I've had a vivoactive 4 for years now and love it. The loss of the altimeter stinks but realistically it only tracked stairs for me and that's not something that's a concern in my house full of stairs. I'm the person who needs a "casual" fitness watch and this fits that pretty well. I'm very happy with my vivoactive 4 and will likely ask for the vivoactive 5 for Christmas.
My 4 died after a brief trip into the sea last week. Beyond annoyed but the timing works for a 5 upgrade - though yeah, the loss of the barometer is baffling and only discovered by me an hour ago after it turned up. I just didn't think they'd be removing features like that within a range.
Please make an in depth comparison between venu 3 vs vivoactive 5, it would be super helpful for people deciding between the 2 watches! I think another good Garmin to compare to both is the Instinct 2, besides the different screen type it has similar features and is priced in the middle of the vivoactive and venu.
I agree with venu and vivoactive, but the forerunner(especially 955) has many differences. I fell the 955 and the fenix should be one with having a plastic option
@@DylanTK for me the fenix/epix series is a combination between the Venu and Forerunner Series. These both a subsets of the epix/fenix. Forerunner with a sports Focus (2xx Light Version) and venu/va with a smartwatch/health Focus (vivoactive as a Light Version). A combination between the VA and FR2xx as a fenix/epix-light would be great on the other hand.
This watch seems like amazing value and a great choice for the more casually gym-go'er/runner/moderately active person, who thinks the price of the venu 3 is kinda steep, I like it! great review, thanks!
Yes absolutely. I stumbled on this watch and I am considering it more and more, and may in the end not get an Apple watch as I was supposed to initially.
I just bought the Vivoactive 5 because its one of the very few out on the market with a Wheelchair Mode. From what I've seen of other people with disabilities, Garmin's system is better than most of the competitors. I really hope that I can tweak the settings to match me, especially at this price point. For instance, my heart rate physiologically caps at 130, due to a damaged peripheral nervous system. I believe it can move with me to acknowledge that bit. It'll be interesting to see if it changes for energy expenditure accurately, seeing that most people don't have to bodily throw themselves out of bed. Your review has put some of my concerns to rest! Its nice to know that its as accurate as most other watches, or at least close enough to be effective. It took me a long while to finally decide to do this and only really to help monitor my general health. I don't expect perfection, just reminders and trackers. The music piece is actually a nice bonus as well.
I went deep with all kinds of reviews. I basically figured you have to pick a price range you are comfortable with first. Lots of the 500+ are just full of stuff you might not need. Personally I found the 255 which is $300 to $350 has all I need. Just think about what you need, not only what is on it. If you don't need it, get a lower model. You should pay for what you need.
Basically it's the same, though it looks a tad less expensive, has 3 days less battery life, no floors count and you can't speak with it like you're on the phone. Oh, and it's something like 150$ dollars less than the Venu 3. Now you can pick which one you fancy.
The larger Venu has a 1.4” screen. That’s the most significant difference for the typical Vivoactive/Venu user. The lack of altimetry in the Vivoactive makes it a non-starter for me. A shame, as all the previous generations had it. But if that’s not important, the VA5 is better than the Venu 1, cheaper and has a more vivid 1.2” screen , the same size as the original Venu.
My Vivoactive 4 has been steady and reliable, but I like these upgrades and the price works. I would really like the Venu 3 for ECG and ability to take calls.
17:35, yeah, same think im looking for a watch and is very hard to learn what doing all models to choose the best one for your pocket. Finally im stoped between: Venu 2 Plus, Forerunner 265, Vivoactive 5, Instinct 2 Solar and i still learn which is the best for me. But anyway any Garmin watches is good.
I got this watch for Xmas I love it is great comfortable I've had on 4days straight8 only took off for 5mins it's got so many great features on it I would recommend this watch for sure especially if your not tech savvy it's easy to use
Same. Was excited about the Vivo 5 until heading about the lack of altimeter. As a cyclist and mountain biker, altimeter was really important. I'll hold on to my Vivo 4 until it croaks then look elsewhere, I guess.
Agree. Garmin just swimming in their sea of watch models. Got tired of deciding on the next upgrade with Garmin and just switched to Pace 3 myself, just keep it simple.
3:38 I love these sort of comparison. If we can get these over more days, gives us a great understanding of these devices!! Thanks for sharing that. I really found that table SUPER insightful.
As discussed the other day on the Instinct 2 series: Eventually Garmin will realize they're just making things messy and potentially killing their own products with that many confusing watch series models and "unpredictable" features releases.
yep, they should stop wasting time and effort on so many different models and focus on a couple models with all the features combined. They would be king in the sport/smart watch sector, especially as Apple just can't rival the battery life.
I've got a long history of Garmin watches, and the Vivoactive/Venu bracket is where I pitched my camp some years ago. I still have a Vivoactive HR, a Vivoactive 3, a Venu and a Venu 2+. I'll probably pick up the Venu 3 in a month or two. I kind of got the parallel marketing of the MIP VA4 and the amoled Venu 2/2+; it echoed the relationship between the Fenix and Epix, and the FR255/265, and 955/965. But it's getting a bit ridiculous. I agree that Garmin needs a watch at the $299 point. They could have taken the opportunity to merge and rebrand the Vivoactive, Venu and Forerunner lines into a single product tree with SKUs at 199, 299, 399, 499 and 599, with clear and logical distinctions between the products and an aspirational route to upgrade. Instead, this is a mess!
As a current owner of a VA4, neither is the successor I was looking for. I'd basically like a FR255 with touch. Will stay on my VA4 for as long as it holds up....
I disagree. The Forerunner clearly is aimed at runners that want to prepare for competitions while venu and VA are for more casual users that want SmartWatch features
Really nice review. I have the vivoactive 4 for a year now, but after 2 weeks in the sea, it starts to act a little weird, with sometimes very slow charging, to fast drop in charge levels, to funny screens on restart. I assume this is because of the extended exposure to sea water. Hence I wanted to change the watch and get a casual watch (with touchscreen, Garmin Pay and open water swimming) and Vivoactive 5 seems to fit pretty well. I could figure this out because of your review, so thats a lot!! You are also totally write about crazy amount of models, doing very similar stuff and with different pricing etc. Videos like this one helps in deciding 👍
Couldn’t agree with you more. Garmin needs to streamline their watch models because trying to tell my customers why this watch is basically a Venu but cheaper and why is it cheaper is just so confusing for them and frankly for myself also.
Yeah. Where I am at, they are selling the Venu 2 for like 319€, while the Vivoactive 5 isn't even available yet and will cost 299€...Unless the price drops to like 249€, you are better of with Venu 2 while stock still lasts...
Great review, thank you. My vivoactive 3 music broke this weak after going to the indoor pool and I got myself the vivoactive 5. I hope it can withstand the water better. I also think Garmin should merge some of their watches but keep the price range. I've been using the vivoactive line for years now and they are good and also afordable.
I have a Vivoactive 4 and was looking to upgrade. It's really disappointing they removed the altimeter, it's basically makes tracking skiing/snowboarding useless and also no mic like the new Venu
@@moritztweber That's the plan now just disappointing to see features removed from the Vivoactive. I believe the 4 was $350 now the "replacement" is $450
@@moritztweberI don't need my watch to be a Bluetooth speaker when my phone can't be more than a couple of meters away. Also would have liked the VA line to stay on MIP, like Fenix vs. Epics. But the barometer is a feature that already was there
I understand Garmin wants a wacth at this price point and this feature set. But isn't this the Venu Sq's spot? In my mind that was the baby Venu. Garmin needs to consolidate all these different models. I work at a retail store and it's confusing for people wanting to buy their first watch and complicated for the person selling it. People will stand literally for an hour trying to figure out what they want or not even buy a Garmin at all. I think Coros is doing a much better job at this.
Not the watch I hoped for. Stay on MIP. Newer sensors. Hiking and open water swimming. Maybe daily training recommendations. That's what I wanted as a current VA4 owner. The VA5 should have been the "Venu 3 lite" or "LR" (like Light & Round", matching SQ for square)
Altimeter removal is a deal-breaker for me. Another exclusive feature I loved about the Vivoactive line was the Transflective memory-in-pixel display. It allowed for an always on display that was perfectly visible even without a backlight in normal lit rooms and daylight. It gave the feel of a traditional watch where you could glance at it and read information without it needing change states. Also the increased battery life is a huge plus. I don't need a high definition display on my watch if it means losing those features. It's a fitness tracker first and foremost for me, and Garmin's initial appeal for me was the absence of gimmicky smart watch features I can do more easily with my smartphone in my pocket. I'm disappointed and will be looking at other lines from Garmin.
The Vivoactive 5 is the slimmest Garmin watch, except for the fitness bands, so I bought one as addition to my FR965. As a ballroom dancer, I need something to wear under a tailcoat. I formerly had the Polar Ignite series (9,5mm), but after switching to Garmin I needed something similar and with 11,1mm, the VA5 is as close as one could get. As much as I love the Garmin ecosystem, not everyone needs extreme endurance in bulky watches. I would luckily trade half of the battery time for a watch
I’d love to know what your best watch recommendation would be for best bang for your buck? As someone who isn’t a runner but interested in other sports (climbing, skateboarding, snowboarding, hiking) which watch would be best suited that’s not at the highest price point?
Basically a Venu 2 with Venu 3 software unlocked (HRV, nap detection, mornig reports, etc) but with an aluminum bezel and one size only. They should just have updated the Venu 2 software. Disappointed with Garmin's exasperated fragmentation of their offer.
Would you please do a comparison video of the Vivoactive 5 and the Venu 3? It would be nice to know which features I wouldn't have if I went with this watch over the Venu 3.
As a newcomer to the wearable space I am also a bit confused by all the similar options. But I think it's also good that garmin offers consumers a budget version of the Venu 3 to forego the more advanced heart sensor and altimeter of the Venu 3 and save a lot of money. At least they are not doing a Fitbit and just drop the altimeter alltogether in the lastest model at that price point like with the Sense 2. From what I have seen in reviews so far, you will only really notice a difference between the Elevate 5 sensor and the older gen for HIIT or resistance training where the 4th gen lags a bit on heart frequency spikes. However, those lags don't seem to be dramatic enough on average bpm to really be a concern for an amateur and anyone serious enough to care about accuracy down a few bpm is just using a chest belt, no? I like to go bouldering so the altimeter of the Venu 3 would come in quite handy but on the other hand I think I don't want to wear a >350€ watch on my wrist for bouldering anyway...
Wow, im suprised how much off the sleep tracking is compared to the other devices at 3.37 - Its something thats really important to me and since my fenix7x got the same sensor it would mean its also completely off - fall asleep and wake-up times, yikes! Is this a hardware or software related issue to Garmin watches?
screen covered with light scratches after 3 days of use although the hardest objects it came in contact were bed sheets and clothes. it feels like it's covered with cheap plastic or just regular glass. otherwise great functionality and data
I so wish it had a barometer / altimeter. The only thing that almost made me upgrade to the Venu 3. But the price of the Vivoactive 5 is much more reasonable considering all the features it has.
Yesterday I received Suunto Vertical bought for 320 E. Great build quality watch. Today Amazon made me thinking as I reserved this Garmin for 225 E. Would you guys downgrade to Garmin model and save 95E? I know they are two completely different watches. I love sapphire glass and stainless steal of the Suunto. On the other hand I would love to have Garmin soft. Their functions and HR sensors are just much better.
Finally a VivoActive 5! I’ve had a VivoActive 3 and currently have a VivoActive 4, which is getting near the end of its life. Personally I would pay £450 for the Venu 3 and thought my next watch will probably be another VivoActive 4 or Apple Watch SE. The VivoActive 5 is priced well at £280 and could be my next watch. Only downside I can think of is, no altimeter sensor. Garmin have not long bought out challenges or expeditions, this watch would be no good for getting the climbing badges in Garmin Connect.
I have a Vivoactive 3 and was thinking I might upgrade to the 5 but good food for thought here. I am a walker, exerciser, swimmer and cycler but not particularly high level. I really liked knowing elevation increase but sort of recognized that on my watch, it was not highly accurate. On my bike, I often pair watch with an older Edge 800. As you can see, I have long term relationships with my electronics. Any how, I will take some time to decide between the Venu and Vivoactive. I also really like my watch face to be analog and to show a second hand and I will see if that's an option unless someone can just say here. Thanks for the review.
Thanks for this. Looking at getting the Vivoactive 5. I'm hearing some reports of crashing or freezing. Did you or your wife encounter anything like that? As to why this exists, I'm fairly new to Garmin watches (currently wearing a used Fenix 5x Plus that's on its last breath) but the functionality, look and price were all really attractive to me. I'm at the beginning of the use of these types of devices on my health journey and expect I'll upgrade in a few years. For now, this looks great to me.
I had a cardiac event a few months ago (died 3 times) and picked up a cheap watch to monitor my heart rate but when I say cheap I mean $19 so I think it's time to step up my game and have been waffling between this watch and the Samsung 6 and the Garmin Venue 3. I'm 65 so taking that into account and my "event" my extreme days are gone and consist mainly of Pickleball, hikes, walks and bike rides so this might work just fine,,,, thoughts?
I got one of these for me wife recently and she’s mystified by the features and the learning curve. Speaking for myself, I just want to know whether and/or when her heart stops!
Without the transflective mip display its a disappointment, thats what sold me on the active line, as someone who is actively outside and prefers that always on display.
I agree thay all those different watches are very confusing for customers. But also for Garmin. As they roll out updates to the watches, i noticed that they specs on the website are not updated timely or at all. For example, I have a Instinct 2s Solar which has Garmin pay on it, but last time i checked the website specs said it did not. A shame if that would be a deal breaker for someone.
Holy cow music for 299! And I tooooootally see its place in the lineup because now they really have polished, solid, strong offerings at literally every price point, save an ultra cheap option. Awesome video as always. Always watch yours first! Super super well organized and clear on differentiating aspects and benefits and features
What learned from Garmin watch release.. Wait until the end of year to decide what to get 😅😅 this actually maddnes.. Still very interesting Always enjoy reviews any who 👍😁
Same thing 😂 I know about Garmin's new releases from suddenly appearing video reviews of RU-vid bloggers:) Otherwise, how could I know about their releases... Garmin is definitely not an Apple in many dimensions 😂
Vivoactive 5 is better technologically but it has some features removed that he lists at 8:38. Forerunner 255 is not a good option if you want something significantly better than that VA4
I own a vivoactive 4 and while investigating the venus 3 this new vivoactive series came out. I dont get the different lines as they look too similar 🤷🏻♂️
Between this one and the last gen Venu 2S, which one would be a better choice ? I don't really mind not having altimeter. Sleep and activity / HR tracking is my main goal.
Great review and I concur I have no idea which watch to buy, add in the golf watches like the S70 which has so many lifestyle/sports features, should I buy the Epix or S70, or stick with the Fenix, it’s too hard and takes too much research
I was 2-year long user of VA4 and was perfectly satisfied with it, but time came to upgrade, so i am now on Fenix 7 SS, which brings me to the question; any insider info on adding Sleep Coach and Nap feature to fenix 7 range?
Ok so I was ALL IN until you said NO ECG... Darn.. I am looking for more health tracking like BP, ECG, Pedometer, Sleep quality, HRV etc.... What are you folks out there using these days that you could recommend for men?
I don't understand why Garmin decides to compartmentalize their watch development teams. It is frustrating when these watches get featured the $1000 watches don't get even though the hardware supports it
Any tips for GPS not working any more on the vivoactive 4s? I’ve already tried updating, resetting and restarting both phone and watch. Also tried keeping the watching searching for gps.
i think the aluminium bezel is nice, but the rest of it being relatively cheap plastic for 299 seems a bit odd to me. added to it is that rather sizable bezel
Hello, can you please tell me if the watch shows resting calories? Also, does it calculate how many calories have been burned by monitoring heart rate or by counting footsteps? Thank you!
Thanks for the review. This is falling behind the Coros Pace 3 IMHO, despite the good looks and the vibrant screen. Plus, I'm with you in that the Garmin portfolio is really confusing. Do any of the Venu or Vivoactive watches support suggested workouts? Those would be neat to get people into running. Two of my buddies got the Venu 2 recently and get into running. Yet, they struggle to find a good structure. I told them to simply follow the suggested workouts (I knew those from my Forerunner 55) and we were surprised to see that neither the Venu nor the Vivoactive line support suggested workouts (according to the Garmin website). Why would you strap that budget watch (its on the Forerunner 55 and 245!) feature, which clearly helps beginners in fitness watches which target people getting into sports? At this point, Garmins gamification of health stats is nice, but the Pace 3 is a lot more well rounded.
The Forerunners are sportswatches whereas the VA/Venus are smartwatches with an Focus on Fitness. Garmin cripples its Software in both directions. Only the flagships eventually get everything. But for them you have to pay more. But Yeah you can hate garmin for These dicisions. An alternative on VA/Venu are the garmin coaches.
I'm interested in buying a Garmin sport/smartwatch. I exercise daily, do crossfit 3 times a week, I run regularly and like to go surfing. Anyone have an idea which Garmin would suit me best? I also like to keep the design elegant on my wrist. Thanks !!
Im considering picking this up for my wife. Im torn between the Vivoactive 5 and the Venu 2 Plus, as currently they are approximately the same price. She already has an Oura ring gen 3 for sleep and HRV tracking, the watch would primarily be for tracking running, cycling and gym workouts. The build quality of the Venu 2 Plus looks slightly better (tougher) and it has an ECG functionality. Other then that the Vivoactive 5 looks like it has more bells and whistles. Does anyone have any thoughts on either model?
Will this watch pair with an indoor trainer? Im having trouble connecting mine to my trainer and am wondering if i would have the same issue with a venu 3 or higher watch
Can you please help me. I've been looking for months for an entry-level fitness, smartwatch. This watch appeals to me but as you say, there is so much to choose from.
Does it use your resting heart rate that it measures when calculating Active Minutes or does it still make Active Minutes too easy to get if one happens to have a resting heart rate higher than 60bpm?
I'm sure Garmin has some business reason for having so many similar models, but to me anyway it would make more sense to have 3. One for the budget fitness enthusiasts, one for a mid-range price point, and then of course a premium price point. Would be a lot less intimidating and confusing for those looking into Garmin watches, while simultaneously giving everyone options for their budget/preferred feature set.
I wanted Vivoactive 5 to be released so much but no MIP no buy. Should buy FR255 instead as it seems to be last one with a good screen. Amoled is nice but I hated that most on my dead venu 1 - always screen powering up when driving cars, any movement of hand might have power it up. MIP is better for me and garmin is killing it :/.
Can someone tell me if the vivoactive 5 is water proof and flour proof. I'm a pizza chef and wondering if I can where it while getting covered in flour etc and am I able to swim with it. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
