OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Smartwatches Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 3,488 independent expert reviews and 5,192 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v2.0

Garmin Vivoactive 3 Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£120Screen size:1.20 inchBattery life:7 daysDisplay type:MIP LCD

Garmin Vivoactive 3 Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 18 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

7.6

Overall score

Score
7.6/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 76% of models
Score components

70%

7.3

Technical score

30%

8.2

Review score ( 6 · 12)

Review score 30% · 8.2 · based on 18 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 30%, technical score 70%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades. 33 more reviews are not scored yet.
▲Better than 76% of smartwatches
7.3

Technical score

Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 74% of models
Score components

24%

7.3

Health

21%

8.5

Fitness

16%

5.0

Battery

14%

7.6

Smart features

12%

8.5

Connectivity

9%

7.8

Display & Design

4%

4.9

Hardware

▲Better than 74% of smartwatches
8.2

Review score

Review score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 76% of models
Grades by review (18)
6 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 4 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 1
✓ explicit
1

9.1%

9.0

pocket-lint.com

Video reviews 3

4.5%

9.0

Stevo Runs

4.5%

9.0

Tyler Talks

4.5%

8.0

Gino Buti

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
▲Better than 76% of smartwatches
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of smartwatch Garmin Vivoactive 3

Technical score
Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 74% of models
Score components:

24%

7.3

Health

21%

8.5

Fitness

16%

5.0

Battery

14%

7.6

Smart features

12%

8.5

Connectivity

9%

7.8

Display & Design

4%

4.9

Hardware

7.3
Review score
Review score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 76% of models
Grades by review (18)
6 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 4 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 1
✓ explicit
1

9.1%

9.0

pocket-lint.com

Video reviews 3

4.5%

9.0

Stevo Runs

4.5%

9.0

Tyler Talks

4.5%

8.0

Gino Buti

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.2
Popularity
Popularity
10.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 93% of models
Popularity:
Garmin Vivoactive 3 has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 93.2% of smartwatches.
10
Value for money
Value for money
8.3/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 83% of models
Score components:

60%

7.6

Overall score

40%

9.9

Price

8.3
Brand name
Garmin
Heart rate monitor
yes
Heart rate monitor
yes
▲ Better than 11% of models
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 10.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
▲ Better than 33% of models
This smartwatch supports blood oxygen monitoring. 33.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
Readings are for wellness use, not medical diagnosis.
ECG
no
ECG
no
▼ Worse than 17% of models
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
▲ Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings. 51.9% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
Supports abnormal high/low heart-rate alerts (typically after inactivity).
Show more
Accelerometer
yes
Accelerometer
yes
▲ Better than 1% of models
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
Barometer
yes
▲ Better than 51% of models
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 50.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
Gyroscope
yes
▲ Better than 30% of models
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 30.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
yes
Cadence sensor
yes
▲ Better than 69% of models
This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor. 69% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
Distance tracking
yes
Distance tracking
yes
▲ Better than 4% of models
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
7 days
Battery life
7 days
▼ Worse than 44% of models
Market range: <1 days – >16 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 7 days which is longer than that of 38.7% of smartwatches and equal to that of 17.1% of smartwatches.
Up to 13 hr in gps mode.
Battery life in training mode
13 h
Battery life in training mode
13 h
▼ Worse than 60% of models
Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
This smartwatch lasts 13 h in training mode which is shorter than 60.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 1.7% of smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
15.5 h
Battery life with GPS on
15.5 h
▼ Worse than 61% of models
Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
This smartwatch lasts 15.5 h with GPS on which is shorter than 60.9% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.6% of smartwatches.
Battery power
160 mAh
Battery power
160 mAh
▼ Worse than 94% of models
Market range: <195 mAh – >475 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 160 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 94.2% of smartwatches and equal to those in 0.7% of smartwatches.
Charge time
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Garmin OS
Operating system
Garmin OS
▲ Better than 71% of models
This smartwatch 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
occasional
Software update frequency
occasional
▲ Better than 58% of models
This smartwatch 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 typically released about every 3 months.
Third-party app support
yes
Third-party app support
yes
▲ Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 52.4% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
Notifications
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
no
Voice assistant support
no
▼ Worse than 68% of models
This smartwatch does not support voice assistants. 67.8% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
yes
Cellular module
yes
▲ Better than 82% of models
This smartwatch includes a cellular module. 82.2% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
yes
GPS
yes
▲ Better than 44% of models
This smartwatch supports GPS. 43.9% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
yes
Galileo support
yes
▲ Better than 62% of models
This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation. 61.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
yes
Compass
yes
▲ Better than 47% of models
This smartwatch includes a compass. 47.5% of smartwatches include a compass.
Show more
Screen size
1.2 inch
Screen size
1.2 inch
▼ Worse than 85% of models
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
This smartwatch has a screen size of 1.2 inch which is smaller than the screens of 85.3% of smartwatches and equal to those of 8% of smartwatches.
Display type
MIP LCD
Display type
MIP LCD
▼ Worse than 60% of models
This smartwatch uses a MIP LCD display type which is less advanced than that of 60% of smartwatches and the same as that of 5% of smartwatches.
Resolution
240x 240
Resolution
240x 240
▼ Worse than 74% of models
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 240x240 which is lower than that of 73.9% of smartwatches and equal to that of 15.2% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
283 ppi
Pixel density
283 ppi
▼ Worse than 65% of models
Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 283 ppi which is lower than that of 65.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 4.7% of smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
?
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
?
External memory slot
no
External memory slot
no
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

Garmin Vivoactive 3 vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • Temperature sensing
    Temperature sensor
    yes
    ▲ Better than 73% of models
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 26.8% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
  • Crash detection capability
    Crash detection
    yes
    ▲ Better than 87% of models
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
    Requires paired phone/network and/or specific activities for automatic alerts.
  • Built-in cellular module
    Cellular module
    yes
    ▲ Better than 82% of models
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 17.9% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    ▲ Better than 59% of models
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Garmin OS
    ▲ Better than 71% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
    SOS feature has implementation limits (phone/app/subscription/activity dependent).
  • NFC functionality
    NFC
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • 63.4% more popular
    Garmin Vivoactive 3 has a higher popularity than the average smartwatch (10 vs 6.1).
    10 vs 6.12
  • 9.9% better value for money
    Garmin Vivoactive 3 has a higher value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (8.26 vs 7.5).
    8.26 vs 7.52
  • Temperature sensing
    Temperature sensor
    yes
    ▲ Better than 73% of models
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 26.8% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    ▲ Better than 59% of models
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • Irregular heart rate alerts
    Irregular heart rate warnings
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
    Supports abnormal high/low heart-rate alerts (typically after inactivity).
  • Weight tracking
    Weight tracking
    yes
    ▲ Better than 61% of models
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.1% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Weight tracking may rely on manual app entry or smart-scale sync.
  • Water intake tracking
    Water intake tracking
    yes
    ▲ Better than 56% of models
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44% of smartwatches track water intake.
  • Perspiration monitoring
    Perspiration monitoring
    yes
    ▲ Better than 86% of models
    This smartwatch tracks perspiration, the average smartwatch does not. 14.1% of smartwatches track perspiration.
    Perspiration tracking may be estimated from activity data in companion apps.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    External heart rate monitor compatibility
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • Barometer sensor included
    Barometer
    yes
    ▲ Better than 51% of models
    This smartwatch includes a barometer, the average smartwatch does not. 49.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • Cadence tracking
    Cadence sensor
    yes
    ▲ Better than 69% of models
    This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.1% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
    Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
  • 610 m higher max altitude
    Maximum altitude
    9,144 m
    ▲ Better than 79% of models
    Market range: <3k m – >9.1k m
    This smartwatch supports a higher maximum altitude than the average smartwatch (9144 m vs 8534 m). The average smartwatch reaches 8534 m.
    9,144 m vs 8,534 m
  • Built-in cellular module
    Cellular module
    yes
    ▲ Better than 82% of models
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 17.9% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
  • NFC functionality
    NFC
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.3% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Supports ANT+
    ANT+ support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 88% of models
    This smartwatch supports ANT+, the average smartwatch does not. 11.7% of smartwatches support ANT+.
  • Galileo satellite support
    Galileo support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • Stronger display glass
    Display glass type
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3
    ▲ Better than 58% of models
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs mineral glass
  • Rugged construction
    Rugged design
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This smartwatch has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 37.9% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
  • Better case material
    Case material
    stainless steel
    ▲ Better than 58% of models
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    stainless steel vs polycarbonate
  • 15 °C higher max temperature
    Maximum operating temperature
    60.0 °C
    ▲ Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <35 °C – >60 °C
    This smartwatch handles a higher maximum operating temperature than the average smartwatch (60 °C vs 45 °C). The average smartwatch reaches 45.0 °C.
    60.0 °C vs 45.0 °C
  • Crash detection capability
    Crash detection
    yes
    ▲ Better than 87% of models
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
    Requires paired phone/network and/or specific activities for automatic alerts.
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Garmin OS
    ▲ Better than 71% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
    SOS feature has implementation limits (phone/app/subscription/activity dependent).
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • More frequent updates
    Software update frequency
    occasional
    ▲ Better than 58% of models
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
    occasional vs ended
  • No multi-sport mode
    Multi-sport mode
    no
    ▼ Worse than 69% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 68.4% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • No route tracking
    Route support
    no
    ▼ Worse than 50% of models
    This smartwatch does not support route tracking, the average smartwatch does. 74.6% of smartwatches support route tracking.
  • No voice assistant
    Voice assistant support
    no
    ▼ Worse than 68% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 67.7% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
  • No call answering
    Call answering
    no
    ▼ Worse than 58% of models
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 58.1% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No speaker
    Built-in speaker
    no
    ▼ Worse than 56% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • No voice command support
    Voice commands
    no
    ▼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 67% of smartwatches support voice commands.
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    MIP LCD
    ▼ Worse than 60% of models
    This smartwatch uses MIP LCD display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    MIP LCD vs AMOLED
  • 0.2 inch smaller screen size
    Screen size
    1.20 inch
    ▼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen size than the average smartwatch (1.2 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.
    1.20 inch vs 1.40 inch
  • No multi-sport mode
    Multi-sport mode
    no
    ▼ Worse than 69% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 68.4% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • No route tracking
    Route support
    no
    ▼ Worse than 50% of models
    This smartwatch does not support route tracking, the average smartwatch does. 74.6% of smartwatches support route tracking.
  • 65 fewer exercise profiles
    Multi-sport mode
    15
    ▼ Worse than 69% of models
    This smartwatch supports fewer exercise modes than the average smartwatch (15 vs 80). The average smartwatch supports 80 exercise modes.
    15 vs 80
  • No voice feedback
    Voice feedback
    no
    ▼ Worse than 62% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice feedback, the average smartwatch does. 61.9% of smartwatches support voice feedback.
  • 140 mAh smaller battery capacity
    Battery life
    160 mAh days
    ▼ Worse than 44% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartwatch (160 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    Up to 13 hr in gps mode.
    160 mAh vs 300 mAh
  • 6.25 h shorter training battery life
    Battery life in training mode
    13 h
    ▼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
    This smartwatch lasts less in training mode than the average smartwatch (13 h vs 19.25 h). The average smartwatch lasts 19.25 h.
    13 h vs 19.25 h
  • 4.5 h shorter GPS battery life
    Battery life with GPS on
    15.5 h
    ▼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (15.5 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    15.5 h vs 20 h
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    4.2
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    This smartwatch supports an older Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (4.2 vs 5). The average smartwatch uses 5.0.
    4.2 vs 5.0
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    MIP LCD
    ▼ Worse than 60% of models
    This smartwatch uses MIP LCD display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    MIP LCD vs AMOLED
  • 0.2 inch smaller screen size
    Screen size
    1.20 inch
    ▼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen size than the average smartwatch (1.2 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.
    1.20 inch vs 1.40 inch
  • Lower resolution
    Display type
    240 x 240
    ▼ Worse than 60% of models
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 240x240, while the average smartwatch reaches 352x430.
    240x240 vs 352x430
  • 43 ppi lower pixel density
    Pixel density
    283 ppi
    ▼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
    This smartwatch has a lower pixel density than the average smartwatch (283 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch display reaches 326 ppi.
    283 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • 2 mm wider band
    Width of band
    24.0 mm
    ▼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <20 mm – >22 mm
    This smartwatch has a wider band width than the average smartwatch (24 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch band is 22.0 mm wide.
    24.0 mm vs 22.0 mm
  • No voice assistant
    Voice assistant support
    no
    ▼ Worse than 68% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 67.7% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
  • No call answering
    Call answering
    no
    ▼ Worse than 58% of models
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 58.1% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No voice command support
    Voice commands
    no
    ▼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 67% of smartwatches support voice commands.
  • No smart alarm
    Smart alarm
    no
    ▼ Worse than 53% of models
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • No speaker
    Built-in speaker
    no
    ▼ Worse than 56% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Number of microphones
    0
    ▼ Worse than 75% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This smartwatch has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch includes 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 4 year/s older release date
    Release date
    2017
    ▼ Worse than 83% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This smartwatch is an older model than the average smartwatch (2017 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    September 2017
    2017 vs 2021

Video reviews

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

9.0
Stevo Runs
≈ estimated
27/08/2020
Long-term test · 16 months of daily use
Verdict
Garmin Vivoactive 3 is a sturdy, good-value watch that the reviewer recommends without hesitation after 16 months of use.
9.0
Tyler Talks
≈ estimated
29/06/2020
Hands-on review · daily use and fitness tracking
Verdict
Garmin Vivoactive 3 is not a true smartwatch, but it is a solid all-round pick for daily use and fitness tracking.
8.0
Gino Buti
≈ estimated
28/01/2020
Hands-on review · build, sports tracking and daily use
Verdict
Garmin Vivoactive 3 is a rugged, affordable fitness watch for very active users, though less user-friendly than Apple or Samsung.
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Hands-on video, no verdict

What reviewers agree on

Based on 6 · 12

Reviewers love the slim, good-looking design, but music support disappoints and opinions on battery life are split.
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What we like about Garmin Vivoactive 3

  • Lightweight and compact design suitable for 24/7 wear
  • Always-on transflective display is highly readable in direct sunlight
  • Comprehensive fitness tracking with over 15 preloaded sports apps
  • Quick charging capabilities, often reaching 50% in under 30 minutes
  • Accurate GPS and reliable heart rate monitoring for steady-state cardio
  • Standard 20mm quick-release bands are easy to swap and customise

What we don't like about Garmin Vivoactive 3

  • Lacks onboard music storage in the standard model (requires 'Music' edition)
  • Limited bank support for Garmin Pay, especially outside the US
  • Plastic-heavy construction can feel 'cheap' or 'flimsy' to some
  • Touchscreen can be over-sensitive to water, such as during showers or rain
  • Display colours and contrast are muted compared to OLED competitors
  • Heart rate accuracy may struggle during high-intensity interval training (HIIT)
  • Sleep tracking is sometimes reported as inaccurate or overestimating sleep time

Verdict

The Garmin Vivoactive 3 is a lightweight 43g GPS smartwatch featuring a 1.2-inch (240 x 240) always-on sunlight-readable Chroma touchscreen and a durable stainless steel bezel. Designed for 24/7 wear with a 5 ATM water rating, it offers over 15 preloaded sports apps, wrist-based heart rate monitoring, VO2 max estimation, and Garmin Pay for contactless payments. Key performance advantages include a battery life of up to 7 days in smartwatch mode (13 hours in GPS mode) and the unique Side Swipe interface for easy navigation. However, notable drawbacks include its lack of internal music storage on the standard model, the use of a proprietary charging cable, and a display that can appear dim indoors without the backlight.

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