Both are excellent: S42 nails value and simplicity, S62 adds advanced tools.
You want a golf watch that helps you shoot lower scores without slowing your round. I’ve played full 18s with both the Garmin S42 and S62, testing them in wind, on tight par-4s, and on blind shots. In short, both are great, but they serve different golfers. The garmin s42 vs s62 debate comes down to budget versus depth. I’ll share what actually helped me on the course so you can pick the right fit.
Garmin Approach S42, GPS Golf…
1.2” easy-to-read color touchscreen display with interchangeable quick release bands.Control Method:Touch,Application.Special Feature:Color Touchscreen; Quick Release Bands; 42,000+ Preloaded Courses; Keep Track and Keep Score; Green…
Garmin 010-02200-00 Approach S62, Premium…
Large 1. 3” easy-to-read color touchscreen display (18% larger than Approach S60) with scratch-resistant ceramic bezel and interchangeable QuickFit bands Battery life: up to 20…
Is Garmin Approach S42 Good?
Yes—for many golfers. The S42 is a lightweight, easy watch that gives the yardages you need fast. It suits newer golfers and bargain hunters. If you want front/middle/back, hazards, and simple scoring without extra complexity, it’s a smart pick. It also looks clean enough for daily wear.On a busy Saturday round, the S42 kept me moving. A quick tap showed the green and key hazards. I also used it for a twilight 9. The screen stayed clear as the light faded. It did not try to coach me. It just gave me the numbers I needed to swing with confidence in the garmin s42 vs s62 choice.
Garmin Approach S42, GPS Golf Smartwatch, Lightweight with 1.2″ Touchscreen, 42k+ Preloaded Courses, Silver Ceramic Bezel and White Silicone Band, 010-02572-11
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Bright 1.2-inch color touchscreen with clear yardages
- Over 40,000 preloaded courses with hazards and green view
- AutoShot game tracking and digital scorecard support
- Quick-release bands and light, comfortable fit
- Up to 15 hours in GPS mode and multi-day smartwatch life
What I Like
- Fast, simple yardages that speed up play
- Lightweight and comfy for long walking rounds
- Clean design that works off the course
- Solid battery life for weekend golf trips
- Easy hazard view for smarter layups
What Could Be Better
- No Virtual Caddie or PlaysLike (slope-adjusted) distances
- Less detailed mapping than S62
- No Garmin Pay and fewer smartwatch extras
My Recommendation
If you want simple, fast golf data at a fair price, get the S42. It delivers core features without fuss.| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Newer and casual golfers | Easy to use, clear yardages, no learning curve |
| Budget-minded buyers | Great value without premium features you may not use |
| Golfers who walk | Lightweight and comfortable all round |
Is Garmin Approach S62 Good?
Yes—for golfers who want every edge. The S62 is a powerhouse. It adds Virtual Caddie, PlaysLike distance, wind insights, and a larger screen. If you like detail, strategy, and deeper stats, it’s worth it. It also brings more smartwatch features for daily life.I used the S62 on a windy links-style course. The wind info and PlaysLike kept me from under-clubbing on uphills. Virtual Caddie even suggested 6-iron on a tight par-3. I trusted it and hit the green. In the garmin s42 vs s62 matchup, the S62 helped me make better choices on tough holes.
Garmin 010-02200-00 Approach S62, Premium Golf GPS Watch, Built-in Virtual Caddie, Mapping and Full Color Screen, Black
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 1.3-inch color touchscreen with rich course mapping
- Virtual Caddie, PlaysLike distance, and wind insights (with phone)
- PinPointer for blind shots and detailed hazard views
- Advanced stats, AutoShot, CT10 sensor support
- Up to ~20 hours GPS, more smartwatch features (e.g., Garmin Pay)
What I Like
- Club suggestions that fit my game and lie
- Wind and slope-adjusted distances save strokes
- Larger screen is easier to read at a glance
- Great battery for 36-hole days
- Useful off-course tools, including tap-to-pay
What Could Be Better
- Higher price than the S42
- More features mean a bit more setup and learning
- Slightly bulkier on smaller wrists
My Recommendation
If you want the most help lowering scores and love data, the S62 is worth it.| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Serious golfers | Virtual Caddie, PlaysLike, wind, and detailed mapping |
| Frequent players | Battery and depth pay off over many rounds |
| Tech lovers | More smartwatch features for daily life |
garmin s42 vs s62: Side-by-Side Test
I played multiple rounds swapping wrists mid-round. This is how garmin s42 vs s62 compares in real shots, real wind, and real misses. Use this to match the watch to your game.Golf Features: Which Helps You Score Lower?
Both give solid yardages. The S62 adds tools that change club choice and targets.| Feature | Garmin S42 | Garmin S62 |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Caddie | No | Yes |
| PlaysLike (slope) | No | Yes |
| Wind info (paired) | No | Yes |
| PinPointer (blind shots) | No | Yes |
“Edge: S62. It adds decision tools that save shots when conditions change.”
Display & Build: Which Is Easier to See and Wear?
Both are bright. The S62 is bigger; the S42 is lighter.| Aspect | Garmin S42 | Garmin S62 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 1.2-inch | 1.3-inch |
| Readability | Clear | Clearer at a glance |
| Weight/Comfort | Very light | Solid, slightly larger |
| Bands | Quick-release | QuickFit style |
“Edge: S62 for visibility, S42 for comfort. Pick what matters more to you.”
Battery Life: Who Lasts Longer on the Course?
Both finish a long day. The S62 has more in reserve.| Mode | Garmin S42 | Garmin S62 |
|---|---|---|
| GPS (golf) | Up to ~15 hours | Up to ~20 hours |
| Smartwatch | Multi-day (about a week+) | Longer (about two weeks) |
| 36-hole day | Usually fine | Comfortable buffer |
“Edge: S62. It has the stamina for 36 holes without worry.”
Mapping & Course Data: How Detailed Are They?
Both cover the world. The S62 shows more detail on-screen.| Item | Garmin S42 | Garmin S62 |
|---|---|---|
| Preloaded courses | 40k+ worldwide | 40k+ worldwide |
| Hazard/layup data | Yes | Yes (richer views) |
| Green view | Yes | Yes (larger, more context) |
| Advanced visuals | Basic | More detailed mapping |
“Edge: S62. The map detail helps with shaping shots and aiming points.”
Smartwatch Extras: Daily Use Beyond Golf
Both can be worn daily. The S62 goes further.| Feature | Garmin S42 | Garmin S62 |
|---|---|---|
| Notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Garmin Pay | No | Yes |
| Health/fitness depth | Basic tracking | Broader tracking options |
| Customization | Good | More options |
“Edge: S62. It acts more like a full smartwatch day to day.”
Ease of Use: Learning Curve and Speed
Both are simple. The S42 is plug-and-play; the S62 rewards time spent.| Area | Garmin S42 | Garmin S62 |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Very quick | Quick, more options |
| On-course taps | Few taps | More features, a few more taps |
| Learning curve | Minimal | Moderate |
| Speed of play | Very fast | Fast once configured |
“Edge: S42. It’s simple from day one and stays out of your way.”
Value for Money: What Do You Get per Dollar?
Price varies, but the S42 is cheaper. The S62 offers more tech per dollar if you use it.| Consideration | Garmin S42 | Garmin S62 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Core golf value | Excellent | Excellent+ |
| Advanced features | Limited | Extensive |
| Long-term upside | Great for casual play | Best for frequent golfers |
“Tie with context: S42 for budget value; S62 if you’ll use the extras.”
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want fast yardages, a light feel, and a friendly price, choose the S42. It shines for casual rounds and simple play. In the garmin s42 vs s62 decision, it is the “no-brainer” pick for most new golfers.If you play often, travel to varied courses, or love data, go S62. Its Virtual Caddie, PlaysLike, and wind tools guided better shots in my tests. For garmin s42 vs s62, it is the performance pick.
FAQs Of garmin s42 vs s62
What is the main difference between the Garmin S42 and S62?
The S62 adds Virtual Caddie, PlaysLike (slope), wind info, PinPointer, more mapping detail, and Garmin Pay. The S42 focuses on simple yardages and ease. In garmin s42 vs s62 terms: simplicity vs full-on strategy.Is the Garmin S62 worth the extra price over the S42?
If you use Virtual Caddie, PlaysLike, and wind, yes. Those tools change club choice and targets. If you just want clean yardages, the S42 is enough. That’s the heart of garmin s42 vs s62.Which is better for beginners: S42 or S62?
S42. It’s easier on day one and costs less. In garmin s42 vs s62, the S42 is the beginner-friendly pick.How does battery life compare?
S42 lasts up to about 15 hours in GPS. S62 goes to about 20 hours. For garmin s42 vs s62 on marathon days, S62 has the edge.Do both support Garmin CT10 club sensors?
Yes. Both work with CT10 sensors for deeper shot tracking and stats. That keeps garmin s42 vs s62 close on tracking flexibility.
Rubel Miah is the Senior Editor at MyStyleGrid.com, where he brings a sharp editorial eye and an unshakable love for fashion to everything he does. A true style addict, Rubel lives and breathes trends, from streetwear to high fashion, and has a knack for turning inspiration into impactful stories. With years of experience in fashion journalism and digital media, he curates content that empowers readers to express themselves through style. When he’s not editing features or forecasting the next big thing, you’ll find him hunting down vintage pieces or capturing street style moments around the city.
