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Garmin Venu 2 Plus vs Venu 3 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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

FeatureGarmin Venu 3Garmin Venu 2 Plus
Display size1.4″ 1.2″1.3″
Display resolution454 × 454 390 × 390416 × 416
Optical HR sensor generationElevate Gen 5Elevate Gen 4
GNSS modesAll Systems GNSSSingle-system GNSS with basic multi-GNSS
Battery life smartwatch modeUp to ~14 days, ~10 daysUp to ~9 days
Battery life GPS GNSSUp to ~26 hoursUp to ~24 hours
Nap detectionYesNo
Sleep coaching / Morning reportYesNo
Wheelchair modeYesNo
On-device workout muscle mapExtended support and newer profilesEarlier implementation / fewer new profiles
Body Battery versionUpdated algorithm with more inputsPrevious-gen Body Battery implementation
Speaker / mic generationNewer implementation with updated firmware featuresFirst Garmin implementation of speaker/mic on Venu line
Button layout3 physical buttons2 physical buttons
Weight (larger size)Slightly lighter for comparable caseSlightly heavier 43 mm case
Case thicknessSlightly thinner profileSlightly thicker profile
Bezel / designNarrower bezel, more screen-focused designSlightly wider bezel
Font size optionsIncludes large font modeStandard font options only
Inclusive activity profilesMore profiles including wheelchair pushesFewer inclusive profiles
Software feature setNewer generation features addedPrevious-gen feature set
PriceCheck Venu 3 PriceCheck 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

FeatureGarmin Venu 3Garmin Venu 2 Plus
AMOLED displayYesYes
Always-On display modeYesYes
Touchscreen interfaceYesYes
GPS / Multi-GNSS supportYesYes
Speaker and microphoneYesYes
Bluetooth calling supportYesYes
Voice assistant supportYesYes
Music storage (on-device)YesYes
Garmin PayYesYes
Health SnapshotYesYes
ECG (region-supported)YesYes
Pulse Ox (SpO2)YesYes
Stress trackingYesYes
Body Battery energy monitoringYesYes
Women’s health trackingYesYes
Safety features (Incident detection / Assistance)YesYes
Strength/cardio/yoga/pilates sports profilesYesYes
Swim-proof (5 ATM)YesYes
Price Check Venu 3 Price
Check Venu 2 Plus Price

FAQ

Does Garmin Venu 3 have better battery life than Garmin Venu 2 Plus?
Garmin Venu 3 delivers longer battery life in both smartwatch and GPS modes compared to Garmin Venu 2 Plus, especially with the larger 45 mm size providing the best endurance.

Can both Garmin Venu 3 and Garmin Venu 2 Plus make phone calls?
Yes, both watches include a built-in speaker and microphone, allowing Bluetooth calling when connected to a compatible smartphone.

Do both watches support voice assistants?
Yes, both models support voice assistants available through the connected smartphone, making it easy to set reminders or control smart devices hands-free.

Which watch has the newer heart-rate sensor?
Garmin Venu 3 features Garmin’s latest Elevate Gen 5 optical heart-rate sensor, offering improved accuracy and responsiveness over the Venu 2 Plus sensor.

Is ECG measurement available on both watches?
Yes, ECG capability exists on both watches but is dependent on regional regulatory approvals, meaning availability varies depending on where the user lives.

Do both watches track sleep and provide insights?
Yes, but Garmin Venu 3 provides more advanced features including nap detection and sleep coaching, while Venu 2 Plus supports standard sleep tracking without coaching tools.

Can both watches store music offline?
Yes, both support on-device music downloads from compatible services so users can listen without their phone during workouts.

Are both Garmin Venu models suitable for swimming?
Yes, both watches have a 5 ATM water-resistance rating, making them suitable for pool swimming and everyday water use.

Do both watches support Garmin Pay?
Yes, both support Garmin Pay for contactless payments so users can leave their wallet at home for convenient checkout.

Is there a difference in available sizes between the two watches?
Yes, Garmin Venu 3 comes in 41 mm and 45 mm sizes to better suit different wrist sizes, whereas Garmin Venu 2 Plus is only available in a 43 mm case.

Do both watches track stress and recovery?
Yes, both include stress monitoring and Body Battery energy tracking, though Venu 3 uses updated algorithms for more detailed metrics.

Can both watches help with women’s health tracking?
Yes, both provide menstrual cycle and pregnancy tracking tools built into Garmin’s software ecosystem.

Do both support safety and emergency alerts?
Yes, both can send incident detection alerts and assistance messages to emergency contacts when paired with a compatible smartphone.

How do the watches differ in sports tracking features?
Both support popular activities like running, cycling, strength training, yoga, and pilates, but Venu 3 adds more profiles including wheelchair mode for improved inclusivity.

Which model offers better display options?
Both feature bright AMOLED displays with always-on capability, but Venu 3 has more customization including larger fonts and slimmer bezels for improved visibility.