Garmin Enduro 3 Review: For the Long Run
The Enduro 3 ($900) is one of Garmin’s most unapologetically niche watches. Built for athletes who spend long days (or multiple days) outside, it prioritizes battery life above all else. It’s not trying to win you over with a bright screen, flashy colorways, or a heavy dose of smartwatch features (although it still packs most of what you’d expect from a high-end Garmin); it’s just trying to last as long as possible. Garmin has done a nice job keeping the Enduro’s weight impressively low for what you get, but the large case size will limit its appeal, and it’s not a watch most people will want to wear all day, every day. But if you’re going long and far—navigating your way through complex terrain, tackling 24+ hour races, or embarking on multi-day objectives—it’s one of the best tools out there.
User Experience
Activity Tracking & Training
Health & Recovery
Mapping & Navigation
Quality & Durability
Battery Life
Battery life (w/ GPS)
120 hours (320 w/ solar)
Battery life (smartwatch)
36 days (90 w/ solar)
Display
Memory-in-pixel
Lens
Sapphire crystal
Bezel
Titanium
Diameter
51mm
Weight
63g
Mapping
Topographic
Band material
Nylon
Pros
Cons
Garmin Enduro 3
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Running Watches.
The Enduro 3 delivers a very familiar Garmin user experience, with intuitive navigation, seamless syncing, and easy access to data. It uses Garmin’s standard five-button layout alongside a touchscreen. That said, the overall structure is a bit different from the Forerunner and Fenix models I’ve used—you have to use the touchscreen to toggle certain activity modes—and it took me a little time to adjust. But the core button navigation feels the same, and like most Garmin watches, everything is laid out in a way that just makes sense. I have very few complaints with the overall experience.
The main reason it lands at a 4 out of 5 is the Memory-in-Pixel display. It’s not as bright or vibrant as an AMOLED screen, which is the tradeoff for the Enduro’s battery life. That said, it’s easy to read in sunlight, and a quick tap of the upper-left button brings up the backlight when needed. In practice, I don't have any real issues with it.
In terms of smart features, the Garmin Enduro 3 matches the brand's other high-end watches, with highlights such as contactless pay, music integration, notifications, and morning and evening reports. The main omission is a built-in mic and speaker for taking calls from your wrist. My guess is Garmin left that out to prioritize battery life and keep the build streamlined. Personally, I don’t miss it, and I’d imagine most Enduro users won’t either.
In terms of activity tracking and training features, the Enduro 3 lines up closely with Garmin’s other top-end running watches like the Fenix 8 and Forerunner 970. It connects to all major satellite systems and uses Garmin’s SatIQ tech to automatically choose the best GPS mode based on your surroundings, switching between battery-saving and multi-band accuracy as needed. In my experience, tracking has been very reliable: I’ve had the occasional dropout in dense forest, but nothing major enough to impact the overall data.
I’ve mostly used the Enduro 3 for road running, trail running, and big mountain days, and it’s been consistently solid across the board. Lapping workouts is straightforward, and it’s easy to review interval data afterward in the app. I’ve also spent some time customizing data screens for the trail running activity mode, which is simple to do directly on the watch. One small quirk: I’ve had to rely on Strava to see per-mile splits, but I’m fairly certain that’s because I’ve turned off the watch’s auto-lap feature (during long efforts like 100-mile races, I prefer not to be reminded each time I’ve ticked off a mile).
Like I’ve come to expect from Garmin, the Enduro (often via the Garmin Connect app) does a great job of presenting a lot of data without feeling overwhelming. You get the full suite of training metrics—VO2 max, training load, stamina, recovery, and more—along with higher-end features like running dynamics and running tolerance. I’m not someone who digs into every metric, but it’s nice to have that level of depth available, especially for tracking trends over time. If you want more structure, the watch includes preloaded workouts, or you can tap into Garmin Coach’s assistance for a monthly fee.
One fun feature the Enduro offers (along with top-shelf watches like the Fenix and Forerunner 970) is Strava Live Segments, which let you compete against past efforts or segment leaders in real time. I haven’t used it much, but I can see it being a fun way to push harder—especially since I tend to chase segments anyway. It’s kind of like Zwift for outdoor running.
As for heart rate, the Enduro 3’s optical sensor works fine for general tracking and is most accurate when the watch is snug and movement is minimal. Like most wrist-based sensors, it struggles during higher-intensity efforts. I always use an external monitor (I’ve been using the Coros Heart Rate Monitor for years) during workouts. If you care about precise heart rate data, pairing a chest or arm strap is still the move.
Health and recovery tracking is a major strength of the Enduro 3, and, like most of Garmin’s higher-end running watches, it offers a deep, comprehensive set of metrics. It tracks everything from wrist-based heart rate and sleep to HRV status, training readiness, recovery time, and more. The Enduro 3 also supports Garmin’s ECG app, which allows you to record an electrocardiogram to check for atrial fibrillation (AFib). It’s a lot of data, but you don’t have to engage with all of it to get value out of the watch.
I don’t wear the Enduro 3 24/7. Part of that is personal—I’m not especially interested in optimizing every aspect of my health—and part of it is practical. It’s a big watch. At 63 grams with a tall case and prominent crown, it doesn’t exactly disappear on the wrist, especially compared to something like a Forerunner. Thus, while the Enduro 3 offers the same depth of health tracking as watches like the Venu 4 and Forerunner 970, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it as a daily wearable. Hardware-wise, it’s just not made for that. But if you do choose to wear it full-time, all the useful features are present.
The Garmin Enduro 3 features the brand's highest-end mapping, with preloaded TopoActive maps that include all the key details you’d expect—contour lines, trails, roads, landmarks, and more. Everything comes loaded onto the watch out of the box, so there’s no need to spend hours downloading maps before you can use them. You can pan around and zoom in and out to get a sense of your surroundings, but in practice, they’re most useful when following a route. In use, the navigation feels nearly identical to the Fenix 8 Pro. The main difference is the display—the Enduro 3’s MIP screen is less vibrant and can be a bit harder to read in certain lighting compared to AMOLED—but it still gets the job done.
That’s how I use them most of the time. I’ll build a route in Strava, send it to Garmin Connect, and sync it to the watch. From there, I can see my location on the route and all the context around me—just as if I were looking at the Gaia app on my phone. Garmin also offers turn-by-turn navigation, although I’ve turned off all associated audio alerts as I don’t love a beeping watch when I’m trying to have a peaceful wilderness experience. But in practice, the watch keeps me from pulling out my phone 9 times out of 10, which is always a good thing. And unlike Coros and Suunto, Garmin’s maps are fully routable: If I go off course, the watch can actually guide me back to my route using turn-by-turn directions on trails and roads.
Garmin’s ClimbPro is another feature worth mentioning, even if I don’t personally use it much. When you upload a course, it automatically breaks down each climb into segments, showing distance, vertical gain, and your progress along the climb. The data is laid out clearly in both numerical and graph format. I can see how this feature would be really useful for pacing during longer races or big days, but the jury is still out on whether I’ll ever use it. For me, seeing a long list of climbs mid-race—especially during a long, mountainous race like UTMB—might be more information than I want in the moment.
Like Garmin’s Forerunner 970 and Fenix 8, the Enduro 3 also includes maps for over 2,000 ski resorts and access to more than 43,000 golf courses through Garmin Connect. I didn’t use these features, but they’re a nice bonus depending on your interests. There’s also the option to upgrade to Garmin’s Outdoor Maps+ subscription, which adds layers such as satellite imagery, slope angle, and land boundaries. Personally, I’d lean on my phone if I needed to navigate terrain with that level of detail, but it’s good to have the option.
The Enduro 3 has a nearly bombproof build, with a burly design that uses some of the most premium materials you can find in a watch—a sapphire crystal lens, titanium bezel, and a fiber-reinforced polymer case. It also carries a 10 ATM water rating, which is about as good as it gets outside of true dive watches.
In hand, the Enduro 3 feels noticeably more rugged than something like the Forerunner 970, and much closer to the Fenix 8 in overall construction. It’s the kind of watch you don’t think twice about banging into rocks or wearing in rough conditions. Everything about the build reinforces what this watch is meant for: reliable, high-level performance during long days, in harsh environments, and for serious users who are hard on their gear.
With a name like Enduro, this watch isn’t hiding what it’s about. Battery life is the main reason to get it, along with its durable and reliable build. Garmin states that the Enduro 3 will last up to 120 hours in GPS mode and up to 320 hours with solar, assuming consistent sun exposure. In smartwatch mode, it can last up to 36 days, or up to 90 with solar. Those numbers line up with my experience—I’ve charged it about every two weeks throughout the winter (like me, it’s been getting very little solar action), which is a huge shift from most other watches I’ve used. Heck, two weeks ago I ran 100K race with it tracking and mapping the whole way, and I just realized I haven’t unpacked the charging cable yet—and the watch is still at 56%. Yep, that’s an impressive battery life.
Honestly, the biggest benefit here is how low-maintenance it is. I’ve got a busy life, and it’s nice to be able to throw the watch on and head out the door without thinking about whether it’s charged. Not having to constantly manage battery or plan around it is a pretty underrated feature. It also makes a big difference for the kind of days I like to stack, whether that’s long training weeks or multi-day trips. I’m racing UTMB later this summer (a 106-mile race around Mt. Blanc with over 30,000 feet of elevation gain), and it’s reassuring knowing I won’t have to think twice about my watch dying mid-race.
Garmin made a few notable updates to the solar tech between the Enduro 2 and Enduro 3. The solar ring is larger and is black instead of red, so it now blends into the bezel better. Garmin also removed the transparent solar layer over the display, which helps with clarity. It’s also worth noting that the Enduro 3 is very similar to the Garmin Fenix 8 Solar but costs $200 less. If battery life is your priority, it’s a no-brainer.
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I found the Enduro 3 to be surprisingly comfortable for such a utilitarian-looking watch. At 63 grams, it’s heavier than something like the Forerunner 970 (56g), but noticeably lighter than the Fenix 8 (92g for the 51mm version). I’ve found that the nylon strap makes it much easier to get a dialed-in fit compared to silicone straps I’ve used, which always seem to be either too tight or too loose. The Enduro stays secure without feeling restrictive, and I’ve never had issues with it bouncing around during activity.
Those with smaller wrists might find the Enduro to be too much watch. It’s not just about weight—it’s the size. The Enduro 3 is big. My girlfriend Jenny, for example, has tried it on and does not find it to be remotely comfortable, even though she uses similarly weighted watches (like the 76-gram Suunto Race 2). The Enduro is just noticeably bulkier on the wrist: about 2 millimeters wider than the Race 2 and over 3 millimeters taller.
The Enduro 3 comes in a single version—a 51-millimeter case in a black colorway. There’s no smaller option and no alternate styling—it leans fully into a utilitarian, performance-first design.
It’s a bit surprising Garmin doesn’t offer a 47mm version. That would open it up to many more endurance athletes, especially given that Garmin has already proven it can bring solar tech to smaller cases with the Fenix 8 Solar (which comes in 47mm and 51mm versions). As it stands, the Enduro 3 is best suited for those who are comfortable with a larger watch or simply don’t mind the bulk in exchange for the battery life and performance it delivers.
Garmin Fenix 8 Solar ($1,200): Heavier and Pricier
While the Enduro 3 is clearly aimed at ultrarunners and mountain athletes tackling long, demanding efforts, the Fenix 8 Solar fits more squarely into a broader “adventure-ready” bucket, targeting hikers, anglers, watermen and women, hunters, and other users who want a rugged, do-it-all watch. The two are nearly identical under the hood, sharing Garmin’s core training features, mapping, and solar capabilities, and battery life is comparable (with a slight edge to the Enduro). The Fenix 8 Solar does add a few extras, including a built-in speaker and mic, an AMOLED screen, and a built-in dive computer. But at $300 less and over 30 grams lighter, the Enduro 3 feels like a much better value, especially if you don’t need those additional features. For more, read our review of the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro.
Garmin Forerunner 970 ($750): Sleeker, but Not as Long-Lasting
The Enduro 3 and Forerunner 970 are both built for serious runners, but they take different approaches. While the Enduro is all about battery life, the Forerunner leans into a lighter, more refined training experience, with a smaller 47-millimeter case, lower weight (56g vs. 63g), and a brighter, more premium AMOLED screen. It also adds a built-in mic and speaker for wrist-based calls, giving it more everyday functionality. Its battery life is strong, but the Enduro 3 is in a completely different league. The Forerunner 970 makes the most sense if you want a high-end training watch that can double as a casual smartwatch, while the Enduro is the better option if you prioritize longevity and don’t mind the larger, more meat-and-potatoes build. For a deeper dive, read our Forerunner 970 review.
Built for runners who start and end their days with a headlamp, the Enduro 3 prioritizes battery life and performance above all else. It’s ultra-durable, impressively long-lasting, and packed with the features you’d expect from a top-end Garmin model. The tradeoff is weight and bulk, as well as an unflashy memory-in-pixel display.
User Experience
Activity Tracking & Training
Health & Recovery
Mapping & Navigation
Quality & Durability
Battery Life
If you’re a serious backcountry adventurer looking to get the most out of your watch, the Fenix 8 Pro delivers with top-of-the-line mapping, expedition-grade battery life, dive-ready water resistance, inReach connectivity, and a nearly indestructible build. The “Pro” version adds inReach and cellular connectivity.
User Experience
Activity Tracking & Training
Health & Recovery
Mapping & Navigation
Quality & Durability
Battery Life
If you’re serious about training and pushing your activities farther afield, the Forerunner 970 is Garmin’s A-list option. It’s expensive and not a huge leap over the 570 for basic use, but for athletes who will take advantage of features like mapping, long battery life, and deep performance insights, it lands in a compelling sweet spot below the super-premium Fenix line.
User Experience
Activity Tracking & Training
Health & Recovery
Mapping & Navigation
Quality & Durability
Battery Life
Is the Enduro 3 for You?
The Garmin Enduro 3 is purpose-built for athletes who need serious battery life, whether that’s for multi-day mountain objectives, 24+ hour races, or—like me—just not wanting to think about charging your watch all the time. But the 51-millimeter case will feel large on smaller wrists, and its duller MIP screen likely won’t provide the eye candy many modern watch users want, especially those who like their training watch to double as an everyday smartwatch. If your activities stay mostly close to home or you care more about comfort, size, and everyday usability, you’ll likely be happier with something like a Forerunner. But if your days regularly stretch long, take you into remote terrain, or involve big mileage, the Enduro 3 is one of the most reliable tools you can have on your wrist.
Go for it if you want best-in-class battery life and a durable watch for long efforts and remote objectives.
Pass on it if you don’t need multi-day GPS tracking or if you want a smaller watch that doubles better as an everyday smartwatch.
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