Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: The Hidden Costs of Going Phone-Free
Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Garmin Fenix 9 Pro offer phone-free connectivity, but subscription fees, satellite coverage, and battery life change the equation. The post Apple Watch Ultra 4 vs Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: The Hidden Costs of Going Phone-Free appeared first on TechRepublic .
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Garmin Fenix 9 Pro are both phone-free smartwatches, but choosing between them involves weighing trade-offs in costs, satellite coverage, and battery life. Apple’s Watch Ultra 4 launched in September for $799, while Garmin’s Fenix 9 Pro started at $1,099.99. However, Garmin’s phone-free model requires additional inReach satellite communication, which starts at $1,199.99 for the 43mm model and can reach $1,399.99 for the 51mm version.
Apple needs a compatible carrier plan for cellular calling, with fees varying by provider, while Garmin offers monthly subscription plans ranging from $7.99 for basic satellite messaging to $49.99 for unlimited messaging. When evaluating hardware plus 12 months of paid services, the total cost for Garmin’s 51mm model is $1,999.87, versus $1,495.87 for Apple’s watch.
Apple provides conventional cellular calling and broader smartwatch functionality, while Garmin offers extended battery life and specialized outdoor communication. Yet, both watches still require a phone or network in certain situations, and the ideal choice depends on users’ specific needs and the availability of cellular coverage.
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