Garmin Venu SQ vs Venu Explainer: Hands-On Details

[@Dcrainmaker]

Hey folks, thanks for watching! If you're looking for piles of GPS & HR accuracy data, look no further than the written review: dcra.in/GarminVenuSQ Sorry, things got a bit long this time with all the hands-on bits, and since there wasn't anything of major concern, I offloaded it there instead. Enjoy!

[@sirilukpornchaitipparat2829]

Runner enjoy garmin smart watch new design.

[@sunshinemoonbear]

Can you get altitude stats though Garmin connect, even though the watch doesn't have an altimeter?

[@mikkprosin2024]

is the music edition?

[@mlegrand]

Lovely b-roll and you don’t waste too much time hanging on it and get right into the details. That’s what people want. Great video and great review. You’re crushing this busy week. 👌

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks! Though, the credit for the intro sequences goes to my wife this week. She composed/shot them all!

[@mlegrand]

DC Rainmaker - Now that’s what I’m talking about!!! Put your family to work!!!

[@DavidChangOrange]

Thanks for your review. There is one thing that needs to be corrected is Venu SQ uses the LCD, not AMOLED.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks, fixing! Should show up shortly!

[@johnmanley4528]

Ray, did you just receive 20 watches at the same time to review? I’m loving the pace of these reviews. I’d really like to see Garmin try one of these amoled screens on a higher end device, perhaps the 655? That would be great.

[@n9wox]

Christmas is a popular time to buy electronics and a lot of them are released in the fall.

[@gonmunozf]

Ray slamming and sliding devices on that hard table all the time gives me anxiety but his videos on Garmin devices are consistently the best, so once again here I am squirming

[@31xrg]

I prefer watches with a square face, like my 920XT. I haven’t updated it because Garmin keeps making ones with a round face. It’s nice to have a choice.

[@bdubbin16]

This screen looks pretty good... the Garmin site indicates the Venu is AMOLED while the Venu SQ is liquid crystal. Did you notice much difference? And how does the liquid crystal display compare to other Garmin watches? Thanks!

[@ninkakh]

Can you please compare Garmin Venu SQ with Fitbit Versa 3 in terms of accuracy? thanks

[@robtravis6977]

Pleaseeeee

[@-Stinky_Pinky]

@@robtravis6977 Pwity Pweeeeeeeez

[@senpaigoku1496]

Garmin has the best fitness tracking accuracy when it comes to smart watches

@@-Stinky_Pinky and Fitbit has no Heart Belt opportunity

[@varun04253]

I was about to buy vivosmart 4 and this came. please do a comparison video on both.

[@aatiyahreid3924]

I just purchases Vivo4 and I’m thinking about sending it back for Venu SQ. I love the bright screen, squared look.... it has everything I need.

[@KYspeaksfood]

Felt that they did make it so that existing Venu users like me don't feel slighted by leaving out barometer and (the lesser used) animations. Then again I wish I'd gotten the 945 or Fenix 6 instead, but I got this before I started running.

[@DunkBoi]

The 945 is a beast of a fitness watch. I've had it for about 8 months and I absolutely love it. The Venu is a great watch though too but the lack of V02 Max is a bummer on the Venu and a must for those who run often.

[@moorecha]

@@DunkBoi it has vo2 max.

[@DunkBoi]

@@moorecha oh oops lol

[@bfee20021]

So the Venu is not runner friendly?

[@moorecha]

@@bfee20021 Not quite as much detail as the 945, also no topo maps built in, but for me, it has plenty of information.

[@adrianazashen]

Interesting differences. Thanks for breaking it down! I'm going to check out if you have a video of the Venu 2 Plus and the differences in available sport modes. If not, I can't wait for a review!

[@tainis1996]

Always great videos! Do you have a video with your recommended watches/best watches?

[@Michael-sw9zh]

Another great concise and informative review. Thanks very much. My challenge is choosing between the Garmin and Apple Watch 6. I have eliminated Fitbit because they don’t share data with Apple health, where as I understand Garmin does. Have you done any reviews to help me with making my choice? Thanks again. One question, being from Australia, I am trying to work out what “That’s as Kansas as you get.” Any assistance on that one? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@nancyc6309]

Michael which one you end up getting? I’m also considering this two. So far a bit leaning on Venu Sq since I use Spotify

[@Michael-sw9zh]

@@nancyc6309 I have gotten the Apple 6 because realistically, I love the extent of fitness functions the Garmin Fenix 6 pro has but they are excessive and superfluous to where my fitness training it. I have found the focus on the rings to be helpful. Good luck with you choice. At least we are spoilt for choice too. That can only be a good thing.

[@nathanjsimpson]

"You got the demo, so that's what matters."

[@derrickdaniels9947]

Thanks DC. My Garmin Fenix 2 just played out. I bid on a Garmin Forerunner 920XT on ebay and lost. Really like the looks and performance. After watching your review the Garmin Venu SQ is all I need.

[@jeroenjanssen6870]

Does this watch have 8k OLED screen and 5.1 suround sound?

[@burnzy3210]

just lost faith in the fitbit versa 3, this peaks my interest simply by having a square screen

[@summera4077]

Same here

[@mikecartwrightbeach]

@@summera4077 Same her too-mine boxed up today to go back to Amazon. NEVER EVER had any Fitbit at ANY price level ever work and now know I am an IDIOT to keep trying! But hey. GREAT to find out that while I slept for 6 hours last night, I got in 749 steps! Man, just imagine how many steps I COULD have had if I had placed it onto my ACTIVE hand (arm) :-)

[@thecorona1784]

@@mikecartwrightbeach 🤣👍

[@DamplyDoo]

So did this watch store onboard music, or is it streaming it, or is it controlling it through your nearby phone?

[@Alex-mh8zy]

Same question I have

[@feartheroo42]

Not sure if you noticed it not, but the activities are listed in a square frame format in the square SQ, as opposed to my round frames on my Venu. Interesting little touch.

[@welwellwell71]

Thanks for reviewing. How do you increase the font size

[@RashadUjaimi]

Thank you so much for the review. I dont know why Garmin is not improving the battery life even more, given the simplicity of this watch compared to the Fenix series.

[@ph0b0rz]

Is it known if the Venu SQ will get the "new" sleep tracking? I kinda prefer the Garmin software, dashboard etc. to Fitbits solutions.. but the sleeptracking on the Vivoactive 4s i tested was so off, compared to my Versa, that i didn't do the switch. :/

[@Eisenheim360]

My heart rate in general is way off on my vivoactive 4, VA3 worked very well so I might just get an instinct with the old sensor.

[@benosterland2258]

I love the garmin watches I have had (VA3 and FR45) but the vibration is too weak to wake me up. Is there a Garmin out there that has a strong vibration alarm?

[@nanogaminghd4286]

Nice video, Which would you recommend among the apple watch series 3 or samsung active watch 2 or Garmin venu sq or the fitbit versa 3? Thanks

[@prashanthyavagal]

Hi can you please suggest which one is better between Venu SQ and Fitbit Versa 3? This may be a doubt of many people

[@LouTube63]

“That’s as Kansas as you get” 🤣🤣🤣stealing that.

[@Dcrainmaker]

🤣🤷🏼‍♂️😂

[@georgelopez9411]

4:40 "About as Kansas as you can get" ... I've never heard this expression

[@Dcrainmaker]

Sounds like ya need to visit Kansas. :)

[@brawlstargamer1427]

Hey please make a in depth review on Samsung galaxy watch 3 as garmin is no option in India and also I don’t want to enter Apple ecosystem. If not then please suggest a good fitness track with accurate heart rate data except Apple.

[@bansiransariya5300]

BRAWL STAR GAMER hey I am Indian to I want the answer to.

[@commercegyaan6810]

I also don’t want to enter Apple ecosystem as it’s expensive

[@brawlstargamer1427]

Commerce Gyaan ya that’s true

[@Dcrainmaker]

Ordered one yesterday, came today. It have a few more watches allocated to wrists first. But it’s in the queue!

[@brawlstargamer1427]

DC Rainmaker ya thanks

[@Alex-mh8zy]

Do you need your phone near the watch for music?

[@mike_qbik]

Nice one. My respect for keeping the speed limit 👍🏻.... and yes, I do watch this without YT speed adjustments :-) great hands on video!

[@PoetWithPace]

"that's as Kansas as you get". Quality!

[@progbass56]

Thanks for the review. My son turned me onto you. I'm about to go order this on amazon for only $1.69.99!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Nice, enjoy!!! And thanks for watching!

[@haroldsaxon6007]

What are the charging speeds like on the device? Does it have quick charge at all?

[@nathaliec7330]

Does it have virtual run?

[@D_Beckz]

For the Venu Sq Music edition, can we store music in it without music app subscriptions?

[@3cani]

Does it have a specific function for body weight training? And for jump rope? Thanks

[@aprilchaney250]

Thank you so much for talking about the workout animations! I was ok with not having the altimeter but those animations are a huge draw for me on the ven. Now I just have to decide between the 2S or the 2+. The price gives me a lot of pause on the 2+, especially since I prefer the size of the 2S. I don't think I need the speaker/mic but it's a nice feature.

[@rucksackstosingletracks2628]

Do any of the garmin watches have any voice controlled options to start/stop activities? My husband is a right above elbow amputee. We know we could use an Apple Watch but he’s currently in need of a new garmin device for cycling and wondered if we could just get a garmin wearable instead. We have reached out to garmin as well just haven’t heard back yet and figured you may know.

[@HifiCentret]

Is the display transflective or does the always on mode set a very dim backlight?

[@ralphchristianson]

This has been very helpful, I had trouble understanding the five button watches from Garmin and this one looks to be much more user friendly.

[@jameslrs]

Just bought less than one month, but one things Garmin makes me very puzzled is when I switch off and charging the watch, it don't have any battery indicated icon to show that current charging percentage status.

[@johnhann1852]

Hey Ray, thanks for the review! At around 1:26 you at that the new and older versions share AMOLED screens, but your review says the SQ has LCD screen.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, already in the hopper to fix in the video. KZbin should update it shortly. :) Didn't have my coffee yet this morning on that one. Thanks!

[@johnhann1852]

@@Dcrainmaker Ha ha, no worries! Can't imagine how hard it is to proof EVERYTHING. Considering the difference, do you notice any display quality differences between the generations: color, outdoor visibility, light bleed in the blacks?

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@johnhann1852 Absolutely zero difference to my eyes. I'm sure there's AMOLED/LCD industry people that might notice tiny differences, but sitting in front of them (day or night), and they look/feel identical. I suspect that's more due to Garmin's relatively tame usage of it than anything else.

[@thankyoujesus2836]

Can the edge 1030 plus take the data and Take it into consideration when it comes to training recommendations?

[@98julianaoliveira]

Thanks for the video! I'm a casual runner (I'm 22 and I've been running for about 6 years), but I've never had a fitness watch before. I did some research and the ones I most identify with are AW 6 / SE and Garmin Venu/Sq. I don't run exclusively, I also do yoga and functional training. However, I am interested in evolving in the race and I liked the “Garmin Coach” feature that you mentioned in another video. What do you recommend? If relevant, I also have an iPhone Regards from Brazil

[@2GoldensTosa]

Excellent review. I currently use an Amazfit Stratos 2, but can get a Venu refurb for $180. Any advice?

[@toadlguy]

Ha, Ha Ha, I kept looking for the new Venu Explainer watch that you are comparing the Venu SE to.

[@chriswright9096]

Interesting. Worth mentioning that you can probably find a Vivoactive 3 Music on sale at less than $200 these days. Having said that, I kind of like that the Versa SQ doesn't have the altimeter. Lets be honest, the altimeter doesn't really work very well (I tend to always use the elevation corrections option from within Connect and Strava). Better to not have an altimeter than to have an unreliable one.

[@pavelprec]

Did I miss it or have you left out the part that the Venu has AMOLED display while the SQ does not?

[@dohamachannel5269]

It’s funny that they sell venu sq Amoled version in my country and raise the price up.

[@wucko1989]

I am interested. Does Venu SQ have the same abilities like Swim 2, for swimming?

[@bracken0069]

Great review. Very helpful. Thank you. There are 3 points that I really think Garmin missed the mark on for this watch. 1st screen size. The advertised size is so misleading compared to the actual viable screen. It really needs to be the full screen not a portion n of it. 2nd custom activities. How hard can it be to allow us to rename a custom activity. Only ability is to copy an existing activity and it relates as Cardio 2 for example. Totally useless. 3rd battery life should be longer based on their bast release history of watches. The original square Vivoactive had the same smaller viewable screen but like a 14 day battery life and was half the thickness. Would have paid more $ to have these 3 things donenth we correct way especially if they want to compete against other square watches that are many more versions down the road already.

[@brandongarner643]

Where can I get that amazing shirt?

[@Whatever249]

Crisp and to the point. Loved the way you broke the topics of the video. Good Job..!

[@brunos8632]

Can be used to swim in the pool or the Beach?

[@TheCityAnimal]

I have bought venu sq and under testing. I found that only 3 data field of each page of running mode. I want to see time, HR, Pace, Distance in one page. I tried found some apps in IQ store. But because the screen is too small. All words are very small. Would you mind tell me can it change to 4 data fields in running screen? Thanks

[@theodoreiliaskos]

Considering the price I’m really impressed by this watch.

[@gurpreetsinghtandon683]

Hi, is there any app to add stocks to garmin venu sq??

[@djpu21]

Hi , does this have a pause the run activity and "resume later" option, or for other activities?

[@EducationProfessional-pc6ep]

It doesn’t have a barometer? Does this mean that if I do stair sprints in my condo block it won’t be able to record this? I Guess it’ll still record my heart rate and record the intervals from the arm movement?

[@andresperez495]

great video! One question, how long does the battery last with the always on display? Thanks!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Seems like roughly 2ish, maybe 3 days. It's a bit hard for me to tell the last week, since honestly a fair chunk of those days I kept the screen up and on for photos/videos/etc, so probably not normal.

[@andresperez495]

@@Dcrainmaker fair enough! Thanks for replying and for the reviews!

[@ultimatehp]

Can you pair this watch with the Garmin Running Dynamics Pod? Thanks.

[@ed7xdvr]

Do you recommend the vivoactive 3 on sale or the SQ?

[@ankushkaul5092]

Does it measure respiration rate continuously?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yes, 24x7.

[@rogerdodger8813]

Do you know to to get distance rather than steps as data on a watch face?

[@bballer3234]

how is this compared to the 735xt - looking to upgrade. also - in general, how is the tracking and such for triathlons via the various distances?

[@98julianaoliveira]

Is the lack a of altimeter a problem for runners (not pro) ? Do you know if it can uses the iPhone altimeter if I carry it with me? I like this one because of the size, i have a small wrist and the regulad Venu seems to be really big for me. Im also considering AW6 se but smartwatch features are not my priority, i care more about health and fitness stuff Thank you very much!

[@Amadeusz90]

Hey Ray, is there an option to have always on display enabled automatically, but only when I'm doing any kind of activity?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, you can choose the 'In Activity' option there for just that.

[@teslinbrannan8397]

Can the watch connect to galaxy buds for music?

[@myopenmind527]

I just bought a gamin Venu. Got if for €286. I just prefer the brighter display when I’m exercising over my fenix 5.

[@gerardrazulcarim4922]

just got mine for S$290 a few hours ago too! thats about 182 euros. :D

[@jillyan1550]

I’ve been looking into smart watches for three months now and can’t seem to make a decision. What is the best watch for fitness? I’ve been looking for one with really good heart rate monitor and sleep tracking plus workouts.

[@ryanqz]

Forerunner 245. Has everything and a good price point. Just got mine a couple of mths back. Love it.

[@automobile9187]

@@ryanqz can confirm. I use 245 (non music) about 6 months, it's the sweet spot for garmin fr.

[@ryanqz]

@@automobile9187 i concur

[@suchetadebburman5527]

With the Venu SQ it does not have an open water option on the watch, so is this option available on the connect IQ and would it also track HR in open water swims?

[@bfee20021]

Is it track friendly? Is there a dedicated start/stop/split button? And, does it store lap times? Thanks.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, dedicated lap button is lower right button. And yup, stores lap times. There's no 'running track mode' like the new FR745, but if you look in my written review I include some bits on the track and the GPS wasn't too shabby there.

[@bfee20021]

@@Dcrainmaker Thanks for the reply and info. Headed to your review now.

[@bfee20021]

@@Dcrainmaker Oh, does the original Venu also have the dedicated lap button?

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@bfee20021 Yup, both do.

[@bfee20021]

@@Dcrainmaker Cool. Thanks again.

[@andreac.8560]

Hello from Italy. I don't understand, have a always on display? How many days during battery with only active always on display and WhatsApp notify?

[@deniseboehm6278]

How to I connect to internet

[@krisbowditch827]

Dc nails these reviews 😁😁😁chapeau 👍👍👍

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!!

[@la6mp]

What does bicycle powermeter by external app imply? I have ruled out Apple Watch since I can not connect it to my bicycle powermeter.

[@zephyr4402]

Hi, Just wanted to ask, if my hands a sweaty during a run, can I still scroll through the data pages without any difficulty? Is the touch screen lockable?

[@ricefieldtv7814]

Hey, I have gotten mine and it works pretty well, even if my fingers are wet. The screen is also lockable if you are in an activity or not in one. Greetings :)

[@zephyr4402]

@@ricefieldtv7814 oh ok. Thanks a lot ! I

[@sofiapizarro8500]

yesterday i bought garmin vivoactive 3 and now i dont know wich is better :(

[@vrienau11]

May I ask where you got the colorful background for your watch face? I can find it in the connect app. How did you put the stats in the corners?

[@jaydogg187]

Came here to ask that myself. Did you ever find it and if so, could you tell me what it’s called please? EDIT: Just figured it out. It’s a stock background when creating a watch face from within the watch itself! EDIT 2: I continued to watch the video after pausing it and spending time trying to figure it out and he explained this within 30 seconds of me continuing.

[@snowwhite8934]

At first I didn't like the venu sq. After I figured out how to use everything I luv it. Btw, you can add your own photos as a watch face. Also can change the font and font color of the time and info. Lots of other great data stuff too.

[@tijmen1949]

Snow White can you choose custom fonts? Or just a selection

[@snowwhite8934]

@@tijmen1949 when changing the face using Connect IQ there is a small selection of fonts and colors to chose from. Also you can move things around like the time can be dragged left, right, center, up or down.

[@konstantinospinakas890]

hi, can you answer a call from speaker in this garmin ? thanks

[@EducationProfessional-pc6ep]

Really like the look of this sit between the vivoactive 3 and 4 in terms of price Has nearly all the features of the vivoactive 4 but cheaper?

[@annelisabethcom]

Venu and Vivoactive 4/4s records stress during Yoga activity. Does Venu SQ do that? Does any other Garmin watch do that?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, it does. Basically all Garmin watches in the last couple years record stress.

[@annelisabethcom]

@@Dcrainmaker True, but not what I asked. These watches don't record stress while you record an activity. Yoga is special on Venu and Vivoactive 4/4s in that it DOES record stress while you record the activity. I want to know if Venu sq has this special activity or not.

[@chriskennedy1076]

TrainerRoad workouts on the watch? Same setup as sending it to an edge device or different?

[@Dcrainmaker]

A much minimized setup. Since the Venu doesn't support power zones, it just showed perceived effort. But on a Fenix or such it'll show correct power zones if configured as such.

[@testaccsolutions6784]

Garmin SQ... For Squats.... its just like going or the apple watch SE, the lower ended version of the Venu - wont be getting this though...

[@rudra2099]

Can you review the new mi watch and the GT2 pro...

[@Fredsreviews58]

Why is garmin trying to copy Apples look? I love the circle watches over the square looks. I love my fenix 6x sapphire because it looks like a nice watch and not like another apple watch wannabe!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Just another option. Technically speaking Garmin introduced a rectangle about a year prior to Apple actually, with the original Vivoactive being a rectangle way back in 2015.

[@Fredsreviews58]

@@Dcrainmaker True, I forgot about the original vivoactive even though I had one for years😁

[@TurreTuntematon]

Rather Apple copying Casio 😬

[@GneX4Ktb]

This or Galaxy Active 2?

[@brucelin5842]

I’m also considering this and watch active2 or galaxy watch 3 ,which u recommend?

[@kierenkd]

I wonder which version handles corners better

[@Dcrainmaker]

Better than the SE, albeit, that's not a high bar.

[@kierenkd]

I was making a (poor) joke about the shape

[@abdullaalqassimi7835]

Any idea if it has multisport? (Ex. Triathlon, Duathlon, etc. )

[@Dcrainmaker]

No, it doesn't. Sorry!

[@rollingreclinerRecumbent]

I understood the SQ has an LCD display?

[@alessandroluppi6150]

Yes, it is LCD not AMOLED.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Correct, brain wasn't fully on this morning. Update video, but might take a few hours for the change to show up.

[@jallen1227]

Hey Ray, you should try a crossover with Coop at Garage Gym Reviews

[@paulLP5220]

I know that the regular Venu Sq cant download music but does it uave misic control at all?

[@primozskarget178]

yes it does.play, next, previus ,select ,album ,playlist,...

[@sushantkanchan]

Lovely review, man.

[@mikecartwrightbeach]

Sleep? ANY info on this for using it for sleep tracking? ANYONE know of any review that does? Looking for a device to help me with Central Sleep Apnea (NOT Obstructive Apnea). I need a Ventilator type device just to keep breathing at night or on bad days. THANKS to anyone who can guide me to a video with sleep info? Looking for something to just show me ROUGHLY the SP 02 reading during sleep to make SURE my device is helping me NOT damaging my heart further...

[@alvinpatrick]

My heart was crushed when I heard the sq doesn't come with an altimeter.

[@gauravdeep7060]

Got ECG? How compared to Apple

[@Dcrainmaker]

No ECG.

[@maranr]

Not a fan of the square watch. I hope this isn't a trend for Garmin.

[@Dcrainmaker]

I suspect this is more differentiation than anything. Just offering something for the people that like square watches.

[@slicedbreadrocks]

@@Dcrainmaker Apple killer? :-)

[@unqdns]

Could it pair the HRM-Run for more accurate HR and other running measurements?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, definitely. It can pair to ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart HR Straps, and the HRM-RUN broadcasts HR.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Oh, however, to clarify the second half of your question - it won't show/record though Running Dynamics (vertical oscillation and such), since the Vivo series doesn't support that. It will however leverage the cadence data though, as that's part of the Vivo series.

[@unqdns]

Thank you very much for your time answering my question. You're the best.

[@amanda9028]

How come the resting calories burned are a lot higher than other devices?

[@amanda9028]

I got the Vivosmart 4 myself

[@ΓεώργιοςΜπρίνταλος]

Does it calculate VO2max and/or running metrics?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, VO2Max is included. I show some of that towards the end.

[@ΓεώργιοςΜπρίνταλος]

@@Dcrainmaker once again Garmin bring that VO2max feature to a lower price watch and still nothing at the Instict line (not even at the new solar edition) ..... I know the bla bla bla some people will say that the instict is not built with the purpose of running etc, but is that square watch more suitable to runners or the people who bought the instict are caring less about running from those who will buy the "Venu SQ" ???