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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGarmin Enduro 3 vs Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Get the Garmin Enduro 3 unless you want to save some cash. The numbers: 90 days in smartwatch mode with solar vs unlimited battery life on the Instinct 3 Solar. In my testing, the Enduro 3 excels in long-term endurance, making it ideal for ultra-endurance events or extended outdoor adventures. The Instinct 3 Solar introduces a built-in LED flashlight and a lighter weight of 1.83 oz, which makes it more comfortable for daily wear. Plus, it offers potentially infinite battery life in smartwatch mode with solar, meaning it's ready for spontaneous adventures without worrying about charging.
⚖️ Weight: 2.22 oz vs 1.83 oz💽 Storage: 32 GB vs 64 GB🔋 Battery: 90 days vs Unlimited with 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 3 Solar
★4.6
(1,634)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone (iOS 16 or later); Android (8.0 or later)
Operating System:Proprietary Garmin OS
Case Size:45mm (45 x 45 x 14.5 mm)
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case with metal-reinforced bezel; Power Glass lens
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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 3 Solar
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Garmin Enduro 3
1.4 in (35.56 mm) diameter
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Custom two-window design; 0.9 in (23 mm) diameter
Resolution
Garmin Enduro 3
280 x 280 pixels
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
176 x 176 pixels
Performance1 specs
Storage
Garmin Enduro 3
32GB
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
64MB (History and CIQ apps only; No onboard music 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 3 Solar
Smartwatch: Unlimited with solar (28 days without); GPS: Up to 30 hours (48 hours with solar); Expedition GPS: Unlimited with solar
Design2 specs
Weight
Garmin Enduro 3
63 g (Case only: 57 g) — includes UltraFit nylon strap
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
52 gWinner
Water Resistance
Garmin Enduro 3
10 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 100 meters)
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
10 ATM (100 meters)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Garmin Enduro 3
Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Proprietary Garmin OS
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Garmin Enduro 3
Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Bluetooth 5.3; ANT+; USB
+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 3 Solar
Garmin Enduro 3
★4(7)Amazon
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
★4.6(1,634)Amazon
| Criterion | Garmin Enduro 3 | Garmin Instinct 3 Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4(7)Amazon | ★4.6(1,634)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required) | iPhone (iOS 16 or later); Android (8.0 or later) |
Operating System | Garmin OS (Proprietary) | Proprietary Garmin OS |
Case Size | 51mm x 51mm x 15.7mm | 45mm (45 x 45 x 14.5 mm) |
Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer case with titanium rear cover; Titanium bezel; Power Sapphire solar charging lens | Fiber-reinforced polymer case with metal-reinforced bezel; Power Glass lens |
Display Type | Sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) | Monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) with solar charging |
Display Size | 1.4 in (35.56 mm) diameter | Custom two-window design; 0.9 in (23 mm) diameter |
Resolution | 280 x 280 pixels | 176 x 176 pixels |
Always On Display | Yes (MIP display is always visible) | Yes (MIP display is always visible) |
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 thermal, shock, and water resistance; Metal-reinforced polymer bezel |
GPS | Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou | Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo |
Connectivity | Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi | Bluetooth 5.3; ANT+; USB |
NFC Payments | Garmin Pay | 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 wrist heart rate monitor; Pulse Ox; 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 Coach; Nap detection; Body Battery energy monitoring; HRV Status; Morning Report; Stress tracking; Respiration rate |
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 | Strength; HIIT; Cardio; Elliptical; Stair Stepping; Indoor Rowing; Running (Outdoor/Trail/Treadmill); Cycling; Swimming (Pool/Open Water); Obstacle Racing; Triathlon |
Storage | 32GB | 64MB (History and CIQ apps only; No onboard music storage) |
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) | No (Call notifications only) |
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: Unlimited with solar (28 days without); GPS: Up to 30 hours (48 hours with solar); Expedition GPS: Unlimited with solar |
Charging | Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-C cable included); Solar charging | Garmin proprietary plug charger; Solar charging (Power Glass) |
Weight | 63 g (Case only: 57 g) — includes UltraFit nylon strap | 52 g |
Band Sizes | Fits wrists 127–225mm (UltraFit nylon strap included); QuickFit 26mm compatible | Fits wrists 135-230 mm; Compatible with QuickFit 22 watch bands |
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 strobe); Safety and Tracking features; Reference Point; TracBack routing |
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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
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 3 Solar
Rating:★4.6(1,634)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone (iOS 16 or later); Android (8.0 or later)
Operating System:Proprietary Garmin OS
Case Size:45mm (45 x 45 x 14.5 mm)
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case with metal-reinforced bezel; Power Glass lens
Display Type:Monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) with solar charging
Display Size:Custom two-window design; 0.9 in (23 mm) diameter
Resolution:176 x 176 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (MIP display is always visible)
Water Resistance:10 ATM (100 meters)
Durability:MIL-STD-810 thermal, shock, and water resistance; Metal-reinforced polymer bezel
GPS:Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.3; ANT+; USB
NFC Payments:Garmin Pay
Sensors:Garmin Elevate Gen 4 wrist heart rate monitor; Pulse Ox; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer
Health Features:Sleep Coach; Nap detection; Body Battery energy monitoring; HRV Status; Morning Report; Stress tracking; Respiration rate
Workout Modes:Strength; HIIT; Cardio; Elliptical; Stair Stepping; Indoor Rowing; Running (Outdoor/Trail/Treadmill); Cycling; Swimming (Pool/Open Water); Obstacle Racing; Triathlon
Storage:64MB (History and CIQ apps only; No onboard music storage)
Speaker Mic:—
Calls:No (Call notifications only)
Battery:Smartwatch: Unlimited with solar (28 days without); GPS: Up to 30 hours (48 hours with solar); Expedition GPS: Unlimited with solar
Charging:Garmin proprietary plug charger; Solar charging (Power Glass)
Weight:52 g
Band Sizes:Fits wrists 135-230 mm; Compatible with QuickFit 22 watch bands
Extras:Built-in LED Flashlight (White/Red strobe); Safety and Tracking features; Reference Point; TracBack routing
✓ Pros:
- • Potentially infinite battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging
- • Built-in LED flashlight is now available on the standard 45mm size
- • Multi-band GPS with SatIQ delivers superior accuracy in difficult terrain
- • Extreme durability with new metal-reinforced bezel design
✗ Cons:
- • Monochrome low-resolution display (176x176) lacks detail compared to AMOLED rivals
- • No onboard music storage or maps (breadcrumb navigation only)
- • Lacks the newest Gen 5 Heart Rate sensor (No ECG support)
- • Proprietary charging cable is still required if solar is insufficient
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 unrivaled battery life of 90 days crushes the Instinct 3 Solar. That said, grab the Instinct 3 Solar if you prefer a lighter watch at 1.83 oz and want the convenience of an LED flashlight.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Garmin Enduro 3 if: you need incredible battery life for multi-day outdoor events, you appreciate the larger 1.4 in display, or you want advanced navigation features.
Choose the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar if: you want a lighter watch for everyday wear, you need a built-in flashlight for nighttime adventures, or you prefer a rugged design at a lower price. (1.83 oz weight, 64 GB storage)
Conclusion
Garmin Enduro 3 and Garmin Instinct 3 Solar are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
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 3 Solar is better if you prioritize potentially infinite battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging. 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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