Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartwatches Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v3.0

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar review: 127 specs compared

Avg. price:~£?Screen size:0.9 inchBattery life:28 daysDisplay type:MIP LCD

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Review: Compare 127 technical specifications and 22 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar
7.9/10

Overall score

Score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

35%

7.5

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

8.3

Reviews score

10%

9.0

Sentiment score

â–²Better than 77% of smartwatches
?

Value for money

Value for money
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

7.9

Overall score

30%

?

Price

Price not known yet
7.5

Technical score

Technical score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

24%

8.4

Health

21%

9.5

Fitness

16%

6.9

Battery

14%

7.0

Smart features

12%

6.8

Connectivity

9%

6.5

Display & Design

4%

1.0

Hardware

â–²Better than 72%
8.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10

80%

8.2

Average grade

20%

8.3

Popularity

Grades by review (22)
7 reviews + 15 videos, average 8.3/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 76%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
Loading...
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of smartwatch Garmin Instinct 2 Solar

Technical score
Technical score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

24%

8.4

Health

21%

9.5

Fitness

16%

6.9

Battery

14%

7.0

Smart features

12%

6.8

Connectivity

9%

6.5

Display & Design

4%

1.0

Hardware

7.5
Reviews score
8.3
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

7.9

Overall score

30%

?

Price

8.5
Heart rate monitor
yes
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 9.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
This smartwatch supports blood oxygen monitoring. 30.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
?
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings. 49.5% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
HRV tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports HRV tracking. 54.9% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.5% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 46.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
no
This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope. 71.3% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
yes
This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor. 67.2% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 3.7% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
28 days
This smartwatch lasts 28 days on a charge, which is longer than 95% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.8% of Smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
30 h
This smartwatch records workouts for 30 h on a charge, which is longer than 69% of Smartwatches and the same as 6% of Smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
30 h
This smartwatch lasts 30 h with GPS on, which is longer than 68.4% of Smartwatches and the same as 5.7% of Smartwatches.
Battery power
?
Charge time
180 min
This smartwatch charges from empty in 180 min, which is slower than 96% of Smartwatches and the same as 2.3% of Smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Garmin OS
This smartwatch runs Garmin OS, which is more advanced than the system in 70.8% of Smartwatches and equal to 9.2% of Smartwatches.
Software update frequency
occasional
This smartwatch has occasional software update support which is more active than that of 54% of smartwatches and equal to that of 40.2% of smartwatches.
Third-party app support
yes
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 48.5% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
no
This smartwatch does not support voice assistants. 69.3% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
no
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 16.6% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
yes
This smartwatch supports GPS. 40.3% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
yes
This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation. 56.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Dual-frequency GPS
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
0.9 inch
This smartwatch has a 0.9 inch screen, which is smaller than 97.5% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.3% of Smartwatches.
Display type
MIP LCD
This smartwatch uses MIP LCD, which is less advanced than the screen in 62.5% of Smartwatches and equal to 5.7% of Smartwatches.
Resolution
176x 176
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 176x176 which is lower than that of 93.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.9% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
194 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 194 ppi, which is lower than 94.7% of Smartwatches and equal to 0.7% of Smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
?
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
0 GB
This smartwatch has 0 GB of internal storage, which is less than 76.5% of Smartwatches and equal to 23.5% of Smartwatches.
External memory slot
no
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • 21 days longer battery life
    This smartwatch runs longer per charge than the average smartwatch (28 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    28 days vs 7 days
  • Crash detection capability
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 14% of smartwatches support crash detection.
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 44.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.6% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • More frequent updates
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    occasional vs ended
  • External heart rate monitor support
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 46.6% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • 18.6% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10

    80%

    8.2

    Average grade

    20%

    8.3

    Popularity

    Grades by review (22)
    7 reviews + 15 videos, average 8.3/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.3 vs 7.0
  • 20.0% higher sentiment score
    9.0 vs 7.5
  • 9.4% better value for money
    Garmin Instinct 2 Solar has a higher value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (8.5 vs 7.8).
    8.5 vs 7.76
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • Weight tracking
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 41.9% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
  • Water intake tracking
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44.1% of smartwatches track water intake.
  • Perspiration monitoring
    This smartwatch tracks perspiration, the average smartwatch does not. 15.1% of smartwatches track perspiration.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 46.6% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • Cadence tracking
    This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 32.9% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
  • 21 days longer battery life
    This smartwatch runs longer per charge than the average smartwatch (28 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    28 days vs 7 days
  • 10 h longer training battery life
    This smartwatch lasts longer in training mode than the average smartwatch (30 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h in training mode.
    30 h vs 20 h
  • 9 h longer GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts longer with GPS on than the average smartwatch (30 h vs 21 h). The average smartwatch lasts 21 h with GPS on.
    30 h vs 21 h
  • Solar charging support
    This smartwatch supports solar charging, the average smartwatch does not. 2.3% of smartwatches support solar charging.
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.6% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports ANT+
    This smartwatch supports ANT+, the average smartwatch does not. 13% of smartwatches support ANT+.
  • Galileo satellite support
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 43.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • Rugged construction
    This smartwatch has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 41.3% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
  • 50 m deeper water rating
    This smartwatch is rated for deeper water than the average smartwatch (100 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch is rated to 50 m.
    100 m vs 50 m
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Power Glass display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Power Glass vs mineral glass
  • Crash detection capability
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 14% of smartwatches support crash detection.
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 44.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • More frequent updates
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    occasional vs ended
  • No music playback
    This smartwatch does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 57.1% of smartwatches support music playback.
  • No gyroscope
    This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope, the average smartwatch does. 71.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
  • No speaker
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • No voice assistant
    This smartwatch does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 69.2% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
  • No call answering
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 60% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • More basic display
    This smartwatch uses a more basic screen than the average smartwatch (MIP LCD vs AMOLED).
    MIP LCD vs AMOLED
  • No ambient light sensor
    This smartwatch does not include an ambient light sensor, the average smartwatch does. 63.5% of smartwatches include an ambient light sensor.
  • 0.5 inch smaller display
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen than the average smartwatch (0.9 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen.
    0.9 inch vs 1.4 inch
  • No gyroscope
    This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope, the average smartwatch does. 71.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
  • Basic battery type
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • 60 min slower charging
    This smartwatch charges more slowly than the average smartwatch (180 min vs 120 min). The average smartwatch takes 120 min to charge from empty.
    180 min vs 120 min
  • More basic display
    This smartwatch uses a more basic screen than the average smartwatch (MIP LCD vs AMOLED).
    MIP LCD vs AMOLED
  • No ambient light sensor
    This smartwatch does not include an ambient light sensor, the average smartwatch does. 63.5% of smartwatches include an ambient light sensor.
  • 0.5 inch smaller display
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen than the average smartwatch (0.9 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen.
    0.9 inch vs 1.4 inch
  • 2.8 mm thicker
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (14.5 mm vs 11.7 mm). The average smartwatch is 11.7 mm thick.
    14.5 mm vs 11.7 mm
  • Lower resolution
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 176x176, while the average smartwatch reaches 360x360.
    176x176 vs 360x360
  • 132 ppi less sharp screen
    This smartwatch has a less sharp screen than the average smartwatch (194 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi.
    194 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • 8 g heavier
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (53 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    53 g vs 45.0 g
  • No touchscreen
    This smartwatch does not have a touch screen, the average smartwatch does. 91.5% of smartwatches have a touch screen.
  • No music playback
    This smartwatch does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 57.1% of smartwatches support music playback.
  • No voice assistant
    This smartwatch does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 69.2% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
  • No call answering
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 60% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No call controls
    This smartwatch does not offer call control, the average smartwatch does. 91.2% of smartwatches offer call control.
  • No smart alarm
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • No speaker
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This smartwatch has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch has 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
MKS
✓ explicit
22/06/2024
Long-term test · over a year of daily use
Verdict
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is a strong pick for anyone wary of nightly charging, though the proprietary charger and slow cloudy-day charging are drawbacks.
9.0
HMMüller
≈ estimated
09/02/2023
Long-term review · six months of hiking and tracking
Verdict
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is an excellent outdoor watch with strong battery life; its looks and missing third-party maps are the trade-offs.
9.0
Gauging Gadgets
≈ estimated
02/09/2022
First-week review · heart rate, design and features
Verdict
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is a solid, accurate everyday watch, with minor drawbacks such as a dirt-prone bezel and no music storage.
5.0
PACE MAX PRO
≈ estimated
18/07/2022
Opinion review · one week of daily wear
Verdict
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is not for me: the small monochrome screen and price don't justify it; the original Instinct is the better buy.
8.0
Tech Unboxing
≈ estimated
16/04/2022
Hands-on review · build test, battery and app walkthrough
Verdict
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is good value for athletes, though its display could have been more colourful.
7.0
Smartwatch Labs
≈ estimated
03/04/2022
Hands-on review · battery, buttons and features
Verdict
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar suits adventurers with its long battery and rugged build, but it lacks maps, music and unlimited battery in smartwatch mode.
9.0
Backpacking UK
≈ estimated
08/03/2022
Hands-on review · GPS, heart rate and battery on hikes and runs
Verdict
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is expensive but loaded with features, and its GPS and battery impressed during testing.
8.0
Slipper Journey
≈ estimated
25/02/2023
Unboxing and short review · about a week of running use
Verdict
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is recommended for triathletes and serious runners, though casual runners may find it overkill.
9.0
HMMüller
≈ estimated
02/10/2022
Hands-on review · 11-day mountain hiking trip
Verdict
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar performed as expected on an 11-day hike, with good battery life, but map coverage and the altimeter need work.
9.0
HMMüller
≈ estimated
24/08/2022
Hands-on review · multi-day battery, biking and safety tests
Verdict
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar has excellent battery life for long bike trips and useful safety features, though data setup can feel overwhelming.
9.0
Outdoors Magic
≈ estimated
23/05/2022
Deep dive · team field testing on hikes, climbs and rides
Verdict
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is a simple, practical adventure watch, and its unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode suits long trips.
8.0
Pascal Marquis Unbox
≈ estimated
18/03/2022
First impressions · six days of daily wear
Verdict
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is a very good watch with plenty of features, but it is expensive for a plastic build.

What reviewers agree on

Based on 7 · 12

Reviewers agree battery life is outstanding and the build tough, but the basic display, fiddly menus and missing music let it down.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.7
220triathlon.com
✓ explicit
06/01/2026
Month-long test · Rugged watch
Verdict
The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is a light, rugged multisport watch with long battery life, though its small monochrome screen feels dated.
8.0
livefortheoutdoors.com
✓ explicit
13/01/2025
Trail test · Rugged outdoor watch
Verdict
The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is a rugged, lightweight all-rounder for outdoor fans, though its tiny, dull screen and lack of multi-band GPS hold it back for runners.
9.0
laptopmag.com
✓ explicit
06/06/2025
Travel test · Rugged GPS watch
Verdict
The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is a tough watch that lasted almost three weeks on one charge, but its black-and-white screen and fast-draining GPS mode are its main drawbacks.
7.0
androidpolice.com
✓ explicit
04/08/2024
Month-long test · Basic fitness watch
Verdict
The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is a rugged fitness watch with excellent battery life and accurate tracking, but its button-only controls make it a weak smartwatch.
9.0
gymstreet.fr
✓ explicit
26/06/2025
Refurbished test · Solar GPS watch
Verdict
The refurbished Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is a tough, long-lasting GPS watch for outdoor sports, but its button menus take time to learn.
8.0
topesdegama.com
≈ estimated
05/05/2025
Hands-on test · Solar adventure watch
Verdict
The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is a rugged mountain watch that averaged 25 days per charge, but its basic maps and black-and-white screen limit it.
9.0
gearshare.nl
≈ estimated
15/02/2026
Hike test · Solar hiking watch
Verdict
The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar suits long hikes and expeditions, lasting days on one charge, but its lack of a touchscreen and limited notifications make it a basic smartwatch.

Third-party reviews

What we like about Garmin Instinct 2 Solar

  • 28 days on a charge means you rarely think about power.
  • The solar panel adds power on sunny days, so the watch lasts even longer.
  • 100 m water resistance is enough for swimming.
  • Heart rate was accurate at rest and while walking.
  • An air pressure alert warns of fast drops, which helps as a storm warning.
  • The rugged, traditional look suits daily wear.

What we don't like about Garmin Instinct 2 Solar

  • A full charge takes 180 min, so plan for a long top-up.
  • The 0.9 inch screen is hard to use for maps and routes.
  • There is no touchscreen, so menus feel fiddly.
  • There are no maps and no music on the watch.
  • Smartwatch notifications are limited.

Verdict

A watch that runs for weeks without charging is the case for the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar. It is rated for 28 days on a charge, and the solar panel adds power on sunny days. In tests, one unit still had 87% left after three days of hiking with GPS, heart rate and notifications on. The screen is small at 0.9 inch and black and white, but easy to read in bright light. There is no touchscreen, so menus take some practice. It is water resistant to 100 m, and it has the look of a rugged, traditional wristwatch. The trade-offs are a small screen, no maps, and a full charge that takes 180 min. It suits a hiker, a camper or anyone who wants a tough watch they rarely need to charge.

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