Garmin Fenix 3 vs Garmin Forerunner 735XT

Last Updated & Fact Checked:  October 15, 2022

Are you trying to decide between the Garmin Fenix 3 and the Garmin Forerunner 735XT?

Product Versus will provide you with all the product details so you can quickly compare the facts to find which product is right for you – the Garmin Fenix 3 or the Garmin Forerunner 735XT – and find out exactly what the differences are.

Both the Garmin Fenix 3 and the Garmin Forerunner 735XT are quality products, so read on to find out which one is best for your needs!

Garmin Fenix 3 quick facts

Garmin Forerunner 735XT quick facts

Garmin Fenix 3 product details

Bestseller No. 1
Garmin Fenix 3 Heart Rate (HR) Silver (Renewed)
25 Reviews
Garmin Fenix 3 Heart Rate (HR) Silver (Renewed)
  • WRIST-BASED HEART RATE - Garmin Elevate wrist heart rate technology measures heart rate at the wrist, giving you the option to track your heart rate data without wearing a chest strap - Activity Tracking Accuracy
  • BLACK SILICONE BAND - Soft, flexible black silicone band adds luxurious feel with resistance to discoloration
  • CHROMA DISPLAY - 1.2” sunlight-visible high-resolution color Chroma optically-bonded display
  • WATER RATING - Water rated up to 10ATM / 100 meters; suitable for swimming
Bestseller No. 2
Garmin fēnix 3 HR - Gray (Renewed)
502 Reviews
Garmin fēnix 3 HR - Gray (Renewed)
  • WRIST-BASED HEART RATE - Garmin Elevate wrist heart rate technology measures heart rate at the wrist, giving you the option to track your heart rate data without wearing a chest strap
  • BLACK SILICONE BAND - Soft, flexible black silicone band adds luxurious feel with resistance to discoloration
  • CHROMA DISPLAY - 1.2” sunlight-visible high-resolution color Chroma optically-bonded display
  • WATER RATING - Water rated up to 10ATM / 100 meters; suitable for swimming
  • WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY- Utilize one or more Wi-Fi hot spots to automatically sync your data with Garmin Connect and update software (when in range)
Bestseller No. 3
Garmin fenix 3 GPS Watch, Gray
1,557 Reviews
Garmin fenix 3 GPS Watch, Gray
  • Chroma display - 1.2” sunlight-visible high-resolution color Chroma optically-bonded display.Quick fit watch band compatible: 0.8Inch(26 mm)
  • Water rating - water rated up to 10ATM/ 100 Meters1; suitable for swimming. Case Material: fiber-reinforced polymer
  • Exo antenna - Omni-directional Steel exo antenna, when paired with GLONASS and epo, provides an even faster fix and accurate position than GPS alone
  • Wireless connectivity- utilize one or more Wi-Fi Hot spots to automatically sync your data with Garmin connect and update software (when in range)
  • Battery life - rechargeable battery; up to 20 hours in training/GPS mode, 50 hours in UltraTrac mode, and 6 weeks in watch mode (depends on settings)

Garmin Forerunner 735XT product details

Bestseller No. 1
Garmin Forerunner 735XT, Multisport GPS Running Watch With Heart Rate, Black/Gray
2,092 Reviews
Garmin Forerunner 735XT, Multisport GPS Running Watch With Heart Rate, Black/Gray
  • GPS running watch with multisport features
  • Estimates heart rate at the wrist so you can run freer on race day.Shock resistant. Battery life : Smartwatch Mode Up to 11 days. GPS mode Up to 14 hours. UltraTrac mode Up to 24 hours without wrist heart rate
  • Provides advanced dynamics for running, cycling and swimming7, including ground contact time balance, stride length, vertical ratio and more (when paired with a Running Dynamics Pod, HRM Run or HRM Tri Monitor, sold separately)
  • Offers VO2 max estimate, lactate threshold (when used with a chest strap heart rate monitor), race predictor and recovery advisor
  • Connected features4: smart notifications, automatic uploads to Garmin Connect, live tracking and more
On Sale!Bestseller No. 2
Garmin Forerunner 735XT - Black and Gray (Renewed)
96 Reviews
Garmin Forerunner 735XT - Black and Gray (Renewed)
  • This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com
  • Form factor - the most lightweight multisport-capable watch ever from Garmin in an attractive, traditional watch shape, with soft, comfortable silicone bands
  • Built-in activities - data support for: running, cycling, swimming, multisport, hiking, xc skiing, strength, paddle sports and cardio
  • 24/7 Heart rate monitoring - Elevate Wrist Heart technology gives you heart rate all day and night -no additional strap required.
  • Connected Features - automatic uploads to Garmin Connect, Live Tracking, audio prompts, music controls, smart notifications and social media sharing. Dimensions & Weight: 44.5 x 44.5 x 11.9 mm & 40.2 g
On Sale!Bestseller No. 3
Garmin 010-01746-00 Forerunner 935 Running GPS Unit (Black)
2,851 Reviews
Garmin 010-01746-00 Forerunner 935 Running GPS Unit (Black)
  • Premium GPS running/triathlon watch with wrist based heart rate; Strap material: Silicone; Smartphone compatibility: iPhone, Android, Windows
  • Offers advanced running and multisport Features in a comfortable watch you can wear all day, and it only weighs 49 grams
  • Provides elevation changes with a built in barometer; altimeter and electronic compass help you keep your bearings
  • Evaluates your training status to indicate if you’re undertraining or overdoing it and offers additional performance monitoring Features
  • Provides advanced dynamics for running, cycling and swimming, including ground contact time balance, stride length and more. Bezel Material: Fiber reinforced polymer

New products & alternatives to the Garmin Fenix 3 and the Garmin Forerunner 735XT

New
Garmin Fenix 7S Stainless Steel with Whitestone Band Bundle with Tempered Glass Screen Protector Film Fenix 7S (42mm, 3-Pack) (2 Items)
  • Bundle Includes: Garmin Fenix 7S Stainless Steel with Whitestone Band and 9H Tempered Glass Screen Protector Film for Garmin Fenix 7S (42mm, 3-Pack)
  • PacePro Technology: A first-of-its-kind PacePro feature helps keep you on pace with grade-adjusted guidance as you run a course
  • ClimbPro: Use the ClimbPro ascent planner on downloaded courses to see real-time information on your current and upcoming climbs, including gradient, distance, and elevation gain as well as descents and flats
  • Real-Time Stamina: Use this data to track and manage your exertion and help avoid overexerting at the start of your run or bike
  • Recovery Time Advisor: After each workout, recovery time lets you know when you’ll be ready for another hard workout. It even accounts for training intensity and factors such as stress, daily activity, and sleep
New
Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar, Larger Sized Adventure smartwatch, Black & HRM-Pro, Premium Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap, Real-Time Heart Rate Data and Running Dynamics, Black
595 Reviews
Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar, Larger Sized Adventure smartwatch, Black & HRM-Pro, Premium Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap, Real-Time Heart Rate Data and Running Dynamics, Black
  • Product 1: Long-running solar powered multisport GPS watch with scratch-resistant Power Sapphire lens and always-on 1.4” display uses the sun’s energy to extend battery life; a built-in LED flashlight keeps you going after dark
  • Product 1: Battery performance: in smartwatch mode, up to 28 days while indoors or up to 37 days with solar charging in 3 hours of direct sunlight (50,000 lux) per day; in GPS mode, up to 89 hours indoors or up to 122 hours with solar charging continuously in direct sunlight (50,000 lux)
  • Product 1: Take your training to the next level with endurance and real-time stamina tracking, training status, advanced performance metrics and 30+ built-in sports apps
  • Product 1: Get 24/7 health and wellness monitoring with wrist-based heart rate, Pulse Ox (not available in all countries), stress and enhanced sleep tracking (this device is intended to give an estimation of your activity and metrics; it is not a medical device)
  • Product 2: Premium heart rate strap transmits real-time heart rate data via ANT technology and BLUETOOTH Low Energy technology to communicate with Garmin devices, compatible fitness equipment and online training apps, such as Zwift
New
Garmin Fenix 7S Sapphire Solar, Smaller Adventure smartwatch, with Solar Charging Capabilities, Rugged Watch with GPS & HRM-Pro, Premium Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap, Black
  • Product 1: Long-running solar powered, smaller-sized multisport GPS watch with scratch-resistant Power Sapphire lens and always-on 1.2” display uses the sun’s energy to extend battery life
  • Product 1: Trusted button controls that work in any environment are matched with a highly responsive touchscreen interface for quick, convenient access to selections
  • Product 1: Take your training to the next level with endurance and real-time stamina tracking, training status, advanced performance metrics and 30+ built-in sports apps
  • Product 1: Get 24/7 health and wellness monitoring with wrist-based heart rate, Pulse Ox (not available in all countries), stress and enhanced sleep tracking (this device is intended to give an estimation of your activity and metrics; it is not a medical device)
  • Product 2: Premium heart rate strap transmits real-time heart rate data via ANT technology and BLUETOOTH Low Energy technology to communicate with Garmin devices, compatible fitness equipment and online training apps, such as Zwift
New
Garmin Fenix 7X Solar Edition Smart Watch Slate Gray with Black Band (51mm) + Watch Charging Stand + USB Car/Wall Adapter + 6TH AVE Cleaning Kit (Bundle) (010-02541-00)
  • Bundle Items Include: Fenix 7XSolar Edition Slate Gray with Black Band (51mm) + Watch Charging Stand + Portable Charger + USB Car Adapter + USB Wall Adapter + LCD Screen Cleaner
  • Long-running solar powered multisport GPS watch with scratch-resistant Power Sapphire lens and always-on 1.4display uses the suns energy to extend battery life; a built-in LED flashlight keeps you going after dark
  • Get 24/7 health and wellness monitoring with wrist-based heart rate, Pulse Ox (not available in all countries), stress and enhanced sleep tracking (this device is intended to give an estimation of your activity and metrics; it is not a medical device).
  • Find freedom and adventure with preloaded TopoActive maps plus maps for thousands of golf courses and ski resorts worldwide. Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity lets you download maps for any continent at any time without using a computer
  • Up to 28 days of battery life while indoors or up to 37 days when solar charging (assuming all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux condition) in smartwatch mode; in GPS mode, up to 89 hours indoors or up to 122 hours when solar charging (assuming use in 50,000 lux conditions)
New
Garmin Fenix 7X Solar Edition Smart Watch Slate Gray with Black Band + Wireless Headphones + Watch Charging Stand + USB Car/Wall Adapter + More! (010-02541-00)
  • Bundle Items Include: Fenix 7XSolar Edition Slate Gray with Black Band (51mm) + Wireless Headphones + Watch Charging Stand + Portable Charger + USB Car Adapter + USB Wall Adapter + LCD Screen Cleaner + Sweat Workout Towel
  • Long-running solar powered multisport GPS watch with scratch-resistant Power Sapphire lens and always-on 1.4display uses the suns energy to extend battery life; a built-in LED flashlight keeps you going after dark
  • Get 24/7 health and wellness monitoring with wrist-based heart rate, Pulse Ox (not available in all countries), stress and enhanced sleep tracking (this device is intended to give an estimation of your activity and metrics; it is not a medical device).
  • Find freedom and adventure with preloaded TopoActive maps plus maps for thousands of golf courses and ski resorts worldwide. Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity lets you download maps for any continent at any time without using a computer
  • Up to 28 days of battery life while indoors or up to 37 days when solar charging (assuming all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux condition) in smartwatch mode; in GPS mode, up to 89 hours indoors or up to 122 hours when solar charging (assuming use in 50,000 lux conditions)

Our conclusion on the Garmin Fenix 3 vs Garmin Forerunner 735XT

Both the Garmin Fenix 3 and the Garmin Forerunner 735XT are high quality products and we are sure you will be happy with either one. In the end it comes down to your budget and the value for money you are looking for.

Either way, the Garmin Fenix 3 and the Garmin Forerunner 735XT are both excellent products that will more than do their job!