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Garmin Vivoactive Review | 126 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£220
  • Screen size: 1.38 inch
  • Battery life: 9 day/s
  • Display type: MIP LCD

Garmin Vivoactive review. Compare 126 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among smartwatches and if it is worth buying.

6.5

Overall score

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

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

Score components:

90.0%

6.5

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Good
6.5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the smartwatch's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.

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

Score components:

24.0%

5.7

Health

21.0%

9.1

Fitness

16.0%

5.1

Battery

14.0%

6.1

Smart features

12.0%

5.2

Connectivity

9.0%

7.6

Display & Design

4.0%

5.0

Hardware

Good
?

User score

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

When it matters: When you want to know how a smartwatch handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

    • garmin-vivoactive
    garmin-vivoactive

    Best prices

      N/A~ £220

    Best rankings

    ?

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

    Technical Specifications of smartwatch Garmin Vivoactive

    Technical Score

    What it is: An assessment of the smartwatch's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.

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

    Score components:

    24.0%

    ?

    Health

    21.0%

    ?

    Fitness

    16.0%

    ?

    Battery

    14.0%

    ?

    Smart features

    12.0%

    ?

    Connectivity

    9.0%

    ?

    Display & Design

    4.0%

    ?

    Hardware

    6.5
    Garmin Vivoactive has a technical score of 6.45 points, which is higher than 58.2% of smartwatches.
    User score

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

    When it matters: When you want to know how a smartwatch handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

    Score components:

    70.0%

    0.0

    User reviews

    30.0%

    1.0

    Popularity

    ?
    Popularity
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartwatch.
    When it matters: When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
    1.0
    Garmin Vivoactive has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 57.9% of smartphones.
    Ratio quality/price

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

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

    Score components:

    60.0%

    6.5

    Overall score

    40.0%

    9.4

    Price

    7.3
    Garmin Vivoactive has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.3 points, which is higher than 49.5% of smartphones.
    Brand name
    What it is: The company that designs, sells, and supports the watch.
    When it matters: When brand ecosystem, style, or support matters to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Garmin
    Heart rate monitor
    What it is: A built-in sensor that measures your pulse directly from the wrist.
    When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

    Importance: HIGH

    ?
    Blood oxygen monitoring
    What it is: A wrist-based feature that estimates blood oxygen saturation over time.
    When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

    Importance: HIGH

    no
    Garmin Vivoactive does not support blood oxygen monitoring. 64.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
    ECG
    What it is: The ability to record a single-lead electrocardiogram from the wrist.
    When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

    Importance: HIGH

    no
    Garmin Vivoactive does not support ECG. 15.1% of smartwatches support ECG.
    Availability may vary by region or model version. May require a compatible phone, software version, or app setup.
    Irregular heart rate warnings
    What it is: Notifications that flag heart-rate patterns which appear unusually irregular.
    When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    yes
    Garmin Vivoactive supports irregular heart rate warnings. 43.7% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
    Supports abnormal high/low heart-rate alerts (typically after inactivity).
    Show more
    Accelerometer
    What it is: A motion sensor that measures acceleration, steps, gestures, and general movement.
    When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    yes
    Garmin Vivoactive includes an accelerometer. 99.1% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
    Barometer
    What it is: A pressure sensor used for altitude changes, elevation estimates, and weather-related context.
    When it matters: When you run, ride, hike, or navigate without relying on your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    yes
    Garmin Vivoactive includes a barometer. 45.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
    Gyroscope
    What it is: A motion sensor that measures rotation and helps interpret wrist movement more accurately.
    When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    yes
    Garmin Vivoactive includes a gyroscope. 64.6% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
    Cadence sensor
    What it is: A sensor input used to measure step or pedal rhythm during training.
    When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    yes
    Garmin Vivoactive includes a cadence sensor. 20.1% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
    Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
    Distance tracking
    What it is: The ability to measure how far you move during walks, runs, rides, or other activities.
    When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    yes
    Garmin Vivoactive supports distance tracking. 95.7% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
    Show more
    Battery life
    What it is: The typical endurance the watch can deliver on a full charge under the stated usage pattern.
    When it matters: When you do not want to charge the watch too often.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=7 days

    9 day/s
    Garmin Vivoactive offers a battery life of 9 day/s which is longer than that of 60.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 2.6% of smartwatches.
    Battery life in training mode
    What it is: The expected endurance while workout tracking and related training functions are active.
    When it matters: When you do not want to charge the watch too often.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=36.8 h

    15 h
    Garmin Vivoactive lasts 15 h in training mode which is shorter than 55.7% of smartwatches and equal to that of 2.6% of smartwatches.
    Up to 13 hours in gps/training mode.
    Battery life with GPS on
    What it is: The expected runtime when satellite tracking stays active throughout use.
    When it matters: When you do not want to charge the watch too often.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=35 h

    13 h
    Garmin Vivoactive lasts 13 h with GPS on which is shorter than 66.8% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.3% of smartwatches.
    Battery power
    What it is: The battery capacity, usually measured in milliampere-hours (mAh).
    When it matters: When you do not want to charge the watch too often.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=397 mAh

    150 mAh
    Garmin Vivoactive has a battery capacity of 150 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 95.6% of smartwatches and equal to those in 0.6% of smartwatches.
    Charge time
    What it is: The time needed to recharge the battery from empty to full or to a stated percentage.
    When it matters: When you want to top up the battery quickly.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <=102 min

    ?
    Show more
    Operating system
    What it is: The software platform that runs the watch interface, apps, and core functions.
    When it matters: When you care about apps, features, and long-term support.

    Importance: HIGH

    Garmin OS
    Garmin Vivoactive runs Garmin OS which is more advanced than the operating system in 71.1% of smartwatches and the same as that in 7.7% of smartwatches.
    Software update frequency
    What it is: Shows how actively the watch is still updated: regular means ongoing updates throughout active support, occasional means updates every few months or only from time to time, and ended means active software support has mostly stopped.
    When it matters: When you care how actively the watch is still supported with fixes, patches, and new features.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    occasional
    Garmin Vivoactive has occasional software update support which is more active than that of 57.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 36.2% of smartwatches.
    Updates are released periodically every few months.
    Third-party app support
    What it is: Support for installing or using apps from developers beyond the watch maker.
    When it matters: When you care about apps, features, and long-term support.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    yes
    Garmin Vivoactive supports third-party apps. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
    Notifications
    What it is: Mirroring of calls, messages, apps, or other alerts on the watch.
    When it matters: When you want to check alerts without taking out your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    yes
    Garmin Vivoactive supports notifications. 99.9% of smartwatches support notifications.
    Voice assistant support
    What it is: Support for a voice assistant that can answer queries or trigger actions from the wrist.
    When it matters: When you want to control the watch or reply without typing.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    no
    Garmin Vivoactive does not support voice assistants. 68% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
    Show more
    Cellular module
    What it is: Built-in mobile connectivity that can keep the watch online away from the phone.
    When it matters: When you want calls, messages, or data without your phone nearby.

    Importance: HIGH

    no
    Garmin Vivoactive does not include a cellular module. 17.2% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
    SIM cards
    What it is: The number or type of SIM options the watch accepts for cellular service.
    When it matters: When you want calls, messages, or data without your phone nearby.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: eSIM support

    0
    GPS
    What it is: Built-in satellite positioning that lets the watch record location during outdoor activity.
    When it matters: When you run, ride, hike, or navigate without relying on your phone.

    Importance: HIGH

    yes
    Garmin Vivoactive supports GPS. 56.1% of smartwatches support GPS.
    Galileo support
    What it is: Support for Galileo satellites alongside other positioning systems.
    When it matters: When you run, ride, hike, or navigate without relying on your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    yes
    Garmin Vivoactive supports Galileo navigation. 38.7% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
    Compass
    What it is: A directional sensor that helps the watch determine heading and orientation.
    When it matters: When you run, ride, hike, or navigate without relying on your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    no
    Garmin Vivoactive does not include a compass. 49.3% of smartwatches include a compass.
    Show more
    Screen size
    What it is: The diagonal measurement of the visible display area, usually expressed in inches.
    When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=1.5 inch

    1.38 inch
    Garmin Vivoactive has a screen size of 1.38 inch which is smaller than the screens of 60.8% of smartwatches and equal to those of 0.8% of smartwatches.
    Some sources mention multiple/uncertain size variants.
    Display type
    What it is: The screen technology used by the watch, such as AMOLED, OLED, or memory-in-pixel LCD.
    When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.

    Importance: HIGH

    MIP LCD
    Garmin Vivoactive uses a MIP LCD display type which is less advanced than that of 61.3% of smartwatches and the same as that of 5.2% of smartwatches.
    Resolution
    What it is: The total number of pixels available on the watch display.
    When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=416 x 416

    148 x 205
    Garmin Vivoactive has a display resolution of 148 x 205 which is lower than that of 94.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.2% of smartwatches.
    Pixel density
    What it is: The number of pixels packed into each inch of the display.
    When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=326 ppi

    ?
    Display brightness
    What it is: The peak brightness the display can reach, usually expressed in nits.
    When it matters: When you want the screen to stay readable outdoors and in strong sunlight.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=1000 nits

    ?
    Show more
    CPU speed
    What it is: The clock speed of the watch processor, usually expressed in GHz or MHz.
    When it matters: When you want apps and menus to feel smooth.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: Modern standard

    ?
    Processor model
    What it is: The processor model is the chipset or SoC that powers the watch's performance, connectivity, and efficiency.
    When it matters: When you care about app responsiveness, platform generation, and long-term feature support.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: modern smartwatch chipset

    ?
    RAM
    What it is: The amount of working memory available for apps, watch faces, and background tasks.
    When it matters: When you want apps and menus to feel smooth.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=1 GB

    ?
    Internal storage
    What it is: Built-in storage for apps, music, watch faces, and other local data.
    When it matters: When you want more room for apps, music, or offline data.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=8 GB

    ?
    External memory slot
    What it is: A slot for expandable storage such as a memory card, if the watch provides one.
    When it matters: When you want more room for apps, music, or offline data.

    Importance: LOW

    No
    Garmin Vivoactive includes an external memory slot. 99.7% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
    Show more

    Garmin Vivoactive vs the average smartwatch

    • Has HRV tracking
      Garmin Vivoactive supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 38.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
      What it is: Measurement of heart-rate variability, the change in timing between heartbeats.
      When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Garmin Vivoactive supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 38.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
    • Includes crash detection
      Garmin Vivoactive supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 11.5% of smartwatches support crash detection.
      Requires paired phone/network and/or specific activities for automatic alerts.
      What it is: Detection of severe impacts or crashes that can trigger emergency workflows.
      When it matters: When you want extra help in an emergency.

      Importance: HIGH

      Garmin Vivoactive supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 11.5% of smartwatches support crash detection.
    • More advanced operating system
      Garmin Vivoactive runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
      What it is: The software platform that runs the watch interface, apps, and core functions.
      When it matters: When you care about apps, features, and long-term support.

      Importance: HIGH

      Garmin Vivoactive runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
    • Has irregular heart alerts
      Garmin Vivoactive supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 43.7% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
      Supports abnormal high/low heart-rate alerts (typically after inactivity).
      What it is: Notifications that flag heart-rate patterns which appear unusually irregular.
      When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Garmin Vivoactive supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 43.7% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
    • Has barometer
      Garmin Vivoactive includes a barometer, the average smartwatch does not. 45.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
      What it is: A pressure sensor used for altitude changes, elevation estimates, and weather-related context.
      When it matters: When you run, ride, hike, or navigate without relying on your phone.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Garmin Vivoactive includes a barometer, the average smartwatch does not. 45.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
    • Supports third-party apps
      Garmin Vivoactive supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
      What it is: Support for installing or using apps from developers beyond the watch maker.
      When it matters: When you care about apps, features, and long-term support.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Garmin Vivoactive supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
    • Has cadence sensor
      Garmin Vivoactive includes a cadence sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 20.1% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
      Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
      What it is: A sensor input used to measure step or pedal rhythm during training.
      When it matters: When you track workouts and want better training data.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Garmin Vivoactive includes a cadence sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 20.1% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
    • Supports ANT+
      Garmin Vivoactive supports ANT+, the average smartwatch does not. 9.5% of smartwatches support ANT+.
      What it is: Support for ANT+ accessories such as heart-rate straps, bike sensors, and gym equipment.
      When it matters: When you want the watch to work with fitness gear and other accessories.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Garmin Vivoactive supports ANT+, the average smartwatch does not. 9.5% of smartwatches support ANT+.
    • Has HRV tracking
      Garmin Vivoactive supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 38.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
    • Has irregular heart alerts
      Garmin Vivoactive supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 43.7% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
    • Has weight tracking
      Garmin Vivoactive supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.2% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    • Has barometer
      Garmin Vivoactive includes a barometer, the average smartwatch does not. 45.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
    • Has cadence sensor
      Garmin Vivoactive includes a cadence sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 20.1% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
    • Has external HR monitor
      Garmin Vivoactive supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 41.3% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
    • 2 day/s longer battery life
      Garmin Vivoactive offers 9 day/s of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 day/s.
    • Supports ANT+
      Garmin Vivoactive supports ANT+, the average smartwatch does not. 9.5% of smartwatches support ANT+.
    • Supports Galileo
      Garmin Vivoactive supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 38.7% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
    • 3.6 mm thinner watch body
      Garmin Vivoactive is thinner than the average smartwatch (8 mm vs 11.60 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.60 mm.
    • Stronger display glass
      Garmin Vivoactive uses chemically strengthened glass display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    • 2 mm narrower band
      Garmin Vivoactive has a narrower band width than the average smartwatch (20 mm vs 22.0 mm). The average smartwatch band is 22.0 mm wide.
    • Includes crash detection
      Garmin Vivoactive supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 11.5% of smartwatches support crash detection.
    • More advanced operating system
      Garmin Vivoactive runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    • Supports third-party apps
      Garmin Vivoactive supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
    • More frequent updates
      Garmin Vivoactive receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.

    Total
    Health
    Fitness
    Battery
    Connectivity
    Display & Design
    Smart features
    • No blood oxygen
      Garmin Vivoactive does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 64.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
    • No voice feedback
      Garmin Vivoactive does not support voice feedback, the average smartwatch does. 62.1% of smartwatches support voice feedback.
    • 76 fewer exercise profiles
      Garmin Vivoactive supports fewer exercise modes than the average smartwatch (4 vs 80). The average smartwatch supports 80 exercise modes.
    • 150 mAh smaller battery capacity
      Garmin Vivoactive has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartwatch (150 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    • 7 h shorter GPS battery life
      Garmin Vivoactive lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (13 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    • 5 h shorter training battery life
      Garmin Vivoactive lasts less in training mode than the average smartwatch (15 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
      Up to 13 hours in gps/training mode.
    • Basic display type
      Garmin Vivoactive uses MIP LCD display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    • Lower resolution
      Garmin Vivoactive has a display resolution of 148x 205, while the average smartwatch reaches 352x 430.
    • No ambient light sensor
      Garmin Vivoactive does not include an ambient light sensor, the average smartwatch does. 60.5% of smartwatches include an ambient light sensor.
      Ambient light sensor availability may vary by watch variant.
    • 0.02 inch smaller screen size
      Garmin Vivoactive has a smaller screen size than the average smartwatch (1.4 inch vs 1.40 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.
      Some sources mention multiple/uncertain size variants.
    • No music playback
      Garmin Vivoactive does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 53.9% of smartwatches support music playback.
      Only remote phone music control; no on-watch playback/storage.
    • No call answering
      Garmin Vivoactive does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 57% of smartwatches support call answering.
    • No voice commands
      Garmin Vivoactive does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 64.5% of smartwatches support voice commands.
    • No voice assistant
      Garmin Vivoactive does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 68% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
    • No smart alarm
      Garmin Vivoactive does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support this feature.
    • No speaker
      Garmin Vivoactive does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 54.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
    • 1 fewer microphones
      Garmin Vivoactive has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch includes 1 microphones.
    • 6 year/s older release date
      Garmin Vivoactive is an older model than the average smartwatch (2,015 vs 2,021). The average smartwatch was released in 2,021.
      April 2,015
    • No blood oxygen
      Garmin Vivoactive does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 64.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
      What it is: A wrist-based feature that estimates blood oxygen saturation over time.
      When it matters: When you want health data from your wrist during the day or night.

      Importance: HIGH

      Garmin Vivoactive does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 64.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
    • No speaker
      Garmin Vivoactive does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 54.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
      What it is: An onboard speaker for calls, prompts, alarms, or media playback.
      When it matters: When you want audio, calls, or voice features on the watch itself.

      Importance: LOW

      Garmin Vivoactive does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 54.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
    • No music playback
      Garmin Vivoactive does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 53.9% of smartwatches support music playback.
      Only remote phone music control; no on-watch playback/storage.
      What it is: Playback of music or audio directly from the watch, with or without a phone nearby.
      When it matters: When you want audio, calls, or voice features on the watch itself.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Garmin Vivoactive does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 53.9% of smartwatches support music playback.
    • Basic display type
      Garmin Vivoactive uses MIP LCD display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
      What it is: The screen technology used by the watch, such as AMOLED, OLED, or memory-in-pixel LCD.
      When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.

      Importance: HIGH

      Garmin Vivoactive uses MIP LCD display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.MIP LCD vs AMOLED
    • No call answering
      Garmin Vivoactive does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 57% of smartwatches support call answering.
      What it is: The ability to answer an incoming call directly from the watch.
      When it matters: When you want to handle calls or alerts without taking out your phone.

      Importance: LOW

      Garmin Vivoactive does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 57% of smartwatches support call answering.
    • 150 mAh smaller battery capacity
      Garmin Vivoactive has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartwatch (150 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
      What it is: The battery capacity, usually measured in milliampere-hours (mAh).
      When it matters: When you do not want to charge the watch too often.

      Importance: HIGH

      Good value: >=397 mAh

      Garmin Vivoactive has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartwatch (150 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.150 mAh vs 300 mAh
    • No voice commands
      Garmin Vivoactive does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 64.5% of smartwatches support voice commands.
      What it is: The ability to control functions or start actions using spoken commands.
      When it matters: When you want to control the watch or reply without typing.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Garmin Vivoactive does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 64.5% of smartwatches support voice commands.
    • Lower resolution
      Garmin Vivoactive has a display resolution of 148x 205, while the average smartwatch reaches 352x 430.
      What it is: The total number of pixels available on the watch display.
      When it matters: When you want the screen to be easy to read at a glance.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Good value: >=416 x 416

      Garmin Vivoactive has a display resolution of 148x 205, while the average smartwatch reaches 352x 430.148x 205 vs 352x 430
    Total
    Overall
    Health
    Fitness
    Battery
    Display & Design
    Smart features
    Hardware

    Graphic comparison of Garmin Vivoactive and other Smartwatches

    Attribute category
    Attribute
    No results found

    Third-party reviews

    What customers like about Garmin Vivoactive?

    • Vibrant and responsive AMOLED touchscreen display
    • Long-lasting battery life, often reaching up to 11-12 days in smartwatch mode
    • Slim, lightweight, and comfortable design suitable for 24/7 wear
    • Accurate GPS and comprehensive heart rate tracking for everyday fitness
    • Advanced health monitoring features including Body Battery, sleep coaching, and nap detection
    • Support for offline music storage and syncing with services like Spotify
    • Quick and easy initial setup and syncing via the Garmin Connect app

    What customers dislike about Garmin Vivoactive?

    • Lacks premium hardware found in higher-end models, such as a barometric altimeter or ECG sensor
    • Limited availability of high-quality third-party apps in the Connect IQ store
    • Touchscreen-heavy navigation can be fiddly compared to models with more physical buttons
    • Real-time GPS pace can sometimes be overly optimistic during active workouts
    • Some users find the included silicone straps feel cheap or cause skin irritation
    • No support for specialized modes like open-water swimming
    • Occasional Bluetooth connectivity issues or delays in receiving phone notifications

    Expert reviews

    N
    newatlas.com
    21/07/2015
    Review: Garmin vivoactive fitness tracker GPS watch

    The original Garmin vívoactive is characterized as a versatile "superwatch" bridging the gap between a dedicated sports tracker and a modern smartwatch, featuring an ultra-slim 8mm, 38g design suitable for 24/7 wear. It offers a sunlight-readable touchscreen, up to three weeks of battery life in watch mode, and robust multi-sport tracking for running, cycling, swimming, and golf,...Read more

    L
    laptopmedia.com
    13/07/2015
    Garmin Vivoactive review – a light GPS watch that tracks your sports activity in detail

    The LaptopMedia Garmin vívoactive review describes the device as a 38-gram, 8mm thin hybrid smartwatch featuring a highly visible, always-on 1.38-inch color LCD screen designed for outdoor use. It offers detailed tracking for running, cycling, swimming, and golf, with built-in GPS and 5 ATM water resistance, while integrating with the Garmin Connect app and Connect IQ store for...Read more

    T
    techadvisor.com
    15/09/2015
    Garmin Vivoactive smartwatch review

    The Garmin Vivoactive 5 introduces a vibrant 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen, marking a significant upgrade in display quality over its predecessor for improved visibility. It offers robust health and fitness tracking, including 30+ sport profiles, accurate GPS, and advanced metrics like Sleep Coach and Body Battery. Key advantages include its long battery life of up to 11 days and a...Read more

    T
    techradar.com
    27/05/2015
    Garmin Vivoactive review

    According to TechRadar, the Garmin Vivoactive is a fitness-focused, ultra-thin wearable that prioritizes functionality over high-end aesthetics, featuring a lightweight design and a highly visible transflective display. It excels in accurate GPS tracking for running, cycling, swimming, and golf, boasting an impressive battery life lasting up to a week. However, the device lacks an...Read more

    F
    fellrnr.com
    18/06/2017
    Garmin Vivoactive Review - Fellrnr.com, Running tips, (www.wareable.com) | 27/05/2015 | Garmin Vivoactive review, (www.techradar.com) | 14/06/2016 | G...

    Fellrnr describes the original Garmin Vivoactive as a budget-friendly, lightweight activity tracker with a clear, readable color display, but notes it is intentionally limited in functionality compared to higher-end models. While it offers useful features like Connect IQ support, a thin design, and Tempe sensor compatibility, it suffers from poor native GPS accuracy, restricted data...Read more

    B
    bikeradar.com
    17/12/2015
    Garmin VivoActive GPS smartwatch review,

    The BikeRadar review describes the 2015 Garmin Vivoactive as an ultra-slim, 38g GPS smartwatch that successfully merges daily activity tracking with sport-specific metrics. While praised for its comfortable 24/7 wearability and high-quality magnetic charging dock, its sport-focused design may not suit formal settings. Key features include reliable, independent GPS tracking, though...Read more

    P
    pcmag.com
    01/04/2015
    Garmin Vivoactive Review,

    The Garmin Vivoactive is a highly thin (0.32 inches) and lightweight (1.34 ounces) smartwatch-sportwatch hybrid featuring a high-resolution, sunlight-readable touchscreen. Key pros include exceptional battery life—up to three weeks in watch mode or 10 hours of GPS—and accurate tracking for running, cycling, swimming, and golf, complemented by Connect IQ app customization. Cons...Read more

    C
    cnet.com
    20/04/2015
    Garmin Vivoactive review: Garmin's first fitness smartwatch misses the mark

    The original Garmin Vivoactive is praised for its ultra-slim, lightweight design and excellent outdoor visibility, acting as a functional, all-day tracker for various sports. Key pros include fast GPS tracking, a robust, long-lasting battery, and swim-friendly waterproofing. However, the device is significantly hindered by unreliable software, with reports of frequent, random...Read more

    D
    dcrainmaker.com
    07/04/2015
    Garmin Vivoactive In-Depth Review,

    The original 2015 Garmin Vivoactive is a, 8mm thick, 38g, sunlight-readable color touchscreen GPS smartwatch that bridges the gap between dedicated sports tracking and daily wearability. Key features include 50m water resistance with pool swim tracking, along with 10 hours of GPS battery life or three weeks in watch mode. While it delivers accurate, fast GPS performance for running,...Read more

    L
    laptopmedia.com
    08/07/2015
    First impressions of the Garmin Vivoactive – a GPS watch for active people

    According to LaptopMedia, the Garmin Vivoactive is a slim (8mm) and lightweight (38g) GPS smartwatch designed for active users, featuring a 1.38-inch always-on color LCD that offers excellent visibility in direct sunlight. It excels in comprehensive activity tracking, including GPS, running, cycling, and swimming, while allowing for customization through the Connect IQ store. Key...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    F
    fitness-tracker-test.info
    26/03/2015
    Garmin vivoactive – Fitness Tracker Review

    The T3 review highlights the original Garmin Vivoactive as an ultra-thin (8mm), lightweight hybrid that successfully combines a reliable, fast-acquiring GPS sports watch with essential smartwatch functionality. Key pros include a clear sunlight-readable colour touchscreen, 5ATM water resistance suitable for swimming, and specialized tracking for running, cycling, and golf. T3For...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    B
    bikeradar.com
    17/12/2015
    Garmin VivoActive GPS Smartwatch Review

    The Garmin VivoActive is a lightweight (38g), thin GPS smartwatch designed to bridge the gap between daily activity tracking and sports-specific data, according to BikeRadar. It offers independent GPS, phone notifications, and compatibility with ANT+ sensors for cadence, speed, and heart rate. While durable, the device is criticized for lacking power meter support, having a 10-hour...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    L
    laptopmedia.com
    08/07/2015
    Garmin Vivoactive First Impressions: A GPS Watch for Active People

    The LaptopMedia review of the original Garmin Vivoactive highlights a highly functional, 8mm-thick, 38-gram GPS watch designed for activity tracking, featuring a 1.38-inch "always-on" color LCD display. Key advantages include built-in GPS for accurate, standalone tracking, 5 ATM water resistance for swimming, and a durable 3-week battery life, with the screen offering excellent...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    M
    montre-cardio-gps.fr
    26/10/2015
    Garmin Vivoactive review: small but powerful

    The original Garmin Vivoactive is characterized by Montre-Cardio-GPS.fr as an ultra-thin, lightweight (38g) GPS smartwatch designed for 24/7 wear and versatility across multiple sports, including swimming, cycling, and running. Pros highlighted in the review include an excellent, sunlight-readable "Chroma" color touchscreen, 5 ATM water resistance, and robust battery life of up to 3...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    M
    movilzona.es
    29/05/2025
    The Good and the Bad: What They Haven’t Told You About the Garmin Vívoactive 6

    The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a versatile, affordable fitness tracker featuring a 1.2-inch AMOLED display and a lightweight design suitable for 24/7 wear. Key strengths include up to 11 days of battery life and advanced health tracking, such as Body Battery, Sleep Coach, and nap detection. To achieve its price point, the device sacrifices a built-in speaker and microphone for calls,...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    L
    labolsadelcorredor.com
    26/09/2015
    Garmin Vivoactive: Analysis, Test and Review

    The Garmin Vivoactive is a pioneer in bridging the gap between a lightweight, 8mm thick, 38g lifestyle smartwatch and a functional, multi-sport GPS device. It features a sunlight-readable touchscreen with pre-loaded apps for running, cycling, swimming, and golf, and is highly regarded for its 3-week battery life, 10 hours of active GPS, and Connect IQ platform compatibility....Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    C
    correrunamaraton.com
    20/05/2015
    Garmin Vivoactive | Full review and test

    The original Garmin Vivoactive is presented by Correr una Maratón as a versatile, thin, and lightweight hybrid device that combines a GPS sports watch with daily smartwatch functionality, featuring a highly visible transflective color touchscreen. It excels in tracking various sports, including swimming (counting lengths and strokes), running, and cycling, with added customization...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    M
    medium.com
    27/11/2017
    My Garmin Vivoactive 3 Review: The Full Opinion

    The Garmin Vivoactive 3, reviewed on Medium, features a lightweight, round design that departs from the previous square-shaped,, offering a 43g stainless steel case with a unique, ambidextrous, rotating interface for comfort on either wrist. While waterproof up to 5 ATM, the device does not support advanced open-water swimming tracking. Performance highlights include the 'Side...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    C
    cuneotrekking.com
    10/11/2017
    Garmin vívoactive 3 Review: The GPS Smartwatch and Fitness Tracker with Great Potential

    The Garmin Vivoactive 3 is highlighted by Cuneotrekking as a versatile hybrid device that bridges the gap between a technical GPS sports watch and an everyday smartwatch, featuring a lightweight 43g design, a comfortable 20mm silicone strap, and a high-quality stainless steel bezel. Key pros include the intuitive 'Side Swipe' interface, exceptional 'Garmin Chroma' display visibility...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    T
    techprincess.it
    25/01/2024
    Garmin Vivoactive 5 review: Sport isn't everything

    The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a lightweight (36g), 1.2-inch AMOLED smartwatch aimed at daily wellness, offering a comfortable design for 24/7 wear and improved battery life lasting up to 11 days. Key advantages include an extensive library of over 30 sports modes, including specialized options for wheelchairs and e-bikes, and a bright, highly readable display. On the technical side,...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    C
    consumentenbond.nl
    No Date Provided
    Garmin vívoactive 6 - Slate / Black - Test, Reviews & Prices

    The Garmin vívoactive 6 Slate Black is a mid-range multisport smartwatch, featuring a vibrant 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen, improved user interface, and over 80 sports modes. It bridges the gap between fitness trackers and high-end watches by including advanced running metrics and increased storage. Key advantages include a lightweight 36g design, an impressive 11-day battery life in...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    T
    test-aankoop.be
    No Date Provided
    GARMIN VIVOACTIVE 5 test and review - Test Purchase

    The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a versatile, mid-range smartwatch featuring a vibrant 1.2-inch AMOLED display and a lightweight design suitable for daily use. It includes essential features like built-in GPS, blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring, and Garmin Pay, bridging the gap between fitness tracking and lifestyle wear. Key advantages include an impressive battery life of up to 11 days,...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    J
    japkejanneke.nl
    08/12/2017
    Garmin Vivoactive 3 Review

    The Garmin vívoactive 3 features a significant, stylish design upgrade over its predecessor with a round, comfortable fit suitable for smaller wrists. It excels as a versatile multi-sport tracker with built-in GPS for running, cycling, and swimming, effectively acting as a personal trainer to monitor pace and heart rate zones. Key technical advantages include a highly responsive...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    G
    global.techradar.com
    08/07/2024
    Garmin Vivoactive 5 review

    The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a versatile, lightweight fitness smartwatch featuring a vibrant 1.2-inch AMOLED display and an impressive 11-day battery life, positioning it as an affordable alternative to premium models. It excels in health tracking, offering comprehensive insights like Body Battery energy monitoring, advanced sleep coaching, and a dedicated wheelchair mode. While it...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    H
    hrdlpn.nl
    14/01/2026
    Garmin Vivoactive 5 Review | Comprehensive Sports Features

    The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a lightweight (36g), health-focused smartwatch featuring a bright 1.2-inch AMOLED display and up to 11 days of battery life. It brings premium, budget-conscious features like advanced health metrics (HRV, nap detection), over 30 sports apps, and on-device music storage. While offering a comfortable 24/7 design, the device compromises by removing the...Read more

    (Translated)Show original

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