Garmin Instinct 3 45mm Solar Black Smartwatch with Black Band
$399.99
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Guests are saying
The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar is a highly regarded smartwatch that impresses guests with its long battery life, solar charging capabilities, and rugged design. Many appreciate its health monitoring features and large display, making it suitable for various outdoor activities. While some guests have experienced issues with the compass accuracy and Bluetooth connectivity, the overall functionality and durability of the watch make it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and fitness trackers alike.
Summary created by AI from text of reviews reflecting recent feedback provided across different star ratings (includes incentivized reviews)
4.3 out of 5 stars with 76 reviews
0% would recommend
1 recommendations
3 out of 5 stars
18 March, 2026
originally posted on Garmin
Mixed opinion
On the positive side, tells time well and the GPS works well. However, there are some things that bother me: 1. The solar cell has a hard time keeping up so I'll probably have to plug it in from time to time to recharge. Needs a better solar cell. 2. No easy way to get the bearing to a waypoint in degrees. Just wants to show a line pointing that direction unless I go through some gyrations. 3. Wants to track my steps and interrupt the time display to show that. I've not found a way to disable that. 4. Tells me "good morning" early even though I really want the time. Not sure if or how to disable that.
3 out of 5 stars
17 March, 2026
originally posted on Garmin
Still Working out the Kinks
I upgraded from an Instinct Solar. I have been wearing it about a month. I haven't tried the activity (wlak/run/ride) yet. I have a 1040 Edge so it hasn't been necessary yet. I have two main beefs. First the charge cord is loose in the back and I have to jiggle it just right to get it tto charge. I ended up using my old cable truth be told. Second and this is a preference issue only. I hate the secondary screens look and feel. I much prefer the old watches layout. I may be able to revert back, but I am trying to give these an honest go. I also didnt like the morning report and good morning screen. I shut them off so no issue. Everything else is to be expected with the physical bulletproof build of an Instinct. I do have an issue with the Edge and the Watch interfering with one another, but I firmly believe that is an Edge issue. Not a fan of the 1040, my 705 was so much better, but also worn out :). If the activity and GPS work well, I'll bump to a at least a 4 once I try those out.
5 out of 5 stars
9 March, 2026
originally posted on Garmin
Buy now
Wow, great watch dumped my Apple 7 for a watch with a real battery
5 out of 5 stars
8 March, 2026
originally posted on Garmin
Extremely versatile, outstanding adventure watch
Excellent product with lots of features. Slowly learning how to get maximum usage. Key features I enjoy; flashlight (is incredible), solar charging feature likely better in the summer. I’ve used it to track snowboarding and swimming and am very pleased.
1 out of 5 stars
2 March, 2026
originally posted on Garmin
Lame expencive device
Not enough memory for update! It is year 2026, you produced 200mb device and charge it 400 dolars- without maps and sapphire, and now problems from the start!? Now stucked transfering something, cannot fully charge it, battery estimation 11 days!? Garbage
5 out of 5 stars
22 February, 2026
originally posted on Garmin
Enjoying the watch
I came from an Apple Watch and am very pleased with all the features of the instinct 3.
4 out of 5 stars
27 January, 2026
originally posted on Garmin
Awsome watch with good features.
I purchased this a month ago, after my Samsung watch battery died. I spend a lot of time outdoors and thought the solor charging would be great. It is loaded with lots of features. I especially like the sleep measurement apps. Wished it was a touch screen. The app on the phone could be better.
5 out of 5 stars
17 January, 2026
originally posted on Garmin
Love the watch
The larger display is great. Still working on getting everything that I eat activated but at this point all is working awesome.
5 out of 5 stars
15 January, 2026
originally posted on Garmin
excellent watch with a lot of features
I purchased this watch for all my adventures into the backcountry and to track of my fitness goals. sometimes it is a little confusing to use, you have to scroll through all the options the instinct has to offer. I think it would be helpful if Garmin would actually include more instruction pamplets instead of a little picture pamplet
5 out of 5 stars
13 January, 2026
originally posted on Garmin
Excellent followup
Bought this a few weeks ago after wearing the Instinct Solar 2 for 3 years. Absolutely love the upgrade. Didn't necessarily need to upgrade, but love Garmin and all the features.
5 out of 5 stars
11 January, 2026
originally posted on Garmin
Great overall
I love the features and the gps tracking! It has an amazing battery life.
5 out of 5 stars
8 January, 2026
originally posted on Garmin
Getting Accustomed
I received this as a Christmas gift and so far, I love it. I only wished that it was the smaller 45mm version, but it is starting to be less noticeable as I wear it daily. Still learning all the features, but it really a nice item. I have even stopped wearing my Tag and put it on an autowinder.
5 out of 5 stars
8 January, 2026
originally posted on Garmin
My do everything timepiece!
I had an Instinct 2 and loved it - got an Instinct 3 as a gift. It keeps track of the the metrics I want and keeps accurate time! :)
5 out of 5 stars
7 January, 2026
originally posted on Garmin
Instinct 3
Great battery life only issue is the buttons and menus are difficult to understand.
5 out of 5 stars
4 January, 2026
originally posted on Garmin
Loaded with features and long battery life
It has taken a little while to learn all the features but once that is accomplished the watch is the best watch for the outdoors, training, and connectivity that i have ever owned
5 out of 5 stars
1 January, 2026
originally posted on Garmin
Best smartwatch
It us better then last watch I had ( instinct 2 solar).Battery last longer(4 weeks +), easier to read display, navigate, workout set up, it is very nice watch for anyone spend lots time out door.
5 out of 5 stars
26 December, 2025
originally posted on Garmin
Works as expected
Mainly used for biking, running and walking. It seamlessly transmits HR to Garmin Edge, no extra HRM needed and charges in the sun while riding outside. Much more advanced fitness feature sets then the Apple Watch SE I had before. Best is it needs to be charged about 10 days vs. everyday.
5 out of 5 stars
6 December, 2025
originally posted on Garmin
Great battery, rugged, waterproof beast of a watch
I upgraded from the instinct 1 and love how this watch is still as rugged, better battery and solar charging. It’s still simple yet has all the features and widgets you need.
3 out of 5 stars
6 December, 2025
originally posted on Garmin
Nice, but..
I thought this would be a big upgrade from the solar instinct 2 50mm, but disappointingly it is not. Just a bit quicker on Garmin connect. No other big improvements. The orange ring Garmin added is kind of pointless. Should’ve saved my money and waited for another new solar instinct
5 out of 5 stars
1 December, 2025
originally posted on Garmin
Great solar watch
I have had the Instinct 3 solar (50mm) for a few weeks now and I couldn't be happier with it. I have been walking with the watch exposed on my wrist and after a few weeks of usage it still shows 94% battery life due to the solar charging. I haven't tried a lot of the other features yet, but am satisfied with the solar part.