Polar Vantage M3 vs Garmin Venu 3: Which Is Better?

For sports enthusiasts, particularly runners, sports watches like the Polar Vantage M3 and Garmin Venu 3 are essential tools. While we slightly prefer the Venu 3 for its comprehensive features, it comes at a higher cost. Here’s a detailed comparison for UK users to help you choose.

Specifications

Let’s start with a side-by-side look at the key specifications:

	Polar Vantage M3	Garmin Venu 3
Dimensions	44.7 x 44.7 x 12.2 mm	45 x 45 x 12 mm
Weight	53g (with strap)	42g or 46g (with strap)
Battery Life	Up to 7 days	Up to 14 days
Display	AMOLED	AMOLED
Touchscreen	Yes	Yes
Materials	Plastic, Gorilla Glass, Stainless Steel	Fibre-reinforced polymer, Gorilla Glass, Stainless Steel
Water Resistance	WR50 (50 meters)	5 ATM (50 meters)

The specifications are closely matched, with minor differences in size, weight, and materials. The Venu 3’s longer battery life stands out.

Starting at £349 (Vantage M3), £429 (Venu 3)

Battery Life

The most significant difference is battery life. The Garmin Venu 3 lasts up to 14 days in smartwatch mode (26 days in power-saving mode), doubling the Polar Vantage M3’s 7 days. However, the Vantage M3 excels in training mode, offering 30 hours with GPS (70 hours in power-saving training mode), compared to the Venu 3’s 26 hours. Customise your Vantage M3 for a personal touch.

Polar Vantage M3 vs Garmin Venu 3 Comparison

Price

Both watches are premium options. The Polar Vantage M3 starts at £349, while the Garmin Venu 3 costs £429, rising to £469 with a leather strap. Budget-conscious UK users may prefer the Vantage M3’s lower price.

Design

Both watches combine sporty and stylish aesthetics. The Venu 3 offers a wider range of colour options, while the Vantage M3 has fewer but can be customized with straps. The Venu 3’s lighter weight (42-46g vs. 53g) enhances comfort. Explore our Garmin Venu 3 straps for more options.

Features

Both watches are tailored for athletes, offering:

GPS: Accurate outdoor route tracking, with the Venu 3 slightly superior.
Heart Rate Monitoring: Precise sensors for reliable data.
Sleep Tracking: Detailed insights into sleep quality.

Enhance your experience with our Polar accessories or Garmin accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Polar Vantage V3?

Yes, the Polar Vantage V3, priced at £519, is an award-winning premium model. The Vantage M3 (£349) offers similar features at a £170 lower price, making it a great value for UK users.

Does the Polar Vantage M3 Have GPS?

Yes, the Vantage M3 features highly accurate GPS for tracking routes during running, cycling, or hiking, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

How Long Does the Polar Vantage M3 Last?

The Vantage M3 offers up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours in training mode with GPS, extendable to 70 hours in power-saving mode.

Conclusion

Both the Polar Vantage M3 and Garmin Venu 3 are excellent sports watches. The Venu 3 edges out slightly with its longer battery life and broader colour options, but its higher price (£429-£469) may deter some. The Vantage M3 (£349) is a strong, more affordable alternative, delivering robust performance for UK athletes.