Customer reviews from Garmin
Garmin - Instinct 3 AMOLED GPS Smartwatch 45 mm Fiber-reinforced Polymer - Black with bolt blue/black silicone band - (2025)
Average customer rating
4.5
(48 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 48 reviews
5 Stars
37
4 Stars
4
3 Stars
3
2 Stars
1
1 Star
3
Customer Reviews for Garmin - Instinct 3 AMOLED GPS Smartwatch 45 mm Fiber-reinforced Polymer - Black with bolt blue/black silicone band - (2025)
Customer Rating
3
Great hardware, but software is not perfect
on October 18, 2025
Posted by: halit.kk
Positive aspects:
The watch feels rock-solid yet lightweight, and despite not having a touchscreen, it’s surprisingly easy to navigate after just a few hours of use. The overall design looks great — rugged but stylish. The battery life is incredibly impressive, especially after years of using an Apple Watch. I can go for days without worrying about charging, which is a huge advantage.
The watch feels rock-solid yet lightweight, and despite not having a touchscreen, it’s surprisingly easy to navigate after just a few hours of use. The overall design looks great — rugged but stylish. The battery life is incredibly impressive, especially after years of using an Apple Watch. I can go for days without worrying about charging, which is a huge advantage.
Things that could be improved:
• Watch face customization: On the main screen, the small calendar section always starts the week on Sunday. It may not sound major, but for those of us outside the U.S., it’s distracting not to be able to change the first day of the week.
• iOS integration: As an iPhone user, I really wish there were iOS widgets to display some Garmin data (like steps or calories) on my lock screen or home screen. Also, quick replies to messages are available for Android users but not for iOS, which is disappointing.
• Bluetooth range: I’ve noticed the Bluetooth connection is very weak compared to other smartwatches. The signal drops even when my phone is just in the next room — and I live in a small apartment. This really shouldn’t happen with this kind of device.
• Sleep schedule system: This is my biggest frustration. The watch forces you to set a fixed sleep and wake schedule, and there’s currently no way to disable it. I often sleep and wake up at different times, so having to define a specific time each day doesn’t work for me. If the schedule ends before I actually wake up, it sends the morning report and stops tracking sleep — meaning I lose sleep data and also disabling the do not disturb mode. It would be so much better if Garmin allowed users to turn this feature off and let some people to put their watches to sleep mode when desired, not only scheduled.
• Watch face customization: On the main screen, the small calendar section always starts the week on Sunday. It may not sound major, but for those of us outside the U.S., it’s distracting not to be able to change the first day of the week.
• iOS integration: As an iPhone user, I really wish there were iOS widgets to display some Garmin data (like steps or calories) on my lock screen or home screen. Also, quick replies to messages are available for Android users but not for iOS, which is disappointing.
• Bluetooth range: I’ve noticed the Bluetooth connection is very weak compared to other smartwatches. The signal drops even when my phone is just in the next room — and I live in a small apartment. This really shouldn’t happen with this kind of device.
• Sleep schedule system: This is my biggest frustration. The watch forces you to set a fixed sleep and wake schedule, and there’s currently no way to disable it. I often sleep and wake up at different times, so having to define a specific time each day doesn’t work for me. If the schedule ends before I actually wake up, it sends the morning report and stops tracking sleep — meaning I lose sleep data and also disabling the do not disturb mode. It would be so much better if Garmin allowed users to turn this feature off and let some people to put their watches to sleep mode when desired, not only scheduled.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Very good
on October 21, 2025
Posted by: TeeCee
I have had my watch for about a month. The display is crystal clear. The flashlight is better than expected. I enjoy how light weight the unit is, it is the lightest watch I have had in years. I like not having a touchscreen for activations when I’m trying to sleep. It does all of the garmin things and has a personal trainer for weights. The battery life is very good.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
1
I wish there was a sheet explaining the features
on October 28, 2025
Posted by: ZANO
Haven’t been able to understand all the data available. Need some form of cheat sheet to explain.
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Care, October 28, 2025
We have a great source of support and help videos which I have linked below.
http://ms.spr.ly/6420t8dvQ
Our product support team is also available for further assistance if needed here: http://ms.spr.ly/6421t8dvv
http://ms.spr.ly/6420t8dvQ
Our product support team is also available for further assistance if needed here: http://ms.spr.ly/6421t8dvv
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Very Nice Smartwatch
on November 6, 2025
Posted by: Rakk7
I bought this watch a few weeks ago to replace my Instinct camo. The Instinct 3 has a great battery life and I really like the flashlight. Only downside so far is that a few of my activities have been saved on the watch but for some reason they don't sync to Garmin connect. Otherwise I would give 5 stars. Anyway it's a great watch and I hope to enjoy it for the next few years until I upgrade.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
1
Not what I expected
on November 9, 2025
Posted by: frejen
For me it was to heavy for sleeping,difficult to check your vitals,overall to complicated so I send it back.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Good service
on November 15, 2025
Posted by: Paul Vera
Good service should have only one name! Garmin! This brand really thinks about you!
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Just the upgrades I needed and not more
on November 25, 2025
Posted by: ozyjess
I needed to update my old forerunner 935 since the GPS elevation gain tracking has been terrible for over a year, not matter what I did per YouTube and Garmin advice. All I really wanted was better GPS options and a good battery, and the instinct 3 was the answer. I didn't need more wiz & pang technology that I would use.. and I could get a color other than BLACK!!! (REI green model). love it!!!
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Great So Far!
on December 3, 2025
Posted by: GR74
I’ve had my Instinct 3 about 3 weeks now and so far it has functioned flawlessly. Many more features than my Vivoactive 4. Certainly fits my lifestyle and training needs well.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin