Will the Garmin fēnix 8 drop on Black Friday 2026?
A quarter off last year. With the fēnix 9 out, expect at least that.
HappenedBlack Friday 2025
A solid cut in its second autumn, reported on 27 November.
ForecastBlack Friday 2026
Likely a big drop
- The fēnix 9 arrived in August 2026: the outgoing model is the one stores clear
- Already 25% off last year, when it was still Garmin's newest flagship
Should you wait for Black Friday?
Yes, wait. A replaced flagship rarely holds its price in November, and last year's cut came before the fēnix 9 existed. If you don't need maps or a torch, the Instinct 3 gets you the toughness for less.
The cheaper picks: what they really did
The percentages are real Black Friday 2025 cuts, as reported that week. The right column is our 2026 forecast.
Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED
Out since 2025
−20%Likely a moderate drop
Same rugged build and torch, no maps. Still current, so a steady cut.
Garmin Forerunner 965
Out since 2023
−25%Likely a big drop
Has maps and AMOLED; replaced by the 970, so stores push it hard.
Garmin Forerunner 970
Out since 2025
−13%Likely a moderate drop
Maps, torch and ECG in a lighter case. Still Garmin's newest runner.
What this means: Every Garmin here fell by double digits last year. The Forerunner 965 keeps the maps for less; the Instinct 3 keeps the tough case.
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Questions people ask
Is the Garmin fēnix 8 still worth buying now the fēnix 9 is out?
For most people, yes, if the price drops. It keeps maps, a torch, dive features and multi-day battery. The newer model costs more, and the gap is what you pay for the latest sensors.
How much did the fēnix 8 drop last Black Friday?
About a quarter off at Amazon in late November 2025. That was before its successor existed, so a deeper cut this year would not be a surprise.
Which fēnix 8 size should I watch for on Black Friday?
The 47 mm AMOLED is the one most deals feature. The 43 mm suits smaller wrists, and the 51 mm adds the most battery.
How we reached this
Last year's cuts are the ones named outlets reported during Black Friday week 2025, against the regular price they quoted. The forecast is our reading of each model's age, its successors and last year's cuts. We never show prices.
We haven't tested these products ourselves. Our picks weigh independent expert reviews against each maker's published specs and the prices we checked. Opinions are ours; facts link to where they come from. How we choose.
Sources: Tom's Guide: Black Friday smartwatch deals (live), Tom's Guide: Garmin Black Friday deals (20 Nov), Tom's Guide: Garmin Black Friday deals (27 Nov), Garmin newsroom: fēnix 9 and fēnix 9 Pro announced.