Customer Ratings & Reviews

I upgraded from the original Instinct. The HR monitor is MUCH more accurate, and doesn't vary as much as the original model. Part of the reason I upgraded was for the pulse ox. Seems pretty accurate as long as the watch is fairly snug. Not a problem during workouts, but if I want an accurate reading while I sleep, it has to be a little tighter than I normally like to wear it at night. Just a couple things I wish Garmin hadn't changed from the original Instinct. Especially given the $400 price tag. - The vibrate function is not as noticeable as it was on the original model. I use this quite a bit at work so that that my phone/watch aren't constantly making noise. However, the intensity of the vibrate isn't as significant as it was on the original. I've noticed it's a little easier for me to miss an alert on this watch. -Similar to my above complaint, the "beep" for the audio alert is not as intense as it was on the original model. On my old watch I could use either the audio or the vibrate as an alarm, and I would wake up every time. Not so much with the Instinct Solar. -Removed the "Move" widget. Why?? My last complaint is not as significant, but I'm not sure why they changed the backlight. The original Instinct had a crystal clear backlight. This backlight has very light diagonal lines running through it. Kind of old-school digital look. Doesn't look nearly as crisp as the original Instinct. Overall I still think the Instinct Solar is a great watch, just wish those simple features hadn't changed.

Bought this to watch to measure miles walked and monitor heart rate while exercising. GPS measure of milage walked is spot on.

I have the original Fenix 5x, but wanted a lighter watch with a smaller watch face to mix in! I’m so happy that I chose the Instinct Solar. I love it so far, and I like the screen is a little better and user friendly than the Fenix 5x. Also, I like having the option to have a back up solar charging system when I do forget to plug in my watch. In addition, the price of the Instinct Solar watch is cheaper than the Fenix, so if you are looking for a rugged watch like the Fenix with a solar backup charging system, bbut don’t wanna spend an arm and a leg, this is the watch for you!

I’m loving the Garmin watch after 3+ month of use, it’s very user friendly, I just wish the app was a bit better as far as UI goes. Honestly you don’t need the Solar Garmin if you’re going to use the smart features of the Garmin. Also loving the battery life of the Garmin, it literally takes between 12-14 days to recharge.

Very light all around watch for exercise and expeditions. Good to have a GPS that works great with no need of a smartphone.

I wanted a rugged watch with some smart features, this hit the nail on the head. The battery life is fantastic, the GPS, ABC sensors are awesome.

Training for a half marathon and purchased this watch. Love it. The battery is amazing and all the garmin features give me great information

Recently purchased this watch to replace my old FitBit Blaze. I've always been drawn to the way the Garmin Instinct and Garmin Instinct Solar looked. I chose the Solar over the Instinct because of the ability to charge it via solar. I often spend time off grid hiking and camping so this seemed like it would add some versatility as well as function. Pros: the customization of the watch face, apps, controls and widgets is quite awesome. There are tons of options and settings to be reviewed. The battery life in power-saving mode is unreal - although I've yet to put that fully to the test. Cons: solar charging isn't nearly as effective as I had hoped it would be. Overall: so far I really enjoy this watch - I can't wait to test out the navigation features.

Have been using it daily while cooking, exposing it to high temperature but the rubber doesnt get damaged. Location accuracy is really good. In an open flat land i saw an accuracy to less than a meter. Amazing device definitely worth it. The watch is also light weight that it feels like you are not even wearing it.

Love this watch especially the solar it gives me 2 weeks of battery life

I've been wearing Samsung watches for years and they have some weak points and lits if things I just don't need. Decided to try the Garmin Solar because battery life was one od those weak ponts, and have to say this watch kills it! Once you have a full charge, the sun keeps it full and even recharges quickly after running the battery down during workout etc.

I have been in the market for a new smartwatch for awhile and this watch has everything that i wanted. Out of the box i had probably 25%battery whixh was like 8 days! This is the purpose of the smart watch, having more then 8 hours of battery. After a short learning curve i figured out all the functions of the watch. And replacing th3 band is super easy. I purchased a fossil stainless steel mesh band and it fit perfectly. I highly recommend this product!

The notifications, exercise and GPS tracking were smooth: overall great watch. Charge lasts decently long. However, I bought it for GPS capabilities and would nearly always have issues with acquiring satellites at higher (not by a lot) elevations. It's good for hiking easy trails but not something I'd rely on for expenditions. On some long empty plains, I had cell reception and still no watch GPS. Maybe it was user error on my part, because other than that, great watch. I'll use Garmin for fitness but stick to Suunto for navigation.

I love the fact I can charge only once after approximately 25 days. I don’t need to think every second days and check battery level on top is solar . It is pain to set up these watch !!

I love this watch. It works as expected with or without my iPhone, I've gone swimming with it endless times and it always keeps track of activities. Durable, good-looking, and has the features I need and none of the crap I don't need. The hybrid solar battery is really nice as I can get nearly two weeks out of a charge.

This was a great purchase. It's tough. It's practical. It's extremely useful with tracking your daily life. The fact that it charges itself, to me, is worth the purchase all day long, but add the other options and features and it is exactly what I was looking for in a rugged outdoor smartwatch.

Waiting for a smart watch that would rarely need recharging. The Garmin Instinct Solar solved the problem. Rarely, if ever, needs recharging, ease of use, features, and its seamless integration with all my other Garmin devices (as well as my iphone) makes me nearly forget my great 10-year+ companion Suunto. I may be old-school but love the fact that you interface with buttons rather than the touch screen. Love the intuitive menus.

Love Garmin watches and this one is no exemption! The rugged feel and the solar charging are very nice.

comfortable watch but very complicated with not very good instructions

Great watch. Love how long the battery lasts and how durable it is.