The Garmin Enduro 3 is a high-end smartwatch designed for athletes and adventurers who prioritize battery life above all else. While Garmin’s product lines can be confusing – Fenix, Forerunner, Epix – the Enduro series is straightforward: maximum stamina in a rugged package. This latest iteration delivers exactly that, offering class-leading endurance alongside most of the key features found in Garmin’s flagship Fenix 8 series, but at a slightly lower price.
Price and Availability
Launched alongside the Fenix 8 in August 2024, the Enduro 3 breaks with Garmin tradition by being cheaper than its predecessor. It retails for $899/£769, down from $1,099/£929 for the previous generation. This makes it a compelling option, sitting below the 51mm Fenix 8 at £1,039.
Design and Display: Built for the Long Haul
The Enduro 3 is a substantial watch, sporting a 51mm face that won’t appeal to everyone. Its size is dictated by the large battery needed for extreme endurance, and there’s no smaller option available. Despite its bulk, the watch is surprisingly lightweight at just 57 grams (case-only), making it more comfortable than many competitors.
The construction prioritizes durability over aesthetics. The casing is made from Garmin’s reinforced plastic resin, with a titanium bezel for added strength. A cost-saving measure is the removal of the titanium back panel from the Enduro 2, but this has minimal impact on everyday wear.
The display is a transflective MIP screen, meaning it relies on ambient light for visibility. There’s no OLED option, which might disappoint users accustomed to brighter, more vibrant displays. However, this trade-off extends battery life significantly. The screen also incorporates an invisible solar-charging panel that’s more effective than previous generations without compromising reflectivity.
Battery Life: Weeks, Not Days
This is where the Enduro 3 truly shines. Garmin claims up to 36 days of general use, extending to 90 days with sufficient sunlight. Real-world testing suggests around 26 days of typical usage. GPS tracking drains the battery more quickly, with approximately 4% loss per hour in Multi-Band mode—higher than Garmin’s claimed 60 hours. Still, nearly a month between charges is exceptional.
The watch charges via a four-pin physical socket, consistent with other Garmin models.
Features: Everything You Need, Nothing You Don’t
The Enduro 3 is stripped of unnecessary features like a microphone and speaker, focusing instead on core fitness tracking. It boasts 10ATM water resistance (suitable for swimming, but not diving).
The watch’s fitness capabilities are comprehensive, matching those of other high-end Garmin models. It includes detailed activity modes, downloadable maps, and personalized training plans that adapt based on recovery levels. Beyond hardcore training, the Enduro 3 offers sleep tracking with heart rate variability analysis and daily workout suggestions.
One limitation: ECG functionality is currently restricted to the U.S. and select countries due to regulatory hurdles.
Performance: Accurate and Reliable
The Enduro 3 utilizes Garmin’s Elevate 5 heart rate sensor and Multi-Band GPS for accurate tracking. While occasional issues may arise with long sleeves interfering with the sensor, performance is generally reliable. GPS acquisition is slightly slower than previous generations but has improved with software updates.
Is the Enduro 3 Right for You?
The Garmin Enduro 3 is a specialized tool for endurance athletes and those who prioritize long-lasting battery life. It’s ideal for ultramarathon runners, hikers, and anyone who needs a watch that won’t quit before they do.
✅ Buy it if: You need extreme battery life, accurate tracking, and rugged durability.
❌ Don’t buy it if: You prefer a glossy display or a more budget-friendly option.
The Enduro 3 represents a focused approach to smartwatch design, sacrificing superficial features for unparalleled endurance. In a market saturated with bells and whistles, it stands out as a no-nonsense tool for serious athletes.
