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(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
T3 Verdict
Reasons to buy+Great quality AMOLED display+Accurate GPS and heart rate tracking+Packed with fitness and recovery tools+Comfortable to wear for long periodsReasons to avoid-Convoluted app experience-Frustratingly long and glitchy setup process-No app store for third-party features-Limited smartwatch functionality
Reasons to buy+Great quality AMOLED display+Accurate GPS and heart rate tracking+Packed with fitness and recovery tools+Comfortable to wear for long periods
Great quality AMOLED display
Accurate GPS and heart rate tracking
Packed with fitness and recovery tools
Comfortable to wear for long periods
Reasons to avoid-Convoluted app experience-Frustratingly long and glitchy setup process-No app store for third-party features-Limited smartwatch functionality
Convoluted app experience
Frustratingly long and glitchy setup process
No app store for third-party features
Limited smartwatch functionality
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Jump to category:Price and availabilityDesign and build qualityFeatures and performancePolar Flow appVerdictAlso consider
Jump to category:Price and availabilityDesign and build qualityFeatures and performancePolar Flow appVerdictAlso consider
Polar Vantage M3 deals
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Polar has earned its name as a fit-tech pioneer thanks to decades of innovation in the fitness space, producing reliable, performance-focused gear for athletes since the late ‘70s.
Fromheart rate monitorstomultisport smartwatches, the brand has crafted impressive tools that help users optimise their training and recovery, upping the ante in recent years with releases such as its Vantage, Grit and Ignite watch series. However, with stiff competition from brands likeGarmin,Appleand COROS, staying relevant in the fast-moving world of wearables is no small feat.
In a bid to do just that, the brand has recently launched the Polar Vantage M3 - the firm’s latest addition to its mid-range smartwatch line-up. Building on the success of its predecessors, the Vantage M3 represents a big step forward for the brand, introducing a vibrant AMOLED display, dual-band GPS and a host of advanced health features like wrist-based ECG and skin temperature tracking.
Designed for both casual fitness enthusiasts and more serious athletes, the Vantage M3 promises top-tier performance tracking and detailed insights into training, recovery and sleep. But with so many strong alternatives on the market, does it do enough to keep Polar’s legacy alive? I’ve spent a few weeks testing the Vantage M3 to find out if it delivers on its promises.
Polar Vantage M3 review
Price and availability
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The Polar Vantage M3 was launched in October 2024 with a retail price of £349/$399.95/ AU$599, positioning it in the mid-range fitness watch category. It’s available now atPolar UK,Polar USandPolar AUin two colour options: Night Black and Greige Sand, offering a sleek, minimal aesthetic that most people should like.
While it’s not the cheapest fitness tracker on the market, the Vantage M3 strikes a balance between affordability and premium functions. Compared to Polar’s higher-end models like thePolar Vantage V3(£549) andPolar Grit X2 Pro(£699), the M3 offers a more accessible price while still delivering many of the same advanced features, such as dual-band GPS, offline maps and wrist-based ECG.
Design and build quality
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
In terms of looks, the Polar Vantage M3 finds a nice balance between durability and style, though it’s not without its shortcomings. Its 44mm case feels compact and lightweight, at just 53g with the strap, making it comfortable for all-day wear, whether you’re at the gym or out on a hike.
The real draw of the M3’s design, however, is its 1.28-inch AMOLED display. Bright and crisp with a 416x416 resolution and 1,500 nits of peak brightness, it’s easy to read in any light, whether you’re running under the midday sun or checking your stats in low light. Colours are vibrant and text is lovely and sharp, but the smaller size compared to Polar’s higher-end models (like the Vantage V3) means some data screens can feel a bit cramped during more intense activities.
Nevertheless, the Gorilla Glass 3 screen offers good protection against scratches, and I found the touch interface to be responsive and intuitive overall. Pairing this with five physical buttons makes it rather easy to operate in most conditions, from sweaty gym sessions to rainy runs.
That said, the buttons can feel slightly small and less tactile compared toGarmin watches, which offer more robust and satisfying controls. I did love the easy-to-enable screen lock feature, though, which prevented any accidental button taps during intense exercises like HIIT classes.
One drawback is the strap. While the silicone material is comfortable and secure during workouts, the buckle and loop system can be fiddly, often requiring a bit of patience to tuck in securely. Thankfully, it uses a standard 22mm size, so it’s easily replaceable if needed.
Overall, the M3’s design is functional and attractive, but the build quality could be improved to match the price tag. It’s practical but not groundbreaking.
Features and performance
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The Polar Vantage M3 is geared heavily toward fitness and health tracking, with an impressive array of features designed to support training, recovery and navigation. But how do these features stack up in everyday use?
One thing I need to get off my chest before we get into the nitty-gritty of the Vantage M3’s performance capabilities is the watch’s frustratingly long and glitchy setup process. Perhaps I was unlucky, but setting up the watch took me a solid hour from unboxing to being ready to track my exercise. It required a sync with my phone via its (rather awkwardly designed companion app - more on that later), which seemed to take an age before freezing and becoming unresponsive just before completion.
I was rushing to get it up and running in time for my yoga class, and unfortunately, it didn’t make it. I’m not sure why a brand-new watch with zero tracked data stored on it needed so long to become functional, and maybe this won’t be the case for everyone, but it’s worth a mention regardless.
Let’s move on to the Vantage M3’s performance, starting with the GPS. The watch’s dual-band system is quick to connect and whether you’re cycling around the city or running around the block, the GPS seemed to work well, displaying accurate results. However, it did show slight deviations in particularly challenging environments, such as high-rise-heavy areas. It’s not a deal-breaker but does put it a step behind premium models like theGarmin Fenix 8, which handles these spaces not only with ease but with greater precision.
Health tracking is another strength of the Vantage M3. Polar’s fourth-generation optical heart rate sensor serves up reliable data during workouts, though there’s occasional lag during sudden bursts of activity, such as sprints or high-intensity intervals. Additional metrics like SpO2 monitoring, wrist-based ECG and skin temperature tracking add depth to its health insights, making it a useful tool for those who take their fitness seriously. These features also integrate seamlessly with Polar’s Recovery Pro and SleepWise tools, which help you gauge your body’s readiness for the next workout.
This discrepancy might not matter to casual users, but for those relying on precise activity tracking, it could be a little worrying. Polar’s algorithms likely err on the side of counting subtle movements as steps, which may inflate daily totals. While this doesn’t diminish its performance in other metrics like GPS or heart rate tracking, it’s worth bearing in mind if accurate step counting is a priority.
Where the M3 struggles is its smartwatch functionality. Beyond viewing notifications and controlling music, there’s little in the way of added convenience. With no app store or voice assistant, it feels one-dimensional compared to more versatile alternatives. For fitness-focused users, though, it’s still a strong contender.
Lastly, let’s talk battery life. The watch’s battery is solid but definitely not groundbreaking. I found that it lasts just over 24 hours in GPS mode or around five to six days with moderate use, falling short of some competitors but still offering respectable endurance for most. Charging the watch is quick enough, though, and makes use of a USB-A proprietary cable.
Polar Flow app
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Verdict
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The Polar Vantage M3 is a well-rounded fitness watch that shines in its core purpose: tracking health and performance. With its bright AMOLED display, reliable dual-band GPS, and extensive suite of training tools, it’s a good option for fitness enthusiasts who want advanced metrics without the premium price tag.
Still, the Vantage M3 strikes a good balance between price and features, offering much of the functionality of higher-end models in a more affordable package. While it’s not the most innovative watch on the market, it’s a dependable companion for those wanting top-tier health and fitness features without breaking the bank
Also consider
Garmin Forerunner 55: Garmin’s beginner-friendly watch offers reliable GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and basic training tools at a lower price point. While it lacks the Vantage M3’s advanced training metrics, it’s a solid option for beginners or casual runners looking for simplicity and affordability.
Garmin Forerunner 265: The Vantage M3’s direct competitor, the Forerunner 265, takes fitness tracking to the next level with a vibrant AMOLED display, advanced training readiness metrics, and a more robust ecosystem. It’s about the same price as the Polar but delivers premium features and a more polished user experience for serious athletes.
Fitbit Versa 4: it blends fitness tracking with smartwatch functionality, including app support, voice assistant compatibility, and notifications. While its health tracking isn’t as advanced as the Vantage M3, it excels in everyday usability and is a better choice for those who want an all-rounder wearable.
Polar Vantage M3: Price Comparison
$381.96View
$381.96View
$381.96View
$381.96View
$381.96
$381.96
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