Its packed with tools to help you train smarter and recover better all for a mid-range price.
While the Vantage M3 gets a lot right, its not without its faults.
That said, for fitness-first users who dont mind skipping smartwatch extras, the Vantage M3 performs generally well.
The clear and sharp AMOLED display makes stats easy to read even during sunny outdoor runs.
Its not a dealbreaker, but it does leave you wishing for a little extra polish.
The displays Gorilla Glass 3 coating also offers scratch protection, which held up well during my testing.
Nevertheless, the silicone strap is soft and comfortable overall.
Its buckle-and-loop system can be fiddly at times, often needing more patience than it should to fasten securely.
While the watchs fitness features deliver, its smartwatch functionality falls short.
Sure, you might read notifications and control your music, but thats about it.
Its surprising, especially in 2025, where even budget wearables offer more comprehensive options.
However, the essentials are solid.
Syncing the watch to the Polar Flow app allows you to view all your training metrics in one place.
It connects quickly and provides accurate data during runs, bike rides and hikes.
However, its not flawless.
Heart rate monitoring is another area where the M3 performs well, though its not perfect.
Step tracking, meanwhile, was less impressive.
As for battery life, its decent but not groundbreaking.
Its enough for most casual users, but endurance athletes might find themselves charging more often than theyd like.
Essentially, the Polar Vantage M3 excels as a training tool.
But when you consider the price tag, its hard to ignore the areas where it falls short.
Polar Vantage M3: Scorecard
Polar Vantage M3: Should I buy?
You love vibrant displays
The AMOLED screen is sharp, colorful and easy to read in most lighting.
Youre after a lightweight, comfortable design
Its great for all-day wear, even during intense workouts.
You hate clunky apps
Polar Flow isnt the most user-friendly companion app.
Youre a sucker for tracking accuracy
Step counts can be overly generous, which might bother data purists.
While it lacks an AMOLED screen, it excels in durability and value for money.
I used its dual-band GPS for outdoor workouts and tracked recovery metrics with Polars app tools.
