Customer Ratings & Reviews

I am coming from the FitBit Force, which was recalled because of skin irritation (that did not affect me). So this is review is based on my experience with FitBit devices and supporting application. When it comes to activity tackers themselves, I look for something that I can wear daily and on the athletic field/court with great software integration. My activity doesn't come from my desk job and I am not a runner. My activity comes from basketball, flag football, and softball. So as great as Moto360, Samsung Gear Fit, etc might be, I need something that can take abuse, provide comfort and flexibility without the fear of scratching it or breaking the screen. To me fitness trackers aren't about style (ie. chrome bezels) so much as they are about functionality and comfort. The Garmin VivoSmart (w. HR Monitor) is a great piece of hardware that is hindered by a fragmented Garmin Eco-System and its lack of true integration with applications like MyFitnessPal. The tracker itself is light, functional, and has great notification and control features you can access directly from the device itself. It lacks the ability to put it into sleep mode at night and there is no option for tracking stairs or viewing 'high activity periods' It is completely rubberized (a major + for me) and the display is more than adequate for me - even in direct sunlight. The software is a whole different story. I use the device with a Samsung Galaxy S5 running 4.4.2 Android. You download and use the Garmin Connect application which has some basic information. The device does sync wirelessly through bluetooth without an issue, but the heart rate monitor is pointless with the application and doesn't register or save your heart rate history. The application supports activities like 'running', but not much else and there is no real way to track other types of cardio. I was hoping that the Garmin software could integrate with other applications, but it really has a hard time integrating with its own applications and devices. That is a major negative in my eyes. They should develop an eco-system that creates seamless integration across the board with most all of their products Pros: *Completely Rubberized (with exception of clasp) *Comfortable, durable, and light. *Notification from SMS (w/Privacy Control), Email, and other apps. *Music Control *Accurate step count *Great Heart Rate Monitor *Water Resistance Cons: *No direct integration with apps like MyFitnessPal. *Fragmented and disappointing software from Garmin. *No ability to activate sleep mode without manually inputting into software. *No Widgets for Android As great as the device itself is, the software holds it back. These are things that can be addressed by Garmin, and perhaps they will - but I expected better from Garmin. I would wear this and continue to use it, but with the announcement from FitBit on the upcoming FitBit Charge, Charge HR, and Surge - I think my days with the VivoSmart are coming to an end unless Garmin does a drastic makeover of their software and removes the limitation they have created with their own eco-system.

Sleeker than any other product like this. Just the thing I needed.

less than 1 month old and does not work, Best buy will not exchange and garmin will not return an email.

Inspires me to walk more in order that I reach my goal.

I love this watch, work is busy and hard, ups, and this watch holds up for me

I returned the device after one day and purchased the Basis Peak. I wanted an all-in-one watch and I didn't realize that you had to wear a chest strap with this device to get the heart rate functionality. Please read my 5 Star review on the Basis Peak!

So far so good. I wish they had more of a how it works book to it.

I purchased this as a gift for my husband and he is obsessed with this product. Its not bulky. The reminder to complete target actually inspires him to get moving. The customer service was so good and quick when i called for price match.

I've got skinny wrists so this looks very large on my wrist. Also, why wear a chest strap when you can get heart rate on your wrist from the Fitbit hr.

Looks nice on your wrist, but it did not even last a day. The display starts to fade out in different parts.

Purchased this item but returned it for the band only as I am not looking to have to wear a separate HR band.

very stream lined and tells you everything you want to know about you exercise program, plus includes your phone.

This has been an awesome activity tracker. I love it. I love how I can get alerts from my phone on it, as well as track my activity status.

traded up from the fitbit and glad I did...much better technology

I have had this monitor since late April. The pro's. I like the step counter. I like that it is waterproof. Discreet design with little discomfort. Nice interface, and I love the find my phone feature. The garmin connect app is easy to use on computer or cell phone. Customer service is responsive and quick. The cons. Not compatible with most treadmills and will only transmit to one thing at a time. I work out in the gym most days so this has been a bummer for me. Previously I had a Polar and it transmits to almost everything. The HRM strap that came with it did not work, however customer service did send a new one out quickly. Only other con is that edges show wear quickly. I would cautiously recommend this monitor. The features are great, but if you want it to link up to a treadmill or elliptical, this is not the monitor for you. Although I like it a lot, My next one will probably be a Polar or something that is compatible with most fitness equipment.

It would be nice if this band had the heart monitor built in.

The lines on the screen go out randomly - I returned to store once and returned to manufacturer once and they made me pay shipping. I suggest a fitbit even if it costs a tiny bit more. you'll be happier.

Great product , very good customer service ! Will definitely go back ! Thanks !

Greatest Fitbit out there. You forget you are even wearing one

Even the Geek Squad couldn't get it to pair with my phone. :-( The screen was too small and didn't display all the information. Total bust, so I went back to the Fitbit.