Garmin Instinct E

The Garmin Instinct E is a rugged GPS smartwatch designed for those who demand durability and functionality in their wearable technology. With a robust build and essential smart features, it caters to outdoor enthusiasts, fitness aficionados, and anyone seeking a reliable companion for daily activities.

Available in 40mm and 45mm case sizes, the Instinct E has a 1.2-inch display and features a fibre-reinforced polymer case and a scratch-resistant display, ensuring it withstands the rigours of daily wear and outdoor adventures. Its 10 ATM water rating means it can handle depths of up to 100 metres, making it suitable for swimming, snorkelling, and exposure to rain or splashes. The monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display ensures readability even under bright sunlight, while the chemically strengthened glass lens adds an extra layer of protection.

Under the hood, the Instinct E is equipped with multiple satellite systems, including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo, providing accurate tracking and navigation capabilities. Whether you're hiking through dense forests or cycling in urban areas, the watch offers reliable location data. The built-in barometric altimeter, 3-axis compass, and accelerometer further enhance its navigational prowess, allowing users to track elevation changes and maintain orientation in challenging terrains.

Health and wellness monitoring is at the forefront of the Instinct E's features. It offers wrist-based heart rate monitoring, Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation readings, respiration rate tracking, and advanced sleep monitoring. The Body Battery™ energy monitor helps users understand their energy levels throughout the day, while stress tracking and relaxation reminders promote overall well-being. Additionally, the watch provides hydration tracking and women's health features, ensuring comprehensive health insights

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the wide array of built-in sports apps available on the Instinct E. From running and cycling to swimming and skiing, the watch supports various activities, offering metrics like pace, distance, and cadence. It also includes multisport modes, making it ideal for triathletes and those engaging in diverse fitness routines. The watch's training features, such as heart rate zones, VO2 max estimation, and recovery time suggestions, assist users in optimising their workouts and tracking progress over time.

Smart features on the Instinct E include smart notifications, allowing users to receive alerts for calls, messages, and app notifications directly on their wrist. While it doesn't support music storage or playback, it offers controls for smartphone music and compatibility with Garmin's Connect IQ™ Store, enabling users to customise their watch with additional apps, widgets, and watch faces. The watch also supports incident detection and assistance features, enhancing safety during activities.

Battery life is a standout feature of the Instinct E. In smartwatch mode, it offers up to 16 days of use, ensuring it can keep up with extended adventures without frequent recharging. For those engaging in GPS-intensive activities, the battery lasts up to 24 hours, and in UltraTrac™ mode, it can extend up to 50 hours, making it suitable for long-distance hikes or multi-day excursions.

Released in January 2025, the Garmin Instinct E is available in Australia with an RRP of $549. It can be purchased through various retailers, including Garmin's official website, JB Hi-Fi, Rebel Sport, Harvey Norman, and Big W. With its combination of rugged design, comprehensive health and fitness features, and long battery life, the Instinct E stands out as a versatile smartwatch for those leading active lifestyles.

This description was last updated April 2025.