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Customer Ratings & Reviews

Your price for this item is $299.99
The previous price was $399.99

Customer reviews

Rating 4.7 out of 5 stars with 186 reviews

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Rating by feature

  • Battery Life

    Rating 4.8 out of 5 stars

  • Durability

    Rating 4.9 out of 5 stars

  • Comfort

    Rating 4.7 out of 5 stars

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Cons mentioned filter

95%would recommend to a friend

Rating 4.3 out of 5 stars with 7 reviews

Customers are saying

Customers are enthusiastic about the Instinct 2 Solar 45 mm Smartwatch Fiber-reinforced Polymer's long battery life, solar charging capabilities, and durability. Many customers appreciate the sleep tracking, price point, GPS accuracy, customization options, and the many features packed into this watch.

This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.

The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 1 Showing 1-20 of 186 reviews
  • Pros mentioned:
    Battery life

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    My first Garmin - Instinct 2 Solar

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    Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    My wife bought this watch for me as an anniversary gift as my Fitbit charge 2 was more than 7 years old. I was reluctant at first, given that there is no touch screen, no color display and almost looks like a regular Casio. After a lot of whining, my wife persuaded me to try it for a week. Boy! What a watch! There are so many interesting features and health trackers that you will discover new ones every day. The best thing I like about this watch, is the ability to customize everything. From the items displayed on the watch face to the more intricate details of your weight, calories burnt etc, there a whole plethora of data waiting for you, all the while being easy to understand! The battery life of awesome, if you switch the pulse ox and gps to manual. I consistently get 30 days on a single charge with about 90 mins of charging. This is a no nonsense health tracker. Although I would have loved this to have the ecg, the heat monitor does a pretty good job as it lets you set thresholds. I use this for walks, swim, elliptical and treks and have been really amazed at what it can do. I don’t even feel the need for a color display or touch screen as I am now used to the controls, they are very intuitive. I recommend this watch for any health enthusiast as it can be a loyal companion in your fitness journey.

    I would recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from GarminProductExpert
      Posted .

      Thank you for your review. Garmin Garmin

  • Pros mentioned:
    Battery life, Solar charging

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Great item!! Customer support lacking.

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    Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Overall, LOVE the watch thus far!! The service or lack thereof at the store I went to was horrible. Myself and another customer literally stood at the watch case for and extended period of time. Each of us asking for help and being brushed off. The other customer left without purchasing, but I stayed. Please hire more staff to help customers, especially for items that are locked up. As far as the watch, it's been great! I love all the features and all the data that is collected while wearing this! It's helped me far more than I thought it would. I haven't had too mucb of an opportunity to test the solar charging aspect as the weather hasn't permitted, but so far, it seems to hold a charge pretty great. I do not have my text/call notifications on for the watch, so that may help with battery life.

    I would recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from GarminProductExpert
      Posted .

      Thank you for your review. Garmin Garmin

  • Pros mentioned:
    Battery life, Durable

    Rated 4 out of 5 stars

    Great rugged watch

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    Posted . Owned for 4 months when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    This watch although limited in features makes up for in durability and battery life and speaks a lot about the lifestyle of the one who wears it. If your an individual who spends a lot of time outdoors or a sports enthusiast. then this watch has all the features you need.

    I would recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from GarminProductExpert
      Posted .

      Thank you for your review. Garmin Garmin

  • Pros mentioned:
    Battery life

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Best watch I ever had

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    Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I love this watch. It has all the features of a smartwatch without the colored screen. It is very easy to get used to this system. The battery life is incredible good giving me more than 20 days. I track all my work outs. I work outside so the solar charge is a plus. I configured the screen with all the info I need. Im very happy and I dont have to worry about charging my watch everyday.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Solar charging

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Love this watch and needed upgrade

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    Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Hello hello. I am upgrading from a 2018 Forerunner 225 and the feature upgrade is insane. I am able to do a lot more customization with the IQ store. I love the solar aspect of it coupled with the battery saving options.

    I would recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from GarminProductExpert
      Posted .

      Thank you for your review. Garmin

  • Pros mentioned:
    Battery life

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    What else can you ask for

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    Posted . Owned for 8 months when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    This watch is everything, perfect for everyday use, great for work , travel , great lasting battery, easy to set up and use, very stylish, has everything you can ask for in smart watch or regular cobine. I recommend giving it a try if you havent yet.

    I would recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from GarminProductExpert
      Posted .

      Thank you for your review. Garmin Garmin

  • Pros mentioned:
    Solar charging

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    solar watch epic

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    Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    coolest watch ever! solar charging barely have to plug it in!

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Battery life, Solar charging

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Best smartwatch I've had so far!

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    Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Absolutely loving my upgrade from Instinct Solar! Especially love that my watch has month long battery life, with potentially unlimited battery life if it gets enough solar charge daily! Keep up the good work Garmin!

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Battery life

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    BEST WATCH

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    Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    this is the best watch i ever purchased i did not regret buying this , the battery life on this thing is like no other

    I would recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from GarminProductExpert
      Posted .

      Thank you for your review. Garmin Garmin

  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Awesome and going strong after 2 years.

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    Posted . Owned for more than 2 years when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    It has been a could of years since I purchased this and it is still working perfectly. The battery will last for 6 days at least and much longer if I turn off some health functions. I provides helpful sleep and health information and tells time in a hyper visible maximally helpful way.

    I would recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from GarminProductExpert
      Posted .

      Thank you for your review. Garmin Garmin

  • Pros mentioned:
    Battery life

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Garmin Instinct 2 Solar

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    Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I've had this watch for a couple months now and it does everything I want and more. I switched from a galaxy watch because I wanted something more rugged and I hated having to charge my watch every night. I've only had to charge it once since I've gotten it. Seriously recommend.

    I would recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from GarminProductExpert
      Posted .

      Thank you for your review. Garmin Garmin

  • Pros mentioned:
    Battery life

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Great watch

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    Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    The updated screen is easy to read and functional. Battery life is amazing, especially if you take advantage of the solar charging by being outside. More available functions and workout/activity tracking are all awesome!

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Durable

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Awesome watch

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    Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Amazing watch, love how garmin is so durable and also shows all the most essential info on the screen

    I would recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from GarminProductExpert
      Posted .

      Thank you for your review. Garmin Garmin

  • Pros mentioned:
    Battery life

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Swag watch

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    Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Nice watch, is a smart watch with a long battery life.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Solar charging

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Go Get Garmin

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    Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Great watch for ALL outdoor activities. The solar is a nice addition, and the GPS is VERY accurate. 10/10 would recommend

    I would recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from GarminProductExpert
      Posted .

      Thank you for your review. Jenny Garmin

  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Garmin Instinct 2 Solar

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    Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I was waiting to buy this watch. Finally bought it last week. I have never been happier. Delivers the best quality for which Garmin is known for.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Durable

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Great watch.

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    Posted . Owned for 3 months when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Ive been wearing this watch about 6 months in all conditions Great in all Wet,muddy,dusty. Very durable.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Garmin solar

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    Posted . Owned for 6 months when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    This watch is so comfortable, works pretty well, you can use in whatever moment.

    I would recommend this to a friend
    • Brand response from GarminProductExpert
      Posted .

      Thank you for your review. Garmin Garmin

  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    this is a great buy! and it was a pleasure to rece

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    Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    this is a great buy! and it was a pleasure to receive this watch.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    5 Star purchase and Delivery

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    Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Great product by Garmin, excellent customer service and delivery promise + follow through by Best Buy dealer.

    I would recommend this to a friend

What experts are saying

Powered by alaTest

Rating 4.3 out of 5 stars with 7 reviews

The analysis of all aggregated expert reviews shows that the reviewers are positive about usability, performance, portability and design. Editors are less positive about touch screen and price. Using an algorithm based on product age, reviewers ratings history, popularity, product category expertise and other factors, this product gets an alaTest Expert Rating of 85/100 = Very good quality.
  • TechRadarRating, 5 out of 5Cat Ellis on March 3, 2022

    Garmin Instinct 2 reviewGarmin's super tough sports watch gets a fresh splash of fun

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  • Tom's GuideRating, 4 out of 5Kate Kozuch on March 2, 2022

    Garmin Instinct 2 reviewThe Garmin Instinct 2 is a near-perfect GPS smartwatch for outdoor sport enthusiasts. This review reflects our experience with the Garmin Instinct 2S Solar edition.

    Full Review
  • Android CentralRating, 4.5 out of 5Michael L Hicks on August 29, 2022

    Garmin Instinct 2 Solar review: Running on sunshineThe Garmin Instinct 2 Solar has powerful shock and water protection, an amazing battery that recharges with sunlight, and most of the Garmin features you'd expect. It's worth buying, unless you find a The battery isn't quite "Unlimited" in

    Full Review
  • Android AuthorityRating, 4 out of 5Kaitlyn Cimino on March 31, 2023

    Garmin Instinct 2 review: Built for more adventurers than everThis member of Garmin's adventure line packs a lot to like and lasts a lot longer too. Find out more in this Garmin Instinct 2 review.

    Full Review
  • Pocket-lintRating, 4 out of 5Cam Bunton on May 5, 2022

    Garmin Instinct 2 Solar review: To infinity and beyondGarmin's latest basic watch can do a lot more than you might think, with a battery life that can last forever - literally. Here's our full verdict.

    Full Review
  • AndroidPITRating, 4 out of 5Stefan Möllenhoff on June 27, 2022

    Garmin Instinct 2 review: Plentiful features for little moneyThe Garmin Instinct 2 offers the almost entire feature set of Garmin's high-end watches for comparatively little money. Check out our review.

    Full Review
  • DC RainmakerDC Rainmaker on February 9, 2022

    Garmin Instinct 2/2S/Solar In-Depth ReviewGarmin has just revamped their Instinct series with the new Instinct 2 and smaller Instinct 2S, both offered in not just Solar, but approximately 87 other variants for things like surfing and military use. And while these units visually look

    Full Review