Garmin Venu X1: The Sleek Rival to Apple Watch Ultra That's Winning Over Fitness Enthusiasts

When Garmin unveiled the Venu X1 this summer, it caught even seasoned users off guard. As someone who's tested every major Garmin smartwatch in 2025, I can attest that this model stands out not just for its bold, nearly square design but for how it bridges the gap between Garmin's rugged fitness focus and the polished smartwatch experience of competitors like the Apple Watch Ultra.

At the heart of the Venu X1 is a massive 2-inch AMOLED display—the largest Garmin has ever offered on a smartwatch. This isn't just about screen real estate; it's a game-changer for athletes who need quick, clear access to data during workouts. Imagine glancing at up to eight customizable fields without squinting, whether you're tracking a marathon or a golf swing. Priced at $599, it's available in two color options and has been spotted on sale, making it accessible via retailers like Garmin, Amazon, and Walmart.

A Design That Prioritizes Comfort and Functionality

What truly sets the Venu X1 apart is its form factor. At just 7.9mm thin and a featherlight 40 grams, it's a joy to wear all day—and night, for seamless sleep tracking. The new ComfortFit fabric band enhances this, feeling more like a lifestyle accessory than a bulky sports tool. Compared to the chunkier Apple Watch Ultra 2, the Venu X1 feels liberating, especially for those long training sessions.

Garmin has smartly incorporated features that nod to its fitness heritage while adding smartwatch flair. The built-in speaker and microphone enable wrist-based calls, voice notes during runs, and voice-activated controls—perfect for hands-free operation mid-activity. Two hardware buttons allow customizable shortcuts (I've set mine to voice commands, flashlight, and alarms), reducing reliance on the touchscreen, which can be finicky with sweaty fingers.

And let's talk about that LED flashlight: Positioned on the top right, it offers four white light levels, a red mode, and even strobe options for activities. It's not just a gimmick; in low-light runs or evening hikes, it provides genuine utility, outshining similar features on rivals.

Battery Life and Performance: Trade-Offs for Modernity

Battery life has always been Garmin's ace in the hole, and the Venu X1 delivers—up to eight days with always-on display off. The twist-to-wake gesture is responsive, making this a non-issue for most users. However, enabling always-on mode drops it to about two days, mirroring the Apple Watch's limitations. For GPS-intensive activities, expect 14-16 hours, which is solid but not class-leading among Garmin's lineup.

The Venu X1 shines in fitness tracking with native support for a wide array of sports, customizable data screens, and precise metrics that developers and engineers will appreciate for integrating with apps or analyzing performance data. Yet, it skips dual-band GPS and ECG at this price, likely due to the slim profile constraining internal components. For tech-savvy users building custom workouts or syncing with development tools, this means relying on standard GPS, which is reliable but not optimal in dense urban environments.

Small touches elevate the experience: A tip calculator in the app eases post-meal math (a subtle Apple Watch-inspired feature), and the overall UI, while touchscreen-heavy, adapts well after initial adjustment.

Why It Matters for Developers and Tech Leaders

In an era where wearables are increasingly integrated with IoT ecosystems, the Venu X1's API-friendly ecosystem (via Garmin Connect) opens doors for developers. Imagine scripting automated insights from heart rate variability data or building apps that leverage its voice features for accessibility tools. For engineers in health tech, this watch's balance of form and function could inspire hardware designs prioritizing user comfort without sacrificing battery efficiency—a challenge in modern wearables.

It's not a direct Venu successor but more a streamlined Fenix 8 with smartwatch appeal, ideal for Apple Watch users eyeing Garmin's superior tracking. Lacking cellular connectivity is a drawback for safety-focused apps, but for most, the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi suffice.

ZDNET's buying advice underscores its value: After months of testing, the Venu X1 earns an Editors' Choice for its functional design, health features, and battery prowess. It's the Garmin take on the Apple Watch Ultra I've been waiting for—comfortable, capable, and surprisingly addictive.

As wearables evolve, devices like the Venu X1 remind us that innovation lies in thoughtful integration, not just specs. For fitness enthusiasts and tech professionals alike, it redefines what a smartwatch can be without the bulk.