Garmin Venu 2 Plus vs Apple Watch Series 7 In-Depth Comparison // Smartwatch, Fitness, and Accuracy!

[@bcwest619]

I got the Venu 2 Plus a few days ago. I've had a lot of Garmin watches over the years, usually higher end Forerunners and Fenix models, but so far the Venu 2 Plus is by far my favorite. It really is awesome having the smartwatch functionality to go with the great fitness features. And the AMOLED touchscreen is just a joy to use and makes this watch feel SUPER premium.

[@rambeezy]

Would you recommend I upgrade from my forerunner 945?

[@bcwest619]

@@rambeezy I'd say that depends. I was using a 945 and moved to the Venu 2 Plus and am more than happy with the decision. The only thing I **really** think I'll miss is the 945's maps, so I'm hanging onto it for when I need to run a route I don't know. Although, I think there are Connect IQ apps to do maps on the Venu, but I haven't looked into it yet.

[@saywardmontague]

How do you find the responsiveness of the screen? Previous Venu models were a little less than smooth (I know it’s an issue with third party watch faces but was curious about overall responsiveness).

[@bcwest619]

@@saywardmontague so far, it has been extremely responsive and smooth. I don't know what the refresh rate is on the screen, but I assume it's pretty high. The screen has never felt like it lagged at all and moved smoothly

[@64dsenna]

My

[@pessimistic_optimism]

garmin is doing amazing job by combining fitness and smartwatch features perfectly.

[@1bojanbojan]

Loved my apple 7 series. But I sold it and ordered garmin venu 2 plus due to better battery. Was getting sick of apple charging it daily

[@frederikruysseveldt7106]

Changed from my series 6 for the same reason last week. Not dissapointed

[@adrianpedersen7550]

I switched out my AW7 with the Venu 2 Plus and I'm blown away. Such a stunning screen, everything is really snappy and battery is great. After 31 hours I've used 15%, I have SpO2 on at night and had a 45 min GPS workout. Sleep tracking is miles better and I'm probably saving $100 yearly as I don't have to subscribe to apps for everything.

[@TheMisterPvp]

If it performs the same as the Venu 2, Sleep tracking is not that good

[@EricK-vw5wh]

@@TheMisterPvp Sleep tracking is not good on any wearable. I don't care the brand or model. It's all subjective and based on a guess using your heart rate along with when it "thinks" you are moving.

[@TheMisterPvp]

@@EricK-vw5wh Fitbit is doing pretty good. Around 75% average accuracy (Deep, light, REM, awake) with 55% being the lowest sleep stage accuracy.

[@marcof771]

@@TheMisterPvp you have to pay subscription for the complete sleep tracking, though

[@mohdfadzhil9890]

I am currently using AW7 and i am really annoyed with the heart rate sensor. I couldnt have a decent reading without having to "warm it up" for 5-10 minutes especially when i am running indoors. Dont know if it makes any difference. Do you have the same problem? I am now seriously considering venu 2 plus. Do you think i should go ahead? i would have to sell the AW7 first though.

[@gruffintonmuffin1239]

I've spent hours watching review videos, I wish I'd come across yours first!. Clear, concise, easy to understand. Thank you so much :)

[@DesFit]

You’re welcome and thanks!

[@gnawty4662]

My impression here is - Garmin seems more than capable, and the “cheaper” option in terms of subscriptions, and downloading an app will take your watch to new heights? Solid review. I’ve never considered a Garmin (maybe due to lack of marketing) but I’m leaning Garmin here as Fitness is #1 priority.

[@BobbyWoody429]

I moved from Apple Watch to Garmin and the focus is certainly more on fitness s

[@marieannefabiano]

I literally just bought the Venu 2S Plus this morning after going back and forth about it all week. I have an Apple Watch series 6, but this video sold me on the Venu! I completely agree...the addition of the speaker and the ability to use virtual assistant with the iPhone from the Venu, makes this a game changer. Thank you for your review...well done!

[@DesFit]

Nice! Enjoy your watch and thanks!

[@marieannefabiano]

@@Max.527 It does. However, I run every day and utilize my Garman watch for that. Because Garmin does sports tracking so much better. Additionally, I like the way Garmin track sleep and motivates for daily activity better than Apple Watch. So as soon as the integration/the ability for Garmin to make and receive calls and text messages from its watch via an iPhone, I was all in. Because it this point I was using two watches which is silly and a bit ridiculous

[@marieannefabiano]

@@Max.527 bingo!

[@marieannefabiano]

@@Max.527 maybe! 😂 They’re very motivating. And I happen to be selling the watching one replacing with the Venu if you’re interested…

[@marieannefabiano]

@@Max.527 thanks! I’m so excited for it to come!

[@marissa3248]

you came up in my recommended and I just wanted to say, this is an excellent, informative, well rounded, detailed video! you speak quickly and with precision and the video is so cleanly done. I'm impressed!

[@DesFit]

Thanks so much!

[@tetchuma]

I just ordered my Venu 2 Plus, because I love the battery life of my 7yo Garmin vivoactive HR. That’s the only reason I haven’t bought an Apple Watch.

[@Thatsme849]

Maybe I’m missing something but I just can’t think of a reason why I would want an extension to my phone when it is right there in my pocket?

[@Pyriold]

It tracks activities much better than your phone and the notifications are harder to miss. Really you probably don't need a smartwatch if you don't need the training data, but it's a luxury item that can make things easier.

[@cardicus96]

Have an older apple watch (series 4) which is fine, but just opted to upgrade to venu 2 plus. The smart watch features they added are pretty much the only ones I wanted Garmin to introduce (more imessage compatibility would be ok, but whatever) and the fitness features as well as the body battery and sleep tracking on the garmin seem to be better. Apple watch has had the same platform for waaaay too long. I was looking at the forerunner/fenix options, but I dont think i'll use all of the added features ultimately. Just wish the venu 2 plus added a few more running specific features like pacepro and live strava segments:/

[@joemichael5155]

I hate that Apple keeps iMessage so locked down. That’s why we can’t do much with messages on non Apple products.

[@MsRafanatic]

The venu 2 plus has pace pro. But no strava live segments (for now).

[@alexanderzarkov1733]

When I had to buy my first smartwatch few years ago I decide to go with Garmin Venu due the battery life. After the usage of daily sport activity I definitely can recommend Venu here are my cons: - greate sport activity tracking features - awesome battery life - very well designed sensors and they are kinda accurately and my cons: - poor software and slow syncing - not accurate data with iOS health data integration and your stick to Garmin Connect app for statistics which is awful - kinda poor hardware that makes the watch very slow when you have watch face with 2-3 parameters of data - lack of wireless and fast charger, this cable standard of garmin makes you to have another cable in your bag for the watch - with all sensors on and always-on display battery life is more like 2 to 3 days depends on workouts I order Apple Watch 7 this time just because the lack of good software support by Garmin and the miss of wireless charging. On my opinion if you're sport activity person and you want stylish watch for daily usage - Venu 2+ with both hands, but if you want good collaboration between watch and apple definitely Apple Watch.

[@dpk__20]

Sir Garmin venu is still worthy?

[@derwentwilliamson8545]

Same goes for the relationship between Samsung Galaxy watch and a Samsung and/or Android phone. Venu is an superior fitness watch but both the Apple watch and Galaxy watches are top notch smart watches for their ecosystems.

[@l36726]

Such a good video. Thank you so much for taking the time to do it.

[@DesFit]

You’re welcome!

[@splatmatt]

After using both - I found the Venu 2+ to be buggy. Most of the time the Venu 2+ is "snappy" but there are some erratic hangs and freezes (firmware in time will probably address). I did reset the watch several times to work around but eventually had an issue. The Venu 2+ speaker did get crackly to the point of being unintelligible when it was exposed to very cold temps. Additionally, the ConnectIQ app is not working properly and Garmin acknowledges the issue. I honestly do not feel the $100 premium for the Venu 2+ (over the Venu 2) is worth it. The connection to assistant is slow and volume controls do not sync, therefore behaved independently on the V2+. So make sure bluetooth volume is max on the iPhone then the Venu 2 + will be able to regulate the full range of volume (otherwise the speaker may seem too quite). If you have an Android OS phone, then the Venu 2 (or 2+) is the a solid choice. But if you have an iPhone, the AW7 is the way to go. The biggest edge I found for the Venu 2+ was the ability to develop HIIT profiles: AMRAP (with capped time) and EMOM right out of the box. Personally, I found the "Plus" features to be more gimmicky when used on the iPhone and recommend saving $100 and go with the Venu 2 instead. Otherwise, get the AW7 because on either devices the battery life is short when you start using their feature sets. Yes the V2+ can be adjusted for an extra day or two, but then why pay a premium for features you won't use? Given the the AW7 and V2+ are at similar price points the AW7 delivers a much better experience. If you need a longer battery life go with the Garmin Instinct Solar (my favorite) or Vivoactive 4 (even though they have the older sensor) while the screens aren't as pretty they are much easier to see all the time without a significant hit to the battery.

[@calendar9497]

Thats where I can't accept paying Apple tax plus being forced more or less into their ecosystem. I much rather have a few hangs and bugs here and there, than feel trapped. That type'a stuff keeps me awake at night...

[@P.I.D.27]

I have AW7 and Fenix 6 Saphire. AW is great for smartwatch, but if you want track your activity with more data you must pay for others apps. I go skiing and with AW7 only gives me time and HR ? WTF , if you want more you must take APP- Slope or something . If you pay you take all data you need , if you dont you take max distance for day, top speed and some others but dont take HR monitoring. So if you take 2-3 apps from store for better data and pay 30-40 $ in year ......

[@alexc6946]

Not knowing if the Venue supports open water swimming, I have owned a number of Garmin watches (Fenix 3 and Fenix 6 being the latest) and have found they both had issues tracking open water swimming accurately due to the fact that you would need to keep your wrist out of the water long enough for the watch to catch the GPS signal. The result would be a series of straight-line connections between the points where I'd stop for a break and not an accurate trajectory of my swimming route. I have also owned several Apple Watches (Series 4 & 6) and these devices did much better tracking my actual trajectory in open water.

[@bailey50100]

Good comparison! Apple Watch 7 also has Assistive Touch. I’ve answered numerous calls just by clenching my hand which is surprisingly useful. I also reply to texts by speaking most often and it is very accurate.

[@DesFit]

Nice! Thanks for adding that additional info. 👍

[@streugD]

Great review! I have another question about the vibration, how good is it on the Venu 2+? Is it really so nice like on Apple Watches or just basic ones like on Fenix 6? Thx :)

[@pssrfybs]

This was very helpful man. And I like your style! Thank you

[@DesFit]

Thanks and you're welcome!

[@Zurari1]

Des, you’re awesome! There is no one out there who can explain fitness watches better than you. Although I have own only one watch (Garmin Venu) , but I see all your video of other watches as well. I have an intriguing question for you, “ How safe are these electronic devices to be on our body the whole day? Like how safe on body organs, Be it heart, brain or nervous system, I just keep asking myself won’t they interfere in our current system? Kindly help us all out here with this question. Love from India ! ❤️ Peace ✌️

[@DrRamalamadingdong]

I switched from Apple Watch to Garmin Venu (First Ed.). I am so happy with my Garmin. Atm i would not switch back to Apple Watch. I get more functionality, better sport programms etc for e lesser price. The live track function is awesome, the battery life is out of reach for apple watch, and there a so many programms for sport to cutomize. The first 2 weeks were hard after the switch, but once you i was in, i felt in love with garmin.

[@MrWhaatay]

I realize this is a year old video but at 9:53 that is no longer true. The FDA approved the ECG app about four weeks ago for the Venu 2 Plus and the hardware is already built into the watch to do ECGs.

[@ceetee100]

Another great review Des! I've been waiting to pull the trigger on upgrading my wearable to the Venu 2, when the Venu 2 plus and Apple Watch Series 7 dropped. Have been back and forth between the two, but the battery life of the Garmin edges it for me. I am so used to infrequent charging that daily charging with the Apple is an extra faff I can do without.

[@DesFit]

Often times that's what it comes down to for a lot of folks is battery life - hopefully Apple can address that issue in the future. Thanks!

[@asifmohamed5348]

Thank you for you review. Waiting for watch 5 pro vs Venue 2 plus comparison

[@DesFit]

Coming soon!

[@targadave]

Great review! I’m still torn between upgrading between these 2 watches. Have a basic Garmin Instinct now and it’s been great. Just got a 13 Pro Max. Love the idea of a more integrated ecosystem but I know the Apple Watch battery life would be a big let down from my Garmin Instinct. Thought I wanted an Apple cellular SE (or 7) but I’m hearing comments that battery life gets even worse. Garmin’s ability to Siri pair with IPhone does seem like a big improvement in integration. Aah, decisions?!

[@ravenblack9750]

AW is smartphone on your hand but garmin is not. Battery is one day that’s how it is. I have AW that’s perfect SW and Coros Vertix 🤷🏻‍♂️. Sadly I need them both. 😀

[@lencekk]

Depends on your needs. I've never had an Apple watch but I wouldn't get it. For me the smartwatch features are an extra, the primary goal is a good sports watch. For someone that does a lot of outdoor activity with GPS on, I feel like having to charge so often would just be too much of a hassle. So if you're primarily looking for a sports watch, I would probably go with the Venu. Unless that integration of smart watch features is more important to you :)

[@reynaniteraven]

I went from the very first Venue watch which I loved (my husband got me an Apple Watch as a gift I felt I had to use it so I donated my Venue to my daughter) I have to say going from the Venus battery life to Apple Watch battery life was not only a let down but a huge shock to me. The Venu’s sleep detection is much better than the Apple Watch out of the box program. I ended up having to buy an app subscription to get somewhat close to the info I used to get on my sleep with the Garmin. My next upgrade I will go back to the Venu or what Garmin May have at the time I upgrade. It’s mostly what your looking for in a Watch. Garmin is more sports/workout/health forward where Apple is more technical forward and does very well as a partner to the iPhone. Both are good watches.

[@reynaniteraven]

@@lencekk I agree 100%. I’ve had both. Having to charge the Apple Watch so much is annoying to me. I will be returning to a Garmin as I want a more sports watch. Your 💯 right as it all depends on what your wanting and needing. 👍😁

[@targadave]

@@reynaniteraven Thanks for (all) the responses! I do a lot of activity tracking including open water and pool swimming, road biking, paddle boarding, and even my crazy water-wind sports of wing foiling and kite foiling (see my avatar). Sounds like Garmin almost always wins out for sports tracking versus smart phone functions, and that will always be my highest priority. I am a bit surprised the Venue2+ lacks an open water swim option since I have it on my lowly Instict model. According to DC-Rainmaker I can just use a 3rd party app for open-water swimming

[@markbenson5485]

Great comparison, thank you! Still trying to decide (have an Apple 7). Battery life is a BIG letdown with the Apple.

[@ysdnsingh]

Had an Apple Watch 4-6 and then finally got sick of it when on trips I couldn’t find time or place to charge it and the AW just became a piece of expensive jewellery.

[@natskar]

I traded in my venue 2 for a watch 7 a couple days ago. And yeah the watch 7 is a great watch I am constantly trying to get my watch 7 do do and track stuff that my venue 2 did out of the box. I think I made a mistake :/

[@jasminebrown7150]

Ordered the VP2 today! After using AW for 6 years I’m enjoying the data / fitness metrics! So happy garmin added the voice assistant. Thank you

[@DesFit]

Nice! Enjoy your watch 👍

[@effective_agile]

Great video... very useful information. Thanks for sharing!

[@DesFit]

You're welcome!

[@stevengodelie7075]

Very nice review, I am watching for a sport watch and didn't know where to look. With this review I can choose easy. Keep it going

[@JBUCKNE]

Hi Dez, I really enjoy your videos so please keep them coming. Asking for a video/information of garmin/iOS compatibility. I currently own an IPhone and a Apple Watch 2 looking to upgrade watch soon. I prefer the look and the athletic metrics of a Garmin but I am concerned with loss of usability with my iPhone. I listen to books on audible or podcasts when I run or do work around my house. Sometimes I have a KZbin video going in the background during chores. I also listen to iTunes when I workout. I really enjoy the connivence of being able to pause, rewind, or skip using my iPhone. I don’t have patience to mess with a bunch of apps or screens just like it simple. Can you demonstrate usability of an Garmin paired with an IPhone. Thank you

[@FoxBox72]

Wish Garmin had brought the PacePro feature to Venu 2. I can't see why not.

[@snajper8078]

Because they want you to buy more than just one device 😀

[@karastover8963]

I finally took the plunge ! I have had the Vivoactive 3, Vivoactive music, Fenix 6s and now I'm in love with the Venu 2 plus! All my garmins still work and that is why I love Garmin better than Fitbit. My son is getting an upgrade too Venu 2 plus 🤣 No excuses to take my calls now 😆

[@guyhasd]

Great comparison review. Thanks.

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@YogeshJoshi2011]

Is it worth upgrading from Garmin Venu to Venu 2 Plus given the hefty price point of Venu 2 Plus?

[@DB-me3jt]

I bought the AW 7 cellular a month ago. Mainly to let my iPhone at home wile working out and not having to carry my big iPhone XR around all the time. I find the fitness tracking a bit gimmicky, not very useful and I find the menus on the iPhone a bit complex. I feel like it doesn’t track activity on the basis of your recovery and former activity, I even haven’t found a way to check my recovery on the AW. I used to have the Whoopstrap and the WS does that great, after a good recovery it takes more effort to “close the rings”.. From what I see on YT the Garmin body battery does take your recovery in account to measure your activity, where the AW doesn’t. Would I buy again if broken/stolen…? I don’t think so…, more likely to buy a smaller iPhone and a Garmin watch.

[@Mark1Mach2]

Health and fitness watch is what we need. For a smartwatch we have a phone already why crowd it with everything beeping at you.

[@r3ynew]

great review as always. Do you have any info what version of bluetooth it uses? 4 or 5 ?

[@johnmanley4528]

Nice video as always Des. I saw that the Fenix 6 Beta software has a tennis profile. Do you think that would come to the Venu sometime as well?

[@mauriceatron]

Thanks for this video. Really helped alot!

[@DesFit]

You’re welcome!

[@nnjjee1]

Thanks again Des. How would you say the Venu 2 Plus screen is outdoors vs Vivoactive 4 and other Garmins’ transflective displays? More than adequate to read in sunlight?

[@DesFit]

More than adequate, in fact quite good. It has a very bright display just like the Apple Watch so both are readable outside. Thanks!

[@bcwest619]

I've had a lot of Garmin watches over the years, and I've been using the new Venu 2 Plus the last several days including time outdoors on sunny days. The screen is much easier to read that the transflective displays, in my opinion, which actually surprised me a lot.

[@splatmatt]

The V2+ screen is quite bright and easily readable in outdoor situations. Personally, I prefer the transflective display surprisingly. Over the years the transflective display has won me over, but I also think the Garmin Instinct Solar is the best in function, battery, features and price. My ideal watch would be a Garmin Instinct Solar with LTE and HIIT profiles that include AMRAP (with capped time) and EMOM.

[@rachelhelman2098]

That was brilliant. I would be interested in seeing the Venue 2 Plus compared to the Samsung galaxy watch 4. Thanks for all your great content

[@duclosantoine6884]

Venu 2 plus better than samsung!

[@Eon0007]

Great review Des, does the Venu have Strava segments?

[@yanarose5693]

Thanks for this really helpful and in depth comparison! I've bit the bullet and bought myself a Venu Plus, can't wait to use it!

[@DesFit]

You’re welcome and enjoy your watch!

[@jimothybikael]

Excellent review! My order arrives in 6 days. Stoked to use it 🥳

[@DesFit]

Thanks and enjoy!

[@kenguie]

Hi, I actually have not really liked my apple watch as long as i've had one. I don't like the square shape and watch faces mainly but felt like I was locked in. I got an returned a fenix 7 just this week because too many of the smart phone features were not on it - mainly replying to messages to my wife. With the Venu 2, will i be able to use siri and say "message my wife, yes, son got meds at 4pm."? I really loved the Fenix but I just wished it was a little more able to work with my iphone .... Thanks!

[@nilosecomandi]

Nice review! Is there any third party app that monitors surfing?

[@PharaohciousX]

great video! you've helped me decide with confidence which one to buy. Thank you very much!

[@DesFit]

You’re welcome!

[@Jibberish18]

Fantastic review buddy.

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@Brady_Simmons]

Well presented, great quality, well played. Liked

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@felixschacht193]

Great Review, please go on in this way. Regards from Germany

[@DesFit]

Will do!

[@popusikurac1108]

Thank you for your review. Subscribed!

[@DesFit]

You're welcome and thanks!

[@TakWaiCheong]

Battery life is the deciding factor for what watch especially when you are using the sleep monitoring function.

[@michaelgrace4669]

Pixel user here. Does the Venu2+ allow you to respond to texts via the Google Assistant? (similar to how you responded with Siri)

[@flipwarrior]

This video was very fit! Great job!

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@antoniofantini4539]

Hello, thanks for this review! It is a great one and covers literally everything. I still have a question, how do you find the bluetooth connection of the Venu 2 Plus with iPhone? I have had several Garmin watches and I found that all of them lose connection quite easily (even inside my house when I change room) while AW stays connected over bigger distances (or it's not affected by walls).

[@DesFit]

Apple seems to have optimized the bluetooth connection from their Apple Watches to their iPhones - they seem to always stay connected while devices from other manufacturers (not necessarily just Garmins) can drop from time to time.

[@marekbz]

AW also uses wi-fi to communicate and stay connected to the iPhone, if on the same network. It will default to Bluetooth whenever it can, however. That explains that I always have a connection to my phone within my house, where as Garmin will drop the BT whenever it is out of reach. I have found that Fenix with its steel frame do so more often than the Forerunner series.

[@FlavortownFreddy]

hey Des, can you do a fitbit charge 5 comprehensive review please ? stuck on a decision and only your review will help. Budget is 169$ CAD and don't want to spend over $200. I am not a serious athlete and I need band instead of watch . Thanks Dawg in advance !

[@J0hnd03ph]

Can you please compare it to galaxy watch 4?

[@DesFit]

I'll see what I can do

[@J0hnd03ph]

@@DesFit thank you for the reply!

[@eugenavram6558]

How is the connection with iphone? It’s a good connection or loosing it?better option between this 2 watches?? Honestly.. I’m not so interested in reply messages via watch ..

[@jkkvnttj]

So, is the fall detection always on or just on certain activities?

[@cbb8323]

First, great comparison as always- thank you 💪. One question to the venu 2 plus, does it give you any figures on Aerob and Anaerob after a workout ?

[@txa1265]

Thanks for a great review - I have been using (and loving the Garmin FR245+ since it came out and I haven’t gone back to Apple Watch … but I love the look and feel of the Venu 2.

[@DesFit]

The Venu 2 series are nice devices, for sure. Thanks!

[@guspachio4977]

Des…..any idea if the Garmin will pair with my Concept 2 rower to display heart rate on my rower while I’m rowing? Also, this is a big crystal ball ask as the Garmin was just updated, but what are the chances it will be updated again this fall?….keep up the great work.

[@oliviertheveniot2896]

So what about the Fenix 7 do you think it is about to come out ? I honestly hesitate In buying venu 2 plus because of the potential of Fenix 7. Any thoughts ?

[@TheManWithTwoWatches]

Another great review Des! I was glad to see that you were wearing an OURA smart ring in few of your b-roll shots. Do you often sleep with your OURA ring?

[@DesFit]

Yup, easy to sleep with even though I'm not a "ring person". Thanks!

[@MarkLevison]

Thanks for providing the really good in depth comparisons of these devices that I can. I'm replacing my wife's Galaxy Watch 4(?), as it has awful battery life. There are some things I'm trying to figure out and I can't find a better place to ask: - For keeping track of general health and fitness (walking, hiking, biking, pilates, weights, ...) are the ecosystems equal? - We have treadmill desks, does the step tracking work if you're walking and typing (on either Apple or Garmin)? - Is the Garmin stress measurement useful or just noise? - Does the Garmin have a count down timer? (making tea is sometimes more important that fitness) Thanks in advance for any insights

[@rachelhelman2098]

Hi, that was a really great and useful video, thank you. One question, can the venue 2 plus connect via ant to Peloton bikes and tread? I know some garmin watches can do this. Thank you Des 😊

[@ameeraa101]

What is the best watch for swimming?

[@mscargill1]

As always, a great and tightly focused review. Thanks. I would be very interested to hear people’s thoughts on the Venu 2 v Venu 2 Plus proposition. Essentially, it seems, is the microphone, speaker and middle button worth the extra price for the Plus model when everything else is the same for the two watches - screen, battery life and health and fitness tracking features. And, of course, but seemingly not a big deal, the two sizes for the 2 over the single size for the 2 Plus. Not a big enough differentiator by itself to make you chose the 2 over the 2 Plus, I guess.

[@DesFit]

The microphone and speaker are the big upgrades over the original Venu 2 where they provide a way for iPhone users to be able to reply to texts using voice dictation since typing out a reply using iMessage is locked down to Apple Watches from Apple. Thanks!

[@joeriweyenberg]

Great video - the Garmin 1030+ cycling device introduced me to Garmin, absolutely love it, now want to switch Apple Watch to Garmin ecosystem as well. Question you may not be able to answer: do you think some of the new features (receiving calls and texts, touch screen, etc) on the Venu2 Plus will also be introduced on the soon to be released new Fenix 7? Fenix 7 would be ideal for me if it had calling, microphone and touch. Maybe you have some unofficial info on that?

[@Aus2312]

My Apple Watch tends to track very low once my treadmill speed gets around 8.0 (7:30 pace). My run this morning was 4.14 miles but the watch came in at 3.76. When you tested these what pace were you going at?

[@DesFit]

7:35/mile pace

[@Aus2312]

Hi Des, thanks for the reply. Have you done any previous calibration outdoor on the watch for more accurate tracking?

[@DesFit]

Yes, it’s a good idea to do a handful of outdoor runs at varying paces so the watch can get an idea of your running dynamics with GPS for better indoor accuracy.

[@paulotrindade163]

Great video! Thank you!

[@DesFit]

Sure thing. Thanks!

[@billt9615]

I would be interested in hearing more about the speaker capabilities of these watches. I don't wear glasses when I run, so I carry my phone along and use a running app to provide me with pace information via the speaker on my phone. Based on this video and some of the others I've watched, none seem to be clear about the speaker functionality. Can either of these watches provide me with split times and pace via the speaker without having to carry the heavy phone along on my runs?

[@bennyayaya]

Hey Des, does the Venu 2 Plus broadcast heartrate? It's so useful when Zwifting!

[@Jan_Capek]

Yes

[@DesFit]

Like Jan said, yup and you can this as an option to the Controls menu for easier access.

[@susancrewes9178]

Hi loved the video. Looking for the fitness tracker options so thinking venue 2 Plus. I want to leave the phone at home and play music or podcasts to ear phones/ pods. Have had trouble pairing watch to ear pods. What ear pods are people using that pair to watch (not phone) and at what price point? Thanks in advance

[@chriseccles5493]

@desfit This is just what I was looking for, I’m looking for a more traditional looking watch to work with iOS over an Apple Watch. Was considering the Garmin, TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra or the Fossil Gen 6. I’m still not sure, what would you recommend out of the 3?

[@chrisli7260]

Brilliant, as always. Thank you 😊

[@DesFit]

Thanks and sure thing!

[@NameLess-lk2qu]

is Venu 2 will fit my activities? I play ball, I jog, I bike and I walk alternatively. Tho I own iP, but I just dont like the watch.

[@hollywahl8349]

Do any of the Garmin watches have a calendar function where it will show your next meeting / appointment and alert you 15 minutes prior (for example) -- the Apple watch does this and I love that feature. Also - does or can the Garmin show both the time and the date on the face of the watch?

[@rodeldelizo]

Hi @ desfit i’m new to your page and find your reviews really helpful. I’m planning to get a new smartwatch and I had my eye on Ticwatch pro 3 ultra until garmin dropped this. So i’m torn between the two. Your reco would mean so much! Thanks in advance.

[@doseofanu.chathu]

Bought Venu 2 Plus today about few hours ago and so far I am loving it. I'll test more of this watching in coming days and hopefully I wont have to return it and go for watch 8 or SE 2nd gen. fingers crossed

[@Ghazalmetal]

How is your venu 2 plus coming along?

[@doseofanu.chathu]

solid watch , using every single day. battery life is also pretty good but I dont use all the features that watch has to offer much. regular use and fitness tracking. sometimes I use the watch to read messages and music control and thats pretty much it. overall it is a good watch, a bit over priced though, my opinion@@Ghazalmetal

[@JorgeGonzalez-qf6zq]

The venu 2 plus looks amazing, can you answer to chats using Google assistant in Android?

[@sarkaravishek1]

How is Venu 2 Plus’ responsiveness to touchscreen with sweaty hands? I am a bit disappointed that I can only pause a run with the top button and then have to use touchscreen as well to record the activity.

[@onetwo6039]

If only the venue can get a EKG feature via a firmware update. It's almost perfect.

[@MrWhaatay]

It has. It has always had the hardware to do it and the ECG app was just FDA approved about 4 weeks ago.

[@onetwo6039]

@@MrWhaatay Sweet.

[@tomkelly1453]

Really basic, but highly useful feature of the Apple Watch is the ability to ping your phone (in case you have misplaced it within the house) - kind of sad how frequently I have to do this to find my phone. Does Venu 2 Plus have a feature like this?

[@DesFit]

Yup! Nearly all Garmin wearables have this feature.

[@jeannedarc1566]

The difference in battery life is MASSIVE. Very impressed with my Venu 2 (have had 2 Apple Watches). Dislike proprietary charge cable.

[@Z_3D]

Can you program weights lifting workouts onto the Apple Watch like you can with the Garmin with the app?

[@onofriobelviso1004]

Do you think will ever come out the Vivoactive 5? Or the Vivoactive series has been completely replaced by the Venu? Thanks!

[@eXiLeNeonz]

Venu 2 plus soooo much better I instantly sold my Apple Watch

[@mcjacobsjr]

So does the Venu 2+ have the ability to type text message or just predefined messages? Cause the new Fenix series let's you type custom messages.

[@OneRedKraken]

The only thing that motivates me when working out is numbers and stats. I cant wait to get my Venu 2 Plus! WOOO! Numbers go up!

[@DesFit]

Boom! Get it! 💪

[@MilesSpearman]

Is it stupid that I am leaning towards the Apple Series 7 phone because it reminds me to stand up during the day. Does anyone know if the Venu 2 + do that?

[@AC-lt5ro]

@DesFit can I pair the Venu 2 Plus with a Cycling computer to measure heart rate such as a Garmin 830 or Wahoo Roam?

[@dizonnathanielt]

Thank you for this video, Des. I'm planning to upgrade from Fitbit Ionic and just yesterday (maybe destiny), just received an e-mail from Fitbit that they'll be recalling and refunding Ionic users for $299 (both active and inactive users). Since then, been binging both yours and Ray's reviews on Venu 2 Plus. LOL. Anyways, keep making these kinds of videos.

[@DesFit]

Haha, nice! Ray's got some great content and between the two of us you should be able to determine the best device for you. Thanks and enjoy!

[@gaigoz94]

Amazing job. I am saving money to buy Venu 3 when release when it will be I don't know

[@DesFit]

Thanks! I think it's going to be a long while before we see another hardware update since this just came out.

[@vijendrajaiswal]

Suggest a fitness watch model with cellular connection feature.

[@wangeddykk]

Happy with my Garmin Venu2 and Epix2 especially on gps accuracy and battery life☝️👍🏻

[@DesFit]

👍

[@marcusmaromba]

Nice video!

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@gogogo8616]

Can I choose the Chinese version of the language? Garmin venu 2 plus

[@darianlopezrobles3504]

hello! - love this video. very in depth. only question, which I think could be something to consider to adding in the video, or if anyone can answer: how does the GPS functionality work without the phone? how is the accuracy without the phone on a run versus with the phone on a run?

[@DesFit]

In general GPS accuracy is fine in both scenarios with the Apple Watch but funny enough I tend to get better GPS accuracy without my iPhone. The Venu 2 Plus does not leverage your phone's GPS as it only uses it's on board GPS. Thanks!