Garmin vívofit 3 Review | 171 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£70
  • Avg. price in US: ~$100
  • Form factor: wristband
  • Battery life: 365 days
  • Screen size: 0.55 inch

Garmin vívofit 3 review. Compare 171 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among fitness trackers and if it is worth buying.

7.4

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the fitness tracker's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best fitness trackers on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

7.1

Technical Score

20.0%

8.7

User score

Very good
7.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the fitness tracker's technical performance, covering eight key areas: health tracking, sports features, connectivity, display, battery, smart features, design, and app support.

When it matters: When you want to compare fitness trackers based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

20.0%

7.8

Sports & Navigation

20.0%

8.6

Battery

18.0%

5.9

Health

18.0%

6.0

Display

8.0%

3.9

Smart Features

8.0%

9.1

App & Wellness

4.0%

8.6

Connectivity

4.0%

8.5

Design & Durability

Very good
8.7

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the fitness tracker.

When it matters: When you want to know how a fitness tracker performs in daily use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.1

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(1571)
amazon
4.1
(1128)
amazon
4.1
(41)
amazon
3.9
(19)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

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

  • 8.0
    Kids

    Score components:

    30.0%

    10

    Battery life

    25.0%

    7.2

    Weight

    20.0%

    10

    ATM rating

    15.0%

    1.0

    Screen size

    10.0%

    10

    Price

  • garmin-vivofit-3
  • garmin-vivofit-3
garmin-vivofit-3
garmin-vivofit-3

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Garmin vívofit 3 is a versatile, entry-level activity tracker featuring a 10mm x 10mm sunlight-visible, 64 x 64 pixel monochromatic backlit display and a 5 ATM water resistance rating suitable for swimming. Its standout characteristic is an exceptional one-year battery life powered by a user-replaceable CR1632 coin cell, eliminating the need for regular charging. Key performance features include Garmin Move IQ for automatic activity detection (walking, running, cycling, swimming), tracking of steps, calories, distance, intensity minutes, and sleep monitoring, alongside a Move Bar with audible alerts to combat inactivity. Main pros include its always-on display, 24/7 wearability, and seamless syncing with the Garmin Connect app via Bluetooth. However, notable cons include a relatively small and dim screen, the lack of a built-in GPS or optical heart rate sensor, and no vibration motor for silent alarms or phone notifications.

Technical Specifications of Garmin vívofit 3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the fitness tracker's technical performance, covering eight key areas: health tracking, sports features, connectivity, display, battery, smart features, design, and app support.

When it matters: When you want to compare fitness trackers based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

20.0%

7.8

Sports & Navigation

20.0%

8.6

Battery

18.0%

5.9

Health

18.0%

6.0

Display

8.0%

3.9

Smart Features

8.0%

9.1

App & Wellness

4.0%

8.6

Connectivity

4.0%

8.5

Design & Durability

7.1
Garmin vívofit 3 has a technical score of 7.13 points, which is higher than 55.4% of fitness trackers.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the fitness tracker.

When it matters: When you want to know how a fitness tracker performs in daily use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.1

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(1571)
amazon
4.1
(1128)
amazon
4.1
(41)
amazon
3.9
(19)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

8.7
Garmin vívofit 3 has a user score of 8.66 points, which is higher than 71.4% of fitness trackers.
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.
10
Garmin vívofit 3 has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 60.1% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the fitness tracker's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a fitness tracker with a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.4

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

8.2
Garmin vívofit 3 has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.2 points, which is higher than 59.2% of products in this category.
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

no
Garmin vívofit 3 does not support heart rate monitoring. 60.3% of fitness trackers support heart rate monitoring.
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

no
Garmin vívofit 3 does not support Resting heart rate. 48.5% of fitness trackers support Resting heart rate.
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

no
Garmin vívofit 3 does not support high and low heart rate alerts. 33.7% of fitness trackers support high and low heart rate alerts.
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

no
Garmin vívofit 3 does not support irregular heart rate alerts. 11.5% of fitness trackers support irregular heart rate alerts.
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

no
Garmin vívofit 3 does not have a blood oxygen sensor. 26.1% of fitness trackers have a blood oxygen sensor.
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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

no
Garmin vívofit 3 does not have GPS. 11% of fitness trackers have GPS.
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

no
Garmin vívofit 3 supports no satellite systems which is less versatile than that of 12.2% of fitness trackers and the same as that of 87.8% of fitness trackers.
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

no
Garmin vívofit 3 does not support Galileo. 4.9% of fitness trackers support Galileo.
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

no
Garmin vívofit 3 does not support faster GPS acquisition. 7.2% of fitness trackers support faster GPS acquisition.
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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

no
Garmin vívofit 3 does not support notifications. 73% of fitness trackers support notifications.
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

no
Garmin vívofit 3 does not support vibration alerts. 84.2% of fitness trackers support vibration alerts.
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

no
Garmin vívofit 3 does not support call answering. 1% of fitness trackers support call answering.
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

no
Garmin vívofit 3 does not support calendar sync. 19.9% of fitness trackers support calendar sync.
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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

yes
Garmin vívofit 3 supports activity reports. 5.7% of fitness trackers support activity reports.
via Garmin Connect
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

yes
Garmin vívofit 3 supports goal setting. 2.4% of fitness trackers support goal setting.
Auto-adjusting daily goal.
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

yes
Garmin vívofit 3 supports achievements. 24.3% of fitness trackers support achievements.
Includes digital medals or badges.
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

yes
Garmin vívofit 3 supports inactivity alerts. 23.7% of fitness trackers support inactivity alerts.
Move reminders supported.
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

no
Garmin vívofit 3 does not support coaching. 33% of fitness trackers support coaching.
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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

4.0
Garmin vívofit 3 supports Bluetooth 4.0 which is newer than in 5.1% of fitness trackers and equal to that in 51.5% of fitness trackers.
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

10 m
Garmin vívofit 3 offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m which is higher than that of 14.6% of fitness trackers and equal to that of 69.2% of fitness trackers.
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

no
Garmin vívofit 3 does not have NFC. 10.1% of fitness trackers have NFC.
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

no
Garmin vívofit 3 does not support Wi-Fi. 1.8% of fitness trackers support Wi-Fi.
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

no
Garmin vívofit 3 does not support modern Wi-Fi. 1% of fitness trackers support modern Wi-Fi.
no Wi-Fi support.
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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

365 days
Garmin vívofit 3 offers a battery life of 365 days which is longer than that of 95.1% of fitness trackers and equal to that of 4.5% of fitness trackers.
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

N/A
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

?
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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

yes
Garmin vívofit 3 has a display. 24.1% of fitness trackers have a display.
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

0.55 inch
Garmin vívofit 3 has a screen size of 0.55 inch which is smaller than that of 95.1% of fitness trackers.
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

MIP
Garmin vívofit 3 uses MIP display technology which is more advanced than that of 49% of fitness trackers and the same as that of 3.5% of fitness trackers.
Transflective memory-in-pixel display.
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

64 x 64
Garmin vívofit 3 has a screen resolution of 64x64 which is lower than that of 61.9% of fitness trackers.
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
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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

no
Garmin vívofit 3 does not support Hybrid design. 2.4% of fitness trackers support Hybrid design.
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

no
Garmin vívofit 3 is not designed for kids. 2.4% of fitness trackers are designed for kids.
No child-specific positioning found.
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

yes
Garmin vívofit 3 has a replaceable watch band. 24.4% of fitness trackers have a replaceable watch band.
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

10 mm
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Garmin vívofit 3 vs the average fitness tracker

  • 355 days longer battery life
    Garmin vívofit 3 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 3 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 3 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 3 has an always-on display, while the average fitness tracker does not. 25.7% of fitness trackers have an always-on display.
  • Tracks elevation
    Garmin vívofit 3 supports elevation tracking, while the average fitness tracker does not. 27.2% of fitness trackers support elevation tracking.
    Elevation in Garmin Connect
    What it is: Measures elevation gain and loss during activity.
    When it matters: When you train outdoors and want stronger positioning, route guidance, and navigation independence from your phone.

    Importance: LOW

    Garmin vívofit 3 supports elevation tracking, while the average fitness tracker does not. 27.2% of fitness trackers support elevation tracking.
  • Tracks menstrual cycle
    Garmin vívofit 3 supports menstrual cycle tracking, while the average fitness tracker does not. 41.7% of fitness trackers support menstrual cycle tracking.
    Includes period and ovulation 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 3 supports menstrual cycle tracking, while the average fitness tracker does not. 41.7% of fitness trackers support menstrual cycle tracking.
  • Period notifications
    Garmin vívofit 3 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 3 has period notifications, while the average fitness tracker does not. 32% of fitness trackers have period notifications.
  • Windows compatible
    Garmin vívofit 3 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 3 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 3 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 3 is compatible with Mac OS X, while the average fitness tracker is not. 27.5% of fitness trackers are compatible with Mac OS X.
  • Cycle start prediction
    Garmin vívofit 3 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 3 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 3 supports menstrual cycle tracking, while the average fitness tracker does not. 41.7% of fitness trackers support menstrual cycle tracking.
  • Period notifications
    Garmin vívofit 3 has period notifications, while the average fitness tracker does not. 32% of fitness trackers have period notifications.
  • Ovulation prediction
    Garmin vívofit 3 predicts ovulation, while the average fitness tracker does not. 41.4% of fitness trackers predict ovulation.
  • Cycle start prediction
    Garmin vívofit 3 predicts the start date, while the average fitness tracker does not. 42.2% of fitness trackers predict the start date.
  • Tracks elevation
    Garmin vívofit 3 supports elevation tracking, while the average fitness tracker does not. 27.2% of fitness trackers support elevation tracking.
  • Works with external heart rate monitors
    Garmin vívofit 3 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 3 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 3 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 3 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 3 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 3 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 3 supports ANT+, while the average fitness tracker does not. 7.3% of fitness trackers support ANT+.
  • 1 more physical buttons
    Garmin vívofit 3 has a higher physical buttons than the average fitness tracker (1 vs 0). The average fitness tracker has 0 of physical buttons.
  • Water intake tracking
    Garmin vívofit 3 supports water intake tracking, while the average fitness tracker does not. 47% of fitness trackers support water intake tracking.
  • No account required
    Garmin vívofit 3 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 3 is available on PC, while the average fitness tracker is not. 16.9% of fitness trackers are available on PC.
  • No heart rate monitoring
    Garmin vívofit 3 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 3 does not support pace measurement, while the average fitness tracker does. 61.3% of fitness trackers support pace measurement.
  • No battery level indicator
    Garmin vívofit 3 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 3 does not have a rechargeable battery, while the average fitness tracker does. 86% of fitness trackers have a rechargeable battery.
    Uses a replaceable coin-cell battery.
  • Lower screen resolution
    Garmin vívofit 3 has a lower screen resolution than the average fitness tracker (64x64 vs 194x368). The average fitness tracker has a screen resolution of 194x368.
  • 0.49 inch smaller screen size
    Garmin vívofit 3 has a lower screen size than the average fitness tracker (0.6 inch vs 1.04 inch). The average fitness tracker has a screen size of 1.04 inch.
  • No notifications
    Garmin vívofit 3 does not support notifications, while the average fitness tracker does. 72.6% of fitness trackers support notifications.
  • No silent alarm
    Garmin vívofit 3 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 3 does not support vibration alerts, while the average fitness tracker does. 83.8% of fitness trackers support vibration alerts.
  • No stopwatch
    Garmin vívofit 3 does not have a stopwatch, while the average fitness tracker does. 58.4% of fitness trackers have a stopwatch.
  • 0.94 mm thicker design
    Garmin vívofit 3 is thicker than the average fitness tracker (11.9 mm vs 11 mm). The average fitness tracker has a thickness of 11 mm.
  • 10 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    Garmin vívofit 3 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.
  • No heart rate monitoring
    Garmin vívofit 3 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 3 does not support heart rate monitoring, while the average fitness tracker does. 60% of fitness trackers support heart rate monitoring.
  • Lower screen resolution
    Garmin vívofit 3 has a lower screen resolution than the average fitness tracker (64x64 vs 194x368). The average fitness tracker has a screen resolution of 194x368.
    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

    Garmin vívofit 3 has a lower screen resolution than the average fitness tracker (64x64 vs 194x368). The average fitness tracker has a screen resolution of 194x368.64x64 vs 194x368
  • No pace measurement
    Garmin vívofit 3 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 3 does not support pace measurement, while the average fitness tracker does. 61.3% of fitness trackers support pace measurement.
  • No notifications
    Garmin vívofit 3 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 3 does not support notifications, while the average fitness tracker does. 72.6% of fitness trackers support notifications.
  • 0.49 inch smaller screen size
    Garmin vívofit 3 has a lower screen size than the average fitness tracker (0.6 inch vs 1.04 inch). The average fitness tracker has a screen size of 1.04 inch.
    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

    Garmin vívofit 3 has a lower screen size than the average fitness tracker (0.6 inch vs 1.04 inch). The average fitness tracker has a screen size of 1.04 inch.0.55 inch vs 1.04 inch
  • No vibrating alerts
    Garmin vívofit 3 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 3 does not support vibration alerts, while the average fitness tracker does. 83.8% of fitness trackers support vibration alerts.
  • No silent alarm
    Garmin vívofit 3 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 3 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 3 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 3 does not have a battery level indicator, while the average fitness tracker does. 88.8% of fitness trackers have a battery level indicator.

Graphic comparison of Garmin vívofit 3 and

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Garmin vívofit 3?

  • Unbeatable 1-year battery life with no recharging required
  • Waterproof design suitable for swimming and showering
  • Always-on display that is easy to read in direct sunlight
  • Highly accurate step counting for walking and running
  • Lightweight and comfortable for 24/7 wear, including sleep
  • Automatic activity detection for walking, running, and swimming
  • Includes a move bar and audible alerts to motivate movement

What customers dislike about Garmin vívofit 3?

  • Small, low-resolution screen can be difficult to read in some conditions
  • Lacks a built-in heart rate monitor (requires a separate chest strap)
  • No smartphone notifications (calls, texts, or app alerts)
  • Syncing with the Garmin Connect app can be inconsistent or slow
  • Design and rubber band aesthetic are often described as cheap-looking
  • Does not track floors/stairs climbed

Expert reviews

D
dcrainmaker.com
22/02/2016

This 2016 review provides an in-depth, hands-on preview of the Garmin Vivoactive HR, highlighting a major redesign from the original model to create a more comprehensive, user-friendly sports watch. The device features a built-in Garmin ELEVATE optical heart rate sensor for 24/7 tracking, intensity minutes monitoring, and an internal barometric altimeter to count floors climbed....Read more

I
ign.com
10/01/2018

The Garmin Vivofit 3 is a basic, entry-level fitness tracker with an MSRP of $79.99 (often sold for $50–$60) that focuses on simple activity tracking rather than high-tech features. Its standout benefit is an extraordinary battery life that lasts for over one year without needing a charge. The lightweight, 28-gram device features a secure rotating-lock clasp and an always-on, 10mm...Read more

P
pcmag.com
03/05/2016

The PCMag review highlights the Garmin Vivofit 3 as a durable, entry-level tracker featuring a comfortable, lightweight design with a secure clasp and exceptional one-year battery life via a replaceable coin cell. It effectively monitors basic metrics like steps, calories, and sleep, and holds a 5ATM waterproof rating for swimming. Conversely, the device suffers from a utilitarian...Read more

E
expertreviews.co.uk
13/03/2017

The Garmin Vivofit 3 is a casual, entry-level fitness tracker that updates its predecessors with a redesigned display orientation that can be read like a normal watch, making it a viable everyday wristwatch. Its standout feature is an impressive one-year battery life powered by a replaceable lithium cell, eliminating the need for frequent charging and making it an effective 24/7...Read more

T
techgearlab.com
11/01/2017

Garmin Vivofit 3 Review Summary The Garmin Vivofit 3 is a budget-friendly, entry-level fitness tracker that received an overall score of 59 out of 100 before being discontinued in early 2018. Priced at an $80 list value, it stands out for its high level of responsiveness and extreme step-counting accuracy, varying by an average of only 0.3% compared to manual counts. Designed as a...Read more

T
techradar.com
01/11/2018

The Garmin Vivofit 3 is an affordable and highly customisable entry-level fitness tracker distinguished by its exceptional one-year battery life, achieved through a power-efficient monochrome LCD portrait screen that eliminates the need for regular charging. Originally launched in 2016 for $100, its price has dropped significantly over time, sometimes retailing for as low as $49.99...Read more

W
wareable.com
22/07/2016

The Wareable review describes the Garmin Vivofit 3 as a reliable, budget-friendly tracker featuring automatic activity detection via Move IQ, accurate step and sleep tracking, and an impressive one-year battery life. Key strengths include the inactivity "Move Bar" and hassle-free, no-charge operation. Conversely, the review notes significant drawbacks, including a smaller,...Read more

U
uk.pcmag.com
03/05/2016

The Garmin Vivofit 3 is a basic, entry-level fitness tracker evaluated by PCMag UK with a mediocre 3.0 average rating due to its limited features and underwhelming design. On the positive side, the tracker stands out for its highly comfortable rubber band, which features a secure wheel-like locking clasp, and its robust 5ATM waterproof rating that makes it suitable for swimming and...Read more

C
chip.de
29/02/2016

The CHIP review highlights that the Garmin Vivofit 3 introduces a redesigned, vertical display that reads naturally like a traditional wristwatch, moving away from the horizontal orientation of its predecessors. Positioned as an entry-level tracker, it efficiently covers essential metrics including steps, distance, calorie consumption, and automatic sleep tracking. The device stands...Read more

I
iot-tests.org
23/08/2018

The AV-TEST security review of the Garmin vívofit 3 concludes that this entry-level fitness tracker and its companion app deliver a highly secure user experience with strong privacy protections. On the positive side (pros), the device features invisible Bluetooth communication that prevents third parties from viewing transmitted data, as well as a PIN-based pairing system for...Read more

C
chip.de
01/06/2016

The Garmin Vivofit 3 marks a successful step forward in Garmin's fitness tracker lineup, fixing previous weaknesses while delivering highly accurate metrics and automatic tracking features. It introduces "Move IQ" technology, which automatically detects and logs specific exercises like swimming, running, walking, or using fitness equipment before syncing the data to a connected...Read more

T
trendlupe.de
30/06/2016

The Garmin Vivofit 3 is a simple, lightweight fitness tracker designed for users who want a basic, low-maintenance device to monitor their daily activity levels without frequent charging. A major benefit of this device is its exceptional battery life, powered by a replaceable coin cell battery that lasts for well over a year. The tracker features a backlit display that shows steps,...Read more

T
tchgdns.de
25/07/2016

The Garmin Vivofit 3 is a dedicated activity tracker designed as a lightweight, everyday fitness companion rather than a high-tech smartwatch. Its standout advantage is a remarkable one-year battery life, powered by a replaceable CR1632 coin cell battery, eliminating the hassle of frequent recharging. Additionally, it features a 5 ATM water resistance rating, making it completely...Read more

F
fitness-tracker-test.info
19/06/2023

The Garmin Vivofit 3, reviewed by Fitness-Tracker-Test, is characterized as a lifestyle-focused successor to the Vivofit 2, introducing Move IQ technology for automatic activity detection and intensity tracking in line with WHO standards. It features a redesigned, thicker profile with a highly readable backlit, transflective negative-LCD display. Pros include an exceptional one-year...Read more

F
fitness-uhr.net
N/A

The Garmin vívofit 3 is a lightweight and user-friendly fitness tracker designed for continuous, everyday use. It features a redesigned, permanently readable, 10x10 mm transflective display with background illumination, which is easier to read than its predecessor, the vívofit 2. Key functionalities include highly accurate step tracking, distance measurement, sleep analysis, and...Read more

J
journals.humankinetics.com
01/03/2019

This study validated the Garmin Vívofit 1 and 3 (G1/G3) for monitoring adolescent school activity against the Yamax Digiwalker, finding strong practical utility, including high ecological validity, long battery life, and water resistance. The devices proved useful for school-based, free-living data collection. However, a significant limitation was the reliance on wrist-worn...Read more

Z
zerozone.it
28/04/2026

In his review on zerozone.it, Michele Pinassi details his transition from the first-generation Garmin Vivofit to the Garmin Vivofit 3. He highlights several significant pros, starting with an updated strap design that features a secure locking mechanism to prevent accidental openings—resolving a long-standing issue found in previous models. The tracker boasts an impressive estimated...Read more

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