Garmin Vivoactive HR vs. Vivoactive 3 vs. Fenix 5: Which one should I buy?

Some athletes are faced with the question of: Garmin Vivoactive HR, Vivoactive 3, or Fenix 5, which one should I choose? After all, the decision could be very interesting in terms of price, especially around Christmas time when the sports watches mentioned above can be given as a gift.

We tested all 3 models extensively, if you are interested in all the details:

• Garmin Vivoactive HR
• Garmin Vivoactive 3
• Garmin Fenix 5

That is why we compare the three attractive sports watches with each other and emphasize the differences.

Optics and Design

The outer appearance alone can suffice for a decision between the models. Angular versus round:

Compared to the Vivoactive 3 and Vivoactive HR, the Fenix 5 is considerably more massive and heavier, but overall it makes a more solid impression. But there is also the lighter and more elegant version: Fenix 5S. This is slightly flatter and lighter, but has a smaller battery and therefore lasts less.

Handling

Then there is the handling: the Fenix 5 has 5 buttons and does not require a touch display. For wet environments and intensive sports training, it is the better choice.

The Vivoactive HR has two buttons and a touch display. If you have very large fingers, you may experience difficulties with the handling. It is partly not so intuitive.

The Vivoactive 3 has a button (right), a touch-sensitive left side of the housing (called Side Swipe) and a touch display. Side Swipe is used when you want to scroll through the pages and widgets and to set values in data fields. In addition, Side Swipe can help to handle the watch, even if you have wet or sweaty fingers. Side Swipe does not need to be used, however, as the watch can be handled very comfortably and completely via the touch display.

Garmin Vivoactive HR vs. Vivoactive 3 vs. Fenix 5

The following table lists some important distinguishing features. Green indicates an improvement:

Vivoactive 3 vs Fenix 5 vs Vivoactive HR

	VIVOACTIVE 3	FENIX 5	VIVOACTIVE HR
Watch glass	Corning Gorilla Glass 3	Glass or sapphire glass	Chemically hardened glass
Dimensions	43,4 x 43,4 x 11,7 mm 127 to 204 mm circumference	47 x 47 x 15,5 mm Fenix 5S: 42 x 42 x 15 mm	30,2 x 57 x 13,5 mm M: 137 to 195 mm circumference XL: 161 up to 225 mm circumference
Weight	43,0 g	Silicone band: 85 g Metal band: 156 g Fenix 5S: 67 g	M: 47,6 g XL: 48,2 g
Waterproof	5 ATM	10 ATM	5 ATM
Display type	Clearly legible, transflective MIP display (memory in pixels) when exposed to sunlight 30.4 mm (1.2 inch) diameter 240 x 240 pixels	Clearly legible, transflective MIP display (memory in pixels) when exposed to sunlight 30.4 mm (1.2 inch) diameter 240 x 240 pixels	Clearly legible, transflective MIP display (memory in pixels) when exposed to sunlight 20.7 x 28.6 mm (0.8 x 1.13 inches) 205 x 148 pixels
Touch screen	yes	no	yes
Battery life	GPS mode: Up to 13 hours Smart mode: Up to 7 days	Smart mode: Up to 2 weeks GPS/HF mode: Up to 24 hours UltraTrac mode: Up to 60 hours without HR measurement on the wrist	GPS mode: Up to 13 hours Smart mode: Up to 8 days
Ambient light sensor	yes	no	no
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Stress Level	yes	yes	no
Rejecting and automating calls Send text (only Android)	yes	no	no
Smartphone compatibility	Android iPhone	Android iPhone Windows Phone	Android iPhone Windows Phone
Garmin Pay	yes	no	no
Pre-installed gym activity profiles	Elliptical training Stair Stepping Floor Climbing Indoor Rowing Yoga Cardio Workouts Strength training Automatic repetition counter	Indoor Rowing Cardio Workouts Strength training Automatic repetition counter	Indoor Rowing
VO2max	yes	yes	no
% HF max.	yes	yes	no
Recording of heart rate during swimming	no	yes (with HRM-Tri and HRM-Swim)	no
Running Training Programs	yes	yes	no
Runtime forecast	yes	yes	no
Virtual Partner & Virtual Racer	no	yes	no
Advanced Running Metrics (running efficiency, ground contact time and balance, vertical movement)	no	yes	no
Route guidance on routes	no	yes	no
Extended training statements (recreation time, training condition, training load, training effect)	no	yes	no
Outdoor & Navigation Functions	Back to start Total ascent/descent	Back to the start Total ascent/descent Height profile Distance to destination Height profile Thunderstorm warning Waypoint projection and more	Back to the start Total ascent/descent
Golf features	Yes, significantly expanded: Digital scorecard Stat tracking (strokes, putts per round, greens and fairways hit) Green View with manual pin position Hazards and course targets PinPointer	Yes, significantly expanded: Digital scorecard Stat tracking (strokes, putts per round, greens and fairways hit) Green View with manual pin position Hazards and course targets PinPointer	yes
Swimming metrics (tracks, distance, pace, number of moves/trains, calorie consumption, swimming style recognition)	yes	yes	yes
Swimming exercises	no	yes	no
	Product page	Product page	Product page
Our review	Vivoactive 3	Fenix 5	Vivoactive HR

All in all, it can be seen that the Fenix 5 offers much more advanced fitness and outdoor features that are intended to appeal to ambitious athletes and outdoor fans.

If you are looking for a good all-rounder with running training programs, you would probably rather choose the Vivoactive 3.

If you want to keep an eye on the price, you can have fun with Vivoactive HR, without having to forego a lot of things.

Reading tip: Choose the right Garmin Tracker