OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartwatches Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v3.0

Garmin Instinct Crossover review: 127 specs compared

Avg. price:~£?Screen size:0.9 inchBattery life:28 daysDisplay type:MIP LCD

Garmin Instinct Crossover Review: Compare 127 technical specifications, 17 expert and video reviews and 1 best-of list to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Garmin Instinct Crossover
8.0/10

Overall score

Score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 82% of models
Score components

35%

7.9

Technical score

30%

7.9

List score

25%

7.6

Reviews score

10%

9.1

Sentiment score

▲Better than 82% of smartwatches
?

Value for money

Value for money
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.0

Overall score

30%

?

Price

Price not known yet
7.9

Technical score

Technical score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 82% of models
Score components

24%

8.5

Health

21%

9.5

Fitness

16%

7.1

Battery

14%

8.4

Smart features

12%

7.4

Connectivity

9%

7.2

Display & Design

4%

1.0

Hardware

▲Better than 82%
7.6

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 54% of models

80%

7.5

Average grade

20%

8.0

Popularity

Grades by review (17)
4 reviews + 13 videos, average 7.4/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▼Worse than 54%
7.9

List score

List score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (1)
List score: in 1 of 119 lists (1%)
▲Better than 76%
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Best prices
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Smartwatches model ranking

Ranked #131 of 777 models in Smartwatches (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of smartwatch Garmin Instinct Crossover

Technical score
Technical score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 82% of models
Score components:

24%

8.5

Health

21%

9.5

Fitness

16%

7.1

Battery

14%

8.4

Smart features

12%

7.4

Connectivity

9%

7.2

Display & Design

4%

1.0

Hardware

7.9
Reviews score
7.6
List score
7.9
Value for money
Value for money
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 89% of models
Score components:

70%

8.0

Overall score

30%

?

Price

8.6
Heart rate monitor
yes
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 9.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
This smartwatch supports blood oxygen monitoring. 30.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
?
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings. 49.5% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
HRV tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports HRV tracking. 54.9% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
Show more
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.5% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 46.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
no
This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope. 71.3% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
?
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 3.7% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
28 days
Market range: <1 days – >16 days
This smartwatch lasts 28 days on a charge, which is longer than 95% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.8% of Smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
?
Battery life with GPS on
25 h
Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
This smartwatch lasts 25 h with GPS on, which is longer than 60.3% of Smartwatches and the same as 2.6% of Smartwatches.
Battery power
?
Charge time
120 min
Market range: <60 min – >150 min
This smartwatch charges from empty in 120 min, which is quicker than 13.3% of Smartwatches and the same as 44.6% of Smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Garmin OS
This smartwatch runs Garmin OS, which is more advanced than the system in 70.8% of Smartwatches and equal to 9.2% of Smartwatches.
Software update frequency
occasional
This smartwatch has occasional software update support which is more active than that of 54% of smartwatches and equal to that of 40.2% of smartwatches.
Third-party app support
yes
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 48.5% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
no
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 16.6% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
yes
This smartwatch supports GPS. 40.3% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
yes
This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation. 56.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Dual-frequency GPS
no
Garmin Instinct Crossover does not support dual-frequency GPS. 15.1% of Smartwatches offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
0.9 inch
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
This smartwatch has a 0.9 inch screen, which is smaller than 97.5% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.3% of Smartwatches.
Display type
MIP LCD
This smartwatch uses MIP LCD, which is less advanced than the screen in 62.5% of Smartwatches and equal to 5.7% of Smartwatches.
Resolution
176x 176
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 176x176 which is lower than that of 93.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.9% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
?
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
?
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
0.064 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch has 0.064 GB of internal storage, which is less than 71.7% of Smartwatches and equal to 1.3% of Smartwatches.
External memory slot
no
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more
What reviewers say

Garmin Instinct Crossover vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • 21 days longer battery life
    This smartwatch runs longer per charge than the average smartwatch (28 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    28 days vs 7 days
  • Temperature sensing
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.9% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
  • Crash detection capability
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 14% of smartwatches support crash detection.
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 44.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.6% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • More frequent updates
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    occasional vs ended
  • 21.3% higher sentiment score
    9.1 vs 7.5
  • 8.6% higher review score
    Reviews score
    7.6/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▼ Worse than 54% of models

    80%

    7.5

    Average grade

    20%

    8.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (17)
    4 reviews + 13 videos, average 7.4/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    7.6 vs 7.0
  • 10.5% better value for money
    Garmin Instinct Crossover has a higher value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (8.58 vs 7.8).
    8.58 vs 7.76
  • Temperature sensing
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.9% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • Weight tracking
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 41.9% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
  • Water intake tracking
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44.1% of smartwatches track water intake.
  • Perspiration monitoring
    This smartwatch tracks perspiration, the average smartwatch does not. 15.1% of smartwatches track perspiration.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 46.6% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • 21 days longer battery life
    This smartwatch runs longer per charge than the average smartwatch (28 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    28 days vs 7 days
  • 4 h longer GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts longer with GPS on than the average smartwatch (25 h vs 21 h). The average smartwatch lasts 21 h with GPS on.
    25 h vs 21 h
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.6% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports ANT+
    This smartwatch supports ANT+, the average smartwatch does not. 13% of smartwatches support ANT+.
  • Galileo satellite support
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 43.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • Rugged construction
    This smartwatch has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 41.3% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
  • 50 m deeper water rating
    This smartwatch is rated for deeper water than the average smartwatch (100 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch is rated to 50 m.
    100 m vs 50 m
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses chemically strengthened glass display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    chemically strengthened glass vs mineral glass
  • 15 °C higher heat tolerance
    This smartwatch tolerates a higher temperature than the average smartwatch (60 °C vs 45 °C). The average smartwatch is rated up to 45.0 °C.
    60 °C vs 45.0 °C
  • Better case material
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel, fiber-reinforced polymer for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    stainless steel, fiber-reinforced polymer vs polycarbonate
  • Crash detection capability
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 14% of smartwatches support crash detection.
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 44.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • More frequent updates
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    occasional vs ended
  • No gyroscope
    This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope, the average smartwatch does. 71.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
  • No speaker
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • More basic display
    This smartwatch uses a more basic screen than the average smartwatch (MIP LCD vs AMOLED).
    MIP LCD vs AMOLED
  • 0.5 inch smaller display
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen than the average smartwatch (0.9 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen.
    0.9 inch vs 1.4 inch
  • 4.5 mm thicker
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (16.2 mm vs 11.7 mm). The average smartwatch is 11.7 mm thick.
    16.2 mm vs 11.7 mm
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This smartwatch has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch has 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 20 g heavier
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (65 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    65 g vs 45.0 g
  • Basic battery type
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • No gyroscope
    This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope, the average smartwatch does. 71.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
  • Basic battery type
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • More basic display
    This smartwatch uses a more basic screen than the average smartwatch (MIP LCD vs AMOLED).
    MIP LCD vs AMOLED
  • 0.5 inch smaller display
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen than the average smartwatch (0.9 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen.
    0.9 inch vs 1.4 inch
  • 4.5 mm thicker
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (16.2 mm vs 11.7 mm). The average smartwatch is 11.7 mm thick.
    16.2 mm vs 11.7 mm
  • 20 g heavier
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (65 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    65 g vs 45.0 g
  • Lower resolution
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 176x176, while the average smartwatch reaches 360x360.
    176x176 vs 360x360
  • No touchscreen
    This smartwatch does not have a touch screen, the average smartwatch does. 91.5% of smartwatches have a touch screen.
  • No smart alarm
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • No speaker
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This smartwatch has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch has 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 98.4% less internal storage
    This smartwatch has less internal storage than the average smartwatch (0.1 GB vs 4 GB). The average smartwatch has 4 GB of internal storage.
    0.064 GB vs 4 GB

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.5
Strength Sweat Succeed
≈ estimated
09/11/2025
Long-term test · 5 weeks of training and daily wear
Verdict
Garmin Instinct Crossover is the best Instinct yet, rugged and refined, with reliable tracking and comfortable wear.
7.0
WatchJumble
≈ estimated
19/03/2023
Hands-on review · watch faces, data fields and moon phase
Verdict
Garmin Instinct Crossover is largely similar to earlier Instinct models, but fixed faces and missing options make daily customisation frustrating.
8.0
DesFit
≈ estimated
16/03/2023
Long-term review · heart rate tests and design
Verdict
Garmin Instinct Crossover is a distinctive, premium-feeling alternative to the Instinct 2, not for everyone but strong for buyers wanting a dressier style.
4.0
The Run Testers
≈ estimated
26/01/2023
Multi-test review · running tests and verdict
Verdict
Garmin Instinct Crossover's analogue hands get in the way of the display, so the Instinct 2 is the better buy for runners.
6.0
Alaska Tech Stack
≈ estimated
23/01/2023
Hands-on review · display, bulk, lume and battery life
Verdict
Garmin Instinct Crossover is a striking hybrid with bright lume and long battery life, but small text and bulk make it a poor choice for older eyes.
6.5
PACE MAX PRO
✓ explicit
20/01/2023
Long-term review · one month of daily testing
Verdict
Garmin Instinct Crossover is hard to recommend at this price, given the odd analogue hands and the small usable screen.
8.0
Chase the Summit
≈ estimated
02/12/2022
Hands-on review · design, features and price comparison
Verdict
Garmin Instinct Crossover is a fun, distinctive sports watch, but its price is hard to justify against more capable rivals.
7.0
Fit Gear Hunter
≈ estimated
26/11/2022
Hands-on review · analog hands, screen readability and app features
Verdict
Garmin Instinct Crossover is a unique analog-hands watch with full training features, but its small, dark screen is hard to read.
8.0
DC Rainmaker
≈ estimated
08/11/2022
Hands-on review · interval workouts, swim and cycling GPS tests
Verdict
Garmin Instinct Crossover is a stylish step up from the Instinct 2 Solar, but it lacks multi-band GPS.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded

What reviewers agree on

Based on 4 · 11

Reviewers like the analogue hands and solid battery life, but the small screen and high price draw criticism.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
tech.hindustantimes.com
✓ explicit
18/04/2023
Few-week test · Hybrid fitness watch
Verdict
The Garmin Instinct Crossover is a rugged hybrid watch whose analogue hands, long battery and fitness tracking suit outdoor users, but it has no touch screen or maps.
7.0
pocket-lint.com
✓ explicit
06/10/2023
Wear test · Hybrid analogue watch
Verdict
The Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar is a subtle, rugged hybrid watch with excellent battery life, but its menus are fiddly and its data is hard to see.
8.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
16/09/2026
Wear test · Hybrid AMOLED watch
Verdict
The Garmin Instinct Crossover AMOLED suits people who want traditional hands with serious sports tracking, but it lacks full-colour maps that other Garmins offer.
9.0
gerardopandolfi.com
≈ estimated
16/01/2024
Hands-on review · Hybrid sports watch
Verdict
The Garmin Instinct Crossover is a sturdy sports watch that combines analogue hands with Instinct ruggedness, but its screen is not colour and it lacks offline maps and music.

Third-party reviews

What we like about Garmin Instinct Crossover

  • The analogue hands swing aside to show notifications and data.
  • Rated for 28 days, and the battery lasts weeks in everyday use.
  • Rugged to MIL-STD 810 standards and waterproof to 100 m.
  • Crash detection can alert emergency contacts after an accident.
  • Garmin Pay works for contactless payments.
  • Heart rate readings are accurate in running and cycling.

What we don't like about Garmin Instinct Crossover

  • Maps and music cannot be stored on the watch.
  • At 16.2 mm thick and 65 g, the case feels bulky.
  • There is no touch screen, so five buttons take a while to learn.
  • The hands glow less than a typical analogue watch.
  • The monochrome display makes graphs hard to read.

Verdict

Analogue hands are the first thing you notice on the Garmin Instinct Crossover, and that is the point. The hands sit over a small display and swing aside to show notifications and data. The battery is rated for 28 days, and a test in smartwatch mode matched that figure. It is rugged to MIL-STD 810 standards and waterproof to 100 m, so swims and wet trails are fine. Heart rate, sleep and stress tracking are all included. The trade-offs are real. The 0.9 inch screen is small, the watch weighs 65 g with a 16.2 mm thick case, and there is no touch screen, so five buttons do the work. It suits a buyer who wants a classier watch that still tracks runs and sleep, and does not mind a short learning curve.

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