Garmin Instinct 2 vs Withings ScanWatch

The Verdict

Garmin Instinct 2 and Withings ScanWatch target different smartwatch philosophies. Garmin excels in outdoor durability and GPS capabilities, offering a rugged 52g fiber-reinforced polymer body rated to MIL-STD-810 standards with 10ATM water resistance. Its monochrome MIP display delivers exceptional battery life up to 24 days in smartwatch mode or 30 hours with continuous GPS. The Withings ScanWatch ($50 cheaper) prioritizes medical-grade features with a built-in ECG sensor absent in the Garmin, plus a hybrid analog-digital display using PMOLED technology that feels more traditional and refined at 42mm. Withings claims 30 days battery life without GPS drain considerations. Garmin includes GPS for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, while Withings lacks GPS entirely but compensates with WiFi connectivity and a more elegant stainless steel design. Health tracking is comparable between both for heart rate, SpO2, and sleep, though Withings' ECG capability gives it a meaningful advantage for cardiac monitoring. Choose Garmin if you need GPS navigation and extreme durability for hiking or trail activities. Select Withings if you prefer medical-grade health insights, classical watch aesthetics, and don't need satellite navigation. For pure value and features, Withings slightly edges ahead due to ECG inclusion and lower price, but Garmin offers superior utility for active outdoor use.