Garmin D2 Air Review

In terms of value, the Garmin D2 Air is probably the best aviation smartwatch available on market today. With a price tag of US$499, it is significantly more affordable than the Garmin D2 Delta and comparable with the Apple Watch Series 7. Yet, it still offers all the key features of a top-of-the-line pilot smartwatch. However, there are some things you should be aware of if you are thinking about purchasing it. This review will cover the key functions of the Garmin D2 Air and highlight some of its pros and cons.

Features

We will look at the features of the Garmin D2 Air from two perspectives: (1) standard smartwatch features and (2) aviation features. To measure its functionality, we will do comparisons with the two other smartwatch models mentioned above. Both the Garmin D2 Delta and Apply Watch Series 7 are the among the highest performing smartwatch models in their respective categories. The Apple Watch Series 7 will be used as a comparison for standard smartwatch features, while the Garmin D2 Delta will be used as the standard for aviation features.

Garmin D2 Air vs Apple Watch Series 7
(Standard Smartwatch Features)

As a standard smartwatch, the Garmin D2 Air ticks most of the boxes and performs reasonably well against the Apple Watch Series 7. The things that really stand out are its battery life, health monitoring functions and fitness tracking. Garmin has also long been a leader in GPS technology and has successfully incorporated that into its fitness tracking functions. People who are serious about fitness and sports would appreciate the built-in sports apps (e.g. running, cycling, golf) and wide range of metrics it provides. Unlike the Apple Watch, the Garmin D2 Air is compatible with both Apple and Android devices. However, the inability to do voice calls or compose real-time customized text messages may be seen as a drawback for some.

Garmin D2 Air vs Garmin D2 Delta
(Aviation Features)

What the Garmin D2 Air may lack in terms of cutting-edge smartwatch features, it more than makes up for with its aviation-specific functions. The ability to load worldwide databases for airports, intersections and navigation aids, coupled with direct-to navigation and horizontal situation indicator (HSI) functions are features that simply cannot be found in other mainstream smartwatches. The features that are lacking when compared to the Garmin D2 Delta are the moving map, NEXRAD display and Connext avionics connectivity. However, these are premium functions that the average general aviator would not use too often.