Garmin Venu Sq 2 GPS Smartwatch

Overview

Running, lifting or cycling, the wearer logs workouts on a square AMOLED touchscreen while built-in GPS tracks outdoor routes. Around the clock sensors watch heart rate, sleep and stress, and the free Garmin Connect app collects the data on the phone.

Long gaps between charges let it track sleep every night instead of spending nights on a charger, which fills in the health picture. Garmin labels the readings as estimates of activity and metrics, so treat them as trends, not diagnoses.

Who it's for

Daily exercisers who carry an iPhone or Android phone and want workouts, sleep and stress in one app get a full picture from it. People wanting a watch that handles music or payments on its own should check other models.

Pros and cons

Performance notes

Battery endurance depends on how often GPS and the bright display run, so frequent outdoor workouts shorten the time between charges. Heart rate and stress readings come from sensors at the wrist, so a snug band fit improves consistency. Location accuracy follows GPS reception, which open sky helps and tall buildings hinder.

Where it stands among smartwatches

• #3 most-searched brand and model of the 11 smartwatches lines we track (by search demand, not sales).

From the specs of the 32 smartwatches we list; not a test result.

Specifications

Closest rivals on specs

Parsonver SR1 Bluetooth Calling Smart Watch

• Battery average life 11 vs 7 days (+57%)

Torjalph TJ37 Smart Watch Fitness Tracker

• Battery average life 11 vs 7 days (+57%)
• Memory storage capacity 4 vs 0.13 GB (+3025%)

Amazfit Bip 6 Smart Watch

• Battery average life 11 vs 14 days (-21%)
• Memory storage capacity 4 vs 0.51 GB (+681%)
• Band length 6.2 vs 7.7 inches (-19%)