There are a lot of tools out there that people use to keep track of their fitness. But maybe the most popular is a good fitness tracker. There are a lot of companies out there that have capitalized on this popularity and have designed trackers with a plethora of features. One of the most reputable companies is Garmin.
For those out there that have been looking at Garmin fitness trackers, we thought it might be helpful to look at some of the best models out there. So without further ado, let’s take a look at what these models have on offer for you and your health.
Comparison Chart
Garmin Fitness Tracker Reviews
Vivosmart 5
The first Garmin fitness tracker on the list is the Vivosmart 5, with a touchscreen capability and many other features that make it an excellent option for those looking to keep track of their health throughout the day.
Review
This tracker has a user-friendly interface and a comfortable design for improved performance. The unit is designed with features intended to help anyone looking to improve their health be able to monitor issues like sleep and hydration. With the fitness tracker comes not only the tracker itself but also a USB power cable and a quick start guide so one can get started immediately.
The overall design of this fitness tracker is just excellent and comes with a wealth of different features one could rave about. But maybe the biggest thing about this unit is the inclusion of several all-day heart rate monitoring systems, a sleep quality feature, and built-in sports activity profiles.
Along with these, the unit is designed using a high-quality battery so that there is extended life when it comes to usage. It automatically tracks select activities and is designed with emergency assistant features, giving it an all-around high-quality performance.
But even with that, some might find a few issues detract from the overall performance. The biggest of these is the lack of a built-in GPS. Though there are capabilities via the app, there is no built-in GPS which may lead to less accuracy. Also, for those looking for a one-stop-fits-all fitness tracker, there are no contactless payment capabilities featured in this model.
Even with those few issues, this is a unit that has a wealth of benefits that anyone who is into tracking their fitness progress can take advantage of. The extended battery life and the unit’s accuracy allow one to adjust their fitness routine to have the best results possible.
Pros
- Outfitted with amazing features like an all-day heart rate
- High-quality battery for extended life
- Automatic tracking of select activities
- Designed with several emergency assistant features
Cons
- Unit is not designed with a built-in GPS
- Not outfitted with contactless payment capabilities
Vivosmart HR
The next fitness tracker is an activity tracker that is outfitted with a wealth of amazing features that will improve one’s overall health. On top of that, it can be used during many different activities, giving it a lot of versatility.
Review
This Garmin product is outfitted with a ton of features and designed with a sleeker frame for a less intrusive fitness tracker. It is crafted with a thin band and a well-defined monitoring screen which is a touch screen. The tracker is designed as the proprietary app for Garmin and comes with the ability to store information and can be used in water-based sports.
This more streamlined tracker comes with a ton of features that really make it stand out from the rest of the crowd. It is designed with a typical heart rate monitoring system that gives it a very good accuracy and allows for optimal tracking. The clear and crisp display makes it easy to read, and the band is comfortable to wear. It is also crafted to be waterproof, so an individual can actually utilize the tracker during water activities. On top of that, it can be paired with any smartphone so that one never misses a notification.
That being said, there are a few things that could be improved with this model. Many find the actual setup and app a little difficult to use. Also, while it is nice to receive notifications, unfortunately, this unit is not designed to allow one to interact with them.
Though it does have a difficult setup and the app itself can be hard to use, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages. Its ability to monitor multiple statistics and pairing capability make this option a great investment.
Pros
- The unit offers a very accurate heart rate monitoring system
- Designed with a comfortable and waterproof build
- Display is clear and easy to read
- Able to pair with a smartphone to receive notifications
Cons
- Some find the setup of an app difficult to use
- Unable to interact with smartphone notifications
Vivosmart 4
Available in multiple colors, this Vivosmart 4 fitness tracker provides accuracy intended to help focus one’s attention on their goal.
Review
Not only is this a well-designed fitness tracker, but it is also aesthetically pleasing. It is crafted with a sleek band with metal accents, making it a great tool for fitness and almost any outfit. The unit also offers plenty of other wonderful features, along with a wide range of fitness and health monitoring capabilities.
Among these features that help this particular Garmin model stand out is its ability to accurately measure sleep and blood oxygen levels. Being able to do this allows one to know what fitness levels they want to focus on. The battery in the unit is also a premium grade one, allowing for multiple days of use on just one charge. All of this is wrapped up in a system that offers super accuracy for improved health performance and a sleek package that makes it look good.
Though many features and sleek design attributes are attached to this model, there are still a few things that should be addressed before any final decisions are made. This unit is outfitted with a touch screen display, but its responsiveness seems to lack a little bit. To keep it charged, one will only be able to use Garmin’s proprietary option, slightly reducing its usability.
Responsiveness and versatility aside, the tracker is designed for usability. A long battery life and high-quality features give the user a lot of ability to track their health metrics. This makes it great for individuals who need help due to extenuating health reasons.
Pros
- The unit features the capability to measure sleep, stress, and blood oxygen levels
- Aesthetically pleasing and sleek design
- Able to be used for multiple days on a single charge
- Accuracy makes it optimal for improved health performance
Cons
- Some find the touch screen to be less than responsive
- Only able to be used with Garmin’s charger
Vivofit 2
This next model is a good option for anyone looking for a smaller and simpler activity tracker. It comes with all the features an individual wants and is simple to use, making it perfect for anyone from a new user to an experienced user.
Review
This tracker is crafted using high-quality materials so that it is durable and offers an excellent level of performance. A simple design is programmed with features like auto sync (which allows one to pair it with multiple smart devices) and a continually backlit screen. These are just a few features that make this unit one of the best fitness trackers on the market today.
The other features that really make this unit a top-notch choice are the step counting capability and the waterproof design. The waterproof capability allows an individual the ability to track their progress when they are engaged in water activities. Along with this, the unit offers an extended battery life. Some might also find the ability to change out bands is an excellent benefit.
Unfortunately, the unit is far from perfect. In fact, many feel that though it is nice to look at and easy to use, it is not as comfortable as other options available. Also, the app itself does not offer as many health statistics as other models, which might be an issue for some.
Though this unit may not be as inundated with special features, that doesn’t make it a bad option. In fact, for those looking for simplicity, this unit has that in spades.
Pros
- Designed to have a yearlong battery life
- Excellent accuracy when it comes to step counting
- Crafted to be waterproof up to 5 meters
- The unit allows for changing out of bands so one can make it customized to the wearer’s color liking
Cons
- Some feel that the app doesn’t have as many information analysis capabilities
- Issues with the comfortability of where
Vivofit 4
The last tracker on the list is a newer version of the Vivofit 2. This model comes with an updated display and a lot of amazing features that will serve anyone well if they are worried about their physical health.
Review
This unit is designed with lightweight material and an easy-to-read display. The lightweight material allows for more comfort when wearing it and the sleek design allows it to be easily paired with whatever the person is wearing for the day. The unit utilizes two SR43 replaceable batteries that give it a long life without charging. It’s also outfitted with a wealth of different features that allow one to track important fitness metrics.
All in all, this is a very simply designed unit that offers so much. Maybe one of the best features is that it has an excellent, always-on display. This allows an individual to be able to see and track their metrics easier without fear of unreadability.
Along with that, it is outfitted with those two replaceable batteries that give it the ability to have up to a year of battery life with no charging. This means that the wearer never has to worry about it and will always be there for them. On top of that, it is also outfitted with the ability to work with other trackers. All of these features together give it a value unlike any of its competition. This, of course, makes it an excellent investment for just about anyone.
Though there are plenty of features that one can really rave about regarding this model, some things need serious updating. The unit is not fitted with a heart rate monitor on a performance level. Though one can track their steps, calories, and sleep, the heart rate monitoring system is not present. This is a big deal for any individual that is looking to hone in on their health. The last major issue comes from comfort and aesthetics. The band itself is actually quite thick, and some have found it very uncomfortable. On top of that, the thickness of the band often leads to an un-aesthetically pleasing look.
Both of these issues could be problems for some, but when looking at the tracker’s overall value, it’s clear that this is a great investment. After all, the features more than make up for the looks.
Pros
- Comes with an always-on display
- A user-friendly app that works with ANT+ trackers
- Long life when it comes to the charge of battery
- Price versus value is better than most of its competition
Cons
- The strap is a little thick and not appealing
- Not outfitted with a heart rate sensor
Final Thoughts
Having a high-quality fitness tracker can mean the difference between not achieving one’s goals and having remarkable results when it comes to their health. Garmin is a great company with a wealth of different models that one can choose from. Each of them has its own unique advantages and disadvantages.
The models we looked at above are good for any individual, regardless of their fitness tracker experience level. Hopefully, our in-depth look at some of the best Garmin fitness tracker models has helped those out there looking for the right fit for them.