OVERALL

SPECS

VS AVERAGE

REVIEWS

ALTERNATIVES

Garmin vívofit Review | 171 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£70
Form factor: wristband
Battery life: 365 days
Screen size: 1.07 inch

Garmin vívofit review. Compare 171 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among fitness trackers and if it is worth buying.

7.4

Very good

7.1

Very good

8.4

Excellent

7.7
Swimming
Score components:
28.0%
10
ATM rating
24.0%
4.0
Open-water swim mode
18.0%
10
Waterproof depth rating
15.0%
4.0
GPS
15.0%
10
Battery life
8.7
Kids
Score components:
30.0%
10
Battery life
25.0%
7.4
Weight
20.0%
10
ATM rating
15.0%
5.9
Screen size
10.0%
10
Price

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#7 in Best Garmin Fitness Trackers
#15 in Best Fitness Trackers for Swimming
#52 in Best Fitness Trackers for Women
#70 in Best Fitness Trackers

Verdict

The Garmin Vivofit is an entry-level fitness tracker featuring a lightweight, water-resistant design (up to 50m) and a 1-year battery life powered by two replaceable CR1632 coin cells, eliminating the need for charging. Its key characteristics include an always-on 25.5mm x 10mm display that tracks steps, calories, distance, and sleep, while a unique 'move bar' provides visual motivation by appearing after periods of inactivity. Main pros include its exceptional long-term battery, 24/7 wearability for swimming or showering, and the ability to pair with ANT+ chest strap heart rate monitors for increased accuracy. However, notable cons include the lack of a built-in GPS and heart rate sensor, no vibration alerts (only visual red bar reminders), and a screen that is not backlit, making it difficult to read in dark environments.

Technical Specifications of Garmin vívofit

Overall score

7.4

Show more

Hide

Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the fitness tracker.

When it matters: When you prefer to buy a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.

Health

6.4

Show more

Hide

Heart rate monitor

What it is: Sensor that measures heart rate in real time.

When it matters: When you care about live heart-rate feedback during training or resting trends outside of workouts.

Importance: HIGH

Resting heart rate

What it is: Measures heart rate while resting.

When it matters: When deeper insight into sleep quality, recovery, or overall readiness matters more than raw numbers alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Fast/slow heart rate alerts

What it is: Alerts for heart rates that are too fast or too slow.

When it matters: When you want the tracker to warn you about unusual changes instead of only logging them.

Importance: LOW

Irregular heart rate alerts

What it is: Warns of irregular or abnormal heart rhythms.

When it matters: When you want the tracker to warn you about unusual changes instead of only logging them.

Importance: LOW

Blood oxygen sensor

What it is: Sensor that measures blood oxygen saturation.

When it matters: When blood oxygen readings are part of the health picture you want from the device instead of relying on heart rate and step count alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Show more

Sports & Navigation

7.5

Show more

Hide

GPS

What it is: Satellite navigation capability for positioning and tracking.

When it matters: When you train outdoors and want pace, distance, and route tracking without depending completely on your phone.

Importance: LOW

Satellite systems supported

What it is: States which satellite navigation systems the device can use for positioning.

When it matters: When you train outdoors and want stronger positioning, route guidance, and navigation independence from your phone.

Importance: LOW

GNSS bands supported

What it is: Number and type of GNSS frequency bands supported.

When it matters: When you train outdoors and want stronger positioning, route guidance, and navigation independence from your phone.

Importance: LOW

Galileo support

What it is: Supports Galileo satellite system.

When it matters: When you train outdoors and want stronger positioning, route guidance, and navigation independence from your phone.

Importance: LOW

Acquires GPS faster

What it is: Shows whether the tracker includes features that help it lock onto satellite positioning more quickly at the start of an outdoor activity.

When it matters: When you train outdoors and want stronger positioning, route guidance, and navigation independence from your phone.

Importance: LOW

Show more

Smart Features

3.6

Show more

Hide

Notifications

What it is: Delivers smartphone notifications on the watch.

When it matters: When getting calls, messages, and app alerts on your wrist saves you from checking your phone constantly.

Importance: MEDIUM

Vibrating alerts

What it is: Provides vibration-based notifications and alerts.

When it matters: When staying reachable from your wrist helps you avoid checking your phone constantly.

Importance: LOW

Call control

What it is: Allows control of phone calls from the device.

When it matters: When staying reachable from your wrist helps you avoid checking your phone constantly.

Importance: LOW

Call answering

What it is: Allows answering calls directly from the device.

When it matters: When staying reachable from your wrist helps you avoid checking your phone constantly.

Importance: LOW

Calendar sync

What it is: Syncs calendar events with the connected device.

When it matters: When staying reachable from your wrist helps you avoid checking your phone constantly.

Importance: LOW

Show more

App & Wellness

9.2

Show more

Hide

Activity reports

What it is: Generates summaries and insights from activity data.

When it matters: When you want the app to motivate you with goals, reports, coaching, or progress feedback over time.

Importance: LOW

Goal setting

What it is: Allows setting personal fitness or activity goals.

When it matters: When you want the app to motivate you with goals, reports, coaching, or progress feedback over time.

Importance: LOW

Achievements

What it is: Rewards progress and completed milestones.

When it matters: When you want the app to motivate you with goals, reports, coaching, or progress feedback over time.

Importance: LOW

Inactivity alerts

What it is: Alerts when the user has been inactive for too long.

When it matters: When account rules, app costs, exports, or software flexibility affect whether the ecosystem suits you long term.

Importance: LOW

Coaching

What it is: Provides guided training and workout advice.

When it matters: When you want the app to motivate you with goals, reports, coaching, or progress feedback over time.

Importance: LOW

Show more

Connectivity

8.6

Show more

Hide

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth supported by the device.

When it matters: When wireless stability, pairing quality, and long-term phone compatibility matter more than Bluetooth being a simple checkbox.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5.0

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: States the maximum Bluetooth connection range supported under normal conditions.

When it matters: When compatibility with your phone, computer, accessories, or wireless setup affects how well the tracker fits into your ecosystem.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

NFC

What it is: Supports near-field communication for contactless features.

When it matters: When compatibility with your phone, computer, accessories, or wireless setup affects how well the tracker fits into your ecosystem.

Importance: LOW

Wi-Fi connectivity

What it is: Connects to wireless internet networks.

When it matters: When the tracker should sync, update, or download data directly without always routing everything through the phone.

Importance: LOW

Wi-Fi version

What it is: Version of Wi-Fi standard supported.

When it matters: When compatibility with your phone, computer, accessories, or wireless setup affects how well the tracker fits into your ecosystem.

Importance: LOW

Show more

Battery

7.7

Show more

Hide

Battery life

What it is: Total time the battery lasts on a full charge.

When it matters: When the tracker needs to last through travel, sleep tracking, long workouts, or several days between charges.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >5 days

Battery life with GPS on

What it is: Battery duration when GPS tracking is active.

When it matters: When you want fewer charging breaks during travel, longer workouts, sleep tracking, or continuous use.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=8 hours

N/A

Battery life in training mode

What it is: Battery duration during active training sessions.

When it matters: When you want fewer charging breaks during travel, longer workouts, sleep tracking, or continuous use.

Importance: LOW

?

Battery life in power-saving mode

What it is: Battery duration when using power-saving mode.

When it matters: When you want fewer charging breaks during travel, longer workouts, sleep tracking, or continuous use.

Importance: LOW

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Energy storage capacity of the battery.

When it matters: When you want rough battery context behind the runtime claim instead of trusting the advertised hours alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=100 mAh

Show more

Display

6.6

Show more

Hide

Display

What it is: Main interface showing information and metrics.

When it matters: When easier reading at a glance and better day-to-day screen comfort matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Screen size

What it is: Physical size of the device’s display measured diagonally.

When it matters: When easier reading at a glance and better day-to-day screen comfort matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Display type

What it is: Technology used for the screen, such as AMOLED or LCD.

When it matters: When display technology affects contrast, color quality, power efficiency, or how premium the screen feels.

Importance: MEDIUM

Screen resolution

What it is: Total number of pixels displayed on the screen.

When it matters: When easier reading at a glance and better day-to-day screen comfort matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Pixel density

What it is: Number of pixels per inch determining screen sharpness.

When it matters: When easier reading at a glance and better day-to-day screen comfort matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=280 ppi

N/A

Show more

Design & Durability

8.6

Show more

Hide

Form factor

What it is: Overall physical design and shape.

When it matters: When materials, shape, and build details affect comfort, durability, or how discreet the device feels.

Importance: LOW

wristband

Hybrid design

What it is: Combines analog and digital display elements.

When it matters: When materials, shape, and build details affect comfort, durability, or how discreet the device feels.

Importance: LOW

Designed for kids

What it is: Indicates whether the fitness tracker is explicitly designed for children, with child-focused sizing, branding, safety limits, or kid-oriented activity features.

When it matters: This matters when you want a tracker that is genuinely child-focused rather than just a smaller adult model.

Importance: LOW

Replaceable watch band

What it is: Ability to replace the wristband with other styles.

When it matters: When strap comfort, fit, or the ability to swap bands matters for sport, style, or replacement.

Importance: LOW

Band width

What it is: Width of the strap where it connects to the watch.

When it matters: When strap comfort, fit, or the ability to swap bands matters for sport, style, or replacement.

Importance: LOW

16 mm

Show more

Garmin vívofit vs the average fitness tracker

Why is Garmin vívofit better than the average fitness tracker?

Show more

Hide

355 days longer battery life
Garmin vívofit has a higher battery life than the average fitness tracker (365 days vs 10 days). The average fitness tracker has 10 days of battery life.
What it is: Total time the battery lasts on a full charge.
When it matters: When the tracker needs to last through travel, sleep tracking, long workouts, or several days between charges.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >5 days
Garmin vívofit has a higher battery life than the average fitness tracker (365 days vs 10 days). The average fitness tracker has 10 days of battery life.365 days vs 10 days
Always-on display
Garmin vívofit has an always-on display, while the average fitness tracker does not. 25.7% of fitness trackers have an always-on display.
Low-power display remains continuously visible.
What it is: Screen remains visible continuously without turning off.
When it matters: When you want to check time or key stats instantly without waking the screen first.
Importance: LOW
Garmin vívofit has an always-on display, while the average fitness tracker does not. 25.7% of fitness trackers have an always-on display.
Tracks menstrual cycle
Garmin vívofit supports menstrual cycle tracking, while the average fitness tracker does not. 41.7% of fitness trackers support menstrual cycle tracking.
Includes menstrual-cycle tracking.
What it is: Tracks menstrual cycle and related data.
When it matters: When cycle tracking is part of your health routine and you want those records kept alongside the rest of your wearable data.
Importance: LOW
Garmin vívofit supports menstrual cycle tracking, while the average fitness tracker does not. 41.7% of fitness trackers support menstrual cycle tracking.
Period notifications
Garmin vívofit has period notifications, while the average fitness tracker does not. 32% of fitness trackers have period notifications.
Period reminders via app.
What it is: Shows whether the platform can send reminders or notifications related to menstrual cycle timing.
When it matters: When cycle tracking, fertility insight, or related reminders are part of your health routine.
Importance: LOW
Garmin vívofit has period notifications, while the average fitness tracker does not. 32% of fitness trackers have period notifications.
Windows compatible
Garmin vívofit is compatible with Windows, while the average fitness tracker is not. 22.3% of fitness trackers are compatible with Windows.
Via Garmin Express.
What it is: Compatible with Windows computers.
When it matters: When compatibility with your phone, computer, accessories, or wireless setup affects how well the tracker fits into your ecosystem.
Importance: LOW
Garmin vívofit is compatible with Windows, while the average fitness tracker is not. 22.3% of fitness trackers are compatible with Windows.
Mac OS X compatible
Garmin vívofit is compatible with Mac OS X, while the average fitness tracker is not. 27.5% of fitness trackers are compatible with Mac OS X.
Via Garmin Express.
What it is: Compatible with macOS devices.
When it matters: When compatibility with your phone, computer, accessories, or wireless setup affects how well the tracker fits into your ecosystem.
Importance: LOW
Garmin vívofit is compatible with Mac OS X, while the average fitness tracker is not. 27.5% of fitness trackers are compatible with Mac OS X.
Fertile window notifications
Garmin vívofit displays fertile window notifications, while the average fitness tracker does not. 24.4% of fitness trackers display fertile window notifications.
Supports fertile window notifications.
What it is: Shows whether the health platform can alert you when the predicted fertile window is approaching or active.
When it matters: When cycle tracking, fertility insight, or related reminders are part of your health routine.
Importance: LOW
Garmin vívofit displays fertile window notifications, while the average fitness tracker does not. 24.4% of fitness trackers display fertile window notifications.
Cycle start prediction
Garmin vívofit predicts the start date, while the average fitness tracker does not. 42.2% of fitness trackers predict the start date.
Predicts the next period start date.
What it is: Shows whether the platform can estimate when the next menstrual cycle is likely to begin.
When it matters: When cycle tracking, fertility insight, or related reminders are part of your health routine.
Importance: LOW
Garmin vívofit predicts the start date, while the average fitness tracker does not. 42.2% of fitness trackers predict the start date.
Tracks menstrual cycle
Garmin vívofit supports menstrual cycle tracking, while the average fitness tracker does not. 41.7% of fitness trackers support menstrual cycle tracking.
Period notifications
Garmin vívofit has period notifications, while the average fitness tracker does not. 32% of fitness trackers have period notifications.
Fertile window notifications
Garmin vívofit displays fertile window notifications, while the average fitness tracker does not. 24.4% of fitness trackers display fertile window notifications.
Ovulation prediction
Garmin vívofit predicts ovulation, while the average fitness tracker does not. 41.4% of fitness trackers predict ovulation.
Cycle start prediction
Garmin vívofit predicts the start date, while the average fitness tracker does not. 42.2% of fitness trackers predict the start date.
Works with external heart rate monitors
Garmin vívofit is compatible with external heart rate monitors, while the average fitness tracker is not. 5.6% of fitness trackers are compatible with external heart rate monitors.
355 days longer battery life
Garmin vívofit has a higher battery life than the average fitness tracker (365 days vs 10 days). The average fitness tracker has 10 days of battery life.
Removable battery
Garmin vívofit has a removable battery, while the average fitness tracker does not. 13.6% of fitness trackers have a removable battery.
Always-on display
Garmin vívofit has an always-on display, while the average fitness tracker does not. 25.7% of fitness trackers have an always-on display.
Windows compatible
Garmin vívofit is compatible with Windows, while the average fitness tracker is not. 22.3% of fitness trackers are compatible with Windows.
Mac OS X compatible
Garmin vívofit is compatible with Mac OS X, while the average fitness tracker is not. 27.5% of fitness trackers are compatible with Mac OS X.
ANT+ support
Garmin vívofit supports ANT+, while the average fitness tracker does not. 7.3% of fitness trackers support ANT+.
1 more physical buttons
Garmin vívofit has a higher physical buttons than the average fitness tracker (1 vs 0). The average fitness tracker has 0 of physical buttons.
19.8 mm lower height
Garmin vívofit is shorter than the average fitness tracker (21 mm vs 40.8 mm). The average fitness tracker has a height of 40.8 mm.
Tracks calorie intake
Garmin vívofit supports calorie intake tracking, while the average fitness tracker does not. 39.3% of fitness trackers support calorie intake tracking.
Water intake tracking
Garmin vívofit supports water intake tracking, while the average fitness tracker does not. 47% of fitness trackers support water intake tracking.
No account required
Garmin vívofit works without an account, while the average fitness tracker does not. 9.2% of fitness trackers work without an account.
Available on PC
Garmin vívofit is available on PC, while the average fitness tracker is not. 16.9% of fitness trackers are available on PC.

Design & Durability

Why is Garmin vívofit worse than the average fitness tracker?

Show more

Hide

No heart rate monitoring
Garmin vívofit does not support heart rate monitoring, while the average fitness tracker does. 60% of fitness trackers support heart rate monitoring.
No pace measurement
Garmin vívofit does not support pace measurement, while the average fitness tracker does. 61.3% of fitness trackers support pace measurement.
10 fewer stored activities
Garmin vívofit has fewer stored activities than the average fitness tracker (0 vs 10). The average fitness tracker stores 10 activities.
No battery level indicator
Garmin vívofit does not have a battery level indicator, while the average fitness tracker does. 88.8% of fitness trackers have a battery level indicator.
No rechargeable battery
Garmin vívofit does not have a rechargeable battery, while the average fitness tracker does. 86% of fitness trackers have a rechargeable battery.
No notifications
Garmin vívofit does not support notifications, while the average fitness tracker does. 72.6% of fitness trackers support notifications.
No silent alarm
Garmin vívofit does not support a silent alarm, while the average fitness tracker does. 80.4% of fitness trackers support a silent alarm.
No vibrating alerts
Garmin vívofit does not support vibration alerts, while the average fitness tracker does. 83.8% of fitness trackers support vibration alerts.
No stopwatch
Garmin vívofit does not have a stopwatch, while the average fitness tracker does. 58.4% of fitness trackers have a stopwatch.
10 °C higher minimum operating temperature
Garmin vívofit has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average fitness tracker (-10 °C vs 0 °C). The average fitness tracker supports a minimum operating temperature of 0 °C.
Ads in app
Garmin vívofit shows ads in the app, while the average fitness tracker does not. 50.6% of fitness trackers have an ad-free app.
No heart rate monitoring
Garmin vívofit does not support heart rate monitoring, while the average fitness tracker does. 60% of fitness trackers support heart rate monitoring.
What it is: Sensor that measures heart rate in real time.
When it matters: When you care about live heart-rate feedback during training or resting trends outside of workouts.
Importance: HIGH
Garmin vívofit does not support heart rate monitoring, while the average fitness tracker does. 60% of fitness trackers support heart rate monitoring.
No pace measurement
Garmin vívofit does not support pace measurement, while the average fitness tracker does. 61.3% of fitness trackers support pace measurement.
What it is: Measures running or walking speed.
When it matters: When you want the tracker to capture more workouts and training details with less manual effort.
Importance: MEDIUM
Garmin vívofit does not support pace measurement, while the average fitness tracker does. 61.3% of fitness trackers support pace measurement.
No notifications
Garmin vívofit does not support notifications, while the average fitness tracker does. 72.6% of fitness trackers support notifications.
What it is: Delivers smartphone notifications on the watch.
When it matters: When getting calls, messages, and app alerts on your wrist saves you from checking your phone constantly.
Importance: MEDIUM
Garmin vívofit does not support notifications, while the average fitness tracker does. 72.6% of fitness trackers support notifications.
No vibrating alerts
Garmin vívofit does not support vibration alerts, while the average fitness tracker does. 83.8% of fitness trackers support vibration alerts.
What it is: Provides vibration-based notifications and alerts.
When it matters: When staying reachable from your wrist helps you avoid checking your phone constantly.
Importance: LOW
Garmin vívofit does not support vibration alerts, while the average fitness tracker does. 83.8% of fitness trackers support vibration alerts.
No silent alarm
Garmin vívofit does not support a silent alarm, while the average fitness tracker does. 80.4% of fitness trackers support a silent alarm.
What it is: Alarm that vibrates silently instead of sounding.
When it matters: When you want more discreet or more context-aware alerts than a standard alarm gives you.
Importance: LOW
Garmin vívofit does not support a silent alarm, while the average fitness tracker does. 80.4% of fitness trackers support a silent alarm.
No battery level indicator
Garmin vívofit does not have a battery level indicator, while the average fitness tracker does. 88.8% of fitness trackers have a battery level indicator.
What it is: Shows remaining battery percentage.
When it matters: When charging speed, charging method, or battery upkeep convenience matters to your routine.
Importance: LOW
Garmin vívofit does not have a battery level indicator, while the average fitness tracker does. 88.8% of fitness trackers have a battery level indicator.
No stopwatch
Garmin vívofit does not have a stopwatch, while the average fitness tracker does. 58.4% of fitness trackers have a stopwatch.
What it is: Built-in stopwatch for timing activities.
When it matters: When buttons, crowns, gestures, or direct controls affect how quickly you can use the device mid-activity.
Importance: LOW
Garmin vívofit does not have a stopwatch, while the average fitness tracker does. 58.4% of fitness trackers have a stopwatch.
Ads in app
Garmin vívofit shows ads in the app, while the average fitness tracker does not. 50.6% of fitness trackers have an ad-free app.
What it is: Operates without advertisements.
When it matters: When account rules, app costs, exports, or software flexibility affect whether the ecosystem suits you long term.
Importance: LOW
Garmin vívofit shows ads in the app, while the average fitness tracker does not. 50.6% of fitness trackers have an ad-free app.

Design & Durability

Graphic comparison of Garmin vívofit and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Garmin vívofit?

Exceptional battery life (up to 1 year) with no charging required
Always-on display is easy to read in direct sunlight
Waterproof and safe for swimming or showering (5 ATM rating)
Comfortable, lightweight design suitable for 24/7 wear
Dynamic daily goals that automatically adjust based on activity levels
Inactivity 'move bar' provides a helpful visual reminder to stay active

What customers dislike about Garmin vívofit?

Original and older models lack a backlight, making the screen hard to read in the dark
No vibration motor for silent alarms or movement alerts
Lacks built-in GPS and optical heart rate sensor for advanced tracking
Sleep tracking is basic and relies solely on movement rather than heart rate
Limited to tracking walking and running; not ideal for gym or complex sports
Syncing with the Garmin Connect app can sometimes be slow or unreliable

Expert reviews

scarletfire.co.uk

12/04/2017

Vivofit review - ScarletFire Cycling Are you looking for these reviews to compare the battery life of the original model against modern trackers, or a...

Overview and Functionality The Garmin Vivofit is a robust, user-friendly fitness tracker designed to monitor general daily activity and combat sedentary habits through an automated, adaptive goal system. Operating entirely via a single button, the device cycles through a variety of basic tracking modes including step count, distance approximations, calorie burn, time, date, and...Read more

pocket-lint.com

26/09/2014

Garmin Vivofit review - Pocket-lint

The Pocket-lint review highlights the Garmin Vivofit as a simple, highly effective fitness tracker tailored for everyday users looking to stay active without being overwhelmed by technical details. The standout pros of the device include an exceptional year-long battery life powered by two replaceable coin-cell batteries, which eliminates the chore of daily charging and helps users...Read more

gadfit.com

09/05/2014

Garmin Vivofit Review - Fitness Tracker - GadFit

The Garmin Vivofit is a debutant fitness tracker that stands out primarily for its exceptional, hassle-free one-year battery life. It eliminates the frequent charging cycles required by competitors by operating on standard replaceable batteries. Retailing at $129.99 for the standalone unit and $169.99 for a bundle, the tracker features an accurate step counter, a customizable...Read more

techradar.com

07/05/2014

Garmin Vivofit review | TechRadar

The TechRadar Garmin Vivofit review highlights the wearable as a reliable, entry-level "life tracker" designed for casual fitness enthusiasts who prefer simplicity over advanced metric data. A major design highlight is its always-on LCD display, allowing it to serve as a practical everyday wristwatch. Because it runs on two standard watch batteries instead of a rechargeable lithium...Read more

livescience.com

01/04/2014

Garmin Vivofit: Fitness Tracker Review - Live Science

The Live Science review of the Garmin Vivofit gives it a 6.3/10 rating, highlighting the device's comfortable design and impressive one-year battery life. It is praised for encouraging an active lifestyle, though it lacks a backlight and a true, automatic, and reliable method for tracking sleep. However, the review details significant drawbacks, including persistent, unreliable data...Read more

gizmodo.com

13/03/2014

Garmin Vivofit Review: Some Good Ideas But Not Quite There - Gizmodo

The Garmin Vivofit is an activity tracker wristband designed to count steps, monitor sleep, and track active time without ever needing to be charged, relying instead on a replaceable coin-cell battery that lasts over a year. It stands out by integrating smoothly into Garmin’s existing online platform and connecting via ANT+ to external heart-rate monitors, making it highly appealing...Read more

uk.pcmag.com

08/10/2014

Garmin Vivofit Review - PCMag UK

The Garmin Vivofit is a mid-priced, wrist-worn fitness tracker that balances user-friendly features with a highly durable, low-maintenance design. Its standout features include a gray, always-on LED display and an exceptional battery life powered by coin-cell batteries that last for months without needing a USB charge. It tracks basic daily activities like steps, distance, calories...Read more

expertreviews.co.uk

12/09/2014

Garmin Vivofit review - Expert Reviews

The Garmin Vivofit stands out as an innovative activity tracker powered by two replaceable CR1632 coin cells that provide a massive year-long battery life, removing the hassle of weekly charging. It features an always-on LCD display that functions excellently as a wristwatch during daylight hours, allowing users to glance at their fitness progress without pressing a button. Fitness...Read more

telegraph.co.uk

10/06/2014

Garmin Vivofit review: a life tracker that will leave you feeling either fit or insane - The Telegraph

The Telegraph's review characterizes the Garmin Vivofit as an impressive, 1cm-thick, and water-resistant tracker with a one-year battery life, designed to constantly display steps, calories, and time. However, the device's persistent tracking can cause mental fatigue, and it struggles to accurately register specific workouts like running and cycling, requiring manual adjustments....Read more

cnet.com

19/05/2014

Garmin Vivofit review: Long battery life in a fitness band, no charger needed - CNET

Based on the CNET review, the Garmin Vivofit is a highly durable, low-maintenance wrist-worn pedometer that stands out primarily due to its exceptional one-year battery life and water-resistant, shower-friendly design. Priced at $130, it functions as an always-on digital watch while tracking daily steps, distance, estimated calories burned, and sleep quality. It features an...Read more

techradar.com

07/05/2014

Garmin Vivofit review - TechRadar

The Garmin Vivofit review by TechRadar highlights an affordable, lightweight fitness tracker praised for its remarkable year-long battery life using standard watch batteries, eliminating the need for a charging cable. Its design stands out with a comfortable, stylish, water-resistant build meant for 24/7 wear, making it a viable wristwatch replacement thanks to an always-on display....Read more

techadvisor.com

15/04/2014

Garmin Vivofit review - Tech Advisor

Garmin Vivofit Review Summary The Garmin Vivofit is a strong first-generation activity tracker that excels in hardware design and foundational fitness tracking. Its standout features include a non-backlit LCD screen that is highly readable in most lighting, water resistance up to 50 meters, and an innovative "automatic goal" system that intelligently adjusts daily step targets based...Read more

dcrainmaker.com

12/03/2014

Garmin Vivofit In-Depth Review - DC Rainmaker

The Garmin Vivofit is an entry-level, wrist-based 24/7 activity tracker featuring an always-on LCD screen and a standout one-year battery life powered by replaceable coin cell batteries. A major differentiator is its ability to pair with ANT+ heart rate straps to accurately calculate calorie burn during non-step fitness activities like cycling or weightlifting. Instead of static...Read more

wired.com

07/03/2014

Review: Garmin Vivofit - WIRED

In the WIRED review of the Garmin Vivofit, the device earns an 8/10 rating for being an exceptionally motivating, entry-level fitness tracker. The core pros highlighted include its year-long battery life powered by replaceable coin cells, which completely eliminates the need for daily or weekly charging. Reviewer Christina Bonnington strongly praises its dynamic, personalized daily...Read more

pcmag.com

05/03/2014

Garmin Vivofit Review - PCMag

The Garmin Vivofit is a comfortable, low-maintenance tracker with an always-on display and a multi-month battery life powered by replaceable coin cells. It tracks steps, distance, sleep, and calories, featuring a "move bar" to encourage activity, plus data syncing via Bluetooth or an included ANT+ stick. However, the device has a plastic-y, low-tech aesthetic, lacks a barometric...Read more

ifun.de

19/06/2014

Garmin Vivofit: Bluetooth fitness band reviewed by ifun

Garmin Vivofit Review Summary The Garmin Vivofit is a lightweight, waterproof fitness band designed for daily activity tracking without the hassle of frequent charging. Its standout feature is an exceptional one-year battery life powered by two replaceable coin-cell batteries, completely eliminating the need for a charging cable. In terms of functionality, the device tracks steps,...Read more

chip.de

25/08/2014

Garmin Vivofit (Fitness Tracker) Review - CHIP

Garmin Vivofit The Garmin Vivofit is a functional fitness tracker that serves as a highly reliable watch replacement, standing out primarily due to its exceptional one-year battery life. Powered by two replaceable coin cell batteries, it frees users from the frequent charging cycles required by competitors. Its built-in E-Ink display presents critical daily metrics at a glance,...Read more

eiswuerfelimschuh.de

15/07/2014

Slim, lightweight, comfortable - Garmin Vivofit (Review)

The Garmin Vivofit is a lightweight, waterproof, and unobtrusive fitness tracker designed to motivate users to stay active throughout the day. Key advantages highlighted in the review include its exceptionally low power consumption, allowing the two user-replaceable coin cell batteries to last for over a year without charging. Its high-contrast E-Ink display features large,...Read more

connect.de

26/05/2014

Garmin Vivofit Review - Connect

The Garmin Vivofit is a long-lasting, highly versatile fitness tracker that earned an overall "Very Good" rating (441 out of 380 points) from connect due to its extensive functionality and excellent expansion options. Designed as a reliable daily companion, it tracks steps, distance, calorie consumption, and sleep phases. A standout feature is its highly energy-efficient LC-display...Read more

pocketnavigation.de

15/03/2014

Garmin Vivofit Review

Garmin Vivofit Review Summary The Garmin Vivofit is a lightweight (25 grams) fitness tracker launched in 2014 that monitors daily activity, steps, and sleep cycles without using a power-hungry GPS receiver. Its standout feature is an exceptional battery life of up to one year powered by two CR1632 coin cells, which completely eliminates the hassle of frequent recharging. The device...Read more

01net.com

28/03/2014

Garmin Vivofit Review: An Activity Tracker Too Generous with Its Estimates", "Garmin Vivofit Test: An Overly Generous Fitness Tracker

The 01net review highlights the Garmin Vivofit as a user-friendly activity tracker featuring a comfortable, two-part design with a removable, washable rubber strap and an always-on display [01.1]. Its most significant advantage is the exceptional one-year battery life, powered by replaceable button-cell batteries, which eliminates the need for frequent charging [01.1]. The device...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

05/04/2014

Garmin Vivofit review: a fitness band that wants to stand out

of the Garmin Vivofit The Garmin Vivofit is an original fitness tracker that stands out for its exceptional hardware longevity and unique display features. Its most significant advantage is a record-breaking battery life of up to one year, eliminating the need for frequent recharging. It features a highly readable e-ink display that remains permanently on, showing real-time metrics...Read more

nakan.ch

27/03/2026

The Garmin Vivofit fully tested

Garmin Vivofit Review Summary The Garmin Vivofit is a lightweight, continuous activity tracker designed to monitor daily movement without the need for frequent recharging. Its standout feature is its exceptional battery life powered by replaceable coin cell batteries, lasting over a year and removing the hassle of daily charging. The tracker features an always-on, sunlight-readable...Read more

labolsadelcorredor.com

12/09/2014

Garmin Vivofit: review, analysis, and opinion

Garmin Vivofit The Garmin Vivofit is an easy-to-use, comfortable, and reliable activity tracker designed to monitor daily steps, calories, and sleep patterns without requiring constant technological intervention. Its standout feature is an exceptional battery life of up to one year, eliminating the daily hassle of charging and making it a viable permanent replacement for a standard...Read more

palabraderunner.com

02/07/2014

Garmin Vivofit: In-Depth Review and Opinion

The Garmin Vivofit is an entry-level activity tracker designed to monitor daily movement and sleep patterns through internal accelerometers rather than built-in GPS. Highly practical for everyday use, its standout feature is an exceptional battery life of up to one year, achieved by utilising two replaceable CR1632 coin cell batteries instead of a rechargeable cell. The tracker...Read more

macitynet.it

27/07/2014

Garmin Vívofit review: The 24/7 fitness tracker

The Macitynet review highlights the Garmin VivoFit as a highly capable, lightweight, and comfortable fitness band designed for 24/7 wear, even remaining comfortable during sleep and waterproof enough for the shower. The device excels in tracking basic fitness metrics, proving to be highly accurate in step counting when benchmarked against competitors like the Samsung Gear. Its...Read more

sporttrackermaster.com

21/02/2017

Garmin Vívofit activity tracker review with heart rate monitor

The Garmin Vívofit is an entry-level activity tracker designed primarily for daily fitness, walking, and running rather than high-intensity sports like cycling or tennis. The device tracks standard metrics including steps, distance, calories burned, date, time, and sleep patterns. It features an auto-adjusting daily step goal that increases or decreases based on the user's...Read more

smarthealth.live

06/08/2014

SmartHealth Review: Garmin vívofit

The Garmin vívofit is a user-friendly, water-resistant activity tracker designed for 24/7 wear, suitable for a wide audience from athletes to older adults. Its standout feature is an exceptional battery life that lasts over a year on a single battery, removing the routine-breaking need for frequent charging. The device features a unique, dynamic daily step goal that adapts based on...Read more

bydagmarvalerie.nl

20/02/2015

My experience with the Garmin Vivofit after 1.5 months

The author purchased the Garmin Vivofit to break a cycle of inactivity caused by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CVS) and Fibromyalgia, using it to train for a 10 km Nike race in Amsterdam. After testing the activity tracker for 1.5 months, she highlights several major benefits, including its personalized daily step goals that adapt to the user's fitness level and the red motivational bar...Read more

Video reviews

Best alternatives

Fitness trackers

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro

Fitness trackers

Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro

Fitness trackers

Huawei Band 4 Pro

Fitness trackers

Fitness trackers

Garmin vívofit 4 Large

Fitness trackers

Fitbit Inspire 3

Fitness trackers

Garmin vívofit 3

Fitness trackers

Fitness trackers

Fitness trackers

Garmin vívosmart 4 Large

Fitness trackers

Fitness trackers

Compare Garmin vívofit with

Compare