Garmin Venu 2 Plus vs Google Pixel Watch 3
The Verdict
Garmin Venu 2 Plus excels with exceptional 9-day battery life and superior fitness tracking through its established ecosystem, making it ideal for athletes prioritizing endurance over features. Google Pixel Watch 3 counters with advanced health sensors (ECG, skin temperature), brighter 2000-nit LTPO AMOLED display, faster Snapdragon W5+ processor, and tighter Google ecosystem integration, though battery drops to 24 hours with always-on. Pixel Watch 3 weighs just 31g versus Garmin's 51g, offering notably better comfort. For casual smartwatch users valuing seamless Android integration and comprehensive health data, Pixel Watch 3's $100 lower price delivers superior value. However, serious fitness enthusiasts needing multi-week battery life and dedicated training tools should choose Venu 2 Plus. Pixel Watch 3 ultimately wins for most consumers due to balanced features, performance, and price.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Garmin Venu 2 Plus if…
- →Built-in speaker and microphone enable phone calls from the wrist
- →Vivid AMOLED display is one of the best on any Garmin
- →Voice assistant support (Siri, Google Assistant, Bixby) via phone
Buy the Google Pixel Watch 3 if…
- →Beautiful Actua display with 2000-nit peak brightness and slimmer bezels
- →Now offered in two sizes (41mm and 45mm) for better fit options
- →Deep Fitbit integration with advanced running form and cardio load metrics
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Garmin Venu 2 Plus
Pros
- Built-in speaker and microphone enable phone calls from the wrist
- Vivid AMOLED display is one of the best on any Garmin
- Voice assistant support (Siri, Google Assistant, Bixby) via phone
- 9-day battery with AMOLED is excellent
- On-watch music storage with Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer
Cons
- No cellular — phone calls require Bluetooth connection to phone
- No multi-band GPS — less precise in urban canyons
- $449 approaches Apple Watch Ultra territory
- Stainless steel bezel adds bulk at 51 g
Google Pixel Watch 3
Pros
- Beautiful Actua display with 2000-nit peak brightness and slimmer bezels
- Now offered in two sizes (41mm and 45mm) for better fit options
- Deep Fitbit integration with advanced running form and cardio load metrics
- Loss of Pulse Detection feature can summon emergency help automatically
- Improved battery life over Pixel Watch 2, up to 36 hours in Battery Saver
Cons
- Battery life still trails Samsung and Apple Ultra-tier watches
- Some advanced Fitbit features require a Premium subscription
- Not repairable — Google won't repair damaged units
- Limited third-party app selection compared to Apple Watch
- Not compatible with iPhones
Full Specifications
| Spec | Garmin Venu 2 Plus | Google Pixel Watch 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) | Wear OS 5 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 51 g | 31 g (41mm, without band) |
| Case material | Stainless steel bezel with fiber-reinforced polymer case | Recycled aluminum |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM + IP68 |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 9 days (smartwatch), 24 hrs GPS | Up to 24 hours with always-on display, up to 36 hours in Battery Saver |
| Display | ||
| Size | 43mm (1.3 inches) | 41mm (1.2") |
| Type | AMOLED | LTPO AMOLED Actua, up to 2000 nits, 1Hz–60Hz |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 416 x 416 | 408 x 408 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Garmin custom processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 + Cortex M33 co-processor |
| RAM | — | 2 GB |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in smartwatches, see all Garmin products or all Google products. View full details for the Garmin Venu 2 Plus or the Google Pixel Watch 3.