Garmin - vívoactive 5 GPS Smartwatch 42 mm Fiber-reinforced polymer - Gold Aluminum and Ivory - (2023)

I might have a controversial opinion in saying that Apple Watches are too excessive and pointless in what they offer (especially at the higher price tiers) and absolutely atrocious in the pitiful battery life they have to contend with because of all the fancy stuff they put in them. I can not justify buying a watch for over $250 and having to recharge it every half day - to me that's an absurd proposition. This watch by comparison has already been incredible to use so far in it's general functionality and battery life. I'm not sure I'd really call this a smartwatch in the typical sense of the word; it's really more of a grand compromise between a true smartwatch like an Apple Watch and a more fitness-geared watch like the Garmin Instinct line. Pros and perks: - I LOVE the customizability of the watch faces through the Garmin Connect IQ app. It lets me see the fitness metrics and data that I want without having to go through third-party subscriptions. - As mentioned - battery life has been superb out of the box, even with more power-intensive initial setup and setting adjustment, I am on track to get a solid 9 days per charge at this time, and will be making more adjustments to what features I do and don't use to potentially optimize that more. For a non-solar version of a garmin watch, this battery life is excellent in my eyes. - I love the look of this watch - I was apprehensive about sizing up from a fitbit Charge 6 before but this watch has proven to me that I didn't need to be that worried. It doesn't feel obtrusive on my wrist at all and I've yet to have any skin irritation issues with the default band than came with the watch as far as comfort goes. - Connectivity to my iPhone has been quite good to date. I feel like Apple deliberately reduces functionality with non-Apple devices to keep people in the Apple ecosystem but in this particular case I am ok with that. I deliberately turned off text and app notifications because I don't want my watch to constantly be giving me duplicate notifications that I'll eventually get to on my actual phone anyway. It really helps me disconnect from my phone and focus more on what's around me. I don't want a watch that can answer calls for me or text directly from the watch. Generally I don't want a watch that tries to act like a phone replacement, that's the whole point of having a phone. - The general phone music and Youtube Music controls on this phone are superb! Very easy to change songs within a set playlist and adjust volume from my Garmin. - Hopefully will never need to use the crash detection feature, but it is there and you send your emergency contacts a text to give Garmin permission to text them in an emergency. Cons: - The button-based navigation took me a little time to get used to - it wasn't always immediately obvious to me what menus would take me where but over time you get used to it through trial and error. Figuring out what menu would let me adjust my music controls was what took me the longest, but you can eventually just make a shortcut to left-swipe from the main screen to get to your most commonly used features such as music controls. - Music playback through downloaded content on the watch (and without your phone around) is a very nice feature in theory. However I think the bluetooth playback from the VivoActive 5 directly to bluetooth headphones leaves a little to be desired in very specific circumstances. I have trouble with consistent playback when I'm lifting weights at the gym and my arms are moving around and away from my body - how this manifests for me is choppy music playback and the music cutting out periodically. When I keep my hands steady on an exercise bike or handrails on a treadmill and they're not obstructed by my body, they work quite well actually and I do think these will work well once I do eventually take them on a bike ride and try this feature again (although I generally still take my phone on bike rides regardless). All around a great smartwatch compromise. To me, it's a great balance of features, battery, connectivity, fitness tracking, and overall aesthetics. Highly recommend

I love the look of this watch. I used to use the Apple Watch and while it worked well, I like that I don’t have to charge this every day. It is a little harder to get used to, but I am figuring it out. I also like the sleek design, it’s round and not square and boxy. I didn’t need anything fancy since I am not a runner, and I appreciate how affordable this model is!

Love this watch. Did some research on the Vivoactive 6. Seems to benefit deriously runners only, even then i couldnt justify the cost. More options and data for runners, the top button is slightly bigger, slightly different layout. I went with the 5. User friendly interface. This watch is great for not serious activity tracking, but still provides sunstantial usable data. I love it. And cute with an outfit. If you want activity tracking and style, the Lily is trash. Definitely weird wearing it in the shower as it would be counterintuitve. I recieve email, text, and phone call notifications. Sleep tracking, HR, stepometer, GPS, activity logging, strength training settings that allow you to log live reps, sets, and rest. Everything I want and need. No more no less. I use all the features.

This watch is exactly what I was looking for. It is very elegant, and gives me all the information I needed. The connection with my Xiaomi phone is not perfect, sometimes disconnected, but I think it's a good value for money. I bought also extra watchband, and replace it as desired.

I’m really enjoying this watch. I have a small size wrist but this watch fits perfectly. I originally got this to track my heart rate only but it does so much more that’s super practice. I especially like the different watch faces. I uploaded one of my own images of the sunset and it looks amazing! It’s easy to use and customize however you want . I’m glad I chose this watch!