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Let me begin with a confession: As someone who spends most of their day in front of screens, I’m not very tech-savvy. I approach wearable technology the same way I approach my weekly workout split, by adhering to the KISS principle—aka keep it simple, stupid.
My tech-intimidation aside, I was really excited to try out the latest version in the Garmin vivoactive series, the vivoactive 5. We’ve previously given this ultra prime piece of machinery the top spots on our Best Fitness Trackers and Best Garmin Fitness Trackers roundups, so it’s high time it got the full spotlight treatment.
For this Garmin vivoactive 5 review, I’ll explore exactly what makes this fitness tracker such a great option for tracking your daily metrics, including all the nitty-gritty need-to-knows—like pairing and programming—to help you decide whether this is going to be your next big fitness purchase.
We’ve Tested Over 25 Wearable Fitness Trackers
The GGR product testers are a rare breed in that we blend our enthusiasm for all things fitness with the certifiable knowledge to back up our opinions. Our expert team consists of certified personal trainers, weightlifting and CrossFit Level 1 trainers, and even an Olympian thrown into the mix for good measure. We also use a custom fitness equipment testing methodology to rate and score all the products we try to keep you fully informed on the latest, greatest training technology.
For fitness trackers, like Garmin watches, we looked at specific criteria such as:
- Aesthetic: Does the tracker’s style mesh with your regular wardrobe, or does it look like a prop in a low-budget sci-fi film?
- Adjustability: How does it fit? Will it stay put during HIIT workouts?
- Tech capabilities: How easily does it pair with your smartphone? Can you receive push notifications or phone calls in real time?
- Value: We consider this one of the most important elements we look at. Does this product return on your investment?
Garmin Vivoactive 5
Garmin Vivoactive 5
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Available in 4 colors
- Over 30 sports apps and workouts
- Tracks pushes and built-in workouts for wheelchair users
- 11 days of battery life
Cons
- Affordable, but more expensive than other fitness trackers
- Can have a learning curve to new users
Bottom Line
Available in four different colors, the Garmin vivoactive 5 is one of their more affordable fitness trackers, costing just under $300. With a variety of sports apps and workouts available, the vivoactive 5 sets itself apart with built-in workouts and a push tracker for wheelchair users.
A Quick Look at the Garmin vivoactive 5
Garmin—a portmanteau of the founders’ names—has been making GPS trackers since the late ’80s. After decades creating military-grade wearables, they branched out into the world of sports watches with popular models like the Garmin Forerunner (tracking time, distance, and speed for your runs and walks) and the Garmin Fenix (a multisport GPS with a barometric altimeter for everything from swimming to rock climbing). The fifth iteration of the Garmin vivoactive model holds its own against general fitness and running watch competitors like Fitbit and Apple Watch with its connectivity and ability to easily pair with iOS and Android phones.
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Before You Buy
- The Garmin vivoactive 5 smartwatch boasts up to 11 days of battery life and comes with a USB-C fast-charging cable.
- The watch has four bezel colors to choose from (Slate, Metallic Orchid, Cream Gold, and Metallic Navy), and comes with a coordinating silicone watch band.
- It uses Bluetooth connectivity to pair with your iOS or Android apps and receive smart notifications. You can also access the Garmin Connect app and Garmin Pay, and stream music via Spotify, Deezer, or Amazon Music.
- The Garmin vivoactive 5 has an accessibility-friendly wheelchair mode, which allows wheelchair users to track their daily pushes and access custom sports apps and workouts.
- With the vivoactive 5, you’ll get a Morning Report with info such as the weather in your region, your personal sleep stats, and your heart rate variability. You also have the option to turn this feature off.
Is the Garmin vivoactive 5 Worth It?
At nearly $300 this isn’t the most budget-friendly fitness tracker, so I gave it a 4 out of 5 for the overall value. It’s about $100 more than most Fitbits but significantly less expensive than similar Apple Watches with comparable fitness and health tracking metrics. It’s certainly worth it if you prefer the sleek, monochromatic style of this watch and are dedicated to regular fitness tracking and taking advantage of the many features and programs available. This is my gentle way of saying you’ll get as much out of it as you are willing to put into it.
Great for:
- Fit-minded folks who want the ability to record standard metrics (e.g., heart rate monitoring, average daily steps, sleep tracking, etc.)
- Those who like to pair their watches to their phones and receive smart notifications in real time
- Users wanting to use the Body Battery technology to track their energy and stress levels
- Wheelchair users wishing to track their daily metrics, such as push revolutions
Not recommended for:
- Those who need a more budget-friendly option
- Users looking for a simpler interface with basic tracking
Garmin vivoactive 5 Specs
| Price | $299.99 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+, WiFi |
| Display | Bright 1.2” AMOLED touchscreen |
| GPS | Yes |
| Metrics tracked | Sleep, activity, energy levels, heart rate variability (HRV), wrist-based heart rate sensor, women’s health, mediation, breathing, hydration, stress levels, VO2 max |
| Water resistance | Swim, 5 ATM |
| Battery life | Up to 11 days in SmartWatch Mode |
| Programs | Garmin Connect App |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Color(s) | 4; Slate, Metallic Orchid, Cream Gold, Metallic Navy |
Setting Up the Garmin vivoactive 5
The Garmin was easy to set up straight out of the box. I’ve had difficulty pairing fitness trackers with my iPhone before, so I had my expectations set accordingly, but was pleasantly surprised when my Bluetooth picked up the watch right away and downloading the Garmin Connect app was a breeze. I was actually excited when my notifications started coming through the watch. The watch emits a slight “buzz” when you get a text or app notification, and you can pick and choose which apps you want to allow contact with.
Using the Garmin vivoactive 5
I experienced a slight learning curve, but after a little toggling around, using the watch—and knowing which buttons on the watch face to push—became easier. There’s so much to track that I had to keep reminding myself that I was in it for the long haul and could take my time discovering which programs and features matter the most for my health goals.
I know that most smart devices have a step tracker, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t my favorite feature. I especially enjoyed the celebratory graphics displayed when I surpassed my step goal for the day. I even said, “Thanks, Watch!”
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Design/Aesthetics
I chose the Metallic Orchid bezel—a gorgeous light purple—and was very impressed with the overall look and feel of the watch. I haven’t worn a watch since the days before cell phones (don’t try and guess my age) and was concerned that these massive, newfangled fitness watches would be too much for my dainty wrists.
The watch face itself has a 1.2-inch diameter AMOLED color display with a touchscreen and buttons along the right side. The resolution is bright, but not too bright, and easy to read for a near-sighted person like myself. However, there is an option to enlarge the font if needed. The home screen display is also simple enough with just the date and time. I’d wear this watch based on looks alone, so for that reason, I gave it a 4.5 out of 5.
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Adjustability
The watch is one piece with the bands attached, but they do have a quick-release function if you need to remove them. I was pleasantly surprised that the watch not only fit well—with the watch face not taking up too much wrist real estate—but was also comfortable and easy to adjust with 17 notches for a secure fit. I wore it around the fourth or fifth notch from the bezel, so I believe this will fit most wrists. The silicone polymer band formed to my wrist without rubbing or spinning around like a bangle when I moved. So, the vivoactive 5 gets a perfect score of 5 out of 5 from me in this category.
Tech Capabilities
There’s so much this watch can do that I had to pace myself to keep from feeling overwhelmed; as I’ve said before, I’m not very tech-savvy, but I want to be. Aside from standards like heart rate monitoring, GPS, and the convenience of not having to dig into your bag or pocket to check the time (a lost art), the vivoactive 5 has built-in dedication to better health and wellness through sleep and mental health monitoring.
The watch acts as your personal sleep coach and can calculate your sleep score to help you better understand your sleep cycle and how you can improve your overall sleep health (as well as your overall health1). And if you’re a lover of naps, the vivoactive 5’s nap detection logs your siestas to give you the ideal time of day and duration to aim for. I tried to test the sleep tracker myself but ended up taking the watch off after a few hours since I’m a side sleeper who tends to toss and turn, and it became a distraction.
As for pairing, the Garmin vivoactive 5 uses Bluetooth to connect to your smartphone and pair with your apps to send you notifications. I enjoyed the ability to unplug from my phone for a bit and let the watch run the show.
That’s just scratching the surface of what this gadget is capable of. You can also use it to log meditations and breathwork, hydration status, and several types of workouts from outdoor running to boxing and MMA fighting.
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Last, I’d like to point out the women’s health feature that helps track menstrual cycles and healthy weight gain during pregnancy. Pregnant people can even track their baby’s movements in utero or monitor blood glucose levels (if diagnosed with gestational diabetes).
With all this functionality literally at my fingertips, I rated the Garmin vivoactive 5 a 5 out of 5 for its tech capabilities.
My Experience With the Garmin vivoactive 5
I had an overall pleasant experience using this watch. My favorite part had to be the reminders to get up and move, which is necessary when you’re a regular desk jockey like myself. I also paid more attention to my stress levels and sought out moments of relaxation and recovery time throughout the day.
If I had one complaint, it would be that the silicone wristband tended to trap sweat underneath when I wore it during my daily NordicTrack S22i bike rides.
Community
We consider the community aspect of fitness tech very important, as it has been shown in studies2 to lead to more favorable outcomes for increasing your physical activity and accomplishing your goals. I was happy to give the vivoactive 5 a perfect score in this category. With the free Garmin Connect app, you’ll find a built-in fitness community where you can connect with others and share your fitness milestones, complete challenges, and earn shareable badges. You can even connect with a Garmin Coach to tailor a program to your specific goals—the plans and fees are unlocked when you seek out a coach.
Garmin vivoactive 5 vs Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Series 9
Product Highlights
- Pricing starts at $399
- 18-hour battery life
- Seamless integration with other Apple devices
- Tracks heart rate and steps
- Can track body temperature and energy expenditure
- Optional data plan available
- Added data unlocks calls and texts without your phone
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Tracks heart rate, body temperature, ECG readings, and more
- Stream music, calls, and texts with a data plan
- Works seamlessly with other Apple products
Cons
- Battery only lasts up to 18 hours
- Sensors don't work well with tattooed skin
- Not much different from previous models
Bottom Line
The Apple Watch Series 9 is a fantastic smart watch with integrated health and fitness tracking, especially for those who use other Apple products. The battery isn't very long, and the design hasn't changed much over the years, but this is a great choice for those who want a smartwatch that functions like a small iPhone.
Comparing a Garmin Watch to an Apple or a Samsung Galaxy Watch is a little unfair because the latter are tied to their smartphone brethren and, therefore, have more capabilities, like answering calls and text messages via the watch. This is something the Garmin vivoactive 5 can’t do. Like the vivoactive 5, the Apple Watch Series 9 also tracks your mental and physical health data and sleep, allows you to listen to downloaded content, and has a fast pay option (Apple Pay).
As for aesthetics, with the Series 9, you’ll have a little more variety to choose from and a rectangular watch face as opposed to Garmin’s circular bezel, so the choice here comes down to personal preference and budget.
RELATED: Fitness Tracker vs SmartWatch
| Garmin vivoactive 5 | Apple Watch 9 | |
| Price | $299.99 | $399; price varies depending on color/finish |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+, WiFi | Bluetooth, WiFi, LTE |
| Display | Bright 1.2” AMOLED display touchscreen | Always-On display Retina LTPO OLED |
| GPS tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Metrics tracked | Sleep, activity, energy levels, heart rate variability (HRV), wrist-based heart rate sensor, women’s health, mediation, breathing, hydration, stress levels, VO2max | Blood oxygen levels, heart rate, mental wellness, women’s health, mindfulness, sleep, temperature |
| Water resistance | Swim, 5 ATM | 50m water-resistant |
| Battery life | Up to 11 days in SmartWatch Mode | Up to 18 hours; up to 26 hours in low-power mode |
| Programs | Garmin Connect App, Connect IQ, 30+ preloaded GPS and indoor sports apps, wheelchair mode, workout creation | App connectivity |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1-year limited warranty, Apple Care option for about $3/month |
| Color(s) | 4; Slate, Metallic Orchid, Cream Gold, Metallic Navy | 5; Starlight, Midnight, Silver, Red, Pretty Pink |
Warranty and Returns
Garmin offers a full refund within 30 days of your purchase; otherwise, your watch is covered by a one-year warranty, earning it a 4.5 out of 5.
Ordering the Garmin vivoactive 5
Ordering the Garmin vivoactive was easy via the official website and I had the watch in my possession in about a week. You can also purchase this watch from Amazon and receive it even faster if you have Prime shipping. But, the prices fluctuate depending on the bezel color you choose.
Customer Reviews
Garmin doesn’t share customer reviews on their official website, but you can find nearly 3,000 reviews on Amazon, giving the vivoactive 5 a score of 4.4 in this category. Users love the look, feel, and functionality of the watch. Where it falls short for some is its connectivity and loss of phone pairing (something I fortunately didn’t experience on my end).
Final Verdict of Our Garmin vivoactive 5 Review
I don’t consider myself a watch person at all, but in my humble opinion, this is really one of the best smartwatches out there. After using the Garmin vivoactive 5 for several months, I’m sold. If you’re intimidated by too much tech—like me—you may find this smartwatch is a user-friendly gateway into regular health metric tracking. It’s also really nice to look at.
Consider the Garmin vivoactive 5 if:
- You seek a smartwatch capable of tracking several key health metrics, including heart rate variability, sleep health, stress levels, steps, and workouts
- You’re a wheelchair user who wants to track your pushes and activities
- You long for a simple interface with app connectivity
- You need the ability to track health metrics like menstruation and pregnancy milestones
Full Rating
Garmin vivoactive 5
The SOUNDBOKS Gen 3 has concert-level volume in a durable and splash-proof design. With instrument inputs, AUX connectivity, and Bluetooth, this speaker can do it all. This speaker, while portable, does weigh over 30 pounds, so this is something to consider before purchasing.
Product Brand: Garmin
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 299.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.5
Garmin vivoactive 5: FAQs
Can the vivoactive 5 answer calls?
The Garmin vivoactive 5 can notify you that you’re receiving a call, but you’ll need to use your phone to answer and speak to the caller.
Does vivoactive 5 measure blood pressure?
Not at present, though Garmin does sell the Index BPM Smart Blood Pressure monitor that measures blood pressure and tracks your stats in the Garmin Connect app.
Can I text on Garmin vivoactive 5?
If your watch is paired with your phone, you’ll get a notification when you receive a text and then have the ability to reply using a list of preselected messages. Otherwise, you’ll need to use your phone to text.
Does Garmin vivoactive 5 work well with iPhone?
I would answer yes to this question. I have an iPhone 11 and was able to pair the Garmin vivoactive 5 to my phone very quickly via Bluetooth.
References
- Harvard Medical School. (2021, October 1). Why sleep matters: Benefits of sleep. Sleep Medicine. https://sleep.hms.harvard.edu/education-training/public-education/sleep-and-health-education-program/sleep-health-education-41
- Sullivan AN, Lachman ME. Behavior Change with Fitness Technology in Sedentary Adults: A Review of the Evidence for Increasing Physical Activity. Front Public Health. 2017 Jan 11;4:289. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2016.00289. PMID: 28123997; PMCID: PMC5225122.
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