Garmin - Venu 3

The Venu 3 does all of those. I workout 4 days a week on 5/3/1 and use my watch for all of those metrics.

I used to swear by fitbit. My mileage and pace was RIGHT where I wanted it to be. Then I was due for a new watch and chose garmin. My pace was off by about a minute per mile and my fitbit was about half a mile off per mile. It frustrated me immensely. I assumed it was a watch issue. It was a me issue. I only use garmin. I used a pre-owned garmin venu 2 forn2 years since I had never used a garmin. I bought a new venu 3 and looove it!

I use the Venu 3 by garmin and use the lap button on the cardio setting to track my rounds. I sometimes hit my buttons with the grips, but I bought the zox bands for it so I can stretch it further up my wrist. The face of the venu isn't beveled, so a screen protector is an absolute must have.

Venu (3 or 3S) and Vivoactive 5 are both cute and come in neutral colors. They're decent for running but are more "lifestyle" watches than running watches. The 265S (S means it's the smaller version) is better for a serious runner. It isn't super "cute" but it comes in white with light blue accents. You can buy aftermarket straps of course.

Gotcha. I'm happy with the Venu line, as I don't need all the running metrics as most of my focus is on pretty much everything but cycling. The Venu 3 has the newer HR sensor, does naps (though sleep tracking still isn't the best) and now allows open water swimming.

Apple Watch is probably the best for HR currently but is out if you are not in the walled iPhone garden. Also note that a lot might come with how are you wearing the watch. Samsung Galaxy 7 is being launched in like one week and apparently is a huge lot faster than 6 (like 2-4 times faster). Battery life remains to be seen but Watch 6 like latest normal Apple Watch models were "charge daily devices" (with AoD and most of stuff you normally want to use on). If you want 2-3 days then look at the "huge" models (but wait at least one week to learn how things are with the new Samsung Watch 7 Ultra or whatever will be called). If you want more battery life you can look at Garmin Venu 3 (or 3s for a smaller watch) and the much less expensive (but apparently better on HR) [Huawei Watch Fit 3, see my mini-review](https://old.reddit.com/r/smartwatch/comments/1db9i4s/quick_minireview_of_huawei_watch_fit_3_vs_huawei/).

I'm an Apple Watch SE user who recently decided to explore the Garmin ecosystem. You'll find more details and context in the post below. I've been using the Vivoactive 6 for about a week now. Before that, I had bought the Venu 3 for $450, but eventually returned it after getting the VA6. Here's why I made the switch: - I rarely use the watch speaker (I used to be an Apple Watch SE user), and I generally prefer taking calls on my phone. - I don’t like being notified on my watch, since I always have my phone with me. - Thankfully, I don’t need ECG/EKG features, so that wasn’t useful for me. **Context:** The main reason I switched to Garmin is that Apple Watch—even the Ultra—doesn't really provide actionable health insights. What impressed me about Garmin is the level of actionable insights it offers *without* requiring a subscription. Some of the highlights: 1. Sleep Score and Sleep Coach 2. Stress tracking 3. Body Battery 4. Recovery insights 5. Custom workouts and Garmin Coach ...and probably more features I’ll discover as I continue using the VA6. Most of the core health tracking features are similar to the Apple Watch, but Garmin seems to go a step further with its detailed insights. So overall, Garmin feels like a more complete fitness-focused smartwatch to me. ### What I liked in the VA6 compared to the Venu 3: 1. **New UX Improvements** - Fully redesigned UI/UX that feels modern and premium — more in line with 2025 standards. - Notification center with "Clear All" option (finally!). - Control center similar to Android/iOS. - Built-in Compass app. - Revamped UI/UX for several existing apps. - Smart alarm (haven’t tried it yet). - Adjustable font size. - Calendar app that shows all future events — unlike V3, which only shows today and tomorrow. 2. **Custom Workout Creation** - You can create fully custom workouts on VA6, which the V3 doesn’t support. 3. **Course/Route Syncing** - Ability to send training courses or routes directly to the watch. 4. **Improved Haptics** - The vibration motor feels noticeably better than the one in V3. 5. **Premium Strap** - The strap feels more refined and premium than what comes with the V3. ...and I’m sure there’s more I’ll uncover over time. **One thing worth noting:** although the watch has a UI that's quite feature-rich and visually heavy, I initially expected it to lag. But after using it for a week, I haven't experienced a single hiccup — it's been smooth throughout. After exploring the VA6, the Venu 3 felt like a bit of a downgrade—especially since I don’t care much about answering calls, using the speaker, or having ECG functionality. Yes, the Venu 3 has Garmin’s 5th-gen sensor and the VA6 has the 4th-gen, but the difference between V4 and V5 isn’t significant in terms of real-world use. I also had a look at the VA5 at a nearby store. Even though the VA5 and VA6 use similar materials, the VA6 feels much more solid and premium in hand. ### Final Thoughts Some of these points might not matter to longtime Garmin users who are happy with their current devices and don’t feel the need to upgrade. But for someone new to the Garmin ecosystem, or someone looking to jump in now, the VA6 seems like the best value. You get the latest design, more relevant features, and hopefully more updates going forward (fingers crossed).

Garmin Venu 3 is perfect. It accurately measures my pool swims and open water swims every time. The time, splits, and pace are nice. And to keep a record and to check your progress.

It's just smaller with more colour options...everything else will be the same. I quite like my Venu 3. There are some sports tracked by the VA6 that it doesn't have, but they are a bit niche. I assume these are part of the new base set for new software...so will likely be included in future Venu models. If you're a runner then the FR965 (or maybe even the FR265 to save money) might have been a better choice. The Venu has somewhat more of a smartwatch focus, with easy/automated call and notification integration from your phone...but lacks the coach and training readiness features

Yeah. The Venu should be fine. In theory the Vivoactive should also be fine...even some of the really cut down models like the vivofit or lily might do enough

I went from apple watch 8 back to garmin ecosystem (former fenix user when i was actively running, training for triathlons) basically as I thought it was not as geared towards sports and basically got boring after 18 months However, minus the battery life, i was more miserable with garmin venu 3 also…for 1 most of my sports are racket sports so garmin doesn’t focus as much unless you are a runner The garmin body battery never really worked well for me..i run on 6 hours of sleep usually and garmin wanted me to sleep for 8 hours!! I dont know who has a regular job and really manages to get 8 hours sleep alongside exercise and life Beyond a point the constant low sleep and battery scores just dragged me down more than I thought I also missed the simplicity of apple ecosystem and apple pay , generally the smartwatch side of things With apple watch 10, I moved back to Apple Watch after about 6 months..battery is not as much as an issue as it easily charges up while i have my bath every morning..needs to be seen if i miss the garmin app

I use the Venu 3 and it does the job perfectly.

Garmin Venu 3. I love it so much.

I always enjoyed hiking and trail running, but adding Garmin was a great addition. I've had the Fenix 6 and after lost it on a lake, got the Venu 3. Venu 3 is my go to choice, what an amazing and fast watch.

Venu 3 here. Charge it about once a week. Happy with that. GPS takes maybe 15 seconds to get a lock. HR is really accurate, ( checked against a Polar chest HR strap). OXY is also very accurate. GPS is accurate. It's rugged enough for me. Waterproof, and survived a few knocks. I work outdoors and wear it all the time, and the screen is easy to read in the sun. I can reply to SMS , answer phone calls, and receive any and all notifications from my connected phone... Works for me

Former Apple Watch 8 and current Venu 3 user here. Disagree almost completely. Find a nice watchface on ConnectIQ. See my post at [https://www.reddit.com/r/GarminWatches/comments/1em448p/comment/lgyrfsx/](https://www.reddit.com/r/GarminWatches/comments/1em448p/comment/lgyrfsx/) for the ones I found that work for me.

\* 10+ days battery life rather than 1 day.... \* 10+ days battery life rather than 1 day.... \* 10+ days battery life rather than 1 day.... \* 10+ days battery life rather than 1 day.... \* quicker recharge time by far vs. the AW8 \* to me Garmin has a far better UI for getting to Apps and favorites \* an incredibly rich third party watchface ecosystem \* better watch-like shape and look \* lighter weight \* in my opinion, better sleep and health tracking in general \* to me, Garmin phone app is far better organized and useful than Apple's lame health app \* even simple walking tracking provides far better and more organized data on the Garmin The only thing the AW8 did for me that was better than the Venu3 is the AW interface for timers where you can save multiple frequently used timers and access them quickly. That said, I set the left-swipe on my Venu3 to timers so I can get there quicker on the Venu3. I 'did' like the ability to use the AW as a remote for the camera on the iPhone but that is just a nice-to-have. I didn't use the AW as much of a smartwatch so not being able to call or reply to txt using the Garmin is not a downside for me. I also had terrible pinched nerve issues with the squircle shape of the AW but zero such issues with the Venu3. (note - I also have a WHOOP which for me meets my health/fitness tracking needs better. I basically use the Garmin as a watch+fitbit replacement that has the ability to read notifications without pulling the iPhone out)

Funny. As an all Apple desktop ipad iphone userfor years I find Apple’s mobile UI infuriating and confusing, Guess I’m noot koool enough. Had an AW but got a deal on a trade in at bestbuy and upgraded to venu3. Much cleaner UI for me. My old instinct v1 menus still do confuse me a lot, FWIW. Glad I went venu3.

Regardless of Garmin watch, I would recommend Garmin over pixel watch. You highlighted mostly fitness features as being important, so Garmin would probably be the way to go. I have a Garmin Venu 3, and a Pixel 6A. They work well together, and the Venu 3 has just enough smart features to keep me happy. The battery life is amazing, which is super important to me and from what I understand the Pixel watch battery is atrocious. Unless pixel integration is that important you to you (like watching YouTube videos on your watch :D ? ), I find the Garmin and Pixel integration quite a nice combo. (And if God forbid, you ever decide to go with an iPhone, you don't have to switch watches)

Garmin venue 3 works great for tracking my swimming and other workouts. Great smart watch with a good battery life

I have a venu 3 and I just use it to track the total time of my workout.

Better do your homework- what are your main requirements- before deciding on a specific watch. I love my Venu 3, found my way easily, very intuitive. But if you are seriously in training , sporting, and interested in those metrics- better look at FR265 (the FR965 for the maps), the Fenix 8, or Epix line. No surprise if used to another watch, that it’ll take time to get to know the possibilities. I’d say a week is early days for arriving at a negative conclusion. Are you already familiar with adding and tailoring the Data screens (search & install from the ConnectIQ app, for the various activities, like running, cycling, to your needs? Looked at the available iApps on ConnectIQ?

Running, training? Then absolutely NOT the Venu 3 (my watch)-it is absolutely lacking Training metrics. Nice watch but not for the serious runner. Instead the FR265 (no maps) or FR965 has maps on board.

Venu 3 or Vivoactive 5 for you from your parameter you stated. As to Garmin over the forbidden fruit watch.........all day!

Can vouch for Venu 3 - any question let me know!

I’ve upgraded from Venu 2 Sq to a Venu 3. Tracking gym workouts is exactly the same, however there are reasons I’d get the Venu 3: - Less lag. The 2 SQ is really quite laggy to use and might put you off a bit. Venu 3 is fast and seamless, better OS, widgets, more buttons etc. - HRV tracking. This is a big one imho and helps you understand how strained your body is and understand what behaviours make it better / worse. Imho this is the most important feature on any smart watch - Better watch faces, more 3rd party options in Garmin store. Then there are a lot of small things like more accurate HR sensor, body temp tracking, microphone and speaker to take calls (can be useful), etc but i’d say the biggest diff is OS responsiveness and HRV status .

I'm with you: Garmin is the way. Recently switched to a Venu 3 and wayyyy better than fitbit

For swimming, Garmin has no competition. Built-in GPS and the ability to measure underwater signals, not just strokes, but also heart rate, breathing, etc. I have a Venus 3 and I'm in love with it.

Long story short I’m really happy overall. The good: - Great phone app with loads of detail, I play football regularly and was really impressed that they even have heat maps and stuff. Running activity has loads and loads of data it’s almost overwhelming but it’s amazing value for money. - Largely the software is smooth and lag free - Build quality is excellent - Great customisation with the quick release bands and the different watch faces. The data shown on the different activities can be modified. - From the watch itself to the app I like how Garmin comes across as a very grown up product if you know what I mean, it takes itself very seriously which I like. The bad - - With certain glances from the App Store installed the software does lag slightly, not significantly but it does lag every time. These aren’t dodgy apps - Rainy pro and Sun and Moon - The UI could have been a little more inventive to allow for quicker navigation - Sleep tracking is great if you are an amazing sleeper who doesn’t have interrupted sleep or gets up in the night. I get up to pray and when I go back it doesn’t pick up that sleep again. It is an issue because sleep tracking was a major reason for me buying a fitness tracker. - Very minor things like for some reason unless you install a watchface or download an app the Venu 3 doesn’t give you Sunset/sunrise times

I really can’t speak about any other Garmin watch because I was looking for a stylish watch with good to great tracking that was cross platform in terms of phone OS. The Venu 3 satisfied all my criteria of what I wanted so I didn’t really look at anything else in the Garmin lineup. The only thing I do know is both the Venu 3 and forerunner are likely to be refreshed very soon and the Venu 3 already lacks software that is on the new Vivoactive 6 although for me it’s nothing major. So if you’re not in a huge rush and already have a smartwatch maybe wait it out? I’d say you’d be happy with either just see what suits your use case.

To meet these requirements, the Venu 3 is the best option. I too moved from Samsung Galaxy to Garmin Venu 3 last year to improve my fitness level and a am very happy with the change. Battery life alone will blow your mind. The Venu 3 is sleek and stylish with notifications, calendar reminders, and more.

I got a Venu 3 to replace my whoop. It's worked well enough. I wish it could do like 10% more for training metrics but working off body battery works well enough. If you care more about the training metrics a forerunner would probably work better. I just didn't want something that looked like an athletic watch.

Garmin forerunner for sure. I got myself a Garmin venu 3 and it’s good but there’s a few features the forerunners have that I miss. I use that combined with Strava for community, Garmin connect app for stats, and Runna app for training plans. They all connect together. Runna automatically sends runs to my watch, then the watch sends the stats back to all three apps when I’m done 👍 Edit: it also all sends the data to my Apple health and my Lifesum dieting app which updates my daily calorie intake based on activity level

Forerunner and fenix watches seem to me like a heavier, off grid watch. Longer battery life, super rugged, heavier. Vivoactive is good for all those things but it’s lighter and a good daily wear. I have the venu 3. I lift weight, cycle, and starting to get into running. I wanted a watch that did all the bio tracking but didn’t want something rugged and off grid. 7-10 days battery life. Good daily wear. Good sleep tracking. I’ve worn it for 1.5years now. Had the venue SQ prior. I disable the messaging and notifications but still get calls just in case I don’t have my phone on me. Glad you aren’t looking at Apple Watches. Garmin is the best choice for activity and daily wear.

The main difference is that the Venu has a speaker/microphone so you can supposedly use your phone through your watch. Search Reddit for “Venu 3 calling/calls” to see reviews of that feature. It seems unnecessary to me and, since you want to swim with the watch, it might be a failure mode with water getting into the mic or speaker (although it’s rated for it). Aside from that, they are incredibly similar. The bezel on the Venu is metal and on the For is poly.

I have had many Fitbits, an Apple Watch and a Garmin Venu 3. The Fitbits have gone downhill since Google bought them and they usually break right when the warranty is over. So I can no longer recommend although I have owned at least 10 Fitbits over the years. I own an Apple Watch and never use it. It shows my calorie burn insanely high (I am talking several hundred calories high each day). And it has to be charged every day which is a pain. I've had my Garmin Venu 3 about an a year and a half. I like it a lot. It is not super complex but does what I want. Like all fitness tracker/watches it tend to over estimate calories a bit as did all of them. But it is closest to accurate.

The Vivoactive 4s or the forerunner are my favorite intro garmins. That being said, the Venu 3 is probably the best intro at the moment since it has more accurate sensors (I just prefer the transflective displays as opposed to the amoled displays) The main reason I got a Garmin was due to the metrics at the start of covid. That being said, now I often use it to track metrics when walking the dogs, or as a way to see the watch readings if I’m feeling off. As an example, when I got covid I was able to use the readings to check my recovery metrics, which was nice.

This is how I use my venu3 in gym: https://gelberhut.com/strength-training-with-a-garmin-in-a-gym/ basically, if you have a pre-created workout and wish to follow it - the watch is pretty handy.

Well, I switched from galaxy watch 4 to venu3. And agree - smartwatch part is like a decade behind, but I knew this (most of it) upfront, so I was not disappointed. I did for body battery, more integrated gym support, HRV status, stress alarms and yes battery for my hiking related use case.

This depends on how you want to track your sessions. Some people prefer to start "strength training" when enter a gym and stop it at the end. I use my watch to follow my program like described here: [https://gelberhut.com/strength-training-with-a-garmin-in-a-gym/](https://gelberhut.com/strength-training-with-a-garmin-in-a-gym/) If you want to do the same - a watch which allows to adjust weight/rep number using the touch screen is handy. I know that venu3 and F8 support this, not sure about other models. PS: Not that long ago, Garmin released strength coach (https://gelberhut.com/garmin-strength-coach-what-is-it-and-what-can-it-do/), if you want it: check one of Garmin Venu 3, Garmin Fenix 8, Garmin Vivoactive 5, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955, Forerunner 965.

For gym it is important to be able to adjust weight/reps using touch screen. I'm not sure if Fenix 7 can this. Va6 and venu3 - can.

Garmin offers not that great support for lifting. Unlike running, the difference between models is not that big here. This is how I use my venu3: https://gelberhut.com/strength-training-with-a-garmin-in-a-gym/ Many people here simply us it as sets counter + rest timer.

My venu3 counts laps correctly (I fo not use kickboard), but it confuses styles all the time - my galaxy watch 4 did a better job here. Usability in a swimming pool is good, I would say. If you want,you can check how the things look looks like here: https://gelberhut.com/garmin-venu-3-track-swimming-in-a-swimming-pool/

This is how I use my venu3 in a gym: https://gelberhut.com/strength-training-with-a-garmin-in-a-gym/ 265 should provide similar experience. Recently Garmin added strength coach (https://gelberhut.com/garmin-strength-coach-what-is-it-and-what-can-it-do/). 265 gets it as well.

I am using a Garmin Venu 3 and it does have a wheelchair mode… I am tracking my pushes because I am doing a half marathon in a sport wheelchair soon.

If you are on a cruise ship but want to go on a jogging trail, make sure you do indoor mode. If not, the watches will think you are super super fast with the ship speed and your speed combined. I still do my mileages on a cruise ship still.

I have a Venu 3 and I find it extremely useful as both an everyday watch and for my strength training and cycling. The GPS boots quickly, battery life w/out gps is over a week/ 7 days with two gps events. There are more fitness activities loaded on it then I could ever find time for, and it has never failed on me (to start, track, boot...whatever). It connects to all of my power meters, my Wahool Kickr, HR monitors, cadence/speed sensors, bike lights and Varia radar. I have yet to swim with it, but I did have an original Venu that I snorkeled with in the Galapagos and that watch did not disappoint. I would guess that those with gripes are used to "smart" watches and not true fitness watches. My girlfriend has a Samsung watch that she has to charge everyday! I find that appalling!!

I have had the 3 since November '24 and not a scratch on it. My old original Venu was a little over 4 years old when I swapped it out and it has one minor scratch (across the face, but thin), and some other minor scratches. I've owned analog watches that suffered worse. My original Venu survived hikes in AZ, Maine, NM, and cycling trips all over the US. And I wore it every day of those 4 years.

An update: I was putting on a backpack in downtown Vancouver and a shoulder strap caught on the watch band, causing one of the pins to pull back and the band to fall off. The watch hit concrete and the face cracked in maybe six ways. Garmin is replacing it for $150, but I was surprised that it shattered that easily. I'm seriously looking at cases to put over the new one, but I have yet to find a satisfactory candidate yet.

Since 2017, I've been using an Apple Watch for both everyday tasks and sports. Over time, my focus has shifted more towards sports, so I also got a Whoop Strap to better monitor my recovery. I’ve also tried apps like Athlytic and Bevel. After much back and forth, I finally decided to buy a Venu 3 to have everything in one device, but I’m pretty disappointed. The only improvement over the Apple Watch is the battery life. The smartwatch functions are terrible, the watch is slow, and the touchscreen is awful. The watch faces aren't interactive, and both the Connect and the Connect IQ apps are dreadful. Are there others with the same experience? Or do I just need to give the watch some time until it "grows on me"?

But the Venu 3 is not Fitness Watch enough to compensate the lack as a Smart Watch (don‘t know if this is a real sentence 😂). I think i will go with Apple Watch + Whoop 🤷‍♂️

My apple watch was fine for swimming but only counted laps (not what type of stroke). I use a Garmin venu 3 since December last year and I'm happy about the change. (Venu 3 was affordable for me and offered all the SmartWatch options I wanted) Sometimes it counts more laps than I actually swam, especially if I dive or change stroke midlane.

As long as you’re happy with the AW battery life then keep it till it breaks. Or replace with a newer watch or Garmin Venu 3 or Forerunner 165

That’s fine then and still pretty good for a AW. I only have a Garmin because I swap between IPhone and Samsung phones every two years. Plus my Venu 3 is a back up to my Garmin Edge 1000 if I forget charge it.

Got a Venu 3 which is my Days off watch and for the majority of my walks and HR monitor for Cycling. Battery lasts about 10 days. My VA3 is for work to count steps as I can’t wear anything below elbow in Healthcare. Clip it to my pants. Battery lasts 3 days now. Had it since 2019

I've owned both. 965 is sleek and fantastic for metrics. Venu 3 is slim and low profile, but lacks metrics. Best to start big imo, the 965 should last you years with what it provides

I never had a true smartwatch. But I have to say that I have a Venu 3 which is the one that resembles one. There are some gimmicks with smartwatch like talking to personal assistant. Even though I use my smart speakers a lot, I don't use the mic on my Venu 3. And probably should have gone for a forerunner. Still live my Venu 3 The thing is, smartwatches are not a substitute for smartphone. I would say that the most important thing is notifications from phone, the rest are superfluous gimmicks. All smartwatches have notifications. Garmin is the best fitness tracker (and the most expensive). Best GPS, lots and lots of stats. This is where they reign. Now there is a couple of things that a smartwatch might be better. Like it can install true apps. So if you it has an app that you really want it on a smartwatch it's the only way to go. I would say that if you do fitness 99% of the people should go with Garmin (there are other good brands, but Garmin is king). If you don't do fitness and want mostly to track health and notifications, you should go to either a smart band or a smart watch. Some fashion plays here too.

The large Venue 3 has decent battery life, a good HR sensor, dual band GPS, and some other perks you might like. It's their best "healthy lifestyle" watch that's not activity-specific like the FR watches. if you're looking for something more sporty, larger face, and maybe you'll like to get more out of the watch later, the FR 965 or, if you want to spend extra on the latest model, the 970.

I'd say 265 is a better comparator to V3 and 165 is a basic entry level sport/run watch - still capable and a great price to get into Garmin. Battery life, dual band GPS, barometric altimeter are 3 features that I'd say are close and critical to me. The 165 does not appear to have dual band GPS, so, despite being better than other brands, your accuracy may suffer on mountainsides and in big cities. Seems the 265 has a lot of perks and training metrics that add up over the 165 and you get what you pay for. https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2024/02/forerunner-differences-comparison.html Venue 3 is less of a 'run focus' in favour of overall health and less sporty finished look. It has a later gen heart rate sensor, as well, than the 265.

Use the V3 and if it has any issues hopefully it will be in warranty and be exchanged.

I have a very basic one compared to some of the models they have. I have a Venu 3. It’s a bit more stylish or just not as “in your face” of a fitness watch as the forerunners and some other ones Garmin has. I like the data, and I like tracking workouts and monitoring my stress. I lift 3-5 times/week, run 2-4 times/week, and do hot yoga/hiit sessions 3-4 times/week. I’m very active but kind of an all around active, hence not goin with a more run - dominant watch. The venu 3 has capability to connect to your phone (I don’t have mine enabled) and I would say it’s the most like an Apple Watch out of all the Garmins. I might could have gotten a different watch more suited for how I train and what I use it for but oh well. I love it. It gives full sleep data and all those metrics, V02 max, stress, fitness age, monitors HR and breaths per minute, can track a variety of different workouts, and probably my favorite thing is I can watch/monitor my pace while I’m running. It gives an insane amount of post run data, too much for me to type out. You can connect it with all of garmins various other gadgets, like chest strap HR monitor, weight scale, ecg scanner, etc. I think it cost ~500 dollars. 2 ish week battery life. Takes about 10 minutes to charge fully.

I use my Garmin Venu 3 to track the laps I swim in my local 25m pool. Very rarely the watch tracks an extra lap. Works great for me and I don't have to charge it every other day. I also use it for biking, running and hiking. I have my garmin paired with my iphone.

I'm really enjoying my Garmin, bought a venu 3 but they have a lot of different watches depending on what your fitness tracking needs are. I got the bigger 45mm but I believe the venu 3s is a little smaller.

I've owned several Fenix watches. I currently use the Epix Pro and Venu 3. No issues whatsoever. Sounds like the Fenix 8 has issues. I hope Garmin gets their quality control back to normal. Watches at this price point should be flawless.

My venu3 autodetects walks, runs, cycling and elliptical machine.

If you don't want a rugged tank like the Instinct models, I'm partial first to the Venu 3. I sold my Epix Gen 2 and have been using the Venu 3 for about 6 months happily. But I just run, walk, golf, treadmill, and lift once in awhile for activities...the rest is just health tracking. REALLY like the golf app for quick glance at distances to the hole. I am intrigued by the 50mm Instinct 3 the OP reviewed...maybe someday...if only there was demand for the Instinct Crossover I bought a few years ago I could sell it and put the proceeds towards :)

If you were expecting the same tight integration with the iPhone as the AW has I don’t think that’s realistic, since Apple develops both in-house. That said the Venu 3 smartwatch features have been crappy for me as well. They seem to have fixed the calling and assistant features in the beta release software, it’s been working great for me so far. The store is not good. It’s almost all watch faces, with some apps. The performance has been okay for me, but not as smooth as the AW UI. It’s a trade off to get good battery life imo. Apple packs in a powerful CPU running off a small battery. Add LTE into the mix and you get the poor battery life of the AW. I know it’s possible to change it when not using it, which works a lot of the time. But I eventually had the annoyance of being in a hurry and either leaving the watch at home on the charger, or forgetting to charge it and having the battery die in the middle of the day.

If you are wanting more of an Apple Watch style with great Garmin features I have a Venu 3 that I adore. I run, cycle, swim, play ice hockey, lift weights and it has seperate activities for each. I love the data it gives me and I can tune the “smartwatch” features to my liking. I’m a Venu 3 fan girl for sure.

I use a Venu 3 with a Garmin heart rate strap. I u r it for ice hockey where wearing a watch under my catching glove would interfere. They pair perfectly and there’s no ongoing cost after purchase.

Get a Venu 3

I already have a Garmin Venu 3. It's very much a smartwatch, not just a sportwatch. You get notifications, but you cannot answer the text messages from the iPhone. In swimming I go 100m then rest. Sometimes it doesn't record 25m, sometimes even 50m, which is frustrating. Doesn't happen that often, but once per swimming session for sure, for about a few months! Don't think I'd switch to AW cuz of the battery life!

Okay so still the 255 is good for this (or Venu 3 if you want AMOLED instead of MIP, or the cheaper Vivoactive 5 which still has HRV status). If you think HR is important, you must invest in a chest strap too, because optical HR + weight lifting is just not compatible due to physical reasons. I (and many from us) recommend Polar H9 for this (or H10: same sensor but it has better, non-slippery strap).

I went from a Sense 2 to a Venu 3. The Venu is much nicer in all aspects; build, OS, functionality, etc. The Connect app is more advanced, as well and much more fitness oriented, where the FitBit app is pretty simple. Notifications and alert are comparable, though the Venu 3 has audio alerts which I find a plus. Battery life is great and comparable to my Sense 2. I usually get a week or so between charges though I don't have the face always-on. The Connect app does not show battery status which seems like a big miss. So no push notifications that battery is getting low, only on the device. Connect will show you calorie burn based on activity but doesn't allow for logging calories, if that's what you were looking for. You have to use a third-party app to log calories and sync with Connect. Step tracking is comparable, though Garmin will only nudge you after 60 minutes of inactivity and you can clear the activity alert with a few minutes of activity, though for some reason I can never clear it just walking indoors around my house and up/down the stairs. I liked that Fitibit would prompt near the top of the hour to get in the remainder of your 250 steps and also has the hourly activity tracker. I find the Fitbit was more motivational in this sense to get me out of my desk chair. I also miss the weekly report email from Fitbit. I haven't found a similar option with Garmin. HTH

I used a Polar H10, but could never get the thing to stay in place around my chest while lifting. Then it died on me while running, so I stopped tracking HR for a long while. I recently picked up a Garmin Venu 3 watch. It's not going to work well for KB lifting if you do any exercises where the bells rest on your forearms like cleans, or snatch. I think this criticism would apply to most fitness trackers in watch form though The Polar Verity Sense strap, and the Whoop allow you to place the sensors in different locations on your body, so they might work better for tracking during kb-specific training, but I don't have personal experience with either of them

If you can at all up your budget at all; I would look at Garmin Venu 3. You would have best of both worlds for the most part..

I have a Venu 3... I mainly use it for health and wellness. I have all notifications turned off except phone, text and security stuff like google home

Firstly, your Apple Watch should not have failed from a swim, so take it back to Apple and get it changed. If you really want to go from Apple to Garmin (and there are lots of pros from doing so), the nearest Garmin makes is the Venu 3. No Garmin watch replicates the ‘phone on your wrist’ that the AW represents, but the Venu is pretty good and with some apps from Garmin’s IQ store you can cover some if what the AW does. But far from all of it - that’s why it has a 18-hour battery life and the Venu lasts 3 days with always-on display permanently on.

I did try Oura and Whoop but didn't like their subscription model so much, and ended up selecting the Garmin Venu 3. So far from reviews I've seen, the Venu 3's new HR sensor Elevate 5 is supposed to be even more accurate than the previous Elevate 4 used in other Garmin watches

Weird, i usually dont have this kind of problem with my watch (venu 3). It does happen when i change styles midlap, or if i have to emerge to breath midlap while diving. Came here to say that not all garmin watches have suport to add swimming workout programs, so this is something you want to look out before buying one

You are right; there is plenty to choose from. I'll probably get the Garmin Venu 3. Thank you!!!

The Garmin Venu 3 fits all those characteristics. Easily lasts 3 days and has all those features.

GT 4 is great for average sports use. With recent updates even better since it got maps if I saw correctly. Venu 3 is also great but severely limited by Garmin in functions, thus you do not get much more by moving to Venu 3, and you lose some things. Garmin watches in general can be good at customizing data fields/pages, data hoarders (offer loads of data, some unreliable, some can be useful if you care for it), and more detailed ecosystem (if you want to track your progress during time), but most of that stuff is not needed for casual use.  Also, Garmin intentionally severely limits their watches in software features (such as Vivoactive and Venu watches), so do not buy Garmin watch expecting a feature. You must go into details to see whether the features you need are there or not in Garmin watch you are looking at, which is very confusing for many people due to big number of Garmin watches, each with its share of features and limitations. In my view, Venu 3 is very overpriced. So much money for watch with no maps, resume later or some relatively common sport profiles,  cannot disable auto updates (and many updates are introducing new bugs) is not worth it.

Long-time gym rat seriously focused on hypertrophy here. The only thing I use my Garmin for at the gym is as a rest timer and very rarely to check how fast my heart rate goes down in between sets. The best training log app I have found is "Strong". If you just want to track your sleep, heart rate, HRV status, etc. the Venu 3 is probably the best choice for you. It has the latest generation heart rate sensor and since you don't need any of the tracking features for endurance sports, it would probably give you everything you need. But considering the price of the Venu 3, you might be better off with an Apple Watch (or Android equivalent if you have an Android phone).

I have a Garmin Venu 3 and it's great. Battery lasts for 10+ days and plenty of watch faces available to make it look how you want it. Replaced a Vívoactive 4, which itself was a replacement for a Microsoft Band. I have an Omega Speedmaster that I now never use, as I just couldn't go back to not being able to see notifications on the go (e.g. seeing work emails come in while I'm in meetings). Things like walking, running, cycling and skiing are all great to track. If it isn't on Strava, did it even happen...?!

Quantified scientist use the Dreem 2 head band for a reference device when testing sleep stage accuracy. The problem is tho; a recently large study shows the Dreem 2 band is only 52%-80% accurate. So if the reference device is not accurate how is his conclusions accurate ? Garmins HR sensor is not great on Rob but the Venu 3 is excellent on his girlfriend Theresa (98-99%) accurate .. So, its highly individual how accurate the sensor will be on you There are MANY testers out there like Desfit, DCrainmaker, Chase the Summit that thinks the new sensor is as good as apples. I feel Quantified scientist is becoming more and more biased as he has discount deals with both Apple and Oura.. Check out fit gear hunters videos on the new sensor - he does the same Correlation value thing ad quantified scientist and his conclusions after 16 workouts its 98,4% accurate compared to a chest strap. Fenix 7 pro is the best WHR ive ever had - and i came from Apple ultra. I like to run with a chest strap and compare the two results because im a nerd - and 95% of the time its spot on, and when its off its only by 1-3 beats. 3 beats off is rare and dosent happen every run.

It's not normal, and Tesla is a piece of c\*ap for hipsters which I would never buy, not a good example. But in a way, I can't wait for other normal cars to start doing the same (I think BMW is already starting), because this means that I will be able to buy the cheapest trim and then hack all the options and use them for free. I was shocked to hear that some watches like FitBit are now requiring you a regular payment for membership. This is ridiculous and I hope they will lose all their customers. I paid a lot of money for a watch, and I want to use it at it's 100% capacity. If you want me to pay regularly, then give me the watch for free! The same goes with cars. So yes, I'm also angry at Garmin by simply removing options to justify the more expensive models. The difference should be pure hardware (eg. sapphire glass vs. gorilla, solar vs. non-solar, MIP vs. AMOLED, more or less memory, plastic or titanium casing, stronger vs. weaker CPU, bigger vs. smaller battery, bigger vs smaller screen, more advanced sensor, SatIQ etc.) but every device should run all the software it can (due to processing power and memory). Eventually I can forgive them excluding eg. navigation, as this is something that is usually paid separately, but not because of the functionality itself, but because of maps which are expensive. But it would be good that the option is there, and that you can buy the maps if you want. Eg. Venu 3 doesn't have navigation but it would be good if I could simply buy maps for EU and use it normally because the watch hardware definitely can run it. From the other side, for me it's totally ridiculous for example that normal and S models (eg. Venu 3 vs Venu 3S) are the same price! This is what should make a difference, not software. Smaller models should be cheaper (smaller screen, smaller battery)!! Look what eg. Samsung does. It has 3 models, eg. Watch 6 in two sizes (smaller and bigger), and Watch 6 Classic with rotating bezel and more premium look. They all have different prices (because of size and hardware features) but they are actually running the same software and have the same features. You're just missing rotary bezel if you don't get classic (hardware thing) and you have smaller screen and weaker battery on small model. But software is 100% the same. This is the way to go! I will never forgive Garmin for excluding the option to continue finished activities or merge them into one on the Venu series! This is just ridiculous.

This! My Venu 3 lasts over a week. And the big turn off is Fitbit Premium! Yuk! I've run into that Garbage pile before, which is why I'm have Garmin!

If you want a smartwatch then go for samusng but be ready to charge it every 1 or 2 days. If you want something to motivate you to move more and something that has a long battery life I would go for garmin. I switched from watch 4 to venu 3 and I couldnt be happier

I have the Venu 3s and I LOVE it!

My Fitbit stopped showing me heart rate once my free premium subscription expired. Sometime it would show the heart-rate chart the next day, some days it would just skip. No chart for the day. One day I hiked for more than 10 kilometers and no chart, then I said F it, and pulled the trigger on Venu 3S. No complaints.

I've got the Venu 3. I've never tried HIIT during CrossFit bc like you said I don't mess with the watch during CF workouts. I usually just set it to cardio. Any advantages to HIIT that you know of?

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.

From what you have written, budget is not a constraint for you. I'd go for a watch. Tracking sleep is very useful. I am implementing small changes to improve sleep and the data from the watch is helpful. Eventhough it's not perfect. If i could afford it, I'd buy a Garmin Venue right now. Also, while a chest strap may be a tad bit more accurate for heart rate tracking, it is not something you want to wear for hours at a stretch every day. There a watch is useful.

I've never watched the quantified scientist, but I don't see how an "average" rating can be anything but qualitative. Even if it's looking at, for example quantitative measurements of HRM accuracy, the act of saying that's the right metric for choosing a watch is inherently qualitative Without knowing what it's being compared against, my perspective is that Garmin watches have the most complete feature set for fitness activity tracking especially for triathletes and outdoor activities. They're not full on smartwatches though in the sense that Apple and Android watches are. With the Venu series, your not getting 100% of the hardcore fitness stuff that you would on a Fenix but you're getting a few more smartwatchy features while still getting Garmin battery life. You didn't mention which features are most important to *you* or what you are comparing against so hard to say much more

People have to stop comparing these. These are for two different people. I would never wear an Apple Watch based on battery life alone. I specifically got the Garmin for a wrist based gps and mapping tool to track and orient myself. You buy an Apple Watch to use smart features and be connected to your phone. Garmin has never been in that market. It’s a whole company based on gps systems for outdoor activities . You buy an Apple Watch to have Apple ecosystem. you can’t use half the feature of the fenix on an iPhone bc they only want you to use their watch… Garmin are all specifically made for their audience even down the the model . Apple watches are just to keep you plugged into your phone and have no bearing on actual outdoor activities despite calling it ultra. The Millitary has been orienteering with Garmin wrist based gps systems forever. You’d never catch an Apple Watch on patrol in Afghanistan. 😂