Customer reviews from Garmin
Garmin - Instinct E GPS Smartwatch 40 mm Fiber-reinforced Polymer - Black with Charcoal Band - (2025)
Average customer rating
3.9
(33 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 33 reviews
5 Stars
16
4 Stars
8
3 Stars
4
2 Stars
1
1 Star
4
Customer Reviews for Garmin - Instinct E GPS Smartwatch 40 mm Fiber-reinforced Polymer - Black with Charcoal Band - (2025)
Customer Rating
4
Band Options
on October 21, 2026
Posted by: MrAd@m
I wish there would have been an option to select band length when ordering, rather than needing to buy the longer band separately. The supplied band is barely long enough.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Good watch!
on October 19, 2026
Posted by: Hado
I’m enjoying this watch. I like the sleep quality analysis and the heart rate graphs. I like how it links to All Trails.
I had trouble with the initial setup, but I figured it out eventually.
I had trouble with the initial setup, but I figured it out eventually.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
1
Horrible
on October 11, 2026
Posted by: Mark321
Used it for 1 battery life and now it wont turn back on unless its connected to the charger making it unwearable and not usable
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
2
on October 9, 2026
Posted by: Joesph / Joe
i bought this about in April, and gave it to my husband for a gift mid sept. at first, he loved it, but now it is not keeping the amount of step right. he has been wearing his old Fitbit next to this one and this one is not keeping the steps. he avg, 11,000 to 20,000 steps a day and this one is down to 8-10 per day.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
My thoughts on Instinct
on October 3, 2026
Posted by: MMartin26
I am using this watch as part of a veterans program I am in. There is a learning curve to it, and I am still learning, so I cannot comment on everything. First, I am a petite female and the band fits great. It is comfortable to wear to exercise, outdoor activities, and sleep. I downloaded the app and I am getting useful information, but again, I need to learn more about all of the functions. I definitely am happy with this watch.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
BEST SMARTWATCH EVER
on September 30, 2026
Posted by: sy2026
Bought a few weeks ago and I am very satisfied with my purchase. This watch has a 2 week battery life and doesn't constantly interrupt you and try to replicate your smartphone. Instead it takes the best features of a smartwatch and combines it with durability, ease of use/function and affordability. The bluetooth is discreet and used only when syncing info so you don't feel the odd "electric tingle" from other smartwatches - your arm never feels weighed down or pressured. I use this all day except for showers and charge once every 2 weeks. It perfectly tracks my daily life, workouts and sleep. Things get busy and I don't wanna neglect my health. This watch is the perfect integration of technology to create a wearable device that feels like a friend looking out for you or a coach keeping track.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Love my Garmin Forerunner watch!
on September 29, 2026
Posted by: FitDee
First impression: I love the look. The black is sleek, understated, and has that slightly rugged “I might go hiking after work” vibe. It also looks great with everyday clothes, which matters to me. My wrists are tiny, and thankfully the watch doesn’t feel oversized.
I’ve used it for CrossFit, running, HIIT, walking, and everyday activity. So far impressed by its GPS, heart rate tracking and calorie tracking.
I’ve used it for CrossFit, running, HIIT, walking, and everyday activity. So far impressed by its GPS, heart rate tracking and calorie tracking.
BUT… Garmin, we need to talk about sleep metrics:
My sleep score has occasionally told me I had an excellent night when I woke up feeling like I had been hit by a truck. I feel like it could be more intuitive.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Great Buy
on September 27, 2026
Posted by: Zen76
I love my new Instinct and the new features. Would recommend for a gift. This fitness watch does what it needs to do.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin