because they were note deemed reliable enough.
“If your Garmin Fenix 8 is lost, broken or runs out of battery, your smartphone won’t be enough to save you; you’ll need an inReach device at a higher cost.”
No, I ’ll likely have a satellite-enabled iPhone in my backpack to take over. 🙂
Why does :
“. If your Garmin Fenix 8 is lost, broken or runs out of battery, your smartphone won’t be enough to save you;” but in the case of AWU3, your iPhone will save you ?
Are you forbidden to have the same iPhone if you have a Garmin ?
Yeah, this part: “Even if your Apple Watch Ultra 3 runs out of battery, you’ll likely have a satellite-enabled iPhone in your backpack to take over. If your Garmin Fenix 8 is lost, broken or runs out of battery, your smartphone won’t be enough to save you; you’ll need an inReach device at a higher cost.” is really not fair. Basically, “if you have a satellite backup, your Apple Watch is better”.
A iPhone 12 or iPhone SE still works well, and doesn’t have satellite.
Why would anyone buy these watches solely for this functionality if satellite SOS is possible on both iPhone and Google Pixel?
OK.
the consensus seems to be that I need to refine the wording 🙂
If you go to t- mobile in Germany and get an AWU with an eSIM, it costs you 25€ a month with a minimum 24 month contract….on top of what you pay for the watch…and in addition to your cellphone. I think for 25 a month , satellite connectivity is the least you should get….
it’s like 10eu for me in the uk with O2 for my AW
So far, I’ve seen nobody talk about “footnote 1”
https://www.apple.com/apple-watch-ultra-3/
“[…] To send and receive SMS/MMS from cellular models of Apple Watch over satellite, your paired iPhone must be powered on and connected to Wi-Fi or an active cellular network, but your iPhone doesn’t need to be nearby. […]”
That really confuses me. As far as I understand that means: If I’m in the wilderness and leave my phone home, it has to be switched on and must have either WiFi or cellular connection.
Why? But ok, if you know, you could do that.
But now imagine the following: I for example have an iPhone 12 (no satellite itself). I have the phone with me, am in the wilderness and have no signal. If I interpret the footnote correctly, I can’t use my AWU3’s satellite connection for SMS because my phone (logically) has no connection (otherwise I would not need satellite in the first place).
Can anybody make sense of that? And does that also include the SOS feature or just the SMS/MMS? And why would that technically be necessary? I’m not a huge tech guy, but I can’t see the reason for that.
that doesnt make sense to me either
For me, Garmin wins. 💪
Nobody takes into account the fees. A subscription with extensive or unlimited LTE + satellite units will be more expensive when you factor in roaming fees.
For now, it’s supposedly free on Apple and Google, but unfortunately, I see significant gaps in coverage. Apple, as always, refuses to provide services and new products in Central Europe, where I live in Poland. Garmin provides coverage for both LTE and InReach Skylo and InReach Iridium, while Apple doesn’t. The Skylo service provider itself is an experienced player who has promised expanded capabilities and coverage, and you should be wary of such a company’s promises. Furthermore, LTE-M consumes less battery. The Fenix with active LTE service lasts longer on a single charge, and I don’t want to carry three power banks – one for the smartphone, one for the watch, and one as a backup for other devices. Besides, Garmin blows everyone away with the fact that you can only have the Fenix 8 Pro during training, especially for long-distance athletes and triathletes preparing for a full IronMan distance, where we all know how long open-water swimming, running, and cycling workouts take. And still have autonomous contact and the comfort of safety. For me, carrying a smartphone into a fight was always a problem, or constantly running with a cell phone on my belt when I could have used that space for an extra soft flask. The same applies to cycling. Why use a smartphone when you can carry a few more gels or bars? Nobody considers it in terms of these aspects. And that’s the real advantage of the Fenix 8 Pro, not mountain expeditions, where I personally choose the InReach communicator over the Fenix. And I’m patiently waiting for Garmin to allow the use of two devices on a single subscription (DCrainmaker claims Garmin is working on it). Besides all that, the Garmin costs less and has more versatility, with greater satellite capabilities. So for me, there’s only one choice. Besides, I just picked up the Fenix 8 Pro 51mm today, and my Fenix 8 is being retired. It’s a bit thicker, a very close copy of the Fenix 8, so it feels right at home.
yes i do see it in those terms for me.
i will have anapple watch lte as my effective phone on bie rides.
more serious athletes and adventurers wll stay with garmin.
these new service offer sensisble alternatives for less serious athletes not looking to buy more gear, instead a single watch like Ultra 3will do all they need (apart from battery life)
Interesting. In the US, it costs only $7.50/month to add a watch to my mobile plan, with unlimited data.
All the phone/watch related satellite stuff is a bit of a joke. Waving your hands in the air to find a signal may be a bit problematic with a broken arm. Whereas my InReach can just sit on my backpack and sends check ins without me breaking stride. Yes it costs mores, but if I’m lying in the bottom of a ravine with a broken arm I aint going to worry about it.
It’s all merely box-ticking for shareholders and doesnt really work well. Plus You still have to have some backup device because if either AWU or Fenix 8 Pro fail you lose GPS and connectivity. Redundancy is far more important
yep
apple watch 3 may well get satellite coverage when your car breaks down in the middle of scotland where there is no cell coverage. you have to get the best tool for YOUR job.
I have fenix 8 pro, and testing it since 11/09 in Warsaw, Poland. Right now the LTE i ridiculous bad, and honestly I regret buy. Nothing is working properly, I have just tested in 4 different running, from 7k to 20k. In every activity there were no possibility to send message/make a call through messenger, because Fenix always need to find LTE (in Warsaw, where 5g/LTE working like a charm, even in AW ultra/ultra 2 – I have apple eco too). Livetrack has 5-6 min. lag, after 4-5km just stuck, and nothing happen. Till now this is one of the worst garmin choose, I have made.
oh, and the battery – I forgot. 20k run with LTE (which not working) and music took nearly 30% of battery. Since saturday to today – tuesday 80% battery consumption. This is a joke, and I have amoled, not microled screen.
comms is always going to be bad.
ill have to look at my results from the south of france this week with the 970.i seem to be runnig out of juice regularly.admittedlyvery long rides, i reckon the sun is killing it wit aod
Genuinely curious why the inReach is better. On paper, it seems like Apple beats it in every way except battery life. Of course, I get that if you’re talking multi-day expeditions, battery life is a huge, huge deal. But even there, you’re still limited by your phone’s battery if you plan to do any actual messaging.