Polar's Ignite 2 and Vantage M2 watches look way better than their predecessors

Polar is updating two of its most popular fitness watches. Despite their names, the Polar Ignite 2 and Polar Vantage M2 are arguably nominal upgrades over their predecessors. Even so, there are still plenty of important upgrades to talk about. Let’s get started.

Polar Ignite 2

Polar’s fitness watch for everyone — the Polar Ignite — is getting an aesthetic upgrade with the Ignite 2. The new watch features the same lightweight, durable design as the original, but it now comes in four new color options: Champagne, Black, Pink Rose, and Storm Blue. For the more daring users, there are also two new accessory straps that feature Swarovski crystals.

The Polar Ignite 2’s battery will last up to five days with “normal” usage, just like the original. Continuous training usage has increased from 17 hours to 20 hours. Polar is bringing what it calls HR Sensor Mode to the Ignite 2, which allows you to broadcast your Ignite 2’s heart rate data to other devices like gym equipment and cycling computers.

There’s still no onboard music storage, though the Ignite 2 will see a few smartwatch benefits: the watch can now control you smartphone’s music as well as show you the weather in a dedicated widget.

The Polar Ignite 2 will go on sale this April for $229.95. The original Ignite will still be available on Polar.com in case you want to save some cash.

Polar Vantage M2

Again, the main upgrades found in the Polar Vantage M2 are aesthetic. Polar’s new midrange multisport watch now comes in four new colorways: Copper, Black, Champagne, and Grey.

Battery life is getting a huge boost over the original Vantage M. The M2 now offers up to seven days of battery in normal circumstances, and utilizing Polar’s power-save mode, the watch can last up to 100 hours for continuous training.

Polar has added a weekly training summary to the Vantage M2, so users can see their training over time and make healthy decisions based on previous activity. HR Sensor Mode is also coming to the M2.

Not to be left out, the Vantage M2 is also able to control your smartphone’s music and show you the weather.

You can pre-order the Polar Vantage M2 now from Polar.com for $299.95. Exact availability details have yet to be announced.

Polar isn’t hanging its other high-end watches out to dry. Later in 2021, the Polar Grit X will receive a software update that brings support for the M2’s weekly training summary, HR sensor mode, and music controls. The Vantage V2 will also be updated to support the new HR sensor mode.