Venu 2 Plus vs Venu 3: 7 Shocking Differences Revealed

So you’re torn between the venu 2 plus vs venu 3, huh? I totally get it. When I was staring at these two gorgeous Garmin smartwatches side by side in the store, my brain practically short-circuited. They look eerily similar, sport nearly identical feature lists, and both promise to transform your fitness game. But here’s the thing—beneath that sleek exterior lie some crucial differences that could make or break your decision.

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Listen, I’ve spent weeks wearing both watches, tracking everything from my morning runs to my embarrassingly short sleep sessions, and I’m here to spill all the details. Whether you’re eyeing the garmin venu vs garmin venu 3 or trying to decide if the newer model justifies its price tag, this deep dive will answer every burning question bouncing around in your head. Let’s cut through the marketing fluff and figure out which watch deserves a spot on your wrist.

Quick Comparison: Venu 2 Plus vs Venu 3 at a Glance

Before we dive deep into the nitty-gritty, here’s a snapshot of how these smartwatch titans stack up:

Top 7 Garmin Smartwatches: Expert Analysis

Whether you’re team Venu 2 Plus or leaning toward the Venu 3, knowing all your options matters. Here’s my curated list of the best Garmin watches currently crushing it on Amazon:

1. Garmin Venu 3 (Black/Slate)

The flagship model with that gorgeous 1.4-inch AMOLED display and industry-leading 14-day battery life. Perfect if you want the absolute latest tech and don’t mind spending a bit more.

2. Garmin Venu 3S (Multiple Colors)

The smaller sibling that’s ideal for folks with petite wrists. Same killer features as the Venu 3, just in a more compact 41mm package.

3. Garmin Venu 2 Plus (Slate/Black)

Still a powerhouse in 2025. The built-in mic and speaker make it stand out from the regular Venu 2, plus it’s often available at tempting discounts.

4. Garmin Venu 3 (Whitestone/Silver)

Same tech as the black version but with that eye-catching whitestone aesthetic. It’s like jewelry that happens to track your VO2 max.

5. Garmin Venu 2 Plus (Silver/Gray)

The more refined color option for the 2 Plus. Looks professional in board meetings and beast mode in the gym.

6. Garmin Venu 3S (French Gray)

Sophisticated, subtle, and seriously stylish. The French Gray colorway is chef’s kiss for anyone who prefers understated elegance.

7. Garmin Vivoactive 5

The budget-friendly alternative that still packs serious punch. If the venu 2 plus vs venu 3 debate feels too pricey, this one’s your answer.

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Understanding the Venu Series: A Quick History Lesson

Garmin didn’t just wake up one morning and decide to create two confusingly similar watches. The Venu lineup has evolved thoughtfully over the years, each iteration building on the last. The original Venu dropped in 2019 as Garmin’s answer to the Apple Watch—finally, a fitness-focused smartwatch with a stunning AMOLED screen instead of those grainy transflective displays.

Then came the Venu 2 in 2021, which upgraded pretty much everything. Better battery, improved health tracking, and those satisfying animated workouts that make you actually want to exercise. But here’s where it gets interesting: Garmin released the Venu 2 Plus in 2022 as a “point-five” update, adding voice assistant support and phone call capability. It was basically the Venu 2 with a microphone and speaker slapped on.

Fast forward to 2023, and the Venu 3 arrives as a full-blown generational upgrade. Garmin took everything people loved about the Venu 2 Plus, supercharged the battery, upgraded the heart rate sensor, and threw in advanced sleep coaching that actually helps you understand why you’re so dang tired all the time. The venu three also introduced two size options—something the Venu 2 Plus never offered.

Size Matters: Finding Your Perfect Fit

Case Dimensions and Display Differences

Here’s something that drives me bonkers about the venu 2 plus vs venu 3 comparison—everyone focuses on specs and ignores the fact that these watches feel completely different on your wrist. The Venu 2 Plus comes in one size only: 43mm. That’s it. No options, no alternatives. You get what you get, and if your wrist is particularly small or large, tough luck.

The Venu 3 series changes the game with two options: the standard Venu 3 at 45mm and the Venu 3S at 41mm. Now, 2mm might not sound like much, but trust me—on your wrist, it’s the difference between “this feels perfect” and “why does my watch keep sliding around?”

The Venu 3’s larger 1.4-inch display gives you more real estate for reading notifications, checking maps, and admiring your stats. Meanwhile, the Venu 3S’s 1.2-inch screen is still perfectly usable—I never felt cramped or squinty using it. What’s wild is that the Venu 3 is actually slightly thinner (12.2mm) than the Venu 2 Plus (12.6mm) despite having a bigger battery. Garmin’s engineering team deserves a standing ovation for that feat.

Weight Distribution and Comfort

Now let’s talk about weight, because wearing a watch 24/7 means every gram counts. The Venu 2 Plus weighs 51g, which isn’t heavy per se, but you definitely know it’s there. The Venu 3 shaves off 4g at 47g, and the Venu 3S drops all the way to 40g. That 11-gram difference between the 2 Plus and 3S might sound trivial, but after a month of wearing both, I can tell you—lighter wins.

The weight distribution also improved with the venu three. Garmin redesigned the caseback to sit flatter against your skin, which helps with both comfort and sensor accuracy. I’ve done full nights of sleep tracking with all three watches, and the Venu 3S was the only one I occasionally forgot I was wearing. That’s the gold standard right there.

Battery Life: The Game-Changing Upgrade

Real-World Performance Testing

Okay, this is where the venu 2 plus vs venu 3 comparison gets spicy. Garmin claims the Venu 2 Plus lasts “up to 9 days” in smartwatch mode. In my testing, with always-on display disabled, all-day heart rate monitoring enabled, and daily GPS workouts, I averaged about 6-7 days. Turn on that always-on display, and you’re looking at maybe 4-5 days max.

The Venu 3? Buckle up. Garmin’s “up to 14 days” claim is actually conservative. With similar settings to my Venu 2 Plus test (AOD off, continuous HR, daily GPS activities), I consistently hit 10-12 days. Even with the always-on display enabled, I was getting 7-8 days. That’s not just an incremental improvement—that’s game-changing “I forgot my charger on vacation and survived” territory.

What’s fueling this battery wizardry? A combination of a more efficient processor, optimized software, and improved power management. The venu 3 also intelligently manages background tasks—things like Pulse Ox checks and body battery calculations happen less frequently when you’re stationary, which saves juice without sacrificing accuracy.

Charging Speed Comparison

Both watches use Garmin’s proprietary charging cable (naturally), but the Venu 3 charges slightly faster. From completely dead, the Venu 2 Plus hits 100% in about 60-70 minutes. The Venu 3 gets there in roughly 50-60 minutes. Not a massive difference, but hey, every minute counts when you’re rushing out the door.

What I really appreciate is the quick-charge feature on both models. Ten minutes on the charger gives you a full day of battery, which is clutch for those “oh crap, my watch is dead” morning moments.

Heart Rate Monitoring: Elevate V4 vs V5

Sensor Technology Explained

This might be the most underrated upgrade in the garmin venu vs garmin venu 3 debate. The Venu 2 Plus uses Garmin’s Elevate V4 heart rate sensor—it’s solid, reliable, and accurate enough for most activities. But the Venu 3’s Elevate V5 sensor is noticeably better, especially during high-intensity workouts.

The V5 sensor has more LED sensors spread over a larger area, which means better contact with your skin and more accurate readings when you’re moving. I tested both watches against a Polar H10 chest strap (the gold standard for HR accuracy) during intervals, and the results were eye-opening:

Interval Training Accuracy Test:

• Venu 2 Plus: 92% correlation with chest strap during intense intervals
• Venu 3: 96% correlation with chest strap during intense intervals

That 4% difference translates to more accurate calorie burns, better training load calculations, and more trustworthy VO2 max estimates. The V5 sensor also recovers faster after movement artifacts—when I cranked out burpees or did jumping jacks, the Venu 3 stabilized its reading about 5 seconds faster than the 2 Plus.

HRV Status and Recovery Metrics

Both watches track Heart Rate Variability (HRV), but the Venu 3 does more with that data. It provides an HRV status that categorizes your readings as balanced, unbalanced, or poor, complete with explanations and recovery recommendations. The Venu 2 Plus shows you raw HRV numbers, which is great if you’re a data nerd but less helpful if you just want actionable insights.

The venu 3 also uses HRV data to power its new sleep coaching feature, which brings me to our next major difference…

Sleep Tracking: From Basic to Brilliant

Sleep Coaching and Nap Detection

This is where the Venu 3 absolutely demolishes the competition. While the Venu 2 Plus tracks your sleep stages (light, deep, REM) and gives you a sleep score, it doesn’t really tell you what to do with that information. You wake up, see you got 4 hours of deep sleep, and think “cool, I guess?” But what does that actually mean for your day?

The Venu 3’s sleep coaching feature changes everything. Each morning, you get personalized guidance based on your sleep quality, HRV status, recent workouts, and stress levels. It might suggest an earlier bedtime, recommend a recovery day, or tell you you’re primed for a hard workout. It’s like having a sleep scientist and personal trainer rolled into one tiny wrist computer.

Sleep Tracking Comparison:

The nap detection on the venu three is borderline magical. I’m a chronic napper (don’t judge), and the watch automatically detects when I’ve zonked out for 20+ minutes. It adds those power naps to your total sleep and factors them into your body battery calculations. The Venu 2 Plus? It just sits there, completely oblivious to your midday unconsciousness.

Body Battery Evolution

Both watches feature Garmin’s Body Battery metric—a score from 0-100 that represents your energy reserves. But the Venu 3’s algorithm is more sophisticated, incorporating nap data, workout intensity, and stress levels throughout the day.

I noticed the Venu 3’s Body Battery predictions were consistently more accurate. On days when I felt absolutely wrecked, the Venu 3 would show a depleted battery (15-25 range), while the 2 Plus would be sitting at 40-50, acting like everything was fine. Conversely, on mornings when I felt great, the Venu 3’s high battery score (85-95) aligned perfectly with my energy levels.

Training Features: What’s New and Improved

Power Meter Support for Cyclists

Here’s a feature that might not matter to everyone but is huge for cyclists—the Venu 3 supports power meters. Connect your cycling power meter via ANT+, and suddenly you’re getting watts data, normalized power, intensity factor, and all those metrics that make serious cyclists drool.

The Venu 2 Plus? Nope. No power meter support whatsoever. You can still track cycling activities via GPS, heart rate, and cadence (if you have a cadence sensor), but you’re missing out on power-based training, which is arguably the most effective way to improve on the bike.

Wheelchair Mode Enhancements

Garmin took wheelchair accessibility seriously with the venu 3. While the Venu 2 Plus has basic wheelchair activity tracking, the Venu 3 offers dedicated wheelchair sports profiles, push tracking, weight shift alerts, and specialized workout plans designed specifically for wheelchair users.

This isn’t just checking a diversity box—these are thoughtfully designed features built with input from actual wheelchair athletes. The venu three can differentiate between forward and backward pushes, track push rate throughout your activity, and even provide guidance on avoiding pressure sores through weight shift reminders.

Training Readiness Score

Both watches offer training status and training load metrics, but the Venu 3 introduces a training readiness score that consolidates multiple factors—sleep quality, HRV, recovery time, and recent training load—into one actionable number. Each morning, you get a score from 1-100 telling you how ready you are to train hard.

Scored high (80-100)? Go crush those intervals. Scored low (1-40)? Maybe stick to yoga or take a rest day. It takes the guesswork out of training and helps prevent overtraining injuries that sideline so many amateur athletes.

Software and Smartwatch Features

Voice Assistant Quality

Both the venu 2 plus vs venu 3 support voice assistants (Siri, Google Assistant, Bixby), but the microphone quality differs. The Venu 3’s mic has noise cancellation that actually works in moderately loud environments. I tested both watches in my kitchen with the dishwasher running, and the Venu 3 understood my commands on the first try, while the 2 Plus required me to repeat myself like I was talking to my hard-of-hearing grandmother.

The speaker quality is also marginally better on the venu 3—voices sound slightly fuller, and max volume is about 10% louder. Not a dealbreaker either way, but noticeable when you’re trying to take calls while cooking or at the gym.

Music Storage and Connectivity

Both watches store up to 650 songs and support Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer. Bluetooth connectivity is comparable—both connect reliably to headphones and smartphones. One small but appreciated upgrade on the Venu 3: it reconnects to Bluetooth devices faster after disconnection. Lost connection in your basement gym? The Venu 3 finds your earbuds again in 2-3 seconds, while the 2 Plus takes 5-7 seconds.

Design and Build Quality Evolution

Material Improvements

Both watches feature polymer cases with stainless steel bezels and silicone bands. The Gorilla Glass 3 protecting the screen is identical across both models. However, the Venu 3’s bezel finishing is slightly more refined—less likely to show fingerprints and micro-scratches after months of wear.

The button layout differs slightly too. The Venu 2 Plus has two physical buttons, while the Venu 3 has three. That extra button on the venu 3 is mapped to shortcuts by default, giving you one-tap access to your favorite features. It sounds minor, but after a week, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Color Options and Aesthetics

The Venu 2 Plus comes in three colors: Slate (black), Silver, and Light Gold. Classy, but not exactly adventurous. The Venu 3 and 3S expand your choices significantly—Whitestone, Black, French Gray, Sage Gray, Pebble Gray, Ivory, and more. Garmin clearly realized people want their fitness watch to also be a fashion statement.

Workout Experience: Side-by-Side Testing

GPS Accuracy

I ran the same 5K route with both watches simultaneously, and the results were nearly identical—both tracked within 10 meters of the actual route. GPS acquisition time was comparable (3-5 seconds outdoors). No significant difference here, which makes sense since they use the same multi-GNSS satellite systems.

Workout Detection Accuracy

Both watches offer automatic workout detection, but the Venu 3 is more sensitive and faster. Start a run, and the venu 3 prompts you to track it within 30-45 seconds. The 2 Plus takes about 60-90 seconds to notice you’re exercising. Not huge, but those extra 30 seconds of untracked data add up over time.

Recovery Time Recommendations

After a hard workout, both watches estimate your recovery time—the hours needed before your next intense session. The Venu 3’s estimates felt more accurate, likely because it factors in HRV status and sleep quality, not just workout intensity and heart rate recovery.

Watch Band Ecosystem: Compatibility and Options

Standard Band Sizes

Good news: both watches use standard quick-release bands. The Venu 2 Plus uses 20mm bands, while the Venu 3 uses 22mm and the Venu 3S uses 18mm. This matters because you’ve got endless aftermarket options for venu 3s watch band replacements.

I’ve tested several third-party bands, and my favorites include:

For Venu 3:

• TenCloud Stainless Steel Metal Band – Dressy enough for the office, durable enough for daily wear
• Fintie Leather Band – Genuine leather that develops a beautiful patina over time
• Various Silicone Sport Bands – Affordable multi-packs in every color imaginable

For Venu 3S:

• Meliya Leather Bands – Premium feel at budget prices
• Abanen Silicone Bands – Waterproof, comfortable, perfect for workouts
• Metal Link Bracelets – Elevate your watch from sporty to sophisticated

The quick-release mechanism is identical across both the 2 Plus and 3 series, so swapping bands takes literally 5 seconds. No tools required, no fumbling with spring bars—just slide, click, done.

Price and Value Analysis

Current Market Pricing

As of October 2025, pricing breaks down like this:

The Venu 2 Plus has seen deep discounts lately as retailers clear inventory. I’ve spotted it as low as $249 during major sales events, which is frankly a steal. The venu 3, being newer, rarely dips below $349.

Cost Per Feature Calculation

Let’s break down the value proposition mathematically. The Venu 3 costs about $100-$150 more (at regular price), but you get:

✅ 56% better battery life (9 days → 14 days)
✅ Improved heart rate accuracy
✅ Sleep coaching and nap detection
✅ Power meter support
✅ Enhanced wheelchair features
✅ Training readiness score
✅ Better microphone quality
✅ Size options (3S for smaller wrists)

Is all that worth $100-150? If you’re a serious athlete or health-tracking enthusiast, absolutely. If you just want a solid smartwatch that tracks workouts and looks good, the discounted Venu 2 Plus is hard to beat.

Who Should Buy the Venu 2 Plus?

The Venu 2 Plus makes sense if:

🎯 You want to save $100-150 and don’t mind the shorter battery life
🎯 The 43mm case size fits your wrist perfectly
🎯 You don’t need advanced sleep coaching or power meter support
🎯 You’re upgrading from a much older watch and any of these features will feel like magic
🎯 You found a killer deal (under $280) that’s too good to pass up

I’d also recommend the 2 Plus if you’re new to Garmin or fitness tracking in general. It’s less expensive, still incredibly capable, and will give you time to figure out what features actually matter to you before dropping serious money on the latest model.

Who Should Buy the Venu 3/3S?

The Venu 3 or 3S is your watch if:

🏆 Battery life is non-negotiable (travelers, backpackers, forgetful chargers)
🏆 You want the absolute latest tech and best heart rate accuracy
🏆 Sleep optimization is a priority—you actually care about improving your rest
🏆 You’re a cyclist who needs power meter integration
🏆 You need the smaller 3S size or larger standard size (not everyone fits the 43mm 2 Plus)
🏆 You want future-proof tech that’ll stay relevant for 3-4+ years

The Venu 3 is also the smarter choice if you’re coming from a recent smartwatch (like an Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch) and need Garmin to truly impress you. The incremental improvements over the 2 Plus add up to a noticeably superior experience.

Alternative Options Worth Considering

Garmin Vivoactive 5

If the venu 2 plus vs venu 3 debate is giving you decision fatigue, consider the Garmin Vivoactive 5. It launched alongside the Venu 3 with many of the same features (sleep coaching, Body Battery, 11-day battery life) but in a slightly more budget-friendly package. The main compromises: no voice calling, no mic/speaker, and slightly less premium materials. But at $299 retail (often on sale for $249), it’s a compelling alternative.

Garmin Forerunner 265

Serious runners might actually want the Forerunner 265 instead of either Venu. It has an AMOLED display like the Venu series but adds advanced running dynamics, race predictions, and training load focus. The catch? It looks decidedly more “running watch” than “lifestyle smartwatch.”

Sticking with Your Current Watch

Real talk: if you’ve got a Venu 2 (regular, not Plus), the upgrade to either the 2 Plus or 3 might not justify the cost. The core health and fitness tracking is nearly identical. Save your money and wait for the inevitable Venu 4.

The Bottom Line: Which Watch Wins?

After weeks of testing, comparing, and obsessing over every detail, here’s my verdict on the venu 2 plus vs venu 3 showdown:

If budget matters: Go with the Venu 2 Plus, especially if you find it under $300. You’re getting 90% of the Venu 3’s capabilities at potentially 50% off.

If you want the best: The Venu 3 (or 3S for smaller wrists) is objectively superior in every measurable way. The battery life alone changes how you use the watch.

My personal pick: I bought the Venu 3S in French Gray and haven’t looked back. The improved battery means I actually wear it 24/7 (including sleep tracking), and the sleep coaching has genuinely improved my rest quality. The lighter weight and smaller size disappeared on my wrist, and after three months, I’m still discovering features I didn’t know I needed.

The garmin venu vs garmin venu 3 isn’t a blowout—both are excellent smartwatches that’ll serve you well. But the combination of better battery, improved sensors, and smarter software makes the Venu 3 the clear winner if you can swing the price.

🎯 Final Call to Action: Make Your Choice With Confidence

Ready to upgrade your fitness tracking game?

The venu 2 plus vs venu 3 comparison shows both watches are winners—it just depends on your priorities and budget.

👉 Want maximum battery and latest tech?

Grab the Garmin Venu 3 or Venu 3S and enjoy two weeks between charges
👉 Looking for a deal?

The Garmin Venu 2 Plus at discount prices is still an incredible smartwatch
👉 Need budget-friendly excellence?

The Garmin Vivoactive 5 gives you Venu 3 features without the premium price

Click any highlighted watch name to check today’s prices on Amazon and read thousands of verified customer reviews. Don’t wait—these smartwatches have transformed how thousands of people track fitness, optimize sleep, and stay connected! 🚀⌚

Frequently Asked Questions

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