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Disappointment with Garmin Products and Strategy

9869093
4 days ago

Dear Garmin Team,

After many years of using various Garmin products, I now feel the need to express my frustration — and I’m not alone in this. Several friends and training partners share exactly the same opinion.

First, the ELV4 heart rate sensor has been delivering completely inaccurate data during workouts without a chest strap for over a year now. For a company focused on precise sport and health metrics, this is simply unacceptable. The fact that this issue has been known for such a long time and remains unresolved is, quite frankly, a disgrace.

Furthermore, the Garmin Connect app has significantly deteriorated with version 5. The previous version was intuitive and well-structured. The current version feels cluttered and less user-friendly — a view echoed by numerous reviews on the Play Store and in online communities. Yet Garmin seems determined to push this update through, despite all the negative feedback.

What ultimately led me to the decision to move away from Garmin is the introduction of the Premium subscription. Charging €8.99 for features that were previously included in the device purchase is, in my opinion, outrageous — especially for long-time users who have already heavily invested in the Garmin ecosystem (Edge 1030 Plus, Forerunner 945 and 955, Edge 1040, several HR straps, Venue 3s, etc.).

Garmin is increasingly losing touch with its customers, and as a result, we are seriously considering switching to alternative solutions in the near future.

Disappointed regards,
Frank

  • 0 3 days ago

    Frank,

    Well said, like you i feel it, I support you ( and all other). I ve given up with Garmin too, as too big for their shoes, like big US companies, Road mapping, or browser designs, they do not listen to their valued customers. what else to say? i would  be ashamed to be involved with a company like this now.

  • 0 2 days ago in reply to Mad Mic

    The Tacx badges require a Tacx subscription. There are lots of badges that only can be awarded with certain devices that support specific functions. 

  • 0 2 days ago

    I have been a huge Garmin fan since my days in the military, years ago. I've owned every iteration of the Fenix line up until the Epix, and I am at my second Epix (I upgraded to the "Pro" version and gifted the other one). As of late, they have become increasingly expensive watches but I have been OK with that because we are getting the Connect app along with that "premium" price for the watch. But, now they want us to also pay a subscription on top of that? F that! I'm not doing that. This Epix I have now is my last Garmin unless they walk this dumb policy back because I know where it will lead in the end. 

  • 0 1 day ago

    Thanks for your support Guys.

    There's a lot of anger online. Look at Reddit, there a many frustrated users. Garmin always clearly stated they wouldn't introduce subscriptions, which is why many were willing to pay their prices.

    I'm really frustrated and will keep an eye on how Coros develops, possibly switching to their products.

    https://de.coros.com/products

    Best regards

  • 0 1 day ago in reply to 9869093

    I do the same. At the moment Coros doesn't have features I use with Garmin (PacePro, running dynamics with HRM Pro Plus).

  • +1 1 day ago

    We understand that the added features of Garmin Connect+ will not be for everyone which is why we have opened up a 30 day trial for all users to make an informed decision on whether or not they would like to pay for the added functionality. Information on signing up for this trial can be found here. 

    For any users concerned with losing access to their existing features, I would direct you to the above link which outlines a comparison of features between standard Garmin Connect and Garmin Connect+, but also the announcement available here where we state that existing free features that users are accustomed to will remain free.