A practical comparison guide
Why do Strava, Garmin and Apple Watch show different running stats?
The same run can produce different summaries. Start by checking what each number means, rather than deciding one device must be wrong.
1. Check the recording and the source
A Garmin watch and an Apple Watch can record independently, while an app may also display an uploaded version of either recording. First ask whether you are comparing two recordings or two services displaying one recording. Record the device and summary source as a clear label.
2. Match moving time and elapsed time
Elapsed time includes the whole recording period. Moving time attempts to exclude stops. Auto-pause settings and service calculations can change which seconds are counted. A 30-minute elapsed workout with 28 minutes moving should not be compared to another run using only the shorter moving duration without noting that difference.
3. Understand distance and pace
GPS sampling, reception, route processing and rounding can affect distance. Average pace also depends on the time definition and distance used. A synthetic example: 30:00 over 5.00 km is 6:00/km, while 30:00 over 5.08 km is about 5:54/km. That difference alone does not prove improved fitness or device accuracy.
4. Check units, elevation and sensors
Compare kilometres with kilometres and pace per kilometre with pace per kilometre. Elevation gain is not the same as net elevation change. GPS-derived elevation, barometric readings and smoothing can differ. Wrist and chest-strap heart-rate readings can also differ; make the sensor context visible when you know it.
5. Treat provider scores as provider scores
Readiness, recovery and training load are proprietary measures with different definitions. A score of 70 in one service is not automatically comparable to 70 in another. Pace Gauge currently focuses on supported workout summary metrics, not normalizing those scores.
A useful comparison checklist
Confirm the activity, date, start and finish, source, units and time definition. Leave missing values empty. Compare a matched pair before reviewing changes across weeks. This is a guide to interpreting workout data, not medical advice, a watch-buying ranking or a claim about which provider is most accurate.
Ready to use your own data? Sign in and open Log Run, then compare your recordings.