Customers enjoy the Vivosmart 3's ease of use, long battery life, and accurate heart rate tracking. Many appreciate its waterproof design and sleep tracking capabilities, although some find the screen size to be small. A few users experienced issues with Bluetooth connectivity and the accompanying app. The band's durability was also a point of concern for some customers.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
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Pros mentioned:
Battery life
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great tracker!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I have tired many trackers from Fitbit and Garmin and this one is easily the most comfortable. I've actually had to check my wrist to make sure it was still there. It is lower profile and smaller than previous vivosmarts. The added stress tracker has actually been useful. The HR monitor tracks more frequently than previous models. I'm getting about 3-4 days out of the battery depending on how active i am.
The only con I would give is the display is not as easy to see outside in sunlight as the previous models due to the rubber coating over the display but it helps prevent scratches so thats a big plus!
This review is from Garmin - Vivosmart 3 Activity Tracker + Heart Rate (Small/Medium) - Black
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Useful Motivating &Easy
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I use it daily Motivating & easy with the phone app Activity, calories, steps, stress, sleep & more tracked. Only flaw, the buckle can snag, there is a style without a buckle I wish I’d gotten not waterproof must remove when swimming
I’d buy it again
This review is from Garmin - Vivosmart 3 Activity Tracker + Heart Rate (Small/Medium) - Black
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
Tracker worked good, but caused major arm pain
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The Garmin Vivosmart 3 tracker worked as advertised and enjoyed seeing the tracking information which appeared to be pretty accurate, but after wearing it for a while, it started to cause major arm pain and it made a discolored square shape on arm where the tracker is charged at. Literally had a problem lifting arm and holding onto things. Took it off and arm started to get better. I never dreamed it would do something like that, but searched online and several people talked about the same issue with their trackers not limited to Garmin. Cannot use and too late to return. I cannot recommend over concern to health. Picture below was taken a few days after stopped wearing the tracker it was even more visible when first took it off, but didn't think about taking a picture then.
This review is from Garmin - Vivosmart 3 Activity Tracker + Heart Rate (Small/Medium) - Black
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Brand response from GarminProductExpert
Posted .
Hello CheckThisOut, Thank you for taking time to review the vivosmart 3. We are glad to see that enjoyed seeing the information that it tracks. We would love to speak with you regarding your experience with the band to get some specific information. Please send an email to [email protected] so that we can direclty assist you. Thanks again for posting a review. -JFH
Cons mentioned:
Bluetooth connectivity
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
Terrible for people with sensitive skin
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I do not suffer with any skin allergies, but since i bought this watch i keep breaking out in the watch area and it looks almost likr a burn. I clean it every day and remove it when i shower. Also if i sweat a lot i remove it to clean my wrist and the watch. I've never had to do this with any other item ive ever bought. Also my Bluetooth will disconnect when i charge it and then it takes forever to repair. I did call customer service and they told me to clean the area of the watch etc but its still doing the same thing. Garmin was going to switch it out because of the allergic reaction but i don't think i want another one of these products.
This review is from Garmin - Vivosmart 3 Activity Tracker + Heart Rate (Small/Medium) - Black
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Battery life
Cons mentioned:
Bluetooth connectivity
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Loved the band as much as I loved the app
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Let me start by saying that Garmin wins the proce with their app. It’s all in one place. The graphs are awesome. The simplicity of understanding everything and learning to use. Excellent.
The band was awesome. The sleep info it tracked was great. I had a really hard time deciding if I was going to keep it or return it and keep the Apple Watch. They were bday gifts (i worke our at the gym and I wanted it something to traxknreps). I decided to return it because the watch does more for me as a mom. But nothing in my opinion compres to the vivosmart 3 as a gym goer. The rep count wasn’t totally accurate but when I worked out on the elliptical it was almost spit on with the machine reading. I like that I could use it a whole wk without charging and how light it is. My only con is the fact that sometimes the Bluetooth would get disconnected and it’s be a pain to reconnect. The last 4 days I hadn’t it was connected to my phone but I could no longer see the weather and other things that you need WiFi or Bluetooth capabilities I guess.
Other than that, had I not gotten the Apple Watch as a gift for my bday on the same day, I would’ve kept it.
This review is from Garmin - Vivosmart 3 Activity Tracker + Heart Rate (Small/Medium) - Black
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Water resistance
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Almost perfect!!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This is the most comfortable tracker I have ever worn!!! Coming from a Fitbit Alta HR. The vivosmart has a smaller profile, it sits lower on the wrist. I wear an Apple Watch on my left wrist and the Garmin vivosmart 3 on my right wrist.
Pros:
*smaller profile, sits perfectly on wrist.
*screen is hidden when not in use, taps and swipes are easy to do.
*Garmin app more focused on activity
*truely water resistant
*sleep and wake times spot on
Cons:
*cannot connect to an external heart rate monitor.
*sleep insights not as good as Fitbit.
I will update this review after my first workout, which I will compare the heart rate of the Garmin vivosmart 3 with my external heart monitor.
This review is from Garmin - Vivosmart 3 Activity Tracker + Heart Rate (Small/Medium) - Black
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Battery life, Heart rate, Water resistance
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Not what I wanted.
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I love Garmin. Every Garmin fitness watch I have had in the past I loved. I don't want a watch to check my emails, text messages, etc. I want a water resistance water proof watch that I can wear to Kings island and not have to worry about it. I want a watch to keep track of my steps, heart rate, stairs. I want a watch I don't have to charge. I want a watch that shows the time and I don't have to flap my arms to see what time it is. My last vivo lasted almost 3 years. It was my favorite. Recommending into a friend would depend on what they are looking for
This review is from Garmin - Vivosmart 3 Activity Tracker + Heart Rate (Small/Medium) - Black
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Waterproof
Cons mentioned:
Bluetooth connectivity
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Great fitness tracker once I got it working
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I purchased my Vivosmart 3 to replace my Fitbit Charge HR because the Fitbit wasn't waterproof, and it was a real inconvenience. Based on reviews and functions, I decided to get the Vivosmart 3. The first one I got would not "find" my iPhone, even though they were sitting next to each other, and I knew my WiFi was on and working. I took it back to Best Buy a couple of days after I purchased it, and they replaced it for me without any problem. The new one works great! I'm still learning to use all the features, but I really like the Garmin Vivosmart 3. I'm glad I read all the reviews, because others mentioned their device couldn't "find" their phone or tablet.
I find that the tracker doesn't record stairs if I walk up too slowly, which happens often when I'm carrying my grandbaby up the steps. I, of course, want to be safe when carrying precious cargo upstairs. My Fitbit also failed to count flights of stairs when I took them too cautiously, but hey, safety first, then statistics. I am happy with my Garmin Vivosmart 3!
This review is from Garmin - Vivosmart 3 Activity Tracker + Heart Rate (Small/Medium) - Black
I would recommend this to a friend
Cons mentioned:
Bluetooth connectivity, Screen size
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Love It!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I was afraid I might be irritated with something on my wrist (It has been years since I have worn a watch) but this is snug, flexible and light enough I hardly know that it is there. It works well.
I realized that it might have been worth it to spend the few extra bucks to have a similar product with a GPS but that is not a major deal.
I also wish it could have a slightly larger face for "old" eyes. However, given that, I think the font and clarity are excellent for the size available.
This review is from Garmin - Vivosmart 3 Activity Tracker + Heart Rate (Small/Medium) - Black
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ease of use, Heart rate
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Good device to monitor activity at a lower price
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I use mine to monitor both cardio and strength training exercise activity.
Sync't to the heart rate monitor it gives an accurate picture of your heart rate it you need to exercise within limits. Easy to read. Easy to transfer data to PC.
This review is from Garmin - Vivosmart 3 Activity Tracker + Heart Rate (Small/Medium) - Black
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Heart rate, Water resistance
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Awesome watch!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
It’s waterproof with this version you can swim in it but it have its limits, just look up the water rating on the garmin website to see what I’m talking about; rating is swim. It tracks my heart rate, steps, reps from strength workouts, and it also can be set to read notifications and messages from the phone, answer calls and change songs from the watch. I would give it 5 stars if I didn’t have to tap twice to time myself on a workout or activity and if the auto start time for a workout was less than 5 minutes.
This review is from Garmin - Vivosmart 3 Activity Tracker + Heart Rate (Small/Medium) - Black
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ease of use
Cons mentioned:
App
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Great product
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I got the vivosmart 3 after my Fitbit Charge HR broke in less than a year (this one was a replacement for the first one that also broke in less than a year). The actual tracker is great--easy to use and does a decent job of tracking steps/distance when walking and running. It's a little off, but not much, and I haven't set a custom stride length yet. My biggest complaint is that the Garmin app is not as user friendly as the Fitbit app, but the more I use it the easier it is.
This review is from Garmin - Vivosmart 3 Activity Tracker + Heart Rate (Small/Medium) - Black
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Water resistance
Cons mentioned:
Bluetooth connectivity
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Almost 5
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I took away one star for the battery life. Through standard activity and going to the gym one time the battery was depleted in 3 days. Maybe it’s because of the Bluetooth connectivity? Aside from that, this thing is great. It measures everything you would want a fitness device to do and it even tells the weather as long as you're connected to your smart phone. It even helps monitor my sleep quality and movement while I’m sleeping. I think this is a better value than that other brand the rhymes with “bit fit” ;-) not only does it do all the same stuff but the Garmin is actually water proof so you can wear it in the shower and swimming for the same price as their midrange. It automatically increases your daily goals based on activity as well. Would have been 5 stars if the battery would last at least 7 days before a recharge was necessary.
This review is from Garmin - Vivosmart 3 Activity Tracker + Heart Rate (Small/Medium) - Black
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Battery life, Heart rate
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
A basic fitness watch
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
What I like about vivosmart 3: It has time like a watch; tracks steps, distance, sleep and activities; recognizes activity type sometimes; measures heart rate and stress; estimates calories; alerts phone calls, emails and messages; tests VO2 max. It claims to be water proof but I have not tried that. Charging is quick and battery lasts 4-5 days for me.
What I'd like improvements on vivosmart 3: The Garmin app Connects syncs my steps to Apple Health only once a day, while I hope it could sync simultaneously or allow the user to do it as he/she likes. In addition, as I said before, it does not always recognize activities for me. To make sure, I start recording activities manually and edit in the app afterwards.
Overall, it is a slim basic not fancy fitness watch. I feel it fits most my needs for the price.
This review is from Garmin - Vivosmart 3 Activity Tracker + Heart Rate (Small/Medium) - Black
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Battery life, Water resistance
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Decent Activity Tracker
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I've been through a few smart watches/activity trackers. Everything from Fitbit to Garmin to Android Wear (twice) and back to Garmin. For what it does the Garmin works well. Some advantages to each I've owned though. For me I really like the fact I can go 4-5 days without charging, it's water proof, and works fairly well. I hated constantly worrying about battery life on my old Moto 360. I do miss the ability to have my phone and watch both automatically go into "do not disturb" when either one has it activated. I also miss having my phone automatically silence notifications when connected to my watch. Shouldn't need to hear that notification on the phone when the watch vibrates. Not a big deal but I do miss it.
Gor the price and features this Garmin is well worth it. Definitely better than the original Vivosmart I had.
This review is from Garmin - Vivosmart 3 Activity Tracker + Heart Rate (Small/Medium) - Black
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Heart rate, Waterproof
Cons mentioned:
Screen size
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Good value, functional, not too big
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I bought this for my wife, who wanted to track her heart rate continuously. She insisted on something completely waterproof as she never takes her watch off for any reason. It's low profile even for her small wrists. She loves it. It also rings/vibrates when I call her now, so she actually picks up when I call.
It's not a big, color screen but is perfect for someone who only wants to tell time, check heart rate, count steps, and get call/message alerts.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Battery life, Waterproof
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
awesome
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
got it for my daughter whose almost 8. she wanted a "fitbit" type tracker. we tried some cheaper ones and it wasnt going well and she didnt like the app. also the strap was a push thru one and it kept hurting her wrist for me to push it thru bc it was too hard for her. we shopped around and i decided on this one as far as getting a nicer one. the band is adjustable and fits her small wrist so much better. its waterproof. big plus! she can wear it in the pool and shower. the charge lasts about a week, give or take. we've been happy so far, using it a few weeks. we got the plum color, but i feel like it looks grey alot, which makes me feel like its dirty, but its not because she showers with it on. wish the color was "brighter"
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Heart rate, Waterproof
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Garmin vs Fitbit
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I wore 4 different devices to compare features and algorithms.
I loved the waterproof feature, various tracking features such as stress sleep heart rate, etc.
And though this didn’t get much coverage in reviews I love that it can find my PHONE and alert me when stress levels are rising. Pretty darn amazing and worth a close look even if you cannot change band colors. Slim and trim. Good for the price of $99. Garmin VivoSmart 3.
This review is from Garmin - Vivosmart 3 Activity Tracker + Heart Rate (Small/Medium) - Black
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ease of use, Heart rate
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Great activity tracker for beginner
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I purchased this for a family so they can start to track steps, floors climbed and monitor heart rate and sleep activities. it is easy to setup and see the screen. it can help you with cardio and much more.
This review is from Garmin - Vivosmart 3 Activity Tracker + Heart Rate (Small/Medium) - Black
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Waterproof
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Better than using phone
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Bought this over Fitbit because it is waterproof. I was using my cell phone in my pocket but I would have to stop to adjust it to keep from falling out when running. Only downside -you cannot buy replacement bands at this time.
This review is from Garmin - Vivosmart 3 Activity Tracker + Heart Rate (Small/Medium) - Black