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
5
Love every feature about the watch
on April 6, 2026
Posted by: Dc46
If you are looking for a smartwatch that prioritizes utility and endurance over a flashy touchscreen, the Garmin Instinct 3 (50mm) is a powerhouse. It doubles down on the "rugged" DNA of its predecessors while finally giving those with larger wrists (or a preference for big displays) the footprint the watch deserves.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
3
Mixed opinion
on March 18, 2026
Posted by: halraiser
On the positive side, tells time well and the GPS works well. However, there are some things that bother me:
1. The solar cell has a hard time keeping up so I'll probably have to plug it in from time to time to recharge. Needs a better solar cell.
2. No easy way to get the bearing to a waypoint in degrees. Just wants to show a line pointing that direction unless I go through some gyrations.
3. Wants to track my steps and interrupt the time display to show that. I've not found a way to disable that.
4. Tells me "good morning" early even though I really want the time. Not sure if or how to disable that.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
3
Still Working out the Kinks
on March 17, 2026
Posted by: NDGATOR
I upgraded from an Instinct Solar. I have been wearing it about a month. I haven't tried the activity (wlak/run/ride) yet. I have a 1040 Edge so it hasn't been necessary yet. I have two main beefs. First the charge cord is loose in the back and I have to jiggle it just right to get it tto charge. I ended up using my old cable truth be told. Second and this is a preference issue only. I hate the secondary screens look and feel. I much prefer the old watches layout. I may be able to revert back, but I am trying to give these an honest go. I also didnt like the morning report and good morning screen. I shut them off so no issue.
Everything else is to be expected with the physical bulletproof build of an Instinct. I do have an issue with the Edge and the Watch interfering with one another, but I firmly believe that is an Edge issue. Not a fan of the 1040, my 705 was so much better, but also worn out :). If the activity and GPS work well, I'll bump to a at least a 4 once I try those out.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Buy now
on March 8, 2026
Posted by: Best Watch now
Wow, great watch dumped my Apple 7 for a watch with a real battery
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Extremely versatile, outstanding adventure watch
on March 8, 2026
Posted by: Spiritwalker26
Excellent product with lots of features. Slowly learning how to get maximum usage. Key features I enjoy; flashlight (is incredible), solar charging feature likely better in the summer. I’ve used it to track snowboarding and swimming and am very pleased.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
1
Lame expencive device
on March 2, 2026
Posted by: Stevan Mar
Not enough memory for update! It is year 2026, you produced 200mb device and charge it 400 dolars- without maps and sapphire, and now problems from the start!? Now stucked transfering something, cannot fully charge it, battery estimation 11 days!? Garbage
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Enjoying the watch
on February 22, 2026
Posted by: Brob
I came from an Apple Watch and am very pleased with all the features of the instinct 3.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Awsome watch with good features.
on January 27, 2026
Posted by: Rich A
I purchased this a month ago, after my Samsung watch battery died. I spend a lot of time outdoors and thought the solor charging would be great. It is loaded with lots of features. I especially like the sleep measurement apps. Wished it was a touch screen. The app on the phone could be better.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin