The Garmin Enduro 3 delivers extraordinary performance for outdoor enthusiasts, combining robust features with stellar battery life. Priced competitively compared to its sibling, the Fenix 8, it’s a standout option for adventurers prioritizing longevity and advanced tracking capabilities.
Garmin Enduro 3 Review: Quick Summary
The Garmin Enduro 3 outshines many outdoor smartwatches with its groundbreaking solar charging technology, rugged design, and improved mapping tools. Despite its premium price tag, it offers great value for those who seek precision and reliability during outdoor escapades.
Key Benefits:
- Solar-enhanced battery lasting up to 90 days.
- Advanced GPS, heart rate, and mapping features.
- Lightweight yet durable build for extreme environments.
Drawbacks:
- Higher cost compared to competitors.
- Lacks voice-enabled smart features.
- Bulky design may not suit slimmer wrists.
Why Choose Garmin Enduro 3?
Perfect for Outdoor Enthusiasts
The Enduro 3 is tailored for adventurers who demand extended battery life and robust tracking features. With solar charging lenses and dynamic routing capabilities, it stands as a reliable companion for hiking, running, and cycling in remote areas.
Better Value than the Fenix 8
While the Garmin Fenix 8 boasts an AMOLED screen and voice-enabled tools, it’s priced higher. The Enduro 3 delivers comparable tracking and mapping functionalities for a lower price, making it the smarter buy for those who don’t require additional smartwatch features.
Garmin Enduro 3 Review: Pricing and Availability
Model | Price (USD) | Price (GBP) | Price (AUD) |
---|---|---|---|
Garmin Enduro 3 | $899 | £769 | AU$1,549 |
Garmin Fenix 8 | $999 | £949 | AU$1,699 |
Garmin Enduro 2 | $1,099 | £929 | AU$1,749 |
Compared to alternatives like the Polar Grit X Pro and Apple Watch Ultra 2, the Enduro 3 balances affordability with feature richness. It’s also a step down in price from its predecessor, the Enduro 2, which is rare in Garmin’s lineup.
Design and Build Quality
Durable and Stylish
- Materials: Fiber-reinforced polymer case with a titanium bezel for lightweight durability.
- Strap: Comfortable nylon band, quick-fit compatible for customization.
- Display: A 1.4-inch transflective screen with improved Power Sapphire solar lenses, delivering better sunlight readability and efficient energy harvesting.
The design ensures the Enduro 3 withstands extreme conditions while providing a sleek aesthetic. Unlike the Fenix 8, it lacks leak-proof buttons but compensates with a brighter LED flashlight for nighttime adventures.
Score: 4/5
Key Features
Revolutionary Solar Charging
The upgraded Power Sapphire lens not only enhances the display but also boosts battery life significantly. Solar charging can extend battery performance from 36 days to an astonishing 90 days under optimal sunlight exposure.
Advanced Navigation and Mapping
- Dynamic Round-Trip Routing: Adjusts your route in real time.
- Multi-Band GPS: Combines GPS, Beidou, and Glonass for exceptional accuracy in challenging terrains.
These features ensure seamless navigation, making it a dependable choice for off-the-grid activities.
Enhanced Health Monitoring
Equipped with Garmin’s Gen 5 Elevate heart rate sensor, the Enduro 3 introduces:
- ECG-style measurements.
- Temperature tracking.
- Improved heart rate accuracy.
This upgrade strengthens its position as a hybrid wellness and performance tracker.
Tailored Training Insights
- Personalized strength training plans for runners, cyclists, and swimmers.
- Real-time altitude and heat acclimation tracking.
- Morning reports offering sleep and readiness data.
Score: 4.5/5
Garmin Enduro 3 Review: Performance Overview
The Enduro 3 excels in areas that matter most to outdoor adventurers:
Battery Life
Battery longevity is its crown jewel. In GPS mode, it lasts up to 320 hours, outpacing most competitors. With solar charging, users can achieve a battery lifespan of 90 days in smartwatch mode, ideal for extended trips.
GPS and Mapping Accuracy
Its multi-band GPS ensures pinpoint accuracy, even in dense forests or urban environments. Dynamic routing is especially helpful for adapting on-the-go without manually recalculating routes.
Heart Rate Monitoring
While accuracy improves significantly over earlier models, it still struggles during high-intensity activities. However, for general use and moderate workouts, it delivers reliable data.
Score: 5/5
Comparison with Alternatives
Feature | Garmin Enduro 3 | Garmin Fenix 8 | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | Up to 90 days | Up to 57 days | Up to 36 hours |
Solar Charging | Yes | Yes | No |
AMOLED Display | No | Yes | Yes |
Price (USD) | $899 | $999 | $799 |
While the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Fenix 8 cater to users seeking premium aesthetics and smartwatch features, the Enduro 3 dominates in endurance and outdoor reliability.
Should You Buy It?
Buy It If:
- You prioritize battery life and outdoor performance.
- You’re looking for a cheaper alternative to the Fenix 8.
- You frequently engage in activities requiring accurate mapping and GPS.
Skip It If:
- You need voice-enabled smart features like on the Fenix 8.
- You prefer slimmer, more stylish watches.
Garmin Enduro 3 Review: Final Verdict
The Garmin Enduro 3 sets a high benchmark in the outdoor smartwatch category. Its unparalleled battery life, rugged build, and advanced tracking features make it a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts. While it lacks some smartwatch functionalities, the focus on core performance and reliability more than compensates.
Overall Score: 4.5/5