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I wore the Garmin Fenix 8 vs. Garmin Instinct 3 for two weeks — which is better?
Feb 3, 2025
Two top Garmin watches go head-to-head
The Garmin Fenix 8 is the top watch in Garmin’s range and offers a more attractive and hardy design than the Instinct 3, plus extra navigation, sports tracking and smart features, along with a better heart rate sensor.
For
Attractive design and range of sizes
Latest gen HR sensor
Maps and music
Against
Much more expensive than Instinct 3
Heavier than Instinct 3
The Garmin Instinct 3 is a more affordable alternative to the Fenix 8 and some will prefer its lighter and more distinctive design. Like the Fenix it comes in AMOLED and solar-charging options, and there are two sizes to pick from.
For
Much cheaper than Fenix 8
AMOLED and solar-charging options
Long battery life
Against
No maps
Last-gen HR sensor
Limited smart features
The Garmin Fenix 8 and Garmin Instinct 3 are both among the newest and best Garmin watches available, offering impressive sports tracking in durable, attractive designs that are ideal for adventure.
I’ve tested both watches extensively and worn them both at the same time for the past two weeks to compare their sports tracking and other features directly. There are some clear differences between them, with the Fenix 8 offering more features and better hardware including a more accurate heart rate sensor, but the upgrades come at a huge cost since the Fenix 8 is more than double the price of the Instinct 3.
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