Fitness & Wellness · head to head
Apple Fitness+ vs Garmin Connect
Apple Fitness+
Fitness & Wellness
Guided workouts powered by Apple Watch
- From
- $9.99/month
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only Garmin Connect has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Apple Fitness+ restricted to Apple ecosystem, not compatible with Android devices or non-Apple platforms; Garmin Connect limited to Garmin devices; poor compatibility with non-Garmin fitness trackers
- They diverge on capability: Apple Fitness+ covers Studio-style workouts, Garmin Connect covers Advanced activity analytics.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Apple Fitness+ and Garmin Connect actually diverge.
| Attribute | Apple Fitness+ | Garmin Connect |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $9.99/month | Free |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | iOS, iPadOS, tvOS | Web, iOS, Android |
| Category | Fitness & Wellness | Sports & Recreation |
| Founded | 1976 | 1989 |
Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), user rating (Not yet rated).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Apple Fitness+
- Studio-style workouts
- Real-time Apple Watch metrics
- Personalized recommendations
- Time to Walk
- Meditation sessions
- Apple Watch
- Apple Music
- Health app
Only in Garmin Connect
- Advanced activity analytics
- Training load analysis
- Body Battery energy
- Sleep score
- Health snapshot
- Strava
- MyFitnessPal
- TrainingPeaks
Both cover
- Ios support
- Web support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Apple Fitness+
- Workout tracking
- Nutrition management
- Health monitoring
- Fitness coaching
- Wellness improvement
Garmin Connect
- Workout tracking
- Nutrition management
- Health monitoring
- Fitness coaching
- Wellness improvement
Both are used for workout tracking, nutrition management, health monitoring, fitness coaching, wellness improvement, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Apple Fitness+
- Restricted to Apple ecosystem, not compatible with Android devices or non-Apple platforms
- Apple Watch is required for optimal functionality and metrics tracking
- No live sessions available, only prerecorded on-demand videos
- Limited Mac support with streaming from iPhone or iPad required
- Simplified approach puts limitations compared to specialized or comprehensive fitness apps
Garmin Connect
- Limited to Garmin devices; poor compatibility with non-Garmin fitness trackers
- Recent app redesign criticized by users for complexity and difficulty navigating features
- AI insights from Connect+ often read as templated rather than personalized recommendations
- Data synchronization issues between devices and app can create gaps in recorded data
- Advanced features and detailed insights require paid Connect+ subscription
Pricing, plan by plan
Apple Fitness+
$9.99/monthNo published plan breakdown. See the Apple Fitness+ review.
Garmin Connect
Free- FreeFree
- Activity tracking
- GPS monitoring
- Sleep tracking
- Connect+$6.99/month or $69.99/year
- AI-powered insights
- Nutrition tracking
- Expanded LiveTrack
Which should you pick?
Choose Apple Fitness+ if
- You need studio-style workouts.
- You work on iOS, iPadOS, tvOS.
- You also want real-time apple watch metrics.
Choose Garmin Connect if
- You need advanced activity analytics.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, iOS, Android.
- You also want training load analysis.
Questions people ask
- Is Apple Fitness+ or Garmin Connect better?
- Neither clearly leads. Apple Fitness+ starts at $9.99/month and Garmin Connect at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Apple Fitness+ or Garmin Connect?
- Garmin Connect has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $9.99/month for Apple Fitness+ and Free for Garmin Connect.
- Does Apple Fitness+ or Garmin Connect run on more platforms?
- Apple Fitness+ runs on iOS, iPadOS, tvOS. Garmin Connect runs on Web, iOS, Android.
- Can I use Garmin Connect for free?
- Yes. Garmin Connect has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Apple Fitness+ starts at $9.99/month.
- What is Apple Fitness+ best used for?
- Apple Fitness+ is most often used for workout tracking, nutrition management, health monitoring, fitness coaching.
- What can Apple Fitness+ do that Garmin Connect cannot?
- Apple Fitness+ covers Studio-style workouts, Real-time Apple Watch metrics, Personalized recommendations, Time to Walk. Garmin Connect covers Advanced activity analytics, Training load analysis, Body Battery energy, Sleep score. Both handle Ios support, Web support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Apple Fitness+: How much does Apple Fitness Plus cost?
Apple Fitness Plus costs $9.99/month or $79.99/year in the US. New subscribers may be eligible for a free trial with the purchase of select Apple devices.
SourceGarmin Connect: Is Garmin Connect free and what does the free version include?
Garmin Connect is free to use with any Garmin device. Free features include activity tracking, GPS monitoring, core training analytics, sleep tracking, and heart rate monitoring. Connect+ adds AI insights, nutrition tracking, and expanded LiveTrack for $6.99/month or $69.99/year.
SourceApple Fitness+: Can you share Apple Fitness Plus with family?
Yes, Apple Fitness Plus features Family Sharing compatibility, allowing you to share your subscription with up to five family members at no additional cost.
SourceGarmin Connect: What platforms is Garmin Connect available on?
Garmin Connect is available as a web application at connect.garmin.com and as mobile apps for iOS and Android, allowing access and tracking across all devices.
SourceApple Fitness+: What workout types does Apple Fitness Plus offer?
Apple Fitness Plus supports a wide range of workout types including strength training, yoga, HIIT, cycling, dance, and mindful cooldowns with curated music playlists.
SourceGarmin Connect: Can I use Garmin Connect with non-Garmin devices?
Garmin Connect is designed primarily for Garmin devices and has limited compatibility with non-Garmin fitness trackers or smartwatches.
SourceApple Fitness+: Does Apple Fitness Plus integrate with Apple Music?
Yes, one of the strongest features is Apple Music integration, with workouts synced to curated playlists that match pace and intensity.
SourceGarmin Connect: What training features does Garmin Connect offer?
Garmin Connect provides workout analysis, training load tracking, recovery time recommendations, VO2 Max estimates, and training status monitoring. Connect+ adds AI-powered insights and expert training guidance.
SourceApple Fitness+: What devices are required to use Apple Fitness Plus?
Apple Fitness Plus requires an Apple device such as iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. An Apple Watch is more or less mandatory for optimal use and metrics tracking.
Source