Garmin Enduro 3 vs Garmin Fénix 8 AMOLED 47 mm vs Garmin Forerunner 965
Garmin Enduro 3, Garmin Fénix 8 AMOLED 47 mm or Garmin Forerunner 965? We compare GPS battery, weight, maps and multi-band on all three and tell you which to choose for what you need.
Pick by what you need
- If you run ultras or very long outings (120 h of GPS) → Garmin Enduro 3View on Amazon(opens in a new tab)
- If you want the lightest (53 g) → Garmin Forerunner 965View on Amazon(opens in a new tab)
- If you want to save without giving up the essentials → Garmin Forerunner 965
Three mountain watches with maps, multi-band GPS and music, separated mostly by battery and ruggedness. The Forerunner 965 is the lightest (53 g) and has the shortest battery (31 h of GPS), with an AMOLED screen. The Fenix 8 AMOLED rises to 47 h of GPS and adds the case and materials of the outdoor line. The Enduro 3 plays in a different battery league: 120 h of GPS with a MIP display, built for multi-day ultras and expeditions. If your races last under 30 h, the 965 covers almost everything at less weight; between 30 and 45 h, the Fenix 8; beyond that, the Enduro 3 is the only one that won't die on you.
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Spec | Garmin Enduro 3 | Garmin Fénix 8 AMOLED 47 mm | Garmin Forerunner 965 |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPS battery | 120 h | 47 h | 31 h |
| Multi-band battery | 60 h | 35 h | 19 h |
| Smartwatch | 36 days | 16 days | 23 days |
| Weight | 63 g | 59 g | 53 g |
| Maps | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-band | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Music | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Display | MIP | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Price | Flagship | Flagship | High-end |
| Where to buy | View on Amazon(opens in a new tab) | View on Amazon(opens in a new tab) | View on Amazon(opens in a new tab) |
GPS battery = each manufacturer's standard GPS mode; multi-band = dual-frequency (maximum accuracy). On Suunto, Polar Grit and Amazfit T-Rex the GPS figure already corresponds to dual-band mode. Figures verified against the manufacturer.
Review: Garmin Enduro 3
The battery king for ultra-distance: 120 h in GPS mode (60 h multi-band) and 36 days in smartwatch mode, extendable with solar charging. MIP display, topo maps, LED flashlight and just 63 g. Built for 100-milers, multi-day crossings and backyard ultras without worrying about battery.
Strengths
- Reference battery life: 120 h GPS / 60 h multi-band
- Solar charging that extends battery even further
- Onboard topo maps and routing
- Lightweight (63 g) despite the huge battery
Weaknesses
- MIP display less vivid than an AMOLED
- High price
- Large 51 mm case, not ideal for slim wrists
Review: Garmin Fénix 8 AMOLED 47 mm
Garmin's flagship multisport watch: AMOLED display, topo maps, multi-band GPS, LED flashlight, speaker and microphone. 47 h in GPS mode (35 h multi-band) and 16 days in smartwatch mode. Rugged case with sapphire glass for mountain ultras and multi-day adventures.
Strengths
- Onboard topo maps with round-trip routing
- Multi-band GPS with SatIQ for maximum accuracy
- Built-in LED flashlight for night running
- Rugged case with sapphire glass and 40 m dive rating
Weaknesses
- Very high price
- Heavier and bulkier than a pure running watch
- Shorter battery life than MIP models like the Enduro 3
Review: Garmin Forerunner 965
Premium running watch with a 1.4" AMOLED display, onboard topo maps, multi-band GPS and music. Up to 31 h in GPS mode (19 h multi-band) and 23 days in smartwatch mode, at just 53 g. Garmin's top running watch without the bulk of a Fenix: ideal for marathons and single-day ultras with accurate navigation.
Strengths
- Bright, sharp 1.4" AMOLED display
- Onboard topo maps with turn-by-turn navigation
- Highly accurate dual-frequency multi-band GPS
- Only 53 g: extremely light for a watch with maps
Weaknesses
- Shorter battery life than MIP-display watches (Enduro/Instinct)
- Less rugged case than a Fenix for extreme terrain
- High price