Garmin Venu X1 vs Venu 3: Which Smartwatch Is Better?
Garmin Venu X1 vs. Garmin Venu 3—discover the key differences in design, battery life, and advanced fitness tracking in our detailed smartwatch comparison. See how the ultra-thin Venu X1’s premium training metrics stack up against the Venu 3’s balanced features and superior endurance. Use this quick guide to choose the perfect Garmin watch for your workout goals and everyday needs.
The Garmin Venu X1 ($799) offers a revolutionary 2-inch square display, titanium construction, and advanced mapping for serious athletes, while the Venu 3 ($449) provides superior 14-day battery life, ECG monitoring, and proven reliability for everyday users. Choose the X1 if you prioritize cutting-edge features and don't mind frequent charging; pick the Venu 3 if you want maximum battery life and comprehensive health tracking.
Table of Contents
- At-a-Glance Comparison
- Key Differences That Matter
- Display & Design Battle
- Battery Life Reality Check
- Fitness & Health Features
- Smart Features Showdown
- Who Should Buy Which Watch
- Final Verdict
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Garmin Venu X1 | Garmin Venu 3 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $799.99 | $449.99 | Venu 3 |
| Display | 2.0" Square AMOLED | 1.4" Round AMOLED | Venu X1 |
| Battery Life | 8 days (2 with AOD) | 14 days (4 with AOD) | Venu 3 |
| Construction | Grade 5 Titanium | Stainless Steel | Venu X1 |
| Thickness | 8mm | 12mm | Venu X1 |
| Maps | Offline Topo Maps | Connected GPS Only | Venu X1 |
| ECG | No | Yes | Venu 3 |
| Sports Modes | 100+ | 30+ | Venu X1 |
| LED Flashlight | Yes | No | Venu X1 |
| Size Options | 47mm only | 45mm & 41mm (3S) | Venu 3 |
The 5 Key Differences That Actually Matter
1. Display Experience: Revolutionary vs. Refined
Venu X1: Massive 2-inch square display provides 40% more screen real estate
Venu 3: Traditional 1.4-inch round face with proven readability
Real Impact: The X1's larger screen transforms navigation and workout data viewing, but the square design polarizes users aesthetically.
2. Battery Life: Convenience vs. Performance
Venu X1: 8 days normal use, drops to 2 days with always-on display Venu 3: 14 days normal use, 4 days with always-on display Real Impact: Venu 3 users charge weekly; X1 users charge 2-3 times per week with heavy use.
3. Build Quality: Premium vs. Practical
Venu X1: Grade 5 titanium case, sapphire crystal glass, 8mm thin profile
Venu 3: Stainless steel bezel, Gorilla Glass 3, 12mm thickness
Real Impact: X1 feels more premium and is 50% thinner, but Venu 3 is more durable for rough use.
4. Health Monitoring: Advanced vs. Complete
Venu X1: Missing ECG, but includes Hill Score and advanced training metrics
Venu 3: Full ECG capability, sleep coaching, established health ecosystem
Real Impact: Health-conscious users may prefer Venu 3's comprehensive cardiac monitoring.
5. Price-to-Value Ratio: Innovation Premium vs. Proven Value
Venu X1: $799 for cutting-edge features and premium materials
Venu 3: $449 for 90% of the functionality with superior battery life
Real Impact: $350 price difference represents nearly 80% markup for premium features.
Display & Design: Size vs. Style
Venu X1 Display Advantages
- 2-inch AMOLED screen provides exceptional readability for maps and data
- Square design maximizes information density for workouts
- Ultra-thin 8mm profile feels less bulky despite larger footprint
- Higher pixel density delivers sharper text and graphics
Venu 3 Design Benefits
- Classic round watch aesthetic works in professional settings
- Two size options (45mm and 41mm S model) fit various wrist sizes
- Proven ergonomics from years of refinement
- Better button placement for one-handed operation
The Reality Check
The X1's display is genuinely transformative for navigation and data-heavy activities, but the square design won't appeal to traditional watch aesthetics. If you wear your watch to business meetings, the Venu 3's round face is more socially acceptable.
Battery Life: The Great Trade-off
Real-World Battery Performance
| Usage Scenario | Venu X1 | Venu 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Light Use (notifications, basic tracking) | 8 days | 14 days |
| Moderate Use (daily workouts, GPS) | 5-6 days | 10-12 days |
| Heavy Use (always-on display, GPS, music) | 2-3 days | 4-5 days |
| GPS-only workout mode | 28 hours | 26 hours |
Charging Behavior Impact
- Venu X1 users: Develop weekly charging routines, carry chargers when traveling
- Venu 3 users: Charge bi-weekly, rarely worry about battery anxiety
- Power user reality: Heavy GPS and always-on display usage makes the X1 a 2-3 day device
Fitness & Health Features: Depth vs. Breadth
Advanced Training Features
Venu X1 Exclusive Features:
- Hill Score (climbing power assessment)
- Endurance Score (aerobic fitness tracking)
- 100+ sport modes including niche activities
- Training Readiness with detailed recovery metrics
- Offline topographic maps for hiking/trail running
Venu 3 Health Advantages:
- ECG app for heart rhythm analysis
- Sleep coaching with personalized recommendations
- Wheelchair push mode accessibility
- Established algorithm accuracy from longer market presence
GPS and Accuracy Comparison
Both watches use the same Elevate V5 sensor and multi-band GPS, delivering virtually identical accuracy for:
- Heart rate monitoring (±2-3 bpm variation)
- GPS tracking precision
- Sleep stage detection
- Stress monitoring
Smart Features: Innovation vs. Practicality
Unique Smart Capabilities
| Feature | Venu X1 | Venu 3 | Better Implementation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Yes | Yes | Tie - both excellent |
| Voice Assistant | Enhanced AI | Basic Garmin | Venu X1 |
| LED Flashlight | Yes | No | Venu X1 only |
| Offline Maps | Full topo maps | Connected GPS | Venu X1 only |
| Music Storage | 8GB | 8GB | Tie |
| Garmin Pay | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| App Ecosystem | Same Connect IQ | Same Connect IQ | Tie |
Daily Usability Reality
- Notifications: Identical experience on both watches
- Third-party apps: Same Connect IQ store compatibility
- Smartphone integration: No meaningful differences
- Garmin ecosystem: Full compatibility with both models
Who Should Buy Which Watch?
Choose the Garmin Venu X1 If You:
✅ Value cutting-edge technology and don't mind being an early adopter
✅ Need offline maps for hiking, trail running, or outdoor adventures
✅ Prioritize display size for navigation and detailed workout data
✅ Want premium materials (titanium, sapphire glass) for durability
✅ Don't mind charging 2-3 times per week with heavy use
✅ Have $800 budget and want the latest Garmin innovation
✅ Are serious athletes who will use advanced training metrics
Choose the Garmin Venu 3 If You:
✅ Want maximum battery life with minimal charging anxiety
✅ Need ECG monitoring for comprehensive heart health tracking
✅ Prefer traditional round watch design for professional/social settings
✅ Have smaller wrists and want the 41mm Venu 3S option
✅ Value proven reliability over bleeding-edge features
✅ Want 90% of premium features at 60% of the cost
✅ Are casual to moderate fitness users who don't need advanced metrics
The Bottom Line: Our Recommendation
For Most People: Garmin Venu 3 Wins
The Venu 3 offers the optimal balance of features, battery life, and value. Unless you specifically need the X1's larger display or offline maps, the Venu 3 delivers superior daily usability with its 14-day battery life and comprehensive health monitoring.
For Power Users: Venu X1 Justified
If you're a serious athlete, outdoor enthusiast, or technology early adopter who values the revolutionary display and doesn't mind frequent charging, the X1's premium features justify the $350 price increase.
The Wait-and-See Option
If you're upgrading from an older Garmin and aren't in a rush, consider waiting 6-12 months for potential X1 price drops or a Venu 4 announcement that might combine the best of both watches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Venu X1 worth upgrading from Venu 3?
A: Only if you specifically need offline maps, want the larger display, or are willing to sacrifice battery life for premium materials. Most Venu 3 owners should keep their current watch.
Q: Which has better GPS accuracy?
A: Identical - both use the same multi-band GPS chipset and deliver the same tracking precision.
Q: Can I get ECG on the Venu X1 later via software update?
A: Unlikely - the hardware sensors differ between models, and Garmin hasn't indicated ECG support for the X1.
Q: Is the square design comfortable for sleep tracking?
A: Despite being larger, the X1's 8mm thickness makes it more comfortable for sleep wear than the thicker Venu 3 for many users.
Q: Which watch will get longer software support?
A: Likely similar 3-4 year support cycles, but the X1's newer platform might receive updates for slightly longer.
Final Verdict: Match Your Lifestyle
The choice between Venu X1 and Venu 3 ultimately depends on your priorities:
- Choose innovation and premium features: Venu X1
- Choose reliability and maximum battery life: Venu 3
- Choose the best overall value: Venu 3
Both are excellent smartwatches, but the Venu 3's superior battery life and proven reliability make it the better choice for most users, while the X1 serves power users who demand cutting-edge features regardless of cost.
Last updated: 6/19/2025 | Prices accurate as of publication