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Overall

#15 in

Fitness Trackers

according to Reddit Icon Reddit

Sentiment score61% positive
35
9
13

Top Pros

Top Cons

Last updated: Apr 19, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit IconPendle235
6 months ago

I’ve got both the AWU3 and FP8 and in fact last night switched to the 3 for a bit. It integrates better with the ecosystem and gives more information. I think when I’ve had to charge it a few times I might go back to my 8. From a looks perspective the AWU3 is pretty smart but the FP8 basically says “Yah just got back from the Amazon” which is good if you can live with the knowledge you just got back from the Amazon locker down the road.

Reddit Iconmachuroberts
3 months ago

Fenix 8 47 amoled safire. Because it was the same price as the 970 and I wanted maps.

Reddit IconTight-Raccoon865
10 months ago

I had the same upgrade decision, though because of an injury, I can no longer run (though I am very active with other activities both watches track). I think it really boils down to subjectivity. What do you think will look better? I bought the F8 47 Amoled during the recent sale so there was almost no $ difference. Did so because of the better build and look (at least to my eyes). Either one will be a huge upgrade from the Venu 2, which happens to be a great watch.

Reddit IconxxSeahawks
3 months ago

Fenix 8 47 amoled. Because I hike, run, bike a lot and like the design.

7 months ago

I have a fenix 8 but I currently have no plans to switch back to apple. At least in the near future. But garmin seems to get a bit too expensive for my taste so I wouldn’t not rule out the ultra when I upgrade in 2-3 years.

7 months ago

Well I just ordered the oura ring to see if that fits me better. Never worn a ring so not sure, but want to make a decision around Black Friday to see which to keep. I also wear a fenix 8 so I don’t really need whoop because why? I get accurate data with the F8 + chest strap I don’t need a second device with bad HR sensor. I also don’t use the strain feature as I have a training plan which I follow. So probably oura will fit me better. Will not wear it while gym etc but that’s fine as it syncs my garmin data

about 2 months ago

I currently use an oura ring, garmin fenix 8 and a whoop mg.

about 2 months ago

Well first I will return the oura. I have to constantly remove it (washing hands, workouts, cooking etc) while my whoop is always there and tracks everything 24/7 I would think if you start a workout on whoop it will sync to oura via apple health (I start the workout on my Fenix 8 and it syncs with whoop and oura) If you want it purely for workout go ahead especially if it’s free for a year. For me oura and whoop are more wellness tracker and my Fenix 8 is my workout device. Apple Watch is also good but again if it’s free with chase you could use it for a year. I lift, run, bike, hike so I need a device with a screen.

Reddit IconThors_Hammer22
7 months ago

Idk if this helps, but I recently returned a new Fenix 8 (not solar). It was my first Garmin and I HATED IT! I loved the design. I loved the look. I loved the few functions I actually used it for. BUT I could not stand using it! I had it for like a week and a half and I swear I spent a quarter of my days googling how to do things on that f’n thing. Nothing was intuitive and the few things I really wanted it for either weren’t supported or super complicated to figure out. I really hated that watch and immediately returned it when I found out the AWU3 was being released soon. The Garmin was click-heavy, overkill, non-sense IMO. The AW does everything I need and actually ties into my daily life way more than that Garmin ever could. That’s my experience. But I do like the look of the Garmin more than the AW. Can’t wait to get my new black AWU3!

7 months ago

So I’m not a runner and you may find what you want using Strava or something, but if your main goal of your watch is to track your running, the Garmin might be your answer. If you want literally ANYTHING else from your watch, go with the AWU. I had a Fenix 8 AMOLED recently for a couple weeks. HATED it! Returned it as soon as I found out AWU3 was being released. The Garmin was click-heavy, no nonintuitive, and just a pain to use. I spent so much time googling how to do things on that damn watch. I hated it so much. I do like the look of the Garmin watch tho and it was a really nice watch. I just couldn’t stand using it and it just wasn’t intuitive enough for me. And the lack of a decent AI-driven voice control feature was enough to have me shaking my head. If there was a really good AI-driven voice control feature on the Fenix 8 that assisted with watch functions and settings as well as general info (like any AI system) it possibly would have been worth keeping…idk. I really don’t know why anyone but really serious Olympic training athletes would need a Garmin watch and all that data. I feel like the Apple Watch would provide PLENTY of data for the normal person. If you have an iPhone or you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, I would only recommend the Apple Watch. I preordered the AWU3 and can’t wait for it to arrive.

7 months ago

Recently purchased a Fenix 8 …never again. What a pain in the butt, click-heavy, non-intuitive piece. I hated that watch so much, but it looked cool as heck! Can’t wait to get my black AWU3!

Reddit Iconboston11runner
5 months ago

I 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.

Reddit IconCoadyD19
8 months ago

What size Fenix 8 did you go with? I had the Forerunner 970 first and then made the switch to the Fenix 8 47mm and while it is slightly heavier, I barely notice it and overall much prefer the watches aesthetics and premium feel.

5 months ago

I mean the Garmin FR970 is the same price as the Ultra 3 so you’re not really saving any money. My Fenix 8 is actually about $500 (CAD) more expensive than the Ultra 3 as well. Prior to switching to the Fenix 8 about 3 months ago I had the Ultra 2 since launch and I generally prefer the Fenix 8 as a fitness tracker over the Ultra. Firstly, I get nearly 2 weeks of battery life with my AMOLED display Fenix 8 compared to approx. 2 days with my Ultra. As someone who does multi-day hikes etc. this was a huge feature for me. I also love the more in depth fitness & running metrics I get from the garmin. Another big plus is as someone who has sleeve tattoos I’ve never once had the Garmin auto-pause during a workout or a run whereas that was a regular occurrence with the Ultra no matter what band I used and despite trying the epoxy sticker “fix”. Another bonus is the built in flashlight on the Fenix 8, I never imagined how useful this would be and wasn’t a consideration when initially purchasing the watch. I also much prefer the circle watch face as opposed to the large bulky square that is the Ultra. Of course there are things I miss from the Ultra, the display was much nicer and the watch was buttery smooth as opposed to the Garmin. The smart features were far superior on the Ultra but the bottom line was I rarely used them which is why the Garmin was ultimately the better choice for me personally.

Reddit IconDaniel-Deni
6 months ago

Garmin had a bug on eOS, where it couldn't fully start the app normally, but that was fixed recently. It works just as good as on a normal Android phone. And my Fenix 8 51mm gets 21+ days of battery life, while exercising every day for at least 30mins. I am no longer using a Fairphone or e/OS, but my partner is and it works fine with his Fenix 8 47mm.

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