Garmin Instinct vs. Garmin Forerunner 30

Smartwatch Comparison, Reviews and Tests

In depth comparison and review of Garmin Instinct and Garmin Forerunner 30. Compare sizes, functions, displays, batteries and other important specifications and features to easily choose the right smartwatch for you. Our goal is to help you uncover differences between the products and find the watch that will best fit your needs.

Smartwatch Specifications Comparison

Garmin Instinct vs. Garmin Forerunner 30 Comparison Chart
GENERAL Garmin Instinct Garmin Forerunner 30
Product Type Sport watch Smart watch
Supported Host Device OS iOS, Android iOS, Android
Activity/Sport Running, swimming, ski, cycling, hiking, eSport, climbing, yoga, workout, snowboarding, cardio training, rower, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, mountain biking Running, cycling
Wearing Style Watch style Watch style
Width 45 mm 35.5 mm
Height 45 mm 40.7 mm
Depth 15.3 mm 13.4 mm
Weight 53 g 37.3 g
Body Material Fibre-reinforced polymer -
Protection Waterproof Waterproof
Clock Display Yes Yes
FEATURES Garmin Instinct Garmin Forerunner 30
Sensors Accelerometer, digital compass, thermometre, barometric altimeter, optical heart sensor Accelerometer, heart rate
Tracking Data Distance, time, speed, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate, steps taken, floors climbed, stress level, menstrual cycle, hydration Distance, time, speed, calories burned, sleep activity, heart rate, pace, cadence
Goal Setting Yes Yes
Features Music remote handling, find phone function, VIRB control, inactivity alert, Move IQ, Find my Device, Garmin Elevate, LiveTrack, TrueUp, Body Battery, Physio TrueUp VO2 max, sunlight readable, HR zones, Move IQ, Garmin Connect compatible, Garmin Elevate, LiveTrack, TrueUp, auto pause, auto lap
Notifications Missed calls, calendar, SMS, Email, social apps -
Vibrating Alert Yes Yes
Feedback Type - Vibration alert, visual interface
Navigation (GPS) GPS/GLONASS/Galileo receiver GPS receiver
CONNECTIVITY Garmin Instinct Garmin Forerunner 30
Wireless Interface Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ANT+ Bluetooth
DISPLAY Garmin Instinct Garmin Forerunner 30
Type Memory-in-Pixel LCD - monochrome - transflective Memory-in-Pixel LCD - monochrome - transflective
Resolution 128 x 128 pixels 128 x 128 pixels
Screen Size - 0.93"
Dimensions (WxH) 23 mm x 23 mm 23.5 mm x 23.4 mm
Screen Protection Chemically strengthened glass -
INPUT DEVICE Garmin Instinct Garmin Forerunner 30
Type Touch buttons -
CASE Garmin Instinct Garmin Forerunner 30
Crystal Type - Chemically strengthened glass
Case Shape Round Rounded square
Bezel Fibre-reinforced polymer -
Case Details Black lava | Coyote tan | Sunburst | Lakeside blue | Sea foam | Tundra | Graphite | Flame red Black
BAND Garmin Instinct Garmin Forerunner 30
Band Type Strap Strap
Band Width 22 mm -
Fits Wrist with Circumference 132-224 mm 140-200 mm
Changeable Yes -
Clasp Type Buckle Buckle
Band Material Silicone Silicone
Band Colour Lava black | Coyote tan | Sunburst | Lakeside blue | Sea foam Slate grey
BATTERY Garmin Instinct Garmin Forerunner 30
Technology Lithium Ion -
Battery Life 14 day(s) 5 day(s)
Battery Life Details Smartwatch mode - up to 14 days
Esports mode - up to 80 hour(s)
GPS mode - up to 16 hour(s)
UltraTrac mode - up to 40 hour(s)
GPS mode - up to 8 hour(s)
Smartwatch mode - up to 5 days
Rechargeable Battery Yes Yes
MISCELLANEOUS Garmin Instinct Garmin Forerunner 30
Included Accessories Charging/data cable Charging cable
Preloaded Software STR3AMUP! Stopwatch, Calendar, Alarm, Timer, Find My Phone, Garmion Connect IQ
Compliant Standards MIL-STD 810G -
Max Depth of Water Resistance 100 m 50 m
Max Operating Temperature 60 °C -
Min Operating Temperature -20 °C -
Warranty 1-year warranty 2-year warranty
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