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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGarmin Enduro 3 vs Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
The Garmin Enduro 3 is the flagship option, and it shines with its jaw-dropping battery life of up to 90 days in smartwatch mode thanks to solar charging. In contrast, the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar offers unlimited battery potential if you get enough sun, making it a strong contender for outdoor enthusiasts. In real-world use, if you’re an ultra-endurance athlete, the Enduro 3’s plethora of features, including preloaded TopoActive maps, gives you an edge with superior navigation. However, if you need a rugged watch with a built-in flashlight for safety, the Instinct 2X Solar’s light can be a lifesaver during late-night adventures, even though it lacks detailed maps.
⚖️ Weight: 2.22 oz vs 2.36 oz💽 Storage: 32 GB vs 64 GB🔋 Battery: 90 days vs Unlimited (solar)
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Garmin Enduro 3
★4
(7)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:51mm x 51mm x 15.7mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case with titanium rear cover; Titanium bezel; Power Sapphire solar charging lens
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Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
★4.7
(2,562)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone and Android (via Garmin Connect app)
Operating System:Garmin OS
Case Size:50mm (50 x 50 x 14.5 mm / 1.97 x 1.97 x 0.57 in)
Case Material:Bezel & Case: Fiber-reinforced polymer; Lens: Power Glass (Solar); Strap: Silicone
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Garmin Enduro 3
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Garmin Enduro 3
1.4 in (35.56 mm) diameter
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Custom two-window design; 1.1" x 1.1" (27 x 27 mm)
Resolution
Garmin Enduro 3
280 x 280 pixels
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
176 x 176 pixels
Performance1 specs
Storage
Garmin Enduro 3
32GB
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
64 MB (Activity data and apps only; no music/map storage)Winner
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Garmin Enduro 3
Smartwatch mode: Up to 36 days (90 days with solar); GPS Only: Up to 120 hours (320 hours with solar); Expedition GPS: Unlimited with solar
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Smartwatch: Up to 40 days (Unlimited w/ solar*); GPS: Up to 60 hours (145 hours w/ solar*); Multi-Band: Up to 27 hours (36 hours w/ solar*)
Design2 specs
Weight
Garmin Enduro 3
63 g (Case only: 57 g) — includes UltraFit nylon strapWinner
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
67 g (2.4 oz)
Water Resistance
Garmin Enduro 3
10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters)
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
10 ATM (100 meters)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Garmin Enduro 3
Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Garmin OS
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Garmin Enduro 3
Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Bluetooth, ANT+
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Garmin Enduro 3 vs Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Garmin Enduro 3
★4(7)Amazon
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
★4.7(2,562)Amazon
| Criterion | Garmin Enduro 3 | Garmin Instinct 2X Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4(7)Amazon | ★4.7(2,562)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required) | iPhone and Android (via Garmin Connect app) |
Operating System | Garmin OS (Proprietary) | Garmin OS |
Case Size | 51mm x 51mm x 15.7mm | 50mm (50 x 50 x 14.5 mm / 1.97 x 1.97 x 0.57 in) |
Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer case with titanium rear cover; Titanium bezel; Power Sapphire solar charging lens | Bezel & Case: Fiber-reinforced polymer; Lens: Power Glass (Solar); Strap: Silicone |
Display Type | Sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) | Monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) |
Display Size | 1.4 in (35.56 mm) diameter | Custom two-window design; 1.1" x 1.1" (27 x 27 mm) |
Resolution | 280 x 280 pixels | 176 x 176 pixels |
Always On Display | Yes (MIP display is always visible) | Yes (MIP technology) |
Water Resistance | 10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters) | 10 ATM (100 meters) |
Durability | MIL-STD-810H (Thermal, Shock, Water); Scratch-resistant Sapphire lens | MIL-STD-810 rated (thermal, shock, water); Operating temp: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F) |
GPS | Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou | Multi-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, Galileo |
Connectivity | Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, ANT+ |
NFC Payments | Garmin Pay | Yes (Garmin Pay) |
Sensors | Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor (ECG capable); Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer | Garmin Elevate Gen 4 Heart Rate; Pulse Ox (SpO2); Barometric Altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer |
Health Features | Garmin ECG App (region dependent); Body Battery; Sleep Score and advanced monitoring; HRV Status; Pulse Ox; Nap detection; Jet Lag Adviser; Health Snapshot | Sleep Score & Insights; Body Battery; HRV Status; Morning Report; Stress tracking; Respiration; Pulse Ox; Health Snapshot |
Workout Modes | Ultrarunning (with rest timer); Adventure Racing; Trail Run; Advanced Strength Training; Hiking; Cycling (MTB, Gravel, Road); Swimming (Pool & Open Water); Skiing; Surfing; and 100+ others | Obstacle Course Racing, HIIT, Running, Cycling, Swimming, Strength, Skiing, Golf, Indoor Climbing, Tactical (on Tactical Edition) |
Storage | 32GB | 64 MB (Activity data and apps only; no music/map storage) |
Speaker Mic | None (Audio prompts via connected Bluetooth headphones only) | No (No built-in speaker or microphone) |
Calls | No (Can accept/decline calls to control phone; Android users can send text replies) | No (Notification alerts only; Text response/reject on Android) |
Battery | Smartwatch mode: Up to 36 days (90 days with solar); GPS Only: Up to 120 hours (320 hours with solar); Expedition GPS: Unlimited with solar | Smartwatch: Up to 40 days (Unlimited w/ solar*); GPS: Up to 60 hours (145 hours w/ solar*); Multi-Band: Up to 27 hours (36 hours w/ solar*) |
Charging | Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-C cable included); Solar charging | Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-A); Solar charging |
Weight | 63 g (Case only: 57 g) — includes UltraFit nylon strap | 67 g (2.4 oz) |
Band Sizes | Fits wrists 127–225mm (UltraFit nylon strap included); QuickFit 26mm compatible | Fits wrist sizes 145–228 mm; Standard 26 mm QuickFit compatible |
Extras | Built-in LED Flashlight (Red/White strobes); Dynamic Round-Trip Routing; TopoActive Maps (preloaded); NextFork Map Guide; Grade Adjusted Pace; Real-time Stamina | Built-in LED Flashlight (White/Red variable intensities); Solar charging overlay; Breadcrumb navigation; TracBack; Safety & Incident Detection |
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Garmin Enduro 3
Rating:★4(7)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:51mm x 51mm x 15.7mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case with titanium rear cover; Titanium bezel; Power Sapphire solar charging lens
Display Type:Sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)
Display Size:1.4 in (35.56 mm) diameter
Resolution:280 x 280 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (MIP display is always visible)
Water Resistance:10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters)
Durability:MIL-STD-810H (Thermal, Shock, Water); Scratch-resistant Sapphire lens
GPS:Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou
Connectivity:Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
NFC Payments:Garmin Pay
Sensors:Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor (ECG capable); Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer
Health Features:Garmin ECG App (region dependent); Body Battery; Sleep Score and advanced monitoring; HRV Status; Pulse Ox; Nap detection; Jet Lag Adviser; Health Snapshot
Workout Modes:Ultrarunning (with rest timer); Adventure Racing; Trail Run; Advanced Strength Training; Hiking; Cycling (MTB, Gravel, Road); Swimming (Pool & Open Water); Skiing; Surfing; and 100+ others
Storage:32GB
Speaker Mic:None (Audio prompts via connected Bluetooth headphones only)
Calls:No (Can accept/decline calls to control phone; Android users can send text replies)
Battery:Smartwatch mode: Up to 36 days (90 days with solar); GPS Only: Up to 120 hours (320 hours with solar); Expedition GPS: Unlimited with solar
Charging:Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-C cable included); Solar charging
Weight:63 g (Case only: 57 g) — includes UltraFit nylon strap
Band Sizes:Fits wrists 127–225mm (UltraFit nylon strap included); QuickFit 26mm compatible
Extras:Built-in LED Flashlight (Red/White strobes); Dynamic Round-Trip Routing; TopoActive Maps (preloaded); NextFork Map Guide; Grade Adjusted Pace; Real-time Stamina
✓ Pros:
- • Unrivaled battery life: up to 90 days in smartwatch mode with solar
- • Incredibly lightweight (63g) for a 51mm watch due to nylon strap/titanium
- • Built-in LED flashlight is a game-changer for ultra-endurance events
- • Excellent visibility in direct sunlight thanks to MIP display
- • Preloaded TopoActive maps with SatIQ for superior navigation
✗ Cons:
- • Lacks the speaker/microphone found in the Fenix 8 series
- • No diving certification (unlike Fenix 8 which is rated to 40m)
- • MIP display is less vibrant indoors compared to AMOLED rivals
- • Large 51mm case size may be too bulky for smaller wrists
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Rating:★4.7(2,562)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone and Android (via Garmin Connect app)
Operating System:Garmin OS
Case Size:50mm (50 x 50 x 14.5 mm / 1.97 x 1.97 x 0.57 in)
Case Material:Bezel & Case: Fiber-reinforced polymer; Lens: Power Glass (Solar); Strap: Silicone
Display Type:Monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)
Display Size:Custom two-window design; 1.1" x 1.1" (27 x 27 mm)
Resolution:176 x 176 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (MIP technology)
Water Resistance:10 ATM (100 meters)
Durability:MIL-STD-810 rated (thermal, shock, water); Operating temp: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F)
GPS:Multi-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
Connectivity:Bluetooth, ANT+
NFC Payments:Yes (Garmin Pay)
Sensors:Garmin Elevate Gen 4 Heart Rate; Pulse Ox (SpO2); Barometric Altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer
Health Features:Sleep Score & Insights; Body Battery; HRV Status; Morning Report; Stress tracking; Respiration; Pulse Ox; Health Snapshot
Workout Modes:Obstacle Course Racing, HIIT, Running, Cycling, Swimming, Strength, Skiing, Golf, Indoor Climbing, Tactical (on Tactical Edition)
Storage:64 MB (Activity data and apps only; no music/map storage)
Speaker Mic:No (No built-in speaker or microphone)
Calls:No (Notification alerts only; Text response/reject on Android)
Battery:Smartwatch: Up to 40 days (Unlimited w/ solar*); GPS: Up to 60 hours (145 hours w/ solar*); Multi-Band: Up to 27 hours (36 hours w/ solar*)
Charging:Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-A); Solar charging
Weight:67 g (2.4 oz)
Band Sizes:Fits wrist sizes 145–228 mm; Standard 26 mm QuickFit compatible
Extras:Built-in LED Flashlight (White/Red variable intensities); Solar charging overlay; Breadcrumb navigation; TracBack; Safety & Incident Detection
✓ Pros:
- • Integrated LED flashlight is exceptionally useful for safety and utility
- • Potentially unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode (3 hours sun/day)
- • Multi-band GNSS provides superior accuracy in challenging environments
- • Extremely durable construction (MIL-STD-810) and 10 ATM rating
- • High-contrast monochrome display is perfectly legible in direct sunlight
✗ Cons:
- • Monochrome, low-resolution screen lacks the detail of AMOLED or color MIP
- • No topographic maps (breadcrumb trails only)
- • No onboard music storage (controls phone music only)
- • Large 50mm case size is bulky and may not fit smaller wrists well
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The Garmin Enduro 3 is the better buy for most people - its incredible battery life of up to 90 days crushes the Instinct 2X Solar's unlimited potential. That said, grab the Instinct 2X Solar if you need a flashlight and don't mind its monochrome display - it's slightly at 2.4 oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Garmin Enduro 3 if: you want unbeatable battery life for long adventures, need detailed navigation with maps, or prefer a lightweight design at 2.22 oz.
Choose the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar if: you need a flashlight for safety, want potentially unlimited battery life with sunlight, or prefer a rugged design that meets military standards. (2.36 oz weight, 64 GB storage)
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Garmin Enduro 3 excels if you value unrivaled battery life: up to 90 days in smartwatch mode with solar. Garmin Instinct 2X Solar is better if you prioritize integrated led flashlight is exceptionally useful for safety and utility. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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