Three weeks into using the Garmin Venu Sq 2, I have a confession: I’m a smartwatch convert. I’ve always scoffed at the idea. I’m a purist when it comes to my phone, and the thought of another screen buzzing on my wrist felt… unnecessary. But my aging Fitbit finally gave up the ghost, and my running buddy, Sarah, wouldn’t stop raving about her Garmin. The price point of the Venu Sq 2 – hovering around $200 depending on where you look – made it a less intimidating plunge than some of the more premium options. I figured, what the heck? Worst-case scenario, I’m out a couple of hundred bucks and can go back to my trusty, analog watch.
The moment I unboxed it, I was pleasantly surprised. The Venu Sq 2 is sleek. I opted for the Slate/Shadow Gray color scheme, which is understated and goes with everything. It’s not the flashiest smartwatch on the market, but that’s a plus in my book. I don’t want a giant, distracting screen on my wrist. The square face felt immediately familiar, and the single button on the side is easy to navigate. The touchscreen is responsive, though sometimes a bit too responsive when my sweaty fingers are involved after a run.
Setting it up was a breeze. The Garmin Connect app downloaded quickly to my phone (a Pixel 7, for those keeping score), and the pairing process was seamless. It connected to my Wi-Fi without a hitch, and the initial software update took only a few minutes. Garmin, bless their hearts, actually provides a decent user manual, which I, of course, didn’t read. I just started poking around.
The main reason I wanted a smartwatch was for fitness tracking. I run three times a week, and I’m trying to be better about tracking my sleep. The Venu Sq 2 delivers on both fronts. The built-in GPS is surprisingly accurate. I’ve compared its run tracking to my phone’s GPS and a friend’s more expensive running watch, and the results are consistently spot-on. It tracks distance, pace, heart rate, and cadence – all the metrics a casual runner like myself could want. The wrist-based heart rate monitor is generally reliable, though I find it sometimes struggles during high-intensity intervals. For serious athletes, an external chest strap is probably still the way to go, but for my purposes, the built-in sensor is perfectly adequate.
Beyond running, the Venu Sq 2 offers a wide range of activity profiles, from swimming and cycling to yoga and Pilates. I’ve dabbled in a few of these, and the tracking seems accurate and provides helpful insights. I particularly appreciate the pre-loaded workout animations. If you don’t know how to do a proper squat, the watch will show you. It’s like having a tiny, knowledgeable personal trainer on your wrist.
Sleep tracking is another area where the Venu Sq 2 shines. It provides detailed sleep stage analysis, including light, deep, and REM sleep, as well as sleep scores and insights. I’ve found this information incredibly helpful. It’s made me more aware of my sleep patterns and has motivated me to make some changes to improve my sleep hygiene. Knowing I consistently get less deep sleep than I should has me shutting down the laptop and turning off the TV earlier in the evening.
Battery life is a major selling point. Garmin claims up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and up to 26 hours with GPS enabled. In my experience, those claims are pretty accurate. With moderate use, including daily runs and sleep tracking, I typically get around 8-9 days of battery life. This is a huge upgrade from my old Fitbit, which needed charging every other day. The quick charging feature is also a lifesaver. A 10-minute charge can give you a full day of battery life, which is great if you forget to charge it overnight.
The Venu Sq 2 also has a decent set of smartwatch features. You can receive notifications from your phone, control your music, and even make contactless payments using Garmin Pay. The notification system is customizable, so you can choose which apps send notifications to your wrist. I find this useful for filtering out the noise and only seeing the important stuff. The music controls are handy during runs, allowing me to skip tracks or adjust the volume without pulling out my phone. Garmin Pay works well, though the availability of supported banks can be a bit limited depending on your location.
Now, for the nitpicks. The screen, while clear and bright, could be a touch brighter in direct sunlight. Sometimes, it’s a little difficult to read the display when I’m out running on a sunny day. Also, the lack of a built-in microphone and speaker means you can’t take calls on the watch. This isn’t a dealbreaker for me, but it’s something to consider if you’re used to taking calls on your wrist. The app store is also not the most robust, but it has enough apps to cover the basics.
Where to buy? I got mine on Amazon, where it’s usually available for around $199.99. You can also find it at Best Buy, Walmart, and directly from the Garmin website. Shop around, because prices fluctuate. Sometimes you can find it on sale. Consider checking out reviews and comparison videos on YouTube and other tech websites to see how it measures up to other smartwatches in the same price range.
Shopping considerations? Consider what features are most important to you. If you’re primarily interested in fitness tracking and long battery life, the Venu Sq 2 is an excellent choice. If you need a smartwatch with a microphone and speaker for calls or want a more extensive app ecosystem, you might need to look at more expensive options. Also, think about the size and style. The square design is a matter of personal preference. Make sure you’re comfortable with the size and weight of the watch on your wrist.
Overall, the Garmin Venu Sq 2 has exceeded my expectations. It’s a well-rounded smartwatch that offers a lot of value for the price. It’s accurate, reliable, and has a long battery life. While it’s not perfect, the Venu Sq 2 has made me a believer in the smartwatch concept. I’m actually enjoying wearing it, which is something I never thought I’d say. It’s a solid piece of tech that has genuinely improved my daily routine. And for under $200? That’s a steal.
FAQ
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What’s the main difference between the Venu Sq 2 and the original Venu Sq? The Venu Sq 2 has a brighter display, longer battery life, and improved heart rate sensor compared to the original. It also has a few more activity profiles.
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Does the Venu Sq 2 have GPS? Yes, it has built-in GPS, which is a major plus for runners and outdoor exercisers.
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Can I listen to music on the Venu Sq 2? You can control music playback from your phone, but you can’t download music directly to the watch.
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Does the Venu Sq 2 track steps? Yes, it tracks steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes.
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Is the Venu Sq 2 waterproof? Yes, it’s water-resistant up to 5 ATM, which means it’s suitable for swimming and showering.
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Can I respond to text messages on the Venu Sq 2? You can view text messages, but you can’t respond directly from the watch.
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Does the Venu Sq 2 support Garmin Pay? Yes, it supports Garmin Pay for contactless payments.
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What phone is it compatible with? The Venu Sq 2 is compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones.