I was a Fitbit 4 user for a few years until it broke, tried the Fitbit 5 but its measure of total calories was high by +50% although the screen was colorful and easy to read. So, I did some research and selected the Garmin Instinct 2. The screen is low contrast and a bit difficult to read. The measure of calories burned during a workout is very underestimated. For example, I know that I burn 500-700 calories in a heavy weightlifting workout of 60-75 min. The Garmin registers 200-250, and 60-80 of that is resting rate. It sometimes gets no readings for sleep time. All of the “features” for 20-30 different exercises are somewhat useless if it cant measure calories accurately. I hoped to simply have heartbeat, total calories burned in a day and as a subset, calories burned in a workout. The Garmin falls short of providing that accurately. NOT recommended. I wish i had returned it!

Picked this up about a month ago to replace a Fitbit Charge 4. While there are certainly differences between the two ecosystems, Garmin's Connect app is far superior and more focused on fitness, training, and all-around health. I was worried that the learning curve would be steep, but frankly it was fine and while importing my previous health data from Fitbit was not a simple procedure, I did get it imported and preserved my nearly two-year-long 10,000 steps/day streak, which I continue to maintain.

Being a sea kayak guide, I found this watch to be very appealing because of its great features (such as a recreation profile which includes kayaking), featherweight design and great battery life. Those going on expeditions may want to consider the Solar Surf but the standard version is more than sufficient for me. Plus it looks so much cooler in its vibrant Lime case and strap!

Purchased about 3 weeks ago to replace failed FitBit Charge 5. The Fitbits I've had in the past last about a year, maybe 2 - the 5 lasted a week which convinced me look to Garmin Instinct 2. Honestly, the cost kept me away in the past - could purchase 3 Fitbit's for 1 Instinct 2 or 4-5 Fitbit's for an Instinct 2 Solar. I did shy from the solar to avoid the extra hundred plus. I also shyed from the Apple Watch choices - concerned with durability. The Garmin feels rugged enough, time will tell. Pretty much the same features - less the color on the fitbit these days.

Bought this watch primarily for tracking HR while mtn bike riding. I have had lots of trouble with the HR straps over the years. Garmin actually comped me a HRM-Pro Plus strap and that has worked well so far. The watch misses some peak HR efforts at times which is expected with wrist-based measurements. Otherwise very close stats to my Edge 830. I like the sleep tracking info. The workout suggestions are good and are based on my HRV and previous intensity minutes. The watch syncs with my trainer and controls the resistance/watts based on the prescribed workout. Nice long battery life and you don't have to press any buttons to see the watch face. Garmin customer service has been very good to me over the years.

Purchased the instinct 2 yesterday and have multiple connection and freezing problems, finally got it set up after a few hours and got familiar with the watch interface and to wake up and it's frozen and unresponsive again, was disappointed at 1st but after getting used to the functions I liked it but will be returning due to the multiple issues, it's a shame because it's a well made watch but the screen is primitive

After doing a good bit of research within my price range, this is the Garmin watch I landed on. I am an avid outdoorsman and the ruggedness and durability of this watch was super intriguing. While it is rugged and simple on the outside, it has everything you need technology wise and will no doubt make training and monitoring your daily health a breeze. I highly recommend this watch for anyone who is looking for a rugged, durable and reliable watch at a reasonable price!

So far I have had this watch for about a month. It has seen sunshine, rain, sleet, and snow. I am loving it. I go all over and this watch has held up so far. Not very fashionable but worth the money. I learn a new feature on the watch almost everyday.

So far I am not impressed with this smart watch. The heart rate monitor is incorrect frequently and it seems like anytime the censor gets water or sweat of any amount it sends an alert that my watch is worn improperly. Also it seems like sweat also causes the heart rate monitor to be incorrect. There are times that my watch doesn't move and I get an alert that my watch is being worn improperly. Overall I'm not impressed by this watch. I got this watch as part of a study, if I had bought it I would have returned it.

Had this watch for 3 years and love it. It gets used everyday to just tell the time etc. and record all my activities when linking to strava, hiking MTB and kayaking. Used to record a 12 day kayaking trip around Cape Scott on Vancouver Island - batt needed charging everyday but no problem with a power pack.