Garmin

Instinct Solar

Garmin Instinct Solar

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Overall

#43 in

Fitness Trackers

according to Reddit Icon Reddit

Sentiment score72% positive
44
10
7

Top Pros

Top Cons

Last updated: Jun 28, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit IconAppropriateArtist408
4 months ago

I had a 1st gen solar, for like 1-2 days, the only thing I recall was that it took some time to get gps fix, even if updated, synced with garmin connect. Other than that it recorded stuff. Although I love the yellow one, would buy it as main watch today, but everyone has different exigences

Reddit IconAyrr
9 months ago

While I agree having come from a Garmin instinct solar with incredible battery life. The pixel watch 4 needs to be charged every ~2 days and has fast charging. So take it off, pop it on the charger, have a shower and it's back to 100%. It's seriously impressive.

Reddit IconBeav710
9 months ago

Not sure if it'll fit all your needs but I got a Garmin Instinct Solar as I also didn't care about having a "smart" watch with a bunch of apps and features I wouldn't use. I personally love it. It was on the cheaper side since it doesn't have a touch screen and all the features the higher end watches have. I believe it can control your music, at least skip songs, but im not 100% on that because I don't use that feature personally.

9 months ago

Oh yeah and you can connect to the free Garmin Connect app which will log all the data from your watch. It also has some free training plans.

4 months ago

I still wear my Instinct Solar daily. If you are replacing Apple watch you may be disappointed. I wouldn't call it a smartwatch necessarily, more a sports watch. I specifically got it because I didn't want a smart watch I just wanted something to record workouts and health data as well as the breadcrumb feature it has in case I ever got lost backpacking. It's a great watch, I love it. After multiple years the battery life is still great. If I'm not recording activities with it, I have around 25 days charge time on average. Has been very durable for me I wear it everywhere doing everything and no issues. I got one small scratch on the screen a few years back and thats about it.

Reddit IconBos2Cin
12 months ago

Same. I still rock an original instinct solar. Love having all the basic stuff and the solar is super helpful. If I needed maps I have a forerunner 955 as well.

Reddit Iconbthejam
4 months ago

Agreed. I have the Instinct (solar). It has a simple screen and it’s rugged. I think it has all the tech you need. I use it for MTB and backpacking.

Reddit IconBubbly_Inspector_884
7 months ago

We have the Garmin Index S2 scales. I wear a Garmin Venu Sq and my husband has a Garmin Instinct Solar. TBH we would not buy anything else!

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