Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Smartwatch

Explore the outdoors without restraint with the thermal, shock and water-resistant Garmin Instinct 2 Smartwatch. The Instinct Watch is preloaded with different activity profiles to track your progress, as well as having the ability to track your heart rate during exercise. Bluetooth technology helps keep you connected when exploring by delivering smart notifications directly to your wrist. Incorporating navigation tools GPS, GLONASS and Galileo, you’ll be able to find your way back from any adventure.

Features

Engineered for Outdoor recreation, made from a thermal and shock resistant fibre-reinforced polymer case and chemically strengthened, scratch-resistan
Access to multiple global navigation systems to track in more challenging environments while hiking, mountain biking, trail running or skiing
Solar charging battery with unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Smartwatch
Construction:	Fiber reinforced polymer
Strap:	Silicone QuickFit 22mm band fits wrist circumference of 132 - 224mm
Face Size (mm):	23
Display:	Monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel, 156 x 156 pixels 0.79 x 0.79in dual-window design
Clock Features:	Time/Date, Alarm Clock, Timer, Stopwatch, Automatic Daylight Savings, GPS Time Sync
Smart Features:	Smartwatch notifications, Smartphone music control, Calendar, Weather, Find My Phone, Find My Watch, customise faces from Connect IQ store
Additional Features:	LiveTrack (Android only), Dual grid coordinates, incident detection and assistance Safety Tracking, Advanced running, swimming, cycling and outdoor recreation features (see the manual for more info)
Sensors:	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, Garmin ELEVATE wrist heart rate monitor, Barometric Altimeter, Compass, Accelerometer and Thermometer, Pulse Ox, Blood oxygen saturation monitor
Heart Rate:	Yes
Water Resistance:	10ATM (Up to 100m)
GPS:	Yes
Sleep Tracking:	Yes
Activity Tracking:	Step counter, Move bar, Auto goal, Calories burner, Floors climbed, Distance travelled, Intensity minutes, TRUEUP™, MOVE IQ™
Garmin Connect App:	Garmin Connect displays your vital health data and entries for easy viewing for custom health stats, including female menstrual cycle, tracking and Garmin friend challenges
Connectivity:	Bluetooth Smart, ANT+
Compatibility:	iPhone and Android (see instruction manual for detailed device list)
Battery:	Up to 28 days/Unlimited with solar Battery Saver Watch Mode: Up to 65 days/Unlimited with solar GPS: Up to 30 hrs/48 hrs with solar Max Battery GPS Mode: Up to 70 hrs/370 hrs with solar Expedition GPS Activity: Up to 32 days/Unlimited with solar Note: Solar charging, assuming use in 50,000 lux conditions
Memory:	32MB
What's in the box:	Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Watch, Charging cable/clip and Documentation

Reviews

Rating Snapshot

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294 reviews with 5 stars.

72 reviews with 4 stars.

28 reviews with 3 stars.

7 reviews with 2 stars.

20 reviews with 1 star.

Overall Rating

4.5

13 out of 13 (100%) reviewers recommend this product

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Average Customer Ratings

Fit, 3.9 out of 5

Runs Very tight

Runs Very Loose

Comfort, 4.9 out of 5

Quality, 4.5 out of 5

Performance, 4.5 out of 5

Durability, 4.5 out of 5

Features, 4.6 out of 5

User Friendly, 4.8 out of 5

Filter Reviews

9 to 38 of 421 Reviews

9 – 38 of 421 Reviews

Kilroy

5 out of 5 stars.

This is my favorite Instinct

Kilroy

27 days ago

I had different two of the previous Instinct and this one pass them all out. Battery life is hands down better and day to day functionality is great. I basically relay on it for backpacking and interfacing with my inreach mini 2

Originally posted on Garmin

Denmin

5 out of 5 stars.

Just what I needed

Denmin

a month ago

I have been using this watch for more than a month and it is working out nicely. I had been using an Apple watch which was nice, but it had a lot of drawbacks - poor battery, it’s display would constantly go dark and I had to fiddle with it just to see what time it was. Most important to me is that it wouldn’t give me a continuous readout on my heart rate, which I need due to cardiac rhythm problems I’ve had. All that is better with the Garmin. The battery on the Garmin is amazing, I can always look down & see the time, and the heart rate monitor is continuous. Also, the apple was not tolerant of vibration. Not good when you work in a woodshop all day. Plus I get all the other things that I had with the Apple watch like notifications. Also, it was less than half the price of the new Apple watch I was looking at. The only thing it doesn’t have is the pretty color display. No big deal to me. Overall I really like this watch.

Originally posted on Garmin

TravelingWhileButch

5 out of 5 stars.

Great watch for the outdoors and working out

TravelingWhileButch

a month ago

I have had my Instinct 2 Solar for about a month now. I am still learning it, but so far, it's a great watch.

Originally posted on Garmin

therugbyrick

5 out of 5 stars.

Great Features and easy to use

therugbyrick

a month ago

Got this to help with refereeing sporting events. It works great as a normal watch and the solar keeps it charged.

Originally posted on Garmin

Lukasz

5 out of 5 stars.

Great watch

Lukasz

a month ago

Great smartwatch for its price, durable, long battery life

Originally posted on Garmin

F J M

5 out of 5 stars.

My review

F J M

a month ago

Had it for about 1 months. Nice features and able to change almost anything if desired. Definitely need to spend time studying as it is a not so intuitive set up, but very doable. Solar charging is over hyped by Garmin and offers little unless you park the watch in the sun and leave it for a few hours. But, overall, I like the watch alot and would buy it again.

Originally posted on Garmin

IKNOWCLUB

5 out of 5 stars.

Updated screen

IKNOWCLUB

a month ago

I had one before this one and I loved it so when a car ran it over I purchased a new one. This one has more update screen and long lasting battery. I'm an outdoor person and it has what I need and some. I love this watch.

Originally posted on Garmin

Ford

5 out of 5 stars.

Best watch I’ve ever bought

Ford

a month ago

Simple, rugged does everything you need with just a bit extra. If you have the cash buy it. Don’t think..just act.

Originally posted on Garmin

John K.

5 out of 5 stars.

Everything I wanted and nothing I didn’t

John K.

2 months ago

I’ve had it for a month now and love it. It’s everything I wanted and nothing I didn’t. Large enough display, battery lasts a long backpacking or mountaineering trip, plus. I don’t use it for maps so that was not an issue. I’m very happy I bought this one!

Originally posted on Garmin

Shaun187

5 out of 5 stars.

Simple and user friendly, long battery life

Shaun187

2 months ago

I got this watch because I didn't want all of the extra features that came with an Apple watch. I also wanted a battery that would last for longer than 1-1/2 days. So far, the watch battery is lasting as long as advertised. I charged it the first day and it said it was going to last 29 day, and its held to that. I also love the simplicity of it. It has enough features to satisfy my wants, like weather, step counter, and heart rate monitor, but none of the extra stuff that gets in the way and over-complicates it.

Originally posted on Garmin

Pa_runner_71

4 out of 5 stars.

Reliable watch (so far)

Pa_runner_71

2 months ago

This is a pretty good watch, it has all the functions I need. It gets 4 stars because it's not very intuitive, I had to check the manuals a couple of times in order to re-arrange screens, add ability to lap manually, etc.

Originally posted on Garmin

Degen

5 out of 5 stars.

A watch for everything

Degen

2 months ago

This watch is absolutely amazing. It's not to cumbersome like some watches (Galaxy watch4 Classic comes to mind), it has a forever lasting battery (mine hasn't died yet nor needed to be charged(down to 6 days)), and it tracks everything i need minus blood pressure. The offline maps work wonderful for hiking, I've tested them on the 9 mile Clark's Creek trail. It has a mode for everything. The solar charging keeps it going. In my line of work, offshore Oil rigs, it doesn't get in the way or snag on anything (I do wear it on the underside of my wrist because of this). Highly recommended for everyone.

Originally posted on Garmin

Ron46mobile

5 out of 5 stars.

One Of My Four Favorite Watches

Ron46mobile

2 months ago

I purchased this watch nearly a month ago and l'm mostly satisfied. My only regrets is it isn't amoled. Other than that, it's an awesome time piece.

Originally posted on Garmin

Tai W

5 out of 5 stars.

Great Watch with minor issues

Tai W

2 months ago

The watch works great, has lots of features and functions as listed. My issues mostly lie with the UI, the watch can be difficult to operate at times and not intuitive if you are coming from a non-garmin ecosystem. I think this watch works great for everyone though, its not crazy expensive like some of the other watches on the market but offers all the features just on a less interesting but more durable screen.

Originally posted on ExpertVoice.com

Timothy B

5 out of 5 stars.

Go to overall smart watch

Timothy B

3 months ago

I’ve used big brand, smart watches like Apple and fit bit and you cannot even compare the battery. Life of the Garmin solar lasts a month at the worst 2-3 months on battery save mode tracks workouts, heart rate anything else you want to. I would definitely recommend and will continue to use products if this thing ever dies, has lasted 4 to 5 years at this point and doesn’t seem like it’s gonna die soon.

Originally posted on ExpertVoice.com

Response from Garmin:

3 months ago

Garmin

Thank you for your review.

Age35 to 44

GenderMale

Length of ownership1 year or longer

How often do you use this product?Daily

Did you read product reviews online before purchasing this product?Yes

1 out of 5 stars.

Rubbish Watch

3 months ago

Do not buy, first one didnt last a year and got it replaced and now the 2nd one is the same. Keeps turning off and having to put on the charge to turn it back on. For an watch that cost me more than $600, I am not impressed with Garmin. Tried calling them and they are trying everything to get out of replacing. Save some money and get another brand. Im going to go and get an Apple Watch.

Helpful?

Comfort, 5.0 out of 5

Quality, 1.0 out of 5

Performance, 1.0 out of 5

Durability, 1.0 out of 5

Features, 3.0 out of 5

User Friendly, 5.0 out of 5

Joseph I

5 out of 5 stars.

Joseph I

3 months ago

This watch does everything I need it to do. I really love the battery life, ability to track my runs, and the simplicity of the watch. But sometimes I wish it had the LED flashlight and touchscreen like other models do. Other than that, it’s pretty awesome.

Originally posted on ExpertVoice.com

Response from Garmin:

3 months ago

Garmin

Thank you for your review.

Nichols

5 out of 5 stars.

Not a watch guy but this won’t come off my wrist

Nichols

3 months ago

Bought it to track calories but this watch does so much more. Also bought the hr monitor for jiu jitsu and it works great!

Originally posted on Garmin

Response from Garmin:

3 months ago

Garmin

Thank you for your review.

Sweet’n’Low

5 out of 5 stars.

Garmin Brand

Sweet’n’Low

3 months ago

I’m a pleased Garmin owner. After some 3 years, watch acted up. Contacted Garmin and they replaced at a fair price. I wear my watch in hardcore outdoor training daily.

Originally posted on Garmin

Response from Garmin:

3 months ago

Garmin

Thank you for your review.

Anonymous

4 out of 5 stars.

Just what I needed.

Anonymous

4 months ago

Love to watch everything about it. If I can make one recommendation, I wish I could choose which notifications I want to go to my watch and which ones I want to stay on my phone That would be the only adjustment. Have a great day.

Originally posted on Garmin

Response from Garmin:

4 months ago

Garmin

Thank you for your review.

bob_the_garmin_owner

4 out of 5 stars.

Almost Perfect Smartwatch

bob_the_garmin_owner

4 months ago

This is my first smartwatch and I am extremely pleased so far. I have purchased Apple Watches for wife and kids and helped set those up. I wish the Garmin apps were easier to navigate and presented better. This could be an unfair comparison to Apple. However, the main apps I have downloaded and installed so far are different watch faces. I love the solar charging option on the phone which has worked well when I am not wearing long-sleeved shirts and the weather is sunny. The only reason for the 4 stars instead of 5 is I wish the watch face was easier to read. I wear reading glasses and without them, the watch typically blurry. I assume the Instinct 3 does a better job with this issue but for now, I am really happy with this one overall.

Originally posted on Garmin

Response from Garmin:

4 months ago

Garmin

Thank you for your review.

CaptHook716

5 out of 5 stars.

Great Watch

CaptHook716

4 months ago

Watch has tons of features, looks great, and the battery life is amazing.

Originally posted on Garmin

Response from Garmin:

4 months ago

Garmin

Thank you for your review.

JD23

5 out of 5 stars.

Fantastic watch !

JD23

4 months ago

I have been having a hard time with other name brand watches, and bought this watch and am very satisfied with the product. Great features, awesome and easy to use ! Very tough and dependable.

Originally posted on Garmin

Response from Garmin:

4 months ago

Garmin

Thank you for your review.

JoeB1983

1 out of 5 stars.

Such junk!!!!!

JoeB1983

4 months ago

Got this in October of 2024, lasted two hours. Finally got it charged back up and tried to update per Garmin's guidance. Software showed up to date so no fixes on my watch. Still a poor screen, clunky menu, features that work half way. I've never disliked a purchase more and cannot recommend at all. I've had an original Garmin Etrex personal GPS which was amazing and built like a tank. I cannot say the same for this watch. Wish I could rate lower than 1 star.

Originally posted on Garmin

Response from Garmin:

4 months ago

Garmin

Thank you for your review and experience with the Instinct 2 Solar. We would like to discuss this further over email. If you would please email us at product.support@garmin.com.

MarBev

1 out of 5 stars.

Would like to return

MarBev

4 months ago

Difficult to use especially if your right handed, just trying to turn the light on is a challenge, if you mistakenly hit the button next to light you have to start hitting button to get back where you were. If you click on something by mistake your screwed, takes time to get back to clock face. I just have stuck with Vivoactive jus tap and the light goes on. As I'm typing this I'm trying to get back to watch face after hitting wrong button. This is junk to me and a waste of money. I don't even know what it's doing right now.

Originally posted on Garmin

Response from Garmin:

4 months ago

Garmin

Thank you for your review and experience with the Instinct 2 Solar. We would like to discuss this further over email. If you would please email us at product.support@garmin.com.

Verified Purchaser

Age35 to 44

GenderMale

Where did you purchase the product?Online

Length of ownership1 month

How often do you use this product?Daily

Did you read product reviews online before purchasing this product?Yes

5 out of 5 stars.

Rebel that can tell the time

Verified Purchaser

4 months ago

Loving my new watch, great price and rebels delivery service was flawless.

LikesSmartphone Sync, Battery Life, Notifications, Durable, High Quality, As Described, Simple To Use, Good Value, Features, Comfortable, Display Quality

Yes, I recommend this product.

Helpful?

Fit, 4.0 out of 5

Runs Very tight

Runs Very Loose

Comfort, 5.0 out of 5

Quality, 5.0 out of 5

Performance, 5.0 out of 5

Durability, 5.0 out of 5

Features, 5.0 out of 5

User Friendly, 4.0 out of 5

cpaxt041

4 out of 5 stars.

Junk data

cpaxt041

4 months ago

First: this watch does what I absolutely need it to do so I’m happy (running, running workouts, and battery life). I like the look of it, and I like having a stopwatch/timer. However, for swimming laps it’s junk in terms of logging data. I have swam 50 yards and it doesn’t register — literally did a total of 200 and it logged 125. Then it will log a quick dunk under water as 25 yards. I’m also very skeptical of how it’s tracking heart rate—I don’t necessarily think it’s giving me accurate or relevant data. I can’t prove that, just going by how my body feels vs what the earth says. I got it $100 off so for the reasons I really need it I’m happy, but stunned by how poorly it tracks lap swimming.

Originally posted on Garmin

Response from Garmin:

4 months ago

Garmin

Thank you for your review.

MU66

5 out of 5 stars.

Nice watch

MU66

4 months ago

I had an older model and wanted to move to the newer model. I like the new model it has a couple additional features. It is easier to use maybe because it is a bit faster then the older model. The solar is nice. It extends the life of the battery. Nice to have the latest.

Originally posted on Garmin

Response from Garmin:

4 months ago

Garmin

Thank you for your review.

MattieJ

5 out of 5 stars.

Insane battery life and useful features

MattieJ

4 months ago

I’ve had this watch for almost 3 weeks now and genuinely like it. I haven’t been able to test the solar much but I have seen it charge even during the winter months, which is pretty cool. While it can’t do everything an Apple Watch can do, that seems to be more of a limitation by Apple. For instance, you cannot mirror your focus time back to your watch from your phone. So you have to set do not disturb in both places. I will happily trade some minor inconveniences like this to have a watch that can charge itself and last me three weeks, even if I don’t.

Originally posted on Garmin

Response from Garmin:

4 months ago

Garmin

Thank you for your review.

Wanderingwheelz

5 out of 5 stars.

My first smart watch.

Wanderingwheelz

4 months ago

Overall I really like it. Battery life seems good and the features I most want to know about are all on the face and easy to read. It is capable of doing more than I’ll ever need it to, which says a lot about the watch. I also like my heart rate transmits flawlessly to my Garmin bike computer making it nice and easy to read while riding.

Originally posted on Garmin

Response from Garmin:

4 months ago

Garmin

Thank you for your review.

9 – 38 of 421 Reviews

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This is my favorite Instinct

Just what I needed

Great watch for the outdoors and working out

Great Features and easy to use

Great watch

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