I just got this yesterday. The screen is bright, I trained with it on the bike last night. I was able to see the speedometer, distance, and the timer. Since I can also hook up sensors on the watch, I get cadence and speed data on it too. I didn't know I went 50 mph on a descent last night when I commuted home until I saw the chart after the ride. The watch tracked it. I actually do have a bike computer from Garmin called the Edge 130 Plus. It measures something the Venu 2 Plus doesn't apparently. It'll measure aerobic and anaerobic threshold levels.
So cool, definitely agree though.. Garmin missed the ball on not offering any “plus” training tracking features. Especially for a watch marketed at HIIT athletes, something as simple as adding training load would have been golden.
Great review as always! I'm not a smartwatch guy myself, I prefer the fenix and G shock kind of watches, but the progress is certainly impressive. Samsung and Apple can't even break past the 48hr mark and this thing can last the best part of a day in GPS mode and about a week in smartwatch mode, and it now has a comparable feature set, with the benefit of being a far better health and activity tracker, and appealing to both android and iOS users!
Very interesting watch from Garmin! 8 days is pretty good for an AMOLED display. It looked like the display way quick to turn off. Is that timeout adjustable? Thanks for the video! 👏
I agree. If it wasn't for the good battery life, it would be a tough sell against an Apple Watch 7 base model for iPhone users. But very nice in it's own right.
Great review. I think the extra features justify the additional cost. I had just bought a Venu 2 which is great, but as it is within the return slot on Amazon I am exchanging it for the Venu 2 Plus! Really look forward to receiving it and enjoying those useful extra features!
Another channel is reporting the Venu 2 Plus as well as the Venu 2 and Venu 2S will receive an update in February where we can see watch face complications being clickable; we can now enter our widgets from clicking the complication on the watch face. Definitely a cool new smartwatch feature that other smartwatches have that is nice to finally see coming to Garmin.
Thanks for the video. I grabbed a Venu 2 Plus and have had it for 2 days. I am not impressed with the assistant on the watch. There is a long delay and it relies on the phone too much. Also, with Google, I had to unlock the phone every time which makes it completely pointless. With Bixby it works better. With that said I'm not really a voice assistant guy so I don't much care about that. I mainly got the plus over the 2 because I wanted the ability to take calls on the watch. That comes in really handy at times. Coming from a Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, this watch feels a little too dainty for me. It's worth noting that while the Venu 2 is larger than the 2 Plus, they gave the same size screen. The 2 just has a bigger bezzel. Still testing this out to see if I will stay with it. Really want the Epix 2 but I just can't justify the price tag
Thanks for sharing. I had only tried mine with the iPhone Siri and it worked quite well. I wonder if there are compatibility concerns with android devices? The Epix 2 is certainly pricey!
@@ChaseTheSummit I was reading on the Garmin forum that it's something with the way Google assistant is designed. I'd have to make the watch a trusted device but by doing that, the screen would be unlocked on my S21 Ultra whenever it's connected to the watch, which I do not want. It works well with Bixby bit not nearly as well as my Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. Not that it's a huge surprise.
I second the commenter that can't wait for the Fenix 7, I can't either... So hoping for an integrated microphone for voice assistant and possibly voice memos on the go to be stored on the smartphone directly, don't really care about the speaker though... It that's personal taste! Great initial insights, btw, thanks!!
Omg I just got my Venu2s yesterday!! I may return it and get this one because of the size mainly. I think the bigger screen, because it is a touch screen, would be nice. I don't care so much for the phone features but I like the speaker to play music. I don't like to wear headphones when trail running so if I can use the speaker on the watch that would be great. I have a Fenix 6s for my triathlon training and am now using the Venu2s for my CrossFit and Orange Theory training and for daily wear.
I'm not sure how much you'd hear using it as a speaker but it might work. I'd also wonder how that would effect battery life since Garmin doesn't have a "claimed battery life while using speaker" spec. It may be worht testing. Otherwise it's a great watch!
@@ChaseTheSummit Yea I was concerned with the loudness so we will see. I will test it out and post it here. As far as the battery life I am just happy that it is at least what I would consider decent compared to something like the apple watch.
Great video , been waiting on this watch for a long time . Been rocking my Garmin VivoActive 4 for over two years now and it’s time to upgrade to the Venu2 plus 😁😁
Considering the price point, they could have added their advanced training metrics. I would have probably bought it because now I exercise with a Coros pace 2 and have a Galaxy watch 3 as a daily driver to enjoy the benefits of a real smartwatch, especially the calls.
Already got venu 2 couple of months back. Plus is worth the extra bucks only if it comes with additional workout features. But I believe some of it stays exclusively with the FR series. watch looks great though.
Dave, you’re awesome! There is no one out there who can explain fitness watches better than you. Although I have own only one watch (Garmin Venu) , but I see all your video of other watches as well. I have an intriguing question for you, “ How safe are these electronic devices to be on our body the whole day? Be it heart, brain or nervous system, I just keep asking myself won’t they interfere in our current system? Kindly help us all out here with this question. Love from India ! ❤️ Peace ✌️
Thanks! I'm not sure I understand your question. I think these devices are quite safe since they're not dealing with any high frequency tech like cell phones. I supposed the Forerunner 945 LTE has LTE on board and maybe that could be something? As far as I know there's no harm.
Nice video presentation. I originally had the vivoactive 3 then upgraded to the vivoactive 4 and currently using the venu 2. I like the new features, but it would have been good to add some more bits (even blood pressure monitoring). For now I will keep my 7 months old venu 2.
@@paulgal, My advice to upgrade to the Venu 2 .. £/$100 difference between the two, both of them also have a payment plan on Amazon, spread cost over 5 months and you even notice you bought a new watch 🤔
In basically every regard I prefer the Venu 2 Plus. Fitness capabilities, heart rate accuracy, GPS accuracy, battery life, compatibility with non-galaxy devices, and usability out of the box without needing to download more apps are superior on the Venu 2 Plus.
Garmin cutting out software stuff like advanced training tools, training load, recovery advisor, etc. is ridiculous. These top level sport features are the reason I'm interested in Garmin watches, since honestly they are subpar in other departments. If I want a less rugged looking watch with an OLED screen and full Forerunner functionality I have to buy the Epyx 2? Ridiculous, simply ridiculous! Let alone that competitors offer titanium and sapphire glass at this price point. Garmin is so frustrating...
I hear this complaint a lot and it is frustrating. One thing to note though is that each piece of software added to a device is "licensed" just like software on a computer which makes the device more expensive. Kind of like when you buy a laptop with MS Office vs one without... the one with extra software costs more money. Not trying to make excuses for them of course! I do wish the Venu 2 had the more advanced training tools.
@@ChaseTheSummit So this is not their software and they have to pay for licence for every metric shown? Either way, I doubt that the Venu 2 Plus can't have pieces of software that the FR55 has for monetary reasons. It's their voluntary way of product differentiation. I'm searching for my first smartwatch and I find it so frustrating! I want a watch for running and everyday office use, this one would be perfect if it had the full FR capabilities. Well, it would be if it was titanium with sapphire glass and wireless charging, but I guess we can't expect Garmin to match Huawei quality, features and design...
Great review! I wonder how is the smart watch capabilities are compared to the Apple watch. Usually I need to make sure that Garmin connect isn't closed on my phone several times a day ,otherwise it looses connection with my phone
Thanks! The Venu 2 Plus is creeping into Apple Watch territory at this point. I still have random connectivity issues but it's not as common these days. Sadly, I don't think it's Garmin's fault... Likely an apple thing.
They're very different watches. Venu 2 Plus focuses on "everyday wellness" while the Instinct 2 is a dedicated outdoor/fitness watch. Venu 2 has a similar list of activity profiles but it's missing triathlon/multisport mode and the dedicated outdoor modes like "fish, hunt, etc...". Venu 2 is compatible with bluetooth and ANT+ heart rate, speed, and cadence sensors. Instinct 2 is compatible with more advanced sensors for power, and running dynamics. Instinct 2 has navigation/breadcrumb mapping, venu does not. Venu 2 has a REALLY nice display. Instinct 2 does not. That's it in a nut shell!
@@ChaseTheSummit I had the Venu 2S, had to send back as didn't realise you couldn't make or take calls on it, shame as loved it, so this will be great for me. 👍🏻
Good that Garmin is moving into OLED along with speaker system .. but eventually they will run into battery problem, which is the elephant in the room.. I am using Fenix 6 pro and I am very happy that I don't need to look for charger every now and then.. BTW , I watch all your video , keep up and chase more and more summit 👍👍
So far the battery life on the Venu 2 series is quite good for being OLED but I agree if they keep adding more and more features it may become an issue.
Training effect, Recovery, Training load still missing? I was hopping if Garmin ever creates Venu 2 Plus, that this would be it's standout feature, compared to Venu 2.
Yep, sadly. I wish they added that stuff as it would have made this feel more "plus". I think it's clear that Garmin is trying to segment the Venu 2 into the "smartwatch" category and leave the Forerunner as the go-to training watch.
@@ChaseTheSummit I really don't understand why Garmin is still stubborn with this backwards thinking that people which do sports don't want smartwatch and people that want smartwatch don't do sports.
@@lukasdvorok6456 well yeah! If sold at half the price of the competition (instead of double LOL) I would think about that... Venu and Fenix series are both beautiful in their own way, but I will need to stick to Fenix only for budget reasons :)
Great review. I like what they have done. I want a new Garmin watch and the great fitness features they offer, but going to hang on to my Samsung Active 2 for a little while longer and suffer the flaws of its health features. I can already answer and make calls from my watch and use an assistant (albeit Bixby). I also like being able to transfer audio from my phone to my watch without having to connect to a computer. I don't understand why Garmin can't do this in any of their watches. I often to forget to load the next set of MP3 audio book chapters before I head out on a run early in the morning and don't want to wake up my wife booting up my computer in my office/bedroom. I might wait until next year when they put more plusses into the "Plus" to seal the deal for me.
Was really hoping that reference was for a Fenix 7 video later today, but hopefully it comes really soon! I wonder if I can get an eye emoji reply from Dave on this comment??
This watch looks really nice for the price point / features. Very nice review. All your reviews are well done. Little disappointing the Fenix 7 wasn't announced. Was really hoping for that today. 😂
Awesome job Dude. I have a Venu2 and I'm already very happy with it (the battery is really good, and with exception of the lack of _Garmin Training Effort_ I have no issues), but I guess Venu2+ is even better Any insight about *Forerunner 955* ?
This would have been the perfect watch for me if they included the load and recovery metrics. Still looking for that combination. Any way to get those metrics elsewhere if I were to get this watch. Maybe a special garmin heart rate strap that would provide that data or some other app I don't know about. Thanks. and keep up the good work.
The recovery metrics on my Fenix 6 are well overrated. Know your body. Also HRV on most watches, or body battery, gives just as good an indicator. As for training load. We all know how much or little training we’re doing. I don’t need a watch to tell me that.
@@MarkGreaves007 Yes, It's easy to keep track how much workout you are doing. But it's harder keeping track on aerobic vs. anaerobic. How it affects your form (VO2 Max) How fast your body recovers relatively to your form. What is best amount of training load relative to your form. Garmin training metrics do all that for you. So you can focus on your training and have a good results instead of spending hours with calculator or rely just on "gut" feeling.
Not really interested but am happy with the tech. I’ve got a 5X 51mm phoenix and all I want it a 7X with all the trimmings. I was going to upgrade to what you have a 6 but to be honest there not a lot in it so in holding on.
Great job on the watch reviews. I've just bought F6 Pro on Black Friday but was wondering if I missed the mark and should have gone for the Venu 2 Plus.. I wanted a rugged watch that accompanied me on some hiking.. and do some training tracking and somewhat replaced my AW6, due to poor battery life. How do you compare these 2? The screen on the F6 Pro was a big let down.. and I am finding it complicated to deal with
I don't think the Venu 2 Plus has maps at all, and it definitely is not "rugged". I have wondered if I should have been looking closer at the Forerunner series.
Thanks for your review, Dave. I find it super weird that this Garmin can play music through its internal speaker, but the Apple Watch cannot. Come on, Apple! 🍎 Get with it!
@@OeHomestead RU-vid channel The Run Testers (5 guys who group test running items, excellent channel!) tested the WorkOutdoors app on Apple Watch versus all versions of Garmen, Coros, Suunto, etc. for GPS accuracy, ease of programming and many other criteria. The winner? Apple Watch 6 with WorkOutdoors app. In fact, despite having free access to nearly every current smart workout watch, tester Nick admitted that he ONLY uses the Aw6 and now Aw7 in his daily workouts. It’s amazing tech, honestly.
What would you say about Suunto 7 vs Garmin Venu 2 Plus? Can’t make up my mind which one I should choose :) thanks for any help and keep up the good work!
I’d go Venu 2 Plus simply because the battery life is FAR superior and the overall user experience is a bit less glitchy. If you need some form of mapping the Suunto 7 might be an OK choice.
The battery life certainly isn't bad for an OLED device. Compared to something like an Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch that struggle to get through a single day!
I might upgrade To This watch from the Vivoactive 3 Music so compelling I have had the Vivoactive 3 Music For about 3 Years now going onto year 4 ITs Been a Awesome Watch but I think it's Time For an Upgrade soon Microphone+ Upgraded HR Sensor + Amoled Display + Pulse OX Compelling Watch For an upgrade. On the Next Venu + They Should add A LTE Function
My wife wants a Garmin workout watch this week. No more waiting. She does light running, and aerobic workouts. She’s not a fan of a touchscreen, which one should I buy her?
I know this is a Garmin video but is that the Coros Apex Pro he’s wearing? Trying to decide what watch to get next lol. Apex Pro, Fénix 7, Forerunner. Aaahhh!!!
Great review @chasethesummit. Do you know if it it's possible to be doing an activity with the Garmin Venu 2 Plus, listening to music through BT headphones and take a phone call with the headphones on? Thanks, and keep up the good work
@@ChaseTheSummit Thanks for the answer. If you ever remember this scenario, please test it. I'd like to purchase this watch in the near future, but i need to know if this works.
Great review. I recently got the Venu 2S after watching your review from last year and also your end of year best everyday choices. I really like it. A wee question, I use it for tennis and the heart rate display seems to have a lag. There's no tennis activity option on Garmin and I've been using cardio. Is there an activity choice or a way of setting a Venu 2 so the HR reading updates as quick as possible? My old Apple Watch 5 was great in this regard (pity about the battery and then the screen cracked!). Many thanks!
I see garmin is making the venus 2 version a cool opponent to apple or Samsung watches. But with better battery life and sport options. I would definitely prefer this device rather than an apple
Thank you for the detailed video. I hope you already have one for the fenix 7 in the pipeline… Could you please clarify in what mode you test the gps accuracy, only gps or gps and glonass or gps and galileo?
Great review Dave. I just ordered mine 2 days ago (currently in transit) and then Garmin launched the Epix 2. Do you think the Epix 2 is worth twice the price? I'm seriously considering it.
everyone is comparing it this to the venu 2, but had forgotten that it all started off with the original venu - the correct comparison to this is the an upgrade to the original venu, not the venu 2
@@ChaseTheSummit yeap, ur right Dave, but if you were to have a look at it, the original venu, which debuted back in circa 219 - was a 43cm screen, which in fact is the same size as this. So shouldn't this, hypothetically, be compared to that? 😅
I got the 2 plus my first garmin experience. I love garmin, but yes I feel I'm missing features. I'm looking for the training and mapping! I picked up the Venu2 Plus at $450 but want to upgrade without breaking the bank! Suggestions?
If you're on a budget I'd check out last years Fenix 6 models since they're super affordable now and have mapping/training tools. You will sacrifice a super accurate heart rate sensor, future firmware updates, and that OLED display on the Venu 2 though.
No QI charging, 20mm straps, 43mm case, 1.3" screen. It's on the smallish side, so I think I'll pass. Other than that, it looks pretty dang good :-) And I like the fact that you can use Google Assistant on it. Samsung's GW 4 have yet to get GA....
It's a very different watch. The Fenix 6 is more of a sports watch with lots of training tools. The Venu 2 is more of a smartwatch with lots of wellness/daily activity tracking. Which features are important to you?
Does Venu have Fenix's/Forerunner's option to continue activity later? I remember VA4 could only pause and after a couple of minutes saved an activity, which is a deal breaker while hiking.
Nice! I want to buy this and get rid of my Samsung Active 2. I'm wondering if it is still waterproof with he speaker? Does it have a way of eliminating water like the Samsung watch does? Just curious...
Does the speaker provide audio update for each kilometer, with pace, distance and time when using the running app? Can we finally run without the need to glance at the watch?
Pretty tough competition for Apple watches from garmin now. looking for a LTE variant of Venu so that i can throw my phone in home and roam around with my watch. I think that day is not far....
Thanks! I use both iPhone and Android. The Venu 2 is a good alternative to apple watch because it offers substantially longer battery life in a lot more fitness/wellness options out of the box.
@@ChaseTheSummit Yes the venu 2 was inaccurate. Steps was recording 200 while brushing my teeth and recorded steps while sleeping. I contacted Garmin and they confirmed that any hand movement can record steps. I also ride a motorcycle so god knows what steps would be recorded. I returned it twice and went back to the Apple Watch
It's a personal preference between those three. The Suunto 9 is too big for my wrist so I'd probably go for a Apex or 245. Maybe the Apex for it's superior battery life? Tough call.
@@ChaseTheSummit I was hoping they’d at least keep the bigger size as an option as well. The 45 mm and 22 mm bands is a pretty nice size for the venu I think.
Can you text someone or reply to a text? Also, does it have audible alarms? Like an audible wake up alarm? No one in any reviews has mentioned this. I have an Apple phone. Desfit said you can only respond to preprogrammed text with Andriod but I thought you could respond via assistance button?
