Which watch has better heart rate accuracy, the Garmin Lily 2 or the Venu 3s

Garmin Lily 2 Heart Rate Accuracy

The Garmin Lily 2 utilizes the Elevate Gen 4 heart rate sensor, which, while reliable, is not the latest technology available from Garmin. Users have reported that the Lily 2 performs well in tracking heart rate during various activities, including cardio and HIIT workouts, with readings often aligning closely with those from higher-end devices like chest straps[1][4]. However, there are instances where the watch struggled to maintain accuracy during rapid heart rate changes, particularly in high-intensity sessions[1][4]. Overall, it has been noted that the Lily 2 provides accurate readings at rest and during moderate exercise but may falter slightly during more extreme conditions.

Venu 3S Heart Rate Accuracy

In contrast, the Venu 3S features the Elevate Gen 5 sensor, which includes advancements such as ECG support. This newer sensor is designed to offer improved accuracy in heart rate monitoring compared to its predecessor[3]. The Venu 3S has demonstrated strong performance in various fitness scenarios, maintaining consistent heart rate readings even during intense workouts. Users have reported minimal discrepancies when comparing the Venu 3S's readings with those from dedicated chest straps, indicating a high level of reliability[6].

Summary of Findings

- Heart Rate Sensor:
- Lily 2: Elevate Gen 4
- Venu 3S: Elevate Gen 5 (more advanced)

- Performance:
- Lily 2: Generally accurate but can struggle during high-intensity activities.
- Venu 3S: Consistently accurate across various workout intensities.

- User Experience:
- Both devices are praised for their overall fitness tracking capabilities; however, the Venu 3S benefits from newer technology that enhances its heart rate monitoring capabilities.

In conclusion, while both watches provide solid heart rate tracking, the Garmin Venu 3S is likely to offer better accuracy, especially during high-intensity workouts due to its advanced heart rate sensor technology.