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
(95 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 95 reviews
5 Stars
65
4 Stars
14
3 Stars
6
2 Stars
3
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
Great to be back on the Garmin team
on June 11, 2026
Posted by: V1F1
I received this as a birthday present a few weeks ago. I thought the 50mm dial would be too big, but very happy with the size. I haven't had a working Garmin for several years so it takes a while to reacquaint yourself with the many features of the Instinct 3 Solar. So far no issues programing the device and it sync's well with the app. The default screen set up come with the fields I wanted to see regularly. I look forward to exploring the many customizations possible on the device.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Awesome watch
on June 13, 2026
Posted by: Goophibama
I couldn’t be happier with this watch. The battery life is incredible and the watch is packed with great features.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Less charges, more wearing.
on June 16, 2026
Posted by: Ed 02
Got my watch a couple weeks ago. I charged it one time. I’ve been out in the sun a couple times. Right now the watch battery says 61%. I would’ve had to charge my old watch at least three times by now.
Not a lot of color in the watch mostly black-and-white. But if the battery lasts a long time.
So far, so good!
Not a lot of color in the watch mostly black-and-white. But if the battery lasts a long time.
So far, so good!
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Great Watch and Features!
on June 21, 2026
Posted by: Amckinion
I was hesitant about buying the watch, then I took the plunge and got it. I’ve only had it couple of weeks and I was very impressed! It is more accurate than my last watch I had. I like the solar feature that continues to charge the watch every day. I should have purchased this a lot sooner!
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Garmin Instinct Solar 3: Absolute & Affordable.
on June 24, 2026
Posted by: Wood
I've only had the Instinct 3 Solar for about 3 weeks now, and during this short duration if time the specefic Instinct 3 Solar watch I own has given me lots of impactful and informative logistical data from my daily activities. This data has helped me better control my stress, sleep, mood and allowed me to focus on other informative motivations in my lifestyle choices.
The litteral physical functionality of the watch is great, the 50mm is a bit larger than I expected and after wearing it for some time and every night to bed, it proves to be a bit uncomfortable. Besides that, the display is great. Solar charging seemingly keeps the battery alive for a much longer time than I thought. The modern features and ease of use help me stay less distracted on the road and many of the geolocating/navigation instruments are very insightful. Surprisingly, I have had successful use from the flashlight, and it's very bright for what it is.
Navigation is what you get the most from this watch, and I haven't had the time to fully appreciate or explore this watch but I have no doubt that if you work outside, drive long distances, explore the wild or just garden, you will appreciate the convenience of owning a watch; if you prefer a compact, durable, long lasting battery and accuracy this watch is perfect at its price point.
Given that this is the Solar watch, that functionality is stellar and has worked really well for me so far. It has lasted at least 18 days on one charge from the factory with all of the instruments enabled. Have to get lots of sunlight to charge, so set it on your windowsill or take charge and go explore a bit.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Miles ahead of the Solar 2
on June 26, 2026
Posted by: Idaho JD
Battery life is miles ahead of the 2 Solar. The solar on the 2 left you wondering if it did anything at all. I’ve had this watch for a month now, logged multiple GPS activities and am still at 45% battery having never charged it. Around 3-4 hours in the sun and you gain that days worth of battery easy. The upgraded features are great. After purchasing the 3 and watching “should I upgrade” videos on line I was wondering if I made a mistake. Not at all. If you want more run features and far more battery life but still like the instinct platform, the 3 is well worth the upgrade. Could not be happier
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Great watch
on June 29, 2026
Posted by: Wearer
Great watch wearing it for three weeks and still over 90%battery left.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin