Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music: The nearly perfect GPS smartwatch for me...
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- Опубликовано: 24 июн 2018
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Awesome review!
I'm a collegiate runner and have always struggled with watches. My first music + gps watch was a TomTom spark 3. An absolutely wonderful product, however battery life with gps+ music was not long enough for my run sessions. After this review, I'm fairly convinced Garmin vivoactive 3 may be the watch for me. Thanks!
The Forerunner 645 Music was the first Garmin watch with onboard music.
Correct. Also designed as a full running watch.
Vivoactive 3 is fine for running but generally aimed as all round activity device and touchscreens can sometimes be annoying when your on a particularly sweaty run.
FR's also feature more running specific metrics on the device itself.
Hi, Donavon
What's the brand of the bluetooth wireless earbuds which left is the main earpiece in your video?
I accidentally stumbled onto an earbud review.
hahahahah my thoughts
A bad one at that . I have no trouble with my ear buds .I took out my tape measure and walked back 41 feet from the watch and It was still connected and playing music . So it doesn't matter what hand you are wearing it on it will play music if you have good ear buds . 41 feet away and still playing music is very strong .
Were you holding the tape measure with your left or right hand?
I left the watch on a table and walked 41 feet away from the watch and It was still connected and playing through the ear buds . The tape measure tape was on the ground .So it doesn't matter what hand you are wearing it on it will play music if you have good ear buds . 41 feet away and still playing music is very strong .
@@Sertao2013 whoosh
Is it low level lighting like the Vivoactive 1?
So would you recommend the stratos more?
Hi...Donavon
Thanks for the review and i am going get one to track my running.
Can you pls comment if vivo active 3 music can detect indoor treadmill workout and sync with Strava app?
The discount code is not working anymonre :(
Can u teach me how to add a gps?
Anyone know what the background he's using is called? I like the features. Thanks
There seems to have been some bluetooth updates to the watch recently that have taken care of a lot of the issues. I use the Spotify App on the VA3 Music connect to Apple AirPods and the connection works Great now.
Yes, I've made a few updated videos on the watch, and the Bluetooth issue has definitely been fixed.
That Stratos look dope😍
I got my Garmin watch for 170.00 at best buy .I have a pair of jaybirds ear buds and I just took my watch off and walked 41 feet from the watch before it started to fade . so saying its the watch is not correct . I also have a bluetooth speaker in my bath room and I can go from the bathroom to the bed room and still be connected which is about 20 feet through walls . I'm also getting 11 days between charges with the HR running full time . As far as the phone call responses you can have a total of 3 . You can make up your own or choose from a list . As far as text you can make your own or from a list and I think you can choose from 10 or more responses. The phone calls and the text are no auto responses you have to select the response you want and then send it .
Would you be able to tell the accuracy between the 2 watches?i just got a amazfit t-rex and I do like it but I always wanted a garmin watch
Sony’s new true wirelessly headphones are amazing for running. And the left is the main earpiece
I have the same experience. On the left side with the jabra only problems. Do you know if other Garmin Music's have the same issue?
really solid review, thanks so much.
Do you think it will be fine with Beats Solo 3's?
Have it for 2 weeks, really great and nice watch. I almost forget I have it on my hand.
Yeah, I love it. It really is such a well designed watch. My only complaint is still the weak Bluetooth reception, but I've found ways to deal with that.
Does vivoactive music has side swipe navigation?
Great review, goes to the essential without any waste of time. Just what i was looking for. Thanks
@Donavon Hornbeck
- when you were complaining about the BLE its a general issue not just one specifically found on Garmins as the Body and body fluids can interfere with the BLE signal particularly when running.
Instead of wearing the Garmin on the right wrist just rotate the ear grips etc on the earphones around so that you can wear the reciever (where the volume controls are) towards your left shoulder / arm depending on how you wear your earphones.
Also strength of BLE reciever on earphones can also be a factor. A lot of cheap BLE earphones use a low power receiver because they are typically connected to a phone or such which due to power set up - push a much stronger BLE signal out from a larger form factor (that is often a lot closer to the body / earphones).
Hope it helps.
Firmware updates can also improve the signal etc on both Garmin watch and earphones so you will also likely notice a difference in time as the months go by.
This has actually been improved with updates. The Bluetooth signal is dramatically better now. Plus, as of today it supports Spotify music! That’s pretty exciting.
Maybe BEFORE you buy ear buds, check the specs for which side is main. Goggle can help you.
Thank you a lot for tour video. This is the first one which focus on the bluetooth issue with ear audio.... and I don t know if I will take the 645 music or the va3 with my current Jabra Sport Pulse (right emettor).... Well done for the quality of this video
Gerald, I just wanted to let you know that the Bluetooth has been dramatically improved since I made this video. I can use a wide variety of Bluetooth earbuds with the watch without any issue now.
Is the vivoactive 3 HR sensor as accurate as the one on the vivoactive 3 music?
It locks up, a lot, requires you to hold the button for 30 seconds then comes back cleared and clock is now off.
Donovan, review the Polar Ignite!
Can I track a skipping rope exercise with this? Or any Garmin models?
Thanks! Had you made the comparation video with the Amazfit Stratos? I can't find it...
Thanks for the review and the insight into the Bluetooth headphones.
FYI, that is no longer an issue. I updated that in a future video, because they fixed the Bluetooth issue in a software update.
@@donavonhornbeck I just ordered this watch as well as some Tarah Pro bluetooth headphones. Thanks again for the update.
Which one is better for someone who has a slight vision impairment? Stratus or Vivofit? Especially visibility outdoors.
I'd say the one with the biggest screen. Check the I luminosity too. Lumens or actually its probably nits.
Garmin states that there are 8 individual Sensors built in to this watch, GPS, GLONASS, Heart rate monitor, Barometric altimeter, Compass, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Thermometer.
My question is that how come I cannot check this sensors by navigating to it, for example I am in the middle of nowhere and no connection data, where is the page that showes me the Compass, Barometer-Altimeter or GPS ?
The Hike 2 app in the store has those features in it and display them on screen when scrolling through.
Awesome smartwatch. Garmin watches comes with premium price. Thanks Donavon for the review
Awesome smartwatch 👌😊
Does this support a 4g/LTE sim card?
Can you add a golfing app to the amazfit?
What's about the battery?
Between this one and 645 music? Un concerned about heart rate and recovery metrics. Thanks
Choose the forerunner
Is the WIFI only for updating your fitness and work out info or can you also use it to connect to the internet to get data for apps that use data like Weather Apps and Map Apps that need to download Map info?
Hello
Can the phone be configured to vibrate with calls and not with messages?
Thanks greetings!
Salas023 yes
where do i get that clock face
How much toes is 164 feet?
What watch do you think best? I don't want to spend no more than 150 maybe a bit more thanks
Jason, check out this video: ruclips.net/video/eb3WDnz3QtU/видео.html
Does the watch comes with an internal speaker, so that I can play music without any headphones?
No, Bluetooth headphones are required.
Very informative. Does this watch support Strava software?
Yes it does. It will sync your workouts directly to Strava and a number of other places as well (Google Fit, Apple Health, etc...).
i have the same one but the light opcion on the manu doesnt show uppp :(
i mead adjust the brightness HELPP
Hey awesome video i have the VA3 music too and thanks for the tipp with the bluetooth headphones. whats the name of your watchface ? Keep up the good work
Hey thanks, and you are welcome. As for the watch face, it is called "Crystal" by PixelPathos. I like it because it shows all my metrics in a nice clean interface.
Donavon Hornbeck, how does the Amazfit Stratos bluetooth work? Does it have the same issues?
No, the Amazfit has a much stronger Bluetooth connection. My Jabra Elite Active 65T's work perfect with my Amazfit Stratos regardless of which wrist it's on. I plan to do a full comparison of the two watches in the next week or so, but for $140 less the Stratos is definitely a winner for me. It's not perfect, but it's really great!
So has garmin fixed the wireless headphone connectivity issue? Planning on picking up this watch soon and would like to buy beats by dre wireless headphones. Any suggestions would be helpful I use altec Lansing wireless as of now.
Yes, the Bluetooth issue was definitely fixed. I have no problem using whatever earbuds I want with the watch now.
@@donavonhornbeck thank you for the speedy response
Is it compatible with Bose SoundSport wireless headphones?
It is compatible, and since my original review the Bluetooth connectivity has improved dramatically, but I honestly haven’t used the Bose SoundSport earbuds to know for sure.
I got mine delivered around a week ago and I have the same problem with the music cutting out if I wear it on the left wrist. I tried some troubleshooting but no luck and I'm in the process of exchanging it for a new unit with Amazon. I'm hoping that some units just have faulty Bluetooth connection and my next unit will be better.
The issue could also be the Bluetooth headphones you are using. Newer Bluetooth headphones with Bluetooth 5.0 have much better signal, and I’ve found they worked much better with the watch.
@@donavonhornbeck I have the Jabra's that you show in the video. They are pretty new, would they not have 5.0? If not, the watch is not worth keeping for me.
Hi is the VivoActive 3 Music,possible to connect into AirPods?
Yes it works good with AirPods. Also if you have Spotify, the Spotify app on the Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music is great.
I could not get the Garmin volume control to turn down the volume on my AirPods. Any idea how to do this?
I was actually thinking about the Garmin Vivo Active 3 music as my next purchase but I like the Amazefit Stratos just because it seems to do everything the Garmin does and its cheaper. I haven't heard of it until you mentioned it. Which one would you suggest? Thanks in advance
Well, the Garmin definitely has better software (in the companion phone app), and now it supports Deezer and will soon support Spotify. The Bluetooth issue with the connecting headphones has also been fixed with an update. So... tough call. If you want to save some money you really can’t go wrong with the Amazfit Stratos. It’s very accurate for tracking workouts, it has around 2gb of storage space for music, it has an always on display, and the battery life is just as good as Garmin’s. With that said, I think the Garmin is the better overall watch at this point.
@@donavonhornbeck hi, what do you mean that the bluetooth issue is already been fixed? Coz im planning to buy this watch. Thank u for your help. Cheers!
danica Yacapin it used to have issues with keeping a solid connection with most of the Bluetooth earbuds that I own. It now is working perfectly with a strong connection to nearly every pair of Bluetooth earbuds that I own.
@@donavonhornbeck Sweet. Thank u😊
do you know when the watch will support Spotify, will it be as easy as updating the software on the watch via a computer to add it. or will you have to buy a newer model with it already installed ?. Thanks for the great review.
What a hard decision between the amazfit and the garmin va music 3. Which one will you chose based on the metrics you can get and precision?
I personally am a huge fan of both, but I feel like the Garmin has slightly more reliable metrics. I've never had my Garmin let me down on a run, but I did have the Amazfit Verge have a completely messed up heart rate reading once (a good 30 BPM too high). That being said, it happened once, and the Verge is really a great watch.
If you want to be able to take calls from the watch, and to save a little money, then go with the Verge.
Donavon Hornbeck than you! I forget to wrote stratos! 😅
I would like to know how is is it to sleep with Vivoactive 3. Is it possible? Or the watch is too big or heavy to sleep with it. Thanks.
Not at all. In fact this is easily one of the slimest and low profile smart watches to wear. I sleep wearing mine almost every night.
@@donavonhornbeck thanks for your reply!
Based on their website, the Method Wireless by Skullcandy are meant to work with these. You can get 50% off from their link. Looks like they are currently out of stock, though. Really wish they had apps for other music providers (such as Amazon Music), as that is what I use. Either way, this watch seems to be packed with features at a pretty darn good price.
Benjamin Lee where to find this coupon code?
TheConpuentes Garmin website at the bottom of the description of the Vivoactive 3 music.
My experience regarding Bluetooth connectivity with headphones: I've been using cheap Bluetooth earbuds (SoundPeats Q30) with my Garmin VivoActive 3 Music watch while running and have had no dropouts. Steady music, no stuttering. So, not everyone is having the problem highlighted in his review -- maybe Garmin fixed this issue with an update since he posted the review. I had to exchange my watch, though, since it had a deadspot at the bottom 1/5 of the screen. Also have had some issues with Widgets uninstalling themselves, so not a perfectly smooth experience so far. But, I'm keeping it for now to replace my 1st gen 42mm Apple Watch. This watch is also VERY light (a good thing), almost feels as if it's hollow. Plenty of customizable 3rd party watch faces. Everything else has been good and it's SO much better to use while running, the Apple Watch is just not a good watch to use while running. Any water or sweat on the Apple Watch renders the touch screen useless, not so with this Garmin watch. So far so good (well, mostly).
What about pairing this with iphone ?
Yeah, it works perfectly with Android phones and iPhones. The only negative is that with an iPhone you don’t have the option of any quick responses (to text messages).
Can you listen to music without having your phone connected to the watch?
Yes, I run with my phone at home. The music is stored directly to the watch so that you can listen to it without having your phone with you.
Donavon Hornbeck how do you add your own personal music?
Can you use Spotify without a phone or internet connection now?
Yes you can play Spotify offline
Neil Howard How?
Does Spotify work for this now?
Yes, it has done for a while now :)
That's why the watch left him for another man 🤣🤣🤣
Nice stuff. What watch face are you using?
I 'm curious as well
The watch face in the video is called "Crystal" .
ok but were is the rolex then
Does the watch have Samsung health app?
No, Garmin uses their own operating system.
Can you forward music in this or only jump to the next track? I listen to your long podcasts and need to forward or rewind. The Amazfit Pace I bought can only skip to the next track so I need to return it.
Nope, this one only has next track and previous track as well. No option for fast forward or rewind.
Donavon Hornbeck would you know a watch that has a forward and rewind capability?
Does it work with airpods?
Yes it does
Really nice smartwatch by Garmin, 👌 with premium price tag. 😬 Thanks for a great informative Video Sir. 👌😀
Love my smartwatches!
Still waiting for my 1st smartwatch 😞 I hope they'll get cheaper soon so I can afford it 😬😀
Krunal Gosai me too 😂
Wow that's a lot of earbuds.. Get on with the watch already
Lol... I felt it was important to talk about which ones work and which ones won’t work with the watch. On another note, the Bluetooth strength was fixed in an update with the watch, so it works much better now with a wider range of earbuds.
@@donavonhornbeck I finally went with the 735xt. No earbuds needed 😁
@@donavonhornbeck Definitely important. Thank you for this
@@RundFyrkant w
@@donavonhornbeck I appreciated it! Obviously a issue to consider
Do you have to pay also for the various apps you want on this watch?
No, and that could be why it's more limited in app options when compared to some other smartwatch options, though if you are mostly interested in fitness, then it has everything you need.
this is what I wish the Samsung smart watch looked like
Does it only work with Bluetooth earphones? How about Bluetooth speakers?
Yes and yes.
@@donavonhornbeck ok, thanks.
nice
what is the dead watch's name?
Amazfit Stratos
can you buy it and give it to me as is less in united states so i will transfer money but the cost you got it in us
You want me to sell you the VivoActive 3 Music? Hit me up at thesmartphoneguy77@gmail.com
Is $300 really too high a price point for this type of smart watch? If you have enough dough for all those Bluetooth earbuds?
Lol... I love the Vivoactive 3 Music. They also added support for Deezer Music playlists now as well.
Does this watch track your sleep?
Yes it does.
3:40 so they don't work if you wear your watch on the left??? Not sure if that really works... Bud🤔😕maybe it does😐 oh well☺️
It actually makes complete sense because Bluetooth signal cannot travel through water, and since our bodies are 75% water the Bluetooth signal has a difficult time traveling from your right ear to your left wrist. With the newer Bluetooth 5.0 true wireless earbuds this is no longer an issue, plus Garmin has fixed this issue through software updates.
@@donavonhornbeck ohhhh, makes sense. So that's why my Backbeats cut out less when my phone is in my backback🤔
Most likely, yes.
Well....atleast now i know more about earbuds than watches..
Going to return it as soon as I opened it. The display is so bad unbelievable.
I'm in the same boat. Never seen such ugly display on a 2018 or later smartwatch. But this watch is great for what it serves.
1. Watch looks great with only digital faces with lot of data fields. The one showed in the video is one of the best watch faces.
2. This is designed for longer battery, so display is a compromise.
3. Surprising thing I noticed using it over last couple of days is that watch face looks great under the Sun bcos of transreflective display and it's always ON. That's awesome compared to beautiful but almost always off Amoled displays.
4. If beautiful display is important and you still love Garmin quality and accuracy, try Garmin Venu. For about ~130$ more you get Amoled display and shorter battery ofc. Pretty much the same features.
5. Music while running without having to carry the phone is an amazing feature. All the connectivity issues are fixed with firmware upgrades.
6. Overall, this is like a ugly, over-performing piece for about ~200$ now. It just grows on you if you would use it for a week or so.
hi there, does Vivoactive 3 music have voice prompts during workout? like can it update my via my headphone for every 1km i finish with time, and pacing information etc?
It will vibrate or beep, or it can do both, but as far as I can tell there isn't any way to have a voice prompt. When it vibrates it will show you your pace for the previous mile (or in your case km).
@@donavonhornbeck thanks sir, i got the watch in rose gold yesterday. thanks for your reply.
@@gerardchau4123 Hi, im commenting cos you bought the watch. Is spotify available yet? and can you control music from the watch while its playing off your phone?
@@chenaebohm7005 sorry, i missed ur message, I had just got my blue tooth headphone.... like yesterday.. and had never tried the music function yet. but when i read the instruction, it said it can Control phone player , also can control phone Camera. (i dont know about spotify )
@@donavonhornbeck Thanks for the reply, I had ran a few time with the watch but did not knotice this.. may be i need to TURN on this function? any how, thanks for your reply.
What about GarminPay?
At the time of my review it wasn't active on the watch yet, but they have sense included an update and it is available on the watch now.
Got his watch couple of days ago. Just hated the pixelated display out of the box. Never seen such ugly display on a 2018 or later smartwatch. But this watch is great for what it serves.
1. Watch looks great with only digital faces with lot of data fields. The one showed in the video is one of the best watch faces.
2. This is designed for longer battery with lot of features, so display is a compromise.
3. Surprising thing I noticed using it over last couple of days is that watch face looks great under the Sun bcos of transreflective display and it's always ON. That's awesome compared to beautiful but almost always OFF Amoled displays.
4. If beautiful display is important and you still love Garmin quality and accuracy, try Garmin Venu. For about ~130$ more you get Amoled display and shorter battery ofc. Pretty much the same features.
5. Music while running without having to carry the phone is an amazing feature. All the connectivity issues are fixed with firmware upgrades.
6. Overall, this is like an ugly, over-performing piece for about ~200$ now. It just grows on you if you would use it for a week.
Do you have to bring your smart phone along on the run to use Spotify or do you just need the watch and BT headphones once the playlists are downloaded???
Nope Sir. You can download the music to your Garmin so you don't have to bring your phone.
I can get a pretty good discount through our Health Insurance on Garmin watches. I can get the Vivoactive 3 music for $165. I can spend more and the 945 for $388. it's just hard to decide.
I just ordered the Forerunner 245 to test that out as well. I’ll also be picking up the Forerunner 945 once it’s closer to release date. As for the choice between the Vivoactive 3 Music and the 945, I’d say go with the 945 if you are a pretty serious runner. Having physical buttons is a huge advantage when you want to do intervals.
Those Axgio earbuds are available under the name Allmighty on Amazon.
The Almity ones are very similar, I've actually reviewed those as well, but they aren't identical. I may pick up another pair so I can fully utilize the watch.
Donavon Hornbeck I'll check out your review.
You CAN also listen to music on the Vivoactive 3 (without music) but you need your smartphone with you!
Lol... I buy smartwatches specifically so that I don't have to have my phone with me while I'm running.
Yes, but to say it's not possible on the VA3 is not true! :P
@@MusikPiratCH you just can skip music that is not playing Music.
@@Allejo1988 With watches you can only listen to music! You cannot "play" music - that's perfectly clear! :P
Don’t buy bluetooth earpods that are not syncing together on same time. Buy those that are linked together with a cable. You will have more battery life and a stronger reception. Those little R and L earpods that are separate are crap. And on top if you lose one you will have to buy a brand new airpods (300$ on apple lol)
The newest versions of true wireless earbuds are really good. I review a lot of them, and I definitely prefer true wireless earbuds over anything that is corded.
AirPods are $159, in the US anyhow.
Airpod 1 yeah
I want to set up dancing. Cannot to that.
Yes, break dancing is a sport activity
Its Allmity
This is deceiving review. 👎 for promoting a competing product. This guy spent half the time talking about why not to buy this watch.
I've had this watch for 6 months now and wouldn't recommend bying it. Most headphones won't work with it, the app is confusing, it doesn't have all the sports I'd want and I constantly have trouble with listening to music because the watch won't play it even though I bought new headphones just so it would work!
I was looking to buy vivo active 3 musique tommorow 😏🤔
@@marwendhaouadi5017 okay well prepare yourself for a bluetooth connection that keeps disconnecting while you move your arms...or maybe it will work better with your headphones i don't know
Wait! did you just say you run 10k in 40mins? you a pro runner?
ok bluetooth sucks on watch got it
You are showing your earbuds collection or watch ⌚ 😂😂🤣🤣
I've had Garmin Vivoactive 3 and I can't tell anything good about this device. OK, it is nice watch, lot of different options etc. But quality is bad for that price. It is always good in the videos and photos, but in reality it is different, It feels cheap.
I have bougth it in January this year, 3 months after it started to act weird (vibrating by itsef, lights on by itself...), sideswipe option stopped working, and lastly, touch screen completely died. I was at Garmin center and they said that it cant be repaired and gave me a new one. Few weeks ago, new one Vivoactive3 also startet to act weird. Vibrating by itself etc. Then I sold it. Now I own Fenix5 for about 1 month and I am satisfied.
That's weird I've had my vivoactive 3 since January as well and have never had any of those problems. I have had the watch freeze and I have had to reboot it but that's only happened a couple times. I think the watch looks good but everybody has the right to their own opinion about looks. The fenix 5 on the other hand is an amazing watch and a great choice. Good luck with the fenix hopefully it works better for you!
mine had a lot of bugs and then my altimeter broke. Then i bought the forerunner 935 and i'm also very satisfied with it. I only miss the touch screen of the vivo active but i can live without it.
Said that the $250 price tag was pricey for him and then goes and buys $200 Jabra earbuds just like that...
The $200 Jabra's were also a bit pricey IMO. If that makes any difference to you.
So let me get this straight...you knock the Garmin for being so expensive at $200...and then proceed to go out and buy $200 ear buds..that don't work..on top of 3 other sets??? Dude..
I have the va3 and it’s terrible!
Paul Davies why?
I have it and it's great. Only issue was Bluetooth connectivity with certain headphones. Changed to Beats X and they work perfect. True wireless headphones are a little flakey with certain devices.
I also have VA3 standart. Its great. Never had any issues with it and battery life improved since I bought it. (I bought it at release)
7 minutes on earphones 🙄
How you add music and listen to it?