Customer reviews from Garmin
Garmin - Instinct 2 Solar 45 mm Smartwatch Fiber-reinforced Polymer - Mist Gray - (2022)
Average customer rating
4.5
(469 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 469 reviews
5 Stars
326
4 Stars
81
3 Stars
34
2 Stars
8
1 Star
20
Customer Reviews for Garmin - Instinct 2 Solar 45 mm Smartwatch Fiber-reinforced Polymer - Mist Gray - (2022)
Customer Rating
5
SEAL/SWAT operator
on February 11, 2026
Posted by: Steven D
I have used less capable versions of this same watch with excellent results.
The fonts on the screen seem larger and more clear.
The solar options and power monitoring are an outstanding addition to the lineup.
The fonts on the screen seem larger and more clear.
The solar options and power monitoring are an outstanding addition to the lineup.
Written by a customer while visiting ExpertVoice.com
Customer Rating
5
It’s a great adventure watch
on February 12, 2026
Posted by: Elibaker
I got my instinct 2 solar in an exchange because my previous instinct 2 was defective
This is a great upgrade
This is a great upgrade
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Great tracker for the price
on February 12, 2026
Posted by: Devon W
It is a rugged and well constructed watch. GPS is amazing. Battery life is long. Good functions for what I need although some functions can be a off like the sleep tracker. That can give you some data that is off like being awake in the middle of the night and it shows you were in a sleep state. But for the price it's not a big deal. I get a good enough baseline to know what's going on. If I wanted to get the most accurate data and spend lots of money on an expensive tracker and/or yearly subscription I would. But I'm not a professional athlete where that might make a marginal difference and the data I'm getting for my fitness training is just fine.
Written by a customer while visiting ExpertVoice.com
Customer Rating
5
Great battery life.
on February 13, 2026
Posted by: Nickname 100
I've been wearing this Instinct 2 for more than 3 years. If I don't use the GPS, I can go 3 weeks before recharging. That's wearing the watch 24/7 and with the green pulse lights always on. Also, in bright sunlight, the display is easier to read than any type of actively lit OLED display. Just not as pretty.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
I can't even imaging a better watch
on February 16, 2026
Posted by: SirFishesALot
I bought the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar about 3–4 years ago, and it’s still in excellent shape. I wear it every day and only take it off occasionally to charge, and even that’s rare. I work outdoors as a Park Ranger, and I love this watch’s ability to drop GPS points, navigate, and track my activities in the field.
The solar charging is a real benefit. Because I’m outside so much, the watch often charges enough that I don’t need to plug it in, unless I’m doing something GPS-heavy. In that case, the battery drains faster than solar can keep up, but it still does a good job extending battery life once you’re back in the sun.
I’m also a DIY guy and spend a lot of time working around the house and on my vehicles. This watch gets knocked, scraped, and bumped into everything, yet it still looks great. It basically shrugs off abuse and keeps going. I’m genuinely impressed with how durable and reliable it’s been, no matter what I’ve put it through.
If I had one critique, it’s that I wish it had a better way to track fishing or hunting trips. The “best hunt and fish times” widget also hasn’t been very accurate or useful for me, though I believe that’s a third-party feature rather than something Garmin built in. That said, I do like that the watch supports third-party watch faces and widgets, it adds a nice level of customization.
Overall, this is a fantastic watch. I’m on my third band after years of daily wear and heavy use, which feels like a pretty minor downside.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Don’t hesitate…
on February 19, 2026
Posted by: Evan A
Don’t hesitate like I have on pulling the trigger on picking up this awesome gadget! I certainly haven’t learned the ins and outs of it yet, but I am very impressed so far. It is very comfortable on the wrist, and it is well-secured via two keepers. The battery life has been great so far, and the ability of solar to keep it going for even longer is pretty great! It integrates well with iOS, which I was worried about. I have only laurels; no complaints here!
Written by a customer while visiting ExpertVoice.com
Customer Rating
4
on February 21, 2026
Posted by: Tim L
Have only had the watch for a week but I am pleased with it.
Written by a customer while visiting ExpertVoice.com
Customer Rating
4
on February 23, 2026
Posted by: Julie B
I may update to a 5 star - right now it is the learning curve that is keeping it at 4star. Trying to figure out which buttons do what is taking a little time.
Written by a customer while visiting ExpertVoice.com