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 4 Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£260Screen size:1.30 inchBattery life:8 daysDisplay type:MIP LCD

Garmin Vivoactive 4 Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 20 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 77% of models
Score components

70%

7.5

Technical score

30%

7.9

Review score ( 8 · 12)

Review score 30% · 7.9 · based on 20 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. 22 more reviews are not scored yet.
â–²Better than 77% of smartwatches
7.5

Technical score

Technical score
7.5/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 77% of models
Score components

24%

7.7

Health

21%

9.0

Fitness

16%

5.6

Battery

14%

8.4

Smart features

12%

7.4

Connectivity

9%

7.2

Display & Design

4%

4.1

Hardware

â–²Better than 77% of smartwatches
7.9

Review score

Review score
7.9/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 60% of models
Grades by review (20)
8 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 3 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 5
✓ explicit
5

9%

8.0

tomsguide.com

9%

8.0

techgearlab.com

7.2%

8.0

androidauthority.com

7.2%

7.0

runningshoesguru.com

4.5%

10

expertreviews.co.uk

Video reviews 3

3.6%

9.0

Clint Gibbs

3.6%

8.0

Running Shoes Guru

3.6%

8.0

Gauging Gadgets

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 60% 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 4

Technical score
Technical score
7.5/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 77% of models
Score components:

24%

7.7

Health

21%

9.0

Fitness

16%

5.6

Battery

14%

8.4

Smart features

12%

7.4

Connectivity

9%

7.2

Display & Design

4%

4.1

Hardware

7.5
Review score
Review score
7.9/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 60% of models
Grades by review (20)
8 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 3 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 5
✓ explicit
5

9%

8.0

tomsguide.com

9%

8.0

techgearlab.com

7.2%

8.0

androidauthority.com

7.2%

7.0

runningshoesguru.com

4.5%

10

expertreviews.co.uk

Video reviews 3

3.6%

9.0

Clint Gibbs

3.6%

8.0

Running Shoes Guru

3.6%

8.0

Gauging Gadgets

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
7.9
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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 93% of models
Popularity:
Garmin Vivoactive 4 has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 93.2% of smartwatches.
10
Value for money
Value for money
8.1/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 74% of models
Score components:

60%

7.6

Overall score

40%

9.2

Price

8.1
Brand name
Garmin
Heart rate monitor
yes
Heart rate monitor
yes
â–² 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
â–² 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
â–¼ 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
â–² 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
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
Accelerometer
yes
â–² Better than 1% of models
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
Barometer
yes
â–² Better than 51% of models
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 50.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
Gyroscope
yes
â–² Better than 30% of models
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 30.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
yes
Cadence sensor
yes
â–² Better than 69% of models
This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor. 69% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Tracks running cadence natively; cycling cadence may require an external sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
Distance tracking
yes
â–² Better than 4% of models
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
8 days
Battery life
8 days
â–² Better than 57% of models
Market range: <1 days – >16 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 8 days which is longer than that of 56.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 2.7% of smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
18 h
Battery life in training mode
18 h
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
This smartwatch lasts 18 h in training mode which is shorter than 51.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 1% of smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
15 h
Battery life with GPS on
15 h
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
This smartwatch lasts 15 h with GPS on which is shorter than 61.8% of smartwatches and equal to that of 2.5% of smartwatches.
Battery power
180 mAh
Battery power
180 mAh
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
Market range: <195 mAh – >475 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 180 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 90.8% of smartwatches and equal to those in 1.8% of smartwatches.
Charge time
60 min
Charge time
60 min
â–² Better than 83% of models
Market range: <60 min – >150 min
This smartwatch charges in 60 min which is faster than 82.6% of smartwatches and equal to the charge time of 12.1% of smartwatches.
Approximate value from reported charging range: 60 minutes.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Garmin OS
Operating system
Garmin OS
â–² 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
â–² 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
â–² 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
â–¼ 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
no
Cellular module
no
â–¼ Worse than 18% of models
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 18% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
yes
GPS
yes
â–² Better than 44% of models
This smartwatch supports GPS. 43.9% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
yes
Galileo support
yes
â–² Better than 62% of models
This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation. 61.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
yes
Compass
yes
â–² Better than 47% of models
This smartwatch includes a compass. 47.5% of smartwatches include a compass.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
1.3 inch
Screen size
1.3 inch
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
This smartwatch has a screen size of 1.3 inch which is smaller than the screens of 66.8% of smartwatches and equal to those of 11.2% of smartwatches.
Display type
MIP LCD
Display type
MIP LCD
â–¼ 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
260x 260
Resolution
260x 260
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 260x260 which is lower than that of 65% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.9% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
283 ppi
Pixel density
283 ppi
â–¼ 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
3 GB
Internal storage
3 GB
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch uses 3 GB for internal storage which is smaller than that of 59.8% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.8% of smartwatches.
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 4 vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • 60 min shorter charge time
    Charge time
    60 min
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <60 min – >150 min
    This smartwatch charges faster than the average smartwatch (60 min vs 120 min). The average smartwatch charges in 120 min.
    Approximate value from reported charging range: 60 minutes.
    60 min vs 120 min
  • Temperature sensing
    Temperature sensor
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 26.8% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
    Temperature readings may be skin/ambient trends, not core-body medical values.
  • Crash detection capability
    Crash detection
    yes
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
    select outdoor activities; paired phone required
  • Fall detection
    Fall detection
    yes
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    This smartwatch supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 21.3% of smartwatches support fall detection.
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • VO2 max measurement
    VO2 max measurement
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Garmin OS
    â–² 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
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
    paired phone required
  • 63.4% more popular
    Garmin Vivoactive 4 has a higher popularity than the average smartwatch (10 vs 6.1).
    10 vs 6.12
  • Temperature sensing
    Temperature sensor
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 26.8% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
    Temperature readings may be skin/ambient trends, not core-body medical values.
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • VO2 max measurement
    VO2 max measurement
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • Irregular heart rate alerts
    Irregular heart rate warnings
    yes
    â–² 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).
  • Calorie tracking
    Calorie tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports calorie tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 48.6% of smartwatches support calorie tracking.
    Food logging may require a companion or third-party app.
  • Weight tracking
    Weight tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.1% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Tracked through the companion app or smart-scale sync.
  • Water intake tracking
    Water intake tracking
    yes
    â–² 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
    â–² 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
    â–² 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
    â–² 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
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.1% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
    Tracks running cadence natively; cycling cadence may require an external sensor.
  • 60 min shorter charge time
    Charge time
    60 min
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <60 min – >150 min
    This smartwatch charges faster than the average smartwatch (60 min vs 120 min). The average smartwatch charges in 120 min.
    Approximate value from reported charging range: 60 minutes.
    60 min vs 120 min
  • 1 days day/s longer battery life
    Battery life
    8 days
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 8 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    8 days vs 7 days
  • NFC functionality
    NFC
    yes
    â–² 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
    â–² 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
    â–² 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
    â–² 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
    â–² 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
  • 2 mm narrower band
    Width of band
    20.0 mm
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <20 mm – >22 mm
    This smartwatch has a narrower band width than the average smartwatch (20 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch band is 22.0 mm wide.
    20.0 mm vs 22.0 mm
  • Crash detection capability
    Crash detection
    yes
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
    select outdoor activities; paired phone required
  • Fall detection
    Fall detection
    yes
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    This smartwatch supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 21.3% of smartwatches support fall detection.
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Garmin OS
    â–² 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
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
    paired phone required
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    â–² 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
    â–² 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
    â–¼ 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 voice assistant
    Voice assistant support
    no
    â–¼ 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
    â–¼ 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
    â–¼ 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
    â–¼ 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
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This smartwatch uses MIP LCD display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    MIP LCD vs AMOLED
  • 120 mAh smaller battery capacity
    Battery life
    180 mAh days
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartwatch (180 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    180 mAh vs 300 mAh
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Number of microphones
    0
    â–¼ 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
  • 2x more expensive
    Garmin Vivoactive 4 is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£260 vs £130).
    £260 vs £130
  • No multi-sport mode
    Multi-sport mode
    no
    â–¼ 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.
  • 60 fewer exercise profiles
    Multi-sport mode
    20
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    This smartwatch supports fewer exercise modes than the average smartwatch (20 vs 80). The average smartwatch supports 80 exercise modes.
    Reported as at least 20 exercise modes.
    20 vs 80
  • No voice feedback
    Voice feedback
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice feedback, the average smartwatch does. 61.9% of smartwatches support voice feedback.
  • 120 mAh smaller battery capacity
    Battery life
    180 mAh days
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartwatch (180 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    180 mAh vs 300 mAh
  • 5 h shorter GPS battery life
    Battery life with GPS on
    15 h
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (15 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    15 h vs 20 h
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    MIP LCD
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This smartwatch uses MIP LCD display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    MIP LCD vs AMOLED
  • 0.1 inch smaller screen size
    Screen size
    1.30 inch
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen size than the average smartwatch (1.3 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.
    1.30 inch vs 1.40 inch
  • 1.2 mm thicker watch body
    Thickness
    12.80 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <9.8 mm – >14.1 mm
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (12.8 mm vs 11.6 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.6 mm.
    Some sources mention variant-dependent thickness values.
    12.80 mm vs 11.6 mm
  • 43 ppi lower pixel density
    Pixel density
    283 ppi
    â–¼ 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
  • 5.5 g heavier weight
    Weight
    50.5 g
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    Market range: <29 g – >80 g
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (50.5 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    50.5 g vs 45.0 g
  • Lower resolution
    Display type
    260 x 260
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 260x260, while the average smartwatch reaches 352x430.
    260x260 vs 352x430
  • 3.1 mm wider watch width
    Width
    45.1 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
    Market range: <34.6 mm – >46.8 mm
    This smartwatch is wider than the average smartwatch (45.1 mm vs 42 mm). The average smartwatch width is 42.0 mm.
    45.1 mm vs 42.0 mm
  • No voice assistant
    Voice assistant support
    no
    â–¼ 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
    â–¼ 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
    â–¼ 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
    â–¼ 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
    â–¼ 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
    â–¼ 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
  • 2 year/s older release date
    Release date
    2019
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This smartwatch is an older model than the average smartwatch (2019 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    September 2019
    2019 vs 2021

Video reviews

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

9.0
Clint Gibbs
≈ estimated
28/06/2022
Long-term test · over 1.5 years of daily use
Verdict
Garmin Vivoactive 4 is a lightweight, durable watch that remains recommended after daily use, though its heart rate reading is less accurate during exercise.
9.0
Clint Gibbs
≈ estimated
28/06/2022
Long-term test · over 1.5 years of daily use
Verdict
Garmin Vivoactive 4 is a lightweight, durable watch that remains recommended after daily use, though its heart rate reading is less accurate during exercise.
8.0
Running Shoes Guru
≈ estimated
11/11/2020
Hands-on review · workout data and music tests
Verdict
Garmin Vivoactive 4 is worth buying for those who put workout features first and smartwatch features second.
8.0
Running Shoes Guru
≈ estimated
11/11/2020
Hands-on review · workout data and music tests
Verdict
Garmin Vivoactive 4 is worth buying for those who put workout features first and smartwatch features second.
8.0
Gauging Gadgets
≈ estimated
29/01/2020
Full walkthrough · watch faces, widgets, activities and features
Verdict
Garmin Vivoactive 4 is feature-rich with acceptable battery life, though regular activities shorten it considerably.
8.0
Gauging Gadgets
≈ estimated
29/01/2020
Full walkthrough · watch faces, widgets, activities and features
Verdict
Garmin Vivoactive 4 is feature-rich with acceptable battery life, though regular activities shorten it considerably.
9.0
Clint Gibbs
≈ estimated
23/12/2019
Long-term review · two months of daily use
Verdict
Garmin Vivoactive 4 is better than expected and highly recommended, especially as a smartwatch and fitness tracker.
9.0
Clint Gibbs
≈ estimated
23/12/2019
Long-term review · two months of daily use
Verdict
Garmin Vivoactive 4 is better than expected and highly recommended, especially as a smartwatch and fitness tracker.
Not graded yet
Not graded

What reviewers agree on

Based on 10 · 12

Reviewers like the solid design, health features and workout guides, but battery life, GPS and controls draw frequent complaints.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

dcrainmaker.com
06/02/2020
Not graded yet
uk.pcmag.com
04/05/2020
Not graded yet
trustedreviews.com
25/11/2019
Not graded yet
techradar.com
25/03/2021
Not graded yet
mashable.com
04/08/2021
Not graded yet
10
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
13/07/2023
Hands-on review · Fitness and music
Verdict
Garmin Vivoactive 4 suits casual fitness buyers who want offline music and a bigger, sunlight-readable screen, though its new health features add little.
8.0
tomsguide.com
✓ explicit
27/02/2026
Hands-on review · Fitness features
Verdict
Garmin Vivoactive 4 suits fitness-focused buyers who want offline music and long battery life, but setup is fiddly and the pulse oximeter drains power.
8.0
techgearlab.com
✓ explicit
27/02/2026
Lab test · Accuracy and ergonomics
Verdict
Garmin Vivoactive 4 suits outdoor and health enthusiasts who want accurate step, altitude and heart data, but its bulky case and plain display put off casual buyers.
7.0
runningshoesguru.com
✓ explicit
27/02/2026
Hands-on test · Running use
Verdict
Garmin Vivoactive 4 suits people who want workouts without a second watch, but its touchscreen struggles with sweat and it cannot navigate hikes like a Fenix.
8.0
androidauthority.com
✓ explicit
27/02/2026
Four-day review · Fitness and sleep
Verdict
Garmin Vivoactive 4 is a strong fitness and sleep watch with long battery life, but its smartwatch features are limited.
runnersworld.de
07/04/2021
Not graded yet
8.0
smart-home-fox.de
≈ estimated
20/01/2025
Hands-on test · Sports smartwatch
Verdict
Garmin Vivoactive 4 is a sports watch for hobby athletes that reads well outdoors and lasts up to 8 days, but has fewer smart features than a pure smartwatch.
chip.de
14/10/2019
Not graded yet
igrowdigital.com
18/05/2021
Not graded yet
pocketnavigation.de
06/03/2020
Not graded yet
9.0
fitnessmodern.de
≈ estimated
27/01/2025
Field test · Sport tracking
Verdict
Garmin Vivoactive 4 is a solid sports watch whose heart rate readings come close to a chest strap, but touch controls struggle with sweaty fingers.

Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Garmin Vivoactive 4

  • Comprehensive fitness and health tracking, including sleep, GPS, and heart rate
  • Stylish and attractive design suitable for both athletic and formal wear
  • On-device music storage with support for Spotify and Deezer
  • Helpful animated on-screen workouts for cardio, strength, and yoga
  • User-friendly interface and easy initial setup
  • Support for Garmin Pay for contactless payments

What we don't like about Garmin Vivoactive 4

  • Battery life is highly variable and often falls short of manufacturer claims when using GPS or music
  • Occasional software issues such as freezing, frequent updates, or app crashes
  • Touchscreen can be difficult to use with sweaty or wet hands
  • Display quality is sometimes described as dull or less vibrant compared to AMOLED competitors
  • Heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking accuracy can be inconsistent for some users
  • Lacks more advanced training metrics found in higher-end Forerunner or Fenix models

Verdict

The Garmin Vivoactive 4 is a versatile 45mm GPS smartwatch featuring a 1.3-inch sunlight-visible transflective memory-in-pixel display with 260 x 260 pixel resolution and a durable stainless steel bezel. It offers comprehensive 24/7 health monitoring, including Pulse Ox, Body Battery energy tracking, and respiration monitoring, alongside over 20 preloaded sports apps and on-screen animated workouts for strength, yoga, and pilates. Key pros include its reliable 8-day battery life in smartwatch mode, offline music storage for up to 500 songs with Spotify support, and 5 ATM water resistance suitable for swimming. However, users frequently cite its dull, low-resolution display compared to AMOLED competitors and a touch screen that can be finicky to operate with wet or sweaty hands as notable drawbacks.

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