Garmin - Instinct 3 AMOLED

I would go for either the Instinct 3 or Vivoactive 6. Both new watches are great, no issues. Vivoactive 6 is just in your budget range but isn't very 'rugged', which is the perfect desciption of the instinct 3 (which is a bit more pricey). You can go for the black and white screen of the Instinct E ($299), but the tech is a bit more dated, and if you are coming from an apple watch, im guessing you like the bright screens. Another option is the Epix 2 (refurbished) from amazon for $349 (what I would go for). This is their top of the line watch from a few years ago, but still very advanced with most of the new features. [https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1316397/pn/010-02936-00/](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1316397/pn/010-02936-00/) [https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1555457/](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1555457/) [https://a.co/d/fs1SPqL](https://a.co/d/fs1SPqL)

The day apple makes an actual ruggedized smart watch that can last longer than 2 weeks on a single charge is the day I’ll switch. Until then my Instinct 3S is my little pride and joy.

I was in the same boat last month; I stretched a little bit and bought the Instinct 3 AMOLED. I'm happy with the purchase. What you will miss is the mobile app UI/UX, as well as the watch's. If your main goal is battery, notifications and health, then go for it.

Are you tired of the old-school MIP (memory-in-pixel) watch faces from a decade ago? Do you want your daydreams transformed from monochrome into AMOLED color, eh...? Yes, I have had these same thoughts, which is why I purchased a Garmin EPIX 2.0 nearly two years ago. It was one my favorite timepieces since my first Apple Watch. Nevertheless, I sold it and purchased the Enduro 3 and then they announced the Instinct 3, dang it, far too many temptations online, right? Day Four with the Instinct 3 and... the watch is down to 28% battery life with 2 days left. Wed. 01/22, unboxed around 17:00, AOD enabled, SP02 at night enabled, raise to wake was enabled by default. Left wrist all day with the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar on my right wrist. Thur. 01/23, wore it all day & night Instinct 3 (right wrist) Instinct 2X (left wrist) Fri. 01/24, wore it all night & day Instinct 3 (right wrist) Instinct 2X (left wrist) Sat. 01/25, I woke up with it on my right wrist. The time is now 08:53, 28% battery, and 2 days left even with my one-hour of GPS workouts, what? Why can't Apple or Samsung build watches with battery life like the Garmins? Instinct 3 (right wrist) Instinct 2X (left wrist) Yes, the battery life is great, yes, the screen is bright. And sure, it feels more like a Casio G-Shock with a gorgeous screen or a little sister watch from the Garmin EPIX line. It is comfortable to wear all day and night. The buttons are easy to press and make less clicking noise than the Instinct 2X Solar I purchased over 18 months ago. Yet, what is new and why should you upgrade if you're like me an already have a Garmin Instinct 2X to 2X solar? Reasons to upgrade to the Garmin Instinct 3 1. AMOLED screen with AOD (always-on display) that lasts for six to 10 days 2. it tracks naps now and has the nap timer just like the EPIX 2, Fenix 8, or Enduro 3 3. Body Battery factors - wow, and about time. After a workout, nap, or even low stress, yes, on the watch or in the app, there is a breakdown of your activities with positive or negative details and your body battery is affected. I am unsure at this point if Garmin will release these features to the Instinct 2X models. 4. Louder speaker 5. Faster navigation 6. Faster solar charging...? To be announced 7. Instinct 3 is faster at saving workouts 8. Night Shift - oh yeah, the entire watch interface changes to red, green, or orange. It's such a fun feature to have on a $400.00 watch! 9. The buttons are softer to press and make less noise. 10. Steps on the data screen during workouts 11. Torchlight has a better menu for changing the light from red to white on the Instinct 3, about time, and thank you Garmin! Oh yeah, 11 new features if you buy another MIP Instinct 3 or slightly less if you purchase the AMOLED version like I did from Garmin.com. There are new color options, yet that is standard for Garmin, Apple, Samsung, Amazfit, COROS, Fitbit, Suunto, Polar, and most watch companies. They attempt to entice us every year to upgrade, upgrade, and upgrade. Okay, the Instinct 2X will be two years old soon and yet I don't think there is a need to upgrade. If you're still rocking the first edition of Garmin Instinct Solar, yes, your four-year timepiece needs an update. You'll notice many changes from four years ago, that much I already know. Thank you for reading and for clicking on by... More about this Garmin Instinct 3 (AMOLED) soon. Sincerely, Pietro & Gadgets Anonymous **Update, Sunday, 01/26/2025, 22:50** Yes, I made it to Day Five, my Instinct 3 battery life is at 11% with a 2-day estimate. A pretty radical accomplishment of battery life since those initial days of any new watch are the hardest. In fact, it blows my mind that it made it this far out of the box without a charge and even upgraded the first day. Now, I did have to disable AOD earlier today and the battery life went from 22 hours back up to 2 days. **Monday, 01/27/2025, 07:00** Just to prove a point, yes, I still have yet to plug in this Caribbean-colored Instinct 3 and did a bizarre test last night with my Garmin versus Garmin research. A. Garmin Instinct 3, right forearm, above the flaming red wearable B. Garmin Instinct 2X Solar, right wrist as directed by the manual I slept this way to see how the sleep data reacted. https://preview.redd.it/2rgr8ygm06fe1.jpg?width=4096&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6d8f40294dabead7fc73c82087d33773014b90f7 on https://preview.redd.it/lfe9kygm06fe1.jpg?width=4096&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b2301f2a3c6d02e7c6d7cd6819afc7af3f852e3f https://preview.redd.it/f1d6g0wp06fe1.jpg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9e6dbb1e7658ab05ec15b1277c11643a499ef20a https://preview.redd.it/rxbbgzvp06fe1.jpg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=84efab89a09127927da79ecec27895542fa939e9 https://preview.redd.it/ynktv2x67hfe1.jpg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=90df4c9586f905e92f6c4f5e66c40636cf05322b

Thank you, Retro-Ghost-Dad, and I should have brought that up in this article. It is a great feature of the Instinct series. That lovely lip on the bezel around the screen does help protect the screen. The Apple Watches, Google Pixel Watches, Samsung Galaxy Watch7, yes, they all made the same mistake of exposing their screens. I like the Instinct 3 AMOLED slightly more than the Instinct 3 Solar. The screen text is easier for my eyes to read for some reason. Outdoors, yes, the MIP screen is lovely and easier to read in sunlight than when I'm indoors. That being said, yes, I am indoors more often than outside due to life and my career in Quality Assurance. Thanks for the reply and I'll mention the nice feature of a recessed screen in my next review. Here's a photo I snapped of the Instinct 3 Solar earlier this week showcasing your favorite feature: https://preview.redd.it/s2qbede4ajge1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4374d3cc42db9f24e6cb34adac6e8719e3b88d0c

Yes, that is a fantastic choice! I just woke up with both the Instinct 3 45mm AMOLED on my right wrist and the 50mm Instinct 3 Solar on my left wrist. All in all, yes, I like the AMOLED better than the MIP monochrome screen. The Instinct 3 AMOLED has certain features that the solar MIP does not: 1. color 2. easier to read in low light and the text on the screen has a more crisp view 3. steps on the data screens for workouts. I checked yesterday after upgrading the Instinct 3 Solar to software version 6.28 and the steps is not even an option to add to any workouts at this time. 4. Body Battery Factors, yes, both watches collect them and keep track, but only the Instinct 3 AMOLED displays them on the watch. If you want to see how much your workout affects your Body Battery statistics, you'll need to grab your smartphone or log onto a browser. 5. since Garmin has yet to figure out how to implement the Night Shift colors onto their MIP screen watches, yeah, it is a huge bummer. 6. the octagon screen dimensions of the Instinct 3 Solar screen bothers me more than they should 7. the static submarine window on the Instinct 3 Solar, yeah, that also can be annoying at times. I like how it floats and is not always there on the Instinct 3 AMOLED. Thanks for reading my article and commenting. I hope you enjoy your new Garmin smartwatch.

I had a galaxy watch 4 for awhile (I use it because I am an android user) but I got a Venu 2 had it for about 2 years and the battery life was insane and since then I switched to a instinct 3 amoled, and the battery life is even better, I charge maybe every 2 weeks or more. I dont do crazy runs but want to soon. Rn it just tracks walks i do every day

I would definitely go solar too, I much prefer MIP displays, they're insanely visible in direct sunlight, and I don't like having to rotate my wrist to turn the screen on and with the always on display on the battery life is horrible compared to any other instinct. My instinct 1st gen easily gets 2 weeks after years or usage and with a fresh battery the 3 AMOLED will mabey last a week

Second the instinct vote! I have the instinct 3 AMOLEd and it’s a great way to enter the Garmin ecosphere. Higher price point than some of their other watches, but not anywhere close to the Fenix price point. Battery life, even when surfing every day for 2-3hrs a day is around 8 days, 16-18 days if I’m only using the watch as a watch. I’m charging once every 10-14 days atm, depending on activity levels. I wear it constantly and I surf, gym, hike and motocross etc with it. It tracks the lot. Pair it with a decent HRM and you can overlook the older internal HRM on the watch itself.

Even though I've got an Enduro 3 I really enjoy, I got a bit stupid last night and ordered a 45mm AMOLED Instinct 3. I'm a big fan of the Instinct series and, as much as I love my MIP displays, I'm not averse to a nice AMOLED display. I have to say that one of my FAVORITE features that I feel nobody talks about for the Instinct series is how darned recessed the screen is. Sure it isn't sapphire but you'd have to get PRETTY unlucky for anything to accidentally scratch the display on the 2X. The 3 seems similarly protected. When I first started getting into the wacky world of wearables I'll never forget I was trying out a Kospet Rock. Supposedly the thing was a real tank. Nearly indestructible. And then one day I brushed against a wall or doorway, and boom. Deep scratch on the screen. I've been sensitive to non-recessed screens ever since. One of my issues with the Enduro 3. There's a millimeter or two of a lip, but not much. Looking forward to getting a modern, AMOLED Instinct.

You know, it's funny but this sort of echoes my experience, too. My Enduro 3, no matter what I do, sort of maxes out at 3 weeks battery life. My Instinct 3 AMOLED, despite my not having it too long, is on track for darn near that with the AOD turned off. I am on the beta firmware on the Enduro 3 so maybe that plays a part, as well, but even when I wasn't I don't recall it being any better on battery life. All anecdotal, but by your saying that the official predictions for MIP being off but the official predictions for AMOLED being spot-on, I really feel that. Donning my tin-foil hat here, but I wonder if maybe that's intentional to help ease consumers into a post-MIP world.

You should buy watch with gyroscope sensor . For example fr165 doesn't have it. Fr265(5 atm) or instinct 3 amoled (10atm) do have gyroscope.

If i remember correctly swim 2 was very similar watch to fr245? (gen 3 sensor, outdated in 2025) instinct 3 amoled doesn't have touch and music but have flashlight and stronger built quality. i3 solar have small memory. fr265 have lover atm rating (if you go regularly to swimming poll there is good chance to cloge barometar hole after a year of swimming) and don't have flashligh. As usual with garmin: pick you poision. Both watches have 5 buttons, and swim drill log mode, that's good. Both watches have gen 4 sensor that is ok for average hr, but pretty slow to adapt to intervals. Gen 5 sensor is little better. In newer watch models i think there is swim coach but didn't track that part. 50mm i3 is probably to bulky for swim, but 45 i3 or 46/42 fr 265 should be ok size.

Instinct 3 amoled has a nice coloured screen. I charge mine on a full charge, 18 days charge after about an hour and half charge time. Madness! Love it

There are 10 watch faces; i show nine in the image below. You're right though; I remember only one or two were in the list of ones you could immediately choose from out of the box. You could add the rest easily enough on the watch. I forget exactly how. A couple of other niche things are worth pointing out. Firstly, the AMOLED has more memory. Presumably that means music support will be added (there probably isn't enough space for all of garmin's maps). Secondly, it is possible to add connected-map via the dwmap (and other) ciq apps - you must have your phone with you and linked to the cloud. I cover it in my review of Instinct 3 AMOLED here (https://the5krunner.com/2025/02/11/garmin-instinct-3-review-amoled-solar-e-compared/) if anyone wants to read more. https://preview.redd.it/ljccz10fjzie1.png?width=892&format=png&auto=webp&s=f82e26be1d54e2794eaeca643a6d05333de88da7 ,

What Garmin claims and real world texts are not the same. Real world texts are showing the 3 to have worse battery than the 2x

https://forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation/f/instinct-3/404601/instinct-2-45mm-solar-vs-instinct-3-45mm-battery-life It is not the only place that has done tests, and found it worse or just the same. The YouTube "reviewers" only state the Garmin spec and don't actually test it. Probably because they want to keep getting watches to review. Perhaps it has been fixed with firmware, but I find it interesting that you can't find anyone showing how much it has improved the battery life. If it really was that much more people would be talking about how it is improved. That has not happened.

My almost 10 year old Forerunner 735XT lasts longer than that, even if I keep it on during showers and record my commute to work and back every day. Newer, more powerful Garmin watches, like the Enduro 3 or Instinct 3, are even more impressive.

I looked into this myself the last few weeks. Samsung galaxy eatch(ultra) is allright but not as good as Garmin. At least that's what revieuws of the watches told me. Samsung is more good in the smart part. Not necessary the fitness/sport industry. I've chosen the Garmin instinct 3. Not only for fitness purposes but also for hiking.

The fenix can do everything you’ve listed and of course more. Mid-range alternatives like instinct would cover everything as well except for the diving part. If you have the budget go for the Fenix. I settled for Instinct 3 myself because of budget. It’s not my first smartwatch but it’s my first Garmin and it’s the best I’ve ever had especially for fitness/outdoor. Yes, it has the fishing app 😀 I would say Garmin is a great choice for a first smartwatch for active people like yourself. However, if budget would have allowed (ie If I didn’t mind a divorce) I would have gone for the Fenix 8.

A few weeks ago I mentioned I’d be racing an olympic distance triathlon with a stack of wearables strapped to me. Well, I did it, and here are the (raw) results. **TL;DR:** Raced a tri with WHOOP, Polar360, Helio strap, Garmin Instinct 3, and Oura Ring 4. Polar was the most reliable, WHOOP decent but spiky in swim, Helio finicky about placement, Garmin surprisingly messy, Oura useless for sport. For anyone not familiar, Olympic distance triathlon is: 1. 1.5km swim 2. 40km bike 3. 10km run On the right arm I had the (from top) **WHOOP MG, Polar360, and Helio strap** stacked up. On the left, the **Garmin Instinct 3** and **Oura Ring 4**. I looked ridiculous (but not more than everyday since I wear them all constantly), but I was curious to see how they’d compare across swim, bike, and run in real race conditions. [Hybrid athlete xD](https://preview.redd.it/9cm22jzi1rmf1.jpg?width=2784&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1612dd2a8e3c8635dce07ca55eebcdae111b9dc5) Here’s how it went: * **Swim:** I got both legs cramped at 1km mark. Thoughts of DNF were running through my head, but I really wanted to see the comparison (:P), so I prevailed and swam the last 500m with my arms only, dragging my uselessly cramped legs behind me. * WHOOP thought I was hitting 200 bpm most of the time (I wasn’t). * Polar, Helio, Garmin seem all decent, in similar range, although knowing my HR from many other swims, I'd say that Polar was the most accurate. * Oura basically zoned out for the full race. * **Bike:** When I finally got my legs moving again, the bike leg went smoothly. Hit a steady 34km/h avg pace. I could've pushed more, as my HR was between 150-160, but I was afraid of losing my legs again. * Helio struggled at first, underreporting HR badly (I noticed on my bike computer that it was connected to), until I moved it higher up my arm mid-ride. After that it snapped back in line. * Polar and WHOOP held strong. * Garmin was all over the place with noisy spikes. . * **Run:** This was actually the easiest leg for all wearables, and myself. By the end of the run the different devices were surprisingly aligned, except Oura that was again useless. https://preview.redd.it/ksy9407u2rmf1.png?width=1041&format=png&auto=webp&s=1166550aacc3f9fa1a3ef6103ac11df633f907f9 https://preview.redd.it/fb61lg483rmf1.png?width=1054&format=png&auto=webp&s=a5c716a5d4c68f3b38dffa08797792eac9cd2045 Overall impressions: * **Polar360** was the most reliable of the bunch. I was definitely not expecting that! * **WHOOP** is decent but not flawless, especially in water. It had the best arm placement of all the wearables, so there should be no excuses (I know some people will find many). * **Amazfit Helio** started with a disadvantage of being the lowest on the wrist, when moved up, was decent. In my opinion better than WHOOP, worse than Polar360. * **Garmin Instinct 3** really surprised me with how messy the HR data was. I am very negatively surprised with these results.  * **Oura Ring 4** confirmed what most of us already know: great for sleep and recovery, not for sport. My current band rating: 1. Polar360 2. Helio strap 3. WHOOP 4. Garmin 5. Oura Why did I do this? Mostly curiosity — and partly because I’m working on a side project (reThrive) where we’re digging into how different devices capture performance and recovery. I figured some of you here would appreciate raw, messy comparisons like this too. Next on my list is to look at how each of these devices calculates **recovery scores** over the last month and see if they align at all. If you’re interested, I’ll share those results too. I will also be racing a half-marathon later this month, also wearing them all. And will post the update here as well.

an entire month battery life.. without solar. The screen has more contrast than the fenix 7 pro. Has all the features on connect that you would on the fenix. The only "bad" thing about it is it uses elevate 4 instead of the 5. I'd trade for a instinct 3 if I didnt already have the fenix. I hike a lot as well and tracking with the fenix doesnt last as long as the instinct.

I have an epic pro but definitely would have got the gen 3 for everyday at work if they put the new sensor in it. Crazy to me they didn’t.

Instinct 2 or 3 is really durable if you are fine with it not having a touchscreen

I’ve tried both and have to say that the Instinct 3 is probably the better deal for most people. It was heavily criticized after release, but among the more recent models, it offers excellent value for money. The advantages of the Forerunner 570 compared to the Instinct 3 are music storage, the newer heart rate sensor (with skin temperature tracking but no ECG), the brighter display, and the ability to take calls or use voice commands. On the other hand, the Instinct 3 is more rugged, has a built-in flashlight, and even in the smaller AMOLED version, offers significantly better battery life. Most people don’t make calls with their watch, the older heart rate sensor has never caused me any issues, and the Instinct 3’s display is bright enough. That leaves music storage and skin temperature tracking. The latter isn’t very well integrated and can’t even be viewed on the watch itself. The lack of music storage is definitely a drawback, but if you can live with that, the Instinct 3 offers almost the same functionality, has a more exciting look, the incredibly useful flashlight, and insane battery life.

J'ai une Apple Watch Ultra, une Garmin Instinct 2 Solar, une Suunto Vertical et eu un Fenix 6 Pro Solar! L'Apple Watch Ultra avec son magnifique écran, son titane et son interface très aboutie n'arrive pas à la cheville des 3 autres montres question sport, incluant la Garmin Instinct 3 avec son écran LCD des années 80's c'est pour dire! Quand j'entends que l'AWU rivalise avec une Fenix 8 c'est soit de la mauvaise foi d'Apple Fan soit des personnes qui ne pratiquent pas de sport, bien sur en utilisation montre connectée l'AWU est géniale mais un peu chère pour cette utilisation non ? Question autonomie, je recharge mon AWU tous les deux jours et je ne fais rien avec, quelques notifications, le SPO2 la nuit, écran éteint, pas de musique. 2 jours pour juste surveiller mon rythme cardiaque, mon O2 la nuit et quelques notifications on ne peut pas dire qu'Apple s'est foulé question optimisation d'autonomie. Pour le sport environ entre une et deux heures par jour avec GPS j'utilise mes autres tocantes, je reçois aussi mes notifications, j'ai des métriques à gogo et je recharge tous les 10 ou 12 jours pour la Suunto et 15 jours la Garmin. Conclusion des mes comparaisons : L'AWU est superbe, un écran magnifique, une interconnectivité avec l'iPhone parfaite (bien sur), une qualité de construction irréprochable, des capteurs précis il faut le dire mais c'est vraiment tout! j'ai eu beau me forcer à l'utiliser en sport, randonnée, marche et musculation en ce qui me concerne c'est trop compliqué, il faut des applis tierces pour arriver à juste essayer de se rapprocher des applis natives Garmin ou Suunto et je reste sur ma fin à chaque fois. Il faut penser à recharger tous les jours (si sport) bref.... je suis désolé mais APPLE est à des années lumière de Garmin et même Suunto en utilisation sportive.

Go look for a used Instinct 3, they have about 18d of battery, provide good map support and tracking. If used heavily youll get around 10days of battery. https://preview.redd.it/x7p9usmsqrlf1.png?width=960&format=png&auto=webp&s=3b5f05bb3c79b1d640bc50fcd76dd1a60e4854f1 Here's a preview of after hike mapping. Fenix have a really nice map aswell but they are way out of your budget.

maybe instinct series 2 or 3... with solar option if hiking multi days... lighter options like 45mm i2 solar for HR (lighter watches tend to give more precise HR results overall, especially recommended ones like i2)... good luck

I had the 265, but because of my work, I switch to the Instinct 3. As far as I can tell, both watches offer all the same metrics. I love the fact that I don't have to baby the watch at all, and the flashlight is a big plus.

I know it has the running coach, but I'm not sure about the strength coach. (I can check if you need me to) I only use it for running, and it's been great.

https://preview.redd.it/cz6dvr2ivpjf1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3bee44cea3de87c7c6e6965a61eccbe1800a510a Shout out to Instinct 3 - 71% battery with 30 days to go.

Garmin's comparison tool is pretty good. Off the cuff, if you don't care about maps and don't have a power meter for your bike, the Instinct 3 doesn't give up much to the fancier models. The Forerunner 970 and Fenix 8 are going to have the most sports features if you're ready to go full send on price. (I'm not.)

Oh! Yeah, I'd be pretty confident in how well any of them with onboard GPS track. Including the Instinct line.

The forerunner's will be fine. It comes down to preference, do you want LED or MIP screen? Do you need maps? Something like the 165 or the 255/265 will be more than fine. 955 if you want maps. 965 if you want maps+LED screen. Instinct 2 and 3 will work too, its just more rugged basically. All of them are solid, road and trail runner friendly.

Instinct = the ugliest watch Garmin makes.

I am not surprised by these results at all. Garmin has been failing at HR data for a while now, you need a chest stra for activities to get good data. Garmin is falling behind and relying on their reputation, their direction has changed in the last couple of years. Whoop no surprise there, well known to have janky heart rate data.

I’d go **Forerunner 265** unless you expect to abuse your watch heavily (workshop, construction, etc.). It tracks gym, jogging, swimming, sleep, and stress beautifully and it looks sleek. The **Instinct 3** is built tough (rugged, reliable), but you’ll sacrifice some of the nicer interface and comfort of the 265. If your environment’s mostly benign (gym + pool + light outdoor), the 265 gives you more daily joy. If you’ll drop it, bang it, leave it in harsh places, the Instinct’s durability becomes appealing

The problem is the Rangeman is basically inferior in every way compared the Instinct 3. Don’t get me wrong I love a Rangeman but it’s time Casio upped their game.

Garmin Instinct 2 or 3. There is a regular and solar version. Incredible battery life.

That is with full GPS use over 30-48 hours. I am sure the watch can be switched to battery saver mode when sleeping or not actively using the GPS so it can stretch out a few more days.

I've been a Garmin user for years. Tried an Apple Watch 10 when I picked up a cheap iPhone to play with. The watch lasted a little over 1 day. I just couldn't get into a good routine trying to charge it at some point every day. A top-up during a shower just wasn't enough over the course of a week. My Garmin Instinct 3, for comparison, last 39 DAYS between charges. Now, whilst that seems like a no-brainer, a lot of it comes down to use case. I wear a smart watch to gather my health stats; steps, floors, calories, heart rate etc, and also to get a good measure of my sleep. The Garmin excels at all of that and the Garmin app is great for insights into what is going on. However, if you are going to use the watch to perform some functions to save getting your phone out and use some of the apps, the Apple Watch is beyond comparison. There are so many things you can do from the watch easily that Garmin struggles with and there are more apps available for the Apple Watch compared to just about any other watch out there. If that's the kinda thing you want a smart watch for, then it's Apple Watch all the way and you just have to figure out a good routine for power management that works for you.

Realy? You compare a Ultra with your Instict 3 ? Wow …

I am an archetypal long-term Apple ecosystem devotee. I am sharing this to help anyone else who may be locked into the Apple ecosystem, but is considering a switch to Garmin. I have a MacBook, iPad, AirPods, AppleTV and until recently an Apple Watch. I have had different Apple Watches since they launched, the Series 1, 3 and lastly an 8. I didn't really ever consider switching until my Apple Watch battery started giving me battery warnings at about 7pm (from starting the day on full charge at 6:30am). I would use it all day for health tracking, notifications and workouts, but not for sleep tracking as I had to charge it overnight. I recently upgraded to the Garmin Instinct 3, which is about $850 in Australia. This is in comparison to the $1,200 I was going to spend to upgrade to the titanium Apple Watch 10 instead. I was super on the fence about switching. I was mostly worried about poor integration with the Apple ecosystem. After having the Instinct for about 6 weeks, here are my reflections. # Good bits: * **Battery life is amazing** \- even with AOD I get about 6 days on full charge. Charge time is also amazing - it seems to take no time to take it off whilst I am at my computer and charge it 100% for another 6 days * **The sleep score and body battery is a game changer** \- It is insane how much this has helped me with better habits in just 6-weeks. I can see the difference in my sleep and body battery even if I have two alcoholic drinks at an event or with dinner, or if I have too much caffeine too late in the day. It is helping me understand the effects of these actions on other parts of my life more explicitly. * **Workout tracking** \- workout tracking is epic. I would like maps on the Instinct 3 so hopefully that comes out in a future firmware release. * **Form factor** \- The Instinct 3 form factor (combined with a better strap than the default) is a lot more interesting and versatile than the Apple Watch slab of glass on your wrist. The flashlight is a nice and useful inclusion too. # The okay bits: * **Integration is mostly fine** \- for my use case, getting notifications from iPhone and integrating with HealthKit seems to do 90% of the job. I don't miss the touch screen of the Apple Watch as much as I thought I would, and I didn't even really use Siri or respond to messages via my watch so I don't miss those features. # Bad bits: * **The UI is so bad** \- I can't believe a massive company such as Garmin has mid-2010's UI on both the watch and Garmin app. The graphs, data presentation and navigation is about 1000 points lower than Apple Health. It is so unappealing it looks like it was created by an accountant. * **The watch faces are very limited** \- the stock watch faces on the Instinct 3 are pretty garish and need customization to look okay on your wrist. The level of customization they have could also be improved. Even the watch faces to purchase on Garmin Connect are mostly unappealing. * **Missing exercise rings** \- I do miss my Apple Health Rings. I think it is a novel way of ensuring you have a balanced day of activity. I think Garmin needs to introduce something similar, which complements the idea of the body battery in a helpful, easy and visual way. * **The physical size of Garmin watches** \- I liked the idea of getting a Fenix due to the upgraded sensor and added other features, however I am a relatively small guy and it looked absolutely ridiculous on my wrist. Like a go-go-gadget watch. The 45mm Instinct 3 is perfect, but I feel like Garmin needs to offer better size alternatives for other models. Overall I am super happy with the switch and expect unless Apple Watch brings out something remarkably different than the current line-up I will stay with the Garmin Instinct line for a while. If you are tossing up on switching from Apple Watch I would highly recommend it!

Sooo I'll start in general... Garmin is a great option for you except for weight training if you use your watch for more than just basic hr recording during an activity. I use Hevy (paid subscription) while I workout but start a strength training activity on my Garmin to get hr data. Depending on your budget and the Instinct 3 is a good option, however not having maps will not be great for hikes. If you are looking to do hikes i suggest the Fenix 7 or Epix gen 2 ( there are pro versions of those watches which include newer hr sensors and an ecg sensor) Getting certified refurbished items from eBay is a great option.

Love this breakdown; this is the kind of real-world testing we all want but rarely get. Polar sneaking in as the most reliable is wild, especially since most people default to Garmin for sports. Also confirms what a lot of us suspect: WHOOP is solid but still has blind spots (especially in water), Oura is basically just a sleep tracker, and Garmin isn’t as bulletproof as its reputation. Huge respect for strapping five devices on during a tri — that’s some true hybrid-athlete-meets-mad-scientist energy. Please keep posting updates, especially the recovery score comparison. This is gold.

It’s not wild at all, Polar HR straps are solid from experience. Even the optical ones such as the Verity Sense. And in this case, the Garmin Instinct 3 is using an older generation heart rate sensor.

Garmin Instinct 3 is good. Basic display with no touchscreen, which I find much easier to view and control when kiting. Also gets much better battery life than my Fenix did. One of those situations where less is more

From my quick 5 second search, tattoos will be a problem for all optical HR sensors so a Garmin watch will be just as problematic as an Apple watch if worn on a tattooed area. So a chest strap + bike computer would probably be a better idea. For me personally when I'm not tattooed yet, my Instinct 3 works perfectly for cycling.

I got the new Instinct 3. It’s freaking incredible. I love it so much more than my Fenix 7 Pro Solar.

I’m a big fan of the AMOLED. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to see the screen as well in bright sunlight, but it turns out that’s not a problem at all. I get the same battery life as before (about 18 days), because I was never outside long enough to get any benefit from the solar functionality. The UI is pretty much the same, but prettier. I think the flashlight is better, and for me, it looks better on my wrist at 45mm vs the Fenix’s 47mm (I have small wrists). I would equate this as a sturdier version of the Epix 2.

Hey man, would recommend on of the 255 or 265 series for a good value/price. If u are more of a rougher person I would pick the instinct 3.

TBH - not shocked about the Garmin. I have found with them the wearables are nothing more than a data collector for GPS & other monitors (HR strap, cadence, speed etc) - that they excel in. In my experience the heart rate monitor on the device itself is average at best. Fantastic break down post BTW!

For mine, Whoop is best for overall metrics - strain/recovery/sleep - as well as application interface. Great for day to day and normal training. Garmin is best at actual training/event data for say a run/ride/tri etc when paired with a HR strap (cadence, speed and power sensors too). But then you don't get the most out of it until you export the data to Strava or similar as the Garmin app is not great.

The Instinct 3 is perfect for you if you don’t need maps on the watch. It can load a breadcrumb trail but doesn’t have topo maps overlays. Otherwise look for the previous generation of the Fenix’s, ie. Pro or non- Pro 7’s or Epix. The other option is to check out one of the Forerunner series that has maps. Again previous versions are cheaper than the latest. The features gap between current versions of Garmins and previous versions aren’t that great in its core functionality.

Hard to beat the Garmin Fenix / Epix / Enduro line in terms of battery life. Note: leaving a watch on the map screen drains a lot of power regardless of watch brand. The Instinct is a good second choice if you only need a breadcrumb track to follow; no maps. Maps , on the watch, gives you more information on terrain but shouldn’t be a deal breaker. You could always refer to your phone. Look at previous versions of the watch to fit your budget.

The instinct 3 fitness aspect is going to be just as good. It’s a fitness tracker first.

It’s the best bang for your buck in my opinion. I can’t speak on the tactix cause I’ve never had one. I’m sure it’s just as amazing as everyone else is saying.

The instinct series might interest you as well, as they are more rugged with very long lasting battery. I have owned one in the past, then jumped to Forerunner 955 for the maps, then to Epix - for the flashlight and AMOLED screen, and now to Fenix 8 for the voice commands, taking phone calls from the watch. The new instinct 3 series have the flashlight too, and the 2X might have it as well (don't quote me on that) Best of luck, they're all great watches!

The instinct series might interest you as well, as they are more rugged with very long lasting battery. I have owned one in the past, then jumped to Forerunner 955 for the maps, then to Epix - for the flashlight and AMOLED screen, and now to Fenix 8 for the voice commands, taking phone calls from the watch. The new instinct 3 series have the flashlight too, and the 2X might have it as well (don't quote me on that) Best of luck, they're all great watches!

All true except advanced metrics. They are also present in Fenix (it has even more features for hiking) and Instinct. Forerunner is not more advanced. The rugedness is mostly about the bezel. In fenix and instinct it has a rim which gives extra protection to the screen. But that means rugged watches are more bulky what can be a problem in the gym. The real question is lightness of forerunner vs battery life of fenix /instinct

Garmin instinct is often with me, only thing I do is turn my watch the other way bc the radiant heat from my stove cooks it and heats my arm up. The max I've seen the sensor say is 113, that's when it's 200+, average is about 104, your body temp will help moderate the watch temp. In the gym saunas is usually more of 108 max on the sensor.  It goes in the hottub with me at 104 as well, garmin just makes solid products.

The garmin instinct is for forest people, the longest battery life for backpackers.

Instincts are not good for strength in my experience

Instinct will do you fine. I have one I take camping and backpacking. It’s the original instinct and it works great. My everyday watch is geared for the gym, but the only thing it really does that my instinct doesn’t is hold onboard music

I think you are in a hard spot here! When someone is serious about something, it is difficult to gift them something about that something. In the same way that you cannot gift a mouse to a software engineer unless it's the Logitech Mx 3 or superior, you cannot gift apparel to a serious runner unless it's something really good. My point is, if you want to gift him a watch, it is difficult to recommend you something that is below $300 or $400. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of watches out there that cost less and may work. For example, you can buy the Garmin Vivoactive or Instinct for around $200, or the Amazfit T-Rex Pro for $150 (this is a really good watch for the price). However, if he is really serious about trail running, you may have to consider a Garmin Fenix 6 (between $350 and $400 on Amazon) or a Garmin Forerunner 945 (I just saw it at $319 on Amazon). If he is into both road and trail running, the Forerunner may be a good choice, but if he is getting more and more into trail running, the fenix is the best option. Note: You won't get navigation in budget-friendly watches, but I haven't meet a racer that needed it. Generally, the course is marked and people carry their phones (I have offline maps just in case). Note 2: You can save a lot by purchasing the previous-generation model (that's why I recommended fenix 6 and forerunner 945).

I KNOW. It’s so hard to go back. I had a Garmin instinct before buying my first Apple Watch back in 2021 I think. The Garmin seemed awesome coming from a Fitbit Ionic before that I had forever. But now, trying to go back to even a Fenix 7 feels like I’m going back in time. The only time I’ve really been able to break away is while wearing my Garmin on vacations. For some reason I like it because it can get dirty (especially at the beach) and the charging is basically nonexistent.

I got a Garmin Instinct. It's their more rugged watch for hiking, camping. Etc. I personally like that it has buttons, instead of a touch screen, a black and white display, and looks like an old-school Casio G-shock. The solar ones have extra battery life. Take a look, see if you like the aesthetic... it can be used for all different types of activities... watch is a total beast - it has been going strong for literally years...

My seventh Fitbit died last week (from Luxe to Versa to Charge 5 and 6, this was my second in-warranty replacement), white line on the screen to no screen at all within 24 hours. So with some Target credit I decided to go with a Garmin Instinct for $200. The GPS is much, much more accurate (even when not paired with my phone), the app tracks a lot more information than the Fitbit app did and takes up a third of the space on my phone. I miss the constant step updates; the Garmin just updates every minute. That's about the only drawback.

Same Takes a beating. Receives texts and calls (can’t reply or answer) Tracks sleep , heart rate , steps etc. Best part.. I charge it once every 3 weeks

Considering they don't offer much more in terms of utility to cheaper Garmin options, the Fenix series is hardly a value proposition. Better to stick with an instinct or forerunner for the vast majority of users.

Garmin are of course great, but I wouldn't pony up for anything over the instinct. The Fenix series is pretty, but you're spending more than twice as much for features you probably won't use and a worse battery life. Less is more when it comes to GPS watches (or so I keep telling myself for not having replaced my disintegrating forerunner 235).

I was able to duplicate the strength profile on my instinct and rename it “Bodypump” so it shows up as that on Garmin connect, but otherwise it’s just me setting it to strength and forgetting about it

Yes! I switched from an ultra 2 - love my instinct - simplicity with features that you want.. winning combo!

Came to say Instinct. Solar options too which are great if you’re outdoors a lot (which OP obviously is)

If you want max battery life and don’t care about smartwatch features other than fitness tracking get the instinct series. There’s several options based off of your preferred display and it gets up to 28 days of battery with notifications turned off

Garmin Instinct is the go here. The solar charging is good, only something like 3 hours of sun a day for unlimited battery life and the built in torch is super useful.

Even without solar the 50mm one gets 40 days battery life, and that’s with an hour a day of gps tracking.

If you had the Fenix 7x an instinct isn't going to provide better data and a Samsung will be a better smart watch but not a better fitness tracker. So you do you but at this point an instinct would be useless to you and if you aren't happy with a Garmin might as well try the Samsung.

A few things. One is battery life. Some Garmin's have solar charging. But for the one's that don't you can get at least a week of charge if not more depending on the mode it is set in and how infrequently you use GPS. Two is that Garmin's are still fully functional without using the app or connecting to your phone. Sure, you won't get messages pushed to the watch or have the ability to sync metrics, but still it is more of a watch first and connected device second. You can use the Ultra without a phone, too, but this kinda defeats the purpose of the iWatch series and smart watches in general where there are meant to be connection to your phone first and then a watch second. Sleep tracking, if it matters to you, is generally better with Gamin watches. Garmin has also been doing GPS for a really long time. But probably the biggest advantage is that Garmin watches, well nearly all of them, are designed to be used while the user is wearing gloves. Meaning, you can navigate to and do everything by clicking the buttons on the sides even if the model has a touch screen. There is a slight learning curve to this, but once you figure it out it seems rather intuitive. And I dunno. Some of us want something more than a fitness tracker but also not a full-blown, app-centric, always-connected device. This might sound weird, but if you need to use timers, one right after the other, then Gramins win hands down. Some Garmin watches are actually built for the out-of-doors based on the premise that you will scrape the watch on a tree trunk, rock, side of a cliff, on sandy, rocky, bottom if surfing, etc. I have the first model of the Instinct that I still use. It was run over by a semi truck and barely got scratched on the outer casing. Still works like a charm. But probably the biggest benefit is that Garmin is pretty good so far with updating older watches every so often, even though they don't have to. There is no real need to update the watch every 2 - 3 years (I suppose you don't really need to either, with the iWatches, but you know what I mean) other than if you simply want to. If you bought a Fenix 8 today it would still be functional going into 2035 assuming the battery can still hold a decent charge.

I have a garmin - but the stats it gives aren’t that useful for bodybuilding. I’ve had fitbits but they always break after 18 months - I don’t want a smartwatch at all. It does track my heart rate on stationary bike, treadmill and treadmill. It’s relatively good at tracking how long I slept and how well I slept. It tracks steps well enough for me to be able to see when I need “to get out”. The strength app is awful, never tracks reps accurately and is horribly fiddly to use. I went for the instinct - which is a “outdoors man watch” and has other functions that are good for me - altimeter, tides, barometer, storm alerts etc. it’s also built like a tank. My wife can track my location for when I do a trail run or something - which is useful Really for bodybuilding - I am not sure if you need more that a heart rate tracker. If I did it all again I would probably just get a tracker and go back to wearing a normal watch on my left wrist.

You can’t go wrong with a Garmin. The Instinct series is very rugged and reasonably priced. The fenix series is also super rugged but is at a premium cost

Forerunner 165 would likely fit the bill. It can alert you to call, texts, etc, but you can't really respond. Also, you can modify settings to not notify you. If you are wanting rowing specific info, that might be tricky. If you just want to track heart rate training zones and workout times, it would work just fine. Basically stick to the lower end of the spectrum. Instinct could also work too, if you are OK w/ the G- Shock style.

If you don't want to charge your watch everyday, check out the Garmin Instinct series. Amazing battery life, even with activity tracking. It'll track your laps, distance, drill logging, the works.

As a long term user of Garmin devices I my suggestion biased towards garmin vivosmart 5. Have used multiple garmin devices over last 15 years and all have been great for activity tracking. Used it so far for steps, cycling, swimming, running, strength training, open water rowing, hiking (My garmin instinct has a 24 day battery life which can do gps tracking for a long 20+ day hike without 2nd charge). Garmin connect is one hub for all my Garmin devices. Tracks activities which in my case currently is gym, steps, swimming, sleep, HR monitoring, O2, body battery (recovery from workouts). Can setup challenges for myself and friends. Have goals and track progress. I don't pay for any premium subscriptions. I would say it can be a bit overwhelming sometimes if you just want a simple health and wellness device. Garmin are built to withstand abuse and for training.

Ooo Garmin talks outside of the Garmin Sub! I've had an Instinct of some variety for a while. I couldn't stand a smartwatch that required frequent charging, I'm already sacrificing so much battery life not just wearing a regular watch. The Fenix 8 recently added a microphone, adding a few key features most Garmin watches were lacking in comparison to a more traditional smartwatch, though it doesn't sound like you would be bothered by that. My Garmin is my daily companion, vibrates for important notifications, tracks my activities well, keeps me off my phone for large stretches, and helps me find stuff in the dark (exclusive to models with the flashlight). Wouldn't trade it for anything on the market as of now.

Bought Instinct in 2019 and it still feel great after 5years of rugged usage,needs charging once a week,only my coros apex 2 pro has better battery life than that but thats doesnt make me love my garmin anything less..I use apple series 8 once a month post run to look into my Ecg just to rule out any stress related changes 😅

i just got a helio earlier this month for the same reason. I still wear my Garmin Instinct from time to time, and always use it to track workouts, hikes, etc…. The band give =s me the data i was looking for - plus it’s way more comfortable to sleep with.

I wear my garmin instinct with no issues

Welder/ millwright- Garmin instinct

Agreed. I bought mine originally for hiking and tough mudder. It’s been abused, and still works flawlessly. Battery life is still great too

Love my Instinct, though I haven't gotten to try it on a long term hike yet.

Instinct has been amazing for me.

Garmin Instinct and its successors charge themselves via solar. This was the first function in ages that persuaded me to buy a new (used) watch. The thing lasts over a week with daily use in the summer. In my opinion, all wristwatches are only suitable for the endurance portion of hybrid training. You only do kettlebell snatches once.

How about looking at the ‘Instinct’ line of watches? I switched after being a long term Fenix user and find all of the Fenix feature set (minus mapping) with the added benefit of much longer battery life (solar versions). Fantastic watch that kinda, if you squint your eyes a bit, looks like a G Shock.

My garmin instinct does not do well with all breaststoke, it will literally say I went 0 yards. It does fine if I do a mix though (the tracking line will just fill in the blanks basically).

I picked up a used Garmin Instinct for $20 and it's pretty good. It's big though and not the most comfortable on my small wrists. Battery went 7 days with constant wear and 2x daily swims and kayaking when I was camping though!

Instinct works great for me in the field Edit: just to add though, you probably already know this but be sure to disable gps on either when deployed and also disable heart rate monitoring when on exercise/deployed because if someone is looking at you under nvg’s you’ll be visible from miles away

Yeah definitely think the instincts darker screen makes it more suitable. Although really a combat Casio never let me down it’s just not as cool

+1 on Instinct! Simple, knows almost everything that a high end much pricier Garmin does with incredible battery time

Garmin Instinct that I bought used off of Ebay

Plenty of other useful comments so far, so I wont echo the same sentiments. The only extra experience to add is that I have used my Garmin Instinct to compose Inreach messages when the weather is horrible and my phone’s touch screen is so wet it wont respond. In one instance I was turned around on a summit that was socked in with very limited visibility. I asked my wife for a heading back to the trail via my Inreach Messenger and received the response all through my watch. Could I have dropped my pack, dried my phone screen, pulled up GPS, and found my way alone? Sure. Did I enjoy getting her help without having to deal with all of that? Absolutely.

I use a garmin instinct, it has a SUP activity and keeps track of everything. I actually used it earlier today. Bonus, I don't have to carry my phone out when I'm paddling.

Instinct and disable notifications.

Not sure how long are your runs and hikes. If you are going for long hikes, can consider the Instinct series. Can take hard knocks like G-Shock and still function. The basic models with monochrome screen suffice for your needs and the battery is way more than enough.

For someone who is new and cares mostly about sleep tracking and GPS activities it’s honestly all kind of the same. You can run with an Instinct and you can hike with a forerunner. Choose based off of look, price, battery life for your particular activities. A Fenix or Instinct pretty much does it all and with great battery life. Doesn’t really matter in the end unless you care about very specific advanced metrics. I personally think most of the Forerunners are ugly so I gravitate towards Instinct because I’m also not willing to overpay for a Fenix when there’s other brands that cover 90% of a Fenix for half the cost. If you want to research alternatives: If you’re looking at an Instinct, check out Coros Nomad. If you’re looking at a Fenix check out Suunto Race 2 or Vertical 2 or upcoming Coros Apex 4.

Instinct if you wanna use it for anything outdoors besides running

I charge my instinct once every 2 weeks

Garmin Instinct is tough to beat. Especially a solar one. Good value for what is offered.

I'd go with the Instinct then for sure if your still going to use your phone. I would get all your setting and favorites organized on the watch and in the apps and do a couple trial runs on some local trails or even a walk around the neighborhood to get a better feel and it's functions to better enjoy your actual hiking experience

Second the garmin instinct line. The watch is bulletproof and has tons of useful features and insane battery life. I go nearly a month between charges with daily use and regular gps usage.

Garmin Instinct, fairly simple and not too expensive. Or any of the Forerunner models.

That’s not just their cycling computers. My Instinct can make it nearly a month on a charge, though realistically more like 2 weeks with periodic activity tracking.

I love the squares but instinct is like next next level

The instinct series is, in my opinion, by far the best. I believe this mainly due to the screen, which is not the awful LCD/LED stuff that most watches have. It's clear in all conditions, and extremely durable. I think the UI is also quite well done. Any of the instincts will fit the bill, but probably instinct 2 is the best balance of features.

Agreed. I own an Apple Watch Ultra, a garmin instinct, an aura ring and a whoop. There is no perfect fitness tracker, they all have pros and cons. People who give a black and white “x is better than y” always get a raised eyebrow from me.

I have the original instinct and have worn it regularly in my 90 minute sauna sessions. Usually not quite to that temp, but i've been to 180 with no issues.

Another one for garmin instinct. Don't get the solar screen, harder to read. Its a manly watch. Slightly rugged. It's simple and basic. It's not touch screen which allow it many benefits. Responsive buttons. You can always see the screen. Get messages, can quick reply to text msg, water proof, charge last 2 to 3 weeks, count step and Heart rate. I keep my phone on silent and wear the watch at work. Keep my phone downstairs at home and get messages or calls from my watch. Simple smart men's watch.

I use Garmin Instinct mostly just azimuth’s to waypoints. Always have a handheld in the backpack.

Garmin instinct. You can customize the notifications pretty in depth and it has crazy battery life.

Instinct battery life is great, but it doesn't have maps. You can put a course on it and it will buzz when you need to turn, but the 955/965 enduro/epix/fenix lines all have built in maps where you can see roads, topolograpic lines, and other points of interest.

Not whoop anyway. That's more of an all day energy tracker based off heart rate. Garmin gives more swim options. Mine works great. It's an instinct. The battery usually lasts two weeks. There are multiple models that support swimming. They are pretty good at counting laps.

Agree, on the hardware side. Software side, no bueno for me. Steps are 1.5 to 2k off a day. Software not ready for prime time. I have to switch to my 7 yr old Garmin instinct when doing search and rescue because it has industry standard UTM coordinates, that you can not even get an app to do with Amazfit.

That’s insane 🔋 Solar + Instinct is basically infinite mode 😂

Most people coming from apple go vivo active or venue. Venue being closest to a smart watch. Personally, I'm a instinct guy. Although I'm wearing a Fenix today since I didn't charge my Instinct for 2 weeks and it died before bed. I've swam tens of thousands of meters (more like hundreds but..) in pool, open and salt water with my Garmins. Done free diving (only to about 40ft, I'm not very good) and press the buttons regularly sub surface. I've also done cliff jumping with every watch, and haven't lost a garmin to water intrusion. I would definitely select a 100m rated model for water sports. Any watch can fail but I've had 6 garmins and none have. I also had a bunch of Casio and Timex over the years and not one failure.

I never understood the phone issue either. I used to have an arm case for my phone and it worked well. Also there are headphones, usually bone conducting with built in memory for music (because they are designed for swimming). So you can even get around having a music watch and a phone. Basically a Garmin instinct would work great in this scenario

I use a Fenix and and instinct. 100% accurate in the pool unless I'm doing under/overs (15m under, 10 over, 15 under, 10 over) then it will miss some laps. Most people aren't doing the legal 15m pullout (I do it to circumvent no underwater swimming) so this isn't an issue. Other than that, as long as I'm stroking with my arms, it rarely misses a length. I've had an Fenix 2/3/5x in the pool and mostly use my Instinct in open water because I don't mess with a HRM (wrist is fine, I don't care that much for the OWS and if I do I use my HRM pro).

Fantastic watch and value. Easy to read screen (monochrome mips) and great battery life. Definitely worth it.

Personally, no. I use other devices for maps. Seems like a watch is best as a backup. Instinct is great. Last forever, is accurate, rugged and fairly cheap.

I swim with my Instinct and Fenix series and no issues. I also press the buttons in the water. I think the 100m watches are fine to press in the water. At some point the seals will probably fail but I think that's probably a decade of careful use, at which point you'll probably want a new watch anyway

Instinct Affordable, great for those activities. Incredible battery life, to the point I'm annoyed when I have to charge it every other or every 3rd day on longer (active trips, like backpacking and bikepacking) because I go a week normally. Readable (monochrome) in any light. Also has an oled screen if you prefer it.

I had one, nice watch, but a bit chunky for everyday wear for me.

do you want more of a smartwatch that can also track fitness? or do you want a fitness watch that has some smart capabilities? that's basically the math when comparing Garmin to pixel or apple watch. I have a Garmin Fenix because I do a lot of hiking and like having the maps on my wrist. But if it weren't for that, I'd probably get the Garmin Instinct

Most Garmin watches would do those things. Depending if you want the latest bells and whistles, such as an OLED screen vs a MIP screen from an older generation, a model from an older generation will be more than fine. However, I wouldn't recommend getting a second hand one, but that's just my preference. Take a look models such as the Instinct, the Vivoactive, the Venu and Forerunner 55/165. Those would suit you. I would not recommend more expensive models as the Fenix and the more expensive Forerunners. They would be way overkill and extremely expensive.

I had an instinct and had the same problem, it was just too big on my wrist and i often sleep with my hand under my pillow.

I’ve worn a Garmin Instinct at the gym for a few years doing all of the above exercises and more. My wrist doesn’t bend backwards past 90 degrees, so it doesn’t get in the way. I’ve also worn it in several races and SIMs without issue. The Instinct is pretty basic model, and I never worry about it getting damaged. Sometimes the GPS is questionable though.

I haven charged my Instinct 2x the last time early August... I still have 30 procent / 13 days left. That being said, I havent been training a whole lot and have been a lot outside with direct sunlight.  Instinct is sturdy, but for the (really) long battery you have to go to MiP display with button control only.. other watches like fr, venu etc usually go 1 to 2 weeks 

Same. I use a Garmin Instinct to track my runs, but a GymBoss for the intervals. I really appreciate that I can change my intervals on the fly without it affecting the workout. I also found out the hard way, that some of the apps used for intervals (e.g. RunKeeper) need an internet connection to work. The Garmin/Gymboss combo works great with or without internet.

I'm a big fan of the Garmin Instinct watches, but I do like and use more of the smart features like notifications and whatnot. Features I love: * completely and utterly water proof (almost everyone I know using an apple watch has killed at least one in the water) * The rubber band is different material from the fitbits, I find it a lot more comfortable and doesn't smell when I wear it while sweating a lot like some other watches I have * 30 day battery life, and they have a solar option I'd like to upgrade to which will net essentially unlimited battery life if you're outside or in bright light often enough * Music controls! I haven't used a fitbit in years now but I always missed that back then. * Timers and alarms, I find myself being a lot more organized with my timers when they're on my wrist and visible at all times * Actually good step tracking * Sleep tracking * Heart rate monitoring and resting heart rate * Exercise tracking and actually decent approx calorie burn estimates (I did the math with my CI and weight loss and found it lined up within a pretty good margin) * I use the compass a surprising amount * GPS tracking for hikes including good ascent tracking * Buttons instead of touch so it can be used while sweating buckets * A battery saving mode that boosts the already great battery life into the stratosphere * Automatic data import into the LoseIt app, which I use for calorie tracking Most of these are specifically things that I like a lot better than similar products I've used like fitbits and the google pixel watch lineup. I've never used an apple watch myself but my sister and previous partners have used them and I really don't jive with the interface, although they have all said the idea of having a streak of "closing their rings" sufficiently gamified the process such that they actually did more exercise.

Apple Watch user since 2017 here and Garmin “dabbler” for the past 3 years, Instinct, forerunner 255, forerunner 265. Avid runner, 20+ miles per week. It’s all really dependent on your needs. I like the metrics that Garmin provides although I do find it to be a bit harsh. Apple Watch is a bit more let’s say liberal with their metrics. I mainly use my Garmin for training blocks like when I have a race in mind to train for. If I’m not training I just run in my Apple Watch, I currently have a 1st gen Ultra. I keep coming back to Apple Watch simple because of the smart watch features and cellular connectivity. I like being able to reply to messages and leave the house without my phone. Personally I get more joy when I wear the Apple Watch, but I wouldn’t trust it with anything over marathon distance due to battery constraints. I do find gps and heart rate data to be close enough for me. All that to say it’s entirely subjective, I will say the Apple Watch has made a ton of overall improvements over the past 10 years with their health metrics, but the battery life is lacking in comparison to other brands. Hell even some of the newer garmins don’t have the battery life as some of the older ones. Like the 955 has about 28 days of battery vs 14 days on the new 970. I’m happy to answer any other questions.

those missing stuffs are available for the Instinct series. Altho gotta compromise with the black and white MIP display which is not everyone's favorite food.

I too have the Instinct, and it's been a workhorse under all conditions. It's rugged and does all the things.

Absolutely love my instinct - use for both and searched highly and low for it. 

So say we all. But seriously, I was jumping from android to andriod watched for a few years, until I bought my first instinct 5 years ago.  Now, I'm never going yo get anything but garmin. 

Ditto.. Garmin Instinct is perfect for me. Just techy enough to get notifications but still rugged and looks good. The solar is worth the extra $. I have to charge my watch 1 time per month on average

Get an older refurbished Garmin like the Instinct. Xiaomi is really crummy.

Started with an instinct 1 and then purchased the Apple Watch SE. I must say, I do enjoy certain features and capabilities of the apple, but my heart and soul (along with lifestyle) demands the constant everyday wear of a Garmin Instinct.

I love the buttons in my instinct EXCEPT for when I’m lifting with press movements. It always hits the lap button which ends my set

I was just going through a similar dilemma moving on from Fitbit. wound up choosing the instinct over those two. it can do everything you're asking for (if you add syncmyworkout) and I expect the other two watches can too. my only "gripe" with the notifications is that there is no granularity in what it alerts me to. with Fitbit I was able to turn off certain apps from pinging my watch. now I get everything. (or nothing)

I can go at least a week without having to charge my 5 year old Instinct.  Unless I’m using the GPS for biking, and then the battery still lasts a long time.   I buy iPhones for privacy and security reasons.  But I don’t want to have to charge a watch every night.   And while you probably don’t have to worry much about Apple abusing your data, there are plenty of 3rd party apps that will. 

Instinct all day baby. Ive had mine for YEARS. I track workouts, steps, etc. I have my alert system linked to it so I get dispatched throughout and know the address and the call before I even look at CAD. Its seen multiple fires and its still kicking. Best 300 bucks I've ever spent

My garmin instinct does a good job. Garmin also makes chest straps that sync with your phone just like their watches do

## Why is the Forerunner better for running than the Instinct or Fenix? The Forerunner series is specifically designed for runners. It offers precise running metrics, a wealth of training features, and specialized performance analytics like Running Tolerance, Running Economy, and even biomechanical values such as pace decrease on ground contact (Forerunner 970). Forerunner models often have better screens (touch, higher resolution) and detailed training suggestions for runners. The Forerunner 265, for example, has a bright AMOLED display that is easy to read while running. Instinct models typically use older sensors and are more geared toward outdoor adventure than pure running performance. The Fenix is also excellent for running but is positioned more as a hybrid multisport watch with a focus on outdoor activities and rugged design [9][10][11][12]. ## In what way is the Forerunner less suitable for hiking/backpacking? Forerunner models are less rugged and lack some of the outdoor-specific sensors and navigation aids of the Fenix or Instinct lines. Battery life is generally shorter, which is a disadvantage for long trekking tours. Features like a barometric altimeter, special navigation functions, and inReach compatibility—which are crucial for hiking—are limited to higher-end Forerunners or are better represented in Fenix and Instinct models. For hikers, map quality on Forerunner watches is also limited or only available on premium models like the 970 [10][13][14]. ## How useful are animated workouts and training suggestions? Animated workouts (yoga, strength training, etc.) are easy to follow on Garmin and motivating, especially for learning technique and form. For runners, the suggested training programs on newer Forerunners are highly useful. They provide daily personalized plans that factor in your fitness level and recovery status. Users report that these features simplify planning and improve training consistency, as the watch dynamically adapts the training [15][16][17][18]. ## Are maps on the watch actually useful for running or hiking? For anything else? 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 [19][12][20][14]. ## Does the Forerunner 970 passively monitor heart rhythm to trigger an ECG? Yes, the Forerunner 970 is the first in its series with an integrated ECG feature, which uses case sensors to record an ECG for issues like atrial fibrillation in about 30 seconds. While the function is always present, the ECG is only triggered manually and does not replace a doctor’s visit. Heart rate is constantly measured, but for a full ECG you must actively launch the function [13]. ## Smartwatch features: Can you read texts or see who’s calling? Does Garmin support RCS messages? Garmin supports push notifications for calls and text messages, and (on Forerunner 570/970) you can answer calls directly from the wrist using the speaker and microphone. However, full support for Rich Communication Services (RCS, e.g. Google Messages) is not yet widespread; Garmin generally handles SMS/MMS, and you can reply with pre-set responses. RCS compatibility is under development and not guaranteed [21][22]. ## Is the speaker/microphone on the 570/970 useful for anything besides answering? How playful is it? The Forerunner 970 has improved audio hardware to make phone calls and use voice assistants (Google Assistant, Siri, Bixby) directly from your watch. The speaker is for calls and notifications but not for music playback. No particularly playful functions are supported; it's aimed at practical uses like telephony and voice commands. The 570 offers more limited audio features but still allows basic call management [23][24][25]. ## What makes a Garmin better than competitors Coros, Suunto, Amazfit? Garmin is regarded as a market leader due to its extensive ecosystem, powerful sensors, wide variety of sport profiles, and detailed analytics. Garmin watches generally provide robust navigation features with maps, access to third-party apps (Connect IQ), precise GPS/heart sensors, and strong accessory support. Coros impresses with battery life and durability, Suunto with simplicity and outdoor focus, and Amazfit mainly with budget-friendly offerings. Garmin is overall more versatile, especially for ambitious athletes and users seeking a deep combination of fitness analytics and smart features [10][23][25]. *** [9] Forerunner 265/745/965, Instinct 2 or fenix 7S https://www.reddit.com/r/GarminWatches/comments/1bl6twt/help_me_choose_forerunner_265745965_instinct_2_or/ [10] Garmin Instinct 3 vs Garmin Fenix 8: Every Difference ... https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2025/01/garmin-instinct3-vs-garmin-fenix8-very-detailed-review.html [11] Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Garmin Instinct https://versus.com/en/garmin-forerunner-265-vs-garmin-instinct [12] Garmin Forerunner 570 and 970: Advanced Tech for Those ... https://runlovers.it/en/2025/garmin-forerunner-570-and-970-advanced-tech-for-those-who-want-to-run-better/ [13] Garmin Forerunner 970 im Test: Die beste Sportuhr 2025 ... https://www.heise.de/bestenlisten/testbericht/garmin-forerunner-970-im-test-die-beste-sportuhr-2025-hat-jetzt-ekg/xx73c4h?wt_mc=rss.red.ho.beitrag.atom.beitrag.beitrag [14] Garmin Forerunner 570 vs. 970: An Easy Choice! All ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jLMnfnER8c [15] Support: Animated Workouts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0noz60nliY [16] How the Garmin Tracker Reignited My Love of Running https://www.wellandgood.com/fitness/garmin-watch-daily-suggested-workouts-review [17] How to Use Animated Workouts on Garmin Enduro 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9p6LzkJw9Hw [18] Garmin Coach Review https://stephaniehnatiuk.com/garmin-coach-review/ [19] Garmin Watches + OS Maps: The Ultimate duo for easy ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19HBRpmPhFw [20] New to Garmin Watch Maps - Need Your Advice for Hiking ... https://www.reddit.com/r/Garmin/comments/16eznyf/new_to_garmin_watch_maps_need_your_advice_for/ [21] Google Messages may work with Garmin for satellite ... https://9to5google.com/2023/08/28/google-messages-satellite-connectivity-garmin-evidence/ [22] Garmin fenix 8 RCS Text Messages? https://www.reddit.com/r/Garmin/comments/1inrdo6/garmin_fenix_8_rcs_text_messages/ [23] Garmin Forerunner 970 In-Depth Review: Brillance at a ... https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2025/06/garmin-forerunner-970-in-depth-review-brillance.html [24] Garmin Forerunner 970 speaker and microphone quality? https://www.reddit.com/r/GarminWatches/comments/1ktyxq2/garmin_forerunner_970_speaker_and_microphone/ [25] Garmin forerunner 970 Review ❌ all the cr*p bits ❌ a ... https://the5krunner.com/2025/07/28/garmin-forerunner-970-review/

Garmin Instincts are damn near bulletproof. I wouldn't be worried, it'd take much more extreme temp then that

Turning off the Bluetooth will solve this; your watch will not be connected to your phone. And Garmin does not have LTE. Garmin pro plus HRM will track your metrics without the watch. Worst case - How is your supervisor going to know every Garmin model? Just get an inconspicuous one; maybe an instinct that looks like a G shock. And be like "it's just a watch"; just make sure it's on DND and/or turn off bluetooth for the day.

Garmin instinct. Battery lasts for weeks. Super rugged so can take a hammering

Fenix if you can afford otherwise any instinct imo.

Vivoactive and Venu (non X1, that thing should have had a name of its own) don't have the advanced running metrics. So it's Forerunner , then check whether the features you want are in Instinct, Fenix, Enduro or Epix if you like one of those better.

I used both yesterday. A garmin instinct and my android phone running geotracker in my buoy.

I've had my Instinct for 5 years, absolute tank of a watch. Not a scratch on it and it's taken some nasty hits.

Oh wow, the solar is that good? I have the standard Instinct I bought about 5 years ago and was going to upgrade because I heard the GPS on the newer ones is more accurate. Was going to just buy another normal Instinct but if you get that kind of battery out of the Solar I may have to get that instead.

Yeah it's probably time for an upgrade then for me. I still get about 2-3 weeks out of a charge, but if I use GPS everyday it's much shorter.

Garmin Instinct or Instinct Solar. These are made for military standards and can take an absolute beating and go in the water just fine. Had mine for 5 years now. The number of times I've slammed it off a wall or something, or just banged it up in general doing yard work, etc. there isn't a single scratch on it. It tracks my skiing runs in the winter, I take it in the pool/swim laps with it, it does everything and is built like a tank. The fitbits and Vivoactive are pretty cheaply made/mass produced. If you want durability you have to spend a bit on a higher end watch.

I wear a garmin instinct for daily wear And a garmin epic for running ect

I bought a Garmin instinct for around 200usd and it's been great. Improved my swim a lot using it.

i got the instinct.. the base one

I try to give you few options , -swim 2 : have everything for swimming but is really focus only on swimming, heart rate is really good , but if you want to do others sports than is lacking a lot. Have drills mode and don’t miss a lap normally. -Suunto run/run s , if you change the strap get an amazing hr underwater (outside of water is way worse ) 🤷🏻‍♂️, is perfect on lap counting , have integrations with Suunto aqua headphone who give you some extra metrics on head rotations ( is still a new come , so something isn’t perfect yet) , can use for any other sports , but doesn’t have any drills mode -instinct series , actually similar to swim 2 but less accurate on hr reading and sometimes miss laps , can do so many things outside water , huge battery , but as a swimmer I felt not worth for only swimming so I send it back - forerunner series , it come in 2 versions , the small 200 series (the last one is called 500) , and the 900 series , go for the smallest , is lighter have everything you need and more stuff you won’t ever use , for the fact is smaller it is more comfy to use in water and hr just little bit more accurate , never miss a lap , and got all function of swim 2 for swimming plus tons of functions for many sports - in conclusion I use many times the Suunto but because is missing the drills mode I go back to forerunner when I need it , than I still using swim 2 bought so many years ago , I use for css , but honestly just because I feel nostalgic on it , after swim with him for many years

I had the Garmin Instinct but the heart rate sensor was dog shit. It would routinely read much lower during an intense workout where I knew my heart rate was near the max. No problems like that with Apple Watch. Plus the Garmin Connect app is shit too. It looks like something thrown together by summer interns.

I have an OG Garmin Instinct & I have been feeling the need to upgrade my watch.. This Euduro3 looks very tempting to me, but I sometimes find those MIP displays very hard to read in darker environments. If they gave this thing an OLED screen I would buy it, but I think I am going to have to settle on for a Forerunner 265 whenever they go on sale again.

I have a Garmin Instinct I really like. Great for stat tracking but it's not a touch or color display. Text notifications can be seen but not replied to, if that's an issue. I'd look carefully at the features and see if it actually aligns with what you need, but it is as rugged as I imagine a smartwatch could ever be. For me, the non-smartphone like qualities it has are a benefit, not a drawback, but my main focus with it is fitness tracking and route finding. Got mine used for $150, you won't find a new one under $200 but a used one could probably be found.

the fenix/epix (mainly pros) options are go-to options as all rounders. I also had Instinct if you want a casio/military like watch with 25+ battery autonomy Currently I've been wearing fenix 7 pro and I am very happy about it

Garmin, at first I got a cheap Edge 130 and I stuck with the same brand, I also got a watch (Instinct) and later the Edge 530, so now I'm all invested already with years worth of data in Garmin app. Activities sync to Strava though, so I guess I could switch to something else, but there are things that don't sync like daily steps, calories, sleep, body battery... so I think I'll stick with it. I don't have an iphone so Apple watch is out of the question entirely, and I don't really care all that much about the smart portion of the watch to try something like Samsung. But I do have a Wahoo trainer, not a Garmin one. Still works just fine with Garmin.

My sister has to charge her Apple watch every evening, then there's me with my Instinct charging it once a month 🤣

Garmin instinct is twice the cost of GBD-200/GBX-100. Sure it is probably better but that comes at a cost.

Garmin Instinct. Rugged and not a glass/touchscreen. Tracks fitness and is more affordable than most smartwatches.

Garmin - They have a lot of watches at different price points. There is built-in GPS and the battery lasts for several days, unlike a smart watch that you typically need to charge every night. The Garmin app easily syncs with other fitness apps, if that's important to you. If you have a smaller wrist, go for the "S" models that will look and fit better.