Customer reviews from Garmin
Garmin - Instinct 3 Solar GPS Smartwatch 45 mm Fiber-reinforced Polymer - Whitestone with whitestone/bolt blue silicone band - (2025)
Average customer rating
4.4
(95 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 95 reviews
5 Stars
64
4 Stars
19
3 Stars
5
2 Stars
4
1 Star
3
Customer Reviews for Garmin - Instinct 3 Solar GPS Smartwatch 45 mm Fiber-reinforced Polymer - Whitestone with whitestone/bolt blue silicone band - (2025)
Customer Rating
1
Down Grade
on June 1, 2025
Posted by: Bucup
I recently upgraded from the Enduro to the Instinct 3, expecting comparable or improved battery performance. After a full charge—and with all non-essential features intentionally disabled to conserve power—I was disappointed to find the battery lasted only 11 days.
Upon further investigation, I discovered this issue is tied to a known software update that users are not easily able to install themselves. This was not communicated at the time of purchase and has significantly impacted my experience with what I anticipated would be a reliable upgrade.
I am disappointed in this purchase and would appreciate guidance on how Garmin intends to address this issue for affected users.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
This is my 2nd Instinct watch
on July 17, 2025
Posted by: Keith69wild
I purchased the watch 2 months ago and Love it. Very comfortable looks amazing. The only thing is I wish I could adjust battery life easier by making application I do not use in active. It is a great tool to monitor sleep, steps, heart rate and workouts. Sync's wonderfully to my phone app.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
1
Keeps going dark
on July 20, 2025
Posted by: TomAzbill
I generally love the watch, it looks great and I go forever between charges but I keep finding it with a blank screen and it needs to be reset. This has happened twice during workouts and it fails me when I need it the most
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Care, July 21, 2025
We're sorry to hear about this, Tom! I recommend ensuring that your watch is up-to-date using Garmin Express. Garmin Express is a free desktop application available for download here: http://ms.spr.ly/6429sDtdN
If issues persist, please reach out to our Product Support team for further assistance: http://ms.spr.ly/6420sDtd4
^DK
If issues persist, please reach out to our Product Support team for further assistance: http://ms.spr.ly/6420sDtd4
^DK
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Great watch
on July 26, 2025
Posted by: Oldman68
I bought this about a month ago. Had used a Timex Ironman 20 years. The features that are on this watch is amazing. Still trying to figure everything out which is slow for a non-tech guy. However, I learn something every day.
Glad I broke down and purchased it.
Glad I broke down and purchased it.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Love it, lifesaver.
on July 30, 2025
Posted by: NickPitzen
I bought this watch about two weeks ago and I’m still getting used to all the features because there are so many to try. It’s been amazing with GPS, tracking biometrics, and logging activities. I would 100% recommend this watch to anyone who spends a good amount of time outdoors, whether that be hiking, swimming, fishing, or anything else, it is perfect for it all. The GARMIN Connect app is also unbelievable in-depth when you pair your watch to it.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Awesome watch, never switching back.
on August 1, 2025
Posted by: Gregorio
So I’ve have this for roughly a month and I will be honest with no sugar coating whatsoever.
Pros: Solar charging, like at this point it needs to be said. Love it, extending battery life should be a staple in a smart watch.
-Not heavy at all which kinda though me off, from pictures and other reviews. (To be fair, I am used to wearing regular g shock)
-Features, oh my lord the workouts and satellites you can access, if you aren’t careful or don’t read all the instructions you can easily get lost navigating this watch.
-Screen size, I have no trouble reading it whether it’s dusk or dawn, and the backlight even on its lowest setting is shockingly bright.
-Not heavy at all which kinda though me off, from pictures and other reviews. (To be fair, I am used to wearing regular g shock)
-Features, oh my lord the workouts and satellites you can access, if you aren’t careful or don’t read all the instructions you can easily get lost navigating this watch.
-Screen size, I have no trouble reading it whether it’s dusk or dawn, and the backlight even on its lowest setting is shockingly bright.
Cons and (frankly take it with a grain of salt, because to me coming from using an Apple Watch SE for 5 years, that’s the only drawback but hey)
-touch screen ( goes without saying)
-touch screen ( goes without saying)
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
3
Features
on August 1, 2025
Posted by: Ewok
I bought this watch, which is an upgrade to the one my son wears. But, I cannot control the notifications that come in. Is something wrong with your app? I’ve watched videos and looked up how to control the watch and I don’t have any of the options shown.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
really nice
on August 1, 2025
Posted by: Liam C
i got this a couple days ago and it is solid. it tracks a lot of different body things and it even has a personal coach on it telling you when to workout and run
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin