If you’re looking for an advanced fitness tracking watch that goes beyond basic step counting, Polar has two great options: the Vantage V2 and M2. Both pack some impressive technology into stylish wrist wearables designed for serious athletes.
But how do you choose between the Vantage series models? While the M2 costs less, the pricier V2 adds more advanced features athletes may appreciate.
Let’s compare these Polar watches in detail so you can decide which best suits your fitness goals and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
Feature | Polar Vantage V2 | Polar Vantage M2 |
Price | $499 | $299 |
Battery Life | Up to 40h with GPS | Up to 30h with GPS |
Touchscreen | Yes | No |
Advanced Running Analysis | Yes | Limited |
Music Storage | No | No |
Swim Metrics | More detailed | Basic |
Training Load Pro | Yes | No |
Recovery Tracking | Factors training load | Basic |
Polar Vantage V2 Overview
The Polar Vantage V2 sits at the top of Polar’s lineup as their most advanced multisport watch. This upgraded version builds on the success of the original Vantage V with extra running analytics and fueling guidance.
Key Features
- Built-in GPS for accurate speed, distance and route tracking
- Waterproof design for swimming with metrics like lap counts, pace and SWOLF score
- Wrist-based heart rate monitoring with Polar Precision Prime sensor fusion technology
- Detailed running analysis including Running Index score, training load and recovery insights
- FuelWise fueling assistant provides reminder alerts to help you stay energized on long workouts or races
- 130+ sport modes with performance metrics and post-workout analysis
- Smartwatch features like weather, music controls, notifications
- Nightly Sleep Plus Stages sleep tracking with Sleep Score
- FitSpark daily training guide offers customizable workout suggestions
- Up to 40 hours GPS and training time with regular use
Pros
- Extremely accurate GPS and optical heart rate monitoring
- More advanced running features than M2 like Running Index and Race Pace
- Helpful training load and recovery tracking
- Handy fueling assistant alerts during long sessions
- Longer battery life than M2
Cons
- More expensive than M2
- Touchscreen can be finicky in wet conditions
- No built-in music storage
Polar Vantage M2 Overview
The Vantage M2 offers many of the same great features as the V2 in a more affordable package. You still get advanced metrics for runners and multisport athletes minus a few of the top-end perks.
Key Features
- Built-in GPS for accurate pace, distance and route tracking
- Waterproof design for pool and open water swimming
- Wrist-based heart rate monitoring with Precision Prime sensor fusion
- Running Index score and training insights
- 130+ sport modes with performance stats
- Nightly Sleep Plus Stages sleep tracking
- Serene guided breathing exercises
- FitSpark daily training guide
- Smartwatch features like weather, music controls, notifications
- Up to 30 hours of GPS and training time
Pros
- Excellent heart rate accuracy
- Much more affordable than V2
- Strong feature set for runners and swimmers
- Useful sleep and recovery tracking
Cons
- Shorter battery life than V2
- Lacks some advanced running analytics like Training Load Pro and Race Pace
- No touchscreen or music controls
Detailed Comparison Of Key Features
Now let’s dive deeper into some of the key features and differences between the V2 and M2.
GPS Performance
Both the V2 and M2 use built-in GPS tracking to record your pace, distance and route for runs, rides and other outdoor activities. This allows you to train without bringing a smartphone.
The V2 and M2 have essentially identical GPS accuracy. They both leverage Galileo satellite systems along with Polar’s optimized antenna design for reliable tracking even under challenging conditions. You can expect excellent route maps and metrics.
Heart Rate Tracking
Polar uses its Precision Prime sensor fusion technology in the optical heart rate monitors on both the V2 and M2. This combines data from multiple LEDs and skin contact sensors to provide accurate readings even during intense interval training.
When comparing the V2 Vs. M2 heart rate accuracy, they are virtually the same. Both will capture your effort levels and heart rate zones correctly for effective training.
Also Read: Comparison Between Apple Watch Series 4 And Series 8.
Battery Life
The V2 offers a significant battery life advantage over the M2. With regular use, you can expect around 40 hours of GPS and training time from the V2.
The M2 lasts around 30 hours with GPS before needing a recharge. Realistically, both watches provide enough juice for most training blocks and even a full Ironman triathlon. But ultrarunners may prefer the V2 for extra cushion.
Swimming Features
Both the V2 and M2 are waterproof to 50 meters and track your swim metrics using the built-in GPS and wrist heart rate monitor.
You’ll get your pace, distance, stroke count and more for pool and open water swims. The V2 also adds a few extra goodies like SWOLF score for stroke efficiency and pace alerts for following a preset target.
Running Analysis
This is an area where the pricier V2 pulls ahead of the M2 with more advanced analytics.
The M2 still offers the excellent Running Index score which evaluates your performance compared to other runners based on pace, heart rate and some other metrics. You’ll also get training insights on the M2 like feedback on your cardio load and speed zones.
But the V2 takes it up a level with features like Training Load Pro and Race Pace. Training Load Pro gives you a numeric score for your training volume and intensity so you can optimize it over time. The Race Pace prediction uses your fitness level to estimate your ideal speed for 5K to marathon races.
Training Features
Both Polar watches provide some handy training guidance through the FitSpark daily workout suggestions. This uses your Nightly Recharge recovery levels, workout history and planned targets to recommend strength, cardio and supportive activities each day.
The V2 adds to this with the unique FuelWise fueling assistant. During long workouts over 90 minutes, FuelWise will remind you to refuel at preset intervals based on your weight and intensity. This can help prevent crashes on ultramarathons, century rides or Ironman races.
Sleep and Recovery Tracking
Recovery tracking is another strength of Polar’s watches. Both the V2 and M2 use the Nightly Recharge feature to measure your sleep quality and monitor your autonomic nervous system recovery at night. This provides an overall 1-100 score each morning so you can gauge your readiness to train hard.
The V2 takes this a step further by factoring your training load from the previous day into the equation, along with your individual aerobic and anaerobic tolerance. But the M2 still provides excellent sleep and recovery insights.
Also Read: Comparison Between Garmin Fenix 6 and Fenix 6X Pro
Smartwatch Features
In terms of general smartwatch capabilities, the V2 and M2 are fairly similar. Both offer phone-free music controls so you can change tracks and volume on your headphones during workouts. Weather forecasts are also available right on your wrist through the Polar Flow app.
The V2 adds integrated touchscreen functionality that allows you to swipe through data screens and menus. You lose the buttons, but gain more smartphone-like convenience.
Notably neither the V2 nor M2 has built-in music storage or LTE connectivity. So streaming without a phone isn’t an option like on some Garmin watches.
Also watch the video!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The main differences are that the V2 has extra advanced running analysis like Training Load Pro and Race Pace predictions, longer battery life, and an integrated touchscreen. The M2 lacks those premium features but costs significantly less money.
Yes, the M2 is absolutely worth it for athletes looking for an affordable multisport watch with great GPS accuracy and wrist-based heart rate. You get excellent insights and tracking for well under $300.
Yes, the Polar Vantage M2 has a waterproof design rated to 50 meters just like the V2. So you can shower and swim with no concerns.
The Polar Vantage M2 premium includes all the same features as the regular M2, but adds a titanium bezel and premium watch band for a more stylish design. The tech specs are identical.
Also Read: Comparison Among Garmin Forerunner 45, 55 And 245.
The Verdict
So which of these advanced Polar watches is right for you? Here are some final considerations as you weigh the V2 Vs. M2 choice:
- The V2 is worth the upgrade if you want those extra running analysis tools like Training Load Pro and Race Pace predictor. Ultrarunners will also appreciate the longer battery life.
- The M2 saves you money with virtually the same core performance as the V2. Unless you need the advanced running metrics or touchscreen, it’s tough to justify the price premium of the V2 for most athletes.
- Both watches have excellent GPS accuracy, heart rate tracking and software ecosystems. You really can’t go wrong with either.
- The M2 punches well above its midrange price point. For under $300, you get remarkably deep insights previously only found in $500+ watches.
So there you have it! Hopefully this detailed comparison of the Polar Vantage V2 Vs. M2 features and specs helps inform your buying decision. Either watch will serve multisport athletes and runners well. It just comes down to your budget and desire for those extra analytical tools in the pricier V2 model.