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 5 Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£180Screen size:1.20 inchBattery life:11 daysDisplay type:AMOLED

Garmin Vivoactive 5 Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 21 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

7.7

Overall score

Score
7.7/ 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 79% of models
Score components

70%

7.2

Technical score

30%

8.7

Review score ( 9 · 12)

Review score 30% · 8.7 · based on 21 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.
▲Better than 79% of smartwatches
7.2

Technical score

Technical score
7.2/ 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 73% of models
Score components

24%

7.7

Health

21%

7.7

Fitness

16%

5.8

Battery

14%

7.6

Smart features

12%

7.5

Connectivity

9%

7.9

Display & Design

4%

4.7

Hardware

▲Better than 73% of smartwatches
8.7

Review score

Review score
8.7/ 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 98% of models
Grades by review (21)
Text reviews 3
✓ explicit
2

7.4%

8.0

digitaltrends.com

3.7%

9.0

garagegymreviews.com

≈ estimated
1

3.7%

9.0

ablogtowatch.com

Video reviews 3

3.7%

9.0

The Run Testers

3.7%

9.0

DC Rainmaker

1.9%

9.0

Rosie Andre

estimated from the review
9 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 5 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.
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
★Better than 98% 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 5

Technical score
Technical score
7.2/ 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 73% of models
Score components:

24%

7.7

Health

21%

7.7

Fitness

16%

5.8

Battery

14%

7.6

Smart features

12%

7.5

Connectivity

9%

7.9

Display & Design

4%

4.7

Hardware

7.2
Review score
Review score
8.7/ 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 98% of models
Grades by review (21)
Text reviews 3
✓ explicit
2

7.4%

8.0

digitaltrends.com

3.7%

9.0

garagegymreviews.com

≈ estimated
1

3.7%

9.0

ablogtowatch.com

Video reviews 3

3.7%

9.0

The Run Testers

3.7%

9.0

DC Rainmaker

1.9%

9.0

Rosie Andre

estimated from the review
9 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 5 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.
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.7
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%

7.7

Overall score

40%

9.6

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.
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
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
Accelerometer
yes
▲ Better than 1% of models
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
no
Barometer
no
▼ Worse than 50% of models
This smartwatch does not include a barometer. 49.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
no
Gyroscope
no
▼ Worse than 70% of models
This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope. 70% 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
11 days
Battery life
11 days
▲ Better than 70% of models
Market range: <1 days – >16 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 11 days which is longer than that of 70.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 2% of smartwatches.
Up to 36 hours with battery saver mode or 24 hours with always-on.
Battery life in training mode
21 h
Battery life in training mode
21 h
▲ Better than 54% of models
Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
This smartwatch lasts 21 h in training mode which is longer than 54.5% of smartwatches and equal to that of 1.9% of smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
18 h
Battery life with GPS on
18 h
▼ Worse than 55% of models
Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
This smartwatch lasts 18 h with GPS on which is shorter than 55% of smartwatches and equal to that of 1.6% of smartwatches.
Battery power
205 mAh
Battery power
205 mAh
▼ Worse than 86% of models
Market range: <195 mAh – >475 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 205 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 86.2% of smartwatches and equal to those in 1.5% of smartwatches.
Charge time
98 min
Charge time
98 min
▲ Better than 63% of models
Market range: <60 min – >150 min
This smartwatch charges in 98 min which is faster than 63.5% of smartwatches.
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
no
Cellular module
no
▼ 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
▲ 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
What reviewers say
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
AMOLED
Display type
AMOLED
▲ Better than 50% of models
This smartwatch uses a AMOLED display type which is more advanced than that of 49.9% of smartwatches and the same as that of 50.1% of smartwatches.
Resolution
390x 390
Resolution
390x 390
▲ Better than 61% of models
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 390x390 which is higher than that of 60.9% of smartwatches and equal to that of 6.1% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
460 ppi
Pixel density
460 ppi
▲ Better than 79% of models
Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 460 ppi which is higher than that of 79.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 5% of smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
?
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
4 GB
Internal storage
4 GB
▲ Better than 40% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch uses 4 GB for internal storage which is larger than that of 40.4% of smartwatches and equal to that of 27% 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 5 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.
    Temperature readings may be skin/ambient trends, not core-body medical values.
  • 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.
  • 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.
    HRV may be estimated from sleep/stress methods and not medical-grade.
  • VO2 max measurement
    VO2 max measurement
    yes
    ▲ 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
    ▲ 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 5 has a higher popularity than the average smartwatch (10 vs 6.1).
    10 vs 6.12
  • 9.8% better value for money
    Garmin Vivoactive 5 has a higher value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (8.25 vs 7.5).
    8.25 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.
    Temperature readings may be skin/ambient trends, not core-body medical values.
  • 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.
    HRV may be estimated from sleep/stress methods and not medical-grade.
  • VO2 max measurement
    VO2 max measurement
    yes
    ▲ 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
    ▲ 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
    ▲ 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
    ▲ 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 4 days day/s longer battery life
    Battery life
    11 days
    ▲ Better than 70% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 11 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    Up to 36 hours with battery saver mode or 24 hours with always-on.
    11 days vs 7 days
  • 22 min shorter charge time
    Charge time
    98 min
    ▲ Better than 63% of models
    Market range: <60 min – >150 min
    This smartwatch charges faster than the average smartwatch (98 min vs 120 min). The average smartwatch charges in 120 min.
    98 min vs 120 min
  • 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.
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    5.2
    ▲ Better than 73% of models
    This smartwatch supports a newer Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (5.2 vs 5). The average smartwatch uses 5.0.
    5.2 vs 5.0
  • 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
  • 134 ppi higher pixel density
    Pixel density
    460 ppi
    ▲ Better than 79% of models
    Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
    This smartwatch has a higher pixel density than the average smartwatch (460 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch display reaches 326 ppi.
    460 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • 9 g lighter weight
    Weight
    36.0 g
    ▲ Better than 71% of models
    Market range: <29 g – >80 g
    This smartwatch is lighter than the average smartwatch (36 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    36.0 g vs 45.0 g
  • 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
  • Better case material
    Case material
    aluminum, fiber-reinforced polymer
    ▲ Better than 50% of models
    This smartwatch uses aluminum, fiber-reinforced polymer for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    aluminum, fiber-reinforced polymer vs polycarbonate
  • 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
  • 2 year/s newer release date
    Release date
    2023
    ▲ Better than 70% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This smartwatch has a newer release date than the average smartwatch (2023 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    September 2023
    2023 vs 2021
  • No elevation tracking
    Elevation tracking
    no
    ▼ Worse than 64% of models
    This smartwatch does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.3% of smartwatches support elevation tracking.
  • 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 gyroscope
    Gyroscope
    no
    ▼ Worse than 70% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope, the average smartwatch does. 69.9% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
  • 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.
  • 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 elevation tracking
    Elevation tracking
    no
    ▼ Worse than 64% of models
    This smartwatch does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.3% of smartwatches support elevation tracking.
  • 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 gyroscope
    Gyroscope
    no
    ▼ Worse than 70% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope, the average smartwatch does. 69.9% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
  • 50 fewer exercise profiles
    Multi-sport mode
    30
    ▲ Better than 32% of models
    This smartwatch supports fewer exercise modes than the average smartwatch (30 vs 80). The average smartwatch supports 80 exercise modes.
    Reported as at least 30 exercise modes.
    30 vs 80
  • Basic battery type
    Battery type
    Li-ion
    ▼ Worse than 51% of models
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Sources report rechargeable lithium chemistry as Li-ion or Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • 95 mAh smaller battery capacity
    Battery life
    205 mAh days
    ▲ Better than 70% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartwatch (205 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    Up to 36 hours with battery saver mode or 24 hours with always-on.
    205 mAh vs 300 mAh
  • 2 h shorter GPS battery life
    Battery life with GPS on
    18 h
    ▼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (18 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    18 h vs 20 h
  • 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 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 camera remote
    Camera remote control
    no
    ▼ Worse than 86% of models
    This smartwatch does not include built-in camera remote control, the average smartwatch does. 85.6% of smartwatches that are equipped with a camera include built-in camera remote control.
  • 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

Video reviews

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

9.0
The Run Testers
≈ estimated
03/10/2023
First run review · first runs and initial verdict
Verdict
Garmin Vivoactive 5 offers good value and a worthwhile update over the Vivoactive 4, though some features were removed.
9.0
DC Rainmaker
≈ estimated
20/09/2023
In-depth review · multi-sport and accuracy tests
Verdict
Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a great little watch that does its job well, with a strong display and solid accuracy.
9.0
Rosie Andre
≈ estimated
27/11/2024
First impressions · unboxing and first days of use
Verdict
Garmin Vivoactive 5 is well liked overall, though notifications, sleep mode and activity tracking still need sorting out.
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What reviewers agree on

Based on 10 · 12

Reviewers praise the health tracking, solid battery and sharp display, but the missing altimeter and weak call and notification handling draw complaints.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
garagegymreviews.com
✓ explicit
15/10/2024
Expert test · Fitness tracker
Verdict
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 suits people who want sleep coaching, recovery times and up to 11 days of battery, though it lacks advanced training metrics.
9.0
ablogtowatch.com
≈ estimated
20/10/2023
Hands-on review · Everyday fitness watch
Verdict
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a versatile everyday watch with long battery life and many sports modes, but it can't reply to texts or count stairs.
8.0
digitaltrends.com
✓ explicit
Month-long review · Fitness tracking
Verdict
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a comfortable, lightweight fitness watch with a bright AMOLED screen and accurate health tracking, though its inactivity alerts can be too frequent.
coachweb.com
10/10/2023
Not graded yet
trustedreviews.com
28/11/2023
Not graded yet
tomsguide.com
10/10/2023
Not graded yet
uk.pcmag.com
04/01/2024
Not graded yet
techgearlab.com
13/08/2024
Not graded yet
womanandhome.com
14/09/2024
Not graded yet
dcrainmaker.com
20/09/2023
Not graded yet
wareable.com
12/10/2023
Not graded yet
androidpolice.com
15/11/2023
Not graded yet
8.0
runmorph.com
✓ explicit
15/08/2026
Practical test · Multisport smartwatch
Verdict
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 suits city runners and multisport trainers who want strong health tracking, but its single-frequency GPS and missing altimeter hold it back on trails.
chip.de
02/04/2024
Not graded yet
computerbild.de
30/05/2024
Not graded yet
heise.de
15/05/2024
Not graded yet
futurezone.at
27/01/2024
Not graded yet
7.6
horloge-du-coureur.fr
✓ explicit
10/12/2025
Field test · Health and fitness
Verdict
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a light, all-round watch for daily health tracking and sport, but without maps or an altimeter it is limited for serious outdoor use.
9.0
fitnesshero.fr
≈ estimated
19/04/2026
Long-term test · Sport and health
Verdict
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 suits multi-sport trainers who want sleep, recovery and VO2 max data, though it is less bright in full sun and looks functional rather than stylish.
9.0
gymstreet.fr
≈ estimated
26/06/2025
Hands-on test · Sport and wellbeing
Verdict
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a light, bright-screened watch with about seven days of mixed use per charge, suited to everyday sport and sleep tracking, though notification text is small.
lesnumeriques.com
05/01/2024
Not graded yet
cnetfrance.fr
19/01/2024
Not graded yet
lesalexiens.fr
24/04/2024
Not graded yet
runagora.fr
20/09/2023
Not graded yet
test-achats.be
20/09/2023
Not graded yet
lesnumeriques.com
23/09/2023
Not graded yet
9.0
laardilladigital.com
≈ estimated
09/02/2025
Weeks-long test · Fitness smartwatch
Verdict
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a bright, sturdy watch with broad health and sport tracking, but it needs its own charger and drains fast with GPS and music.
9.0
hrdlpn.nl
≈ estimated
14/01/2026
Product review · Activity tracker
Verdict
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a round, good-looking watch with SpO2, VO2 max and music, suited to sporty people who wear one all day.
global.techradar.com
08/07/2024
Not graded yet
hardloopzone.nl
20/09/2023
Not graded yet
consumentenbond.nl
20/09/2023
Not graded yet

Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Garmin Vivoactive 5

  • Vibrant and responsive AMOLED touchscreen display
  • Excellent battery life, typically lasting 7–11 days in smartwatch mode
  • Accurate heart rate (Gen 4 sensor) and GPS tracking for most activities
  • Comprehensive wellness features including Body Battery, Nap Detection, and Sleep Coach
  • Lightweight and comfortable design suitable for 24/7 wear
  • Support for phone-free music (Spotify, Amazon Music) and Garmin Pay

What we don't like about Garmin Vivoactive 5

  • No barometric altimeter, meaning it cannot track floors climbed or provide precise elevation data
  • Lacks a speaker and microphone for taking calls or using voice assistants on the wrist
  • Build quality feels less premium (plastic/polymer case) compared to previous stainless steel models
  • Available in only one size (42mm), which may not suit all wrist types
  • Limited advanced training metrics like Training Readiness or daily suggested workouts found on Forerunner models
  • Touchscreen can be difficult to use in wet conditions or while wearing gloves

Verdict

The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a lightweight 36g fitness smartwatch featuring a vibrant 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen with 390 x 390 resolution, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and an anodised aluminium bezel. It offers up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode (5 days with always-on display) and includes 30+ built-in sports apps, 4GB of music storage, and 5 ATM water resistance. Key pros include its slim design, accurate heart rate monitoring, and advanced health features like Body Battery and nap detection; however, it lacks a barometric altimeter for tracking floors climbed, lacks on-device navigation, and comes in only one 42mm case size.

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