Garmin Venu 2S Review: Stylish Fitness Smartwatch Verdict
A Reddit user summed it up perfectly: “Overall, super happy. Size is perfect for my small wrist and it looks pretty. It gives me loads of fitness metrics and I think it’s a solid upgrade from the Venu.” The Garmin Venu 2S GPS Smartwatch, Rose Gold with White Case has landed with an impressive 4.6–4.9 star average across platforms, backed by strong praise for performance and design. Field reports point to a potent mix of long battery life, advanced health tracking, and sleek comfort. On a 10-point scale, it scores a confident 8.8/10.
Quick Verdict: Yes — Strong buy for fitness-focused users and those with smaller wrists who value style and battery life. Conditional for Apple ecosystem purists or those needing advanced smartwatch integrations.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent 7–10 day battery life | Limited smartwatch features for iPhone users |
| Accurate GPS and workout tracking | Step tracking fails when pushing strollers |
| Elegant, comfortable design | No Google Pay; Garmin Pay limited by banks |
| Smaller size ideal for slim wrists | Pre-set watch faces limited in data fields |
| Durable build with Gorilla Glass 3 | UI can feel dated; limited quick-access options |
| Personalizable faces and workout creation | Pulse Ox accuracy questioned by some users |
| Women's health tracking is detailed | Hydration animation removed in updates |
Claims vs Reality
Garmin markets the Venu 2S as a “smaller-sized GPS smartwatch with advanced health monitoring and fitness features” and boasts up to 10 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. Digging deeper into user reports shows these claims largely hold true — but with nuances.
Battery life gets consistent praise. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “I can go about 1 week without charging it… still had more than 80% battery left” after intensive use. Trustpilot reviews echo near-identical performance, with Mother of 3 saying she charges “once a week” despite daily workouts. However, GPS-heavy activities like golf can drain it by 50% in under a day.
Health tracking claims also align well. Reddit user u/[name omitted] shared: “Sleep tracking has been really good... time I go to bed and wake up are bang on now.” While marketing highlights Pulse Ox, user griffinc cautioned: “Holding my breath it stays at 95+% when a normal finger sensor would drop,” showing potential sensor limitations.
Personalization is advertised heavily, with watch faces, Garmin Connect workouts, and over 25 sports apps. Reality matches — workout creation is a standout. One Reddit user said, “I’ve made my own with proper rest times… works so well I’m so happy with it.” The only friction is limited pre-set data fields, prompting users to seek more options from Connect IQ.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Battery endurance comes up repeatedly as transformative, especially for users migrating from Apple Watch. Trustpilot user natalieh remarked on the “night and day” difference in longevity, noting how 24 hours of use left the watch at 80%. For outdoor athletes, the quick GPS lock is a boon — Reddit user from London found “GPS locks on much quicker than it used to.”
Comfort and fit make the Venu 2S ideal for small wrists. Many buyers, particularly from Amazon, stress how it’s “bulkier than Lilly but… does not hit the wrist bone,” keeping it secure even during workouts. The rose gold bezel earns style points without fading, per Reddit feedback: “I sweat a lot… doesn’t do anything to the colour.”
Workout versatility is a standout. The addition of HIIT modes wins over gym-goers. As Reddit’s early adopter enthused: “HIIT mode has AMRAP and stuff… way better than the old cardio setting.”
Common Complaints
Step tracking issues surface for activities that don’t involve arm movement, notably stroller pushing. Multiple Amazon reviews detail drastic undercounting, with one noting “200 steps for every mile” in that situation.
Smartwatch functionality feels limited for iOS users — no message replies and certain sync issues with music over Wi-Fi. “Not fully user friendly with Apple phones,” complained one Amazon reviewer, contrasting sharply with Android users who can text back from the wrist.
Some features once beloved have quietly vanished. Hydration goal animations, fondly mentioned by a Redditor, are now gone. Watch face customization is restricted unless using slower-performing third-party designs.
Divisive Features
Pulse Ox readings draw mixed reactions. Some treat it as an informative check-in, while others question accuracy compared to medical-grade devices. Preloaded watch faces are also split — minimalists find them clean, data-hungry users see them as underdeveloped.
Women’s health tracking, however, earns strong approval. One Reddit user appreciated that “now it seems to work more like Clue,” adapting predictions based on real data rather than fixed cycles.
Trust & Reliability
Long-term durability reports are promising. Trustpilot’s deb mac described hitting the watch “multiple times on my desk” with no scratches or breaks. Bands are comfortable, and many swap for aftermarket options without issue.
No significant scam concerns emerged. The most notable hardware hiccup was one Amazon complaint about a “small serial number plate” falling off, though this did not hinder function.
Alternatives
Several users upgraded from Apple Watch and Fitbit models. While Apple users miss advanced app integration, most agree Garmin’s superior fitness metrics and battery life offset those gaps. Fitbit Charge owners found the Venu 2S offered "more than Fitbit Charge provides” in health data, though the Fitbit wins on smartwatch simplicity.
Price & Value
eBay listings show new units at around $467 USD (22% off retail) and used ones under $250, suggesting strong resale retention. Given its longevity and feature set, community advice leans toward buying new if you prioritize warranty and avoiding potential battery degradation.
FAQ
Q: Does the rose gold bezel fade with sweat and daily wear?
A: Multiple Reddit users report no fading, even with heavy sweating. One noted only a “tiny scrape revealing silver underneath” after a hard knock.
Q: How accurate is the sleep tracking compared to other devices?
A: Reddit and Trustpilot feedback agree it’s improved from prior models, with bed/wake times “bang on” and stages aligning with how refreshed users feel.
Q: Can you reply to texts from the Venu 2S?
A: Only on Android. iPhone users can receive notifications but cannot reply directly from the watch.
Q: How easy is it to clean the white silicone band?
A: Amazon reviewers note it’s “very comfortable and easy to clean if it gets dirty,” with no visible discoloration over months.
Q: Is hydration tracking still visually rewarding?
A: The animation that played upon hitting goals has been removed in updates, disappointing some users.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a fitness-first user — especially runners, gym enthusiasts, or anyone with a smaller wrist seeking a premium feel without constant charging. Avoid if you need deep iOS smartwatch features or rely on precise Pulse Ox readings for medical tracking. Pro tip from community: keep brightness at medium to maximize battery without sacrificing readability.
