Customer reviews from Garmin
Garmin - Instinct 2S Solar 40 mm Smartwatch Fiber-reinforced Polymer - Neo Tropic - (2022)
Average customer rating
4.3
(177 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 177 reviews
5 Stars
111
4 Stars
36
3 Stars
11
2 Stars
5
1 Star
14
Customer Reviews for Garmin - Instinct 2S Solar 40 mm Smartwatch Fiber-reinforced Polymer - Neo Tropic - (2022)
Customer Rating
5
on September 30, 2025
Posted by: Phil K
I don't think I'd bother getting the solar version if they continue making that as an option, when you're actually active it seems nearly impossible to actually take advantage of that. The rest of the watch does exactly what I wanted, without too much other junk to worry about. Basically just wanted something to record basic health info and track mountain bike rides and it does both of those well.
Written by a customer while visiting ExpertVoice.com
Customer Rating
4
Poor readability.
on September 26, 2025
Posted by: Lisa Mo
I bought the Instinct 2S Solar several weeks ago and am still fumbling through settings on the watch! The small brochure that came with it was of little help. I had to watch some YouTube videos to set some of the less basic settings. Not intuitively designed!
The other issue is the tiny script. I’m a young 60 and wear readers, but not in the pool- some tweaks to background lighting and increases font size would be helpful. While I know there is a learning curve, I am generally a quick study. This watch is a bit frustrating, hence the 4/5 stars!! Could also be some glare on the watch face. Visibility is my main issue.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
3
Problems with good tutorials
on September 26, 2025
Posted by: Tutorals
Only average until I can learn how to use it. I totally like the watch but am overwhelmed with how to find approiate tutorials. Beware as some of the tutorials on line have unexpected charges and some appear to be scams.
Response from GarminBy Care, September 26, 2025
Hi there and thank you for taking the time to write this! Here is a direct link to all of our tutorial videos that we have created for that watch!
http://ms.spr.ly/6421ssYEN
http://ms.spr.ly/6421ssYEN
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
on September 23, 2025
Posted by: Casey R
Very durable, amazing battery life. Not huge into the daily metrics but nice to follow long term trends
Written by a customer while visiting ExpertVoice.com
Customer Rating
4
interesting
on September 20, 2025
Posted by: Just plane Lew
Nice watch, lots of features, but I won't use most of them . wrist band is difficult to use, about two holes shot. I take it off when I shower, not sure I trust the fact that it is waterproof. I am looking forward to trying out the few features that appeal to me.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Overall a good buy
on September 5, 2025
Posted by: deiphobe04
I primarily bought this watch for the solar charging, step count, and sunrise/sunset times (helps with my job). I do seem to have a couple quirks with it that I can't figure out yet, although there's the potential this is user error. I can't seem to get the solar charging to work, but thankfully the battery life is long so I don't have to charge every day or two, which is a major reason I've never bought a smartwatch before this. (Note: logging during hiking will go through battery much faster than logging the hike afterwards.) It seems I have to log an activity (i.e. hiking), it won't automatically log a workout like one my apps does, which is fine. I connected it to my FitOn app hoping that at least those exercises would automatically sync up, and while they're obviously connected in some way, the exercises don't show up on my Activity list, so I still have to log the workout. It's entirely possible there are easy fixes to these issues. Overall, I do like the watch and am happy with my purchase! I like that it's customizable in several ways, and I enjoy the sleep report it gives me each morning. I like that I can fit a ton of information on the screen, but it doesn't feel too bulky, even with my small wrists.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
1
Seized up
on August 15, 2025
Posted by: Hoodtex
The watch has some good features however, the watched faced seized up and would not unlock and change features. Glad I did not use this watch for a through hike or any activity I would have depended on it.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar
on August 2, 2025
Posted by: John1970
My first “smart” watch, Gen Xer, and after a bit of research I’m so happy with choosing Garmin! I looked at a few other name brands and they have the watch that I was looking for. Very easy to use, hardly needs to charge with the solar capability, not pretentiously large, great app, tech that pertains to me and skips the noise - oh and military grade rugged. I upload the health metrics to ai and it helps me to stay on track. I’ve been using now for just under a month and I’m very happy with my purchase.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin