OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Smartwatches Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 3,488 independent expert reviews and 5,192 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v2.0

Garmin Venu Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£310Screen size:1.20 inchBattery life:5 daysDisplay type:AMOLED

Garmin Venu Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 19 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

7.5

Overall score

Score
7.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 75% of models
Score components

70%

7.3

Technical score

30%

8.0

Review score ( 10 · 9)

Review score 30% · 8.0 · based on 19 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 30%, technical score 70%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades. 5 more reviews are not scored yet.
▲Better than 75% of smartwatches
7.3

Technical score

Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 74% of models
Score components

24%

6.8

Health

21%

9.2

Fitness

16%

5.2

Battery

14%

8.4

Smart features

12%

7.4

Connectivity

9%

8.0

Display & Design

4%

4.4

Hardware

▲Better than 74% of smartwatches
8.0

Review score

Review 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.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 66% of models
Grades by review (19)
10 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 9 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 3
✓ explicit
3

8.1%

8.0

techradar.com

8.1%

8.0

t3.com

8.1%

8.0

expertreviews.co.uk

Video reviews 2

3.2%

8.0

Gauging Gadgets

3.2%

8.0

DesFit

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
▲Better than 66% of smartwatches
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Best prices

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Best rankings

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

Technical score
Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 74% of models
Score components:

24%

6.8

Health

21%

9.2

Fitness

16%

5.2

Battery

14%

8.4

Smart features

12%

7.4

Connectivity

9%

8.0

Display & Design

4%

4.4

Hardware

7.3
Review score
Review 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.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 66% of models
Grades by review (19)
10 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 9 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 3
✓ explicit
3

8.1%

8.0

techradar.com

8.1%

8.0

t3.com

8.1%

8.0

expertreviews.co.uk

Video reviews 2

3.2%

8.0

Gauging Gadgets

3.2%

8.0

DesFit

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.0
Popularity
Popularity
10.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 93% of models
Popularity:
Garmin Venu has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 93.2% of smartwatches.
10
Value for money
Value for money
7.9/ 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
▲ Better than 67% of models
Score components:

60%

7.5

Overall score

40%

8.9

Price

7.9
Brand name
Garmin
Heart rate monitor
yes
Heart rate monitor
yes
▲ Better than 11% of models
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 10.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
▲ Better than 33% of models
This smartwatch supports blood oxygen monitoring. 33.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
ECG
no
▼ Worse than 17% of models
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
▲ Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch 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
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
Accelerometer
yes
▲ Better than 1% of models
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
Barometer
yes
▲ Better than 51% of models
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 50.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
Gyroscope
yes
▲ Better than 30% of models
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 30.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
yes
Cadence sensor
yes
▲ Better than 69% of models
This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor. 69% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
Distance tracking
yes
Distance tracking
yes
▲ Better than 4% of models
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
5 days
Battery life
5 days
▼ Worse than 63% of models
Market range: <1 days – >16 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 5 days which is shorter than that of 63.5% of smartwatches and equal to that of 6.5% of smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
20 h
Battery life in training mode
20 h
▲ Better than 51% of models
Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
This smartwatch lasts 20 h in training mode which is longer than 50.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 3.6% of smartwatches.
Up to 20 hours in gps mode.
Battery life with GPS on
20 h
Battery life with GPS on
20 h
▼ Worse than 48% of models
Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
This smartwatch lasts 20 h with GPS on which is longer than 46.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 5.6% of smartwatches.
Up to 20 hours in gps mode.
Battery power
170 mAh
Battery power
170 mAh
▼ Worse than 93% of models
Market range: <195 mAh – >475 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 170 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 93.2% of smartwatches and equal to those in 0.2% of smartwatches.
Charge time
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Garmin OS
Operating system
Garmin OS
▲ Better than 71% of models
This smartwatch 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
occasional
Software update frequency
occasional
▲ Better than 58% of models
This smartwatch 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
yes
Third-party app support
yes
▲ Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 52.4% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
Notifications
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
no
Voice assistant support
no
▼ Worse than 68% of models
This smartwatch does not support voice assistants. 67.8% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
no
Cellular module
no
▼ Worse than 18% of models
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 18% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
yes
GPS
yes
▲ Better than 44% of models
This smartwatch supports GPS. 43.9% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
yes
Galileo support
yes
▲ Better than 62% of models
This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation. 61.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
yes
Compass
yes
▲ Better than 47% of models
This smartwatch includes a compass. 47.5% of smartwatches include a compass.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
1.2 inch
Screen size
1.2 inch
▼ Worse than 85% of models
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
This smartwatch has a screen size of 1.2 inch which is smaller than the screens of 85.3% of smartwatches and equal to those of 8% of smartwatches.
Display type
AMOLED
Display type
AMOLED
▲ Better than 50% of models
This smartwatch uses a AMOLED display type which is more advanced than that of 49.9% of smartwatches and the same as that of 50.1% of smartwatches.
Resolution
390x 390
Resolution
390x 390
▲ Better than 61% of models
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 390x390 which is higher than that of 60.9% of smartwatches and equal to that of 6.1% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
460 ppi
Pixel density
460 ppi
▲ Better than 79% of models
Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 460 ppi which is higher than that of 79.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 5% of smartwatches.
Display brightness
1,000 nits
Display brightness
1,000 nits
▲ Better than 59% of models
Market range: <450 nits – >2k nits
This smartwatch reaches 1,000 nits of display brightness, which is higher than that of 59.4% of smartwatches and equal to that of 26.5% of smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
?
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
8 GB
Internal storage
8 GB
▲ Better than 68% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch uses 8 GB for internal storage which is larger than that of 67.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 12.1% of smartwatches.
External memory slot
no
External memory slot
no
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

Garmin Venu vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • Crash detection capability
    Crash detection
    yes
    ▲ Better than 87% of models
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
    Requires paired phone/network and/or specific activities for automatic alerts.
  • Fall detection
    Fall detection
    yes
    ▲ Better than 79% of models
    This smartwatch supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 21.3% of smartwatches support fall detection.
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    ▲ Better than 59% of models
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • VO2 max measurement
    VO2 max measurement
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Garmin OS
    ▲ Better than 71% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch 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).
  • NFC functionality
    NFC
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • 63.4% more popular
    Garmin Venu has a higher popularity than the average smartwatch (10 vs 6.1).
    10 vs 6.12
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    ▲ Better than 59% of models
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • VO2 max measurement
    VO2 max measurement
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • Irregular heart rate alerts
    Irregular heart rate warnings
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch 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).
  • Weight tracking
    Weight tracking
    yes
    ▲ Better than 61% of models
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.1% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Tracked through the companion app or smart-scale sync.
  • Water intake tracking
    Water intake tracking
    yes
    ▲ Better than 56% of models
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44% of smartwatches track water intake.
  • Perspiration monitoring
    Perspiration monitoring
    yes
    ▲ Better than 86% of models
    This smartwatch tracks perspiration, the average smartwatch does not. 14.1% of smartwatches track perspiration.
    Perspiration tracking may be estimated from activity data in companion apps.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    External heart rate monitor compatibility
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • Barometer sensor included
    Barometer
    yes
    ▲ Better than 51% of models
    This smartwatch includes a barometer, the average smartwatch does not. 49.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • Cadence tracking
    Cadence sensor
    yes
    ▲ Better than 69% of models
    This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.1% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
    Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
  • Route support
    Route support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 50% of models
    This smartwatch supports route support, the average smartwatch does not. 50% of smartwatches support route support.
    Route support available via companion app.
  • 610 m higher max altitude
    Maximum altitude
    9,144 m
    ▲ Better than 79% of models
    Market range: <3k m – >9.1k m
    This smartwatch supports a higher maximum altitude than the average smartwatch (9144 m vs 8534 m). The average smartwatch reaches 8534 m.
    9,144 m vs 8,534 m
  • NFC functionality
    NFC
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.3% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Supports ANT+
    ANT+ support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 88% of models
    This smartwatch supports ANT+, the average smartwatch does not. 11.7% of smartwatches support ANT+.
  • Galileo satellite support
    Galileo support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • Stronger display glass
    Display glass type
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3
    ▲ Better than 58% of models
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs mineral glass
  • 400 nits higher display brightness
    Display brightness
    1,000 nits
    ▲ Better than 59% of models
    Market range: <450 nits – >2k nits
    This smartwatch has higher display brightness than the average smartwatch (1000 nits vs 600 nits). The average smartwatch reaches 600 nits.
    1,000 nits vs 600 nits
  • 134 ppi higher pixel density
    Pixel density
    460 ppi
    ▲ Better than 79% of models
    Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
    This smartwatch has a higher pixel density than the average smartwatch (460 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch display reaches 326 ppi.
    460 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • 8 mm narrower band
    Width of band
    14.0 mm
    ★ Better than 99% of models
    Market range: <20 mm – >22 mm
    This smartwatch has a narrower band width than the average smartwatch (14 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch band is 22.0 mm wide.
    14.0 mm vs 22.0 mm
  • Better case material
    Case material
    stainless steel
    ▲ Better than 58% of models
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    stainless steel vs polycarbonate
  • Crash detection capability
    Crash detection
    yes
    ▲ Better than 87% of models
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
    Requires paired phone/network and/or specific activities for automatic alerts.
  • Fall detection
    Fall detection
    yes
    ▲ Better than 79% of models
    This smartwatch supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 21.3% of smartwatches support fall detection.
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Garmin OS
    ▲ Better than 71% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch 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).
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • More frequent updates
    Software update frequency
    occasional
    ▲ Better than 58% of models
    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 multi-sport mode
    Multi-sport mode
    no
    ▼ Worse than 69% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 68.4% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • No voice assistant
    Voice assistant support
    no
    ▼ Worse than 68% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 67.7% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
  • No call answering
    Call answering
    no
    ▼ Worse than 58% of models
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 58.1% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No speaker
    Built-in speaker
    no
    ▼ Worse than 56% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • No voice command support
    Voice commands
    no
    ▼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 67% of smartwatches support voice commands.
  • 0.2 inch smaller screen size
    Screen size
    1.20 inch
    ▼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen size than the average smartwatch (1.2 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.
    1.20 inch vs 1.40 inch
  • 130 mAh smaller battery capacity
    Battery life
    170 mAh days
    ▼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartwatch (170 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    170 mAh vs 300 mAh
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Number of microphones
    0
    ▼ Worse than 75% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This smartwatch has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch includes 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 2.38x more expensive
    Garmin Venu is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£310 vs £130).
    £310 vs £130
  • No multi-sport mode
    Multi-sport mode
    no
    ▼ Worse than 69% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 68.4% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • 60 fewer exercise profiles
    Multi-sport mode
    20
    ▼ Worse than 69% of models
    This smartwatch supports fewer exercise modes than the average smartwatch (20 vs 80). The average smartwatch supports 80 exercise modes.
    Reported as at least 20 exercise modes.
    20 vs 80
  • No voice feedback
    Voice feedback
    no
    ▼ Worse than 62% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice feedback, the average smartwatch does. 61.9% of smartwatches support voice feedback.
  • 130 mAh smaller battery capacity
    Battery life
    170 mAh days
    ▼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartwatch (170 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    170 mAh vs 300 mAh
  • 2 days day/s shorter battery life
    Battery life
    5 days
    ▼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 5 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    5 days vs 7 days
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    4.2
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    This smartwatch supports an older Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (4.2 vs 5). The average smartwatch uses 5.0.
    4.2 vs 5.0
  • 0.2 inch smaller screen size
    Screen size
    1.20 inch
    ▼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen size than the average smartwatch (1.2 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.
    1.20 inch vs 1.40 inch
  • 0.8 mm thicker watch body
    Thickness
    12.40 mm
    ▼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <9.8 mm – >14.1 mm
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (12.4 mm vs 11.6 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.6 mm.
    12.40 mm vs 11.6 mm
  • No voice assistant
    Voice assistant support
    no
    ▼ Worse than 68% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 67.7% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
  • No call answering
    Call answering
    no
    ▼ Worse than 58% of models
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 58.1% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No voice command support
    Voice commands
    no
    ▼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 67% of smartwatches support voice commands.
  • No smart alarm
    Smart alarm
    no
    ▼ Worse than 53% of models
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • No camera remote
    Camera remote control
    no
    ▼ Worse than 86% of models
    This smartwatch 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
    Built-in speaker
    no
    ▼ Worse than 56% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Number of microphones
    0
    ▼ Worse than 75% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This smartwatch has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch includes 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 year/s older release date
    Release date
    2019
    ▼ Worse than 68% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This smartwatch is an older model than the average smartwatch (2019 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    September 2019
    2019 vs 2021

Video reviews

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

8.0
DesFit
≈ estimated
09/02/2020
Full review · fitness tracking and battery life
Verdict
Garmin Venu suits endurance sports well with its OLED display and decent battery life, but is weaker for strength training.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict

What reviewers agree on

Based on 10 · 11

Reviewers love the great screen, sport modes and onboard music, but apps and controls disappoint, and battery opinions are split.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
t3.com
✓ explicit
27/04/2022
Long-term test · Fitness smartwatch
Verdict
The Garmin Venu is a comfortable fitness watch with a bright AMOLED screen and reliable tracking, but its plain design and fiddly touch controls hold it back.
8.0
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
15/12/2020
Expert review · Fitness smartwatch
Verdict
The Garmin Venu suits people who want guided workouts and offline music on a bright screen, though it needs charging more often than other Garmins.
8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
06/08/2022
Tested review · Multi-sport tracker
Verdict
The Garmin Venu is a strong multi-sport watch with a bright screen and accurate heart rate, but its app library is thin and its touchscreen can be fiddly.
7.0
computerbild.de
✓ explicit
21/06/2021
Product test · Sports tracking
Verdict
The Garmin Venu is a bright, accurate sports watch that lasts about four days, but its menus are tangled and it has no voice assistant.
digitec.ch
24/10/2019
Not graded yet
correrunamaraton.com
16/12/2019
Not graded yet
tecnorecensioni.com
05/03/2020
Not graded yet
androidworld.nl
28/02/2020
Not graded yet
9.0
natuurlijklinda.nl
≈ estimated
23/07/2020
Personal review · Health tracking
Verdict
The Garmin Venu is a stylish all-round tracker that stands out for Body Battery and built-in training plans, though setup takes time and its oxygen readings seem low.
9.0
mamsatwork.nl
≈ estimated
27/10/2020
Personal review · Everyday wear
Verdict
The Garmin Venu suits anyone who wants calorie and Body Battery tracking, though its top button often starts workouts by accident.

Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Garmin Venu

  • High-quality, bright AMOLED display that is easy to read in various lighting conditions
  • Strong battery life, often lasting 5–10+ days depending on the specific model and settings
  • Accurate GPS and health tracking metrics, including heart rate and SpO2
  • Sleek and attractive design suitable for both fitness and professional environments
  • Comprehensive wellness features like Body Battery, sleep coaching, and stress tracking
  • Built-in music storage and support for offline playlists from services like Spotify
  • Integrated speaker and microphone in newer models (Venu 3/4) for on-wrist calls and voice assistants

What we don't like about Garmin Venu

  • High price point compared to some competitors and other Garmin budget models
  • Limited third-party app ecosystem compared to Apple Watch or Wear OS devices
  • Lack of on-board LTE/cellular connectivity options
  • Garmin Pay support is limited by a relatively small number of participating banks in certain regions
  • Heart rate tracking can occasionally lag behind chest straps during high-intensity interval training
  • Proprietary charging cable can be finicky to attach and may disconnect easily
  • Interface navigation can feel unintuitive or have a learning curve for new users

Verdict

The original Garmin Venu, released in 2019, was Garmin's first smartwatch to feature a vibrant 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen with a 390 x 390 pixel resolution and an optional always-on mode. Housed in a 43.2mm fiber-reinforced polymer case with a stainless steel bezel, it offers 5 ATM water resistance and a suite of sensors including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, a barometric altimeter, and a Pulse Ox sensor for blood oxygen monitoring. Key pros include its high-quality display, solid 5-day battery life in smartwatch mode (up to 6 hours with GPS and music), and advanced health tracking features like Body Battery energy monitoring, animated on-screen workouts, and incident detection. However, cons include a limited third-party app selection in the Connect IQ store, less reliable sleep tracking compared to competitors, and a touchscreen interface that can be less responsive during high-intensity or wet-weather activities.

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