Apple Watch 2 as Fitness Tracker vs Garmin Venu Sq 2 for Lifting

When building a home gym or signing up for a commercial fitness center, the debate over wearable technology for strength training often centers on the latest flagship devices. However, budget constraints and the desire to repurpose older tech lead many lifters to ask a highly specific question: Can you effectively use an Apple Watch 2 as a fitness tracker for weightlifting in 2026, or is it time to upgrade to a dedicated modern budget wearable like the Garmin Venu Sq 2?

In this head-to-head comparison, we strip away the running and cycling metrics to focus entirely on what matters for strength athletes: heart rate accuracy under load, software ecosystem viability, battery degradation, and rep-tracking capabilities. Here is how a legendary 2016 smartwatch stacks up against a modern budget fitness staple.