If you’re focused on tracking your health more effectively, the Garmin Venu 3 might be the smartwatch you’ve been waiting for.
As someone who has spent months searching for the most reliable health-tracking device, I’ve tried everything from Fitbit to Apple to Google, and yet, there has always been something missing.
I researched extensively and finally decided to upgrade to the Venu 3. Today, I will share everything you would like to know about the watch.
Why I Started My Health Tracking Journey
A few months ago, I was distressed to find that my body had begun to behave a little differently than it used to in response to the onset of stress and other forms of bodily exertion.
Effortless tasks began to require more energetic effort, and afterward, my recoveries-at least as it seemed not what they once had been.
Whether these were new changes or aspects I had simply never noticed, they were subtle no longer.
I realized that the interpretation of my body signals was not just important for immediate well-being but for long-term health.
I needed an effective way to track these changes and understand, in meaningful ways, my overall wellness.
That is when I decided to find a device that could give me meaningful data that would help guide me on my journey toward better health.
Why Other Smartwatches Fell Short
My first foray into health tracking was Fitbit. I had the Fitbit Versa 2 for a while, then upgraded to the Versa 4.
Both did a decent job with the basics like steps, sleep, and calories burned. However, the more I looked into the data, the more inconsistencies I started to notice.
Metrics such as pulse and other health-related values felt wrong sometimes. Was this a health issue, or is the watch displaying inaccurate results? That thought bugged me and pushed me to seek out something better.
I had looked at Apple, Google Pixel, Samsung, and many other brands. Each one had something great, but none were dialed in for in-depth health tracking.
Then, everything kept pointing me back to Garmin.
Why I Chose the Garmin Venu 3
After comparing countless options, the Venu 3 stood out. It offered the features I truly needed.
It became clear that different smartwatches excel in different areas. Some are amazing for style, others for general fitness. But for serious health tracking, the Venu 3 seemed unmatched.
While Garmin’s website recommended other models based on my needs, I opted for the Venu 3 because it uses the latest fifth-gen Garmin Elevate sensor for improved accuracy. This was a big deal for me.
| Why We Love It! | What’s a Downside |
|---|---|
| ✔ Equipped with reliable GPS and heart rate sensors | ❌ Premium price point compared to rivals |
| ✔ Automatic nap detection and personalized sleep coaching | ❌ Lack of LTE functionality |
| ✔ Supports on-wrist phone calls and voice assistants | ❌ Limited third-party app integrations |
| ✔ Up to 14 days of impressive battery life | |
| ✔ Large, vibrant display |
Garmin Venu 3 Review – Unboxing
The packaging was simple. Inside the box, you’ll find:
- The Garmin Venu 3 watch
- A USB-C to Garmin charger
- Instruction manuals
The charger uses Garmin’s proprietary connection—there is no magnetic charging here. While that may bug some people, aftermarket options are available.
The design of the watch itself impressed me right away, but more on that next.
First Impressions Design and Build Quality
The Garmin Venu 3 doesn’t just track numbers; it’s also a stylish accessory. The stainless steel bezel looks sleek and durable.
While the body isn’t metal, its polymer material has a polished, high-end feel that could easily pass for anodized aluminum.
One neat touch? The three-button setup. It differs from simpler designs like the Apple Watch’s single-button interface or Fitbit’s swipe navigation.
Some users might prefer swiping, but these buttons ensure better control, especially when you’re sweaty or wearing gloves.
Customization and Fit
One thing I love is that the watch uses standard 22mm straps and has a quick-release mechanism.
This means I can swap straps easily without committing to Garmin’s proprietary bands—something I couldn’t do as flexibly with my old Fitbit.
It’s worth noting that the watch is available in two sizes:
- 45mm (Venu 3): Ideal for larger wrists or those who prefer a bigger display.
- 41mm (Venu 3S): Great for smaller wrists.
Both sizes provide identical features, so it’s all about comfort. I went for the larger one, but both models share identical features and functionality.
Navigating the Watch: Buttons vs. Swipes
Unlike many competitors, the Venu 3 uses three buttons instead of relying entirely on a touchscreen.
There’s a slight learning curve for those used to swiping, but I found the buttons more practical—especially during workouts when touch screens can be less responsive.
The layout ensures you have precise control, whether you’re accessing menus or tracking an activity.
Battery Life That Goes the Distance
Battery life is critical for a health tracker. After all, what good is a watch if it dies before your day is done? The Venu 3 crushes the competition here. Its battery lasts 10-14 days, depending on how you use it.
In comparison, most smartwatches, including Apple and Fitbit, need charging every day or two. This extended battery makes it reliable for continuous health tracking without worrying about frequent charges.
For me, this is a critical feature. No one wants to interrupt health tracking or break their routine because their smartwatch’s battery dies at midday.
With the Venu 3, there’s no constant need to recharge, and I can trust it to collect 24/7 data consistently.
Advanced Sensors and Metrics
Garmin built this watch to impress. It’s loaded with an array of advanced sensors that elevate its health-tracking capabilities, including:
- GPS for precise location tracking.
- Garmin Elevate heart rate sensor (5th generation) for continuous, accurate readings.
- Pulse Ox to measure blood oxygen levels.
- Barometric altimeter for elevation data.
- Gyroscope and accelerometer for activity tracking.
- Ambient light sensor for brightness adjustments.
Unlike some competitors, Garmin doesn’t rely on faking data using incomplete sensors. Every activity and health metric they track is built on precise, specific hardware.
Fitness and Exercise Tracking
The Venu 3 goes beyond basic step counting or calorie estimates. It supports a wide range of fitness activities:
- Gym workouts: strength training, HIIT, Pilates, yoga, and more.
- Outdoor sports: swimming, running, cycling, hiking, and even winter activities like skiing.
- Team sports: basketball, volleyball, field hockey, and ice hockey.
- Specialized activities: martial arts, racket sports, and boxing.
For gym users, unique features like automatic rep counting and body muscle maps make it easy to track your progress. It even offers on-screen workout animations to guide you during exercises!
Advanced Health Tracking Features of Garmin Venu 3
Beyond activity tracking, Garmin shines in long-term wellness monitoring. It goes deeper into metrics like:
- Continuous heart rate tracking with abnormality alerts.
- 24/7 respiration monitoring to evaluate breathing patterns.
- Sleep tracking, including nap detection and sleep quality analysis.
- Stress and relaxation monitoring with guided breathing exercises.
One truly unique aspect? The Jet Lag Advisor. If you’re traveling, this feature helps adjust your sleep and activity schedule based on your destination’s time zone.
The Body Battery Energy Monitor: A Game-Changer
If one feature completely blew me away, it’s the Body Battery Energy Monitor. It takes everything the watch tracks—stress, sleep, activity—and simplifies it into one easy-to-read number representing your energy levels.
Think of it like your phone’s battery. It helps answer questions like, “Why am I so drained today?” and even gives suggestions to recharge more efficiently.
Advanced Sleep Tracking
I’ve always been curious about my sleep habits, and the Venu 3 delivers on that front. It tracks:
- Sleep stages (light, deep, REM).
- Breathing patterns.
- How restful your naps are.
Even better, features like the Sleep Coach provide actionable insights and suggestions. This isn’t just about numbers—it helps me improve my rest for better recovery.
Specialized Wellness Insights
The Venu 3 shines in everyday wellness tracking, including:
- Stress monitoring: It alerts you during high-stress periods and offers relaxation techniques.
- Fitness age: Compares your fitness stats to averages for a motivational boost.
- Hydration tracking: Tracks water intake for optimal health.
- Jet lag advisor: Prepares your body for time zone changes when traveling.
Garmin Venu 3 vs Fitbit: Which Is Better?
Having used Fitbit for many years, I grew to know its limitations, especially once Google acquired the brand.
It felt like the Fitbit ecosystem was changing, and this transition would be something that would suit my needs.
Everything I found lacking in the Fitbit accuracy, long battery life, and advanced health tracking-Garmin Venu 3 did just right.
A bit pricey for most tastes at first sight, but well worth the investment for someone serious about his or her health.
Garmin Venu 3 vs Versa 4 vs Apple Watch Series 9
| Feature | Venu 3 | Fitbit Versa 4 | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Battery Life | 10-14 days | Up to 6 days | Up to 18 hours (36 hours in Low Power Mode) |
| Display | AMOLED, Always-On Option | AMOLED, Always-On Option | Retina, Always-On |
| Material | Polymer with Stainless Steel Bezel | Aluminum | Aluminum or Stainless Steel |
| Sizes | 45mm, 41mm | One size | 41mm, 45mm |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM (50 meters) | 5 ATM (50 meters) | WR50 (50 meters) |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | 5th Gen Garmin Elevate Sensor | Fitbit’s PurePulse 2.0 | Advanced Optical Sensor |
| GPS | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in |
| Activity Tracking | 30+ sports modes | 20+ sports modes | 80+ sports modes |
| Sleep Tracking | Advanced with nap detection | Advanced | Basic |
| Stress Monitoring | Yes, with guided breathing | Yes | Yes, integrated with mindfulness apps |
| Special Features | Body Battery, Jet Lag Advisor, Sleep Coach | Active Zone Minutes, Daily Readiness | Blood Oxygen, ECG, Crash Detection |
| Voice Assistant | None | Google Assistant | Siri |
| App Ecosystem | Garmin Connect | Fitbit App | App Store |
| Customizable Bands | Yes, 22mm quick-release | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Features | Notifications, Music Playback | Notifications, Alexa Integration | Notifications, Calls/Texts, App Support |
| Blood Oxygen Sensor | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ECG Monitoring | No | No | Yes |
| Third-Party Apps | Limited | Limited | Wide range |
| Voice Call Support | No | No | Yes, via paired iPhone |
| Price-to-Performance | Excellent | Good | High |
What About the Price? Is It Worth It?
Let me level with you: the Venu 3 isn’t cheap. At launch, it came in at a cool $450. Now, it’s dropped to about $398 on Amazon if you shop around.
For what it offers, though, If you’re ready to leap, I’d recommend grabbing some accessories like extra watch straps and screen protectors.
You can make the device uniquely yours, which is important for something you’ll wear every day. I believe it’s a solid investment for anyone serious about health tracking.
Conclusion
The Garmin Venu 3 is more than just a smartwatch’s an all-out health companion. Its unparalleled accuracy, wide set of tracking features, and remarkable battery life make it stand out.
Whether you are an athlete, a casual walker, or just want more insight into your health, this watch has it.
If you’re as serious about tracking health metrics as I am, then the Venu 3 delivers on its promise of comprehensive health tracking and unmatched reliability.
For anyone serious about their health and fitness journey, it’s a worthy investment. No wearable device is ideal, but this device for me meets just about every one of my feature wish-list items.
Have you tried the Garmin Venu 3 or another smartwatch you love? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear about your experience.
Check out the latest price for the Garmin Venu 3 on Amazon or Garmin.
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