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

Garmin Venu 2 Plus & Garmin Venu 2 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 2 Plus rather than the Garmin Venu 2.

Why Do I Recommend The Garmin Venu 2 Plus?

  • The Garmin Venu 2 Plus comes with a built-in microphone and speaker for taking Bluetooth calls directly from the wrist in situations where reaching for a phone is inconvenient, whereas the Garmin Venu 2 has no microphone or speaker.
  • Garmin Venu 2 Plus features voice assistant access through the connected smartphone to enable hands-free actions like setting reminders or sending messages, while the Garmin Venu 2 does not support voice assistant interaction.
  • It includes a dedicated third button for quicker access to phone and voice functions, whereas the Garmin Venu 2 has only a two-button layout.
  • The Garmin Venu 2 Plus supports on-wrist audio playback through its speaker for alarms and prompts, while the Garmin Venu 2 relies entirely on vibration and silent notifications.
  • Garmin Venu 2 Plus has a slightly smaller 43.6 mm case to provide a more comfortable fit on smaller and medium wrists, whereas the Garmin Venu 2 uses a larger 45.4 mm case.
  • It supports Bluetooth call notifications with actionable controls such as answering or declining on the watch for improved communication convenience, while the Garmin Venu 2 only supports basic call alerts with no interaction.
  • The Garmin Venu 2 Plus maintains similar GPS and fitness capabilities with additional smart features to streamline daily phone-free functionality, whereas the Garmin Venu 2 focuses mainly on fitness and health tracking.
  • Garmin Venu 2 Plus uses a 20 mm band size to increase compatibility with slimmer strap styles, whereas the Garmin Venu 2 uses a wider 22 mm band.

Maybe the Garmin Venu 2 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Garmin Venu 2 Plus. 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 2 PlusGarmin Venu 2
Button count3 buttons2 buttons
Middle button functionVoice / shortcut buttonNo dedicated voice button
MicrophoneYes, built-inNo
SpeakerYes, built-inNo
Phone call supportBluetooth calls from wristNo calls from watch
Voice assistant accessYes, via paired phone assistantNo voice assistant access
Smartwatch battery lifeUp to 9 daysUp to 11 days
Battery saver smartwatchUp to 10 daysUp to 12 days
GPS only (no music)Up to ~24 hoursUp to ~22 hours
GPS with musicUp to ~8 hoursUp to ~8 hours (similar)
Case materialFiber-reinforced polymer with stainless steel bezelFiber-reinforced polymer
Included band sizeFits smaller wrist rangeFits slightly larger wrist range
PriceCheck Venu 2 Plus PriceCheck Venu 2 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • AMOLED Display: Both models include bright AMOLED screens that provide improved contrast, vivid colors, and better outdoor visibility compared to traditional LCD screens. This makes touchscreen navigation smoother and visually appealing in fitness and daily use.
  • Always-On Display Option: Each watch supports an always-on mode, allowing users to see the time and key info without wrist gestures. This improves convenience during workouts and daily wear.
  • Touchscreen: Both devices rely on responsive touchscreen interaction for menu navigation and app usage. The familiar interface makes them simple to operate for new and experienced smartwatch owners alike.
  • Stainless Steel Bezel: Both watches use stainless steel around the display, improving durability while adding a premium aesthetic. This helps protect the screen edge from impacts during everyday activities.
  • Corning Gorilla Glass Protection: Each model uses durable glass to resist scratches and provide long-lasting clarity. It allows users to wear the watch confidently in active environments.
  • GPS / GNSS: Both include multi-GNSS tracking for accurate positioning during runs, hikes, and cycling routes. This ensures reliable distance metrics even in more challenging signal environments.
  • Wrist-based Heart Rate: Both track heart rate continuously for workouts and daily health monitoring. By observing trends, users can better manage exercise intensity and wellness goals.
  • Pulse Ox Sensor: Each supports blood oxygen measurement, useful during sleep tracking and assessing altitude adaptation. It adds valuable context to overall respiratory health.
  • Sleep Tracking: Both analyze sleep stages and quality nightly, helping users identify rest patterns for recovery and performance. Detailed results appear in Garmin Connect.
  • Stress Tracking: Both models assess stress throughout the day using HRV metrics. This helps users detect when to relax or engage in breathing exercises.
  • Body Battery Energy Monitoring: Each tracks energy levels by combining sleep, heart rate, and activity indicators. Users can better plan workouts when their energy score is high.
  • Women’s Health Tracking: Both support menstrual cycle and pregnancy tracking through Garmin Connect. This creates a more personalized wellness experience.
  • Garmin Pay: Each allows contactless payments, convenient for running errands or exercising without carrying a phone or wallet.
  • Music Storage: Both watches can store music directly on the device for phone-free listening with Bluetooth headphones. This benefits runners and gym users who prefer minimal gear.
  • Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi Support: Both support wireless connectivity for syncing data, linking accessories, and using music services. This enables seamless ecosystem integration.
  • Health Snapshot: Each device captures a 2-minute recording of vital stats like heart rate, stress, and respiration. It provides a quick health overview for monitoring personal trends.
  • On-device Animated Workouts: Both show animated guidance for strength, cardio, and yoga sessions. This helps users follow proper exercise form without needing a separate screen.
  • Water Rating 5 ATM: Both are suitable for swimming and shower use with resistance up to 50 meters. Users can confidently track water workouts and wear them daily.
  • Garmin Connect Sync: Both automatically sync health and fitness data to the Garmin Connect platform for detailed analysis and progress tracking.
  • Smartphone Notifications: Each displays calls, texts, and app alerts when connected to a phone. This keeps users connected on the go without constantly checking their device.

Common Features

FeatureGarmin Venu 2 PlusGarmin Venu 2
AMOLED DisplayYesYes
Always-On Display OptionYesYes
TouchscreenYesYes
Stainless Steel BezelYesYes
Corning Gorilla Glass ProtectionYesYes
GPS / GNSSMulti-GNSSMulti-GNSS
Wrist-based Heart RateYesYes
Pulse Ox SensorYesYes
Sleep TrackingYesYes
Stress TrackingYesYes
Body Battery Energy MonitoringYesYes
Women’s Health TrackingYesYes
Garmin PayYesYes
Music StorageYesYes
Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi SupportYesYes
Health SnapshotYesYes
On-device Animated WorkoutsYesYes
Water Rating5 ATM5 ATM
Garmin Connect SyncYesYes
Smartphone NotificationsYesYes
Price Check Venu 2 Plus Price
Check Venu 2 Price

FAQ

Can I make phone calls directly on the Garmin Venu 2 Plus?
Yes, the Garmin Venu 2 Plus has a built-in microphone and speaker that allow you to make and receive Bluetooth calls when paired with a compatible smartphone.

Does the Garmin Venu 2 support phone calls like the Venu 2 Plus?
No, the Garmin Venu 2 does not have a microphone or speaker, so it cannot handle calls from the wrist.

Do both watches have the same display quality?
Yes, both the Venu 2 Plus and Venu 2 feature an AMOLED display with the same sharpness, contrast, and visibility in outdoor environments.

Which model has better battery life overall?
The Garmin Venu 2 typically lasts longer in smartwatch mode because it doesn’t include the additional calling features found in the Venu 2 Plus.

Can both watches store music for phone-free listening?
Yes, both models allow you to download playlists from supported services so you can listen over Bluetooth headphones without carrying your phone.

Are both watches suitable for swimming?
Yes, both watches have a 5 ATM water rating, meaning they are safe for swimming and shower use as part of everyday wear.

Do both models have GPS built in?
Yes, both include multi-GNSS support so outdoor tracking works without needing to connect to a phone.

Is voice assistant available on both models?
The Venu 2 Plus supports phone-connected voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, or Bixby, while the Venu 2 does not support voice assistant functionality.

Can I use Garmin Pay on both watches?
Yes, Garmin Pay contactless payments are available on both devices for convenient wallet-free purchases.

Do both watches track advanced health metrics like Pulse Ox and stress?
Yes, both devices include Pulse Ox measurement, stress tracking, sleep monitoring, and Body Battery insights to support overall health understanding.

Which model fits smaller wrists better?
The Garmin Venu 2 Plus has a slightly smaller case diameter and uses a 20 mm band, making it a better fit for users with smaller to medium wrists compared to the larger Venu 2.

Do both support animated workouts on the watch screen?
Yes, both display animated exercises for strength, cardio, Pilates, and yoga to guide users through proper form during training.

Are there differences in sports tracking between the two models?
No, both offer the same robust Garmin fitness ecosystem, including dozens of sports modes, workout analytics, and recovery insights.

Do both watches sync with Garmin Connect?
Yes, both send health, fitness, and activity data to Garmin Connect for detailed analysis, goal tracking, and performance review.

Which model should I choose for more smartwatch-style features?
The Venu 2 Plus is better if you want voice assistant access and wrist-based calling, while the Venu 2 is better if you prioritize longer battery life and a slightly larger screen size.