Launched back in November 2019, the Garmin fenix 6 combined advanced fitness and health features in a rugged smartwatch design with a long-lasting battery. However, its chunky form and lack of a touchscreen left it largely as a niche device for fitness and outdoor enthusiasts. With the Venu 2, Garmin delivers a more accessible wearable design- and price-wise. While it retains the Garmin DNA both inside and out, the Venu 2 aims to win a bigger crowd. How do these two smartwatches compare, and which one suits you best?
Navigation
Garmin Venu 2 vs fenix 6 Comparison Chart
| Model | Garmin Venu 2 | Garmin fenix 6 Standard Edition |
 |  | |
| Price | Check at Amazon | Check at Amazon |
| Dimensions | 45.4 x 45.4 x 12.2 mm | 47 x 47 x 14.7 mm |
| Weight | 49 g | 80 g |
| Display | AMOLED touchscreen | AMOLED |
| Display Size | 1.3 in. | 1.3 in. |
| Case | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Fiber-reinforced polymer, metal rear cover |
| Strap | Silicone | Silicone, leather, fabric, metal |
| Bezel | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Water Rating | 5ATM | 10ATM |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+, WiFi | Bluetooth Smart, ANT+ |
| GPS | Built-in | Built-in |
| Key Sensors | HRM, altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, thermometer, SpO2 | HRM, altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, thermometer, SpO2 |
| Heart Rate Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| SpO2 Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Respiration Rate | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Music Storage | Yes | No |
| Contactless Payments | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 days on battery saver 11 days on smartwatch mode 22 hours on GPS mode | 48 days on battery saver 14 days on smartwatch mode 36 hours on GPS |
Design
Garmin’s Venu 2 adopts a more casual aesthetic compared to the rugged design of the Garmin fenix 6.
Garmin has always been consistent with its design approach. Instead of sleek, square displays, the company opts for the more traditional round watch case. It’s less-in-your-face and feels more anchored on the idea of how clocks look. However, the Garmin fenix 6 brandishes a more hard-wearing aesthetic, thanks to its chunky stainless steel bezel and eye-catching screws. On the Venu 2, Garmin has softened the exterior by slimming the bezels and ditching the bolts.
Despite this difference, the materials used in crafting these watches are mostly the same. The Garmin Venu 2 and fenix 6 boast cases made from fiber-reinforced polymer. For durability, the lenses employ Corning Gorilla Glass 3 as well. As for the straps, the Venu 2 comes with quick-release silicone bands available in different colors. On the other hand, the Garmin fenix 6 can be connected to a variety of silicone, leather, fabric, and even metal straps.
Although the fenix 6 is slightly larger, both it and the Venu 2 have the same 1.3-inch AMOLED display. The Venu 2’s boasts a higher resolution and supports touch gestures. There are two physical buttons on its right side as well. In contrast, the fenix 6 relies solely on its five buttons for navigation. While it’s cumbersome for navigating maps, the physical buttons are more practical and resilient in harsher weather conditions.
Sports and Activity Tracking
Garmin’s fenix 6 offers more sports modes and comprehensive performance tracking than the Venu 2.
Day-to-day fitness metrics are recorded by the Garmin Venu 2 and fenix 6. You can check data like calories burned, daily steps, floors climbed, and distance traveled. In a few of these metrics, you can even set goals, which could help boost your motivation to be active. If you like to push yourself further, both watches support Garmin Connect’s Challenges, a simple but effective way to keep you engaged in several fitness activities.
Being an adventure watch, however, the Garmin fenix 6 has more sports modes than the Venu 2. In particular, its advantage comes in a handful of outdoor recreational profiles like climbing, mountain biking, and kayaking — all of which are not available on the Venu 2. The fenix 6 also supports more running, cycling, and swimming modes. For indoor activities, the Venu 2 has the edge. Aside from the usual gym workouts, the watch tracks HIIT and Breathwork.
When it comes to training, the Garmin Venu 2 and fenix 6 both do a pretty good job. You can check your workout intensity through HR rates and HR zones. Respiration rate is also monitored, although, on the fenix 6, it requires using a compatible chest strap.
Both also support downloadable training plans and customizable activity profiles. However, if you need deeper insights, the fenix 6 has the advantage. Aside from the basic metrics, you can also view your training load, status, and effects.
Health Features
The Garmin Venu 2 has a slight edge in health features, while the Garmin fenix 6 leads in safety and tracking.
Although not primarily marketed as health smartwatches, the Garmin Venu 2 and fenix 6 have their fair share of health features. First, you have a wrist-based heart rate monitor that checks your resting heart rate and detects abnormal heart rates. Next, you have a pulse oximeter for monitoring your blood oxygen saturation levels. Staple features like sleep and stress tracking are also available on these wearables.
Garmin includes its own Fitness Age and Body Battery Energy Monitor on the Venu 2 and fenix 6. With Fitness Age, you get estimates about how fit you are given your actual age. Meanwhile, the Body Battery Energy Monitor calculates how much energy you have reserved throughout the day. Practical reminders to hydrate and relax are integrated into the system as well.
If you want a quick look at your status, the Venu 2 comes with a Health Snapshot feature. Using health-related insights its tracked, you can get a glimpse at your cardiovascular health. It’s the only feature missing on the fenix 6.
In terms of safety, the Venu 2 and fenix 6 both have incident detection and emergency assistance. Garmin’s fenix 6 also supports group livetrack and live event sharing, providing real-time updates to your family and friends.
Smart Features and Battery Life
While Garmin’s Venu 2 has more smart features, the Garmin fenix 6 has better battery life.
Although designed for fitness, sports, and the outdoors, Garmin’s watches are equipped with smart features, too. Both wearables can stream call, text, and app notifications. When paired with an Android device, you can even send text responses and reject phone calls. However, you can’t actually take calls using the watches.
The Garmin Venu 2 and fenix 6 also play and control music from your smartphone. On the Venu 2, you can even store music. It also pairs with the Garmin Golf App, which is missing on the Garmin fenix 6. Other shared features between the two devices include contactless payments, downloadable watch faces, and the ability to use the watch to locate your paired phone.
Now, battery life isn’t as simple. For instance, if you plan to use the Venu 2 and fenix 6 primarily as smartwatches, you get 11 and 14 days of battery life from them, respectively. Turn on their GPS modes, and it’s a different story. With GPS on, the Venu 2 lasts for up to 22 hours. On the other hand, the fenix 6’s battery life is reduced to 36 hours.
However, the Garmin fenix 6 does have a GPS expedition mode that prolongs battery life to 28 days even with GPS turned on. Of course, the battery saver mode can help your Garmin watch last for longer between charges. On the Venu 2, this translates to about 12 days of runtime. Meanwhile, on the fenix 6, you’re getting an impressive 48 days of battery life.
Verdict
For most people who want a fitness watch, the Garmin Venu 2 is enough. However, if you need a more functional wearable for sports and fitness, the Garmin fenix 6 is better.
Most people see Garmin as a niche brand with watches that only serve those who take fitness and sports seriously. With the Garmin Venu 2, you now have a wearable that should appeal to a broader demographic. The device stays true to Garmin’s design philosophy but refines it further to give it a more casual aesthetic. Crowd-favorite features like music storage and a touchscreen display are also present.
However, if you need comprehensive fitness and sports tracking, you’re better off with the Garmin fenix 6. Sturdily built for challenging environments, the fenix 6 delivers a breadth of training and analysis features. The watch supports more profiles across different sports and outdoor recreation activities as well. Plus, it boasts a longer battery life for far-reaching treks and expeditions.
FAQs
The Garmin fenix 6’s display does not support touch gestures. To navigate, five physical buttons on the sides of the watch are used.
The standard edition of the Garmin fenix 6 does not have onboard music storage. This feature is only available on the fenix 6 Pro and Sapphire editions.
Yes, it does. The Garmin Venu 2 allows users to log their daily fluid intake.
Garmin shares that the Venu 2 enjoys one-year warranty.