Customer reviews from Garmin
Garmin - Instinct 3 Solar GPS Smartwatch 50 mm Fiber-reinforced Polymer - Whitestone with black/bolt blue silicone band - (2025)
Average customer rating
4.3
(53 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 53 reviews
5 Stars
35
4 Stars
10
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
2
1 Star
4
Customer Reviews for Garmin - Instinct 3 Solar GPS Smartwatch 50 mm Fiber-reinforced Polymer - Whitestone with black/bolt blue silicone band - (2025)
Customer Rating
5
Awesome features
on August 1, 2025
Posted by: Thors house
Bought this a couple of months ago to replace my first instinct.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Instinct 3 Solar
on August 1, 2025
Posted by: JayWad
I’ve been using this watch for three months. I had the Instinct 1 previously. The 3 is an amazing upgrade. Navigation is better, health features are better, and having the flashlight on the watch is epic. My only complaint is that I am having trouble connecting certain health features to the Garmin Connect app.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Perfect watch for outdoors!
on August 1, 2025
Posted by: DJreach
Tons of great features on this watch. My favorite two are the solar charging and flashlight. I spend a lot of time outdoors and the with the solar charging I almost never have a need to charge my watch. I love the flashlight feature! When you are in a dark area the amount of light this watch produces right from your wrist is amazing.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
GREAT WEAR AND USAGE
on August 1, 2025
Posted by: ADRIAN29
I bought this last january and wearing itcasxwell as testing was great.. 1 thing is good was the SOLAR POWERED!! battery exceeds the charging time and waterproof well and great as to compare it with GAHICK RANGEMAN
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Instinct 3 Solar
on August 1, 2025
Posted by: CDC2708
I had the Fenix 6 Pro for a long time, but decided I wanted something solar. I was interested in the Fenix 8 but the price was just too much so I went with the Instinct 3 Solar. This watch does absolutely everything I need it to and it’s very lightweight. I work outside so the solar keeps it charged pretty well and sometimes I don’t have to charge it for three weeks or longer. For the price I think this is one of the Best buys I’ve ever made when it comes to Garmon products
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Best watch ever!!!!
on August 1, 2025
Posted by: Firemedic910
This is the best watch I have ever owned. I’ve tried several other brands and styles. It has some really awesome features. I use the flashlight more than I ever thought and it links to my phone to use the touchless pay app. And the solar charge feature is great! If something were to happen to it, I’d order another the same day.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Good upgrade from the Instinct 2 but 1 small issue
on August 1, 2025
Posted by: Djhiker91
Bought this watch a while ago and have been happy with it. Battery life is what is longer than the Instinct 2 by a few days with the settings I have. It seems to be more sensitive to taking in solar as well; in places where I used to not get consistent solar exposure I am generally getting more solar (forests, Colorado Mountains, etc.). It also is very accurate with tracking my movement while out hiking; I have not had any major issues with it being inaccurate, even in the thick trees of places that I go to.
The only issue I have with it is that the Bluetooth range is extremely different. It is definitely shorter range. With the previous instinct I could leave my phone anywhere in my apartment and it would stay connected but with this one I lose connection anywhere from 6-10 feet (depending on if objects are in the way). I’m not thrilled by this because I bought this at the same time as I bought the Garmin InReach Mini 2 as I was hoping to connect them (which does work and is very useful) but again I can’t get too far away without them disconnecting from each other.
Highly recommend this watch for rugged and intense conditions. I’m an out of shape guy and the way I like to try to better myself is through hiking and backpacking. The tracking on this watch has helped give me insights to my health and I have seen it both improve and in certain cases worsen due to other health factors. I like that it is solar powered and that it can have unlimited battery life if the conditions are right. I find that very important for the type of activity I do. Great watch!
Response from GarminBy Garmin, Care, August 1, 2025
That doesn't sound quite right! Your watch should be maintaining a strong Bluetooth within that range. I'd like to see if the troubleshooting tips outlined in the FAQ below make a difference:
http://ms.spr.ly/6428sKV2s
If you're still noticing this problem after giving that a try, please call Garmin Support at 800-800-1020 for further assistance.
*KC
http://ms.spr.ly/6428sKV2s
If you're still noticing this problem after giving that a try, please call Garmin Support at 800-800-1020 for further assistance.
*KC
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Great watch
on August 1, 2025
Posted by: Andy 28
This is a great watch. Long battery life. Has almost everything i wanted. Only wish it had the blood pressure feature and the maps feature. Not a deal breaker though. Watch is very durable.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin