OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Action cameras Methodology v1.0
Action cameras Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Action cameras Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
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Garmin VIRB X Review | 96 Data compared

Avg. price:~£260Video resolution:1080pBattery life:120 minWaterproof depth:50 mElectronic image stabilization:noMaximum 4K frame rate:0 fps

Garmin VIRB X Review: Compare 96 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Action cameras category and whether it is worth buying.

5.4

Overall score

Score
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the action camera's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best action cameras on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components

80%

5.4

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 78% of action-cameras
5.4

Technical score

Technical score
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Action cameras category across these key areas: Video, Photo, Display & Design, Connectivity & Audio, Battery, Ruggedness & Storage.
When it matters
When you want to compare action cameras based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
Score components

30%

3.1

Video

22%

5.8

Photo

14%

8.0

Ruggedness & Storage

13%

5.8

Battery

11%

6.6

Connectivity & Audio

10%

5.4

Display & Design

â–¼Worse than 62% of action-cameras
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the action camera.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ £260

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of action camera Garmin VIRB X

Technical score
Technical score
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Action cameras category across these key areas: Video, Photo, Display & Design, Connectivity & Audio, Battery, Ruggedness & Storage.
When it matters
When you want to compare action cameras based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
Score components:

30%

3.1

Video

22%

5.8

Photo

14%

8.0

Ruggedness & Storage

13%

5.8

Battery

11%

6.6

Connectivity & Audio

10%

5.4

Display & Design

5.4
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the action camera.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the action camera.
When it matters
When you want to see which action cameras attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Garmin VIRB X has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than 85.5% of action cameras.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the action camera's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
Score components:

60%

5.4

Overall score

40%

9.2

Price

6.5
Video resolution
1080p
Video resolution
1080p
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
This action camera records video at 1080p, which is lower than that of 69.9% of action cameras.
Maximum 4K frame rate
0 fps
Maximum 4K frame rate
0 fps
â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
Market range: <0 fps – >120 fps
This action camera has a maximum 4K frame rate of 0 fps, which is lower than that of 65.8% of action cameras and equal to that of 34.2% of action cameras.
Maximum 1080p frame rate
?
Video bitrate
24 Mbps
Video bitrate
24 Mbps
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Market range: <19 Mbps – >130 Mbps
This action camera has a video bitrate of 24 Mbps, which is lower than that of 86.5% of action cameras and equal to that of 1.6% of action cameras.
Video codecs
H.264
Video codecs
H.264
â–¼ Worse than 33% of models
This action camera supports the following video codecs: H.264. Its codec support is more advanced than that of 2.4% of action cameras.
Show more
Main camera megapixels
12 MP
Main camera megapixels
12 MP
â–¼ Worse than 45% of models
Market range: <8 MP – >48 MP
This action camera has a main camera resolution of 12 MP, which is higher than that of 25.2% of action cameras and equal to that of 29.9% of action cameras.
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor size
1/2.3"
â–¼ Worse than 27% of models
This action camera has a sensor size of 1/2.3", which is larger than that of 18.3% of action cameras.
Main camera aperture
?
Photo resolution
12 MP
Photo resolution
12 MP
â–¼ Worse than 41% of models
Market range: <8 MP – >38 MP
This action camera captures photos at 12 MP, which is higher than 24.3% of action cameras and equal to 35% of action cameras.
Field of view
128 °
Field of view
128 °
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
Market range: <128 ° – >360 °
This action camera has a field of view of 128 °, which is narrower than that of 90.7% of action cameras.
Show more
Built-in display
yes
Built-in display
yes
â–² Better than 28% of models
This action camera has a display. This feature is present on 71.9% of action cameras.
Screen size
1 inch
Screen size
1 inch
â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
Market range: <0 inch – >2.5 inch
This action camera has a 1 inch screen, which is smaller than the screens on 82.5% of action cameras and the same size as the screens on 2.1% of action cameras.
Touchscreen
no
Touchscreen
no
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
This action camera does not include a touchscreen. 57.9% of action cameras support touchscreen input.
Secondary screen
?
Secondary screen resolution
N/A
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Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
â–² Better than 7% of models
This action camera supports Wi-Fi connectivity. This feature is present on 92.5% of action cameras.
Wi-Fi version
?
Bluetooth version
4
Bluetooth version
4
â–² Better than 48% of models
This action camera supports Bluetooth version 4 which is newer than that supported by 47.8% of action cameras and equal to that of 17% of action cameras.
GPS
yes
GPS
yes
â–² Better than 87% of models
This action camera supports GPS. This feature is present on 13.3% of action cameras.
USB Type-C
no
USB Type-C
no
â–¼ Worse than 42% of models
This action camera does not include USB Type-C. 42.2% of action cameras use USB-C.
Uses a proprietary charging/data connection.
Show more
Battery life
120 min
Battery life
120 min
â–² Better than 63% of models
Market range: <60 min – >162 min
This action camera runs for 120 min per charge, which is longer than the battery life of 62.8% of action cameras and equal to the battery life of 10.4% of action cameras.
Battery power
980 mAh
Battery power
980 mAh
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Market range: <700 mAh – >1.9k mAh
This action camera has a battery capacity of 980 mAh, which is lower than that of 78.1% of action cameras and equal to that of 0.6% of action cameras.
Charging time
?
Fast charging
no
Fast charging
no
â–¼ Worse than 19% of models
This action camera does not support fast charging. 18.8% of action cameras support fast charging.
Wireless charging
no
Wireless charging
no
â–¼ Worse than 1% of models
This action camera does not support wireless charging. 0.6% of action cameras support wireless charging.
Show more
Waterproof depth
50 m
Waterproof depth
50 m
★ Better than 98% of models
Market range: <0 m – >11 m
This action camera is waterproof to 50 m, which is deeper than the waterproof depth of 98.2% of action cameras and equal to the waterproof depth of 0.6% of action cameras.
IP rating
IPX7
IP rating
IPX7
â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
This action camera has an IP rating of IPX7, which is lower than that of 82.4% of action cameras and equal to that of 4.4% of action cameras.
Maximum operating temperature
45 °C
Maximum operating temperature
45 °C
â–² Better than 74% of models
Market range: <35 °C – >45 °C
This action camera has a maximum operating temperature of 45 °C, which is higher than that of 74.5% of action cameras and equal to that of 19.7% of action cameras.
Minimum operating temperature
-20 °C
Minimum operating temperature
-20 °C
â–² Better than 79% of models
Market range: <-20 °C – >0 °C
This action camera has a minimum operating temperature of -20 °C, which is lower than that of 78.7% of action cameras and equal to that of 21.3% of action cameras.
External memory slot
yes
External memory slot
yes
â–² Better than 5% of models
This action camera includes an external memory slot. This feature is present on 95.2% of action cameras.
Show more

Garmin VIRB X vs the average action camera

246810TotalVideoPhotoDisplay & DesignConnectivity & AudioBatteryRuggedness & Storage
  • 49 m deeper waterproof depth
    Waterproof depth
    50 m
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    Market range: <0 m – >11 m
    This action camera has a higher waterproof depth rating than the average action camera (50 m vs 1 m). The average action camera has a waterproof depth rating of 1 m.
    50 m vs 1 m
  • Has GPS
    GPS
    yes
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    This action camera supports GPS, the average action camera does not. 13.8% of action cameras include GPS functionality.
  • 30 min longer battery life
    Battery life
    120 min
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    Market range: <60 min – >162 min
    This action camera has longer battery life than the average action camera (120 min vs 90 min). The average action camera offers 90 min of battery life.
    120 min vs 90 min
  • Replaceable lens cover
    Replaceable lens cover
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This action camera has a replaceable lens cover, the average action camera does not. 31.5% of action cameras have a replaceable lens cover.
  • 5 °C higher max operating temp
    Maximum operating temperature
    45 °C
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    Market range: <35 °C – >45 °C
    This action camera has a higher maximum operating temperature than the average action camera (45 °C vs 40 °C). The average action camera reaches a maximum operating temperature of 40 °C.
    45 °C vs 40 °C
  • 4.4 mm shorter
    Height
    40.6 mm
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <40.5 mm – >124.5 mm
    This action camera is shorter than the average action camera (40.6 mm vs 45 mm). The average action camera has a height of 45 mm.
    40.6 mm vs 45 mm
  • 4.4 mm shorter
    Height
    40.6 mm
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <40.5 mm – >124.5 mm
    This action camera is shorter than the average action camera (40.6 mm vs 45 mm). The average action camera has a height of 45 mm.
    40.6 mm vs 45 mm
  • Has GPS
    GPS
    yes
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    This action camera supports GPS, the average action camera does not. 13.8% of action cameras include GPS functionality.
  • 30 min longer battery life
    Battery life
    120 min
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    Market range: <60 min – >162 min
    This action camera has longer battery life than the average action camera (120 min vs 90 min). The average action camera offers 90 min of battery life.
    120 min vs 90 min
  • 49 m deeper waterproof depth
    Waterproof depth
    50 m
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    Market range: <0 m – >11 m
    This action camera has a higher waterproof depth rating than the average action camera (50 m vs 1 m). The average action camera has a waterproof depth rating of 1 m.
    50 m vs 1 m
  • Replaceable lens cover
    Replaceable lens cover
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This action camera has a replaceable lens cover, the average action camera does not. 31.5% of action cameras have a replaceable lens cover.
  • 5 °C higher max operating temp
    Maximum operating temperature
    45 °C
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    Market range: <35 °C – >45 °C
    This action camera has a higher maximum operating temperature than the average action camera (45 °C vs 40 °C). The average action camera reaches a maximum operating temperature of 40 °C.
    45 °C vs 40 °C
  • Lower video resolution
    Video resolution
    1080p
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    This action camera records at 1080p, a lower video resolution than the average action camera (5.3K).
    1080p vs 5.3K
  • No electronic stabilization
    Electronic image stabilization
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    This action camera does not support electronic stabilization, the average action camera does. 64.7% of action cameras support electronic image stabilization.
  • 30 fps lower 4K frame rate
    Maximum 4K frame rate
    0 fps
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 fps – >120 fps
    This action camera has a lower 4K frame rate than the average action camera (0 fps vs 30 fps). The average action camera reaches 30 fps at 4K.
    0 fps vs 30 fps
  • 42 ° narrower field of view
    Field of view
    128 °
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <128 ° – >360 °
    This action camera has a lower field of view than the average action camera (128 ° vs 170 °). The average action camera offers a field of view of 170 °.
    128 ° vs 170 °
  • No touchscreen
    Touchscreen
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    This action camera does not have a touchscreen, the average action camera does. 57.4% of action cameras support touchscreen input.
  • 60% lower video bitrate
    Video bitrate
    24 Mbps
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    Market range: <19 Mbps – >130 Mbps
    This action camera has a lower video bitrate than the average action camera (24 Mbps vs 60 Mbps). The average action camera has a video bitrate of 60 Mbps.
    24 Mbps vs 60 Mbps
  • 50% smaller screen size
    Screen size
    1 inch
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <0 inch – >2.5 inch
    This action camera has a lower screen size than the average action camera (1 inch vs 2 inch). The average action camera has a screen size of 2 inch.
    1 inch vs 2 inch
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    4.0
    â–² Better than 48% of models
    This action camera uses an older Bluetooth version than the average action camera (4 vs 5.2). The average action camera uses Bluetooth 5.2.
    4.0 vs 5.2
  • 6.78x less popular
    Garmin VIRB X is less popular than the average action camera (1 vs 6.8).
    1 vs 6.78
  • 7.3% worse value for money
    Garmin VIRB X has a worse value-for-money score than the average action camera (6.49 vs 7).
    6.49 vs 6.97
  • Lower video resolution
    Video resolution
    1080p
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    This action camera records at 1080p, a lower video resolution than the average action camera (5.3K).
    1080p vs 5.3K
  • No electronic stabilization
    Electronic image stabilization
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    This action camera does not support electronic stabilization, the average action camera does. 64.7% of action cameras support electronic image stabilization.
  • 30 fps lower 4K frame rate
    Maximum 4K frame rate
    0 fps
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 fps – >120 fps
    This action camera has a lower 4K frame rate than the average action camera (0 fps vs 30 fps). The average action camera reaches 30 fps at 4K.
    0 fps vs 30 fps
  • 60% lower video bitrate
    Video bitrate
    24 Mbps
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    Market range: <19 Mbps – >130 Mbps
    This action camera has a lower video bitrate than the average action camera (24 Mbps vs 60 Mbps). The average action camera has a video bitrate of 60 Mbps.
    24 Mbps vs 60 Mbps
  • No webcam mode
    Webcam mode
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This action camera does not support webcam mode, the average action camera does. 60.7% of action cameras support webcam mode.
  • 42 ° narrower field of view
    Field of view
    128 °
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <128 ° – >360 °
    This action camera has a lower field of view than the average action camera (128 ° vs 170 °). The average action camera offers a field of view of 170 °.
    128 ° vs 170 °
  • No touchscreen
    Touchscreen
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    This action camera does not have a touchscreen, the average action camera does. 57.4% of action cameras support touchscreen input.
  • 50% smaller screen size
    Screen size
    1 inch
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <0 inch – >2.5 inch
    This action camera has a lower screen size than the average action camera (1 inch vs 2 inch). The average action camera has a screen size of 2 inch.
    1 inch vs 2 inch
  • 18 mm wider
    Width
    77 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <26.5 mm – >71.8 mm
    This action camera is wider than the average action camera (77 mm vs 59 mm). The average action camera has a width of 59 mm.
    77 mm vs 59 mm
  • 3 older release date
    Release date
    2015
    â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This action camera is older than the average action camera (2015 vs 2018). The average action camera was released in 2018.
    Released in June 2015.
    2015 vs 2018
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    4.0
    â–² Better than 48% of models
    This action camera uses an older Bluetooth version than the average action camera (4 vs 5.2). The average action camera uses Bluetooth 5.2.
    4.0 vs 5.2
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Number of microphones
    1
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <1 – >3
    This action camera has fewer microphones than the average action camera (1 vs 2). The average action camera has 2 microphones.
    1 vs 2
  • 220 mAh less battery capacity
    Battery life
    980 mAh min
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    Market range: <60 min – >162 min
    This action camera has a lower battery capacity than the average action camera (980 mAh vs 1200 mAh). The average action camera has a battery capacity of 1200 mAh.
    980 mAh vs 1,200 mAh

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

D
dcrainmaker.com
16/03/2016
Summary of the review
Garmin VIRB X & XEGo to product viewer dialog for this item. Action Cam In-Depth Review
C
consumerreports.org
(Undated)
Summary of the review
Garmin VIRB X Camcorder Review
L
liveatpc.com
20/02/2016
Summary of the review
Review: Garmin Virb X
L
liveatpc.com
29/10/2018
Summary of the review
Full Review: Garmin Virb X

Third-party reviews

What we like about Garmin VIRB X

  • Waterproof up to 50 meters out of the box without requiring an external protective case
  • G-Metrix data overlays from built-in sensors tracking GPS, speed, G-force, and elevation
  • Highly functional physical design featuring a large, glove-friendly tactile recording toggle switch
  • Dedicated photo shutter button that can capture 12MP still shots while simultaneously recording video
  • Excellent connectivity via ANT+, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi to integrate with external Garmin fitness metrics and vehicle OBD tools
  • Direct physical compatibility with standard GoPro mounting systems and accessories

What we don't like about Garmin VIRB X

  • Max resolution is limited to 1080p at 30fps with lower video sharpness compared to market competitors
  • Battery drains quickly in roughly an hour when power-heavy metrics like GPS and Wi-Fi are actively running
  • Unprotected internal camera compartment when opened to swap batteries, making it susceptible to moisture and fogging
  • Fickle white balance and auto-exposure metering that shifts dramatically under fluctuating lighting conditions
  • Subpar video and photo performance in low-light environments, producing flat and muddy color output
  • Lacks any built-in digital or optical image stabilization, resulting in shakier action footage

Verdict

The Garmin Virb X is a rugged action camera featuring a 12.4MP 1/2.3" CMOS sensor capable of recording 1080p HD video at 30fps and capturing 12MP stills with a 10fps burst mode. Its standout characteristic is the G-Metrix system, which utilizes built-in GPS, G-force, and orientation sensors to overlay performance data like speed and altitude onto footage. Main pros include a native waterproof rating of up to 50 meters without an external housing, compatibility with the GoPro mounting ecosystem, and seamless ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity for external sensors like heart rate monitors. However, it lacks the higher 60fps frame rate at 1080p found in the XE model, does not include built-in image stabilization, and is often cited for having underwhelming battery life that may not reach its 2-hour specification in real-world conditions.

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