Between the Instinct 3 Tactical and Ocean, the Instinct 3 Tactical comes out ahead in smartwatch mode and gps mode, while the Ocean wins on multi-band gps. Overall, the Instinct 3 Tactical scores 56.8 and the Ocean scores 41.3 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The Instinct 3 Tactical is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 15.5 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the Instinct 3 Tactical if you care most about smartwatch mode and gps mode. The biggest gaps in its favor are smartwatch mode, gps mode, solar charging.
Pick the Ocean if you care most about multi-band gps. Its strongest claims are multi-band gps.
Both ship with comparable ecg, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the Instinct 3 Tactical is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Why Garmin - Instinct 3 Tactical wins
- ▲Smartwatch mode — 200.00% more. 30 days vs 10 days.
- ▲GPS mode — 133.33% more. 70 h vs 30 h.
- ▲Has Solar charging.
Why Suunto - Ocean wins
- ▲Has Multi-band GPS.
Spec comparison
GPS & Sensors
| Spec | Garmin - Instinct 3 Tactical | Suunto - Ocean |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-band GPS | false | truelead |
| Barometric altimeter | true | true |
| Heart rate | true | true |
| ECG | false | false |
| Pulse Ox | true | true |
Battery
| Spec | Garmin - Instinct 3 Tactical | Suunto - Ocean |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch mode | 30 dayslead | 10 days |
| GPS mode | 70 hlead | 30 h |
| Solar charging | truelead | false |
Design
| Spec | Garmin - Instinct 3 Tactical | Suunto - Ocean |
|---|---|---|
| Case size | 50 mmlead | 49 mm |
| Weight | 70 glead | 78 g |
| Water resistanceⓘ | 10 ATM | 30 ATMlead |
Spec-level deep dives
More from the same brands
vsMars is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.