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 Hr Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£180Screen size:?Battery life:8 daysDisplay type:LCD

Garmin Vivoactive Hr 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.

6.7

Overall score

Score
6.7/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 54% of models
Score components

70%

6.0

Technical score

30%

8.4

Review score ( 6 · 12)

Review score 30% · 8.4 · 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. 21 more reviews are not scored yet.
â–²Better than 54% of smartwatches
6.0

Technical score

Technical score
6.0/ 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–¼ Worse than 55% of models
Score components

24%

4.8

Health

21%

9.5

Fitness

16%

5.1

Battery

14%

4.9

Smart features

12%

5.0

Connectivity

9%

7.1

Display & Design

4%

3.6

Hardware

â–¼Worse than 55% of smartwatches
8.4

Review score

Review score
8.4/ 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 86% of models
Grades by review (18)
6 reviews: 1 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.
Text reviews 2
✓ explicit
1

10.6%

8.8

techgearlab.com

≈ estimated
1

8.5%

6.0

fellrnr.com

Video reviews 3

4.3%

9.0

Ars Technica

4.3%

9.0

Techy Agent

4.3%

5.0

True Review16

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 86% 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 Hr

Technical score
Technical score
6.0/ 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–¼ Worse than 55% of models
Score components:

24%

4.8

Health

21%

9.5

Fitness

16%

5.1

Battery

14%

4.9

Smart features

12%

5.0

Connectivity

9%

7.1

Display & Design

4%

3.6

Hardware

6.0
Review score
Review score
8.4/ 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 86% of models
Grades by review (18)
6 reviews: 1 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.
Text reviews 2
✓ explicit
1

10.6%

8.8

techgearlab.com

≈ estimated
1

8.5%

6.0

fellrnr.com

Video reviews 3

4.3%

9.0

Ars Technica

4.3%

9.0

Techy Agent

4.3%

5.0

True Review16

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.4
Popularity
Popularity
9.5/ 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
â–² Better than 89% of models
Popularity:
Garmin Vivoactive Hr has a popularity of 9.5 points, which is higher than 89.1% of smartwatches.
9.5
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 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 53% of models
Score components:

60%

6.7

Overall score

40%

9.6

Price

7.6
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
no
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring. 66.8% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
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
?
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.
Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
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
13 h
Battery life in training mode
13 h
â–¼ 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
17 h
Battery life with GPS on
17 h
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
This smartwatch lasts 17 h with GPS on which is shorter than 57.5% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.9% 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
90 min
Charge time
90 min
â–² Better than 64% of models
Market range: <60 min – >150 min
This smartwatch charges in 90 min which is faster than 63.7% of smartwatches and equal to the charge time of 9.9% of smartwatches.
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
ended
Software update frequency
ended
â–¼ Worse than 43% of models
This smartwatch has ended software update support which is less active than that of 42.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 57.5% of smartwatches.
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
no
Galileo support
no
â–¼ Worse than 39% of models
This smartwatch does not support Galileo navigation. 38.5% 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
?
Display type
LCD
Display type
LCD
â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
This smartwatch uses a LCD display type which is less advanced than that of 90.1% of smartwatches and the same as that of 7.4% of smartwatches.
Resolution
148x 205
Resolution
148x 205
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 148x205 which is lower than that of 94.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.2% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
183 ppi
Pixel density
183 ppi
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 183 ppi which is lower than that of 96.2% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.3% of smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
?
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
0 GB
Internal storage
0 GB
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch uses 0 GB for internal storage which is smaller than that of 73.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 26.4% of smartwatches.
No local user storage for apps/media
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 Hr vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
    Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
  • 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.
  • 30 min shorter charge time
    Charge time
    90 min
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    Market range: <60 min – >150 min
    This smartwatch charges faster than the average smartwatch (90 min vs 120 min). The average smartwatch charges in 120 min.
    90 min vs 120 min
  • 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+.
  • 54.4% more popular
    Garmin Vivoactive Hr has a higher popularity than the average smartwatch (9.45 vs 6.1).
    9.45 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.
  • 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.
    Water intake tracking may require manual logging in a companion app or widget.
  • 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.
    Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
  • Route support
    Route support
    yes
    â–² Better than 50% of models
    This smartwatch supports route support, the average smartwatch does not. 50% of smartwatches support route support.
  • 30 min shorter charge time
    Charge time
    90 min
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    Market range: <60 min – >150 min
    This smartwatch charges faster than the average smartwatch (90 min vs 120 min). The average smartwatch charges in 120 min.
    90 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
  • 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+.
  • Stronger display glass
    Display glass type
    chemically strengthened glass
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    This smartwatch uses chemically strengthened glass display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    chemically strengthened glass vs mineral glass
  • 11.8 mm narrower watch width
    Width
    30.2 mm
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    Market range: <34.6 mm – >46.8 mm
    This smartwatch is narrower than the average smartwatch (30.2 mm vs 42 mm). The average smartwatch width is 42.0 mm.
    30.2 mm vs 42.0 mm
  • 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.
    Uses proprietary/non-standard band connector.
    20.0 mm vs 22.0 mm
  • 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
  • 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.
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    Blood oxygen monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 66.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    LCD
    â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
    This smartwatch uses LCD display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    LCD vs AMOLED
  • No coaching features
    Coaching
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This smartwatch does not support coaching, the average smartwatch does. 54.6% of smartwatches support coaching.
  • No music playback
    Music playback
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    This smartwatch does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 54.2% of smartwatches support music playback.
  • 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 cycle tracking
    Menstrual cycle tracking
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    This smartwatch does not support menstrual cycle tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.3% of smartwatches support menstrual cycle tracking.
  • 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 blood oxygen monitoring
    Blood oxygen monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 66.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No cycle tracking
    Menstrual cycle tracking
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    This smartwatch does not support menstrual cycle tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.3% of smartwatches support menstrual cycle tracking.
  • No coaching features
    Coaching
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This smartwatch does not support coaching, the average smartwatch does. 54.6% of smartwatches support coaching.
  • 65 fewer exercise profiles
    Multi-sport mode
    15
    â–² Better than 32% 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
    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
  • 6.25 h shorter training battery life
    Battery life in training mode
    13 h
    â–¼ 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
  • 3 h shorter GPS battery life
    Battery life with GPS on
    17 h
    â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
    Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (17 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    17 h vs 20 h
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    4.0
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    This smartwatch supports an older Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (4 vs 5). The average smartwatch uses 5.0.
    4.0 vs 5.0
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    LCD
    â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
    This smartwatch uses LCD display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    LCD vs AMOLED
  • 143 ppi lower pixel density
    Pixel density
    183 ppi
    â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
    Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
    This smartwatch has a lower pixel density than the average smartwatch (183 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch display reaches 326 ppi.
    183 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • Lower resolution
    Display type
    148 x 205
    â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 148x205, while the average smartwatch reaches 352x430.
    148x205 vs 352x430
  • 12 mm taller watch height
    Height
    57.0 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <39.5 mm – >51 mm
    This smartwatch is taller than the average smartwatch (57 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch height is 45 mm.
    57.0 mm vs 45 mm
  • Less practical form
    Form
    rectangular
    â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
    This smartwatch uses a rectangular form, while the average smartwatch uses round.
    rectangular vs round
  • No music playback
    Music playback
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    This smartwatch does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 54.2% of smartwatches support music playback.
  • 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 passcode
    Passcode
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This smartwatch does not include passcode protection, the average smartwatch does. 67.8% of smartwatches include passcode protection.
  • 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 camera remote
    Camera remote control
    no
    â–¼ 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
    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
  • 5 year/s older release date
    Release date
    2016
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This smartwatch is an older model than the average smartwatch (2016 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    May 2016
    2016 vs 2021
  • 4 GB less storage
    Internal storage
    0 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
    Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
    This smartwatch offers less internal storage than the average smartwatch (0 GB vs 4 GB). The average smartwatch provides 4 GB of storage.
    No local user storage for apps/media
    0 GB vs 4 GB

Video reviews

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

5.0
True Review16
≈ estimated
29/05/2016
Hands-on review · heart rate, notifications and daily tracking
Verdict
Garmin Vivoactive HR is okay for what it claims to be, but not recommended right now because of a broken notification system.
9.0
Ars Technica
≈ estimated
22/05/2016
Hands-on review · battery, activity modes and app tour
Verdict
Garmin Vivoactive HR offers lots of activities, long battery life and a strong app, making it good value despite its bulk.
9.0
Techy Agent
≈ estimated
05/05/2016
Hands-on review · weightlifting, running and cycling tests
Verdict
Garmin Vivoactive HR is a very impressive fitness watch, with fast GPS and a strong optical heart rate sensor.
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Hands-on video, no verdict

What reviewers agree on

Based on 10 · 12

Reviewers love the wide range of sport modes and solid GPS, but heart-rate accuracy splits opinion and the screen disappoints.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

wareable.com
12/07/2016
Not graded yet
uk.pcmag.com
03/05/2016
Not graded yet
pocket-lint.com
13/04/2017
Not graded yet
stuff.tv
23/09/2016
Not graded yet
womensrunning.co.uk
06/09/2016
Not graded yet
8.8
techgearlab.com
✓ explicit
27/02/2026
Hands-on test · Outdoor fitness tracker
Verdict
The Garmin Vivoactive HR suits outdoor athletes who track skiing, paddleboarding or golf, but its bulky case and 13-hour GPS battery limit everyday wear.
pcmag.com
03/05/2016
Not graded yet
6.0
fellrnr.com
≈ estimated
10/05/2017
Comparison table · Running watch
Verdict
The Garmin Vivoactive HR adds wrist heart rate tracking to the Vivoactive, but this review still prefers the original model.
dcrainmaker.com
20/05/2016
Not graded yet
fitness-uhr.net
20/05/2016
Not graded yet
heise.de
02/06/2016
Not graded yet
fitnessmodern.de
06/06/2016
Not graded yet
7.0
runnersworld.de
≈ estimated
13/06/2019
Review · Everyday all-rounder
Verdict
The Garmin Vivoactive HR is an easy all-round tracker and training companion for everyday use, but ambitious runners must accept clear compromises.

Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Garmin Vivoactive Hr

  • Excellent battery life (often lasting 7-8 days on a single charge)
  • Built-in GPS that locks on quickly and provides accurate tracking
  • Comprehensive multi-sport modes including running, cycling, swimming, and golf
  • Waterproof design suitable for swimming and showering
  • Effective 24/7 heart rate monitoring for general training
  • Support for smart notifications and music control from the wrist
  • Vast customization options through the Garmin Connect IQ store

What we don't like about Garmin Vivoactive Hr

  • Bulky, boxy, and uninspired design that some users find 'ugly'
  • The screen is frequently criticized for being too dim and grainy
  • Large and flat profile can be uncomfortable on smaller wrists
  • The touchscreen can be laggy or difficult to use when wet or sweaty
  • Heart rate monitoring can struggle during very high-intensity interval training
  • Altimeter and floor climbing tracking can sometimes be inaccurate
  • The glass is reported to be a 'fingerprint magnet' and can smudge easily

Verdict

The Garmin vívoactive HR is a versatile GPS smartwatch designed for multi-sport athletes, featuring a sunlight-readable 205 x 148 pixel colour touchscreen and 24/7 Elevate wrist-based heart rate monitoring. It includes a built-in barometric altimeter for tracking floors climbed and comes preloaded with dedicated GPS apps for running, cycling, swimming, skiing, and golf. Key advantages include its impressive battery life of up to 8 days in watch mode (13 hours in GPS mode), accurate activity tracking with Move IQ auto-detection, and a waterproof rating of 5 ATM suitable for swimming. However, some users find the rectangular design bulky and less aesthetic than traditional watches, and the display can appear dim or low-resolution when used indoors.

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