Garmin S60 vs S62 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Garmin Approach S62 & Garmin Approach S60 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Garmin Approach S62 rather than the Garmin Approach S60.

Why Do I Recommend The Garmin Approach S62?

  • The Garmin Approach S62 features Virtual Caddie technology for data-driven club recommendations based on wind, elevation, and past performance, while the Garmin Approach S60 uses standard distance-only guidance.
  • Garmin Approach S62 has wind speed and direction display for more accurate club and shot selection in changing conditions, whereas the Garmin Approach S60 has no on-watch wind data support.
  • It comes with longer GPS golf battery life for completing more full rounds without recharging during multi-day play, while the Garmin Approach S60 comes with shorter GPS battery endurance.
  • The Garmin Approach S62 features a larger 1.3-inch display for easier reading of yardages, maps, and green contours at a glance, while the Garmin Approach S60 features a smaller 1.2-inch display.
  • Garmin Approach S62 includes a newer internal platform for smoother course map panning and faster touchscreen responsiveness during play, whereas the Garmin Approach S60 uses an older hardware platform with slower map interaction.
  • It supports a higher firmware feature ceiling for ongoing Garmin Golf feature updates and analytics improvements, while the Garmin Approach S60 supports a more limited legacy feature set.
  • The Garmin Approach S62 has improved smartwatch battery efficiency for longer daily wear between charges, while the Garmin Approach S60 has shorter smartwatch-mode battery life.
  • Garmin Approach S62 features enhanced on-watch strategy tools that integrate PlaysLike distances into club suggestions for better real-world shot planning, whereas the Garmin Approach S60 features PlaysLike distances without integrated strategic recommendations.

Maybe the Garmin Approach S60 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Garmin Approach S62. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureGarmin Approach S62Garmin Approach S60
Display Size1.3″1.2″
Battery Life (Smartwatch)~14 days~10 days
Battery Life (GPS Golf)~20 hrs~15 hrs
Virtual CaddieYesNo
Wind Data DisplayYesNo
Hazards MappingEnhancedStandard
Mapping PerformanceFasterStandard
Sensor SuiteUpdatedOlder
Daily Wear FeaturesBroaderLimited
UI PerformanceFasterSlower
Firmware Feature CeilingHigherLower
Memory / StorageLargerSmaller
GPS AccuracyUpdatedStandard
Golf MetricsExtendedCore
Compatibility (Golf App)LatestLegacy
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What Common Both Can Do?

  • GPS-enabled golf watch: Both models use built-in GPS to calculate precise distances on the golf course. This allows golfers to make informed club selections without relying on rangefinders or course markers.
  • Color touchscreen display: Each watch features a full-color touchscreen that enables intuitive navigation through menus and course maps. This improves usability during play and makes on-course data easier to interpret.
  • Preloaded golf courses: Both watches come preloaded with tens of thousands of golf courses worldwide. Golfers can start playing immediately without needing to download courses individually.
  • Global course coverage: The two models support extensive worldwide course databases, making them suitable for travel and international play. This ensures consistent functionality regardless of location.
  • CourseView maps: Both provide full hole layouts directly on the watch. This allows golfers to visualize fairways, hazards, and greens before taking a shot.
  • Green View: Each watch displays the shape and layout of the green. This helps players plan approach shots more accurately and understand green positioning.
  • Manual pin positioning: Both allow the user to move the pin location manually. This improves distance accuracy when the pin is placed away from the center of the green.
  • Hazard distance display: The watches show distances to hazards such as bunkers and water. This supports better risk management and safer shot planning.
  • Front / middle / back yardages: Both models display standard green distances at a glance. This is essential for quick decision-making during play.
  • Shot distance measurement: Each watch can measure how far a shot travels. This helps golfers understand their real-world club distances over time.
  • Digital scorecard: Both include on-watch scorekeeping functionality. This reduces the need for paper scorecards and keeps all round data in one place.
  • Stat tracking (fairways, greens, putts): Both watches track key performance statistics. These metrics help golfers analyze strengths and weaknesses after a round.
  • Auto course recognition: Each model automatically recognizes the course being played. This saves time and ensures correct mapping without manual selection.
  • Garmin Golf app support: Both sync with the Garmin Golf app. This enables post-round analysis, stat history, and software updates.
  • Smart notifications: Both watches can display phone notifications when paired with a smartphone. This adds everyday smartwatch functionality beyond golf.
  • Bluetooth connectivity: Each model uses Bluetooth for syncing data and notifications. This ensures seamless communication with compatible smartphones.
  • Wrist-based heart rate: Both include an optical heart rate sensor. This allows basic fitness and wellness tracking during daily wear.
  • Activity tracking: Each watch tracks steps and general activity. This makes them usable as everyday fitness watches, not just golf devices.
  • Water resistance: Both are rated at 5 ATM. This makes them safe for rain, sweat, and hand washing during regular use.
  • Interchangeable QuickFit bands: Both support Garmin’s QuickFit band system. This allows users to easily customize comfort and style without tools.

Common Features

FeatureGarmin Approach S62Garmin Approach S60
GPS-enabled golf watchYesYes
Color touchscreen displayYesYes
Preloaded golf coursesYesYes
Global course coverage40,000+ courses40,000+ courses
CourseView mapsYesYes
Green ViewYesYes
Manual pin positioningYesYes
Hazard distance displayYesYes
Front / middle / back yardagesYesYes
Shot distance measurementYesYes
Digital scorecardYesYes
Stat tracking (fairways, greens, putts)YesYes
Auto course recognitionYesYes
Garmin Golf app supportYesYes
Smart notificationsYesYes
Bluetooth connectivityYesYes
Wrist-based heart rateYesYes
Activity trackingYesYes
Water resistance5 ATM5 ATM
Interchangeable QuickFit bandsYesYes
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FAQ

What are the Garmin Approach S62 and Garmin Approach S60 mainly designed for?
Both Garmin Approach S62 and Garmin Approach S60 are GPS golf watches designed to provide accurate yardages, course maps, and golf-specific tools while also functioning as everyday smartwatches with fitness tracking features.

Do both Garmin Approach S62 and Garmin Approach S60 support preloaded golf courses?
Yes, both models come with more than 40,000 preloaded golf courses worldwide, allowing golfers to play on most courses without downloading additional data.

Can Garmin Approach S62 and Garmin Approach S60 show full hole maps on the watch?
Both watches support CourseView maps, enabling users to see complete hole layouts including fairways, hazards, and greens directly on the display.

Do both watches provide front, middle, and back green distances?
Yes, Garmin Approach S62 and Garmin Approach S60 both display front, middle, and back yardages to the green for quick and reliable distance reference.

Is Green View available on both Garmin Approach S62 and Garmin Approach S60?
Both models include Green View, allowing golfers to view the shape of the green and adjust the pin position manually for more accurate approach distances.

Can both watches track shots and basic golf statistics?
Yes, both Garmin Approach S62 and Garmin Approach S60 can track shot distances and record basic statistics such as fairways hit, greens in regulation, and putts.

Do Garmin Approach S62 and Garmin Approach S60 support digital scorecards?
Both watches include on-device digital scorecards, enabling golfers to keep score directly on the watch during a round.

Are Garmin Approach S62 and Garmin Approach S60 compatible with the Garmin Golf app?
Yes, both models sync with the Garmin Golf app, allowing users to review rounds, analyze stats, and store long-term performance history.

Do both watches automatically recognize the golf course being played?
Yes, Garmin Approach S62 and Garmin Approach S60 automatically detect nearby courses using GPS, reducing setup time before starting a round.

Can Garmin Approach S62 and Garmin Approach S60 display hazard distances?
Both watches show distances to key hazards such as bunkers and water hazards, helping golfers make safer shot decisions.

Do Garmin Approach S62 and Garmin Approach S60 function as smartwatches?
Yes, both models support smart notifications, allowing users to receive calls, texts, and alerts from a paired smartphone.

Is wrist-based heart rate monitoring available on both models?
Both Garmin Approach S62 and Garmin Approach S60 include wrist-based heart rate sensors for basic fitness and wellness tracking.

Are Garmin Approach S62 and Garmin Approach S60 suitable for daily wear outside of golf?
Yes, both watches include step tracking and general activity monitoring, making them practical for everyday use beyond the golf course.

Do both models offer water resistance suitable for golfing conditions?
Both Garmin Approach S62 and Garmin Approach S60 are rated at 5 ATM water resistance, making them safe for rain, sweat, and hand washing.

Can the bands on Garmin Approach S62 and Garmin Approach S60 be changed easily?
Yes, both watches support Garmin QuickFit bands, allowing users to swap bands easily without tools for comfort or style preferences.