# Garmin Audio vs Shokz

The clearest difference is rating: Shokz at 4.8 against Garmin Audio's 4.0. Shokz also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 3 months) and review sentiment (95% vs 69%). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Shokz holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Shokz has 26K ratings behind it against 460, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 69% of Garmin Audio's written reviews are positive against 95% of Shokz's.

Garmin Audio ships an update every 3 months, Shokz weekly. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Garmin Audio | Shokz |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (460 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-audio/id520377783/reviews) | **[4.8 (26K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shokz/id1596854072/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 460 | **26K** |
| Positive reviews | 69.5% of reviews | **94.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | — | **#45** |
| Size | 55 MB | 278 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **15.5** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Garmin](https://appshunter.io/developer/411046952) | [Shenzhen Shokz Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1596854074) |

## What reviewers say

### Garmin Audio

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/garmin-audio/id520377783)

Control your marine entertainment system wirelessly from your device. Manage music sources, adjust volume zones, and navigate your library with ease. Optimize audio with advanced DSP settings for a premium listening experience on the water.

**Highlights:** Wireless remote control, Music source navigation, Independent volume zone control, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, Album art display, Over-the-air software updates, Digital Signal Processing (DSP) setup

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Convenient remote control
- 💡 Great for multi-zone audio control
- 🎨 Intuitive interface
- 🔊 Excellent sound quality

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues
- 🔍 Inconsistent app performance
- 🔌 Difficulty updating firmware
- 🤖 Lack of Apple Watch support
- 🔇 Volume control problems

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when adjusting volume
- Bluetooth disconnects frequently
- Fails to detect stereo system
- Inconsistent zone control functionality

**Requested features**

- Apple Watch app
- More customization options
- Improved Bluetooth/WiFi reliability
- Streamlined firmware update process


### Shokz

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shokz/id1596854072)

**Currently charting:** #45 Top Free · Music (US App Store)

Enhance your audio experience with customizable sound modes and equalizer settings. Effortlessly manage multiple Bluetooth connections and update your device's firmware for optimal performance. Control playback and access detailed information about your headphones.

**Highlights:** Customizable equalizer, Sound mode switching, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Firmware upgrades, Playback controls, Headphone battery status

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Comfortable and lightweight
- 🚀 Excellent sound quality
- 💡 Awareness of surroundings
- 🔋 Long battery life
- 👍 Seamless multi-device connectivity

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional Bluetooth connectivity issues
- 🔋 Battery life could be better
- 👎 Limited EQ customization options
- 👎 Microphone quality could be improved
- 👎 Volume range not optimal in some environments

**Reported bugs**

- Headphones randomly disconnecting
- App unable to detect/connect to headphones
- Inconsistent volume levels

**Requested features**

- More advanced EQ settings
- Automatic volume adjustment based on environment
- Customizable button controls
- Integration with fitness/health tracking apps


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Garmin Audio free?

Garmin Audio is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Shokz free?

Shokz is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Garmin Audio or Shokz?

Shokz is rated higher. Garmin Audio averages 4.0 out of 5 from 460 ratings, while Shokz averages 4.8 from 26K ratings.

### Do Garmin Audio or Shokz have ads?

Neither Garmin Audio nor Shokz shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Garmin Audio or Shokz?

Garmin Audio ships an update every 3 months, and Shokz weekly. Most recently, Garmin Audio was updated on November 1, 2026 and Shokz on November 1, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*