Polar Vantage M3 review: spending more doesn’t make much sense

The Polar Vantage M3 is the younger sibling to Polar’s Vantage V3 and Grit X2 Pro in that it uses the same software as the other two. But, rather pleasingly, comes in much cheaper than the V3 and Grit X2 Pro.

That’s a helluva saving, which you could direct elsewhere. What doesn’t it have that the other two multisport watches possess? Surprisingly, very little.

Polar Vantage M3 build

For a start, its weight differs, certainly compared to the Grit X2 Pro, its svelte 1.87oz / 53g weight much lighter than its 2.9oz / 79g elder. Arguably, the weight saving’s down to price saving.

Though all three feature plastic bases, the front case material here is also plastic compared to the more durable stainless steel of the Grit.

Shorter run time

The battery’s also smaller, with the M3’s mooted 30hrs in full-GPS mode less than the 43hrs for the other two. Then again, like its contemporaries, that battery life shrinks, in this case to around 15hrs, if you have the ‘always-on’ display, which I prefer.

The display size is also a fraction smaller at 1.28in compared to 1.39in for the other two. 

But ostensibly, that’s the main points of difference. The Polar Vantage M3 shares the same software platform, meaning you enjoy a suite of features that aims to help you improve your triathlon performance.

Polar Vantage M3 features

That starts with clarity of vision thanks to its crisp AMOLED display – appreciated during a particularly overcast testing period. This is an upgrade on the M2. As is the dual-band GPS, designed to improve accuracy.

Like many, the Polar Vantage M3 had the occasional wobble in built-up areas but, for the most part, it performed impressively.

And compared to the M2, it now tracks blood-oxygenation levels. In all honesty, this only really comes in handy when acclimatising to altitude and, as expected, isn’t as accurate as the gold standard.

But it does highlight that though price is lower, like the Vantage V3 and Grit X2 Pro, it’s aimed at the serious triathlete.

To that end, you’ll appreciate the offline maps feature where you can download routes from the Polar Flow app. It’s accurate and though not as detailed and clear as the Garmin Enduro 3, that’s hardly surprising for a watch less than half its price.

As an aside, the Polar Flow app feels in need of a refresh. It’s usable enough but many features seem superfluous and it all feels a little outdated. On the plus side, Training Peaks nows connects to Flow so you can sync training plans.

Polar Vantage M3 bottom line

Other multisport hits are that you can track your sessions both in the pool and open water, monitoring distance, pace and, in the pool, stroke choice. You can monitor the training stress on your cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems with Training Load Pro.

And there’s a wrist-based running power option for those who like to stride by watts. You can also measure your HRV (heart rate variability) and your nightly skin temperature, which all feed back into how recharged you are to train. Impressive stuff.

If you’re looking for more specialist watch for the run, head to our round-up of the best running watches.

Polar Vantage M3 specs

Price:	$399 / £349
Weight:	1.87oz / 53g
Screen:	1.28inch AMOLED
Features:	Dual-frequency GPS, offline maps, wrist-ECG readings
Battery life:	30 hours of training time (claimed)