Customer reviews from Garmin
Garmin - Instinct 3 Solar GPS Smartwatch 50 mm Fiber-reinforced Polymer - Solar Sunburst with Sunburst/Gray Band - (2026)
Average customer rating
4.3
(105 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 105 reviews
5 Stars
70
4 Stars
17
3 Stars
6
2 Stars
5
1 Star
7
Customer Reviews for Garmin - Instinct 3 Solar GPS Smartwatch 50 mm Fiber-reinforced Polymer - Solar Sunburst with Sunburst/Gray Band - (2026)
Customer Rating
4
Watch
on October 14, 2025
Posted by: JJ boglarich
I bought this a couple weeks ago and it’s a good watch, however the battery doesn’t last as long as I thought.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Care, October 14, 2025
I've linked a support article on tips to improve battery life below.
http://ms.spr.ly/6426sN064
But if you still feel there is a separate battery concern, please contact our support team at 800-800-1020, option 4 then option 2, Monday through Friday 7a-7p CST.
http://ms.spr.ly/6426sN064
But if you still feel there is a separate battery concern, please contact our support team at 800-800-1020, option 4 then option 2, Monday through Friday 7a-7p CST.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
2
Very poor solar capability.
on October 1, 2025
Posted by: JP10
Own an old Casio that is still only being charged via solar after 25 years. This watch have very limited solar capability and need to be charged via cable so useless on a long adventure. Returned
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Instinct 2 now an instinct 3
on September 25, 2025
Posted by: Rick james
I had an instinct two that still works and was absolutely bulletproof for 5 years. My instinct 2 went through junkyarding wrenching on cars being dropped all kinds of stuff and the thing was great. I have a feeling that this instinct 3 will be of the same quality. Garmin genuinely builds a quality product. Very pleased. I decided to purchase the instinct 3 solar due to the ability to monitor my blood glucose with apps available on the store. So far very impressed with the watch build quality is good. The flashlight's kind of cool helps at night and solid product.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Game Changer
on September 22, 2025
Posted by: REHatch
This watch not only does what watches are supposed to do, but it educated and motivates as well. I have probably learned more about my physical health while learning how to navigate and operate my new Garmin Instinct 3 than any other time in my life. I like being able to see the numbers and then be able to see what they mean, how they are calculated, and why they matter. Couple the information with workout plans, coaching plans, and connections and you have a one stop shop for better health and motivation. Don't think I will ever own another brand watch.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Garmin 3
on September 6, 2025
Posted by: Al624
After my Garmin watch stopped working, I went back to my old Samsung watch. I finally decided to get another Garmin. You never know what you use until it isn't there to use anymore. Really like my Garmin watch.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Great watch
on August 27, 2025
Posted by: Edubl34
I got this watch a bout 3 weeks ago after seeing it on an online ad. I hadn't heard of the Instinct 3 so I looked it up. Saw that it was a 50mm and bought it. I have 2 Epix Pros, Fenix 6 and 7 and the Venu X1. I like watches. The Instinct 3 is by far my favorite. I don't use it for it for what it's intended for. I just got it and like it because it's a big watch.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Fenix 5 upgrade
on August 25, 2025
Posted by: mbond
After 6 years using my Fenix 5x which still works perfectly, I decided to upgrade only for a more readable, brighter display. After a lot of research I went with a competitor’s watch (trusting the hype to be honest) based on reviews and price. It didn’t take long to realize that my trust was misplaced. I came back to Garmin as fast as I could and settled on the Instinct 3 50mm solar. The smartwatch is perfect for this almost 70 year old. I know and trust the watch and app and after almost a month without charging, I am still at 39% battery. I use only a fraction of its capabilities but it’s still perfect for me. I am now a Garmin user for life!
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
3
Good watch but needs some work
on August 5, 2025
Posted by: RC817
I like Garmin watches. Have several. My issue with this one is the compass. It doesn't work well. I have other watches with a compass, gps etc... All work well, except for my Instinct. It's just off... I mean WAY off, like 45-90 degrees off. No matter how many times I calibrate it, it doesn't hold. I worked with Garmin to try and resolve. Tried every suggestion they made. Still doesn't work and we're out of options. All the other functions work well, it's just the compass, which is important to me.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin