Garmin Vivoactive 5 Review: Features, Performance & Is It Worth Buying in 2025?
Looking for a smartwatch that combines a sleek design with fitness tracking? The Garmin Vivoactive 5 smartwatch is a great watch to go with it. It’s not just another gadget on your wrist, it’s your personal fitness coach, health tracker, and daily assistant all in one sleek package.
As a fitness enthusiast, I have tested it and found its balance of features impressive. If you are figuring out whether you should buy it or not, then this blog is for you.
In this guide, I will review the Garmin Vivoactive 5 smartwatch and how it balances fitness and function. I also cover its specs, design, performance, and more, helping you decide if it’s right for you or not.
So let’s start.
Garmin Vivoactive 5 Smartwatch Overview
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 smartwatch was launched in September 2023, targeting fitness and daily use. It is part of Garmin’s entry-level lineup, offering a 1.2-inch AMOLED display and an Elevate Gen 4 sensor. It’s designed for health tracking and sports. It has versatile features, such as Sleep Coach and 30+ sports profiles.
This smartwatch is priced at $199.77 on Amazon. In simple terms, you can say that it’s affordable compared to premium models. This watch suits active individuals seeking value.
- Launch: September 2023
- Price: $299.99
- Sensor: Elevate Gen 4
- Display: 1.2-inch AMOLED
- Focus: Health and fitness
Pros and Cons of Garmin Vivoactive 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Bright, vibrant AMOLED display | No barometric altimeter |
| Long battery life up to 11 days | Heart‑rate sensor is older (not “latest gen”) |
| Comprehensive fitness & health tracking | Can’t take a call |
| Reliable GPS tracking and good support. | |
| Lightweight, comfortable design good for everyday wear or workouts. |
Garmin Vivoactive 5 Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 1.3-inch AMOLED, 416 x 416 pixels |
| Battery Life | Up to 11 days |
| GPS | Built-in GPS, GLONASS, Galileo |
| Sensors | Heart rate, SpO2, Sleep, Stress, Accelerometer, Compass |
| Fitness Tracking | Steps, Calories, Distance, Workouts, VO2 Max |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM (swim-friendly) |
| Smart Features | Notifications, Music control, Garmin Pay |
| Compatibility | iOS & Android |
| Weight | 36 grams |
Garmin Vivoactive 5 Key Features
Here is a look at Garmin Vivoactive 5 key features to know whether it fits your needs or not.
1. Design and Build
The Vivoactive 5 features a 42mm fibre-reinforced polymer case. It weighs 36 grams with the band and 23 grams without the band, perfect for all-day wear.
The aluminium bezel adds a modern touch, as it’s 11.1mm thick, making it comfortable and durable. The chemically strengthened glass lens resists scratches well. It is available in Slate, Metallic Powder Grey, and Cream Gold, offering great versatility for various styles and occasions.
Key Design Features
- Case: 42.2mm fibre-reinforced polymer
- Bezel: Aluminium
- Lens: Chemically strengthened glass
- Thickness: 11.1mm
- Weight: 36g
2. Display
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 smartwatch features a 1.2-inch AMOLED display. Most of the users enjoy its vibrant colours, as a big upgrade from older MIP screens. This screen features a 390 x 390-pixel resolution, providing sharp and clear visuals. It also features an always-on mode with auto-brightness.
The responsive touchscreen makes navigation easy, and this display enhances both fitness tracking and daily notifications.
Display Highlights
- Size: 1.2-inch AMOLED
- Resolution: 390 x 390 pixels
- Always-On: Yes
- Brightness: Auto-adjust
- Touch: Responsive
3. Performance and Software
The Vivoactive 5 is powered by the Elevate Gen 4 heart rate sensor. It accurately tracks runs and workouts using HRV status insights. Its GNSS supports GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo, which is ideal for outdoor activities.
You can create interval workouts directly on the watch, a standout feature. The Garmin OS includes Sleep Coach and nap detection, and that helps a lot in motivating my routine. This software effectively balances fitness and lifestyle needs.
Performance Specs
- Sensor: Elevate Gen 4 HR
- GNSS: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
- OS: Garmin OS
- Features: Sleep Coach, HRV
- Memory: 8GB
4. Battery and Charging
Vivoactive 5 delivers up to 11 days in smartwatch mode. I have managed 8-10 days, with the always-on display active. And interestingly, its GPS mode lasts 17-21 hours, with wireless charging compatibility.
You can charge it overnight as it charges quickly and conveniently. Keep in mind that battery timing is very important, and its battery saver mode extends to 21 days, which is perfect for travel. This endurance supports an active lifestyle without constant recharging.
Battery Details
- Smartwatch: Up to 11 days
- GPS: Up to 21 hours
- Always-On: Up to 5 days
- Charging: Wireless
- Saver Mode: Up to 21 days
5. Health and Fitness Tracking
Vivoactive 5 excels in health monitoring. You can use Sleep Coach to improve rest patterns, but its Nap detection tracks short sleeps, and that helps you in aiding recovery more than that coach. HRV status offers stress insights.
It monitors heart rate during yoga with impressive accuracy. The Body Battery feature guides energy levels, and this focus makes it a fitness companion for all levels.
Tracking Features
- Nap Detection: Tracks naps
- HRV Status: Measures stress
- Body Battery: Tracks energy
- Sports Profiles: 30+ options
6. Connectivity and Smart Features
The Vivoactive 5 smartwatch supports Garmin Pay for contactless payments. NFC enables this, and it syncs with phones through Bluetooth, which I have found for notifications.
However, it allows text messaging, but you can’t receive calls because it does not have a speaker. The 8GB storage holds music for offline playback, and this connectivity enhances daily use.
Smart Capabilities
- Garmin Pay: Contactless payments
- NFC: Enabled
- Bluetooth: Syncs with phone
- Storage: 8GB music
- Notifications: Texts and calls
7. User Experience and Customization
This smartwatch also offers a user-friendly interface. You can customize watch faces to match my style. The two-button design simplifies workouts, and the touchscreen is intuitive.
Also, you can adjust settings for brightness and notifications. The lightweight build feels unintrusive, and this experience suits beginners and pros alike.
User Customization
- Watch Faces: Customizable
- Buttons: Two-button layout
- Touchscreen: Responsive
- Settings: Adjustable
- Comfort: Lightweight
Is Garmin Vivoactive 5 Worth Buying?
In short, yes! But here are two types of user considerations.
If you want a reliable, no‑frills smartwatch that does a good job of tracking workouts, steps, heart‑rate, sleep, stress and general health metrics, and lasts days on a single charge, Vivoactive 5 delivers. Its bright AMOLED screen, solid GPS, and support for 30+ sport modes make it a great companion for everyday fitness and lifestyle tracking.
That said, if you’re expecting premium smartwatch features like a barometric altimeter, on‑wrist calls, or advanced training data (ECG, detailed training‑load metrics, or pro‑level performance analytics), you’ll likely feel limited. For an “all‑in‑one smartwatch + fitness tracker,” it’s a smart, balanced buy — but for full “flagship smartwatch” power, it’s more of a middle-of-the-road option.
If you’re still unsure which smartwatch fits your needs best, check out this detailed comparison between Garmin and Fitbit to see how they stack up: Garmin vs Fitbit.”
Final Words
Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a smartwatch that balances fitness tracking and everyday functionality. Its stunning 1.2-inch AMOLED display effectively brings fitness tracking to the next level. And these enhancements are guaranteed because they pair with the Elevate Gen 4 heart rate sensor.
It has multiple effective features, but Sleep Coach is the most praiseworthy feature, which helped improve sleep quality. It features a battery life of up to 11 days and a price of $299.99, offering fantastic value for anyone serious about their health and fitness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the battery life of Garmin Vivoactive 5?
The Vivoactive 5 can last up to 7–11 days in smartwatch mode, depending on usage, and around 8–10 hours with continuous GPS tracking.
Does it have built-in GPS?
Yes, it features built-in GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo for accurate tracking of outdoor activities like running, cycling, and hiking.
Is Garmin Vivoactive 5 suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Its simple interface, guided workouts, and easy tracking make it ideal for both beginners and fitness enthusiasts.
How does it compare to other Garmin watches?
It’s a mid-range option, offering more features than basic models like the Vivosmart, but not as advanced as high-end watches like the Garmin Fenix series. It’s perfect for those who want fitness + daily smartwatch features without overspending.
