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Garmin Lily 2 Active Review | 126 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£310
  • Screen size: 1.00 inch
  • Battery life: 9 day/s
  • Display type: LCD

Garmin Lily 2 Active review. Compare 126 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among smartwatches and if it is worth buying.

6.5

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%

6.5

Technical Score

10.0%

6.7

User score

Good
6.5

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%

7.4

Fitness

16.0%

4.8

Battery

14.0%

6.8

Smart features

12.0%

6.2

Connectivity

9.0%

6.9

Display & Design

4.0%

5.0

Hardware

Good
6.7

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%

8.7

User reviews

30.0%

2.1

Popularity

User score:
amazon
4.4
(12)
amazon
4.2
(4)

(Reviews last updated: Apr 2026)

Good
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    Best prices

    Best rankings

    ?

    Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
    All: ranking among all products in the database.

    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%

    7.4

    Fitness

    16.0%

    4.8

    Battery

    14.0%

    6.8

    Smart features

    12.0%

    6.2

    Connectivity

    9.0%

    6.9

    Display & Design

    4.0%

    5.0

    Hardware

    6.5
    Garmin Lily 2 Active has a technical score of 6.45 points, which is higher than 58.9% 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%

    8.7

    User reviews

    30.0%

    2.1

    Popularity

    User score:
    amazon
    4.4
    (12)
    amazon
    4.2
    (4)

    (Reviews last updated: Apr 2026)

    6.7
    Garmin Lily 2 Active has a user score of 6.73 points, which is lower than 86.6% 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.
    2.1
    Garmin Lily 2 Active has a popularity of 2.1 points, which is lower than 52.5% of smartphones.
    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%

    6.5

    Overall score

    40.0%

    8.9

    Price

    7.2
    Garmin Lily 2 Active has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.2 points, which is lower than 50.6% of smartphones.
    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: MEDIUM

    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: HIGH

    yes
    Garmin Lily 2 Active includes a heart rate monitor. 90.4% 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: HIGH

    yes
    Garmin Lily 2 Active supports blood oxygen monitoring. 64.4% 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: HIGH

    no
    Garmin Lily 2 Active does not support ECG. 15.1% 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: MEDIUM

    yes
    Garmin Lily 2 Active supports irregular heart rate warnings. 43.7% 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: MEDIUM

    yes
    Garmin Lily 2 Active includes an accelerometer. 99.1% 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: MEDIUM

    no
    Garmin Lily 2 Active does not include a barometer. 45.6% 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: MEDIUM

    no
    Garmin Lily 2 Active does not include a gyroscope. 64.6% 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: MEDIUM

    no
    Garmin Lily 2 Active does not include a cadence sensor. 20.1% 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. 95.7% 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 day/s
    Garmin Lily 2 Active offers a battery life of 9 day/s 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: HIGH

    Good value: >=36.8 h

    9 h
    Garmin Lily 2 Active lasts 9 h in training mode which is shorter than 72.1% 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: HIGH

    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: HIGH

    Good value: >=397 mAh

    180 mAh
    Garmin Lily 2 Active has a battery capacity of 180 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 90.7% 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: HIGH

    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: HIGH

    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: MEDIUM

    no
    Garmin Lily 2 Active does not support third-party apps. 47.6% 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: MEDIUM

    yes
    Garmin Lily 2 Active supports notifications. 99.9% 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: MEDIUM

    yes
    Garmin Lily 2 Active supports voice assistants. 68% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
    Availability depends on paired phone and/or regional support.
    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: HIGH

    no
    Garmin Lily 2 Active does not include a cellular module. 17.2% 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: HIGH

    yes
    Garmin Lily 2 Active supports GPS. 56.1% 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: MEDIUM

    yes
    Garmin Lily 2 Active supports Galileo navigation. 38.7% 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: MEDIUM

    no
    Garmin Lily 2 Active does not include a compass. 49.3% 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: HIGH

    Good value: >=1.5 inch

    1.00 inch
    Garmin Lily 2 Active has a screen size of 1.00 inch which is smaller than the screens of 97.1% 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: HIGH

    LCD
    Garmin Lily 2 Active uses a LCD display type which is less advanced than that of 90.3% of smartwatches and the same as that of 7.8% 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: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=416 x 416

    201 x 240
    Garmin Lily 2 Active has a display resolution of 201 x 240 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: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=326 ppi

    313 ppi
    Garmin Lily 2 Active has a pixel density of 313 ppi which is lower than that of 59.1% 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: HIGH

    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: MEDIUM

    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: MEDIUM

    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: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=8 GB

    4 GB
    Garmin Lily 2 Active uses 4 GB for internal storage which is larger than that of 40.5% of smartwatches and equal to that of 26.9% 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

    • Has NFC
      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 42.5% 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: HIGH

      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 42.5% of smartwatches support NFC.
    • Has HRV tracking
      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 38.2% 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. 38.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
    • Includes crash detection
      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 11.5% 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: HIGH

      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 11.5% of smartwatches support crash detection.
    • Supports Emergency SOS
      Garmin Lily 2 Active includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.4% 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: HIGH

      Garmin Lily 2 Active includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.4% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
    • 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: HIGH

      Garmin Lily 2 Active runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
    • Supports VO2 max
      Garmin Lily 2 Active measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 49.3% 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. 49.3% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
    • Has irregular heart alerts
      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 43.7% 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: MEDIUM

      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 43.7% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
    • Stronger display glass
      Garmin Lily 2 Active uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
      What it is: The glass material or protective cover used over the display.
      When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Good value: Sapphire or Gorilla Glass

      Garmin Lily 2 Active uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs mineral glass
    • Has HRV tracking
      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 38.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
    • Supports VO2 max
      Garmin Lily 2 Active measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 49.3% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
    • Has irregular heart alerts
      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 43.7% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
    • Has sweat tracking
      Garmin Lily 2 Active tracks perspiration, the average smartwatch does not. 11% of smartwatches track perspiration.
    • Has weight tracking
      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.2% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    • Supports water intake tracking
      Garmin Lily 2 Active tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 48.2% of smartwatches track water intake.
    • Has external HR monitor
      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 41.3% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
    • 2 day/s longer battery life
      Garmin Lily 2 Active offers 9 day/s of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 day/s.
    • Has NFC
      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 42.5% of smartwatches support NFC.
    • Supports ANT+
      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports ANT+, the average smartwatch does not. 9.5% of smartwatches support ANT+.
    • Supports Galileo
      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 38.7% 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.
    • Has rugged design
      Garmin Lily 2 Active has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 34.5% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
    • 16 g lighter weight
      Garmin Lily 2 Active is lighter than the average smartwatch (29 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45 g.
    • Includes crash detection
      Garmin Lily 2 Active supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 11.5% of smartwatches support crash detection.
    • Supports Emergency SOS
      Garmin Lily 2 Active includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.4% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
    • More advanced operating system
      Garmin Lily 2 Active runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    • 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.

    Total
    Health
    Fitness
    Battery
    Connectivity
    Display & Design
    Smart features
    Hardware
    • No elevation tracking
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 62.7% of smartwatches support elevation tracking.
    • No gyroscope
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not include a gyroscope, the average smartwatch does. 64.6% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
    • No routes
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not support route support, the average smartwatch does. 50.4% of smartwatches support route support.
    • No voice feedback
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not support voice feedback, the average smartwatch does. 62.1% 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.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 11 h shorter training battery life
      Garmin Lily 2 Active lasts less in training mode than the average smartwatch (9 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    • 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. 66.4% 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 201x 240, while the average smartwatch reaches 352x 430.
    • 13 ppi lower pixel density
      Garmin Lily 2 Active has a lower pixel density than the average smartwatch (313 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch display reaches 326 ppi.
    • No music playback
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 53.9% of smartwatches support music playback.
      Only remote phone music control; no on-watch playback/storage.
    • No call answering
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 57% of smartwatches support call answering.
    • No voice commands
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 64.5% of smartwatches support voice commands.
    • No smart alarm
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support this feature.
    • No camera remote control
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not include built-in camera remote control, the average smartwatch does. 85.2% 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. 54.7% 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: HIGH

      Garmin Lily 2 Active uses LCD display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.LCD vs AMOLED
    • No always-on display
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 66.4% 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: HIGH

      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 66.4% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
    • No speaker
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 54.7% 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. 54.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
    • No elevation tracking
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 62.7% 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: MEDIUM

      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 62.7% of smartwatches support elevation tracking.
    • No music playback
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 53.9% of smartwatches support music playback.
      Only remote phone music control; no on-watch playback/storage.
      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: MEDIUM

      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 53.9% of smartwatches support music playback.
    • No gyroscope
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not include a gyroscope, the average smartwatch does. 64.6% of smartwatches include a 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: MEDIUM

      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not include a gyroscope, the average smartwatch does. 64.6% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
    • 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.
      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: HIGH

      Good value: >=1.5 inch

      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.1.00 inch vs 1.40 inch
    • No call answering
      Garmin Lily 2 Active does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 57% 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. 57% of smartwatches support call answering.
    Total
    Overall
    Fitness
    Battery
    Display & Design
    Smart features
    Hardware

    Graphic comparison of Garmin Lily 2 Active and other Smartwatches

    Attribute category
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    Third-party reviews

    amazon
    4.4
    12 Reviews
    amazon
    4.2
    4 Reviews

    (Reviews last updated: Apr 2026)

    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
    Garmin Lily 2 Active review: this small sports watch is great Would you like me to find video-based reviews for the Garmin Lily 2 Active as well?

    The Suunto Race S is identified as a compact, lightweight, and ergonomic alternative to the original Race, featuring a high-quality stainless steel bezel, a 1.32-inch AMOLED display, and a digital crown that improves navigation. Performance highlights include exceptional multiband GPS accuracy and, for trail runners, high-contrast, free offline map capability. Despite its smaller...Read more

    T
    t3.com
    16/12/2024
    Garmin Lily 2 Active review: Petite powerhouse - T3

    The Garmin Lily 2 Active is a stylish, 34mm smartwatch that bridges the gap between fashion and fitness, now featuring built-in GPS and two physical navigation buttons. Key upgrades include a significantly improved 9-day battery life in smartwatch mode, along with advanced training tools like Garmin Coach and Training Readiness. While praised for its design and performance, the...Read more

    W
    womensrunning.co.uk
    16/12/2024
    Garmin Lily 2 Active review - Women's Running

    The Garmin Lily 2 Active is a stylish, female-focused smartwatch that successfully bridges the gap between a fashion accessory and a functional fitness tracker. It is an ideal choice for runners seeking essential tracking, such as accurate pacing and distance, without the bulk or high price tag of more advanced models. The watch is praised for its sleek design that fits comfortably...Read more

    D
    dcrainmaker.com
    02/10/2024
    Garmin Lily 2 Active In-Depth Review: Now with GPS!

    The Garmin Lily 2 Active is a significant upgrade featuring built-in GPS for standalone activity tracking, two side buttons for easier navigation, and advanced training tools like HRV tracking and Garmin Coach. Pros include accurate GPS/HR performance, a stylish, small-wrist-friendly design, 9-day battery life, and the inclusion of Garmin Pay. Constraints include a...Read more

    D
    digitalcitizen.life
    27/02/2026
    Garmin Lily 2 Active review: A bigger upgrade than its name implies!

    The Garmin Lily 2 Active upgrades its 38mm fashion-forward design with built-in GPS, Garmin Pay, and two physical buttons for improved navigation, according to Digital Citizen. It keeps a hidden, low-profile grayscale screen for privacy while offering up to 9 days of battery life, a significant increase over the previous model. Key pros highlighted include its comfortable 29-gram...Read more

    T
    techradar.com
    08/04/2025
    Garmin Lily 2 Active review - TechRadar

    The Garmin Lily 2 Active upgrades its predecessor with built-in GPS and two physical side buttons, targeting small wrists with a lightweight 38mm design. It balances fashion with functionality, offering up to nine days of battery life, though this decreases significantly with GPS usage. While praised for comprehensive health tracking like Body Battery and sleep insights, the device...Read more

    T
    test.de
    14/11/2025
    Test: Garmin Lily 2 Active - Stiftung Warentest

    Stiftung Warentest rates the Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm Aluminum GPS) as "Good" (1.7), highlighting its refined design and, in particular, its industry-leading fitness tracking and heart rate monitoring capabilities. The 10th-generation model features a thinner 9.7mm profile and a wider OLED display, improving both comfort and readability. Key advancements include new sleep apnea...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    G
    galaxus.de
    04/12/2024
    Garmin Lily 2 Active Review: How Good Is This Compact Sports Watch?

    In a review for Galaxus, Martin Jungfer identifies the Garmin Forerunner 165 as a capable, budget-friendly "friendly taskmaster" designed to motivate recreational runners. The watch features a vibrant AMOLED touch display, a reliable five-button layout, and provides detailed post-run data, including aerobic/anaerobic metrics, which helped the reviewer train for a half marathon. Key...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    H
    heise.de
    10/04/2025
    Garmin Lily 2 Active Review: A Sporty Smartwatch for Small Wrists

    The Garmin Lily 2 Active upgrades its predecessor with built-in GPS, 9-day battery life, and dual side buttons, positioning it as a capable, stylish fitness tracker for smaller wrists. It tracks health metrics like HRV status and Body Battery, while adding Garmin Pay for convenience. Key drawbacks include a lack of an always-on display mode, no third-party app support, and the...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    D
    digitec.ch
    4 décembre 2024
    I really like this little sports watch

    The Digitec review of the Garmin Forerunner 255 highlights its evolution into a versatile multisport companion, praising its lightweight design, improved heart rate accuracy, and exceptional multi-band GPS tracking. Key features for athletes include the new "Morning Report," "Race Widget," and added support for triathlon profiles, though the lack of a touchscreen and reliance on...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    R
    rtl.be
    26 novembre 2024
    Mathieu's Review: Garmin Lily 2 Active, stylish but limited

    The Garmin Lily 2 Active is presented as a stylish, ultra-compact hybrid smartwatch ideal for small wrists, featuring a refined design that blends fashion with fitness. Key upgrades include built-in GPS for tracking outdoor activities without a phone and the addition of two physical buttons for improved navigation during workouts. However, the device is limited by a dated,...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    F
    femmeactuelle.fr
    04/03/2026
    Garmin Lily 2 Active Review: More Than Just a Pretty Smartwatch

    The Garmin Lily 2 Active balances fashion with functionality, featuring a lightweight aluminum design, a discreet grayscale display, and improved, accurate health tracking. Key upgrades include built-in GPS, up to 9 days of battery life, side navigation buttons, and Garmin Pay. Despite drawbacks like poor direct sunlight visibility, a lack of a barometric altimeter for stairs, and a...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    L
    lesnumeriques.com
    27 novembre 2024
    Garmin Lily 2 Active Review: A Charming Smartwatch for Budding Athletes

    The Garmin Lily 2 Active represents a significant upgrade for the series by introducing built-in GPS for independent activity tracking and two physical side buttons for easier navigation, while retaining its signature 38mm jewelry-like design. Key advantages include its lightweight 29g comfort, improved battery life lasting up to 9 days in smartwatch mode, robust wellness features...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    G
    galaxus.it
    04/12/2024
    Garmin Lily 2 Active: Here are the qualities of this small sports watch

    The Coros Pace 3 is reviewed as a lightweight, 30-gram "all-rounder" focusing on performance over aesthetics, featuring a plastic construction that is comfortable but feels less premium. Pros include an impressive two-week battery life and excellent sunlight readability, while cons involve a pale display that is hard to read in the dark and a textile strap prone to discoloration....Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    G
    global.techradar.com
    15/04/2025
    Garmin Lily 2 Active Review - TechRadar

    The Garmin Lily 2 Active is a stylish, lightweight 38mm hybrid smartwatch featuring significant upgrades like built-in GPS for independent tracking and physical side buttons for improved navigation during workouts. Pros include a long-lasting 9-day battery life, comprehensive wellness tracking (Body Battery, sleep analysis), and 15 new sport profiles, making it a capable fitness...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    C
    consumentenbond.nl
    Ongoing
    Garmin Lily 2 Active - Silver / Purple Jasmine - Test, Reviews & Prices

    The Garmin Lily 2 Active (Silver/Purple Jasmine) is a 38mm, 29g fitness-focused smartwatch featuring a hidden monochrome screen, stylish patterned lens, and new physical side buttons for easier navigation. Key pros include the addition of built-in GPS, accurate 24/7 heart rate monitoring, Body Battery, and up to 9 days of battery life. Limitations, or cons, include the lack of an...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    G
    global.techradar.com
    06/12/2024
    Garmin Lily 2 Active review: a stylish upgrade with built-in GPS

    The Garmin Lily 2 Active is a stylish, 29g smartwatch tailored for smaller wrists that introduces critical upgrades like built-in GPS for phone-free tracking and physical side buttons for improved navigation during workouts. Key features include a nine-day battery life, over 30 sport profiles, and comprehensive health monitoring, including HRV data and Garmin Coach. While its...Read more

    (Translated)Show original

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