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
Readable and Reliable
on August 3, 2025
Posted by: AJA69
I have owned every Fenix since the original, and this was is amazing! The light weight, solid construction, and THE most readable screen ever make this a great watch. The solar function is impressive as well.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Great product evolution
on August 2, 2025
Posted by: Fournwi
Upgraded to the Instinct 3 50mm after using the original for about 5+ years (still running strong). Three key features I really value in the upgrade:
1) Drastically improved battery life with the solar charging capability. My old Instinct was good for maybe 12-14 days if I only used its base watch features like altimeter, alarms, etc. much shorter if I tracked workouts or other efforts. The new watch routinely displays 31-32 days of battery available and I love to see it go up on backcountry trips after being in the sun all day. 2) Much improved monitors - HRM, HRV, Oximiter, sleep, etc. It really delivers on those features. Combined with its existing ruggedness means it’s up for any activity and 3) The larger 50mm display allows
Much more data to be displayed clearly and easily. Overall Garmin made a good sports watch into a great watch.
1) Drastically improved battery life with the solar charging capability. My old Instinct was good for maybe 12-14 days if I only used its base watch features like altimeter, alarms, etc. much shorter if I tracked workouts or other efforts. The new watch routinely displays 31-32 days of battery available and I love to see it go up on backcountry trips after being in the sun all day. 2) Much improved monitors - HRM, HRV, Oximiter, sleep, etc. It really delivers on those features. Combined with its existing ruggedness means it’s up for any activity and 3) The larger 50mm display allows
Much more data to be displayed clearly and easily. Overall Garmin made a good sports watch into a great watch.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Awesome watch
on August 1, 2025
Posted by: Gregory AH
Ive had this watch since it came out- I had the Instinct 2 prior. It does everything i need it to and has tons of battery life- and is easily recharged by sunlight. Its light and easy to wear and customizable as to the face. Doesn't have all the fancy features of a fenix 8 but its much easier to wear and tracks most everything you'd need tracked. Id buy it again given the option.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Amazing!
on August 1, 2025
Posted by: Quentin
Switched from an Apple Watch to the garmin instinct 3 solar, the change has been amazing, and the data has been on point! Forever will only buy garmin from here on out!
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Great GPS watch
on August 1, 2025
Posted by: Bostonbruin44
I like most everything about the Instinct 3. I have a lot of problems starting an exercise, stopping it, and saving it. I seem to always fat finger it and mess up the finish. That might be a Garmin software thing that seems to cause me a problem.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
I love my Instinct 3
on August 1, 2025
Posted by: Old Vet
I’ve had my watch since April and have only needed to charge it twice. I don’t know what it can all do, but I’m learning. The only issue I have is with the band. I don’t like silicone band so I bought a nylons one that fits better. For the price of the watch you should have a choice of what band you want or have it included.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Great watch with good visual display
on August 1, 2025
Posted by: Marius Rolando
Bought this a few months ago. It’s a good switch from my fenix 5
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Awesome
on August 1, 2025
Posted by: CHARLIE1775
Still learning all the features, but love all the tools it gives me to monitor my activities and health.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin