Garmin Lily 2 Active Review | 126 Data compared

Garmin Lily 2 Active Review | 126 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£310
  • Avg. price in US: ~$300
  • Screen size: 1.00 inch
  • Battery life: 9 days
  • Display type: LCD

Garmin Lily 2 Active review. Compare 126 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

6.9

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the smartwatch's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best Smartwatches on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

6.7

Technical Score

10.0%

8.6

User score

Good
6.7

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the smartwatch's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare Smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

24.0%

6.8

Health

21.0%

7.9

Fitness

16.0%

4.9

Battery

14.0%

7.1

Smart features

12.0%

6.7

Connectivity

9.0%

6.8

Display & Design

4.0%

5.0

Hardware

Good
8.6

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartwatch

When it matters: When you want to know how a smartwatch handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.1

User reviews

30.0%

7.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
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4.0
(27)
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4.4
(12)
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4.5
(5)
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4.2
(4)
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5.0
(3)
United States
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4.6
(635)
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4.4
(145)
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4.4
(88)
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4.0
(27)
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4.4
(9)

(Reviews last updated: April 2026)

Excellent
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    Best prices in UK

    Verdict

    The Garmin Lily 2 Active is a compact, fashion-forward smartwatch featuring a 38mm anodized aluminium case and a signature patterned lens that hides a monochrome touchscreen. It significantly upgrades its predecessor by including built-in GPS for phone-free activity tracking, two physical side buttons for easier navigation, and an extended battery life of up to 9 days in smartwatch mode (9 hours in GPS mode). Key characteristics include 24/7 heart rate monitoring, Pulse Ox, Body Battery energy tracking, and specialized women’s health features, alongside over 30 sports profiles and Garmin Pay for contactless payments. Main pros are its elegant, lightweight design suitable for small wrists and its comprehensive health-tracking suite; however, cons include a display that can be difficult to read in direct sunlight, the lack of an always-on display mode, and the absence of a built-in altimeter for tracking floors climbed.

    Technical Specifications of smartwatch Garmin Lily 2 Active

    Technical Score

    What it is: An assessment of the smartwatch's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.

    When it matters: When you want to compare Smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.

    Score components:

    24.0%

    6.8

    Health

    21.0%

    7.9

    Fitness

    16.0%

    4.9

    Battery

    14.0%

    7.1

    Smart features

    12.0%

    6.7

    Connectivity

    9.0%

    6.8

    Display & Design

    4.0%

    5.0

    Hardware

    6.7
    Garmin Lily 2 Active has a technical score of 6.68 points, which is higher than 59.9% of smartwatches.
    User score

    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartwatch

    When it matters: When you want to know how a smartwatch handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

    Score components:

    70.0%

    9.1

    User reviews

    30.0%

    7.5

    Popularity

    User score:
    United Kingdom
    Amazon_logo.png
    4.0
    (27)
    amazon
    4.4
    (12)
    amazon
    4.5
    (5)
    amazon
    4.2
    (4)
    amazon
    5.0
    (3)
    United States
    Amazon_logo.png
    4.6
    (635)
    Amazon_logo.png
    4.4
    (145)
    Amazon_logo.png
    4.4
    (88)
    Amazon_logo.png
    4.0
    (27)
    Amazon_logo.png
    4.4
    (9)

    (Reviews last updated: April 2026)

    8.6
    Garmin Lily 2 Active has a user score of 8.59 points, which is higher than 74.8% of smartwatches.
    Popularity
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartwatch.
    When it matters: When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
    7.5
    Garmin Lily 2 Active has a popularity of 7.5 points, which is higher than 57.6% of products in this category.
    Ratio quality/price

    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 components:

    60.0%

    6.9

    Overall score

    40.0%

    8.9

    Price

    7.5
    Garmin Lily 2 Active has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.5 points, which is higher than 53.8% of products in this category.
    Brand name
    What it is: The company that designs, sells, and supports the watch.
    When it matters: When brand ecosystem, style, or support matters to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Garmin
    Heart rate monitor
    What it is: A built-in sensor that measures your pulse directly from the wrist.
    When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    yes
    Garmin Lily 2 Active includes a heart rate monitor. 10.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
    Blood oxygen monitoring
    What it is: A wrist-based feature that estimates blood oxygen saturation over time.
    When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    yes
    Garmin Lily 2 Active supports blood oxygen monitoring. 33.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
    ECG
    What it is: The ability to record a single-lead electrocardiogram from the wrist.
    When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    no
    Garmin Lily 2 Active does not support ECG. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
    Irregular heart rate warnings
    What it is: Notifications that flag heart-rate patterns which appear unusually irregular.
    When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

    Importance: LOW

    yes
    Garmin Lily 2 Active supports irregular heart rate warnings. 51.9% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
    Supports abnormal high/low heart-rate alerts (typically after inactivity).
    Show more
    Accelerometer
    What it is: A motion sensor that measures acceleration, steps, gestures, and general movement.
    When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.

    Importance: LOW

    yes
    Garmin Lily 2 Active includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
    Barometer
    What it is: A pressure sensor used for altitude changes, elevation estimates, and weather-related context.
    When it matters: When you run, ride, hike, or navigate without relying on your phone.

    Importance: LOW

    no
    Garmin Lily 2 Active does not include a barometer. 49.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
    Gyroscope
    What it is: A motion sensor that measures rotation and helps interpret wrist movement more accurately.
    When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.

    Importance: LOW

    yes
    Garmin Lily 2 Active includes a gyroscope. 30.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
    Cadence sensor
    What it is: A sensor input used to measure step or pedal rhythm during training.
    When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.

    Importance: LOW

    no
    Garmin Lily 2 Active does not include a cadence sensor. 31.2% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
    Distance tracking
    What it is: The ability to measure how far you move during walks, runs, rides, or other activities.
    When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    yes
    Garmin Lily 2 Active supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
    Show more
    Battery life
    What it is: The typical endurance the watch can deliver on a full charge under the stated usage pattern.
    When it matters: When you do not want to charge the watch too often.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=7 days

    9 days
    Garmin Lily 2 Active offers a battery life of 9 days which is longer than that of 60.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 2.6% of smartwatches.
    Battery life in training mode
    What it is: The expected endurance while workout tracking and related training functions are active.
    When it matters: When you do not want to charge the watch too often.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=36.8 h

    9 h
    Garmin Lily 2 Active lasts 9 h in training mode which is shorter than 71.7% of smartwatches and equal to that of 1.2% of smartwatches.
    Battery life with GPS on
    What it is: The expected runtime when satellite tracking stays active throughout use.
    When it matters: When you do not want to charge the watch too often.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=35 h

    9 h
    Garmin Lily 2 Active lasts 9 h with GPS on which is shorter than 77.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.9% of smartwatches.
    Battery power
    What it is: The battery capacity, usually measured in milliampere-hours (mAh).
    When it matters: When you do not want to charge the watch too often.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=397 mAh

    180 mAh
    Garmin Lily 2 Active has a battery capacity of 180 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 90.8% of smartwatches and equal to those in 1.8% of smartwatches.
    Charge time
    What it is: The time needed to recharge the battery from empty to full or to a stated percentage.
    When it matters: When you want to top up the battery quickly.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=102 min

    ?
    Show more
    Operating system
    What it is: The software platform that runs the watch interface, apps, and core functions.
    When it matters: When you care about apps, features, and long-term support.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Garmin OS
    Garmin Lily 2 Active runs Garmin OS which is more advanced than the operating system in 71.1% of smartwatches and the same as that in 7.7% of smartwatches.
    Software update frequency
    What it is: Shows how actively the watch is still updated: regular means ongoing updates throughout active support, occasional means updates every few months or only from time to time, and ended means active software support has mostly stopped.
    When it matters: When you care how actively the watch is still supported with fixes, patches, and new features.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    occasional
    Garmin Lily 2 Active has occasional software update support which is more active than that of 57.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 36.2% of smartwatches.
    Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
    Third-party app support
    What it is: Support for installing or using apps from developers beyond the watch maker.
    When it matters: When you care about apps, features, and long-term support.

    Importance: LOW

    no
    Garmin Lily 2 Active does not support third-party apps. 47.7% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
    Notifications
    What it is: Mirroring of calls, messages, apps, or other alerts on the watch.
    When it matters: When you want to check alerts without taking out your phone.

    Importance: LOW

    yes
    Garmin Lily 2 Active supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
    Voice assistant support
    What it is: Support for a voice assistant that can answer queries or trigger actions from the wrist.
    When it matters: When you want to control the watch or reply without typing.

    Importance: LOW

    yes
    Garmin Lily 2 Active supports voice assistants. 32.4% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
    Show more
    Cellular module
    What it is: Built-in mobile connectivity that can keep the watch online away from the phone.
    When it matters: When you want calls, messages, or data without your phone nearby.

    Importance: LOW

    no
    Garmin Lily 2 Active does not include a cellular module. 18% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
    SIM cards
    What it is: The number or type of SIM options the watch accepts for cellular service.
    When it matters: When you want calls, messages, or data without your phone nearby.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: eSIM support

    0
    GPS
    What it is: Built-in satellite positioning that lets the watch record location during outdoor activity.
    When it matters: When you run, ride, hike, or navigate without relying on your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    yes
    Garmin Lily 2 Active supports GPS. 43.9% of smartwatches support GPS.
    Galileo support
    What it is: Support for Galileo satellites alongside other positioning systems.
    When it matters: When you run, ride, hike, or navigate without relying on your phone.

    Importance: LOW

    yes
    Garmin Lily 2 Active supports Galileo navigation. 61.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
    Compass
    What it is: A directional sensor that helps the watch determine heading and orientation.
    When it matters: When you run, ride, hike, or navigate without relying on your phone.

    Importance: LOW

    yes
    Garmin Lily 2 Active includes a compass. 47.5% of smartwatches include a compass.
    Show more
    Screen size
    What it is: The diagonal measurement of the visible display area, usually expressed in inches.
    When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1.5 inch

    1 inch
    Garmin Lily 2 Active has a screen size of 1.00 inch which is smaller than the screens of 97.2% of smartwatches and equal to those of 0.3% of smartwatches.
    Display type
    What it is: The screen technology used by the watch, such as AMOLED, OLED, or memory-in-pixel LCD.
    When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.

    Importance: LOW

    LCD
    Garmin Lily 2 Active uses a LCD display type which is less advanced than that of 90.1% of smartwatches and the same as that of 7.4% of smartwatches.
    Resolution
    What it is: The total number of pixels available on the watch display.
    When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=416 x 416

    201 x 240
    Garmin Lily 2 Active has a display resolution of 201x240 which is lower than that of 91% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.2% of smartwatches.
    Pixel density
    What it is: The number of pixels packed into each inch of the display.
    When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=326 ppi

    313 ppi
    Garmin Lily 2 Active has a pixel density of 313 ppi which is lower than that of 59.2% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.3% of smartwatches.
    Display brightness
    What it is: The peak brightness the display can reach, usually expressed in nits.
    When it matters: When you want the screen to stay readable outdoors and in strong sunlight.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1000 nits

    ?
    Show more
    CPU speed
    What it is: The clock speed of the watch processor, usually expressed in GHz or MHz.
    When it matters: When you want apps and menus to feel smooth.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: Modern standard

    ?
    Processor model
    What it is: The processor model is the chipset or SoC that powers the watch's performance, connectivity, and efficiency.
    When it matters: When you care about app responsiveness, platform generation, and long-term feature support.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: modern smartwatch chipset

    ?
    RAM
    What it is: The amount of working memory available for apps, watch faces, and background tasks.
    When it matters: When you want apps and menus to feel smooth.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1 GB

    ?
    Internal storage
    What it is: Built-in storage for apps, music, watch faces, and other local data.
    When it matters: When you want more room for apps, music, or offline data.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=8 GB

    4 GB
    Garmin Lily 2 Active uses 4 GB for internal storage which is larger than that of 40.4% of smartwatches and equal to that of 27% of smartwatches.
    External memory slot
    What it is: A slot for expandable storage such as a memory card, if the watch provides one.
    When it matters: When you want more room for apps, music, or offline data.

    Importance: LOW

    no
    Garmin Lily 2 Active does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
    Show more

    Garmin Lily 2 Active vs the average smartwatch

    • Crash detection capability
      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
      select outdoor activities; paired phone required
      What it is: Detection of severe impacts or crashes that can trigger emergency workflows.
      When it matters: When you want extra help in an emergency.

      Importance: LOW

      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
    • HRV tracking
      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
      What it is: Measurement of heart-rate variability, the change in timing between heartbeats.
      When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
    • VO2 max measurement
      Garmin Lily 2 Active measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
      What it is: Estimated VO2 max, a fitness metric linked to aerobic capacity and endurance.
      When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Garmin Lily 2 Active measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
    • More advanced operating system
      Garmin Lily 2 Active runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
      What it is: The software platform that runs the watch interface, apps, and core functions.
      When it matters: When you care about apps, features, and long-term support.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Garmin Lily 2 Active runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
    • Emergency SOS
      Garmin Lily 2 Active includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
      SOS feature has implementation limits (phone/app/subscription/activity dependent).
      What it is: An emergency feature that can contact help or alert trusted people from the watch.
      When it matters: When you want extra help in an emergency.

      Importance: LOW

      Garmin Lily 2 Active includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
    • NFC functionality
      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
      What it is: Near-field communication hardware used for payments, pairing, or quick tap-based actions.
      When it matters: When you want to pay quickly or pair devices with a tap.

      Importance: LOW

      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
    • Irregular heart rate alerts
      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
      Supports abnormal high/low heart-rate alerts (typically after inactivity).
      What it is: Notifications that flag heart-rate patterns which appear unusually irregular.
      When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

      Importance: LOW

      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
    • External heart rate monitor support
      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
      What it is: Compatibility with external chest straps or other heart-rate transmitters.
      When it matters: When you want the watch to work with fitness gear and other accessories.

      Importance: LOW

      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
    • HRV tracking
      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
    • VO2 max measurement
      Garmin Lily 2 Active measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
    • Irregular heart rate alerts
      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
    • Weight tracking
      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.1% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    • Water intake tracking
      Garmin Lily 2 Active tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44% of smartwatches track water intake.
    • Perspiration monitoring
      Garmin Lily 2 Active tracks perspiration, the average smartwatch does not. 14.1% of smartwatches track perspiration.
    • External heart rate monitor support
      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
    • 2 days day/s longer battery life
      Garmin Lily 2 Active offers 9 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    • NFC functionality
      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
    • Supports ANT+
      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports ANT+, the average smartwatch does not. 11.7% of smartwatches support ANT+.
    • Galileo satellite support
      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
    • Stronger display glass
      Garmin Lily 2 Active uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    • Rugged construction
      Garmin Lily 2 Active has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 37.9% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
    • 16 g lighter weight
      Garmin Lily 2 Active is lighter than the average smartwatch (29 g vs 45.0 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    • 7 mm shorter watch height
      Garmin Lily 2 Active is shorter than the average smartwatch (38 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch height is 45 mm.
    • 15 °C higher max temperature
      Garmin Lily 2 Active handles a higher maximum operating temperature than the average smartwatch (60 °C vs 45.0 °C). The average smartwatch reaches 45.0 °C.
    • Crash detection capability
      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
    • More advanced operating system
      Garmin Lily 2 Active runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    • Emergency SOS
      Garmin Lily 2 Active includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
    • More frequent updates
      Garmin Lily 2 Active receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    • 3 year/s newer release date
      Garmin Lily 2 Active has a newer release date than the average smartwatch (2024 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    • No multi-sport mode
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 68.4% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
    • No elevation tracking
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.3% of smartwatches support elevation tracking.
    • No voice feedback
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not support voice feedback, the average smartwatch does. 61.9% of smartwatches support voice feedback.
    • 48 fewer exercise profiles
      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports fewer exercise modes than the average smartwatch (32 vs 80). The average smartwatch supports 80 exercise modes.
      Reported as at least 32 exercise modes.
    • 11 h shorter GPS battery life
      Garmin Lily 2 Active lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (9 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    • 10.25 h shorter training battery life
      Garmin Lily 2 Active lasts less in training mode than the average smartwatch (9 h vs 19.25 h). The average smartwatch lasts 19.25 h.
    • Basic battery type
      Garmin Lily 2 Active uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    • 120 mAh smaller battery capacity
      Garmin Lily 2 Active has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartwatch (180 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    • Basic display type
      Garmin Lily 2 Active uses LCD display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    • No always-on display
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 67.6% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
    • 0.4 inch smaller screen size
      Garmin Lily 2 Active has a smaller screen size than the average smartwatch (1 inch vs 1.40 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.
    • Lower resolution
      Garmin Lily 2 Active has a display resolution of 201x240, while the average smartwatch reaches 352x430.
    • No music playback
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 54.2% of smartwatches support music playback.
    • No call answering
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 58.1% of smartwatches support call answering.
    • No smart alarm
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
    • No camera remote
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not include built-in camera remote control, the average smartwatch does. 85.6% of smartwatches that are equipped with a camera include built-in camera remote control.
    • No speaker
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
    • 1 fewer microphones
      Garmin Lily 2 Active has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch includes 1 microphones.
    • Basic display type
      Garmin Lily 2 Active uses LCD display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
      What it is: The screen technology used by the watch, such as AMOLED, OLED, or memory-in-pixel LCD.
      When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.

      Importance: LOW

      Garmin Lily 2 Active uses LCD display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.LCD vs AMOLED
    • No multi-sport mode
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 68.4% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
      What it is: A training mode designed to handle multiple sports within a single session.
      When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.

      Importance: LOW

      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 68.4% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
    • No elevation tracking
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.3% of smartwatches support elevation tracking.
      What it is: Tracking of climbed, descended, or current elevation during activities.
      When it matters: When you run, ride, hike, or navigate without relying on your phone.

      Importance: LOW

      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.3% of smartwatches support elevation tracking.
    • No music playback
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 54.2% of smartwatches support music playback.
      What it is: Playback of music or audio directly from the watch, with or without a phone nearby.
      When it matters: When you want audio, calls, or voice features on the watch itself.

      Importance: LOW

      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 54.2% of smartwatches support music playback.
    • No always-on display
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 67.6% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
      What it is: A display mode that keeps key information visible even when the watch is idle.
      When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.

      Importance: LOW

      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 67.6% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
    • 11 h shorter GPS battery life
      Garmin Lily 2 Active lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (9 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
      What it is: The expected runtime when satellite tracking stays active throughout use.
      When it matters: When you do not want to charge the watch too often.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Good value: >=35 h

      Garmin Lily 2 Active lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (9 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.9 h vs 20 h
    • No call answering
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 58.1% of smartwatches support call answering.
      What it is: The ability to answer an incoming call directly from the watch.
      When it matters: When you want to handle calls or alerts without taking out your phone.

      Importance: LOW

      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 58.1% of smartwatches support call answering.
    • No speaker
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
      What it is: An onboard speaker for calls, prompts, alarms, or media playback.
      When it matters: When you want audio, calls, or voice features on the watch itself.

      Importance: LOW

      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.

    Graphic comparison of Garmin Lily 2 Active and other Smartwatches

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    Third-party reviews

    What customers like about Garmin Lily 2 Active?

    • Built-in GPS allows for accurate tracking of runs and cycles without needing a smartphone.
    • Greatly improved battery life of up to 9 days in smartwatch mode, nearly doubling the previous generation.
    • Compact and lightweight 38mm design specifically tailored for smaller wrists.
    • Elegant, jewelry-like aesthetic that blends well with professional or formal attire.
    • Includes physical side buttons for easier navigation compared to the touchscreen-only original Lily.
    • Comprehensive wellness tracking, including stress monitoring, Body Battery, and women's health data.
    • Garmin Pay now comes as a standard feature across the Active model for contactless payments.

    What customers dislike about Garmin Lily 2 Active?

    • Monochrome liquid crystal display can be difficult to read in direct sunlight due to the patterned lens and grayscale font.
    • Lack of customisation for watch faces and third-party apps as it is not compatible with the Garmin Connect IQ store.
    • Touchscreen can occasionally be slow to respond or oversensitive during exercise.
    • Missing advanced sensors found in other Garmin series, such as an ECG or a barometric altimeter for floor climbing.
    • Smartphone notifications are limited on iOS; iPhone users can view alerts but cannot respond to messages or reject calls with texts.
    • Sleep tracking can sometimes be inaccurate, occasionally failing to correctly identify sleep start/end times.

    Expert reviews

    G
    galaxus.at
    04/12/2024
    Summary of the review
    T
    t3.com
    16/12/2024
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    W
    womensrunning.co.uk
    16/12/2024
    Summary of the review
    D
    dcrainmaker.com
    02/10/2024
    Summary of the review
    D
    digitalcitizen.life
    27/02/2026
    Summary of the review
    T
    techradar.com
    08/04/2025
    Summary of the review
    T
    test.de
    14/11/2025
    Summary of the review
    G
    galaxus.de
    04/12/2024
    Summary of the review
    H
    heise.de
    10/04/2025
    Summary of the review
    D
    digitec.ch
    04/12/2024
    Summary of the review
    R
    rtl.be
    26/11/2024
    Summary of the review
    F
    femmeactuelle.fr
    04/03/2026
    Summary of the review
    L
    lesnumeriques.com
    27/11/2024
    Summary of the review
    G
    galaxus.it
    04/12/2024
    Summary of the review
    G
    global.techradar.com
    15/04/2025
    Summary of the review
    C
    consumentenbond.nl
    Ongoing
    Summary of the review
    G
    global.techradar.com
    06/12/2024
    Summary of the review

    Video reviews

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