Garmin Venu 3 & Garmin Venu 2 Plus share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Garmin Venu 3 rather than the Garmin Venu 2 Plus.
Why Do I Recommend The Garmin Venu 3?
- The Garmin Venu 3 has a larger 1.4-inch AMOLED display for easier readability during workouts and quick glances, whereas the Garmin Venu 2 Plus uses a smaller 1.3-inch AMOLED display.
- Garmin Venu 3 features the Elevate Gen 5 heart-rate sensor for improved accuracy during high-intensity and interval training, while the Garmin Venu 2 Plus uses an older Elevate Gen 4 heart-rate sensor.
- It supports advanced sleep tools including nap detection and Sleep Coaching to help you understand daily recovery needs, whereas the Garmin Venu 2 Plus does not include nap detection or guided sleep insights.
- The Garmin Venu 3 includes All-Systems GNSS mode for more accurate location tracking in challenging environments, while the Garmin Venu 2 Plus has standard multi-GNSS support.
- Garmin Venu 3 comes with a larger battery that provides 14 days of battery life to reduce frequent charging interruptions, whereas the Garmin Venu 2 Plus lasts only 9 days.
- It has a dedicated third button for quick access to favorite functions to speed up navigation during activities, whereas the Garmin Venu 2 Plus uses only two buttons.
- The Garmin Venu 3 includes wheelchair mode and inclusive activity tracking to provide performance data, while the Garmin Venu 2 Plus lacks these accessibility-focused activity profiles.
- Garmin Venu 3 features updated Body Battery analytics to provide clearer guidance on energy levels and daily readiness, while the Garmin Venu 2 Plus uses the earlier Body Battery system with fewer inputs.
Maybe the Garmin Venu 2 Plus can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Garmin Venu 3. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Garmin Venu 3 | Garmin Venu 2 Plus |
| Display size | 1.4″ 1.2″ | 1.3″ |
| Display resolution | 454 × 454 390 × 390 | 416 × 416 |
| Optical HR sensor generation | Elevate Gen 5 | Elevate Gen 4 |
| GNSS modes | All Systems GNSS | Single-system GNSS with basic multi-GNSS |
| Battery life smartwatch mode | Up to ~14 days, ~10 days | Up to ~9 days |
| Battery life GPS GNSS | Up to ~26 hours | Up to ~24 hours |
| Nap detection | Yes | No |
| Sleep coaching / Morning report | Yes | No |
| Wheelchair mode | Yes | No |
| On-device workout muscle map | Extended support and newer profiles | Earlier implementation / fewer new profiles |
| Body Battery version | Updated algorithm with more inputs | Previous-gen Body Battery implementation |
| Speaker / mic generation | Newer implementation with updated firmware features | First Garmin implementation of speaker/mic on Venu line |
| Button layout | 3 physical buttons | 2 physical buttons |
| Weight (larger size) | Slightly lighter for comparable case | Slightly heavier 43 mm case |
| Case thickness | Slightly thinner profile | Slightly thicker profile |
| Bezel / design | Narrower bezel, more screen-focused design | Slightly wider bezel |
| Font size options | Includes large font mode | Standard font options only |
| Inclusive activity profiles | More profiles including wheelchair pushes | Fewer inclusive profiles |
| Software feature set | Newer generation features added | Previous-gen feature set |
| Price | Check Venu 3 Price | Check Venu 2 Plus Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- AMOLED display: Both smartwatches use bright, colorful AMOLED screens. This improves visibility indoors and in low light while giving watch faces rich contrast and vibrant styling that enhances the overall premium look and feel.
- Always-On display mode: Each device supports an always-on screen option so the time and key data remain visible without wrist movement. This allows a watch-like experience during workouts or daily activities.
- Touchscreen interface: Both models rely heavily on responsive touchscreens for navigation. This makes interacting with menus, maps, and notifications quick and intuitive.
- GPS / Multi-GNSS support: Each device tracks outdoor positions using multiple satellite systems. This improves route accuracy for running, cycling, or hiking in varied environments.
- Speaker and microphone: Both watches include built-in speakers and microphones for on-wrist communication. This enables quick call conversations, alerts, and audio feedback without taking out a phone.
- Bluetooth calling support: Both models can make and receive calls when paired with a smartphone. This makes daily communication more convenient and hands-free.
- Voice assistant support: Each device supports smartphone voice assistants. Users can create reminders, control smart devices, or ask questions without needing their phone in hand.
- Music storage (on-device): Both watches allow music downloads from supported apps to internal storage. This supports phone-free listening during workouts through Bluetooth headphones.
- Garmin Pay: NFC payments are available on both models, making it easy to buy items without a wallet or phone. This is especially useful during workouts and errands.
- Health Snapshot: Both watches include a feature that captures health metrics like heart rate, SpO₂, and respiration in a short assessment. It provides a quick overview of wellness status.
- ECG (region-supported): When available in a user’s region, both devices can record an ECG directly from the wrist. This adds a clinically oriented heart health tool for detecting irregular rhythms.
- Pulse Ox (SpO₂): Both models measure blood oxygen saturation during sleep or on demand. This can provide insights into breathing, altitude adaptation, and general wellness.
- Stress tracking: Each watch monitors stress levels based on heart-rate variability. This gives users feedback to manage recovery, relaxation, and workload balance.
- Body Battery energy monitoring: Both devices estimate daily energy level and readiness. This helps users understand when to train hard or rest more.
- Women’s health tracking: Menstrual cycle and pregnancy tracking tools are shared on both watches. This brings personalized health insights that support planning and wellness management.
- Safety features (Incident detection / Assistance): Both watches can alert emergency contacts if a fall or crash is detected. They also allow users to request help when feeling unsafe.
- Strength/cardio/yoga/pilates sports profiles: Both contain many common workout modes for strength and indoor fitness training. They help track technique, effort, and progress across varied activities.
- Swim-proof (5 ATM): Both devices are rated for pool swimming and everyday water exposure. Users can keep the watch on during showers, workouts, and rain without worry.
Common Features
| Feature | Garmin Venu 3 | Garmin Venu 2 Plus |
| AMOLED display | Yes | Yes |
| Always-On display mode | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen interface | Yes | Yes |
| GPS / Multi-GNSS support | Yes | Yes |
| Speaker and microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth calling support | Yes | Yes |
| Voice assistant support | Yes | Yes |
| Music storage (on-device) | Yes | Yes |
| Garmin Pay | Yes | Yes |
| Health Snapshot | Yes | Yes |
| ECG (region-supported) | Yes | Yes |
| Pulse Ox (SpO2) | Yes | Yes |
| Stress tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Body Battery energy monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Women’s health tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Safety features (Incident detection / Assistance) | Yes | Yes |
| Strength/cardio/yoga/pilates sports profiles | Yes | Yes |
| Swim-proof (5 ATM) | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Venu 3 Price | Check Venu 2 Plus Price |
FAQ
Does Garmin Venu 3 have better battery life than Garmin Venu 2 Plus? Can both Garmin Venu 3 and Garmin Venu 2 Plus make phone calls? Do both watches support voice assistants? Which watch has the newer heart-rate sensor? Is ECG measurement available on both watches? Do both watches track sleep and provide insights? Can both watches store music offline? Are both Garmin Venu models suitable for swimming? Do both watches support Garmin Pay? Is there a difference in available sizes between the two watches? Do both watches track stress and recovery? Can both watches help with women’s health tracking? Do both support safety and emergency alerts? How do the watches differ in sports tracking features? Which model offers better display options? |