I own the Apple Watch Ultra 3, the first Apple Watch with integrated satellite communication. Fittingly, Garmin recently introduced the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro – also advertised with satellite functionality via Garmin inReach.
If you're familiar with Garmin's inReach product line (for example, the Garmin inReach Mini 2) and were hoping for the same functionality, you will likely be a bit disappointed. Although the feature is marketed as "inReach," it does not behave like Garmin's standalone devices.
In classic inReach devices, the satellite connection runs continuously and passively in the background: the device automatically sends location data and messages without needing to be actively pointed or held.
The watch version works very differently. Like the Apple Watch, it must be actively aimed toward the satellite, and the connection doesn't stay live continuously. Technically, the watch is more of a light version of the true inReach devices.
In this post, I won't dive deeply into the technical details. Both watches are impressive pieces of hardware. However, I want to honestly compare the satellite communication of both models, as I was able to borrow a current Garmin—and I have to say: I am somewhat disappointed.
Which Satellites Do the Watches Use?
Apple Watch Ultra 3
The Ultra 3 uses the Globalstar satellite network, which Apple already uses for iPhones' SOS feature. It covers large parts of the Earth, but not entirely (polar regions, for example, are excluded).
The watch provides very precise guidance on how to hold it to establish a connection.
In Germany, currently only location can be sent via satellite; in countries like the USA or the UK, messages can also be sent.
The connection usually takes just seconds to a few minutes, depending on the view of the sky.
Garmin Fenix 8 Pro (inReach)
Garmin uses the Iridium network, which unlike Globalstar offers genuine worldwide coverage. Sounds perfect at first—but the implementation in the watch is not comparable to a true inReach device.
Here too, the watch must be actively aimed, and the connection does not run continuously in the background.
With the inReach Mini 2, tracking is automatically sent, messages go out in the background, and you don't have to do anything. The watch approach is much more cumbersome.
My Test: No Mobile Network in Southern Germany
For my test, I went to southern Germany—to a location with no mobile reception whatsoever. And as we know: in Germany, that’s easier to find than you might like 😅.
The goal was to test how reliably both watches transmit their location via satellite.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
I sent my location three times. The watch clearly indicates on the display how to hold it.
- Connection established after about 1–2 minutes
- On the last try, even after around 10 seconds
- Very tolerant with aiming—you just need to roughly point in the right direction
Operation is simple and relaxed.
Garmin Fenix 8 Pro
The watch must also be actively aimed, but much more precisely.
- Display must point exactly toward the satellite
- Initial connection took almost 4 minutes
- Movement during connection often causes drops
Once connected, messages and location are sent very quickly. Still: overall much more cumbersome and less comfortable.
My Conclusion
Currently, with the Garmin watch you can send messages via satellite, whereas with the Apple Watch (in Germany) you can only send your location. Since Apple has already enabled messaging in other countries, it’s likely just a matter of time before this feature is available here as well.
Regardless, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 clearly impresses me more when it comes to satellite communication:
- faster connection
- less precise aiming needed
- significantly more comfortable in practice
Price-wise, Garmin charges around €8 per month, while Apple currently offers the feature for free (at least for the first two years).
Garmin remains strong in maps, navigation, and battery life. If you spend days in the wilderness, a true inReach device or a Garmin watch paired with a Mini 2 is probably a better choice.
But for quickly sending location or an emergency call via satellite in a dead zone, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is, for me, by far the more pleasant companion right now.