Garmin Instinct 2 vs Fenix 7: A Very Detailed Comparison

I’m going to dive into all the differences between the Fenix 7 and its mini-me, the Instinct 2. Comparisons have long been drawn between the two, and whether or not the Instinct was essentially a Fenix-lite. And in many ways, it is. Whereas in others, it’s clearly not. However, never has the line been closer than now with the Instinct 2, which swallows up the vast majority of the Fenix 6-era sports and fitness features, will stop short of adding newer Fenix 7—era features, or, adding a fancier display.

Of course, in any comparison like this, one has to acknowledge the obvious: The Fenix 7 (base) is twice the price of the Instinct 2 (base). The Fenix 7 series starts at $699, whereas the Instinct 2 series starts at $349. Still, for many people, either device would work well. And I hope to arm you with the information you need to see which extra features you prefer, or decide to skip on.

Now as always, this video is based on real-world long-term usage of both devices. And more notably, both devices literally side by side on long adventures and workouts. So I can dive into some of the interesting nuances between them that aren’t obvious…unless you’re 6-hours into a hike with changing weather conditions requiring a route change.

0:00 The Basics
0:49 Prices & Size Comparison
1:32 Display Differences
2:47 Mapping & Navigation Details
6:10 Battery Life
7:28 Sports Profiles & Types
8:41 Sensors and Data Metrics
10:11 GPS & Altimeter Differences
11:36 Musi, WiFi, Garmin Pay
12:29 Optical HR Sensors
13:31 Safety & Tracking Features
14:35 Connect IQ Differences
15:56 Helping you decide!

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#Fenix7 #Instinct2 #GarminFenix7 #GarminInstinct2

[DerekFletcher]

I just came across your channel because I'm looking into getting a garmin watch. I then came across your written work and wow! There are few people out there who do such good written reviews anymore that are actually in depth and not just copy/pasting basic info from other sites. Thanks for doing all the leg work on everything you review.

[Jules-snpf]

I literally just traded in my Fenix7 for an instinct 2. The fenix is way too much of a smartwatch for me. The instinct is simple, doesn’t look like a “smart watch” and is a quarter of the price. I’m never looking back. Great review!

[AllGrogg]

I was looking at the older gen fenix vs instinct, but now that I've seen that the instinct supports "Openwater Golf" I've decided it best if I just escape all civilization and live as a hermit.

[dnserror]

I chose the Instinct 2. In my opinion it looks better coming from wearing g-shocks, smaller and lighter which also makes sleeping with the watch more comfortable, cheaper, and breadcrumb navigation is good enough for me. Thanks!

[chrisw]

I came close to buying a Fenix 6 but went for an upgrade from my Instinct Solar to an Instinct Solar 2. In the end, it was the fact that 6 years is probably the realistic upper end for device support from Garmin and that the F6 is already 3 yrs old which pushed me in the IS2 direction. Hard decision though. None of the options are bad at all. Garmin are on top form at the moment. My 2 yr old Instinct Solar is like new. The fibreglass case and silicone strap are so tough. Also, no noticeable sign of even minor battery degradation.

[rpnvg]

Honestly, I think the Instinct 2 looks so much cooler and more durable than the Fenix 7. I think this video helped me decide that the Instict 2 Solar will suit my needs just fine. Thanks for these videos!

[goatsplitter]

I used your videos to make a purchasing decision. I ultimately went with the Instinct 2 Solar for the battery life as a main feature, along with your tests showing that (generally) the GPS and altimeter are pretty close. To me, the extra money wasn't worth the things I wasn't going to use the watch for. Primarily for mountain biking and backpacking - and I've gone 38 years without any digital help at all as far as navigation so just a simple no-maps but coordinate/direction is totally fine. And, the instinct 2 is on sale as of this comment whereas the fenix 7 is not so the price gap is just that much greater. Thanks for your info on the watches!

[GutoAmorim]

Man, this review was so good! Garmin has so many models that's hard to chose or even upgrade (my case). The instinct is so different yet similar to the Venu and Fenix and you went straight to the important points. Thank you!

[backroadssingletrack]

Thanks for the comparison on these two. I'm considering upgrading my old Instinct and this was helpful. I do like the maps option on the Fenix but I'm not sure it is worth the extra cash for me. I currently use the Explore app when I need to see a topo view since the breadcrumb on the Instinct isn't very helpful for me. The Fenix does have some neat features, but the Instinct 2 solar might be the better value for my needs. Thanks again for your videos, you helped me decide on my original Instinct years ago.

[shorne]

Another informative and useful video. Thank you! There is one painfully obvious difference between the Instinct and other Garmin watches that I don't believe you covered at all. Readability. Garmin's monochrome screens have more contrast and are far easier to read than the color MIP screens. That difference was very evident in the screen shots you shared during this video. This issue is even more severe for Garmin's bike computers. With a watch it is pretty easy to change the angle of view to improve contrast. But that is simply not possible with bike computers. I can't tell you how many times I have cursed my Edge 830 because I could not see the display well enough to make out what it was telling me. Here again, the Edge 130 is better. I owned the Edge 130 for a while before upgrading the 830. If I complain to Garmin they will ignore me. But if you point out this shortcoming, they will listen to you. The answer, at least for the bike computers, is to offer each model in color and monochrome versions, and let the user decide which feature is more important. For me, I'll take readability over muted colors any day.

[MattSwain]

I love my Fenix 6 but if I was choosing between these two I’d go Instinct, no doubt at all. I’m not a fan of touchscreens on watches (so I’d be paying for a feature I’d turn off on the F7), colour is nice but not essential and as I’m primarily a cyclist these days a lot of the missing features are covered by my bike computer anyway. I’d mainly be sad about the lack of on device music for the small amount of running I do but it’s hard to argue with that gaping chasm between the prices.

[ronschroeder]

I went instinct 2 solar. I do a lot of ocean paddling and the seawater renders the garmin chargers unreliable within a year. I also prefer the instinct 2 monochrome display as it has more contrast that you can read easier in sunlight. All I really need is a readable display for speed, distance, time, save track and upload to Strava, with charging that doesn't use the Garmin cables, so 99% of features won't get used. I long for my old 910XT clip on charger, but that was stolen.

[adamh]

One quick question, if the instinct 2 completely died from running out battery, could you charge it to turning on under solar only?

[cheeheifoo]

Thanks! I didn't know that the Sony chipset could have difficulties near built up areas. That's what's been happening to me. It's insights like that from you that make the difference.

[FrankZen]

I have the Instinct Solar as my daily watch and the Fenix 5X Plus as my workout watch. Instinct 2 looks like I might be able to cut down to one watch! I won't miss the music because syncing is unbearable anyway and I'll probably go back to mp3...

[sl-rtkv]

I wonder about the readiibility of Fenix 7 vs Instinct 2 displays in various lighting conditions and viewing angles? In this video comparison, the Instinct screen appears to my eyes to be consistently more vibrant and readable than the more muted display on the Fenix. I bring this up because as a Fenix 6 sapphire owner, I find that the screen is often frustratingly difficult to read in many lighting conditions. Yes I can work around that by pressing the backlight button, but I expect to be able to read basic watch output at a glance, like date and time, without having to push buttons or change viewing angles. I find this aspect of the Fenix 6 to be very annoying, almost to the point where it is a gamebreaker.

[jpd]

I bought an Instinct 1 last year (on your excellent reviews advice!) and would be curious about a comparison of the durability of these two watches? Part of the draw of the instinct line for me is how bomb proof they are, and thats important when your out hiking and crashing through the back country.

[vinugholap]

Hello! Could you make a comment on the difference in the sensors Elevate 3.0 vs Elevate 4.0? What are the major upgrades with the new Elevate 4.0? I am confused between getting the Instinct 2 which has Elevate 4.0 but also find Fenix 6 at a great discount. Thanks!

[jumbleross]

I’m liking the altimeter locking to the mapset on Fenix7. I have the FR645 which I love but the barometer is not very accurate when doing an MTB ride. Although I do prefer a lighter watch so perhaps still hold out for next gen FR945 🤔

[ChaseTheSummit]

05:26 Fenix 7 be like "Yo, I know where the ocean is"