Instinct 3 Solar Sport Watch
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Stay powered by the sun with the Instinct 3 Solar, a rugged GPS smartwatch built for extreme adventures
What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:
"This watch is an absolute game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts. The solar charging gives me virtually unlimited battery life, and the GPS tracking is incredibly accurate—even in remote areas. The rugged build handles anything I throw at it, and the heart rate monitor, barometer, and altimeter keep me informed no matter where I am. Whether I’m climbing, hiking, or cycling, this watch is always up for the challenge."
The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar is engineered for those who push their limits in the great outdoors. Featuring solar-powered battery life, multi-band GPS tracking, and rugged durability, this watch is ready for any adventure—whether we’re summiting peaks, trekking through remote landscapes, or training for our next endurance feat.
Built with fiber-reinforced polymer housing and 10 ATM water resistance, the Instinct 3 Solar is made to withstand extreme conditions. Altimeter, barometer, and compass sensors keep us informed, while wrist-based heart rate monitoring and fitness tracking ensure we stay in peak condition. The larger 50mm version offers even more solar efficiency, extending battery life further for long expeditions.
From backcountry trails to everyday workouts, the Instinct 3 Solar delivers the performance, reliability, and power we need to go farther.
Details
- Solar charging extends battery life for multi-day and off-grid adventures
- GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo tracking for accurate navigation in remote areas
- Wrist-based heart rate monitoring and advanced fitness metrics for peak performance
- Altimeter, barometer, and compass provide real-time environmental data
- Water-rated to 10 ATM (100m) for durability in extreme conditions
- Smart notifications keep us connected on the go
- Item #GRMF082
- Housing Material
- fiber-reinforced polymer
- Strap Material
- silicone
- Face Material
- glass
- Movement
- digital
- Pedometer
- yes
- Odometer
- yes
- Altimeter
- barometric
- Barometer
- yes
- Heart Rate Monitor
- wrist-based
- Submersible
- 10 ATM (100 meters)
- Technical Features
- GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, smart notifications, fitness tracking, stress monitoring, sleep tracking, ABC sensors (altimeter, barometer, compass)
- Wireless
- Bluetooth, ANT+
- Operating System
- Garmin OS
- Dual Times
- yes
- Date Indicator
- yes
- Weekday Indicator
- yes
- Alarms
- customizable
- Backlight
- LED
- Battery Type
- rechargeable lithium-ion
- Battery Life
- up to 28 days (unlimited with solar)
- Low Battery Indicator
- yes
- Face Size
- 45mm, 50mm
- Activity
- hiking, fitness, running, cycling
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited 1 year
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
4 based on 36 ratings
Review Summary
Customer Images
Here's what customers have to say
The Garmin sports watch offers impressive battery life, especially with solar charging, and is praised for its durability, customization, and accurate activity tracking. However, some users have experienced issues with the heart rate sensor, GPS, and connectivity. The solar-powered display is limited to black and white. While generally a solid sports watch, it has some technical problems that may detract from the user experience.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews.
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageAugust 27, 2025
Great watch
I got this watch a bout 3 weeks ago after seeing it on an online ad. I hadn't heard of the Instinct 3 so I looked it up. Saw that it was a 50mm and bought it. I have 2 Epix Pros, Fenix 6 and 7 and the Venu X1. I like watches. The Instinct 3 is by far my favorite. I don't use it for it for what it's intended for. I just got it and like it because it's a big watch.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
August 25, 2025
Fenix 5 upgrade
After 6 years using my Fenix 5x which still works perfectly, I decided to upgrade only for a more readable, brighter display. After a lot of research I went with a competitor’s watch (trusting the hype to be honest) based on reviews and price. It didn’t take long to realize that my trust was misplaced. I came back to Garmin as fast as I could and settled on the Instinct 3 50mm solar. The smartwatch is perfect for this almost 70 year old. I know and trust the watch and app and after almost a month without charging, I am still at 39% battery. I use only a fraction of its capabilities but it’s still perfect for me. I am now a Garmin user for life!
Originally reviewed on Garmin
August 5, 2025
Good watch but needs some work
I like Garmin watches. Have several. My issue with this one is the compass. It doesn't work well. I have other watches with a compass, gps etc... All work well, except for my Instinct. It's just off... I mean WAY off, like 45-90 degrees off. No matter how many times I calibrate it, it doesn't hold. I worked with Garmin to try and resolve. Tried every suggestion they made. Still doesn't work and we're out of options. All the other functions work well, it's just the compass, which is important to me.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
August 4, 2025
Readable and Reliable
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.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
August 2, 2025
Great product evolution
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.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
August 2, 2025
Awesome watch
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.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
August 1, 2025
Amazing!
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!
Originally reviewed on Garmin
August 1, 2025
Great GPS watch
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.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
August 1, 2025
I love my Instinct 3
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.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
August 1, 2025
Great watch with good visual display
Bought this a few months ago. It’s a good switch from my fenix 5
Originally reviewed on Garmin
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