Garmin Venu 3 Review: The Ultimate Smartwatch for Fitness and Everyday Living

After using the Apple Watch Series 5 for years, I decided to give the Garmin Venu 3 a try, mainly because of its better battery life. Right away, I was impressed with its health and fitness tracking features, especially how it goes beyond workouts to give insights into everyday wellness, like sleep quality and stress management. Garmin is known for features like heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and stress management, and I wanted to see how well the Venu 3 could help with everyday health, not just workouts. In this Garmin Venu 3 review, I’ll share my thoughts on how it handles health tracking and whether it’s a good choice for everyday use.

The Garmin Venu 3 quickly became a part of my daily routine with its sleek design, bright display, and useful features. Whether I was managing a busy workday, staying connected with friends, or listening to music, it handled everything with ease. It really felt like it was built to make everyday tasks simpler. More importantly, it helped me get a better understanding of my body’s signals like stress and sleep.

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Quick Overview Pros and Cons of the Garmin Venu 3

Pros:

• Amazing Health Tracking: Packed with features like advanced sleep tracking, Body Battery, and stress monitoring to help me stay in tune with my health.
• Great Fitness Options: Tracks tons of workouts, from running to yoga, with advanced stats like VO2 Max and recovery tips.
• Long Battery Life: Lasts up to 10 days, so I don’t have to charge it every day.
• Beautiful Display: The bright AMOLED screen is easy to read, even outside in the sun.
• Smart Features: I can make calls, use a voice assistant, and get notifications on my wrist (but you can’t use it without your phone nearby—no option for cellular service).
• Comfortable and Durable: Lightweight but sturdy, with a strap that feels great even when worn all day and night.
• Works with Any Phone: Compatible with both iPhones and Androids, so you’re not locked into one ecosystem.

Cons:

• No Standalone Cellular Service: You need your phone within Bluetooth range to make calls or use connected features.
• Not as Smooth with iPhones: Some features, like replying to texts, are more limited compared to Android.
• Takes Time to Learn: With so many features, it can feel overwhelming at first.
• Smart Features Could Be Better: Not as polished for non-fitness functions compared to an Apple Watch.
• Pricey: It’s on the expensive side, so you’ll want to make sure the features are worth it for you.
• Apps Could Be Simpler: Managing it with two apps (Garmin Connect and Garmin IQ) can feel clunky.

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1. Overview of the Garmin Venu 3

The Garmin Venu 3 has quickly become my favorite smartwatch (at least top 3) because it offers an ideal balance between fitness, health, and smart features. It’s packed with tools that not only track my workouts but also help me monitor my overall health and well-being. From real-time insights into my stress levels, sleep quality, and recovery, to keeping tabs on my heart rate and general wellness, it helps me stay in tune with my body’s needs. In this Garmin Venu 3 review, what really sets it apart for me is the detailed daily summaries and morning reports, which give me a clear picture of my health and help me start each day feeling more informed and prepared.

Some highlighted features of the Garmin Venu 3:

• Advanced Sleep Tracking: Offers insights into sleep stages (light, deep, REM), plus personalized sleep coaching based on sleep patterns and needs, helping users optimize rest and recovery.
• Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Monitoring: Tracks HRV to provide data on stress levels and recovery status, giving users actionable insights into their autonomic nervous system’s response.
• Body Battery Energy Monitoring: Measures the body’s energy levels throughout the day, suggesting the best times for activity and rest to maximize productivity and recovery.
• Enhanced Morning Reports: Delivers personalized information, including sleep quality, heart rate, HRV, and scheduled events, providing a well-rounded summary of the previous night’s recovery.
• Preloaded Workout Options: Offers a variety of preloaded workout routines, from strength and cardio to yoga and Pilates, making it easier to start a workout without additional planning.
• 24/7 Health Monitoring: Constantly tracks metrics like SpO2 (blood oxygen), respiration rate, hydration, and even menstrual cycle tracking for a holistic view of wellness.
• Adaptive Training Plans: Adjusts training plans based on fitness levels and goals, making it an ideal companion for everyone from beginners to advanced athletes.
• Hands-Free Smart Assistance: Equipped with voice assistant compatibility, text reply, and notification management, allowing users to stay connected without needing their phones constantly in hand.
• Long Battery Life: Provides up to 10 days in smartwatch mode, reducing the need for frequent charging and allowing users to rely on it consistently for health tracking and daily use.
• Built-in GPS and Multi-GNSS Support: Ensures accurate outdoor activity tracking, even in challenging environments, making it great for outdoor runners, hikers, and adventurers.

2. Design and Build Quality

The design of the Garmin Venu 3 is sleek yet durable. The case is made from a lightweight yet sturdy polymer, while the bezel is stainless steel, giving it a premium look and feel. The strap is a comfortable silicone material that’s easy on the skin, even when worn for long periods, like during sleep or workouts.

In terms of size, it’s available in two sizes, so whether you prefer a larger or smaller watch face, there’s an option for you. The 41 mm size and smaller option is Garmin Venu 3S, and comes with a slightly smaller screen, smaller battery and weighs a bit less than the larger Venu 3 (45mm). Apart from these differences, the two models are identical. I went for the Garmin Venu 3 45mm size, and I prefer this. It feel just right, it’s not too heavy but still feels substantial enough to know it’s there. The display is an AMOLED touchscreen, and the quality is fantastic, with sharp, vibrant colors that are easy to read in bright sunlight or indoors. Plus, the always-on display option is a nice touch when I need quick glances at the time or my metrics without having to wake the watch.

3. Health and Fitness Tracking Features

Fitness and health tracking was the feature I was most excited about before buying this watch, and I’m really impressed. It offers sleep tracking, a sleep coach, HRV monitoring, body battery, stress levels, and a wide range of workout options, all of which make it super useful and exciting to use.

Sleep Analysis

Every morning, my Garmin Venu 3 greets me with a sleep morning report that gives me a clear picture of how well I slept. It breaks down my sleep into light, deep, and REM stages and even tracks when I wake up during the night. This helps me understand how my sleep affects my energy levels throughout the day.

One of my favorite features is the Sleep Score, which gives me a quick snapshot of how well I slept based on the length and quality of each sleep stage. Plus, the Sleep Coach provides personalized tips, like suggesting I go to bed earlier or offering advice on getting more restful sleep.

The nap detection feature is also a great bonus. If I take a nap during the day, the Venu 3 tracks it automatically and adds it to my overall sleep data, making sure I get a full picture of my rest. What’s interesting is how the sleep tracking ties into other health metrics, like Body Battery and stress levels. It helps me see how my sleep impacts my energy and overall health, giving me valuable insights to improve my daily routine.

Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

The Garmin Venu 3 tracks my heart rate while I sleep to measure my heart rate variability (HRV). This feature helps me understand how factors like exercise, sleep, nutrition, and stress affect my body. My HRV numbers can change depending on my age, gender, and fitness level. When my HRV is balanced, it shows that I’m recovering well, have good fitness, and can handle stress better. If my HRV is low or unbalanced, it might mean I’m fatigued, need more recovery time, or feeling stressed.

For the best results, I need to wear the watch while I sleep. It takes about three weeks of consistent data to give me an accurate picture of my HRV status. Overall, this feature is a helpful tool to track my health and recovery.

Stress

Body Battery

This feature gives me a clear idea of my energy levels throughout the day. It helps me understand when I’m likely to feel most energetic or fatigued, guiding me to schedule workouts or rest accordingly. The Body Battery score is based on several factors such as heart rate variability (HRV), stress levels, sleep quality, and physical activity. Ideally, after a good night’s sleep, my Body Battery should be close to 100, showing that I’m fully recharged.

Throughout the day, this number decreases as I engage in various activities. Physical exertion, stress, and lack of rest all contribute to reducing the Body Battery score. For instance, a tough workout or a stressful meeting can cause a noticeable drop in my energy levels. On the other hand, relaxing or taking breaks can slow down the decline.

It’s interesting to see how my Body Battery adjusts in real-time. If I’m running low, the watch encourages me to rest and recharge. By paying attention to this feature, I can plan my day better, knowing when to push myself and when to take it easy. It’s been a helpful guide in making sure I don’t overdo things and manage my recovery more effectively.

Fitness

The Garmin Venu 3 has not disappointed me on the fitness side either. With over 30 sports tracking modes, I can easily monitor activities like running, cycling, swimming, and even golf. The addition of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and cardio tracking brings more variety to my routine. It keeps me updated on important stats like heart rate, pace, distance, and calories burned, while also providing advanced insights like VO2 Max tracking and recovery advice through the Body Battery feature. This helps me better understand my energy levels during the day, so I know when to push myself or take it easy. The heart rate monitoring is reliable, and the user-friendly interface makes it simple to track both casual workouts and more detailed fitness goals.

Real-Time Performance Insights: Testing the Garmin Venu 3 on my first run

My first run with the Garmin Venu 3 was a pleasant surprise. The watch face displayed essential metrics like heart rate, pace, distance, and time. While these can be customized, I enjoyed the default settings.

Checking my last activity on the watch directly is very convenient, giving much of the most essential data right on my wrist. Video below, shows the stats available, and through Garmin Connect, a more detailed and comprehensive overview can be found.

4. Smart Features and Usability

While the Garmin Venu 3 works with iPhones, it’s not as smooth as using an Apple Watch. Some features (like text replies) are limited with iPhones, but it does work great with Android phones!

One of the most convenient features is the ability to make and receive calls directly from my wrist, which is especially handy when I’m busy or can’t reach my phone. Voice assistant support for Siri is a nice touch, letting me set reminders or check the weather without needing to grab my phone.

Notifications work reliably, but responding to texts is limited with an iPhone—this feature works better with Android. However, I frequently use the music control during workouts, which lets me manage playback without having to dig out my phone.

Garmin Connect lets me customize my “Home” view, so I can see the stats that matter most, like steps, heart rate, or sleep, all in one place.

Garmin Pay works for contactless payments, although I wish more banks were supported. The “find my phone/find my watch” feature has also come in handy more than I expected.

A downside is having to use two apps—Garmin Connect and Garmin IQ—to manage the watch, which can feel a bit clunky. While the smart features are good enough for my needs, they don’t feel as polished as the Apple Watch when paired with an iPhone.

5. Customizing Garmin Venu 3: Watch Faces, Shortcuts, and More

The Garmin Venu 3 gives me plenty of ways to personalize the watch to match my style and daily needs. Here’s how I customize it:

Watch Faces

I can easily change my watch face directly on the watch, without needing the app. I just hold down on the current watch face, scroll through the options, and pick one that fits my style or needs. Sometimes I go for a sleek, minimalist design, and other times I choose a data-heavy face that shows my heart rate, steps, and the weather. If I want more options, I can hop into the Connect IQ store through the app to download even more watch faces.

Custom Shortcuts

The Venu 3 allows me to set up custom shortcuts for quick access to the features I use most. I can create shortcuts to start workouts, check notifications, control music, or use Garmin Pay—all with just a swipe or button press. These shortcuts make it super easy to navigate the watch and quickly get into my daily routine.

Widgets and Data Fields

I can personalize my experience by adding or removing widgets. These display key info like the weather, my calendar events, health stats, or my Body Battery. I can customize the data fields during workouts to focus on the metrics I care about most. This includes pace, distance, or heart rate, depending on what matters to me.

6. Battery Performance

One of the standout features of the Garmin Venu 3 is its impressive battery performance. Garmin claims the watch lasts up to 14 days in smartwatch mode. In my experience, it’s closer to 10 days with regular use. This is especially true when using features like GPS tracking and health monitoring. Even with the always-on display off, the battery holds up well. It lets me track workouts, sleep, and health metrics without worrying about charging. Charging it once every 10 days is a huge convenience. This is especially true compared to other smartwatches that need daily charging. Additionally, charging went really quick, from 3 percent to 100 in less than one hour.

7. Comparison with Apple Watch Series 5

When comparing the Garmin Venu 3 with the Apple Watch Series 5, the key differences are in their health and fitness tracking capabilities. Each device performs differently for fitness enthusiasts versus casual users. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the Apple Watch Series 5 is an older model, and there are newer versions that may compare more closely with the Venu 3, which is much newer. That said, the Series 5 is what I had available for hands-on comparison, so my experience is based on that.

Health and Fitness Features

1. Sleep Tracking:
   • The Garmin Venu 3 offers detailed sleep analysis, including tracking sleep stages, providing a Sleep Coach, and offering recommendations to improve sleep quality. It even includes nap detection. I went for a nap and can confirm that it registered my nap even without turning on the “sleep mode”. After the nap, you also get some points added to your “body battery” since you recharge it when napping.
   • While the Apple Watch Series 5 can track sleep, Garmin’s analysis is much more comprehensive and integrates better with other fitness metrics like recovery and stress management.
2. Energy and Recovery Monitoring:
   • Garmin has standout features like Body Battery, which combines heart rate variability (HRV), stress levels, and activity data to provide real-time insight into energy levels. This helps with planning workouts or rest periods. Body battery usually starts on 100 after a good night of sleep and falls throughout the day.
   • It also offers Recovery Time Recommendations after workouts to prevent overtraining and more advanced stress tracking with breathing exercises.
   • The Apple Watch Series 5 lacks these detailed energy and recovery monitoring features.
3. Heart Rate Variability (HRV):
   • The Venu 3 emphasizes HRV as a key part of its recovery and health metrics, offering a more holistic view of fitness and wellness.
   • While the Apple Watch Series 5 does measure HRV, it doesn’t integrate this data as deeply into fitness insights or recovery.
4. Workout Variety and Analysis:
   • The Garmin Venu 3 supports a wider range of activities and provides more detailed stats for each workout, including advanced running dynamics and VO2 max calculations. It’s designed to cater to serious athletes looking to improve their performance.
   • The Apple Watch Series 5 supports basic workout tracking but doesn’t offer the same depth of data as Garmin, especially for athletes seeking more advanced insights.

Battery Life and Compatibility

• Battery Life: The Garmin Venu 3 offers up to 14 days of battery life, although with regular use, I find it closer to 10 days. This is significantly longer than the Apple Watch Series 5, which typically required me to charge daily. The extended battery life of the Venu 3 makes it ideal for those who don’t want to worry about charging every day, especially if using it for sleep tracking and extended workouts.
• Compatibility: The Garmin Venu 3 works with both iOS and Android, providing more flexibility if you switch between devices. In contrast, the Apple Watch Series 5 is limited to iPhones, making it less versatile if you’re not entirely committed to the Apple ecosystem.

Smartwatch Features

• The Apple Watch Series 5 excels in smartwatch functionality. It has a larger app ecosystem, seamless iPhone integration, and superior communication features (calls, messages, notifications). For those focused on the smartwatch experience, Apple delivers a smoother and more polished interface.
• While the Garmin Venu 3 has improved with features like a built-in speaker and microphone for calls, it’s still more fitness and health-oriented, and its smartwatch features aren’t as robust or intuitive as those on the Apple Watch.

Apple Pay vs. Garmin Pay

When I compare Garmin Pay to Apple Pay, I notice a few key differences. Both let me make contactless payments, but Apple Pay works with way more banks and retailers, making it much more convenient. Garmin Pay, on the other hand, is only available on certain devices, and I have to enter a PIN every 24 hours, which feels like an extra step compared to the smooth experience I get with Apple Pay. Plus, Apple Pay works on my iPhone and iPad, while Garmin Pay is mostly limited to my smartwatch.

8. Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Amazing Health Tracking: I love how it tracks my sleep, stress levels, and the “Body Battery” feature, which shows how much energy I have throughout the day. It’s like having a personal health assistant on my wrist. The Garmin Connect app is great and let you dig deep into the data, but you can also see data directly on the watch.
• Extensive Fitness Features: The Venu 3 tracks all kinds of workouts like running, cycling, and swimming. It gives me detailed stats, helping me improve my fitness over time.
• Impressive Battery Life: Garmin claims the battery lasts up to 14 days, but in my experience, it’s closer to 10 days with regular use, especially when using features like GPS and tracking workouts. This is still impressive, and I usually keep the “always on” display off to conserve power. Even with active use, I’m happy with how long it lasts between charges.
• Bright Amoled Display: The AMOLED display is bright and easy to see, even outside in direct sunlight.
• Accurate GPS: When I go for runs or bike rides, the GPS tracks my routes accurately without needing my phone.

Cons:

• Limited iPhone Connectivity: While the Garmin Venu 3 works with iPhones, the experience isn’t as smooth as with an Apple Watch. On the Apple Watch, you get more shortcuts, quicker responses, and better overall integration with iOS. Certain features feel more limited when paired with an iPhone, especially in terms of notifications and smart functions. However, it is not a big deal taking into considerations all the other goodies.
• Can Be Tricky to Navigate: Navigating through all the features and settings can be a bit confusing at first. It’s not the most user-friendly, especially if you’re new to Garmin watches.
• Fewer Smart Features: Compared to other smartwatches like the Apple Watch, the Venu 3 lacks some non-fitness apps and smart functions.
• Higher Price: It’s more expensive than other fitness trackers, which could be a downside if you’re on a tight budget.

9. Conclusion: Is the Garmin Venu 3 Worth It?

Short answer: Yes! I have been a Apple fan for years, but Garmin Venu 3 has opened my eyes, and positively surprised me. For those prioritizing in-depth health and fitness tracking, the Garmin Venu 3 is a great choice. It offers detailed data on sleep, energy levels, recovery, and stress, ideal for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Its long battery life and cross-platform compatibility provide flexibility and extended usage. This makes it a better choice for users who want less frequent charging. If you are interested in checking out some of the other Garmin watches, make sure you check out our other post on Garmin Smartwatches: Which One is Right for You?.

However, if you want a more balanced smartwatch experience, especially as an iPhone user, the Apple Watch is a strong option, especially the newer series. Check out our product review on Apple Watch 10 Review: My Experience After One Month of Use if you consider to upgrade to the latest Apple Watch. I hope you found this Garmin Venu 3 review of value and find your next smartwatch that fits your needs.

FAQ: My Garmin Venu 3 Questions Answered

How long does the Garmin Venu 3 battery really last?

While Garmin claims up to 14 days of battery life, I usually get around 5-10 days with regular use. With the always-on display enabled, battery life typically averages about 5 days. I’ve noticed that features like GPS, heart rate monitoring, and backlight settings can significantly affect how long the battery lasts.

What is the difference between Venu, Venu 2 and Venu 3?

The upgrade from Venu to Venu 3 is quite substantial, offering improved features and better battery life. Here is another recommended blog post where I compare the three watches: Garmin Venu Series Comparison: Venu vs. Venu 2 vs. Venu 3

What features drain the Venu 3’s battery the most?

From my experience, the always-on display has the biggest impact, cutting battery life by nearly half. GPS usage, continuous heart rate monitoring, and the PulseOx sensor also draw a lot of power. Bright backlight settings and a spotty Bluetooth connection can drain the battery further.

Which is better, Garmin Venu 3 or 3S?

The only difference between Garmin Venu 3 and 3S is the size and battery. The Venu 3 is perfect if you love a big screen and a battery that lasts longer, while the Venu 3S is ideal for those who prefer a smaller, lighter watch.

Is the Garmin Venu 3 a good choice for iPhone users?

Yes, the Venu 3 works smoothly with both iOS and Android devices. Its health and fitness tracking is top-notch across both platforms. However, I’ve noticed that a few smartwatch features are more limited on iOS compared to the Apple Watch, like responding to texts.

What is Body Battery, and how does it work?

Body Battery is one of my favorite features! It combines data from my heart rate, stress levels, sleep, and activity to give a score from 0 to 100, which helps me keep track of my energy levels throughout the day. It’s a helpful guide to understanding when to be active and when to take it easy.

Can I make calls or use voice commands with the Garmin Venu 3?

Yes! The Venu 3 has a built-in microphone and speaker, so I can make and receive calls when my phone is nearby. It also supports voice assistants like Siri for iPhone and Google Assistant for Android, letting me check the weather or set reminders hands-free.

How does the Venu 3’s sleep tracking compare to other smartwatches?
The Venu 3 offers detailed sleep tracking, with insights into sleep stages and a sleep score each night. It even includes nap detection, which is a great addition compared to other smartwatches and previous Garmin models.

Is the Garmin Venu 3 worth the investment if I already have a fitness tracker?

If, like me, you want more in-depth health insights, a long-lasting battery, and a balance of smartwatch and fitness features, then yes, the Venu 3 is worth it. Its extensive health metrics and impressive battery life set it apart from standard fitness trackers.

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This content was created with the assistance of AI to help structure my thoughts and communicate more clearly. All ideas, insights, and personal experiences shared here are my own.

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