Garmin

Instinct 2S

Running these analyses costs money. Buy through my links to help keep lights on! I may get a small commission.

Garmin Instinct 2S

Overall

#8 in

Fitness Trackers

according to Reddit Icon Reddit

User sentiment73% positive
27
4
6

Top Pros

Top Cons

Last updated: Apr 6, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit IconJuice0188 0.8
r/GarminNeed help choosing my first garmin. Want it for well rounded use like tracking sleep, workout, hiking stress..currently vastly overweight 36m-200lb 5ft 10inch just getting back into the gym
6 months ago

I snaked an edit in on you, sorry about that.  They're good, but they're the main reason why I recommended going smaller and lighter. I had an old generation fenix, the largest model, and it was impossible to sleep in. A few years ago I got a lightweight instinct and I can wear it a lot easier. 

Reddit Icon0nTheRooftops 0.4
r/trailrunningI have to choose between the Suunto Race 2 and the Garmin Enduro 3.
6 months ago

I recently switched to a Garmin Instinct 2s from a Suunto Ambit 3 peak. Different watches i know, but the Suunto lasted me 6 years and was still working great (just wanted HR, and got the Garmin as a gift). I felt like Suunto interfaced better with my phone, and I have my doubts about the longevity of the Garmin. Garmin seems like the kind of company that will design in some planned obsolescence. Edit to add: the Suunto was my first watch and I bought it used. Its nearly 10 years old, battery continued to last for about 20 hours of activity, and is now being used by a friend.

Reddit Icon14shadynasty 0.4
r/golfWhat golf watch are you using and recommend?
6 months ago

Garmin instinct 2S. I have a small wrist and like the other features. So it’s not really a true golf watch, but does everything I need for a 16 handicap.

Reddit Iconanonymityninja 0.4
r/GarminWatchesForerunner 265 or Instinct 3 AMOLED?
7 months ago

I came from the Instinct 2s and after several years bought my 2nd Garmin which is now a Forerunner 265S. I love the AMOLED screen, the battery life isn't an issue with 15 days as it charges quickly. can get to 90% in an hour or less. I say go for t he forerunner 265! its great!

Reddit IconAvonSabreJet 0.4
r/GarminWatchesComing from Fitbit...
6 months ago

You could look at an instinct 2S or a Garmin instinct E, both are 40mm

r/GarminWatchesComing from Fitbit...
6 months ago

Honestly your best bet would be a Venu or an instinct, Venu is Garmin's health and fitness while instinct is there more traditional "G-Shock" style (best way I can describe it) watch, they don't really do the fitness tracker it's mostly all smartwatches. I have the Venu 4 coming from an instinct 2 solar. The vivo moves might also fit you well but they are older in comparison. If you are set on not having a smartwatch you may have to look into another brand, hope this helps, if you have any questions about the Venu or instinct let me know!

Reddit Icondeep_direction 0.4
r/GarminFinally a "whoop" device from Garmin?
4 months ago

update. I was able to take the screen off both the vivoactive 5 and the instinct 2s, and it stays connected to my phone and emits metrics. I just need to 3d print a cover and it will work without issue.

Reddit IconEunochRon 0.4
r/SwimmingAny advice which garmin watch is better for pool swimming.
10 months ago

I use the s2 for swim. It’s fine. The heart rate seems low, but I think that’s common for swimming. Often messes up which stroke in using. But I love it for open water when I’m wearing a wetsuit. The tactical start and stop as well as the heat/cold rating are awesome. My friend’s Apple Watch dies in the sun 40 water sometimes. Mine doesn’t even care.

Reddit IconFit-Career4225 0.4
r/AdvancedRunningHow often do you replace your running watch?
8 months ago

I dont know wich brand or watch is it, but my Garmin instrinct2s have the same navigation, and I realise like 4-8m in the wrong way. And there comes the bushwhack or turnback. But this happens rarely. Maybe a shallow Y turn or something.

r/UltramarathonWhat running watch do you use?
3 months ago

Instinc2s. I really dont want to upgrade. It knows everything I need.

r/trailrunningFirst running smartwatch
6 months ago

+1 on Instinct! Simple, knows almost everything that a high end much pricier Garmin does with incredible battery time

Reddit Iconhakapes 0.4
r/GarminWatchesWhich garmin for general wellness?
8 months ago

I bought for family members an Instinct 2, and Instinct 2S. Small, light, long battery. You don't have to babysit like the Venu 3S. It looks rugged, but it is small. The Instinct 3 is bigger.

r/GarminWatchesWhich garmin for general wellness?
8 months ago

I bought for family members an Instinct 2, and Instinct 2S. Small, light, long battery. You don't have to babysit like the Venu 3S. It looks rugged, but it is small. The Instinct 3 is bigger.

Reddit IconJeremyFromKenosha 0.4
r/cyclingIs it more worth it to get a bike computer or a watch
5 months ago

Go with the Garmin 530 for your bike, and stick with the HRM + smartphone for running. When cycling, it gets old FAST, having to look at one's watch for the data. I have a Garmin Edge 130 Plus for my bike and also an Instinct 2s. (both purchased refurbished) I thought the watch might replace the bike computer, but every time I use the watch on the bike, I wonder why I did it. It's only advantage is that it easily moves from bike to bike and walking without the need for more mounts.