Customer reviews from Garmin
Garmin - Instinct E GPS Smartwatch 40 mm Fiber-reinforced Polymer - Black with Charcoal Band - (2025)
Average customer rating
4
(25 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 25 reviews
5 Stars
13
4 Stars
5
3 Stars
4
2 Stars
0
1 Star
3
Customer Reviews for Garmin - Instinct E GPS Smartwatch 40 mm Fiber-reinforced Polymer - Black with Charcoal Band - (2025)
Customer Rating
4
More features than my Forerunner 55
on June 11, 2026
Posted by: Jimbo1
Bought about two weeks ago to replace a Forerunner 55. Loved that 55. Wanted a few more features. I bought the 40 mm version because I'm not a big guy and I didn't want a huge watch to bang around. The watch band is kind of short so do some checking before you buy this. A replacement band is kind of pricey. In GPS mode, it seems to use a lot of battery compared to the old 55. Otherwise, battery life seems at least as good as the 55. Two 40 minute runs with gps over four days burned about 25% of the battery. The oxygen and barometer are nice features. The watch face is semi-customizable but there are limits to the primary face choices. I found a couple that would work. It's not super intuitive to customize but it generally doesn't take too much effort to figure it out. I thought this was a better choice than the Forerunner 70. I suspect the Forerunner would have been very simple and a good choice for what I typically need for running, tracking sleep and some health readings... I like the Instinct but i will look at the Forerunner line more closely next time. I like the Instinct well enough to not send it back. All three of my Garmin watches have been rock solid. None of them have been the expensive, top of the line models.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Review of the Instinct 3 40 mm
on March 12, 2026
Posted by: Vivtris
As as functionality goes, it's perfect. I used to have the Instinct 2S. The display looks clearer. The ONLY issue is that I wish there were more bezel and strap choices for the 40mm. I have a small wrist and the larger watches will get caught on the sleeves. There was only the black bezel with charcoal strap. It's okay, but looks pretty industrial on a feminine arm.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Great! Exactly what I needed
on February 28, 2026
Posted by: Jenrs
I had the VIvoactive which has a touchscreen but live in a very rainy place and so that caused problems with the screen. This was a perfect replacement. I am so glad I switched.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
1
Don’t Like At All
on February 25, 2026
Posted by: Danielantonio
Too Small for me, Need, more features if is For a Kids Start to run. It’s OK if you are Runner For Years, It’s Not For You.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
1
Instinct E
on February 24, 2026
Posted by: Jwilk
I didn’t even get to use it for one day and it updated itself during my workout and forgot my password and now I can’t even reset the dang watch.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Great watch
on January 7, 2026
Posted by: Hotrod340
Got this for Christmas and live it. Works great for me
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Great running watch
on December 20, 2025
Posted by: 25kdavid
I got this because I wanted a simpler and smaller watch with MIP display for road and trail running. I also have the older Instinct 2S and wanted to compare. This does not have the solar feature of the 2S, but it really doesn’t need it. Almost everything is improved over the 2S. The display is easier to read, it picks up GPS faster, everything works more quickly. GPS tracking is accurate. Battery life is not as good as the 2S, but it’s more than adequate for my purposes. If you’re running 50, 100 milers, it might not have the battery you need in GPS mode. But for marathon or 50k distance, it’s more than enough. All in all, a lot of watch in a small package for a reasonable price.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
3
Confusing Buttons
on December 1, 2025
Posted by: NataliaB
I have it for 2 weeks and still confused with "lap" button. Screwed up two workouts already because of it. Other than that watches are doing what they need to do.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin