Garmin Instinct 3 45 mm Solar GPS Smartwatch Black with Black Band
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ColorSolar Black
Size45mm
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Guests are saying
The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar is a robust smartwatch designed for outdoor enthusiasts, offering impressive battery life and a range of features that cater to fitness tracking and navigation. Guests appreciate its rugged build, solar charging capabilities, and large display, making it ideal for various activities. While some users have noted issues with button placement and connectivity, the overall functionality and durability of the watch make it a strong choice for those seeking a reliable companion for their adventures.
Summary created by AI from text of reviews reflecting recent feedback provided across different star ratings (includes incentivized reviews)
4.4 out of 5 stars with 85 reviews
0% would recommend
1 recommendations
2 out of 5 stars
29 April, 2026
originally posted on Garmin
Torch unreliable
My first Instinct 3 50mm solar torch (light) completely failed to operate after 3 months. Garmin sent me a replacement which was nice but the brand new replacement, the red option for the torch does not work right out of the box. Great watch but if you need or want the torch feature, it is very unreliable. Sad, I had higher expectations for Garmin.
3 out of 5 stars
29 April, 2026
originally posted on Garmin
Better instructions and descriptions needed!
So far so good but it is difficult to program and the instructions are of little use. There is little description of what all the various features are. The manual is on pages barely bigger than the watch. Going on line means asking a question about a specific problem that you don’t know. That is the reason you’re lookin at the help section.
5 out of 5 stars
25 April, 2026
originally posted on Garmin
Great Garmin
I’m replacing an Apple watch and have been very impressed with the functionality and long battery life.
5 out of 5 stars
22 April, 2026
originally posted on Garmin
Idea for future design
Dear Garmin, I recently purchased my second Garmin watch, the Instinct 3 Solar. Overall, I’m very pleased with the device—it’s exactly what I was looking for, especially as I prefer a watch without a touchscreen. However, I do have one significant piece of feedback regarding the design. Since most people are right-handed, they typically wear their watch on the left wrist. For this reason, it would be more practical if the most frequently used buttons (Light/Up/Down) were positioned on the right side of the watch. This would make them easier to access and press, without having to reach across the watch with the other hand. I hope you will consider this as a suggestion for future designs. Kind regards, Igor
5 out of 5 stars
18 April, 2026
originally posted on Garmin
Fantastic watch with awesome features
I bought this watch about 3 weeks ago I bought this watch about 3 weeks ago. and it meets all my and it meets All my and it meets all my expectations. all the health monitoring that I wanted all the health monitoring that I wanted. actually was out side today and was actually solar charging which is awesome I have not used the maps or the GPS or the compass yet but I know it has all those features and I'm anxious to use that I had the tactic 7 prior to this and I love that watch as well but this watch all I need it has all the bells and whistles I love the battery life it is absolutely phenomenal Garmin for making a great watch
5 out of 5 stars
12 April, 2026
originally posted on Garmin
A great upgrade from my old Instinct Solar 1.
I debated whether to upgrade to the Instinct 3 Solar from the Instinct Solar (1?). I'm glad I did as the display is much better and the battery is a lot better. I’ve only had it for 2 weeks but I'm so satisfied, especially with the better battery.
5 out of 5 stars
10 April, 2026
originally posted on Garmin
Accurate and practical
Everything that was promised, had it for a month tracking workouts, can’t wait to get it on the ski slope next season.
5 out of 5 stars
6 April, 2026
originally posted on Garmin
Love every feature about the watch
If you are looking for a smartwatch that prioritizes utility and endurance over a flashy touchscreen, the Garmin Instinct 3 (50mm) is a powerhouse. It doubles down on the "rugged" DNA of its predecessors while finally giving those with larger wrists (or a preference for big displays) the footprint the watch deserves.
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.