OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
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 2S review: 127 specs compared

Avg. price:~£?Screen size:0.79 inchBattery life:21 daysDisplay type:MIP LCD

Garmin Instinct 2S Review: Compare 127 technical specifications and 10 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Garmin Instinct 2S
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
â–² Better than 80% of models
Score components

35%

8.0

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

8.1

Reviews score

10%

8.3

Sentiment score

â–²Better than 80% 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
8.0

Technical score

Technical score
8.0/ 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
â–² Better than 84% of models
Score components

24%

8.5

Health

21%

9.5

Fitness

16%

7.0

Battery

14%

8.4

Smart features

12%

8.2

Connectivity

9%

7.3

Display & Design

4%

1.0

Hardware

â–²Better than 84%
8.1

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.1/ 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
â–² Better than 60% of models

80%

8.3

Average grade

20%

7.4

Popularity

Grades by review (10)
6 reviews + 4 videos, average 8.5/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 60%
?

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
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Best prices
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Smartwatches model ranking

Ranked #141 of 777 models in Smartwatches (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of smartwatch Garmin Instinct 2S

Technical score
Technical score
8.0/ 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
â–² Better than 84% of models
Score components:

24%

8.5

Health

21%

9.5

Fitness

16%

7.0

Battery

14%

8.4

Smart features

12%

8.2

Connectivity

9%

7.3

Display & Design

4%

1.0

Hardware

8.0
Reviews score
8.1
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
â–² Better than 84% of models
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
?
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 3.7% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
21 days
Market range: <1 days – >16 days
This smartwatch lasts 21 days on a charge, which is longer than 91.6% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.9% of Smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
?
Battery life with GPS on
22 h
Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
This smartwatch lasts 22 h with GPS on, which is longer than 52.5% of Smartwatches and the same as 2.9% of Smartwatches.
Battery power
?
Charge time
120 min
Market range: <60 min – >150 min
This smartwatch charges from empty in 120 min, which is quicker than 13.3% of Smartwatches and the same as 44.6% 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
?
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
0.79 inch
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
This smartwatch has a 0.79 inch screen, which is smaller than 98.2% 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
156x 156
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 156x156 which is lower than that of 94.6% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
?
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
?
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
0.032 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch has 0.032 GB of internal storage, which is less than 73.2% of Smartwatches and equal to 1.8% 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 2S vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • 14 days longer battery life
    This smartwatch runs longer per charge than the average smartwatch (21 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    21 days vs 7 days
  • Temperature sensing
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.9% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
  • 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
  • 15.7% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.1/ 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
    â–² Better than 60% of models

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    7.4

    Popularity

    Grades by review (10)
    6 reviews + 4 videos, average 8.5/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.1 vs 7.0
  • 10.1% better value for money
    Garmin Instinct 2S has a higher value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (8.54 vs 7.8).
    8.54 vs 7.76
  • Temperature sensing
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.9% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
  • 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.
  • 14 days longer battery life
    This smartwatch runs longer per charge than the average smartwatch (21 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    21 days vs 7 days
  • 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 chemically strengthened glass display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    chemically strengthened glass vs mineral glass
  • 2 mm slimmer strap
    This smartwatch has a slimmer strap than the average smartwatch (20 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch has a 22 mm strap.
    20 mm vs 22 mm
  • 5 mm shorter case
    This smartwatch has a shorter case than the average smartwatch (40 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch is 45.0 mm tall.
    40 mm vs 45.0 mm
  • 15 °C higher heat tolerance
    This smartwatch tolerates a higher temperature than the average smartwatch (60 °C vs 45 °C). The average smartwatch is rated up to 45.0 °C.
    60 °C vs 45.0 °C
  • 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 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.
  • More basic display
    This smartwatch uses a more basic screen than the average smartwatch (MIP LCD vs AMOLED).
    MIP LCD vs AMOLED
  • 0.61 inch smaller display
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen than the average smartwatch (0.8 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen.
    0.79 inch vs 1.4 inch
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This smartwatch has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch has 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • Basic battery type
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • Lower resolution
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 156x156, while the average smartwatch reaches 360x360.
    156x156 vs 360x360
  • 1.6 mm thicker
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (13.3 mm vs 11.7 mm). The average smartwatch is 11.7 mm thick.
    13.3 mm vs 11.7 mm
  • 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
  • More basic display
    This smartwatch uses a more basic screen than the average smartwatch (MIP LCD vs AMOLED).
    MIP LCD vs AMOLED
  • 0.61 inch smaller display
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen than the average smartwatch (0.8 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen.
    0.79 inch vs 1.4 inch
  • Lower resolution
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 156x156, while the average smartwatch reaches 360x360.
    156x156 vs 360x360
  • 1.6 mm thicker
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (13.3 mm vs 11.7 mm). The average smartwatch is 11.7 mm thick.
    13.3 mm vs 11.7 mm
  • No touchscreen
    This smartwatch does not have a touch screen, the average smartwatch does. 91.5% of smartwatches have a touch screen.
  • 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
  • 99.2% less internal storage
    This smartwatch has less internal storage than the average smartwatch (0 GB vs 4 GB). The average smartwatch has 4 GB of internal storage.
    0.032 GB vs 4 GB

Video reviews

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

6.0
W2Best Tech
≈ estimated
25/12/2022
First look · unboxing, setup and about four weeks of use
Verdict
Garmin Instinct 2S is a fine watch, but its display and ecosystem felt limited, so the reviewer upgraded to another model.
Shop video
Shop video
Overview video
Overview video

What reviewers agree on

Based on 6 · 4

Reviewers love the sports tracking and long battery life, but navigation, notifications and the fiddly controls disappoint.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
wired.com
✓ explicit
01/08/2022
Months-long test · Adventure sports watch
Verdict
The Garmin Instinct 2S Solar is a good pick for backcountry tracking and three-week battery life, but its five-button menus take time to learn.
9.0
base-mag.com
≈ estimated
13/11/2023
Three-month test · Outdoor fitness watch
Verdict
The Garmin Instinct 2S Solar suits outdoor users who want a small, tough watch with long battery life, though its maps are basic and its look is sporty.
8.0
livescience.com
✓ explicit
18/07/2022
Hands-on review · Rugged fitness watch
Verdict
The Garmin Instinct 2S Solar is a solid rugged running watch with long battery life, but its small screen and weak maps let it down.
9.0
techpickstream.com
≈ estimated
16/02/2026
Field test · Rugged safety watch
Verdict
The Garmin Instinct 2S is a rugged outdoor watch that lasted 27 days on one charge and warns of storms, but it has no Wi-Fi or offline maps.
9.0
singletracks.com
≈ estimated
01/03/2025
On-bike test · Mountain bike watch
Verdict
The Garmin Instinct 2S Solar is a comfortable, feature-packed watch for mountain bikers, but its small screen makes it a weak navigation device.
9.0
montres-cardio.fr
≈ estimated
24/09/2024
Hands-on test · Solar GPS watch
Verdict
The Garmin Instinct 2S is a light, low-key solar watch for outdoor use with long battery life, though its small case suits people with vision problems poorly.

Third-party reviews

What we like about Garmin Instinct 2S

  • Rated for 21 days, with tests between one and three weeks.
  • Waterproof to 100 m covers swimming and rain.
  • At 43 g it barely registers on the wrist, even at night.
  • The 40 mm case stays compact for daily wear.
  • Crash detection is built in, a useful safety net on rough trails.
  • Heart rate, HRV, stress, sleep and blood oxygen tracking are all included.

What we don't like about Garmin Instinct 2S

  • It charges only with its proprietary USB cable.
  • The 0.79 inch screen is small for navigation.
  • There is no touch screen, so five buttons do all the work.
  • There is no gyroscope.
  • Animated watch faces shorten the battery life.

Verdict

Rated for 21 days on one charge, the Garmin Instinct 2S suits hikers, runners and anyone who wants a tough watch that rarely needs charging. Tests with mixed use land somewhere between one and three weeks. The 40 mm case is small, and at 43 g it barely registers on the wrist, even at night. It is rated waterproof to 100 m, so swimming and wet runs are no problem. Crash detection is built in, and the sensors track heart rate, sleep, stress and blood oxygen. The trade-offs are real. The screen is small at 0.79 inch, the cable is proprietary, and there is no touch screen, so five buttons do the work. It fits a buyer who wants a light, durable watch for long days outside.

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