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 Lily 2 Active review: 127 specs compared

Avg. price:~£310Screen size:1.00 inchBattery life:9 daysDisplay type:LCD

Garmin Lily 2 Active Review: Compare 127 technical specifications, 21 expert and video reviews and 2 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Garmin Lily 2 Active
6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 54% of models
Score components

35%

6.5

Technical score

30%

6.5

List score

25%

8.0

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

▼Worse than 54% of smartwatches
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 69% of models
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

▼Worse than 69%
6.5

Technical score

Technical score
6.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 53% of models
Score components

24%

6.8

Health

21%

7.9

Fitness

16%

4.6

Battery

14%

7.1

Smart features

12%

6.5

Connectivity

9%

6.7

Display & Design

4%

1.3

Hardware

▲Better than 53%
8.0

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.0/ 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: 7.4 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 51% of models

80%

7.9

Average grade

20%

8.1

Popularity

Grades by review (21)
14 reviews + 7 videos, average 7.9/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 51%
6.5

List score

List score
6.5/ 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 (2)
List score: in 2 of 118 lists (2%)
▲Better than 83%
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Where to buy
*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.

What reviewers say about the Garmin Lily 2 Active

Based on 10 · 8

Long battery life, a comfortable fit and built-in GPS impress reviewers, but many are let down by the display.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of smartwatch Garmin Lily 2 Active

Technical score
Technical score
6.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 53% of models
Score components:

24%

6.8

Health

21%

7.9

Fitness

16%

4.6

Battery

14%

7.1

Smart features

12%

6.5

Connectivity

9%

6.7

Display & Design

4%

1.3

Hardware

6.5
Reviews score
8.0
List score
6.5
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 69% of models
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

7.5
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
no
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 18.2% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings. 49.5% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
Supports abnormal high/low heart-rate alerts (typically after inactivity).
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
no
This smartwatch does not include a barometer. 53.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 28.9% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
no
This smartwatch does not include a cadence sensor. 32.9% 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
9 days
Market range: <1 day – >20 days
This smartwatch lasts 9 days on a charge, which is longer than 56.4% of Smartwatches and the same as 2.5% of Smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
9 h
Market range: <6 h – >48 h
This smartwatch records workouts for 9 h on a charge, which is shorter than 73.9% of Smartwatches and the same as 1.1% of Smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
9 h
Market range: <6 h – >46 h
This smartwatch lasts 9 h with GPS on, which is shorter than 80.9% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.8% of Smartwatches.
Battery power
180 mAh
Market range: <200 mAh – >500 mAh
This smartwatch has a 180 mAh battery, which is smaller than 91.2% of Smartwatches and the same as 1.6% of Smartwatches.
Charge time
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Garmin OS
This smartwatch runs Garmin OS, which is more advanced than the system in 70.7% 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.
Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
Third-party app support
no
This smartwatch does not support third-party apps. 51.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
yes
This smartwatch supports voice assistants. 30.8% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
no
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 16.7% 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
no
This smartwatch does not support dual-frequency GPS. 15.1% of Smartwatches offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
1 inch
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.83 inch
This smartwatch has a 1 inch screen, which is smaller than 96.6% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.3% of Smartwatches.
Display type
LCD
This smartwatch uses LCD, which is less advanced than the screen in 91.1% of Smartwatches and equal to 6.7% of Smartwatches.
Resolution
201x 240
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 201x240 which is lower than that of 91.2% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.1% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
313 ppi
Market range: <213 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 313 ppi, which is lower than 61.2% of Smartwatches and equal to 0.3% of Smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
?
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
4 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch has 4 GB of internal storage, which is more than 39.8% of Smartwatches and equal to 25.5% 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 Lily 2 Active vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • Crash detection capability
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 14% of smartwatches support crash detection.
    select outdoor activities; paired phone required
  • 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.
    SOS feature has implementation limits (phone/app/subscription/activity dependent).
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • More frequent updates
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
    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.
  • Supports ANT+
    This smartwatch supports ANT+, the average smartwatch does not. 13% of smartwatches support ANT+.
  • 14.3% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.0/ 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: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 51% of models

    80%

    7.9

    Average grade

    20%

    8.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (21)
    14 reviews + 7 videos, average 7.9/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.0 vs 7.0
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • 3 years newer
    This smartwatch was released more recently than the average smartwatch (2024 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    October 2024
    2024 vs 2021
  • Weight tracking
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 41.9% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Weight tracking may rely on manual app entry or smart-scale sync.
  • 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.
  • 2 days longer battery life
    This smartwatch runs longer per charge than the average smartwatch (9 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    9 days vs 7 days
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% 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.
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs mineral glass
  • Rugged construction
    This smartwatch has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 41.2% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
  • 16 g lighter
    This smartwatch is lighter than the average smartwatch (29 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45 g.
    29 g vs 45 g
  • 7 mm shorter case
    This smartwatch has a shorter case than the average smartwatch (38 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch is 45 mm tall.
    38 mm vs 45 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 °C.
    60 °C vs 45 °C
  • 0.7 mm slimmer
    This smartwatch is slimmer than the average smartwatch (11 mm vs 11.7 mm). The average smartwatch is 11.7 mm thick.
    11 mm vs 11.7 mm
  • Crash detection capability
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 14% of smartwatches support crash detection.
    select outdoor activities; paired phone required
  • 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.
    SOS feature has implementation limits (phone/app/subscription/activity dependent).
  • More frequent updates
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
    occasional vs ended
  • No third-party apps
    This smartwatch does not support third-party apps, the average smartwatch does. 51.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • More basic display
    This smartwatch uses a more basic screen than the average smartwatch (LCD vs AMOLED).
    LCD vs AMOLED
  • No multi-sport mode
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 71.7% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • No elevation tracking
    This smartwatch does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 67.6% of smartwatches support elevation tracking.
  • No barometer
    This smartwatch does not include a barometer, the average smartwatch does. 53.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • 17.7% lower list score
    List score
    6.5/ 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 (2)
    List score: in 2 of 118 lists (2%)
    6.5 vs 7.9
  • No music playback
    This smartwatch does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 57.1% of smartwatches support music playback.
  • No always-on display
    This smartwatch does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 70.3% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
  • 17.7% lower list score
    List score
    6.5/ 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 (2)
    List score: in 2 of 118 lists (2%)
    6.5 vs 7.9
  • 2.82x more expensive
    Garmin Lily 2 Active is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£310 vs £110).
    £310 vs £110
  • 3.9% worse value for money
    Garmin Lily 2 Active has a lower value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (7.47 vs 7.8).
    7.47 vs 7.76
  • No multi-sport mode
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 71.7% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • No elevation tracking
    This smartwatch does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 67.6% of smartwatches support elevation tracking.
  • No barometer
    This smartwatch does not include a barometer, the average smartwatch does. 53.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • No route support
    This smartwatch does not support route support, the average smartwatch does. 54.4% of smartwatches support route support.
  • 58 fewer exercise types
    This smartwatch includes fewer exercise types than the average smartwatch (32 vs 90). The average smartwatch includes 90 exercise types.
    Reported as at least 32 exercise modes.
    32 vs 90
  • No voice feedback
    This smartwatch does not support voice feedback, the average smartwatch does. 63.5% of smartwatches support voice feedback.
  • 12 h shorter GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less time with GPS on than the average smartwatch (9 h vs 21 h). The average smartwatch lasts 21 h with GPS on.
    9 h vs 21 h
  • 11 h shorter training battery life
    This smartwatch lasts less time in training mode than the average smartwatch (9 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h in training mode.
    9 h vs 20 h
  • Basic battery type
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • 125 mAh smaller battery capacity
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery than the average smartwatch (180 mAh vs 305 mAh). The average smartwatch has a 305 mAh battery.
    180 mAh vs 305 mAh
  • More basic display
    This smartwatch uses a more basic screen than the average smartwatch (LCD vs AMOLED).
    LCD vs AMOLED
  • No always-on display
    This smartwatch does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 70.3% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
  • 0.4 inch smaller display
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen than the average smartwatch (1 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen.
    1 inch vs 1.4 inch
  • Lower resolution
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 201x240, while the average smartwatch reaches 360x360.
    201x240 vs 360x360
  • No third-party apps
    This smartwatch does not support third-party apps, the average smartwatch does. 51.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • No music playback
    This smartwatch does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 57.1% of smartwatches support music playback.
  • No call answering
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 60% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No smart alarm
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • No camera remote
    This smartwatch does not include built-in camera remote control, the average smartwatch does. 85.5% of smartwatches that are equipped with a camera include built-in camera remote control.
  • 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

10
Adriana Kai
✓ explicit
20/01/2026
Long-term test · one month of daily use
Verdict
Garmin Lily 2 Active is a good choice for switching from an Apple Watch, mainly for looks; skip it if your current watch works.
9.0
Alex Vassios
≈ estimated
03/01/2026
Hands-on review · battery, size and GPS tests
Verdict
Garmin Lily 2 Active is an excellent choice for basic health tracking, though not for hiking or serious athletes.
9.0
Myself Stylish
≈ estimated
28/11/2024
Hands-on review · several weeks of daily wear
Verdict
Garmin Lily 2 Active is excellent for style-focused users who want health tracking, but not for hardcore athletes or tech enthusiasts.
7.9
AbbyBReviewing
✓ explicit
26/10/2024
Hands-on review · battery, display and daily use
Verdict
Garmin Lily 2 Active is good value for its looks, comfort and battery life, though the touch controls and materials let it down.
9.0
DC Rainmaker
≈ estimated
02/10/2024
In-depth review · GPS, heart rate and feature tests
Verdict
Garmin Lily 2 Active packs plenty of sport features in a small, minimalist design for the money, and its GPS and heart rate hold up well.
9.0
DesFit
≈ estimated
02/10/2024
Hands-on review · heart rate tests and sensors
Verdict
Garmin Lily 2 Active looks great and finally adds sport features, with heart rate accuracy that holds up in tests.
5.0
The Product Reviewer
≈ estimated
11/10/2024
Hands-on review · GPS, health tracking and value
Verdict
Garmin Lily 2 Active has accurate GPS and a unique slim style, but thin features make it hard to recommend at this price.
Overview video
Shop video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
womensrunning.co.uk
✓ explicit
16/12/2024
Runner's review · Everyday fitness watch
Verdict
The Garmin Lily 2 Active is a sleek everyday watch that tracks runs accurately and suits people who want basic running data without needing a full Forerunner.
8.0
t3.com
✓ explicit
16/12/2024
Product review · Sports smartwatch
Verdict
The Garmin Lily 2 Active adds built-in GPS and Garmin Coach to a slim design, so it suits runners and cyclists who still want a stylish watch.
6.0
galaxus.at
✓ explicit
04/12/2024
Product test · Compact sports watch
Verdict
The Garmin Lily 2 Active is a small, comfortable sports watch with solid battery life, but its mixed touch and button controls take getting used to.
8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
08/04/2025
Hands-on test · Slim GPS watch
Verdict
The Garmin Lily 2 Active is a slim, stylish fitness watch with built-in GPS and up to nine days of battery, but its small monochrome screen won't suit everyone.
8.0
digitalcitizen.life
✓ explicit
27/02/2026
In-depth review · Compact fitness watch
Verdict
The Garmin Lily 2 Active suits women who want an elegant, light tracker for yoga, pilates and tennis, but has no hiking or mountain biking profiles.
6.0
heise.de
✓ explicit
10/04/2025
Practical test · Compact sports watch
Verdict
The Garmin Lily 2 Active is a discreet, sporty watch for narrow wrists with built-in GPS and good battery life, but it offers few extra features.
6.0
lesnumeriques.com
✓ explicit
27/11/2024
Hands-on review · Lifestyle fitness watch
Verdict
The Garmin Lily 2 Active is a compact, light watch with built-in GPS and good battery life, but its dim screen and heart rate sensor let it down.
7.6
femmeactuelle.fr
✓ explicit
04/03/2025
Hands-on test · Discreet fitness watch
Verdict
The Garmin Lily 2 Active suits anyone who wants a discreet watch with built-in GPS and nearly 10 days of battery, though its screen is hard to read in bright sun.
6.0
rtl.be
≈ estimated
26/11/2024
Hands-on test · Design-led fitness watch
Verdict
The Garmin Lily 2 Active is a slim, elegant watch for women with built-in GPS, but its basic screen and fiddly touch navigation hold it back.
8.0
global.techradar.com
✓ explicit
15/04/2025
Full review · Slim fitness watch
Verdict
The Garmin Lily 2 Active suits people with small wrists who want a slim, light fitness watch with built-in GPS and up to nine days of battery.
8.4
androidworld.nl
✓ explicit
04/01/2025
Practical review · Long-battery sports watch
Verdict
The Garmin Lily 2 Active is a comfortable, sporty watch with a long battery, best for people who train often and don't mind a plain grey screen.
8.4
androidworld.be
✓ explicit
04/01/2025
Full review · Long-lasting sports watch
Verdict
The Garmin Lily 2 Active is a sporty watch that feels light on the wrist and runs for days, best for regular exercisers who accept a plain grey screen.

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 don't like 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.

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.

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