OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartwatches Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v3.0

Garmin Vivomove Luxe review: 127 specs compared

Avg. price:~£440Screen size:0.95 inchBattery life:5 daysDisplay type:AMOLED

Garmin Vivomove Luxe Review: Compare 127 technical specifications and 9 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Garmin Vivomove Luxe
6.7/10

Overall score

Score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Score components

35%

6.3

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

6.3

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 60% of smartwatches
7.2

Value for money

Value for money
7.2/ 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–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

8.2

Price

â–¼Worse than 85%
6.3

Technical score

Technical score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 50% of models
Score components

24%

6.8

Health

21%

7.6

Fitness

16%

5.4

Battery

14%

7.0

Smart features

12%

3.9

Connectivity

9%

7.8

Display & Design

4%

1.0

Hardware

â–²Better than 50%
6.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.3/ 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. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models

6.3

Mark 7.7 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.8

Average grade

20%

7.2

Popularity

Grades by review (9)
8 reviews + 1 video, average 7.6/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 65%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • garmin-vivomove-luxe
  • garmin-vivomove-luxe
garmin-vivomove-luxe
garmin-vivomove-luxe
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Garmin Vivomove Luxe

Based on 8 · 1

Reviewers like the classic look and hidden display, but are split on the screen and frustrated by the touch controls.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of smartwatch Garmin Vivomove Luxe

Technical score
Technical score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 50% of models
Score components:

24%

6.8

Health

21%

7.6

Fitness

16%

5.4

Battery

14%

7.0

Smart features

12%

3.9

Connectivity

9%

7.8

Display & Design

4%

1.0

Hardware

6.3
Reviews score
6.3
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 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–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components:

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

8.2

Price

7.2
Heart rate monitor
yes
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 9.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
This smartwatch supports blood oxygen monitoring. 30.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 18.2% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings. 49.5% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
HRV tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports HRV tracking. 54.9% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
Show more
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.5% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 46.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
no
This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope. 71.3% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
yes
This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor. 67.2% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 3.7% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Distance tracking may depend on phone GPS/app on some models.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
5 days
Market range: <1 day – >20 days
This smartwatch lasts 5 days on a charge, which is shorter than 65.9% of Smartwatches and the same as 6.1% of Smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
?
Battery life with GPS on
N/A
Battery power
?
Charge time
120 min
Market range: <60 min – >150 min
This smartwatch charges from empty in 120 min, which is quicker than 13.3% of Smartwatches and the same as 44.6% of Smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Garmin OS
This smartwatch runs Garmin OS, which is more advanced than the system in 70.7% of Smartwatches and equal to 9.2% of Smartwatches.
Software update frequency
occasional
This smartwatch has occasional software update support which is more active than that of 54% of smartwatches and equal to that of 40.2% of smartwatches.
Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
Third-party app support
no
This smartwatch does not support third-party apps. 51.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
no
This smartwatch does not support voice assistants. 69.3% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
no
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 16.7% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
no
This smartwatch does not support GPS. 59.8% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
no
This smartwatch does not support Galileo navigation. 43.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Dual-frequency GPS
no
This smartwatch does not support dual-frequency GPS. 15.1% of Smartwatches offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
0.95 inch
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.83 inch
This smartwatch has a 0.95 inch screen, which is smaller than 97.3% of Smartwatches.
Some sources mention multiple/uncertain size variants.
Display type
AMOLED
This smartwatch uses AMOLED, which is more advanced than the screen in 46.9% of Smartwatches and equal to 53.1% of Smartwatches.
Resolution
240x 240
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 240x240 which is lower than that of 75.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 14.1% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
357 ppi
Market range: <213 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 357 ppi, which is higher than 63.9% of Smartwatches and equal to 0.1% of Smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
?
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
0 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch has 0 GB of internal storage, which is less than 76.5% of Smartwatches and equal to 23.5% of Smartwatches.
No local user storage for apps/media.
External memory slot
no
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

Garmin Vivomove Luxe vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • Crash detection capability
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 14% of smartwatches support crash detection.
    select outdoor activities; paired phone required
  • Fall detection
    This smartwatch supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 23% of smartwatches support fall detection.
    Implemented as incident detection with activity/phone-dependent limits.
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses sapphire display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    sapphire vs mineral glass
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 44.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
    SOS feature has implementation limits (phone/app/subscription/activity dependent).
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • More frequent updates
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
    occasional vs ended
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • Calorie tracking
    This smartwatch supports calorie tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 48.7% of smartwatches support calorie tracking.
    Food logging may require a companion or third-party app.
  • Weight tracking
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 41.9% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Weight tracking may rely on manual app entry or smart-scale sync.
  • Water intake tracking
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44.1% of smartwatches track water intake.
  • Perspiration monitoring
    This smartwatch tracks perspiration, the average smartwatch does not. 15.1% of smartwatches track perspiration.
    Perspiration tracking may be estimated from activity data in companion apps.
  • Cadence tracking
    This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 32.9% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
    Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports ANT+
    This smartwatch supports ANT+, the average smartwatch does not. 13% of smartwatches support ANT+.
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses sapphire display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    sapphire vs mineral glass
  • Better band material
    This smartwatch uses leather, stainless steel for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    leather, stainless steel vs silicone
  • Hybrid watch design
    This smartwatch has a hybrid design, the average smartwatch does not. 8.6% of smartwatches have a hybrid design.
  • Better case material
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    stainless steel vs polycarbonate
  • 2 mm slimmer strap
    This smartwatch has a slimmer strap than the average smartwatch (20 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch has a 22 mm strap.
    20 mm vs 22 mm
  • Crash detection capability
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 14% of smartwatches support crash detection.
    select outdoor activities; paired phone required
  • Fall detection
    This smartwatch supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 23% of smartwatches support fall detection.
    Implemented as incident detection with activity/phone-dependent limits.
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 44.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
    SOS feature has implementation limits (phone/app/subscription/activity dependent).
  • More frequent updates
    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 GPS support
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 59.7% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • No third-party apps
    This smartwatch does not support third-party apps, the average smartwatch does. 51.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • No multi-sport mode
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 71.7% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • No coaching features
    This smartwatch does not support coaching, the average smartwatch does. 58.8% of smartwatches support coaching.
  • No music playback
    This smartwatch does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 57.1% of smartwatches support music playback.
  • No gyroscope
    This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope, the average smartwatch does. 71.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
  • No auto-pause
    This smartwatch does not support auto pause, the average smartwatch does. 62.6% of smartwatches support auto pause.
  • No speaker
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 10.0% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.3/ 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. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models

    6.3

    Mark 7.7 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.8

    Average grade

    20%

    7.2

    Popularity

    Grades by review (9)
    8 reviews + 1 video, average 7.6/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.3 vs 7.0
  • 4x more expensive
    Garmin Vivomove Luxe is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£440 vs £110).
    £440 vs £110
  • 8.5% worse value for money
    Garmin Vivomove Luxe has a lower value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (7.15 vs 7.8).
    7.15 vs 7.76
  • 2 years older
    This smartwatch was released earlier than the average smartwatch (2019 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    September 2019
    2019 vs 2021
  • No multi-sport mode
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 71.7% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • No coaching features
    This smartwatch does not support coaching, the average smartwatch does. 58.8% of smartwatches support coaching.
  • No gyroscope
    This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope, the average smartwatch does. 71.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
  • No auto-pause
    This smartwatch does not support auto pause, the average smartwatch does. 62.6% of smartwatches support auto pause.
  • No route support
    This smartwatch does not support route support, the average smartwatch does. 54.4% of smartwatches support route support.
  • Basic battery type
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • 2 days shorter battery life
    This smartwatch runs for less time per charge than the average smartwatch (5 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    5 days vs 7 days
  • No GPS support
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 59.7% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • No compass
    This smartwatch does not include a compass, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a compass.
  • 0.45 inch smaller display
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen than the average smartwatch (1 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen.
    Some sources mention multiple/uncertain size variants.
    0.95 inch vs 1.4 inch
  • Lower resolution
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 240x240, while the average smartwatch reaches 360x360.
    240x240 vs 360x360
  • No third-party apps
    This smartwatch does not support third-party apps, the average smartwatch does. 51.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • No music playback
    This smartwatch does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 57.1% of smartwatches support music playback.
  • No voice assistant
    This smartwatch does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 69.2% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
  • No call answering
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 60% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No voice command support
    This smartwatch does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 68.1% of smartwatches support voice commands.
  • No smart alarm
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • No camera remote
    This smartwatch does not include built-in camera remote control, the average smartwatch does. 85.5% of smartwatches that are equipped with a camera include built-in camera remote control.
  • No speaker
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This smartwatch has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch has 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1

Video reviews

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

8.0
MrMobile [Michael Fisher]
≈ estimated
04/01/2020
Hands-on review · design, battery and app
Verdict
Garmin Vivomove Luxe is a great-looking hybrid with solid battery life, but app quirks and high prices hold it back.
9.0
aBlogtoWatch
≈ estimated
25/05/2020
Short look · design and interface demo
Verdict
Garmin Vivomove Luxe is an elegant, discreet smartwatch with a quick interface and full activity tracking.
Shop video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

6.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
01/06/2020
Review · Hybrid watch
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove Luxe is a classic-looking hybrid with a hidden color screen, but it tries to do too much and struggles in sunlight.
8.0
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
08/01/2020
Review · Dressy hybrid watch
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove Luxe is a dressy hybrid whose screens hide well, though fitness tracking is fiddly and you'd want another wearable for more than steps.
6.0
tomsguide.com
✓ explicit
08/11/2019
Month-long test · Hybrid watch
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove Luxe suits dressy wear and looks like a classic watch, but its hidden display is hard to wake and hard to read outdoors.
9.0
techpickstream.com
≈ estimated
22/03/2025
Hands-on review · Hybrid watch
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove Luxe suits people who want a watch that looks like jewelry and lasts about eight days, but has no built-in GPS and no text replies.
7.0
ablogtowatch.com
≈ estimated
26/05/2020
Hands-on review · Hybrid smartwatch
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove Luxe is a dressy hybrid that hides its fitness tracking, best for people who value style over easy-to-read hands.
9.5
smarter-leben.net
≈ estimated
02/08/2023
Personal test · Hybrid watch
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove Luxe is light enough to wear all day, but waking its screen can take several taps and the touch menu often opens the wrong item.
8.0
clubic.com
✓ explicit
07/06/2021
Hands-on test · Steel hybrid watch
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove Luxe is a discreet hybrid with a hidden color screen, but the display is unreadable in sunlight and battery life is short.
7.0
montre-cardio-gps.fr
≈ estimated
14/04/2020
Hands-on test · Hybrid watch
Verdict
The Garmin Vivomove Luxe is a stylish hybrid that tracks health all day, but it relies on your phone for GPS and its screen is small.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Garmin Vivomove Luxe

  • Premium aesthetic with a traditional analog appearance that hides 'smarts' behind the dial
  • High-quality materials, including a domed sapphire crystal lens and polished stainless steel case
  • Dual color AMOLED displays that offer better clarity for notifications than single-screen models
  • Comprehensive health monitoring suite, including Body Battery, stress tracking, and Pulse Ox
  • Garmin Pay support for contactless payments
  • Quick charging capabilities and a battery that lasts up to 5 days in smartwatch mode

What customers don't like about Garmin Vivomove Luxe

  • Touchscreen can be unresponsive, 'hit or miss,' or require multiple taps/jabs to wake or navigate
  • Poor display visibility under direct or bright sunlight
  • Lacks built-in GPS, requiring a tethered smartphone connection for accurate outdoor activity tracking
  • Sleep tracking is often reported as inaccurate, sometimes failing to detect when the user is awake
  • Vibration alerts are described as extremely weak, making them unreliable for alarms
  • High price point relative to the features offered compared to more functional sport-focused Garmin watches

Verdict

The Garmin Vivomove Luxe is a 42mm hybrid smartwatch featuring a premium 316L stainless steel case, a domed sapphire crystal lens, and dual hidden AMOLED colour touchscreen displays that only appear when needed. Its core health tracking includes 24/7 heart rate monitoring, Pulse Ox, stress tracking, and Garmin’s Body Battery energy monitor, while smart features offer Garmin Pay contactless payments and smartphone notifications. Main pros include its sophisticated traditional aesthetic that hides advanced tech, its 5 ATM water resistance, and a dual-mode battery lasting up to 5 days in smart mode plus an additional week in analog watch mode. However, notable cons include its lack of built-in GPS (requiring a connected phone), a touchscreen that can be finicky or difficult to read in direct sunlight, and a premium price point compared to models with similar functionality.

Compare Garmin Vivomove Luxe with other Smartwatches

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