Apple Watch (SE / Series / Ultra) vs Garmin fēnix 8: which lets you own your data?

Garmin fēnix 8 scores higher for data ownership (78 vs 35). They differ on official api, data export, gadgetbridge / open firmware, home assistant.

Apple Watch (SE / Series / Ultra)Garmin fēnix 8
Score35/100 (Fair)78/100 (Great)
Official API ⚡Via phone health platform (5/25)Partner/business only (10/25)
Data export ⚡Full account export (15/25)Local raw files (25/25)
Gadgetbridge / open firmware ⚡Not supported (0/20)Supported (20/20)
Home Assistant ⚡None (0/15)Community (HACS) (8/15)
SubscriptionNot needed (15/15)Not needed (15/15)
SubscriptionNoneNone

⚡ = where they differ.

Apple Watch (SE / Series / Ultra)

No cloud API; data stays in HealthKit on your iPhone, readable by apps you authorise. The Health app can export all health data as an archive.

API · Export · Home Assistant

Garmin fēnix 8

Activities are standard FIT files you can copy over USB. Gadgetbridge supports the fēnix 8 without Garmin Connect. The official Health/Activity APIs need business approval. Garmin Connect+ is optional.

API · Export · Home Assistant

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Scores come from each device's cited sources, last verified 2026-10-20. See how we score.

📬 The Data Ownership Digest

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