Garmin

Instinct 2X Solar

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Overall

#11 in

Fitness Trackers

according to Reddit Icon Reddit

Sentiment score85% positive
71
6
7

Top Pros

Top Cons

Last updated: Jul 6, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit IconEgleNet
4 months ago

For some reason, the torch only seems to come in the 45-50. I literally have anxiety now when I don’t have my I2X on my wrist, especially at night. The torch may be my most used feature now. 40 isn’t an option for me.

Reddit IconThomasHeart
9 months ago

I went from an Instinct 2X Whitestone to a Venu 4 all black 45mm. My main reasons were; Newer and better sensor, V5 vs old V4, (i was hoping it would have the V6 by now but that doesnt seem to be coming any day soon) ECG, Smart Wake Alarm, Habit tracking, Sleeker design, The Instinct was quite bulky and doesn't really 'dress up' very well. An OLED with touchscreen takes a bit getting used to. I still much prefer the MIP screens of old. Better visible in sunlight, use a lot less battery and are always on. Having to tap or lift the OLED watch is really gonna take some getting used to. Compared to the Instinct it feels a bit 'dainty' but I'm sure I'll get used to it. I seem to be getting around 12 days on 100% so that's enough. Obviously not as much as the Instinct but more than enough to never be caught short. So far i really like it. The Watch can do more, it shows more details when you go into stuff like sleep or hrv. The colours are nice and the display is pretty bright. I do worry a little bit about keeping the screen nice. I guess time will tell how it holds up durability wise. Really glad to have kept the flashlight! Something that i did notice that was a pleasant surprise is that it seems to charge noticeably faster than my instinct did. I'll need more Time to really get a feel for it but it seems to be extremely rich in features. I wanted the latest sensor and all the latest features, without spending a grand on a fenix. Venu 4 is the awnser

11 months ago

My bad, on my instinct 2x i cannot find a diving mode nor Activity.

Reddit Icon8lbs6ozBebeJesus
6 months ago

Instinct 2X solar. Picked it for the battery life, solar charging, and flashlight. Don’t love the size but it was the best option with those features that fit the budget.

Reddit IconAdBig2355
12 months ago

What Garmin claims and real world texts are not the same. Real world texts are showing the 3 to have worse battery than the 2x

Reddit IconAdept-Pangolin1302
4 months ago

Instinct 2x solar ticks all these boxes for me except for size. It's a big watch but that suits me fine.

5 months ago

Hiker here. Instinct 2x solar does everything I need and is extremely durable. Price point is great.

Reddit IconAgitatedEntrance2481
12 months ago

Garmin instinct 2x solar. All the stuff from getting calls at work through pulse point, hrv, sleep, all the workout stuff, text and calls, wallet etc. But the most used function that no one talks about that I use the most? The flashlight! Don't want to turn the lights on in the bathroom at night, use the flashlight! Also use the find my phone as well. Most smart watches probably do that though. I charge once a month. Also ditch the silicone watchband, get a fabric/Velcro one.

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