Looking for a smartwatch that looks good and still keeps up with your daily fitness goals?
This Garmin Lily 2 review is here to help you figure out if this stylish update is worth it. Garmin’s newest version of its fashion-first smartwatch adds subtle upgrades that promise better tracking, comfort, and battery life.
In this blog, you’ll learn about its features, performance, design, and how it compares to other popular models. You’ll also see what real users think and who this watch truly suits best.
So, is the Garmin Lily 2 just about looks, or does it deliver on performance too? Let’s find out!
Quick Overview of Garmin Lily 2
The Garmin Lily 2, launched in early 2024, builds on the original’s fashion-forward design with improved features and battery efficiency.
Priced between $199 and $299 depending on the model (Standard or Active), it targets users who want fitness tracking in a compact, stylish form.
The watch features a 34 mm aluminum case, 5 ATM water resistance, and up to 5 days of battery life.
The Active model adds built-in GPS for accurate outdoor tracking, while the Standard version focuses on essential wellness features like heart rate, sleep, stress, and step tracking.
Its minimalist design and lightweight feel make it ideal for users who want everyday health insights without the bulk or complexity of typical smartwatches.
Features of the Garmin Lily 2
The Garmin Lily 2 blends style with everyday functionality, offering a balanced mix of health tracking, smart features, and practical performance upgrades that make it easy to wear all day – whether you’re working out or on the go.
1. Fitness and Health Tracking
Garmin designed the Lily 2 to focus on everyday wellness, giving you simple yet dependable tracking for core health metrics without unnecessary complexity.
- Tracks Essential Health Metrics: Monitors steps, calories, heart rate, sleep, stress, and menstrual cycles to help you stay aware of your daily wellness.
- Accuracy and Real-World Performance: Reviews show heart rate and sleep tracking are reliable and consistent, while step counting can miss a bit when your hands aren’t moving (like when pushing a stroller).
- GPS and Workout Tracking (Active Model Only): The built-in GPS offers accurate outdoor tracking for walks and runs. It connects quickly and remains stable during workouts – ideal for casual users.
- Garmin Coach and Instructedd Workouts: Includes personalized workout plans that adapt to your progress. Perfect for beginners who want simple, structured routines without complicated data.
- Sensor Pairing Options (Active Model): Supports external heart rate sensors and Bluetooth devices for better precision during workouts and activity tracking.
2. Smartwatch Functions
Beyond fitness, the Lily 2 also works as a practical everyday companion – keeping you connected through alerts, notifications, and essential smartwatch tools.
- Notifications and Alerts: The Lily 2 displays text messages, incoming calls, and app notifications from both Android and iPhone devices in real time.
- Call and Message Handling: You can view calls and texts, but the watch cannot answer or make calls directly. Only Android users can send quick replies to messages.
- App Compatibility: Works smoothly with the Garmin Connect app, syncing health stats, activity history, and notifications seamlessly.
- Missing Features: The watch does not include onboard music storage, ECG monitoring, or skin temperature tracking, which are available in Garmin’s higher-end models.
- Impact of Missing Tools: These omissions make the Lily 2 better suited for everyday lifestyle tracking rather than advanced health monitoring, unlike the Venu 3 or Vivoactive 5.
3. Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is one of the Lily 2’s strengths, offering consistent performance that easily supports daily use with quick recharging when needed.
- Real Battery Performance: The Garmin Lily 2 delivers up to 5 days of battery life per charge, depending on brightness and GPS use. Users note that it holds up well even with daily activity and sleep tracking turned on.
- Battery Reliability: Long-term reviewers report that the Lily 2’s battery remains stable and dependable over months of use, with only minor dips when GPS or continuous heart-rate tracking is active.
- Comparison with Other Models: The Lily 2 lasts longer than the Fitbit Charge 6 (3–4 days) but offers slightly less endurance than the Garmin Vivoactive 5, which can reach about a week.
- Charging Speed: It takes about one hour to reach a full charge using Garmin’s magnetic charging cable. The small battery size allows for quick top-ups, even between short breaks.
- Battery-Saving Tips: =Extend battery life by lowering screen brightness, turning off continuous heart-rate tracking, and limiting Bluetooth syncs or unused activity profiles during regular wear.
What Users are Saying About the Garmin Lily 2
The Garmin Lily 2 has sparked plenty of discussion among fitness enthusiasts and casual users alike.
“I have the Lily 2 Active and really like it. It is very simple to use … the battery life is way better than the Apple Watch. I get about 9 days on a charge.” – Reddit user Humble-Lab-3950.
“Garmin Lily 2 active will be the smallest that fits your bill … Battery life is great, features are great.” – Reddit comment.
“The Lily 2 is incredibly lightweight and discreet … while tracking my … 8 hours of sleep, the Lily 2 went pretty much unnoticed.” – TechAdvisor review.
“Touchscreen is clunky … No sports tracking … App could be laid out more clearly.” – TechRadar review.
“The Lily 2 Active brings built-in GPS … locks fast and stays stable during workouts.” – Tom’s Guide review.
“Sleek, smart … doesn’t look out of place with your posh garb … the smaller face and the neat, slim wrist strap, which felt comfortable even while sleeping.” – Women’s Running review of Lily 2 Actives.
Garmin Lily 2 vs. Other Models
When shopping for a smartwatch, it helps to see how the Garmin Lily 2 stacks up – not just against its Active version, but also against its popular rivals.
| Model | Key Features | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Lily 2 | Small 34 mm case, no GPS, tracks steps, heart rate, sleep, and stress | Stylish and lightweight; ideal for smaller wrists; easy to use | No GPS, no music, limited smart features | Everyday users who want a simple, stylish fitness tracker |
| Garmin Lily 2 Active | Adds GPS, Garmin Coach, sensor pairing, and improved tracking | Better for outdoor workouts; accurate GPS; same stylish design | Slightly higher price; still lacks music storage | Casual runners or users who want GPS without bulk |
| Fitbit Charge 6 | Built-in GPS, Google integration, heart rate, and sleep tracking | Excellent app support; includes ECG and payments | Shorter battery life; less premium design | Tech-oriented users who value smart features |
| Garmin Vivoactive 5 | AMOLED display, full GPS suite, advanced health tools | Bright screen; music storage; ECG and recovery tools | A larger size may not suit small wrists | Fitness enthusiasts who want detailed workout data |
| Garmin Venu 3 | Premium AMOLED display, ECG, voice calls, and advanced sensors | Most feature-rich; great for serious athletes | Expensive; bulkier design | Users who want top-tier performance and health insights |
If you want style and simplicity, the Garmin Lily 2 is perfect. For active users, the Lily 2 Active offers GPS and better workout tracking.
The Fitbit Charge 6 adds smart tools like ECG, but feels less stylish, while the Vivoactive 5 and Venu 3 are for those who prefer advanced performance and larger screens over minimalist design.
Real-World Use
The Garmin Lily 2 fits smoothly into daily routines, from errands to workouts and sleep. Its lightweight build makes it comfortable to wear all day and even overnight.
Users often praise its stylish look, accurate heart-rate and sleep tracking, and solid battery life during travel or busy days.
However, some reviews mention inconsistent step counts when hands aren’t moving, such as when pushing a stroller.
The display works best indoors, though visibility drops slightly under bright sunlight.
GPS on the Active model performs well for casual runs and walks, making it a reliable choice for everyday fitness and wellness tracking.
Pros and Cons of Garmin Lily 2
The Garmin Lily 2 blends fashion and function in a smartwatch designed for those who prefer subtle elegance over bulky tech, but like every product, it also has its downsides.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sleek and lightweight design – easy to wear all day without feeling bulky. | No music storage or call answering, limiting smartwatch convenience. |
| Comfortable for 24/7 wear, including workouts and sleep. | Screen visibility can drop in bright sunlight, making it harder to read outdoors. |
| Good battery life, lasting up to 5 days per charge. | No ECG or advanced health sensors like body temperature or SpO₂ trends. |
| Basic fitness tracking and built-in GPS (Active model) for casual workouts. | Limited smart features, compared to higher-end Garmin or Fitbit models. |
| Stylish design and multiple color options appeal to fashion-focused users. | Small display size, which may not suit users wanting more screen space. |
Is the Garmin Lily 2 Worth It?
The Garmin Lily 2 is a great choice for casual users and style-focused wearers who value comfort, looks, and essential health tracking.
It’s light, elegant, and dependable for everyday use – ideal for walks, sleep tracking, and daily wellness.
Users on Reddit and Amazon praise its battery life, comfort, and simple interface, though some note step-count issues and dim outdoor visibility.
Serious athletes or those wanting ECG, music storage, or advanced training data may prefer higher-end models like the Vivoactive 5 or Venu 3.
Overall, it’s a stylish, reliable smartwatch for balanced fitness and lifestyle needs.
Conclusion
The Garmin Lily 2 is a smartwatch that proves less can be more. It blends a stylish, lightweight design with reliable health and fitness tracking, making it perfect for daily wear.
The Active version adds GPS for users who enjoy walking or running outdoors, while the Standard model keeps things simple for casual use.
It’s not packed with high-end features, but it nails the basics – comfort, battery life, and ease of use.
If you value a smartwatch that looks good, feels comfortable, and helps you stay on top of your health without overwhelming tech, the Garmin Lily 2 is a great choice for everyday life.
