Garmin Venu 2 Plus vs Venu 2: Garmin smartwatches run tested

The Garmin Venu 2 Plus and Garmin Venu 2 are two watches that promise to offer a great run tracking and smartwatch experience. If you had to go for one though, which should you go for?

Tester Mike has been testing the Venu 2 Plus and has already spent plenty of testing time with the Venu 2 to see how they match up as running watches and to see what you'll gain or lose by going for one over the other.

(NOTE: US pricing for the Garmin Venu 2 Plus is $449.99, not $399.99 as we stated in this video)

JUMP STRAIGHT IN:
00:02​​​​ - Intro
00:11 - Design and Features
05:05 - The Run Test
07:19 - Verdict

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[Scuba_Son]

Been super happy with the Venu 2 now that the software is all buttoned up.

[roydenpereira]

It would be nice to point out which watch is which when you're explaining. I can see that most people here seem to know but as someone knew to this, it can be confusing. Good video none the less.

[Pennicito]

Video helped me devcide to keep the Venu 2, I don't really like the idea of a mic on my wrist, lol.

[Lynn-zwdr]

Thank you I'm buying tomorrow white and gold 2 plus 👍🏻🇬🇧🙂 edit, first one was faulty green flickering screen, another new one arriving today!

[jackt]

Venu 2 plus is in fact thinner than venu 2. Bracelet is also 20mm vs 22mm

[ColeRunning]

Looking for a new watch so this was super helpful. Thanks mate

[philippbaumann]

really helpful video, helped me decide greatly !

[alicejungdesign]

Thanks for the video, now I know that the Version 2 is enough for me ;)

[danieloherrick]

I wish Garmin had kept the 22mm band on the 2 Plus.

[markrainforth]

I had the Garmin venu 1 and I was going to get the Garmin venu 2 but I got a really good deal on venu plus 2 so I got that one for the same price as the venu 2

[gd]

Hey, I have a question. Is it possible to record and save an audio recording with Garmin Venu 2 Plus? Thank you! :)

[janmudicka]

Would you choose rather venu 2 plus or huawei gt runner? Thx

[henrielkouby]

great video !!!!
it will be also interesting to compare the venu 2 to the Fenix 6spro.
now (after the Fenix 7 launch) the price difference is around 50 $ only ...
I'm hesitating between this 2 (switching from my Vivoactive 3 music watch) .
it will be great to have your honest opinion 🙏

[graysongrzybowski]

Can a person disable the call and texting features if they wanted? My GF wants a fitbit but not have the calls/text tied to it

[nickdew]

Is it better looking because it's smaller watch but same display?

[SkaiSharku]

Garmin website is showing like 22 hours on the plus, without music.

[wissamchalabi]

Question: For me the main difference is that the Venu 2 is all plastic (which feels cheap for a quite pricy watch imo) while the Plus has a metal backside. Do you feel that difference? For example in comfortably wearing the watch for a few days. Thanks!

[adrianb.]

I have a Vivoactive 3 and was wondering if I should wait for Vivo 5 (whenever that might be) or get the Venu 2 Plus ?
Main features I need is the speaker (for outdoor gym sessions: music, take phone calls etc.) and animated workouts.
Shall I wait a few more months for a potential Vivo 5?

[erinhardenberg]

Hi there - being able to make a call from my watch (without having my cell phone with me) would help me to make the decision. That being said, will I be able to make a call or send a message from the Venu 2 + WITHOUT having my cell phone nearby?

[philu]

So, they're essentially the same watch, except that the Venu 2 plus can take calls with its speakers and microphone?

No big deal really if you carry your phone with you.