There is no single clean looking smartwatch that has: accurate GPS and HR, decent battery life, offline music storage, payments, AMOLED, designated fit platform with web dashboard and no bluetooth connection issues. And I don't think we are asking for too much in 2020.
Great review! Regarding the SpO2 measurements, I think it's inaccurate, I had the Forerunner 245 before the Venu Sq, and I found it was way lower than reality. I don´t know why that happens, but Garmin doesn´t seem to have solved that problem so far. I saw that SpO2 error mentioned in another UA-cam review of the Venu Sq, including a comparison to a medical oximeter, and the professional one showed 98, when the Garmin in the same hand showed 93. I personally don´t care about this feature, but it would be something useful to have, if it were trustworthy. Garmin shoud address this issue for upcoming designs and/or firmware releases. Peace.
Great review very clear and good info.. How do you get the steps to appear at a glance without having to scroll? Does that require a certain clock face? Also in my day view how do I get rid of the GPS events that take up the real estate at the top of the screen? I know I can delete them but I'd rather just move them to the bottom But that doesn't seem possible. I can rearrange the other metrics around my heart rate and steps.
Was debating this or Fitbit sense for running and stress, the Garmin way of guessing stress seems a lot more clear and (for some) pretty accurate. the sense seems like a decent flop
Like the square display - still on the original vivoactive right now. In Germany the vivoactive 4s costs Euro 79,- more than the venu sq. Would love to see a barometer build in, thats the only reason I would go withe the vivoactive...
idk, too much options ... FE 55, Venus sq, Vivoactive 4s, FE 245. Thats the price order in mY country. My Sports: trekking, cycling, swimming, sometimes trail running. O don't run, I play football twice a week. I don't go to the gym
Garmin is a better choice. Fitbit takes lots of your stats and makes you pay premium subscription $10/month to unlock them which is a total bs. Garmin is a more accurate fitness watch too.
Hi thanks for the review. Is the screen hard to see in bright daylight? It looks pretty reflective like that might be an issue when running outside on a bright sunny day. Also for training workouts like interval runs how do you start and stop the timer? Push buttons or touch screen? Just wondering how the watch performs in intense training. Does sweat affect your ability to start and stop your timer? It would be annoying to try and stop your timer but not be able to see the screen or get the touch screen to work. Those are really important details that some of the watches seem to have issues with. Thanks again!!
It’s not, pretty sure it’s just the camera picking it up. In person it doesn’t reflect a whole ton to the point where you can’t see anything on it. Never had a problem with it
You could easily buy a very thin anti-reflective film if you're worried about glare. I mostly just use it as a bit and look at all the data on the phone and computer.
This device is hands down the best value for 200 bucks. Some sacrifices have to be made in terms of LCD size. The betperiod the bezzle's bigger only because it has to house all the other hardware like GPS and censors. It's actually an amazingly light and capable device it's. Really enjoying the garmen ecosystem too MUCH is better and detailed than FBit.
A young healthy individual should have a SpO2 between 97 - 99%. If you're having something beneath 95% you should call a health care provider. I would gess the sensor is inaccurate. The professional (clinical) readers needs to be callibrated, so I guess the same would be needed for a low-budget garmin watch as well. However, I dont think it is possible?
Hi Donovan, would you buy this over an Amazfit GTS as a first smartwatch? I mainly care about health tracking (HR, Sleep, ...) and for sport (cycling, tennis). Plus for nice software. I can't decide :)
I have the gts. Its a decent watch but it has connection issues. I never get text alerts and calls are spotty. Can take a long time to connect to GPS as well. I actually prefer my original amazfit bip. U can't really go wrong with that watch for $60. The battery life on that watch is amazing.
Hi and thanks for the great review! You mentioned near the end the Vivoactive 4S as being similarly priced to the Venu SQ, but I'm seeing it at the higher $349 price. Can you please clarify?
Vivoactive 4s is still 349 since it’s the newest model. I think he got it mixed up but the Vivoactive 3 is also a great watch that’s around 200 to 160 mattering what store you go to.
Hi there! Thanks for a great review video! I know that the Venu SQ doesn't list open water swimming, but is the watch able to track distance with its GPS for OWS, even if the stroke info/HR info isn't going to be tracked? Thank you!
I haven’t taken it out for outdoor swimming, but you would probably have to use a different option to track the GPS if you wanted, because there is no outdoor swim option available on the watch. You could maybe just use the navigate option or maybe even kayak.
SP02 is more of a gimmick on a wrist based design you need to buy a dedicated one for the finger to get more accuracy. This device competes with devices twice its price that says a lot. It is definitely one of the best values out there if not the number 1 best value.
Hi Donavon, I am doubting between buying the Venu SQ or a forerunner 245/745. What would be the main differences/ your considerations when making this decision? Would be great if you could share your view on this:).
It goes from your watch to the phone via Bluetooth and since you're phone is logged into the account it updates the online website. You can also directly update from your PC to the watch via bluetooth but you would need to get a proprietary $50 adapter like you would use for a wireless mouse. Using the phone takes care of all of this. The phone acts as a hub that communicates between the device and the website.
I have a Garmin instinct. It's damaged and I need a new smartwatch. Does anyone recommend a upgrade from the instinct? Something $300 or less would be my price range.
It's competitively decent not nearly as good as the COROS Pace 2 but then again no watch is. Given the Garmin ecosystem this watch is a great value for $200.
@@bloodhoug82 Agreed- very good device. I know it has 5 ATM specs but is it ok to shower with it on? Not sure if it has an autolock feature so the drops don't keep activating the screen.
Overall the Apple has a better looking display but it is a smartwatch 1st and a fitness tracker 2nd period whereas the VENU2 is a dedicated fitness tracker 1st with some smartwatch capabilities especially if you have the music version.
I have it with SPO2 all day. 1.5 days battery is at 63% or it burns approx. 20% a day which should give you 4.5-5 days from complete charge to complete discharge. Still testing it but pretty good I think. My data is at smart not every second but it locks gps quickly, so not sure if every second benefits gps locking at all. I also wear it whole day and night.
Excellent review. Don't get the Venue series intention. It overlaps over forerunner 245. Can't make a mind who will be the audience for Venue SQ. Can it serve all the purpose of 245?
The 245 doesn’t have pay, nor golf. These are two features I’d prefer to have. Just because you do not see a difference due to your own requirements doesn’t mean other can’t. I’d probably go 245 if it had just one of those two features over the Venu Sq but it doesn’t.
I love the garmin watches I have had (VA3 and FR45) but the vibration is too weak to wake me up. Is there a Garmin out there that has a strong vibration alarm?
There is actually, go to > more > training > workouts > create a workout > choose strength > select the workout name you’ll find jump rope and customize your workout, i know I’m tooooo late but i hope you see it 🙏🏻
Hi! Could you tell me - venus sq counter is accurate? I have GTS Amazfit and It's jist horrible incurrate, both distance and steps counting. Thank you a lot!
The claim is 7 days. I typically get 3 days with heavy use (90 minutes of GPS on high accuracy a day... roughly). If you listen to music while working out with the watch, then 2 days is more typical for me.
@@donavonhornbeck can you select certain songs from the playlist because when I click on playlist it just takes me to the music control screen then I have to keep skipping each song until I find the song I want. Instead of being able to scroll through a playlist to find a song
Had the venue SQ for 5 months, when it works it’s great. But it will not stay Bluetooth connected, and can take hours of trying to reconnect. Garmin help is non existent.
There is no single clean looking smartwatch that has: accurate GPS and HR, decent battery life, offline music storage, payments, AMOLED, designated fit platform with web dashboard and no bluetooth connection issues. And I don't think we are asking for too much in 2020.
Garmin Venu 2 gets pretty close
apple watch
Amoled is terrible in direction light terrible. Coros Pace2 Looks interesting but I would still take a venue 2 over it... wait, I did.
HI! thanks for all the info. I would love to see a direct Fitbit Versa 3/Germin Venu SQ comparison.
Update- if you can spend a little more, I like the Venu 2 much better. Better screen, battery, new sensor, music, workouts, etc.
Great review! Regarding the SpO2 measurements, I think it's inaccurate, I had the Forerunner 245 before the Venu Sq, and I found it was way lower than reality. I don´t know why that happens, but Garmin doesn´t seem to have solved that problem so far. I saw that SpO2 error mentioned in another UA-cam review of the Venu Sq, including a comparison to a medical oximeter, and the professional one showed 98, when the Garmin in the same hand showed 93. I personally don´t care about this feature, but it would be something useful to have, if it were trustworthy. Garmin shoud address this issue for upcoming designs and/or firmware releases. Peace.
Great review very clear and good info.. How do you get the steps to appear at a glance without having to scroll? Does that require a certain clock face? Also in my day view how do I get rid of the GPS events that take up the real estate at the top of the screen? I know I can delete them but I'd rather just move them to the bottom But that doesn't seem possible. I can rearrange the other metrics around my heart rate and steps.
Was debating this or Fitbit sense for running and stress, the Garmin way of guessing stress seems a lot more clear and (for some) pretty accurate. the sense seems like a decent flop
Agreed Fitbit don't even have fall detection but the Garmin has it.
Is my F.BIT broke after a week. What did you end up getting?
Like the square display - still on the original vivoactive right now. In Germany the vivoactive 4s costs Euro 79,- more than the venu sq. Would love to see a barometer build in, thats the only reason I would go withe the vivoactive...
Having only 3 data pieces showing while working out is a deal killer for me. Cronos Pace 2 has 6 data pieces.
idk, too much options ...
FE 55, Venus sq, Vivoactive 4s, FE 245. Thats the price order in mY country. My Sports: trekking, cycling, swimming, sometimes trail running. O don't run, I play football twice a week. I don't go to the gym
Hi Donavan, Brilliant video thanks. DO you perhaps know if this watch counts the steps while cycling?
Recommendation between the Garmin Venu SQ vs Fitbit Versa 3?
Garmin is a better choice. Fitbit takes lots of your stats and makes you pay premium subscription $10/month to unlock them which is a total bs. Garmin is a more accurate fitness watch too.
Garmin
Great review and explanation. Super helpful! Thanks very much!
Hi thanks for the review. Is the screen hard to see in bright daylight? It looks pretty reflective like that might be an issue when running outside on a bright sunny day.
Also for training workouts like interval runs how do you start and stop the timer? Push buttons or touch screen? Just wondering how the watch performs in intense training. Does sweat affect your ability to start and stop your timer? It would be annoying to try and stop your timer but not be able to see the screen or get the touch screen to work. Those are really important details that some of the watches seem to have issues with. Thanks again!!
It’s not, pretty sure it’s just the camera picking it up. In person it doesn’t reflect a whole ton to the point where you can’t see anything on it. Never had a problem with it
You could easily buy a very thin anti-reflective film if you're worried about glare. I mostly just use it as a bit and look at all the data on the phone and computer.
This device is hands down the best value for 200 bucks. Some sacrifices have to be made in terms of LCD size. The betperiod the bezzle's bigger only because it has to house all the other hardware like GPS and censors. It's actually an amazingly light and capable device it's. Really enjoying the garmen ecosystem too MUCH is better and detailed than FBit.
Great rewiew! No music, no face!
A young healthy individual should have a SpO2 between 97 - 99%. If you're having something beneath 95% you should call a health care provider. I would gess the sensor is inaccurate. The professional (clinical) readers needs to be callibrated, so I guess the same would be needed for a low-budget garmin watch as well. However, I dont think it is possible?
brother which moile phone you are using which company ad model. the clarity is amazing.
Hi Donovan, would you buy this over an Amazfit GTS as a first smartwatch? I mainly care about health tracking (HR, Sleep, ...) and for sport (cycling, tennis). Plus for nice software. I can't decide :)
Buy this over Amazfit for sure.
I have the gts. Its a decent watch but it has connection issues. I never get text alerts and calls are spotty. Can take a long time to connect to GPS as well. I actually prefer my original amazfit bip. U can't really go wrong with that watch for $60. The battery life on that watch is amazing.
Good battery life?
Do u have a list of other good watches that has MLT screen?
What is the watch you have on at 02:42? And would you say it is better than Veny SQ? Thank you!
Hi and thanks for the great review! You mentioned near the end the Vivoactive 4S as being similarly priced to the Venu SQ, but I'm seeing it at the higher $349 price. Can you please clarify?
Vivoactive 4s is still 349 since it’s the newest model. I think he got it mixed up but the Vivoactive 3 is also a great watch that’s around 200 to 160 mattering what store you go to.
@@jakenewman2135 Thanks, I ended up picking up a refurbished Vivoactive 4 for $170. Looks brand new! Love this watch!
Hi there! Thanks for a great review video! I know that the Venu SQ doesn't list open water swimming, but is the watch able to track distance with its GPS for OWS, even if the stroke info/HR info isn't going to be tracked? Thank you!
I haven’t taken it out for outdoor swimming, but you would probably have to use a different option to track the GPS if you wanted, because there is no outdoor swim option available on the watch. You could maybe just use the navigate option or maybe even kayak.
@@donavonhornbeck thank you!
I am confused between forrunner 245 vs venu sq.
How do screen and running dynamics matter.
Does forrunner has SPo2?
Did you ever get a response to this?
@@laeeqpaulsen9942nope
SP02 is more of a gimmick on a wrist based design you need to buy a dedicated one for the finger to get more accuracy. This device competes with devices twice its price that says a lot. It is definitely one of the best values out there if not the number 1 best value.
Hi Donavon,
I am doubting between buying the Venu SQ or a forerunner 245/745. What would be the main differences/ your considerations when making this decision? Would be great if you could share your view on this:).
Hi there. I am also stuck between the 245 and Venu Sq, did you get any response?
If I play a sport such as squash or tennis..would it show?
Excellent ❤
Thank you !
Will I be able to run a ultra marathon and have the battery last 12 hours having music off and GPS on smart mode with this watch ?
Thank you for your very thorough review.
Hi, whats this awesome song that is played at the background while you are running?
It sounds like Heroin Song by Colin Rich
picked i5 up at primeday for 160€
looking forward!!
Is it always on display?
How does your venu sq can play music?
bro how to sent data from watch to garmin via wifi ? is that any button connect ?
Bluetooth
It goes from your watch to the phone via Bluetooth and since you're phone is logged into the account it updates the online website. You can also directly update from your PC to the watch via bluetooth but you would need to get a proprietary $50 adapter like you would use for a wireless mouse. Using the phone takes care of all of this. The phone acts as a hub that communicates between the device and the website.
Hello..for basic runner/jogger..no marathon or exercise is good alternative? Thanks
How long would a watch like this last?
How long battery life ?
Which is better between this and watch active 2?
Is that after 72 hours using, 29% battery left?
Up to 6 days on one charge
Im using amazfit bip, one month battery life, hahaha
@@hs_ando8327 you won the award for the most ridiculous comment. I on the other hand wear nothing and I have a battery life forever. Hahahahha
I have a Garmin instinct. It's damaged and I need a new smartwatch. Does anyone recommend a upgrade from the instinct? Something $300 or less would be my price range.
Hi, May I know what phone do you use?
Didn't end up talking about the battery life...
It's competitively decent not nearly as good as the COROS Pace 2 but then again no watch is. Given the Garmin ecosystem this watch is a great value for $200.
@@MOAB-UT i agree. My gf is super happy and it's nearly the only watch in this category
@@bloodhoug82 Agreed- very good device. I know it has 5 ATM specs but is it ok to shower with it on? Not sure if it has an autolock feature so the drops don't keep activating the screen.
@@MOAB-UT if it has 5ATM showering should be no problem at all. But taking it off before also isn't a big deal
@@bloodhoug82 Thanks. I just found that on that info. on the website too. It is best to avoid strong streams of water directly hitting it still.
Hi, How do I get the time to stay on I don’t want the time to go out I don’t want a black screen?
Display settings will let you select always on display
How is this comparing to vivoactive 4?
which is better garmin venu sq or apple watch 3?
garmin
garmin
Its pulse Ox reading accurate on venu sq?
Hello. Thanx for review. Is this watch’s app shows fitness age (like tomtom)?
yeah but you have to go into the garmin connect app to see it iirc
Which one do u think is better between this and Apple Watch ?which is more accurate?
Overall the Apple has a better looking display but it is a smartwatch 1st and a fitness tracker 2nd period whereas the VENU2 is a dedicated fitness tracker 1st with some smartwatch capabilities especially if you have the music version.
You'd think for $250 they wouldn't feel the need to plaster GARMIN on the fucking screen...
reminds me of the amazfit bip :(
I dont have the watch face that you have. How do I get these ?
Garmin iq app or you can look up garmin venu sq watch faces and download them off of a site
How long of your battery when your settings are like that? (SETTING POx2 = all day and about your data is every second)
I have it with SPO2 all day. 1.5 days battery is at 63% or it burns approx. 20% a day which should give you 4.5-5 days from complete charge to complete discharge. Still testing it but pretty good I think. My data is at smart not every second but it locks gps quickly, so not sure if every second benefits gps locking at all. I also wear it whole day and night.
Hi!!!
How can i do GPS glonass
What is your watchface at 2:42?
Excellent review. Don't get the Venue series intention. It overlaps over forerunner 245. Can't make a mind who will be the audience for Venue SQ. Can it serve all the purpose of 245?
women? The Forerunner is a lot more chunkier and masculine looking.
The 245 doesn’t have pay, nor golf. These are two features I’d prefer to have. Just because you do not see a difference due to your own requirements doesn’t mean other can’t. I’d probably go 245 if it had just one of those two features over the Venu Sq but it doesn’t.
Can it read whatsapp?
Which one is the better choice? Garmin Venu SQ or Apple Watch SE?
My main concern about this smart watches is vibration. It is loud but too "light" - you can easily miss notifications.
I love the garmin watches I have had (VA3 and FR45) but the vibration is too weak to wake me up. Is there a Garmin out there that has a strong vibration alarm?
any luck?
Does it have jumping rope activity?
I am using Forerunner 245 and use the cardio activity for rope jumping. Don’t think there is a separate activity for that.
@@janah1584 thanks man
There is actually, go to > more > training > workouts > create a workout > choose strength > select the workout name you’ll find jump rope and customize your workout, i know I’m tooooo late but i hope you see it 🙏🏻
My Venu SQ does not respond anything like yours . I think its trash! Regret this purchase!
then its clearly faulty
Hi!
Could you tell me - venus sq counter is accurate?
I have GTS Amazfit and It's jist horrible incurrate, both distance and steps counting.
Thank you a lot!
Sup stands for Stand Up Paddling
How is the battery life?
The claim is 7 days. I typically get 3 days with heavy use (90 minutes of GPS on high accuracy a day... roughly). If you listen to music while working out with the watch, then 2 days is more typical for me.
@@donavonhornbeck can you select certain songs from the playlist because when I click on playlist it just takes me to the music control screen then I have to keep skipping each song until I find the song I want. Instead of being able to scroll through a playlist to find a song
Great video 👍👍👍👍👍
may i ask. whats the different between the garmin venu sq and the original garmin venu??
sq is square
original is round
Had the venue SQ for 5 months, when it works it’s great. But it will not stay Bluetooth connected, and can take hours of trying to reconnect. Garmin help is non existent.
Sup= stand up paddle boarding
Why lag? Lol.
whats point of putting a video up if ur gunna cut bits out of the video its not a true representation after u cut stuff out, very disapointing
J