The Garmin Lily 2 is a small, stylish smartwatch that hides its screen behind a patterned lens. It tracks steps, sleep, stress and heart rate, and it looks more like jewelry than a gadget. The confusing part is that there are now three versions: the Lily 2, the Lily 2 Classic and the Lily 2 Active. They look alike, but they are not the same watch.
This Garmin Lily 2 review explains what each model does, where the battery claims hold up, and who should spend the extra money on the Active. Specs and prices come from Garmin’s published details and reviews from Tom’s Guide, T3, TechRadar, Wareable, DC Rainmaker and WearableBeat. Prices are launch list prices in US dollars and street prices vary, so check a retailer before you buy.
Quick verdict
Buy the Lily 2 Active if you want built-in GPS and the longest battery, because it is the only version that tracks a run without your phone. Buy the standard Lily 2 if you mostly want a good-looking step, sleep and notification tracker for less. The Classic is the same watch with a nicer strap and Garmin Pay. Skip all three if you want a bright color screen or offline music.
Garmin Lily 2 Models Compared
Garmin sells the Lily 2 in two basic builds. The original Lily 2 and the Lily 2 Classic share the same hardware and differ mainly in strap and payments support. The Lily 2 Active is a newer design with GPS and two physical buttons.
| Feature | Lily 2 | Lily 2 Classic | Lily 2 Active |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $249.99 | $279.99 to $299.99 | $299.99 |
| Built-in GPS | No (uses phone GPS) | No (uses phone GPS) | Yes |
| Battery (smartwatch mode) | Up to 5 days | Up to 5 days | Up to 9 days |
| Controls | Touchscreen only | Touchscreen only | Touchscreen plus two buttons |
| Garmin Pay | Not on the base model | Yes | Yes |
| Straps | Silicone | Nylon or leather | Silicone |
| Water rating | 5 ATM on the Lily 2 (swim rated) | ||
Sources: Garmin US pricing as reported by DC Rainmaker, plus T3, Tom’s Guide and retailer spec sheets. Prices and Garmin Pay availability can differ by region and retailer.
Design and Display
The Lily 2 measures about 35.4 x 35.4 x 10.1 mm, which puts it among the smallest Garmin watches you can buy. The display is a roughly 1.0 inch grayscale LCD at 240 x 201 pixels, covered by a patterned lens. When the screen is off, you see a decorative surface. When it wakes, the time and data appear through the pattern.
That design is the main reason people buy it, and also the main complaint. Reviewers point out that the screen is not AMOLED, it is not always on, and you need to raise your wrist or tap to see the time. Tom’s Guide called the wake gesture a little frustrating when all you want is a quick glance. If you grew up on bright Apple Watch faces, expect a quieter, dimmer experience.
Small wrists are a clear win here. If fit is your first concern, our guide to the best smartwatches for small wrists shows how the Lily 2 stacks up against other compact options.
Battery Life: Claims vs Real Use
Garmin rates the Lily 2 at up to 5 days in smartwatch mode and the Lily 2 Active at up to 9 days. WearableBeat’s testing of the Active found it consistently delivered about 8 days with daily notifications and one GPS workout a day. Reviewers also note that GPS is the real battery killer: with GPS running continuously, the Active lasts about nine hours, according to Galaxus.
Charging uses a small magnetic clip, and T3 measured a full charge at about 74 minutes. Longer battery life matters more once you add GPS, so check our roundup of smartwatches with the longest battery life if you need more than a week.
What It Tracks
All Lily 2 models cover the Garmin basics: all-day heart rate, steps, sleep with a sleep score, stress, Body Battery energy tracking and women’s health tracking. Reviewers say Body Battery and stress readings work well, while sleep tracking could be better. The Active adds built-in GPS, so walks, runs and rides are mapped without your phone, and it supports a wider set of sport profiles than the original.
The limits are worth knowing. Reviewers list no onboard music storage, no Wi-Fi and a fairly narrow set of trackable activities compared with a Forerunner or Venu. Digital Citizen also noted the restricted activity list on the Active. If you want training depth, look at our best Garmin smartwatch guide instead.
Price: What You Pay for Each Version
The gap between the Lily 2 and the Active is about $50 at list price. For most people that is worth it. GPS, two buttons and four extra days of battery are bigger upgrades than a better strap. If you want help comparing styles and sizes across brands, see our picks for the best smartwatch for women.
Garmin Lily 2 Pros and Cons
What we like
- ✓ Very small, light and easy to wear all day
- ✓ Jewelry-style look with swappable bands
- ✓ Active adds built-in GPS and about 8 real days
- ✓ 5 ATM water rating and solid Body Battery data
What to watch out for
- ✕ Dim grayscale screen, not always on
- ✕ No music storage and no Wi-Fi
- ~ Base Lily 2 has no built-in GPS
- ~ Touchscreen can feel finicky for some users
Which Garmin Lily 2 Should You Buy?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Garmin Lily 2 cost?
The Lily 2 launched at $249.99, the Classic at $279.99 (nylon) or $299.99 (leather), and the Lily 2 Active at $299.99. Retail sales can lower these prices.
Does the Garmin Lily 2 have GPS?
The Lily 2 and Lily 2 Classic use your phone’s GPS for outdoor activities. The Lily 2 Active has built-in GPS.
How long does the Garmin Lily 2 battery last?
Garmin rates the Lily 2 at up to 5 days and the Lily 2 Active at up to 9 days in smartwatch mode. One reviewer measured about 8 days on the Active. Using GPS drops that sharply.
Is the Garmin Lily 2 waterproof?
It has a 5 ATM rating, so it handles pool swimming and showers. Avoid diving and high-speed water sports.
What is the difference between the Lily 2 and Lily 2 Active?
The Active adds built-in GPS, two side buttons and a longer battery rating. The standard Lily 2 is touch-only and relies on your phone for GPS.
Does the Garmin Lily 2 work with iPhone and Android?
Yes. It pairs with the Garmin Connect app on both iPhone and Android for notifications and health data.
Final Verdict
The Bottom Line
The Garmin Lily 2 family is the best small Garmin you can buy if looks and comfort come first. The Lily 2 Active is the one most people should pick, since GPS and a longer battery justify the extra $50. The display is dim and the feature set is lighter than a Forerunner, but for everyday wear it is easy to like.
Sources: reviews and coverage from Tom’s Guide, T3, TechRadar, Wareable, DC Rainmaker, Digital Citizen, WearableBeat and Galaxus, plus Garmin’s published specs. Featured image: Pexels. Illustrative stock photo, not necessarily the Lily 2.
About this article: GeekBlog covers U.S. technology news, AI, phones, smartwatches and gaming. Every story is written and checked under our Editorial Policy. Spotted a mistake or have a story tip? Contact our editors.
