Comparison Review: Garmin Venu 3 vs. Garmin Vivoactive 5

In terms of equipment for running/fitness, a watch that can track your every workout has become an essential for most people. Indeed, I’m sure we have all been known to quote to our significant others that our ‘body battery’ is low, or that our steps for the day are off the scale!! We are all guilty of finding out how good our sleep was the night before. This is all thanks to the clever gizmos attached to most recreational and serious athletes wrists. They have come a long way from measuring pulse only, and this has in no small way been spurred on by companies like Apple and Garmin. For the purposes of this review, we are ignoring the behemoth that is Apple, and focussing more on the serious fitness giant of Garmin.

In the realm of fitness watches, Garmin has established itself as a leading brand, particularly among runners and fitness enthusiasts. Two of its most popular models, the Garmin Venu 3 and Garmin Vivoactive 5, have garnered attention for their advanced features and capabilities. This review compares these two watches, focusing on their unique features and advantages, especially in comparison to the Apple Watch.

Design and Display

Both the Venu 3 and Vivoactive 5 feature AMOLED displays that provide vibrant colors and excellent visibility in various lighting conditions. The Venu 3 comes in two sizes: a larger 45mm model and a smaller 41mm version (Venu 3S), while the Vivoactive 5 has a single size of 42.2mm. The Venu 3’s display resolution is slightly higher (454 x 454 pixels) compared to the Vivoactive 5’s (390 x 390 pixels), enhancing clarity for detailed metrics during workouts. The Venu 3 also boasts a more premium build with a stainless steel bezel, while the Vivoactive 5 uses aluminium, making it lighter but potentially less durable. This difference in materials may appeal to users looking for a more robust feel versus those prioritising comfort.

Unique Features

Garmin Venu 3

1. Advanced Heart Rate Monitoring: The Venu 3 utilizes Garmin’s latest heart rate sensor technology, featuring six LED blocks compared to the Vivoactive’s two. This allows for more accurate heart rate readings during high-intensity activities by compensating for motion interference.
2. ECG Functionality: The Venu 3 includes an ECG feature, enabling users to monitor their heart’s electrical activity. This is particularly useful for those with health concerns or who want to track their cardiovascular fitness closely. Its no replacement for the real thing, but we have real world feedback of patients having noticed a ‘funny rhythm’ open their watch, which turned out to be something significant when followed up with their doctor.
3. Voice Assistant and Speaker: With built-in microphone and speaker functionality, the Venu 3 allows users to take calls directly from the watch and interact with voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant. This hands-free capability enhances convenience during workouts or daily activities.
4. Jet Lag Advisor: A unique feature of the Venu 3 is its Jet Lag Advisor, which provides recommendations for light exposure and sleep patterns when traveling across time zones, helping users adjust more effectively. Admittedly not a day to day requirement, but useful for business travellers trying to maintain a normal exercise regime when away for a few days on planes etc.

Garmin Vivoactive 5

1. Lightweight Design: At just 36g, the Vivoactive 5 is lighter than both versions of the Venu 3, making it comfortable for all-day wear, especially during long runs or workouts. Nobody wants a 3kg weight on the end of one arm when working out/running!
2. Cost-Effectiveness: The Vivoactive 5 is priced lower than the Venu 3, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who still want a robust set of fitness tracking features without breaking the bank. Lets face it, most of these watches are a significant investment, therefore it is important that pricing is given some thought.
3. Solid Fitness Tracking Features: While it lacks some advanced features like ECG and voice assistance, the Vivoactive 5 still offers comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities, including support for over 30 sports modes and health metrics like Body Battery monitoring and sleep tracking.
4. Music Streaming Capability: Users can stream music directly to Bluetooth headphones from the Vivoactive 5 without needing to connect to their phone, although it lacks a built-in speaker for audio playback during workouts. This is unlikely to be a game changer for most people.

Battery Life

Battery life is crucial for fitness watches, especially for runners who may spend extended periods outdoors. The Venu 3 offers up to 14 days in smartwatch mode (or 11 hours with GPS active), while the Vivoactive 5 provides up to 11 days in smartwatch mode (or 7 hours with GPS) Both watches support an always-on display mode that reduces battery life but improves usability.

Comparison with Apple Watch

When compared to the Apple Watch series, both Garmin models offer distinct advantages for runners:

• Battery Life: Garmin watches typically have longer battery life than Apple Watches, which often require daily charging depending on usage patterns.
• Fitness Focused Features: Garmin devices are tailored specifically for fitness enthusiasts with advanced metrics like VO2 max estimation, training load focus, and recovery time suggestions that are not as detailed in Apple Watches. The VO2 max and recovery time suggestions are particularly useful for recreational athletes looking to push their fitness on a bit further.
• Durability and Water Resistance: Both Garmin models have a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, making them suitable for swimming and rugged outdoor use—features that may not be as robust in some Apple Watch models.

Conclusion

Choosing between the Garmin Venu 3 and Vivoactive 5 largely depends on individual needs. In general we would suggest the following choices:

• Opt for the Garmin Venu 3 if you seek advanced health monitoring features like ECG and enhanced heart rate tracking, along with greater connectivity options through voice assistance.

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  GARMIN VENU 3

You can see it online and purchase one here: https://amzn.to/4g15xky

• Choose the Garmin Vivoactive 5 if you prefer a lightweight design at a more affordable price point while still enjoying essential fitness tracking capabilities.

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  GARMIN VIVOACTIVE 5

This one can be purchased online here: https://amzn.to/3BsVTbo

Both watches excel in their respective areas and provide excellent alternatives to traditional smartwatches like the Apple Watch, particularly for dedicated runners looking for specialised features tailored to enhance their training experiences. Picking either will allow you to further your fitness goals and unlock increases in fitness.