Garmin Instinct 3 vs Withings ScanWatch 2: which should you buy?

Answer worked out Oct. 31, 2026

Garmin Instinct 3 price: Checked Oct. 30, 2026

Withings ScanWatch 2 price: Checked Oct. 30, 2026

Most people: get the Withings ScanWatch 2, because it is the better fit for more of what people buy these for.

On an iPhone: the Withings ScanWatch 2 works better with your phone.

Get the Withings ScanWatch 2 for running and workouts and heart rate and sleep.

Get the Garmin Instinct 3 to save $16.

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Garmin Instinct 3 vs Withings ScanWatch 2

Garmin Instinct 3
GARMIN

Garmin Instinct 3

$334 at Best Buy
Withings ScanWatch 2
WITHINGS

Withings ScanWatch 2

$349.99 at Kohl's
  1. Garmin Instinct 3: 10 ATMWater resistance−5 ATMWithings ScanWatch 2: 5 ATM
  2. Garmin Instinct 3: AMOLED with an always-on option; 1.2 in (45mm) or 1.3 in (50mm)DisplayWithings ScanWatch 2: 0.63-inch DeepGray OLED screen in the dial, 282 PPI
  3. Garmin Instinct 3: 53 g (45mm) or 59 g (50mm)WeightWithings ScanWatch 2: 34.6 g (38 mm), 52.6 g (42 mm), without wristband
  4. Garmin Instinct 3: Multi-band GPS with SatIQ; Bluetooth and ANT+; LED flashlightConnectivityWithings ScanWatch 2: Bluetooth to your phone; uses your phone's GPS for outdoor workouts
  5. Garmin Instinct 3: $334Price today$15.99 apartWithings ScanWatch 2: $349.99
Garmin Instinct 3
Buy at Best Buy$334
We may earn a commission.
Withings ScanWatch 2
Buy at Kohl's$349.99
We may earn a commission.
All the details

Key differences

  • Water resistance: 10 ATM vs 5 ATMGarmin Instinct 3: 10 ATM (10 ATM, water-rated to 100 meters; built to MIL-STD 810) ConfirmedSourceWithings ScanWatch 2: 5 ATM (5 ATM (50m), fine for swimming, not for diving) ConfirmedSource

From each maker's own specifications. A point is listed only when both makers state a figure and the two differ; a point either maker does not state is left out, never guessed. Two figures measured under different conditions are shown side by side, not compared.

Who should buy which

  • The Garmin Instinct 3 Guide names it for hiking, travel and navigation.Hiking: TracBack provides a route back to your starting point while you explore. Source linkedSourceTravel: Up to 24 days on a charge in smartwatch mode on the AMOLED models, so the charger can stay home. Source linkedSourceNavigation: An altimeter, barometer and 3-axis compass guide you on the trail, and multi-band GPS stayed solid outdoors. Source linkedSource
  • The Withings ScanWatch 2 Guide names it for health, sleep and fitness.Health: Rest a finger on the bezel for 30 seconds and it records an FDA-cleared ECG that checks for atrial fibrillation. Source linkedSourceSleep: Light and deep sleep, interruptions and overnight HRV are tracked, with a smart wake-up alarm and a Breathing Quality Index. Source linkedSourceFitness: It looks like a classic analog watch, yet counts steps and elevation across more than 40 workout modes. Source linkedSource

From what each Guide names the product best for.

Side by side

FeatureGarmin Instinct 3Withings ScanWatch 2
DisplayAMOLED with an always-on option0.63-inch DeepGray OLED screen in the dial, 282 PPI
Weight53 g (45mm) or 59 g (50mm)34.6 g , 52.6 g , without wristbandGarmin53 gWithings34.6 g
Water resistance10 ATM, water-rated to 100 meters5 ATM , fine for swimming, not for divingGarmin10 ATMWithings5 ATM
ConnectivityMulti-band GPS with SatIQBluetooth to your phone
Design45 x 45 x 14.9 mm or 50 x 50 x 14.4 mmStainless steel case with sapphire glass, 38mm or 42mm
Works withiPhone and Android, Garmin Connect appiPhone and Android

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Works with your phone

iPhone
Works with limitsWorks
Android
WorksWorks

Sources

GarminWithingsWithingsGarmin NewsroomWithings SupportWithings Support
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