| Manufacturer | Garmin |
|---|---|
| Type | Rugged outdoor and multisport GPS smartwatch |
| Series | Instinct |
| Released | 9 February 2022 (announced 9 February 2022) |
| Price at launch | Instinct 2 and 2S: GBP 299.99 / USD 349.99 / EUR 349.99. Instinct 2 Solar and 2S Solar: GBP 389.99 / USD 449.99 / EUR 449. The 40mm and 45mm models cost the same |
| Predecessor | Instinct and Instinct Solar |
| Successor | Instinct 3 Solar and Instinct 3 AMOLED |
| Sizes | 40mm (small, Instinct 2S), 45mm (medium, Instinct 2) |
| Variants | Standard (chemically strengthened glass); Solar (Power Glass solar charging lens, Garmin Pay). Special editions: Surf and Surf Solar, Camo, Tactical Solar, and the 45mm dezl Edition for truck drivers |
| Colours | Graphite, Electric Lime, Poppy, Neo-Tropic, Deep Orchid, Waikiki, and Tidal Blue at launch; the choice varies by size and edition |
Specifications as at launch. Features and activity profiles reflect the latest Garmin software.
Expert opinion | What’s new | Specifications | Battery life | Features | Activity profiles | Comparisons | Quick answers | Further reading
Expert opinion
The first Instinct with Connect IQ, triathlon support and two case sizes, 40mm (small) and 45mm (medium), turns a Casio-styled outdoor watch into a capable multisport tool. Its differentiators are the rugged look, Garmin Pay on Solar models, and solar charging that reaches unlimited smartwatch life on the 45mm Solar.
Later firmware added HRV Status, wrist-based running power, Morning Report and Training Readiness, aligning it with Garmin’s higher-end watches. Navigation is breadcrumb based rather than map based.
Garmin Instinct 2
Tough, long-lasting outdoor watch with multisport features and an optional solar edition.
What’s new versus the Instinct
Hardware
- A second, smaller case size for the first time: the 40mm (small) Instinct 2S
- Higher-resolution display, 176 x 176 against 128 x 128, at the same 0.9″ size
- Slimmer case, 14.5mm against 15.3mm, at the same 52g
- Longer battery life: smartwatch up to 28 days against 14, and GPS up to 30 hours against 16
- On the 45mm Solar, unlimited smartwatch life with solar against 54 days on the Instinct Solar, and Max Battery GPS up to 370 hours with solar against 145 hours
- NFC for Garmin Pay on Solar models
- MIL-STD-810 build, 10 ATM water rating and chemically strengthened glass retained
Software
- Connect IQ apps, widgets, watch faces and data fields
- Multisport activity, with triathlon tracking total time and distance across transitions
- Power meter, smart trainer, Varia and running dynamics accessory support
- VO2 max, Training Status, Training Load, Training Effect and Recovery Time
- Sleep Score and advanced sleep monitoring, a Health Monitoring view and Fitness Age
- Daily Suggested Workouts and HIIT workouts
- Incident detection
- Garmin Pay on Solar models
- Activity sharing by text message
- Golf features
- Your Watch, Your Way customisation with more than 240 combinations
Specifications
The 45mm Instinct 2 figures are shown in the table as the headline size. Differences for the 40mm Instinct 2S are noted below.
Instinct 2S (40mm): 40 x 40 x 13.3mm, display 20 x 20mm (0.79″) at 156 x 156 (active area), weight 42g (2S Solar 43g), QuickFit 20mm band, fits wrists of 112 to 180mm. Lens, sensors and features match the 45mm model of the same edition.
| Specification | Instinct 2 (45mm) | Instinct 2 Solar (45mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | ||
| Display type | Monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP), two-window design | |
| Display size | 23 x 23mm (0.9″) | |
| Resolution | 176 x 176 pixels | |
| Lens | Chemically strengthened glass | Power Glass |
| Physical | ||
| Case size | 45mm (medium) | |
| Dimensions | 45 x 45 x 14.5mm | |
| Weight | 52g | 53g |
| Bezel material | Fibre-reinforced polymer | |
| Case material | Fibre-reinforced polymer | |
| Band | 22mm QuickFit, silicone; fits wrists of 135 to 230mm | |
| Water rating | 10 ATM | |
| Durability | MIL-STD-810 | |
| Solar charging | No | Yes |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | ||
| Sensors and positioning | ||
| GNSS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | |
| Heart rate | Garmin Elevate wrist heart rate monitor | |
| Pulse Ox | Yes | |
| Other sensors | Barometric altimeter, compass, accelerometer, thermometer | |
| Connectivity and storage | ||
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+ | |
| NFC (Garmin Pay) | No | Yes |
| Music | Smartphone music controls | |
| Navigation | Breadcrumb trail, point-to-point navigation, TracBack and back to start | |
| Charging | Garmin proprietary plug charger | |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | ||
Battery life
Solar figures for smartwatch, Battery Saver and Expedition assume all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions; solar figures for GPS modes assume use in 50,000 lux conditions.
| Mode | Instinct 2S | Instinct 2S Solar | Instinct 2 | Instinct 2 Solar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch | Up to 21 days | Up to 21 days (51 days with solar) | Up to 28 days | Up to 28 days (unlimited with solar) |
| Battery Saver watch | Up to 50 days | Up to 50 days (unlimited with solar) | Up to 65 days | Up to 65 days (unlimited with solar) |
| GPS | Up to 22 hours | Up to 22 hours (28 hours with solar) | Up to 30 hours | Up to 30 hours (48 hours with solar) |
| Max Battery GPS | Up to 54 hours | Up to 54 hours (114 hours with solar) | Up to 70 hours | Up to 70 hours (370 hours with solar) |
| Expedition GPS | Up to 25 days | Up to 25 days (105 days with solar) | Up to 32 days | Up to 32 days (unlimited with solar) |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | ||||
Features
A full breakdown of Garmin platform features is available at Garmin features explained.
Plan
- Daily Suggested Workouts for running and cycling
- Garmin Coach training plans for running and cycling
- Cardio, strength, HIIT, yoga and Pilates workouts
- Downloadable training plans, advanced workouts and interval training
- Morning Report, added by software update
Prepare
- Training Readiness, added by software update
- Training Status, Training Load and Training Effect, with Unified Training Status and Physio TrueUp added by software update
- HRV Status, added by software update
- Recovery Time
- Body Battery energy monitoring
- Sleep Score and sleep insights
- All-day stress and respiration tracking
- Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation
- Health Snapshot and Fitness Age
- Abnormal heart rate alerts and relaxation breathing timer
Perform
- VO2 max for running and trail running
- Wrist-based running power, added by software update
- Running dynamics and lactate threshold with a compatible accessory
- Triathlon and manual multisport activities
- FTP, power meter support, MTB Grit and Flow, and Varia radar and light compatibility
- Pool and open-water swim metrics with underwater wrist heart rate
- Breadcrumb navigation, TracBack, Sight ‘N Go and projected waypoints
- Expedition GPS activity, UltraTrac and barometric storm alerts
- Tides information, added by software update
- Golf CourseView, Green View, AutoShot and digital scorecard
- Dual grid coordinates and XERO locations
Connect
- Smart notifications, with text replies on Android
- Garmin Pay contactless payments on Solar editions
- Smartphone music controls
- Incident detection and assistance during select activities
- Connect IQ watch faces, data fields and apps
- Smart trainer control
- Weather forecasts, calendar and find my phone
- Gaming activity and GameOn app compatibility, added by software update
Activity profiles
| Category | Profiles |
|---|---|
| Running | Running, Outdoor Track Running, Trail Running, Treadmill Running, Indoor Track Running |
| Cycling | Biking, Road biking, Mountain Biking, Gravel biking, Bike commuting, Bike touring, eBiking, eMountain Biking, Indoor Biking, Cyclocross |
| Swimming | Pool Swimming, Open Water Swimming |
| Multisport | Triathlon |
| Gym and fitness | Strength, HIIT, Cardio and Elliptical Training, Stair Stepping, Floor Climbing, Indoor rowing, Indoor Climbing, Walking, Pilates, Yoga |
| Outdoor | Hiking, Bouldering, Climbing, Hunting, Horseback Riding |
| Other | Winter sports: Skiing, Snowboarding, Backcountry Snowboarding (added by software update), XC Classic Skiing, Backcountry Skiing, Snowshoeing | Water sports: Stand Up Paddleboarding, Rowing, Kayaking, Surfing, Kiteboarding, Windsurfing, Fishing | Racket sports: Tennis | Other: Tactical |
Garmin Instinct 2
Tough, long-lasting outdoor watch with multisport features and an optional solar edition.
Comparisons and upgrade guides
- Garmin Instinct 3 series overview, covering the Instinct E, Instinct 3 Solar and Instinct 3 AMOLED as upgrades from the Instinct 2
- Garmin solar technology deep dive, with an Instinct 2, 2 Solar and 3 Solar battery comparison
- Garmin Instinct E feature cuts, listing the Instinct 2 features the entry model drops
Quick answers
When was the Garmin Instinct 2 released?
Garmin announced and released the Instinct 2 on 9 February 2022. The launch price was GBP 299.99 or USD 349.99 for the Instinct 2 and 2S, and GBP 389.99 or USD 449.99 for the Solar models.
Is the Instinct 2 waterproof?
Instinct 2 has a water rating of 10 ATM. It includes Pool Swimming, Open Water Swimming and Triathlon profiles.
Does the Instinct 2 have maps?
No, Instinct 2 navigation is breadcrumb based rather than map based. It offers a breadcrumb trail, point-to-point navigation, TracBack and back to start.
Does the Instinct 2 have Garmin Pay?
Only the Solar models of Instinct 2 have NFC for Garmin Pay. The standard Instinct 2 and 2S do not.
What sizes does the Instinct 2 come in?
Instinct 2 comes in 45mm and the Instinct 2S in 40mm. The 45mm is 14.5mm thick, weighs 52g and takes a 22mm band, and the 40mm is 13.3mm thick, weighs 42g and takes a 20mm band.
How long does the Instinct 2 battery last?
Garmin rates the 45mm Instinct 2 for up to 28 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours in GPS mode. The 45mm Instinct 2 Solar has unlimited smartwatch battery life with solar, and the 40mm 2S lasts up to 21 days.
Further reading
- Garmin Instinct 2 Solar and 2S review
- Instinct 2 firmware update with Morning Report and Training Readiness
- Garmin Instinct hub
- Garmin watch specifications
- Release Radar: upcoming Garmin watches
Related watches
Successor: Garmin Instinct 3 Solar, the next-generation solar MIP Instinct.
Also consider: Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro, a rugged AMOLED outdoor watch in 44mm and 48mm with offline maps.
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin from any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafe stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Beet It Sport nitrate shots: Beetroot shots I take in the days before a race. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable insoles that are good. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: I’ve just bought one.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home. I use it.
Health, recovery and sleep
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
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