Excellent review! I'm comparing these 3: Vivoactive 5, Venu 3s, and the Forerunner 265s. Vivoactive 5 is missing 4 sensors that the Forerunner 265s has: SATIQ, Gyroscope, Altimeter, and Thermometer. The Venu 3s is missing these two sensors the Forerunner 265s has: SATIQ, Thermometer. Do we need those sensors? Depends on their purpose. The purpose of SATIQ is to enhance GPS tracking. The purpose of the gyroscope is to enhance GPS tracking when the signal is weak. But GPS tracking is pretty good for the Vivoactive 5, so those two sensors are not terribly missed. The purpose of the thermometer is to enhance the function of the altimeter. Since the Vivoactive 5 has no altimeter, it makes sense to lose the thermometer. So, from a sensor perspective, the "real" deficit for the Vivoactive 5 is having no altimeter. The Vivoactive 5 can't count floors climbed indoors, or elevation changes outdoors. This is a good watch indoors if you are not tracking the number of floors climbed or have a one-floor house. It is also good at work when one goes up and down an elevator and you don't want those elevator-driven elevation changes to go towards the floors climbed tracking. The best part about the Vivoactive 5 is that it is thin. It may be the thinnest round-format Garmin fitness watch available (at only 11.1 mm thick). The Forerunner is like a hockey puck at 12.9 mm thick. The Venu 3s is in between both at 12mm thick. The Vivoactive 5 is also the lightest of the three. As for "use-case", if one is doing "multi-sport" (eg Triathlon), the easy choice is the Forerunner 265. If one needs bicycle power, eliminate the Vivoactive 5 from consideration because it is limited to bike speed and cadence sensor data. If you are not a triathlete, have no need for cycle-power, use elevators often, don't care for tracking floors or hills climbed, and you want to sleep with it and wear it 24/7, the slim and light Vivoactive 5 is a compelling wallet-sparing option.
Wow. This is a very thorough comparison. I have had all the Vivoactive iterations and was considering upgrade to either a Venu 3 vs Vivoactive 5. Looks like I will stick with the Vivoactive 5. Thank you.
I bought the Vivoactive 5 over the Venu 3 for two reasons. First, the microphone on the Venu 3 doesn't appeal to me. I just that functionality on Samsung watches for years and never used it so I didn't feel motivated to pay extra for it. Second, the Vivoactive 5 is absurdly lightweight at 36g *including* the watch band. That's unheard of and leaves me with a watch so comfortable I actually don't mind wearing it 24/7 so I'm getting far more health data than ever before. This thing is even lighter than the Fitbit Charge 6! I honestly think that's the underdog feature that nobody's taking about. I love my Vivoactive 5. 😁
@Maxible Happy to hear this. I ordered the vivoactive 5 too.... Going to be delivered today. I agree with you and the other options on the Venue 3 weren't anything that I needed or would use. I'm glad you like your 5 because I'm anxious to set it up and start using today
This has to be the best Garmin Venu 3 out there on RUclips, hands down! The crazy part is that it's not even solely dedicated to the Venu 3. Very good job!
Is it just me or does anyone else struggle to see the benefit of voice assistants on watches that have to be connected to Bluetooth to use? If that's the case your phone is likely close enough to use the assistant on that instead 🤷♂️ I'm sure one day the tech will be useful but right now it feels like an unnecessary feature Great video btw
As the owner of a Venu 3 I can tell you it’s a real pain that it relies on the BT connection to the watch. With most Android Wear watches you can connect to the phone through WiFi and the Assistant and voice calls will work but that’s not the case with the Venu 3. Often at home my phone is at the other end of the house and the watch loses connection to it. Even when it is connected by BT, invoking the assistant either at all, or without considerable delay, is pretty unreliable. Apart from that the Venu 3 is awesome and I love it but if I bought again, I would probably just get the Vivoactive 5.
I really appreciate the level of detail and clarity in this review! Also helps understand how to use the watches, I think this would help me so much if I do decide to buy one of them
Both watches are 100$ off! That automatically makes both that much better! I was leaning towards the venu but people in the comments made a good point about the speakers and mics and how your phone basically needs to be in your pocket anyways for the function to work. Just purchased my Vivo 5 for only 200$ with the discount!
Great summary, but also so frustrating. My choices are either the Vivoactive 5, which for some bizarre reason doesn't track the only sport I care about - hiking - or the Venu 3 which does, but which is another $200 and also plagued with 'mushy buttons' according to heaps of reviews I've read about it. I really don't want an Apple Watch due to the short battery life, but Garmin's quality control and inexplicable feature trimming are leaving me wondering what other options I have. 🤔
@@cucumbrazzu that was my thought, too, but what I've read is that the 'hiking' profile tracks your day more accurately by pausing when you do. Running and walking profiles apparently don't. I honestly don't know enough about any of this to comment with any authority, but it does seems strange that 4 random profiles, including the one I'd ideally use, are missing on the Vivoactive..
Hi, i was wondering which one is the best for me and I want to track my stairs and also I’m practicing climbing indoor so I think Venu 3 is better for me
My Venu screen is starting to bite the dust and the price difference is insane on the new Venu3 this was super helpful. I like to just see my texts and emails, and get a notification with a call. I've never seen the option to answer a call on my wrist as a huge need. Seems the Vivoactive 5 will fit my needs just fine.
It seems like the vivoactive 5 is equal to the Venu 2 for the most part. With that in mind the venu 2 seems to be a better deal as it has the metal steel bezel and the altimiter and is on sale often.
I just updated my vivoactive 3 after just over 3 years. I couldn't justify over $300 (AUD) more for the venu 3 over the vivoactive 5 or the venu 2. I wouldn't use it for the calls so the only feature I was really missing was the ECG. so I settled on getting a venu 2. Seemed the better pick for value. Weight is not a problem. I used to wear heavy stainless steel watches with stainless bands at twice the weight. These are pretty light in comparison.
I just ordered the Vivoactive 5. I was able to talk my wife into letting me spend $300 on a watch. She would have laughed at $450. $300 is alot of money for us. I don't need to make calls from my watch. Even if I could I probably would never use it. I have a brand new Samsung galaxy S23 for that. 😂 I'm pretty excited to get my Vivoactive 5.
Kudos for respecting your wife enough to ask. I have spent decades doing the opposite. I am talking motorcycles, boats, and new trucks. I finally involved her in purchasing a new truck and she made sure I got all of the things I would have forgot.
Still not decided between the Venu 3, Huawei GT4, and the Apple Watch 9. A comparison between apple watch and venu 3 would be great. As both fall within the same price range. I get AW is more smartwatch whereas Garmin more Health Tracking. But a comparison would be useful.
Yeah, but keep in mind that the apple watch 9 lasts a day, you have to charge it everday overnight or diring the day, so if sleeptracking is important to you, i woudnt go for it
This question has been bugging me since Garmin announced the Vivoactive 5. I have had the Vivoactive 4 and was looking for an upgrade, but wish that Garmin would start to consolidate these two product lines. A hybrid of the two at something like $349 would be perfect. The HR sensor on the Venu 3 would be nice, especially if it has ECG, but the jet lag feature would be very useful.
Very comprehensive comparison/review of the 2 of the three watches I have my eyes on (with Apple watch being the third). Thanks for this review, I think I know what watch to go for.
Love this comparison video. I’ve been with Vivoactive 3 for 3 years and going to change it to get either Vivoactive 5 or Venu 3. This helps me to decide, which I will go with Vivoactive 5. Thanks
So, if I just wanna use it for music and contactless payment, plus a bit of monitoring in the gym, I can save a few bucks by going for the vivoactive 5? Thank you!
I currently have a Vivoactive 3 that is almost 7 years old and the battery is not lasting a whole day. It dies during an evening workout. I’ve been debating between upgrading to a Vivoactive 5 or a Venu 3. I didn’t realize there was also a Venu 3S that would be a better fit on my wrist. Your video was extremely informative and helpful! Thanks to the great reviews you provided, I’ve decided to stick with the Vivoactive 5.
Been using Venu 3 for 2 months now and really annoyed with its inaccurate sleep tracking.. Its really keeps missing few minutes of data as unmeasurable during the night in random times every day.. its repeat every day for losing the time in middle and my sleep coach saying I need more sleep (even after sleeping enough) and my body battery is bad.. I reached out to Garmin for help .. The help they offered me is return the watch for refund .. :) Good job garmin.. !
Thanks so much much for this review. I especially liked that you compared the heart rates for cardio and weights. I'm sold on the Vivoactive 5 even though it lacks the ECG and Altimeter. The price difference in my region doesn't make sense as it's almost double the price.
wow very helpful, even showing how the various sizes look on your wrist...and the measurement of your own wrist for scale - that's super helpful. I don't want a huge-looking device on mine. Thanks!
I was thinking as I have a Vivoactive 4, I was thinking I would want a 5 but, I guess not. The new voice reply feature (android user) was a feature I had on a Pebble Steel watch I had years ago, then I moved to a VA 3 and now a 4. So that feature alone would make me change to a Venu 3. So it's the one I will be watching for. I use it more a smartwatch and day to day Step and stair tracking so if I want to track stairs (like my 4 does) I need to go a Venu 3. Thanks for the info, this gave me the info to start shopping for a deal on one...
Do people really use the voice abilities on their smart watches? I noticed people with apple watches still pull out their phones to talk. The thing I like about my Venu 3s is that I can log into my work-related security by dial up when my phone is in the other room.
@@mjsolomon Leaning towards vivo 3 for the same reason. I use voice for 3 main reasons, when i'm cycling/wearing gloves and want to send a reply to a text, when i want to ask google a question like the weather in a specific place, when I am cooking and have messy fingers and want to start a timer for a specific time without pressing buttons (I just use my chin to click). After using it all the time on my Pixel watch, no voice would be a dealbreaker now!
Honestly… I sort of like the rudimentary text and appearance of my 4s a lot more than the 5. The 5 is more modern, sure, and is a lot easier to see with the colors and lights, but still feels a bit too “glowy” for me. I get the appeal though. I’ll stick with the 4s for a little bit longer… a shame my battery life is now around four days (no workouts).
My Vivoactive 4S would count stair climbing if we were driving through mountains or a hilly road 😆 I mainly used mine for watch ⌚️ function alarm and walking Seeing my texts or emails is good enough while im on my walk. I dont need to be in touch all the time. After 5 years of daily use it's finally just starting to get moisture around the glass, other than that the watch works flawlessy still.
Thanks so much! I always come back to your reviews when I'm looking to get a new fitness tracker device. I have the vivoactive 4s which I seem to have misplaced at my parents place. I feel like the move from 4 to 5 isn't that great in terms of 'adds' and you actually lose the stair count functionality. So leaning Venu 3 now. Thanks again for the reviews!
Agree with other commets, I really find your videos so helpful and great to watch. Thanks for putting this comparison together and it has helped my purchase decision - will be choosing the Vivoactive 5 :)
If Vivoactive 5 had a 45mm like they did with the Vivoactive 4 I would get that one, however a 42/41mm just looks too small on my wrist. A Fenix 47mm even better but overkill. I must say I like the voice assistant for my Home Assistant specials, not that I use it a lot (must go automatic haha). Anyhow, 45mm made the difference for me and I got the Venu 3 for 370 euro on discount.
Thank you for this in depth comparison! What I miss in both watches are profiles for mountain-biking which I only see in the x65 watches. How usable are these two watches for mountain-biking? Does anybody use one for MTB?
great video and comparisons, you answered my questions thank you! I have a 2020 Venu Sq I was going to upgrade to the Venu 3, but after watching for video I'll be buying the Vivoactive 5 instead.
Great presentation..thank you. Any difference for golfing? Possibly just uses Garmin app for golf? I have VA 3 but find it clumsy updating MyFitnessPal leaning to Venu due to current $100 discount on both.
Venue 3 and vivoactive 5 does not show active calories during a workout on any data screen. Tried the connectiq data screens as well. The forerunner 265 and 965 has this option. Even the Apple Watch 7 had this option
I'm deciding between vivoactive 5 and pace 3. I have been using garmin for years and hesitated to make the change but the price pace 3 is appealing too. Please help
I would really like to get the vivoactive 5 as I don't think I have the budget for the venu 3 and some of the extra features I feel I wouldn't use anyway... but I'm gutted neither of them have dance or gymnastics as a workout option!! I guess i could put it as pilates or HIIT maybe?
Great review. Would both of these be overkill for a casual first time smartwatch person? My main thing is heart, sleep, oxygen level and exercise. If you would have a better Garmin suggestion for me I'd appreciate them. Thank you
Thanks for the video. I don't understand how the training effect works on the Vivoactive 5. From what I see here, it does show you a text which describes your training effect, but does not show you the regular training effect (+ aerobic/anaerobic) which other, cheaper watches like the forerunner 55 offer? It's a bolt assumption of Garmin that a multisport population which would buy the Vivoactive 5 is not interested in running details, whereas the Forerunners offer a very specialized experience which is tailored to runners. I participate in a number of different sports, which none of Garmins cheaper options supports entirely. On the other hand, I really hate to have a brick like the the Epix on my arm. It's really annoying.
Thank you so much! Very good video, very well explained! I will go for the Vivoactive 5 even if I like to go hiking since the elevation is shown on the app afterwards (with the walk feature). I also will be getting a smart bike trainer but I guess it will have the power feature itself so i don’t really need the watch to tell me. I guess I can use the indoor bike function! Thank you so much for your video, it was very helpful 😊
For treadmill workouts on both of these, will it track steps or do I need to buy a footpod accessory? (My treadmill has no 'smarts' for connectivity to a watch directly.)
Both of them have a treadmill workout. You can check how to calibrate your watch for the treadmill or just adjust the distance after finishing the workout
I had the vivoactive 5 part of an exchange program because my vivoactive 3 couldn't hold a charge during my runs anymore. Then I started using the vivoactive 5 and noticed later it doesn't have a floor counter. So some of my challenges stopped. But I enjoyed the new audio prompts feature when you are running. Especially in the cold. I bought a Venu 3 because it has everything that I need and I like the number pad for inputting weights at the gym but my audio prompts aren't going thought my headphones. Anyone experiencing the same issue?
I went skiing yesterday with my brand new Vivoactive 5 and was disappointed to find out that it lacks an altimeter. Managing laps is also a real pain compared to my old Vivoactive 3; there is no PAUSE feature, you just push to start another lap. So all the time you spend in line and on the chairlift is considered in your run. This is not very interesting. I am planning to return it and considering getting the Venu 3 instead.
@Desfit So, is there no way to get the Apple GPS to sync with the watch? I don’t like Google Maps, and I like how my Apple Watch shakes when it’s time for a new direction or turn.
Hello, I am hesitating between the Vivoactive 5 and the Venu 2 since they have similar characteristics. The Vivoactive 5 is more modern. At the same price as you would advise me.Thanks
18:10 can you upload a costum workout for this feature or it works only with Garmin coach? I am on the market for a fitness watch. I have been using the forerunner 45 for about a year and it good but i am ready for an upgrade that has feautures for the gym which is what i do the most. What do you recommend? Thanks for the video
Congrats on the great video! QUESTION: I noticed that the activities list doesn't include specific modes for Cross Training or Gym Workout. I was wondering if I could use the HIIT mode to track these types of workouts instead. If not, are there any other model you'd recommend for Cross Training or Gym Workout tracking? Thanks!
Great video. I know that the vivoactive 5 and HRM-band is compatible but do you know if they can sync up after you finished your workout? Let's say that you're playing soccer and you can't wear your watch, do they sync up afterwards?
I’m interested in getting the vivoactive 5. Can you make it so that you DONT receive texts on the watch? When my Apple Watch stopped working I realised I loved not being notified every single time I get a text. Makes me more present.
Thank you for your review. I have the vivoactive 5 just for a few days and although I’m careful with it a scratch has appeared on the screen, so I’m deeply disappointed even though it’s supposedly gorilla glass. Now I’ve ordered a screen protector which seems to defeat the reason why I specifically wanted gorilla glass. Please advise me.What would you suggest because I am considering returning it.
Hi there thanks for the excellent and thorough information. I’m considering the Venu3 and coming from an Apple Watch 6 with cellular. Does the Venu3 have fall detection and emergency calling like the Apple? Thanks again
Firstly, thanks for this super in-depth video, i will probably buy the vivoactive 5. But i do have a question about 14:27 In how far does the "Hiking" Workout Profile on the Venu 3 differ from the "Walk" on vivoactive 5? Anybody know? Thanks :)
As a beginner (trail) runner, I am looking for a sports watch to replace my Apple Watch SE. Mainly because I cannot upload/track interval sessions on(to) my watch. I wanted to buy a Coros Pace 3 but now that the Vívoactive 5 is in the same price range. Which one would you recommend?
Garmin is much better than Apple Watch for anything sports-related. Apple's Health and Fitness apps are mediocre, and you need to buy $100/year apps to use all the info the AW offers, while Garmin offers everything in one app for free
I've been looking through your Garmin smartwatch videos this weekend and this video here was one I was hoping to find. Once question that you may be able to help with - would you (or anybody who owns a Vivoactive 5 or Venu 3/3S) know if the display can be flipped 180 degress, so that the buttons are on the left side of the device? I can do it with my old Vivoactive 3; just wondering the option is still there with the newer models. Thanks in advance!
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
![BEST Garmin Watches [2024] - WATCH This Before You BUY!](/img/1.gif)
Excellent review! I'm comparing these 3: Vivoactive 5, Venu 3s, and the Forerunner 265s. Vivoactive 5 is missing 4 sensors that the Forerunner 265s has: SATIQ, Gyroscope, Altimeter, and Thermometer. The Venu 3s is missing these two sensors the Forerunner 265s has: SATIQ, Thermometer.
Do we need those sensors? Depends on their purpose. The purpose of SATIQ is to enhance GPS tracking. The purpose of the gyroscope is to enhance GPS tracking when the signal is weak. But GPS tracking is pretty good for the Vivoactive 5, so those two sensors are not terribly missed.
The purpose of the thermometer is to enhance the function of the altimeter. Since the Vivoactive 5 has no altimeter, it makes sense to lose the thermometer.
So, from a sensor perspective, the "real" deficit for the Vivoactive 5 is having no altimeter. The Vivoactive 5 can't count floors climbed indoors, or elevation changes outdoors. This is a good watch indoors if you are not tracking the number of floors climbed or have a one-floor house. It is also good at work when one goes up and down an elevator and you don't want those elevator-driven elevation changes to go towards the floors climbed tracking.
The best part about the Vivoactive 5 is that it is thin. It may be the thinnest round-format Garmin fitness watch available (at only 11.1 mm thick). The Forerunner is like a hockey puck at 12.9 mm thick. The Venu 3s is in between both at 12mm thick. The Vivoactive 5 is also the lightest of the three.
As for "use-case", if one is doing "multi-sport" (eg Triathlon), the easy choice is the Forerunner 265. If one needs bicycle power, eliminate the Vivoactive 5 from consideration because it is limited to bike speed and cadence sensor data.
If you are not a triathlete, have no need for cycle-power, use elevators often, don't care for tracking floors or hills climbed, and you want to sleep with it and wear it 24/7, the slim and light Vivoactive 5 is a compelling wallet-sparing option.
Thank you for all details!!
If I do pool swimming which one is better please?
Really useful, thanks very much
Wow. This is a very thorough comparison. I have had all the Vivoactive iterations and was considering upgrade to either a Venu 3 vs Vivoactive 5. Looks like I will stick with the Vivoactive 5. Thank you.
Happy to help Thanks!
The vivoactive 5 seems like seems like such good value! thanks for the video!
You’re welcome!
Just want to say how much i enjoy your comparison videos, they are perfect.
Happy to help!
I bought the Vivoactive 5 over the Venu 3 for two reasons. First, the microphone on the Venu 3 doesn't appeal to me. I just that functionality on Samsung watches for years and never used it so I didn't feel motivated to pay extra for it. Second, the Vivoactive 5 is absurdly lightweight at 36g *including* the watch band. That's unheard of and leaves me with a watch so comfortable I actually don't mind wearing it 24/7 so I'm getting far more health data than ever before. This thing is even lighter than the Fitbit Charge 6! I honestly think that's the underdog feature that nobody's taking about. I love my Vivoactive 5. 😁
@Maxible Happy to hear this. I ordered the vivoactive 5 too.... Going to be delivered today. I agree with you and the other options on the Venue 3 weren't anything that I needed or would use. I'm glad you like your 5 because I'm anxious to set it up and start using today
@@PainterLady hope you enjoy! I've been loving mine, it's really good! 🙂
@@Maxible Thank you Adam. 😊. So glad you love yours. Really anxious to get mine. Have a wonderful day!☃️
@@PainterLadyAnd how do you like it so far?
Is it can read like whatsapp notifications?
This has to be the best Garmin Venu 3 out there on RUclips, hands down!
The crazy part is that it's not even solely dedicated to the Venu 3. Very good job!
Is it just me or does anyone else struggle to see the benefit of voice assistants on watches that have to be connected to Bluetooth to use? If that's the case your phone is likely close enough to use the assistant on that instead 🤷♂️ I'm sure one day the tech will be useful but right now it feels like an unnecessary feature
Great video btw
Yes. Was thinking the same
my phone isn't close when it's in my backpack
I find it useful when I'm driving and can't access my phone to reply to messages while keeping eyes on the road
As the owner of a Venu 3 I can tell you it’s a real pain that it relies on the BT connection to the watch. With most Android Wear watches you can connect to the phone through WiFi and the Assistant and voice calls will work but that’s not the case with the Venu 3. Often at home my phone is at the other end of the house and the watch loses connection to it. Even when it is connected by BT, invoking the assistant either at all, or without considerable delay, is pretty unreliable. Apart from that the Venu 3 is awesome and I love it but if I bought again, I would probably just get the Vivoactive 5.
This is the best video among of bunch I've seen recently
Thanks!
The lifting features is what I was looking for and will be saving up for Venu 3 now. Thank you!
I really appreciate the level of detail and clarity in this review! Also helps understand how to use the watches, I think this would help me so much if I do decide to buy one of them
Happy to help. Thanks!
Both watches are 100$ off! That automatically makes both that much better! I was leaning towards the venu but people in the comments made a good point about the speakers and mics and how your phone basically needs to be in your pocket anyways for the function to work. Just purchased my Vivo 5 for only 200$ with the discount!
Great summary, but also so frustrating. My choices are either the Vivoactive 5, which for some bizarre reason doesn't track the only sport I care about - hiking - or the Venu 3 which does, but which is another $200 and also plagued with 'mushy buttons' according to heaps of reviews I've read about it. I really don't want an Apple Watch due to the short battery life, but Garmin's quality control and inexplicable feature trimming are leaving me wondering what other options I have. 🤔
Would the “walking” activity make it such a big difference with the “hiking” one so far?
@@cucumbrazzu that was my thought, too, but what I've read is that the 'hiking' profile tracks your day more accurately by pausing when you do. Running and walking profiles apparently don't. I honestly don't know enough about any of this to comment with any authority, but it does seems strange that 4 random profiles, including the one I'd ideally use, are missing on the Vivoactive..
I need this for hiking. And, I need the altimeter for hiking. So, it looks like the vivioactive won't work for me. Ugggg
@@vickichisholm153 I think it can track your variation of altitude based on GPS tracking. Can anyone confirm?
@@cucumbrazzuYou could be right. Think it shows it in the Connect app.
Thanks! This helps out a lot. I should buy the Venu 3, because I hike, snowboard and want to track how many stairs I walked in the office. Thanks!
Hi, i was wondering which one is the best for me and I want to track my stairs and also I’m practicing climbing indoor so I think Venu 3 is better for me
No build in altimeter is a big step back for va series ...
Agree
Viviactive 5 100% the investment don’t regret it
My Venu screen is starting to bite the dust and the price difference is insane on the new Venu3 this was super helpful. I like to just see my texts and emails, and get a notification with a call. I've never seen the option to answer a call on my wrist as a huge need. Seems the Vivoactive 5 will fit my needs just fine.
It seems like the vivoactive 5 is equal to the Venu 2 for the most part. With that in mind the venu 2 seems to be a better deal as it has the metal steel bezel and the altimiter and is on sale often.
metal vs. plastic is preference. lighter watches offer better HR tracking and comfort
I just updated my vivoactive 3 after just over 3 years. I couldn't justify over $300 (AUD) more for the venu 3 over the vivoactive 5 or the venu 2. I wouldn't use it for the calls so the only feature I was really missing was the ECG. so I settled on getting a venu 2. Seemed the better pick for value. Weight is not a problem. I used to wear heavy stainless steel watches with stainless bands at twice the weight. These are pretty light in comparison.
I just ordered the Vivoactive 5. I was able to talk my wife into letting me spend $300 on a watch. She would have laughed at $450. $300 is alot of money for us. I don't need to make calls from my watch. Even if I could I probably would never use it. I have a brand new Samsung galaxy S23 for that. 😂 I'm pretty excited to get my Vivoactive 5.
She didn't laugh at the price of a brand new Samsung galaxy S23? :)
@harmony3138 🤣 good point.
How is it so far?
Q bueno!! espero lo disfrutes
Kudos for respecting your wife enough to ask. I have spent decades doing the opposite. I am talking motorcycles, boats, and new trucks. I finally involved her in purchasing a new truck and she made sure I got all of the things I would have forgot.
Excellent video. Clear, concise with a lot of valuable information.
Happy to help. Thanks!
your video has been amazing, thanks for taking the time x
I bought vivoactive 5 because the price and functions are reasonable for me.
Still not decided between the Venu 3, Huawei GT4, and the Apple Watch 9. A comparison between apple watch and venu 3 would be great. As both fall within the same price range. I get AW is more smartwatch whereas Garmin more Health Tracking. But a comparison would be useful.
Yeah, but keep in mind that the apple watch 9 lasts a day, you have to charge it everday overnight or diring the day, so if sleeptracking is important to you, i woudnt go for it
Buy the forerunner 265 its a better alternative
A very thorough and to-the-point comparison. Subscribed!
Thanks!
This question has been bugging me since Garmin announced the Vivoactive 5. I have had the Vivoactive 4 and was looking for an upgrade, but wish that Garmin would start to consolidate these two product lines. A hybrid of the two at something like $349 would be perfect.
The HR sensor on the Venu 3 would be nice, especially if it has ECG, but the jet lag feature would be very useful.
The vívoactive 5 doesn't really seem like an upgrade to the 4
@@Shurtug I felt the same after watching all the reviews!
Very comprehensive comparison/review of the 2 of the three watches I have my eyes on (with Apple watch being the third). Thanks for this review, I think I know what watch to go for.
Happy to help. Thanks and enjoy your new watch!
very good deep dive. they look so similair but now i know all the small details.
Happy to help
I'm pretty happy with my Venu 3. Thanks to your review, I purchased mine 2 weeks ago.
@QiQi-ds5vp I ordered one, but it hasn't arrived yet.
How is the sleep tracking on it?
How long lasts the battery on your Smartwatch?
I m thinking about to by it 'cause my samsung galaxy watch active 2 is broken After 3 years ⌚️😢
@@Pohmetolog pretty good... I like the nap feature.
@@anankazick5322 Mine lasts a little over 1 week but I'm an intense user. 1 and half hours per day gym/GPS tracking runs/walks
Love this comparison video. I’ve been with Vivoactive 3 for 3 years and going to change it to get either Vivoactive 5 or Venu 3. This helps me to decide, which I will go with Vivoactive 5. Thanks
Glad the information helped. Thanks and enjoy your new watch!
So, if I just wanna use it for music and contactless payment, plus a bit of monitoring in the gym, I can save a few bucks by going for the vivoactive 5? Thank you!
Very happy with my Vivoactive 5 💪💪
I currently have a Vivoactive 3 that is almost 7 years old and the battery is not lasting a whole day. It dies during an evening workout. I’ve been debating between upgrading to a Vivoactive 5 or a Venu 3. I didn’t realize there was also a Venu 3S that would be a better fit on my wrist. Your video was extremely informative and helpful! Thanks to the great reviews you provided, I’ve decided to stick with the Vivoactive 5.
Been using Venu 3 for 2 months now and really annoyed with its inaccurate sleep tracking.. Its really keeps missing few minutes of data as unmeasurable during the night in random times every day.. its repeat every day for losing the time in middle and my sleep coach saying I need more sleep (even after sleeping enough) and my body battery is bad..
I reached out to Garmin for help .. The help they offered me is return the watch for refund .. :)
Good job garmin.. !
Very thorough and helpful! Found your link in Reddit on a thread.
Thanks so much much for this review. I especially liked that you compared the heart rates for cardio and weights. I'm sold on the Vivoactive 5 even though it lacks the ECG and Altimeter. The price difference in my region doesn't make sense as it's almost double the price.
Happy to help. Enjoy your new watch!
Great review - made the differences very clear, thanks.
Happy to help!
How did they NOT include the altimeter in the 5? My 4 has it, I'd rather have that and MIP screen.
Successor to the 4 was the Venu 2.
wow very helpful, even showing how the various sizes look on your wrist...and the measurement of your own wrist for scale - that's super helpful. I don't want a huge-looking device on mine. Thanks!
What an amazing review, peefect! Thankyou❤
Thanks!
I was thinking as I have a Vivoactive 4, I was thinking I would want a 5 but, I guess not. The new voice reply feature (android user) was a feature I had on a Pebble Steel watch I had years ago, then I moved to a VA 3 and now a 4. So that feature alone would make me change to a Venu 3. So it's the one I will be watching for.
I use it more a smartwatch and day to day Step and stair tracking so if I want to track stairs (like my 4 does) I need to go a Venu 3.
Thanks for the info, this gave me the info to start shopping for a deal on one...
Do people really use the voice abilities on their smart watches? I noticed people with apple watches still pull out their phones to talk. The thing I like about my Venu 3s is that I can log into my work-related security by dial up when my phone is in the other room.
@@mjsolomon Leaning towards vivo 3 for the same reason. I use voice for 3 main reasons, when i'm cycling/wearing gloves and want to send a reply to a text, when i want to ask google a question like the weather in a specific place, when I am cooking and have messy fingers and want to start a timer for a specific time without pressing buttons (I just use my chin to click). After using it all the time on my Pixel watch, no voice would be a dealbreaker now!
Honestly… I sort of like the rudimentary text and appearance of my 4s a lot more than the 5. The 5 is more modern, sure, and is a lot easier to see with the colors and lights, but still feels a bit too “glowy” for me. I get the appeal though.
I’ll stick with the 4s for a little bit longer… a shame my battery life is now around four days (no workouts).
Hi, just wondered if you would consider comparing the vivoactive 5 with the venu 2 given their similar price point?
The moment I heard that the Vivoactive 5 doe not have an altimeter, I lost interest in it. That's so cheap of Garmin!
My Vivoactive 4S would count stair climbing if we were driving through mountains or a hilly road 😆
I mainly used mine for watch ⌚️ function alarm and walking
Seeing my texts or emails is good enough while im on my walk.
I dont need to be in touch all the time.
After 5 years of daily use it's finally just starting to get moisture around the glass, other than that the watch works flawlessy still.
Thanks so much! I always come back to your reviews when I'm looking to get a new fitness tracker device. I have the vivoactive 4s which I seem to have misplaced at my parents place. I feel like the move from 4 to 5 isn't that great in terms of 'adds' and you actually lose the stair count functionality. So leaning Venu 3 now. Thanks again for the reviews!
Sure thing!
Agree with other commets, I really find your videos so helpful and great to watch. Thanks for putting this comparison together and it has helped my purchase decision - will be choosing the Vivoactive 5 :)
Glad it was helpful. Thanks!
Are both watches able to show golf functions? Map and distance to flag?
I have been using the vivoactive 4 in the larger size, planning for an upgrade, but the vivoactive 5 seems small, venu 3 seems like a better pick
If Vivoactive 5 had a 45mm like they did with the Vivoactive 4 I would get that one, however a 42/41mm just looks too small on my wrist. A Fenix 47mm even better but overkill. I must say I like the voice assistant for my Home Assistant specials, not that I use it a lot (must go automatic haha). Anyhow, 45mm made the difference for me and I got the Venu 3 for 370 euro on discount.
very comprehensive and easy to follow. Thank you
Happy to help!
Thank you for this in depth comparison! What I miss in both watches are profiles for mountain-biking which I only see in the x65 watches. How usable are these two watches for mountain-biking? Does anybody use one for MTB?
good question . so what's your option for mtb ?
Bummer they switched from e-ink to amoled display on the vivo active 5, that was the selling point of the vivo active 4 compared to venu 2/3
Great detailed info as usual 👌
Glad it was useful, thanks!
great video and comparisons, you answered my questions thank you! I have a 2020 Venu Sq I was going to upgrade to the Venu 3, but after watching for video I'll be buying the Vivoactive 5 instead.
Happy to help and enjoy your new watch!
Similar price point is the Vivoactive 5 versus the Venu 2, is there a video or advise in choosing between these 2 Garmin watch models? Thanks
The video I've been waiting for! Thanks!
🙌
Thanks!
Thank you!
Great presentation..thank you. Any difference for golfing? Possibly just uses Garmin app for golf? I have VA 3 but find it clumsy updating MyFitnessPal leaning to Venu due to current $100 discount on both.
Venue 3 and vivoactive 5 does not show active calories during a workout on any data screen. Tried the connectiq data screens as well. The forerunner 265 and 965 has this option. Even the Apple Watch 7 had this option
I'm deciding between vivoactive 5 and pace 3. I have been using garmin for years and hesitated to make the change but the price pace 3 is appealing too. Please help
I would really like to get the vivoactive 5 as I don't think I have the budget for the venu 3 and some of the extra features I feel I wouldn't use anyway... but I'm gutted neither of them have dance or gymnastics as a workout option!! I guess i could put it as pilates or HIIT maybe?
Great review. Would both of these be overkill for a casual first time smartwatch person? My main thing is heart, sleep, oxygen level and exercise. If you would have a better Garmin suggestion for me I'd appreciate them. Thank you
Thanks for the video. I don't understand how the training effect works on the Vivoactive 5. From what I see here, it does show you a text which describes your training effect, but does not show you the regular training effect (+ aerobic/anaerobic) which other, cheaper watches like the forerunner 55 offer? It's a bolt assumption of Garmin that a multisport population which would buy the Vivoactive 5 is not interested in running details, whereas the Forerunners offer a very specialized experience which is tailored to runners. I participate in a number of different sports, which none of Garmins cheaper options supports entirely. On the other hand, I really hate to have a brick like the the Epix on my arm. It's really annoying.
Thank you so much! Very good video, very well explained! I will go for the Vivoactive 5 even if I like to go hiking since the elevation is shown on the app afterwards (with the walk feature). I also will be getting a smart bike trainer but I guess it will have the power feature itself so i don’t really need the watch to tell me. I guess I can use the indoor bike function! Thank you so much for your video, it was very helpful 😊
Superb comparison. Thank you.
Thanks!
I think the phone option should be on the fenix pro and epic pro so a real durable watch could communicate in the wild 1:46
Des always got your back
Thanks!
Great video. Which is best for GOLF please?
What about rebounding? Is there a fitness choice for rebounding, and if not, which activity would be the best to pick to try to capture that workout?
For treadmill workouts on both of these, will it track steps or do I need to buy a footpod accessory? (My treadmill has no 'smarts' for connectivity to a watch directly.)
Both of them have a treadmill workout. You can check how to calibrate your watch for the treadmill or just adjust the distance after finishing the workout
I had the vivoactive 5 part of an exchange program because my vivoactive 3 couldn't hold a charge during my runs anymore. Then I started using the vivoactive 5 and noticed later it doesn't have a floor counter. So some of my challenges stopped. But I enjoyed the new audio prompts feature when you are running. Especially in the cold. I bought a Venu 3 because it has everything that I need and I like the number pad for inputting weights at the gym but my audio prompts aren't going thought my headphones. Anyone experiencing the same issue?
I went skiing yesterday with my brand new Vivoactive 5 and was disappointed to find out that it lacks an altimeter. Managing laps is also a real pain compared to my old Vivoactive 3; there is no PAUSE feature, you just push to start another lap. So all the time you spend in line and on the chairlift is considered in your run. This is not very interesting. I am planning to return it and considering getting the Venu 3 instead.
@Desfit So, is there no way to get the Apple GPS to sync with the watch? I don’t like Google Maps, and I like how my Apple Watch shakes when it’s time for a new direction or turn.
That's a feature between the Apple Watch and iPhone and not available with non-Apple watches
This was an amazing comparison! Just what i needed. I think it's vivoactive 5 for me!
Thanks and enjoy your new watch!
Hello, I am hesitating between the Vivoactive 5 and the Venu 2 since they have similar characteristics. The Vivoactive 5 is more modern. At the same price as you would advise me.Thanks
18:10 can you upload a costum workout for this feature or it works only with Garmin coach? I am on the market for a fitness watch. I have been using the forerunner 45 for about a year and it good but i am ready for an upgrade that has feautures for the gym which is what i do the most. What do you recommend? Thanks for the video
How does the bezel look? In the pictures it looks alarmingly large. Does the bezel on the venue 3 or forerunner 265 look better (and is it smaller)?
Get an S model.
No altimeter in va5 😕, my va4 has it tho..it lasted me 4 yrs of everyday use then the battery quit a few days ago..having Garmin withdrawals
Hi! I have a question on the safety and tracking feature for Vivoactiv 5. Can you explain what that feature does please?
Congrats on the great video!
QUESTION: I noticed that the activities list doesn't include specific modes for Cross Training or Gym Workout. I was wondering if I could use the HIIT mode to track these types of workouts instead. If not, are there any other model you'd recommend for Cross Training or Gym Workout tracking? Thanks!
Great video. I know that the vivoactive 5 and HRM-band is compatible but do you know if they can sync up after you finished your workout? Let's say that you're playing soccer and you can't wear your watch, do they sync up afterwards?
Great video Des as always! Can you use the Venu on salt water? And do you have to eject the water out of the speakers like in AW or Galaxy watch?
I’m interested in getting the vivoactive 5. Can you make it so that you DONT receive texts on the watch? When my Apple Watch stopped working I realised I loved not being notified every single time I get a text. Makes me more present.
Yup, can turn on/off notifications by text, calls, and apps separately or all together
Will the vivoactive 5 be getting the new sport modes that the venu 3 will be adding in the new update?
Hello, planning to buy this particular watch. Does this Vivoactive 5 includes "Hike" on its outdoor activities?
It doesnt have a barometric altimeter so probably it wont have hike
Excellent video
Thanks!
Great work. Thank you!
Very welcome and thanks!
Very useful, thanks!
Glad to help!
Thank you for your review.
I have the vivoactive 5 just for a few days and although I’m careful with it a scratch has appeared on the screen, so I’m deeply disappointed even though it’s supposedly gorilla glass. Now I’ve ordered a screen protector which seems to defeat the reason why I specifically wanted gorilla glass. Please advise me.What would you suggest because I am considering returning it.
Top presentation, thank you! 🔥
Excellent content, thanks for this! Do you know if both of these support the Strava beacon feature?
Hi there thanks for the excellent and thorough information. I’m considering the Venu3 and coming from an Apple Watch 6 with cellular. Does the Venu3 have fall detection and emergency calling like the Apple? Thanks again
Yes, the venu 3 have incident detection, emergency calling and assistance if you set it on the garmin app or on the watch
Firstly, thanks for this super in-depth video, i will probably buy the vivoactive 5.
But i do have a question about 14:27
In how far does the "Hiking" Workout Profile on the Venu 3 differ from the "Walk" on vivoactive 5?
Anybody know? Thanks :)
Were you able to test sleep compared to other devices such as fitbit?
As a beginner (trail) runner, I am looking for a sports watch to replace my Apple Watch SE. Mainly because I cannot upload/track interval sessions on(to) my watch. I wanted to buy a Coros Pace 3 but now that the Vívoactive 5 is in the same price range. Which one would you recommend?
Garmin is much better than Apple Watch for anything sports-related. Apple's Health and Fitness apps are mediocre, and you need to buy $100/year apps to use all the info the AW offers, while Garmin offers everything in one app for free
late to the party here. The vivoactive 4 can track floors and the 5 can't. It's a wtf moment.
they gotta sell you the venu 3 somehow? yeah don't like this change.
Really enjoyed this🎉
Happy to help!
Love it . Awesome comparison
I would really like your opinion on which one of these two watches or the FR 265 you would choose. I’m having a hard time making a choice. . Thanks!
Thanks for your video ! Nice commentary
Thanks!
Is there a football/soccer profile on either of these watches?
On the Venu 3, yes.
I've been looking through your Garmin smartwatch videos this weekend and this video here was one I was hoping to find. Once question that you may be able to help with - would you (or anybody who owns a Vivoactive 5 or Venu 3/3S) know if the display can be flipped 180 degress, so that the buttons are on the left side of the device? I can do it with my old Vivoactive 3; just wondering the option is still there with the newer models.
Thanks in advance!
I owned a vivoactive 4. It does have is feature.
These do not have the capability of flipping the orientation of the buttons from right to left, or rotating the display.