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Review Summary
2024-07-04T20:00:00
The watch is great, however way to complicated to use for simple tasks ie timer etc
Stevea1966
2024-07-03T20:00:00
I needed a new watch as my present watch decided to go to watch heaven. I decided to move up a huge level and picked the Instinct 2 Solar. It requires a little learning curve but I'm conquering the curve. With all the tech that's in this watch I've learned a little more about my status and moving into optimizing exercise. I'm 71 years old and I can say that I am ready for some new tricks to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Overall, a great purchase.
AZarcher
2024-07-02T20:00:00
Heart Rate Monitor is great. Run/Walk features very good. Golf app is great. Sleep app is only fair. Terrible at counting steps. It really only counts arm swings and not steps at all.
ISU7
2024-06-30T20:00:00
Have had this watch for 2 months. Think it dies what I wanted it for, but, figuring it out is like learning smart devices all over again. Turned off shortly after I started my first big hike in the smokies, but I think I had a setting wrong. From what I added up of the the times I had to restart it, told me I hiked more than 25 miles, when all other sources have me more around 17ish. Again, think it's a wrong setting or GPS signals bouncing if trees. So, I don't know.
JustinC
2024-06-28T20:00:00
I believe this is my 6th. Replacement , custom service is fantastic , yet an engineering nightmare to translate from engineering terminology to customer service then to consumer . No positive understanding even from reps as most are engineering issues and steps that you have to figure out engineering terminology that doesn't translate to basic consumer terms of understanding
What
2024-06-27T20:00:00
It's a great watch! Garmin pay is great and I use it all the time.
Ajdbuilds
2024-06-26T20:00:00
The solar feat is amazing, my battery life has exceeded all my expectations.
Joe90
2024-06-20T20:00:00
Like the accu accuracy. Instructions not user friendly (maybe I'm not smart enough user). Strength program not helpful to me. Previous smart watch more friendly for strength results. I'll keep using, maybe even get smarter.:-)
Joefish
2024-06-19T20:00:00
I like the fact that it only has to be charged every 28 days. This was a big factor in my purchase.
Coeandrew
2024-06-18T20:00:00
Battery life is no where near the advertised life, the gps is horrible, the ability to modify the watch face is not as advertised, my old Garmin was better in every respect, would not recommend to anyone
CDCN
2024-06-18T20:00:00
So far I am not impressed with this smart watch. The heart rate monitor is incorrect frequently and it seems like anytime the censor gets water or sweat of any amount it sends an alert that my watch is worn improperly. Also it seems like sweat also causes the heart rate monitor to be incorrect. There are times that my watch doesn't move and I get an alert that my watch is being worn improperly. Overall I'm not impressed by this watch. I got this watch as part of a study, if I had bought it I would have returned it.
Cory12344
2024-06-18T20:00:00
Mine came with damage from the shipper (cut up band and face scratched up a bit. Really upset Amazon would help me fix it, it's a great watch though, so don't want to knock off stars for garmin, tracks my exercise and sleeping perfectly, and that is just why I bought it!
Lolxero
2024-06-17T20:00:00
It's a change from my VivoActive due to no touchscreen but it has way more features and a much improved battery. Still navigating some of the bells and whistles but so far it's awesome!
jfwag3
2024-06-17T20:00:00
My experience with this watch so far is good. My expectations of the watch have not been tested yet and me being in my senior years may not. In years past I used the Garmin for way points and area calculations for work and fires. The wearable GPS was a great tool. I will still use the GPS for track back and way points. Never know if I will need the GPS coordinates for mapping but nice to have the option. I like the lightweight and comfortable watch. It's not my everyday watch because I do some mechanics and don't want to subject the instinct 2 to the abuse, and prefer a smaller cheaper watch.
Clff
2024-06-17T20:00:00
I like many features, but did not realize there was no option for a watch face with color on this model. Would not have purchased it, if I had realized this. Would prefer a clock face with color to show progress toward goals. I would give it 5 stars if it had this option.
AZhiker2024
2024-06-16T20:00:00
I'm a 57-year-old male had a very High level of fitness. I recently transitioned from the Fitbit charge five to the 2S. As a cyclist, I ride almost 3000 miles a year outdoors and another 3500 indoors.. Putting most of the wear and tear on my Garmin head units. But now with this watch, I'm doing some of the rides with just watch? And unexpectedly it is not a major inconvenience to forget my chest strap for heart rate. The wrist and the chest strap correlate well enough through zone four. Now on my rest days? I can ride 10 to 15 miles to a pool swim for an hour and a half and then ride back another 10 to 15 miles? And not worry about my head unit or my chest strap! Not to mention that I was so frustrated with my Fitbit charge five that I told friends and relatives ?it wasn't fit for a child let alone an athlete. The GPS is on par with my Edge 1030! And for those days, when capturing your ride is imperative? It's a comforting, feeling to know that my watch is monitoring my chest strap as well! It synchronizes very quickly with all of my sensors on my bikes. Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback and thank you very much for an awesome product!
Euthie
2024-06-16T20:00:00
I changed from Fitbit charge 2 to Garmin 16 days ago. The first day I was skeptical if the Instinct 2 was going to be right for me, but now that I've learned the basics I love it! It keeps me motivated to continue moving and the app gives just what I need to work towards a healthier me! Every couple days I discover one more thing about the Garmin that reassures me I made the right choice! I used Fitbit for years and always wondered how accurate the step count was. After getting my Garmin, it confirms my skepticism. When mowing the yard on my zero turn, the Fitbit showed I had 15,000 steps while riding. The Garmin shows none! Thank you Garmin for a great product!
JosieG
2024-06-16T20:00:00
This is my third instinct the original lasted a year. The instinct 2 last about the same. Had the send it in for repair. After almost 3 months got a new one shipped to Me after emails. Think it was lost in the system. Like the features. Hope this one last hate being without it.
J T.
2024-06-15T20:00:00
Works well for what my needs are. Keep track of my sleep and steps.
Mrivard2
2024-06-13T20:00:00
Still working on the learning curve, but got the buttons down quickly. Now to decide what I want and don't, but plenty of choices, and is working great for my needs. Love the long, long battery life.
Aardvarkbackpacks
2024-06-12T20:00:00
I really wanted this watch! and here he is with me! he has everything I need. I'm happy
Gonta
2024-06-12T20:00:00
I've had the Instinct Surf, approximately a month and am completely happy with everything it does. The gps is very accurate, the steps are on par with my Vivoactive III, but it does much more than the Vivoactive. It doesn't have the touchscreen, but it is basically waterproof. There are a number of available apps and watch faces. The watch is, so far a fantastic choice.
Hank68
2024-06-12T20:00:00
It's very cool and I love to use it on runs and swims
Benisjamin
2024-06-12T20:00:00
My boyfriend and I both bought our first Garmin watches a month ago and I don't think we would ever dream of going back to another watch. These watches are the full package. Great features, we love the body battery/sleep score, etc. It really aids in both our active lifestyles!
lux02
2024-06-12T20:00:00
I brought the watch 2 months ago and love it. But confusing how to set the program up. Still learning about the features.
Ruthi
2024-06-11T20:00:00
I've wanted to get a Garmin watch for some time. I saw the Instinct 2, liked the features and it was in my price range.
NW41
2024-06-09T20:00:00
Bought this a few months ago and I love it!! Just can't figure out how to sync my text messages to it. Everything Ellis perfect
Andikozy
2024-06-08T20:00:00
Bought the instinct 2 after buying my wife the vivoative 5. It's my first time getting into smartwatches. My wife had a Fitbit which broke after 6 months. We are both so pleased with these two acquisitions; they both fit our personalities and lifestyles. I even went and bought the weight scale to try and lose lbs? we're garmin for life.
RCcola
2024-06-08T20:00:00
I've had it for a month now and love the Instinct 2 so much better than the competitors,and all their faces and and bells and whistles, this thing has everything you want with out all the fluff I give it 10/10
Jason1114
2024-06-07T20:00:00
I had a iwatch 7 and I probably expected something it wants to be but is not. I did not like how it feels on a hand, bumpy design. I really hate touch screen and greasy fingerprints on it, hate daily routing recharging it. Basically it is a show off device which I do not need. My choice fell upon instinct 2 without solar. I absolutely love its functionality, it had all I need. Start excercise? Press button 3 times (you will not miss time screen buttons, no need to scroll and do extra moves). It knows when I wake up and go to bed just like apple product. I can disable alarm and hourly chime with 3 clicks. Interface and UX was done by real pro and I love it. Everything is easy to find and is easy to use. Barometer in iwatch? Never heard of it? Here you go, garmin gives it to you for less money :) Display is not colored but who cares? I need it functional. 27 days on a single charge, can you imagine it apple? Probably not cause you died 26 days ago :) It gives an impression of powerful device nevertheless. Compass is very responsive, pulse display is almost immediate. Probably regret for buying simplest version and not 2x but still love the device. I realize some like it and some hate it.
ron2k
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Browse our FAQ
Tidal Blue
Power Glass
Fiber-Reinforced Polymer
Fiber-Reinforced Polymer
Yes (22mm)
Silicone
Custom, two-window design; 0.9 x 0.9" (23 x 23mm)
176 x 176 pixels
Monochrome, Sunlight-Visible, Transflective Memory-In-Pixel (Mip)
Smartwatch: Up to 28 days/Unlimited with solar
Battery Saver Watch Mode: Up to 65 days/Unlimited with solar
GPS: Up to 30 hours/48 hours with solar
Max Battery GPS Mode: Up to 70 hours/370 hours with solar
Expedition GPS Activity: Up to 32 days/Unlimited with solar
10 ATM
32 MB
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes (Constant, Every Second)
Yes
Yes (High and low)
Yes
Yes (Spot-check, during sleep, all day)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes (In Garmin Connect)
Yes (In Garmin Connect)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth, ANT+
Yes (Downloadable Watch Faces, Data Fields, Widgets and Apps)
Yes
Yes (Android Only)
Yes
Yes
Yes (With Garmin Connect Mobile)
Yes (Customizable Low Power Watch)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
iPhone, Android
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes (During Select Activities)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes (Displays On Device After A Period Of Inactivity; Walk For A Couple Of Minutes To Reset It)
Yes (Learns Your Activity Level and Assigns A Daily Step Goal)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes (Optional Connect IQ app)
Strength, Cardio and Elliptical Training, HIIT, Stair Stepping, Floor Climbing, Indoor Rowing, and Yoga
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes (Using ANT+) (Broadcasts HR Data Over Ant+ To Paired Devices)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes (Customizable In-Activity Battery Settings)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes (Lets You See If You'Re Training Effectively By Tracking Your Training History and Fitness Level Trend.)
Yes (Your Total Training Load For The Last 7 Days Calculated From Estimated Epoc)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Running, Treadmill Running, Indoor Track Running, Trail Running
Yes
Yes (With compatible accessory)
Yes (With compatible accessory) (The Degree Of 'Bounce' In Your Running Motion and The Cost-Benefit Ratio with Stride Length)
Yes (With compatible accessory) (Shows How Much Time, In The Running Motion, Your Foot Is On The Ground Rather Than In Flight and Lets You Check Your Running Symmetry)
Yes (With compatible accessory)
Yes (Provides Real-Time Number Of Steps Per Minute)
Yes (After Running 6-20 Minutes, Compares Your Real-Time Condition To Your Average Fitness Level)
Yes (With compatible accessory) (Through Analysis Of Your Pace and Heart Rate, Estimates The Point Where Your Muscles Start To Rapidly Fatigue)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes (Distance To Front, Middle and Back Of Green)
Yes
Manual (Calculates Exact Yardage For Shots From Anywhere On Course)
Yes
Yes (Strokes, Putts Per Round, Greens and Fairways Hit)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes (Requires Accessory)
Yes
Hiking, Climbing, Indoor Climbing, Bouldering, Skiing, Snowboarding, XC Skiing, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Rowing, Kayaking, Fishing, Hunting, Tactical
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Biking, Road Biking, Mountain Biking, Gravel Biking, Cyclocross, Bike Commuting, Bike Touring, eBiking, eMountain Biking, Indoor Biking
Yes (Triggers Alarm When You Reach Goals Including Time, Distance, Heart Rate Or Calories)
Yes
Yes
Yes (With Power Sensor)
Yes
Yes
Yes (Power Meters)
Yes
Yes (W/Sensor)
Pool Swimming, Open Water Swimming
Yes (Distance, Pace, Stroke Count/Rate, Stroke Distance, Swim Efficiency (Swolf), Calories)
Yes (Lengths, Distance, Pace, Stroke Count, Swim Efficiency (Swolf), Calories)
Yes (Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly) (Pool Swim Only)
Yes
Yes (Pool Swim Only)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes (Real-Time During Rests, Interval and Session Stats During Rests, and Automatic Heart Rate Download Post-Swim)
Yes (Optional Connect IQ Toe-to-Toe Challenges app)
Yes
Required, included
Lithium-ion
Non universal
1
1.77 x 1.77 x 0.57" (45 x 45 x 14.5mm)
Fits wrists with a circumference of 5.31-9.05" (135-230mm)
1.86 oz (53g)
753759288914
A new adventure
By AZarcher
I needed a new watch as my present watch decided to go to watch heaven. I decided to move up a huge level and picked the Instinct 2 Solar. It requires a little learning curve but I'm conquering the curve. With all the tech that's in this watch I've learned a little more about my status and moving into optimizing exercise. I'm 71 years old and I can say that I am ready for some new tricks to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Overall, a great purchase.
High-quality and great features!
By Ajdbuilds
It's a great watch! Garmin pay is great and I use it all the time.
Whatever You Do, Own It
This rugged, solar charging GPS smartwatch is tough enough to keep up with you and unique enough to fit your style. Now it comes in two sizes to fit every wrist.
This watch is tough, which means no holding back
Train your way with built-in sports apps at the wrist
Smart notifications so you don't miss out on what matters
Push boundaries, but stay on track with access to more satellites
Understand your body better with 24/7 health monitoring
Keep your experiences going with unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging
Engineered For Endurance
This rugged watch is water-rated to 100 meters and is thermal and shock resistant. Plus, with a fiber-reinforced polymer case and chemically strengthened, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass, this device is built to endure.
Designed To Do You
Bold colors, high-contrast displays and size options let you show the world that you do things your own way.
Get More Battery Out Of Life
Go longer than ever with solar charging with unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode. Plus, power manager lets you extend battery life by controlling what settings and sensors draw power.
Track every adventure.
Multi-Gnss Support
Whether you're hiking, mountain biking, trail running or skiing, you'll have access to multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) to track in more challenging environments than GPS alone.
ABC Sensors
Navigate your next trail with ABC sensors, including an altimeter for elevation data, barometer to monitor weather and 3-axis electronic compass.
Tracback Routing
Take the guesswork out of your return journey by using this feature to navigate the same route back to your starting point.
Live connected.
Smart Notifications
Receive emails, texts and alerts right on your watch when paired with your compatible smartphone.
Connect IQ Store
Download custom watch faces, add data fields, and get apps and widgets from the Connect IQ Store app on your compatible smartphone.
Garmin Pay Contactless Payments
Breeze through checkout lines and select transit systems with Garmin Pay contactless payments through participating providers.
Safety And Tracking Features
When your watch and phone are paired, your live location can be sent to your contacts manually or - during select outdoor activities - automatically with built-in incident detection.
Calendar View
Easily see your plans for the day with a dedicated calendar screen when paired with your compatible smartphone.
Sync With The Garmin Connect App
See your health and fitness information all in one place. The Garmin Connect app on your compatible smartphone is a thriving online community where people on the go can connect, compete and share.
Train your way.
Built-In Sports Apps
Do whatever you love with preloaded activity profiles for running, cycling, swimming, strength training, indoor climbing, virtual running, golf, yoga and more.
Hiit Workouts
This activity profile tracks your HIIT workouts, including AMRAP, EMOM, Tabata and custom. Set the number of rounds, work/rest intervals and more.
VO2 Max
Train smarter with VO2 max, an indicator of how you can expect to perform. It even accounts for changes in performance that could be caused by heat or altitude.
Daily Workout Suggestions
For training guidance that takes you and your fitness level into account, get daily recommendations based on your current training load and training status.
Recovery Time
After each workout, recovery time lets you know when you'll be ready for another hard workout. It even accounts for training intensity and factors such as stress, daily activity and sleep.
MTB Dynamics
Track the details of every ride with mountain biking metrics plus specialized Grit and Flow measurements that rate trail difficulty and how smoothly you descend, giving you a score to beat next time.
Know your body.
Wrist-Based Heart Rate
Get estimated heart rate data along with alerts if your heart rate stays too high or too low while you're at rest. Gauge how hard your heart is working during activities.
Stress Tracking
Heart rate variability is used to calculate your stress level score, so you can see if you're having a calm, balanced or stressful day.
Sleep Score And Advanced Sleep Monitoring
Get a full breakdown of your light, deep and REM sleep stages. View it all on a dedicated widget that includes your sleep score and insights.
Body Battery Energy Monitoring
Optimize your body's energy reserves, using heart rate variability, stress, sleep and other data to gauge when you're ready to be active or when you may need to rest.
Pulse OX
For altitude acclimation or sleep monitoring, a Pulse Ox sensor uses light beams at your wrist to estimate how well your body is absorbing oxygen.
Fitness Age
Intensity Minutes
Track how many minutes of vigorous activity you're getting, when you earn them and during what activity. You can even view them as a data field during timed activities.
Women's Health Tracking
Use the Garmin Connect app to track your menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Log symptoms, get exercise and nutrition education, and more.