Garmin - fēnix® 5X
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Reddit Reviews:
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Based on 1 year's data from Feb 24, 2026 How it works
Liked most:
35
1
"16 days battery life on my fenix. ... The other aspect I really appreciate about my fenix is the battery life. 16 days or so. With everything I have to change these days (laptops, mice, keyboards, headphones, watches, phones), I appreciate not having to worry about it too often."
"Battery life is super important to me. I do ultras so having 24+ hours of gps is necessary."
"My 43mm Fenix with Dual gps, Garmin live track, always on screen still had juice for up to 20-25 hours of running."
23
4
"But both fenix and forerunners trully have real running metrics. ... I cant believe the venu 4 does not even have daily suggestions based on pac and only has them based on heart rate. A big no no for a runner targetting an specific distance and time."
"But both fenix and forerunners trully have real running metrics. ... Thus the reasoning behind running tolerance as it would guide me to increase mileage in a safe manner."
"the load tracking and suggested workout feature alone is worth it. ... The battery of data signals you get to tailor and improve your training is worth the switch alone"
10
1
"Full watch-based navigation and mapping features—found particularly on the Forerunner 970 and Fenix series—include offline maps, turn-by-turn navigation, and visual guidance. ... For everyday runs on familiar routes, they matter less, but for trail running or hiking where orientation is crucial, they’re invaluable. ... Maps offer extra value for safety, route planning, and are also popular among cyclists and those exploring new routes"
"Trail running so I can load the route onto my garmin and navigate without carrying phone for 50km"
"I love the topo maps"
35
1
"had fenix 5x for many years, rock climbing, lifting, swimming, crossfit etc etc ... it will last a long time"
"I would not worry about a hit. The abuse it has taken in other settings is way worse than hit from an epee"
"The first lasted me 6 years, and I've had the second for 1 or so."
6
0
"Also the physical button presses while doing activities is just more guaranteed."
"tactile buttons"
"I like physical buttons on my Fenix personally over a tiny little touch screen - that also has to be backlit and wastes battery."
Disliked most:
4
12
"Garmin’s notification integration with iOS is dogshit."
"many workout functions require a working internet connection via Bluetooth to the phone to operate. ... None of the complex metrics are done on the watch. Not. Even. Close. ... Garmin Connect often requires an active internet connection. It really annoyed me when I owned my Fenix. ... Garmin Connect often requires an active internet connection for many features. I discovered this when I owned one. It pissed me off."
"Garmins are very behind gw in the smart features department. ... many things which one expect as granted (because they here like 10 years) still must be rechecked."
1
5
"I'm very disappointed in my Fenix for gym (and it sounds like the same fault applies to all garmins) because of the logging of reps. ... When I do a workout it will assume I used the weights I specified, but then it seems to either auto-log reps, which is a disaster for things that don't involve hand movements, and require me to correct them, or assume I did zero and require me to enter the whole lot. ... If I'm doing 60 sets I honestly don't have the patience to manually enter the rep number, so I use a phone ap instead. ... The thing that really annoys me though is that it would be so easy for Garmin to make a tiny programing change and start with the assumption that you hit your target."
"strength training profile is bonked"
"Gym exercise is best tracked with my phone."
1
5
"The discrepancy is much higher for HR than running dynamics. ... I think it is straight up irresponsible to rely on wrist-based HR is you’re using HR as a part of training"
"HR inaccurate at times and often delayed (which sucked during interval workouts)"
"Both Garmin and Samsung watch can't handle those exercises and are wildly off."
1
14
"watch is big, heavy etc and few times damaged my wrist also"
"It feels double the weight of my 965 and bulkier as well"
"it is heavier and chunkier ... my wife would never wear a fenix/epix due to the size."
1
5
"Sleep tracking algorithm is shit on Garmin compared to AW."
"Sleep tracking on this $1k thing is really disappointing. Way worse than Apple Watch. ... But how Garmin sleep tracking is SOOOO bad is beyond me"
"Sleep tracking doesn’t tell you anything you don’t know, it’s just too inaccurate."
0ut_0f_Bounds 0.4Yeah I got my Fenix 5X for ridiculously cheap, and it's been great. It even came bundled with 3 Tempe wireless thermometers that have turned out to be pretty useful.
I was a Suunto guy for years, but after my last one got smashed I switched to Garmin, mostly because the Fenix 5 pairs with my Inreach and everything syncs up.
adorablefuzzykitten 0.4I like my old Garmin Fenix 5X
alexisnothere 0.4I wear a Whoop band day to day and put on my good ol fenix 5x with a hr band when I’m out running
boston11runner 0.4I purchased the fenix 8 (47 mm) this week, upgrading from a fenix 5 (51 mm). The fenix 8 is remarkably light, with a gorgeous AMOLED display. I’m loving the touchscreen and the incredibly long battery life. My fenix 5 lasted a solid eight years—and could probably go longer—but it’s now down to about a five-day charge. I can’t imagine using an Apple Watch and having to charge it every day. I’d say go with the 47 mm and save a few dollars.
BrofessorX 0.4I tried a Garmin fenix 5x I think it was, I absolutely hated that it wasn't touchscreen, who the hell wants to navigate a smartwatch with side buttons. And im a simple watch user that only uses it to see incoming texts and pedometer step tracking. I know some are touchscreen and some aren't so just be prepared for that.
Citycrossed 0.4My Garmin Fenix 5X will be 9 years old in August. It’s held up great. I’m on my second strap but everything else is original. The battery life is still really good but I rarely charge it past 80% and never drain it lower that 20% (which helps all lithium batteries last longer).
CowMajorAU 0.4Fenix 8 Sapphire: I upgraded after I took a new job from a Fenix 5x I got off my brother in 2022 that he had since 2020. I liked the 5x but wanted something a little newer. It has a better golf layout imo as well as equestrian activities. I also enjoy the ability to connect headphones when I run or bike so I don’t have to carry a phone while I’m out. I don’t use all the functions it has to offer but so far I enjoy the upgrade and I managed to get it for 20% off so even better!
haleyposer 0.4I’ve had my Fenix 5X since 2017!
hype8912 0.4Also look into refurbished devices. I've seen some refurbished Fenix devices for a decent price. I like the Fenix series for the sapphire screen and the longer battery life. Back in 2021ish I got a Fenix 5X Sapphire for like $200. It's going great. Only issue is after 4 or 5 years of use the charging port contacts are wearing down. Outside of that issue I have zero complaints about it.
ibeecrazy 0.4Garmin Fenix 5x lasts almost a week for me with daily workouts tracked too! There is a wide variety of models worth checking out.
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