| General | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Amazfit (Zepp Health) |
| Type | Hybrid training GPS smartwatch |
| Series | Balance |
| Released | 2026 |
| Price at launch | GBP 369.90 to 449.90 (by variant) |
| Predecessor | Balance 2 |
| Successor | Not yet announced. See Release Radar. |
| Sizes | 51.4mm (large) |
| Variants | Stainless steel, Titanium Black |
| Colours | Stainless steel with Black and Gray strap. Titanium Black with Black and Terra strap |
Specifications and features as at launch.
Jump to: Expert opinion | What’s new | Specifications | Battery life | Features | Activity profiles | Comparisons | Quick answers | Further reading
Expert opinion
The Balance 3 scored 77% on the standard 10-mile GPS test in the full review, which is behind the 85% that the Balance 2 scored on the same route. It closely matched the Garmin Forerunner 970 on one run in Stockholm. Heart rate held up well in most tests. It was rated Excellent in a HYROX simulation and on a 100km ride, and Fair in one comparison during a trail half marathon.
The Balance 3 is offered in stainless steel and titanium variants, both with a 1.5 inch sapphire AMOLED display and HybridCharge energy intelligence. It carries the same dual-band GPS, 180-plus sports modes, and HYROX support as the Balance Ultra, in a slightly slimmer four-button case. The full Amazfit Balance 3 review assesses the watch’s complete capabilities across more varied testing conditions.
Amazfit Balance 3
GPS sports watch, HYROX
What’s new versus the Balance 2
Hardware
- Titanium variant added alongside stainless steel
- Peak brightness raised to 3,000 nits, from 2,000 nits
- Four buttons, replacing the Balance 2’s two-button and crown layout
- Diving certification to 45 metres, freediving and recreational scuba
Software
- Zepp OS 6
- HybridCharge energy intelligence, replacing BioCharge
- LifeLoad, Weekly Focus and Training Balance
- HYROX Race and Simulation modes
- Golf mode with course maps
Specifications
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.5 inch |
| Type | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 480 x 480 pixels |
| Peak brightness | 3,000 nits |
| Lens | Sapphire glass |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Physical | |
| Case size | 51.4mm (large) |
| Thickness | 12.5mm (14.6mm including sensor) |
| Case material | Stainless steel or Grade 5 titanium, by variant |
| Buttons | 4 |
| Water rating | 10 ATM, freediving and recreational scuba to 45m |
| Strap width | 22mm quick release |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | |
| Sensors and positioning | |
| GPS | Dual-band, six satellite systems, circularly-polarized antenna |
| Heart rate | BioTracker 6.0 PPG (5PD + 2LED) |
| Other sensors | Blood-oxygen, barometric altimeter, geomagnetic, gyroscope, acceleration, temperature, ambient light |
| Connectivity and storage | |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 BLE, Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, NFC (Zepp Pay) |
| Music | Onboard storage and playback |
Battery life
| Mode | Battery life |
|---|---|
| Typical use | Up to 21 days |
| Accuracy GPS | Up to 41 hours |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | |
The cell charges via a magnetic head. A USB-C cable is required and not supplied.
Features
Plan
- Zepp Coach adaptive training plans
- Built-in running workouts
- Offline base, contour and ski resort maps
- Turn-by-turn navigation
- Round-trip route creation and point-to-point planning
- Auto-rerouting and point-of-interest search
- Golf mode with course maps
- HybridCharge and LifeLoad
- Sleep, blood-oxygen and stress monitoring
- Menstrual cycle tracking
Prepare
- Lactate threshold
- Running power
- Ground contact time
- Weekly Focus and Training Balance
- PeakBeats workout status
- Running gear management
- PAI health assessment
- Heart rate belt, running power meter and cycling sensor pairing
Perform
- 180+ sports modes
- HYROX Race, Simulation, PFT and training modes
- Hybrid training
- Strength training with 25 auto-recognized exercises
- Track Run mode with smart trajectory correction
- Virtual pacer
- Freediving and recreational scuba to 45 metres
- Dual-colour LED flashlight
Connect
- Bluetooth calls
- Zepp Flow voice control and speech-to-text replies (Android)
- Zepp Pay contactless payments
- Sync to Strava, TrainingPeaks, Runna, Intervals.icu, Google Fit, Apple Health
- Smart notifications
- Find My Phone
Activity profiles
| Category | Profiles |
|---|---|
| Running | Outdoor running, Treadmill, Walking, Trail running, Indoor walking, Race walking, Track run, Dog walking, Ultramarathon |
| Cycling | Outdoor cycling, Indoor cycling, Mountain biking, BMX, E-Bike, E-MTB, Gravel cycling, Bicycle commuting, Bicycle touring, Road cycling, Cyclocross |
| Swimming | Pool swimming, Open water swimming, Fin swimming, Artistic swimming |
| HYROX | HYROX race, HYROX PFT, HYROX training, HYROX Simulation |
| Gym and fitness | Hybrid training, Ski machine, Elliptical, Rowing machine, Stair-climbing machine, Stair stepper, Spinning, Indoor fitness, Mixed aerobics, Cross-training, Aerobics, Group calisthenics, Body combat, Strength training, Step training, Core training, Flexibility training, Free training, HIIT, Yoga, Pilates, Gymnastics, Horizontal bar, Parallel bars, Battling ropes, Stretching, Bouldering, Indoor rock climbing, Boxing, Wrestling, Martial arts, Tai Chi, Muay Thai, Judo, Taekwondo, Karate, Kickboxing, Fencing, Jiu-Jitsu, Kendo |
| Outdoor | Climbing, Hiking, Mountain hiking, Rucking, Orienteering, Rock climbing, Fishing, Hunting, Skateboarding, Roller skating, Parkour, ATV, Offroad motorcycle |
| Other | Diving: Outdoor freediving, Indoor freediving, Recreational diving, Spearfishing. Winter sports: Skiing, Snowboarding, Ski mountaineering, Downhill skiing, Cross-country skiing, Ski orienteering, Biathlon, Outdoor skating, Indoor skating, Curling, Bobsleigh and tobogganing, Sledding, Snowmobile, Snowshoeing. Water sports: Outdoor boating, Sailing, Kayak, Rowing, Dragon boat, Paddleboarding, Indoor surfing, Tubing, Water skiing, Snorkeling. Ball sports: Golf, Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis, Badminton, Table tennis, Pickleball, Padel, Cricket, Rugby, Hockey, and others. Dance: Zumba, Ballet, Street dance, Latin dance, and others. Other: Jumping rope, Archery, Equestrianism, Driving, Stair climbing, Triathlon, Multisport, Snow shoveling. |
Amazfit Balance 3
GPS sports watch, HYROX
Comparisons and upgrade guides
- Amazfit Balance 3 and Balance Ultra vs Balance 2, what changed and which to buy
Quick answers
When was the Amazfit Balance 3 released?
Amazfit released the Balance 3 in 2026. The launch price was GBP 369.90 to GBP 449.90, depending on the stainless steel or titanium variant.
Is the Balance 3 waterproof?
Balance 3 has a water rating of 10 ATM and is certified for freediving and recreational scuba to 45m.
Does the Balance 3 have maps?
Yes, Balance 3 has offline base, contour and ski resort maps with turn-by-turn navigation, auto-rerouting and point-of-interest search. Golf mode adds course maps.
Does the Balance 3 have a flashlight?
Yes, Balance 3 has a dual-colour LED flashlight.
What is the Balance 3 battery life?
Amazfit rates Balance 3 at up to 21 days of typical use and up to 41 hours in Accuracy GPS mode.
What size is the Balance 3?
Balance 3 has a 51.4mm case and is 12.5mm thick, or 14.6mm including the sensor. It takes a 22mm quick-release strap and has a 1.5 inch AMOLED display under sapphire glass.
Further reading
- Amazfit Balance 3 review, full testing and verdict
- the5krunner Balance 3 first impressions
- Amazfit watch specifications
- HYROX sports technology guide
- Release Radar: upcoming watches
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin from any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafe stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Beet It Sport nitrate shots: Beetroot shots I take in the days before a race. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable insoles that are good. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: I’ve just bought one.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home. I use it.
Health, recovery and sleep
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
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