Garmin
Vivoactive 5 Smartwatch

I have been using this for about a month now. The heart rate seems to be accurate. I also like other functions such the sleep monitor, daily report, gps tracking, and swim lap counter. I do have an issue with the swim lap counter not recording when using the kick board without arm stroke activity. It does not record laps with this activity. Is there a setting for this? I am not sure.

It's been a month and my band just broke at dinner. Frustrating to spend so much on such questionable quality.

I was given this as a Mother's Day present. I like it a lot, but it does need to be synced daily with the phone and it does disconnect a little too much.

It is a pain to try to get it to reconnect.

I had a VivoActive 3 that finally gave up the ghost so I ordered the Ne 5 model. Veryn happy I did as I really enjoy the added features but it works even better for the sports i do. Cycling, Swimming, and hiking.

I love the watch and the thing I like the most is that the battery lasts about 10 days, I definitely recommend it.

Where is the serial number?

After I'm done running and press the A button to stop and save my data, it doesn't recognize that I pressed the button. How do I fix it?

Also, it takes a long time to get the GPS signal. My very old Vivo watch was much faster. How do I fix it?

Excellent watch - great features and layout but having the sleep mode automatically turn on and turn off is extremely inconvenient and annoying. This has been captured for years in forums and blogs and Garmin you need to change it.

Same changes between vivoactive 3 and 5 don't like. Don't have barometer? I don't have in my options. Can't count floors

I really like the energy level and sleep information. Honestly I've had it two weeks and am still learning about all the features. The online manual is very helpful.

the watch is relatively easy to navigate through the apps.

Rapid recharge.

Looks good . Disappointed I have to buy a different cable to charge it or charger with small adapter.

I really like the Garmin vivoactive 5's touch screen round design and vibrant colors. Changing the watch band is very easy. The sleep tracker is so easy to use! The heart rate measurements capabilities are well thought out.

The battery lasts many times longer than my previous (other brand) smartwatch thus alleviating the stress of remembering to charge the watch. The charging time is minimal.

The Garmin watch synchronizes nicely with Cronometer which I use for my food diary.

I'm an IT person so I'm enjoying using the Garmin Express and Garmin Connect apps. They provide plenty of stats / graphical information thus allowing me to fine tune my health goals. I've only had this smartwatch a short time and I'm looking forward to learning more about it.

I bought the Vivoactive 5 several weeks ago. I was replacing my Legacy Series Rey (I wish they had not discontinued the Star Wars themed watches.), which was losing battery pretty quickly. I love the new screen on this and all of the colors. I can see it inside and outside in the sun just fine. I also love that they added open water swimming to it. I pool swim, but in the summer train outside as well for open water swims. This was a nice addition. There are a ton of workout options to choose from and I really like the lighter weight of the watch. I also like the low battery sleep mode it changes to when sleeping. The wrist movement doesn't turn the watch face on and wake me up, and it replaces the watch face with a screen I can see without my glasses and is very low light. I also like the morning report and the sleep coach features. I don't know if it tracks sleep 100% but when I have had some restless nights, it seems to know it. It also has two font sizes (I chose the larger font) that make it easier for me to read a notification if I don't have my glasses on. I have an iPhone so unfortunately I can't use the text respond feature, but that isn't Garmin's fault. The wrist wakeup is a little laggy at times, but works most of the time.The only thing it is missing is an altimeter, which was on the Vivoactive Rey (4s). I can live with that feature not being there, as there are so many other great features for a really good price. I would say that for what you get, this is a great smart watch for the $299 price. I can't wait to try it out on my bike and doing some hiking and long walks as well.

Works well for my needs (60 year old, biking and hiking mostly). Informative features like sleep tracking and heart rate. I like that I can edit the activities and apps that I use the most. The battery doesn't last as long as I was expecting, but it's still good. I bought some replacement bands because I don't like the silicone; switching them out is easy. The mileage tracking seems pretty accurate when I compare it to other tracking apps or known distances. I like that I was able to connect my Spotify account so I could listen to music. The Garmin Connect app is really nice. I'm pleased with my purchase

My first smart watch was a Garmin 10 years ago and then I went to the competitor that I thought had more advanced features. Not so any more! I'm very happy with this Garmin Vivoactive 5--the steps, sleep score, heart beat, and all the other data that syncs with my phone via Garmin connect really beats the competition. While the other big names were resting on their perceived reputation, Garmin was out researching and out developing the competitors.. Eleven day battery support--and to think, one of Garmin's competitors is bragging about 22 hours. I've had this watch for a couple of weeks and still learning additional features but I highly recommend it..

BUT, it's not intuitive. I can't get to features I want and their I'd no giving manual or instructions. Instructions I be do find on the Web seem to be different models

I got this watch a few weeks ago and have really enjoyed the features on it, there are a lot that I haven't used yet that I'm looking forward to using. The only complaint I have is that the second week I had it it randomly turned off and I couldn't get it back on for awhile. I looked online and a lot of people were stating they had this same issue with this model even though it was new for them. I haven't had it happen again so far and I hoping it doesn't happen again but it's definitely a bug. I love it otherwise, it's a great size for my wrist and has all the features of a smartwatch you could want but has a nice simple look so it's not bulky and I feel like it looks good to wear any time/occasion.

I used garmin for 6 years and I upgraded my watch, no regrets at all!

I bought my Vivoactive 5 a few weeks ago. I've worn a watch my entire life, but not a "smartwatch". I've had GPS watches that I bought for exercising, but never used them as a day to day watch. I'm enjoying my purchase.

The main reason I bought the watch was for running. The ability to download music and listen without carrying my phone combine with Garmin's top of the line GPS were important in my decision. I also realized this might replace my Garmin S42 golf watch.

I've enjoyed the ease of changing watch face designs via the IQ app. I still haven't gone for a run or played golf with the new watch, but will explore both this week.

So far, a versatile, economical watch with a lot of potential. I'm happy with my purchase.

Still getting use to. Used Fitbit for 5 years.

I am happy so far

I came from a vivoactiv 4. I like the 5th version with the OLED screen! Very dynamic and feels better than the last. My only gripe is that altitude is measured with GPS not a tue altimeter.

I bought this a month ago and really glad I did. Amazing battery life, gives reminders to stretch, GPS enabled. At first it was having some trouble picking up on my walks vs bike trips, but it's learned now.

Got my watch as a gift from my sons and I live the watch because it is so easy to see day and night! Also love the work out options!

I had the Instinct Camo before this and got tired of the plain gray/black/white. Besides the colors, I like the swipe feature for viewing steps etc, the timer, and the wide variety of watch faces I find right on the watch.

I upgraded from vivoactive3 and the improvements are impressive. Great resolution, better performing activities.

This is my 5th Garmin watch and all was well until this weekend when a bug in the software (not sure if it's the watch or the Garmin Connect App) meant the only way I could get back in action was too completely wipe all my data. I've lost 3 years of stats. Besides that, the watch is good value for money. Great features, decent battery life and is comfortable.

I really like this smart watch. It is very functional and has good build quality. I wear it all day long, and the battery does not need to be charged for several days. I also like the ability to connect to a smart phone using the Garmin app. I would highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a versatile smart watch that can be used for a wide variety of purposes.

I have had practically every fitness watch on the market-FitBit, Polar, Galaxy, etc. My Polar cracked so I compared many brands. The Vivoactive 5 checked all the boxes so I pulled the trigger. I am SO happy I did. The features are all there and it was very easy to get comfortable with how it works. Bonus for the variety of bands and watch faces.

I have been using my Vivoactive 5 now for a little less than a month. I had previously purchased various cheap fitness watches to use as a step counter, but they all broke after a few months of wear. My Husband's colleague suggested this watch, and so we both decided to give it a try.

Overall, I would recommend this watch to anyone who is looking to get more from their health and wellbeing. Besides cheap fitness watches, I have not owned a watch to this caliber, so I can't compare it to other watches of its kind, but here's my overall thoughts:

PROS

- This watch does a great job at motivating me to MOVE. I've literally put off going to bed to make sure I reach my step count and find that I'm more active than ever before.

- Being able to customize your strength training workouts through the watch is a game changer. I love that I don't need to carry my phone around the gym to track what I'm doing.

- I love that it's waterproof and that I can track my laps while swimming. (See notes regarding swimming under cons, too).

- The band is comfortable and isn't distracting or anything (as opposed to previous watches I've had), and the lilac color is nice and not as stand out as a black band.

- The body battery and sleep score are a nice touch - we're constantly asking each other what the others is at. It's also helped me realize how awful my body reacts and sleeps when I drink.

CONS

- When swimming, I've noticed that the tracking isn't 100% perfect. If I'm swimming free style at a fast pace, it's fine, but if I want to casually swim during a cool down it typically counts my meters as farther than I've gone. Not a total issue, just not a perfect forecast. Additionally, not being able to customize swim workouts is a bit of a bummer, but again not the end of the world.

- As someone who's not technologically advanced, I feel there could be better tutorials or deep dives into how to use it. I had a really hard time connecting my Spotify account, as well as understanding how to create a workout (once I figured it out it's super easy, but my Husband and I both put our workouts in incorrectly at first because there isn't much explanation about how to use it).

Opportunity for Improvement

- Would love to see an additional work out option for aerial yoga.

- The challenges are great. I feel there's an opportunity to make the weekly challenge for steps against others more competitive/like a game. I'm not sure that would be useful to all, but I feel like it would help incentivize me to walk event more!

- Would highly recommend purchasing a screen protector for your watch as well, easy to scratch.

I have had the watch about a month. The learning curve took me a few days. What helped me was Utube.

I have had my watch for a week and am highly impressed. The watch is very lightweight and feels very comfortable on my tiny wrist. The graphics are amazing and easy to read. I did an indoor marathon and my previous watch did not accurately measure the laps but this one did! I love the new features compared to the old one. I am still getting used to the functions as it does work slightly different but this is an improvement as the Vivoactive 3 sometimes did weird things at night due to the touchscreen feature. I originally charged the watch to full power and it seriously will last a week which will be great for weekend trips. I haven't explored any additional features such as triathlons on it but I am sure with the activity readings I won't be disappointed. Thank you Garmin!

This was a replacement of my Vivoactive 4 which quit on me. I loved the 4 and love the 5 even more. I love that I can track my meditations, I also like the more indepth sleep report. I especially love the readability oh the screen and how much easier it is to access settings for my activities. Thank you Garmin.

Two weeks into my first smartwatch and it's been great! Easy to use, comfortable and durable so far. Does exactly what I need it to do, plus the additional golf app features are a bonus!

I switched from a Fitbit to the Garmin vivo5 and wished I did it sooner. It's a great watch. Easy to use and stats are simple.

The only feature I would have appreciated is the workout options. I would add just a basic workout feature or cross training for those that do mixed training such as strength and conditioning.

This watch is so functional and has allowed me to become more proactive with my health. I enjoy all of the features, and it is so handy in my everyday life! I would absolutely recommend it!

I bought this in hopes to replace my Apple Watch and keep some features like text notifications and so far I have not received any.

Love this watch. Took awhile to find the perfect one. Needed a watch for casual fitness and some smartwatch features. It strikes the perfect balance between smart and fitness watch features. Love the sleep tracker.

I absolutely love this watch, I would give it 5 stars but the screen locks up frequently. I had one prior and it was doing it so we sent it back and I got a new one on the 9th. It locked up 3x in the first 24 hrs. It has done it 3 more times since. Once for well over an hour. The watch still counts steps while it's locked up but vibrates a lot so I have no clue what it is doing. It once sent out the emergency alert while locked up and I couldn't shut it off. Other than this I love the watch. I wish it had a hike function. I love the stats it gives me after a run and how it breaks them down. I love the night time mode.

It's the best smart watch I've ever bought. All of my nursing friends have them, I run everyday with it. So I use for work and regular workouts.

I'm so glad I bought this watch!! Links directly to the app so that I can track my steps.

I've had a vivoactive 4 for ~4years and love it

I recently decided to upgrade to the 5 about 2 weeks ago. I wish the size was bigger, like the 4, but I've gotten used to it. The graphics are outstanding and I enjoy many of the other new functions. However, there is a SETIOUS, FATAL flaw. The "Naps" function is GARBAGE. Any time I sit still to work, or rwad or watch TV it registers a nap. I cannot even sit to watch a 30 minute show unless I constantly wave my arm around. There is no way to delete these "naps" and you can't disable it without disabling all of the sleep functionality. I am considering returning the watch if this cannot be fixed.

The Garmin VivoActive 5 is a great tool to know where my body is at physically. I can see my heart rate, body battery (very cool), and even my stress level at a glance. This provides feedback so I can modify my activities, or better yet, get more active, as needed. I enjoy the sleep score and knowing how I slept. Activities are easy to track and there are many default activities to choose from. This is a nice looking, easy to wear, smartwatch. I really like it.

I bought the watch about a month ago primarily because of the battery life. I am getting over a week of life between charges. The watch, along with my phone, give me an all the data I need. VERY happy with the purchase.

I looked at every possible smart watch I could and I narrowed it down to Garmin. I did feel a little overwhelmed with all the different options. I know you want to hit a larger market, but I think you could really benefit from lowering the number of models you offer. It makes it a little confusing. Especially, for new garmin users. I do love the vívoactive 5, but I wish the whole face was metal, instead of plastic. I get the appeal of it being more light weight though. I absolutely love the battery life. Love all the features. I wish that it was a little easier to use the weight training feature. It works fairly well with my iPhone. I have type 2 and the Dexcom feature is cool. It doesn't work sometimes, but I think once the bugs are worked out it will only get better. Overall, I love this watch. 10/10 will buy Garmin again.

It's been 3 weeks now and I'm loving all the features of Vivoactive 5. Graphics are beautiful! HRV is a new addition. All is helping me to better understand my body.

I received the Vivoactive5 as a gift. Charging the phone was easy. Getting music downloaded on the phone was a challenge but got all my songs loaded. Downloading the watch face I liked proved challenging also. The watch face disappears around 11 pm and I can not get it back until after 6 am. There is no instructions on how to get it to stay on 24/7. The written instructions are not easy to follow and some instructions do not work at all.

I am so happy I made the jump from the competition to Garmin. The features are endless! I wish I had switched sooner.

This is my fourth Garmin watch and by far my favorite! I love the look and feel (super comfortable) of it, but I also love the additional data features it has (sleep, body battery, etc.). Love it!

I've had the watch for a few weeks now and mostly love it. I've upgraded from the vivoactive3 which I loved, but started acting up on me. My biggest and only issue with it so far is that it tracks my heartbeat less than half the time. I was excited to try the new sleep functions but it's useless if it doesn't track your HR. i've tried different bands, tightening the band, loosening the band, shaving the hair on my wrist. Nothing seems to keep it consistent. Body battery and sleep tracking are useless. I've considered going back to my VA3 site to the frustrations.

Fitness stats very interesting. Body battery, etc.

Auto sleep tracking misses first 1 - 3 hours of sleep. I do wake up frequently.

I had used a Fitbit Versa 2 whose auto sleep tracking also missed sleep, but let me enter sleep start time and wake up time.

Display is great. Lots of on watch stats. Great battery life. 10 days.