Garmin needs to just merge Venu, Vivoactive, and Forerunner at this point. Wayyyyy too many similarities.

@Tmacademia

9 ай бұрын

Agree

@baconbro_2221

9 ай бұрын

I agree with venu and vivoactive, but the forerunner(especially 955) has many differences. I fell the 955 and the fenix should be one with having a plastic option

@DylanTK

9 ай бұрын

I agree in terms of say FR265/Venu 3/VA5. Those three should all just be combined.

@moritztweber

9 ай бұрын

@@DylanTK for me the fenix/epix series is a combination between the Venu and Forerunner Series. These both a subsets of the epix/fenix. Forerunner with a sports Focus (2xx Light Version) and venu/va with a smartwatch/health Focus (vivoactive as a Light Version). A combination between the VA and FR2xx as a fenix/epix-light would be great on the other hand.

@swampy2b

9 ай бұрын

So, basically, it’s a round Venu SQ, that renews the Vivoactive trademark.

3:38 I love these sort of comparison. If we can get these over more days, gives us a great understanding of these devices!! Thanks for sharing that. I really found that table SUPER insightful.

The sleep coach and nap features are quite cool. I hope that these new widgets will be updated on the the first edition Epix Gen2 or Fenix 7 models.

I've had a vivoactive 4 for years now and love it. The loss of the altimeter stinks but realistically it only tracked stairs for me and that's not something that's a concern in my house full of stairs. I'm the person who needs a "casual" fitness watch and this fits that pretty well. I'm very happy with my vivoactive 4 and will likely ask for the vivoactive 5 for Christmas.

@grokknar

8 ай бұрын

My 4 died after a brief trip into the sea last week. Beyond annoyed but the timing works for a 5 upgrade - though yeah, the loss of the barometer is baffling and only discovered by me an hour ago after it turned up. I just didn't think they'd be removing features like that within a range.

Thanks for the all-round review as always.

Please make an in depth comparison between venu 3 vs vivoactive 5, it would be super helpful for people deciding between the 2 watches! I think another good Garmin to compare to both is the Instinct 2, besides the different screen type it has similar features and is priced in the middle of the vivoactive and venu.

This watch seems like amazing value and a great choice for the more casually gym-go'er/runner/moderately active person, who thinks the price of the venu 3 is kinda steep, I like it! great review, thanks!

@JEYMS

8 ай бұрын

Yes absolutely. I stumbled on this watch and I am considering it more and more, and may in the end not get an Apple watch as I was supposed to initially.

Just got my first fitness tracker, this watch is pretty awesome. Great review

Thanks for review, keeping my vivoactive 4.

Really nice review. I have the vivoactive 4 for a year now, but after 2 weeks in the sea, it starts to act a little weird, with sometimes very slow charging, to fast drop in charge levels, to funny screens on restart. I assume this is because of the extended exposure to sea water. Hence I wanted to change the watch and get a casual watch (with touchscreen, Garmin Pay and open water swimming) and Vivoactive 5 seems to fit pretty well. I could figure this out because of your review, so thats a lot!! You are also totally write about crazy amount of models, doing very similar stuff and with different pricing etc. Videos like this one helps in deciding 👍

One of the best videos I've seen on this watch. Thank you!

So disappointed they removed Stairs. I feel like I need to stick with the Vivoactive 4 for this reason. Thanks for all of the great information!

@EricNorstrom

8 ай бұрын

Same. Was excited about the Vivo 5 until heading about the lack of altimeter. As a cyclist and mountain biker, altimeter was really important. I'll hold on to my Vivo 4 until it croaks then look elsewhere, I guess.

Great review, thanks! Disappointed they last the altimeter for stair tracking.

Great review, thank you. My vivoactive 3 music broke this weak after going to the indoor pool and I got myself the vivoactive 5. I hope it can withstand the water better. I also think Garmin should merge some of their watches but keep the price range. I've been using the vivoactive line for years now and they are good and also afordable.

Agree. Garmin just swimming in their sea of watch models. Got tired of deciding on the next upgrade with Garmin and just switched to Pace 3 myself, just keep it simple.

I got this watch for Xmas I love it is great comfortable I've had on 4days straight8 only took off for 5mins it's got so many great features on it I would recommend this watch for sure especially if your not tech savvy it's easy to use

@mohsinkhalid2375

24 күн бұрын

Do you still recommend the watch?

Great review. Thank you

Really helpful, thank you 😊

Holy cow music for 299! And I tooooootally see its place in the lineup because now they really have polished, solid, strong offerings at literally every price point, save an ultra cheap option. Awesome video as always. Always watch yours first! Super super well organized and clear on differentiating aspects and benefits and features

@Kiev-en-3-jours

9 ай бұрын

The pace 3 do it for 229...

@moritztweber

9 ай бұрын

The vivoactive 4 has that Feature for 199

@30mattdavies

8 ай бұрын

@@Kiev-en-3-joursyeah nut it’s a coros lol

@Kiev-en-3-jours

8 ай бұрын

@@30mattdavies It sure is a Coros.

Great video and great conclusion 👍 👌 👏

17:35, yeah, same think im looking for a watch and is very hard to learn what doing all models to choose the best one for your pocket. Finally im stoped between: Venu 2 Plus, Forerunner 265, Vivoactive 5, Instinct 2 Solar and i still learn which is the best for me. But anyway any Garmin watches is good.

Completely agree on the final assessment.. Garmin has a confusing range of watchs and feature sets.

Couldn’t agree with you more. Garmin needs to streamline their watch models because trying to tell my customers why this watch is basically a Venu but cheaper and why is it cheaper is just so confusing for them and frankly for myself also.

Do you see the new body battery and sleep features coming to the latest forerunners? Ty for the great review!

Now we need comparison to Venu 3 please As I’m totally confused how garmin releases watches and which one to get right now

@kamilk6807

9 ай бұрын

and fenix 5 plus

@avidwriter2882

9 ай бұрын

I went deep with all kinds of reviews. I basically figured you have to pick a price range you are comfortable with first. Lots of the 500+ are just full of stuff you might not need. Personally I found the 255 which is $300 to $350 has all I need. Just think about what you need, not only what is on it. If you don't need it, get a lower model. You should pay for what you need.

@abalem

9 ай бұрын

Basically it's the same, though it looks a tad less expensive, has 3 days less battery life, no floors count and you can't speak with it like you're on the phone. Oh, and it's something like 150$ dollars less than the Venu 3. Now you can pick which one you fancy.

@timcollins340

9 ай бұрын

The larger Venu has a 1.4” screen. That’s the most significant difference for the typical Vivoactive/Venu user. The lack of altimetry in the Vivoactive makes it a non-starter for me. A shame, as all the previous generations had it. But if that’s not important, the VA5 is better than the Venu 1, cheaper and has a more vivid 1.2” screen , the same size as the original Venu.

@tkozikow

9 ай бұрын

My Vivoactive 4 has been steady and reliable, but I like these upgrades and the price works. I would really like the Venu 3 for ECG and ability to take calls.

Great Summary ❤ i guess they have more than 100 models together and be smart and select a proper one 😂

As discussed the other day on the Instinct 2 series: Eventually Garmin will realize they're just making things messy and potentially killing their own products with that many confusing watch series models and "unpredictable" features releases.

@JEYMS

8 ай бұрын

yep, they should stop wasting time and effort on so many different models and focus on a couple models with all the features combined. They would be king in the sport/smart watch sector, especially as Apple just can't rival the battery life.

Between this one and the last gen Venu 2S, which one would be a better choice ? I don't really mind not having altimeter. Sleep and activity / HR tracking is my main goal.

Would you please do a comparison video of the Vivoactive 5 and the Venu 3? It would be nice to know which features I wouldn't have if I went with this watch over the Venu 3.

Thank you for the in depth review. One question. Can I turn off seeing all the sports possibilities so I don't have to see them on the watch? Thanks!

I have a Vivoactive 3 and was thinking I might upgrade to the 5 but good food for thought here. I am a walker, exerciser, swimmer and cycler but not particularly high level. I really liked knowing elevation increase but sort of recognized that on my watch, it was not highly accurate. On my bike, I often pair watch with an older Edge 800. As you can see, I have long term relationships with my electronics. Any how, I will take some time to decide between the Venu and Vivoactive. I also really like my watch face to be analog and to show a second hand and I will see if that's an option unless someone can just say here. Thanks for the review.

I've got a long history of Garmin watches, and the Vivoactive/Venu bracket is where I pitched my camp some years ago. I still have a Vivoactive HR, a Vivoactive 3, a Venu and a Venu 2+. I'll probably pick up the Venu 3 in a month or two. I kind of got the parallel marketing of the MIP VA4 and the amoled Venu 2/2+; it echoed the relationship between the Fenix and Epix, and the FR255/265, and 955/965. But it's getting a bit ridiculous. I agree that Garmin needs a watch at the $299 point. They could have taken the opportunity to merge and rebrand the Vivoactive, Venu and Forerunner lines into a single product tree with SKUs at 199, 299, 399, 499 and 599, with clear and logical distinctions between the products and an aspirational route to upgrade. Instead, this is a mess!

@SuAlfons

8 ай бұрын

As a current owner of a VA4, neither is the successor I was looking for. I'd basically like a FR255 with touch. Will stay on my VA4 for as long as it holds up....

@greybeard4034

8 ай бұрын

Agree, I'm getting tired of Garmin´s model and premium price diversity.

Hi, does vivoactive 5 have built in maps (such as Fénix series with the new forerunners) that can be used for navigation (eg. during cycling)?

I was 2-year long user of VA4 and was perfectly satisfied with it, but time came to upgrade, so i am now on Fenix 7 SS, which brings me to the question; any insider info on adding Sleep Coach and Nap feature to fenix 7 range?

I just bought the Venu 3 the day before this video released...just a slight upgrade from the vivoactive HR I have. :)

screen covered with light scratches after 3 days of use although the hardest objects it came in contact were bed sheets and clothes. it feels like it's covered with cheap plastic or just regular glass. otherwise great functionality and data

They should have kept MIP for Vivoactive 5 and add solar. If you want a stripped down version of Venu 3 you can buy Venu 2.

@benjo851

8 ай бұрын

Yeah. Where I am at, they are selling the Venu 2 for like 319€, while the Vivoactive 5 isn't even available yet and will cost 299€...Unless the price drops to like 249€, you are better of with Venu 2 while stock still lasts...

I so wish it had a barometer / altimeter. The only thing that almost made me upgrade to the Venu 3. But the price of the Vivoactive 5 is much more reasonable considering all the features it has.

I just hope the sleep stuff gets updated on the other watches like the 255/955

Finally a VivoActive 5! I’ve had a VivoActive 3 and currently have a VivoActive 4, which is getting near the end of its life. Personally I would pay £450 for the Venu 3 and thought my next watch will probably be another VivoActive 4 or Apple Watch SE. The VivoActive 5 is priced well at £280 and could be my next watch. Only downside I can think of is, no altimeter sensor. Garmin have not long bought out challenges or expeditions, this watch would be no good for getting the climbing badges in Garmin Connect.

Hello, can you please tell me if the watch shows resting calories? Also, does it calculate how many calories have been burned by monitoring heart rate or by counting footsteps? Thank you!

Hello. I recently purchased my first Garmin watch, the Vivoactive 5. Overall, I like the watch, however I am learning that some features I thought were "standard" with Garmin devices are not compatible on this watch. For example, I can create running routes in Garmin Connect, but cannot load them onto my watch. The same is true for creating a workout. I can create it in Garmin Connect, but when I try to send it to my device, the message is "not compatible". Can you confirm this or am I doing something wrong. I'm frustrated...I'm debating returning the watch for another that has these capabilities, but frankly the Garmin product range is challenging to understand, especially for a beginner. Any insight you can give would be appreciated. Thank you.

Need a detailed comparison with Coros Pace 3

Last point was spot on. Wish Garmin did the same with its Edge series, where we get pretty much a brick every 4 years.

Is the nap detection automatic or do I need to set it? It seems to be not working automatically for me when I took a nap 😢

Great review and I concur I have no idea which watch to buy, add in the golf watches like the S70 which has so many lifestyle/sports features, should I buy the Epix or S70, or stick with the Fenix, it’s too hard and takes too much research

I had a cardiac event a few months ago (died 3 times) and picked up a cheap watch to monitor my heart rate but when I say cheap I mean $19 so I think it's time to step up my game and have been waffling between this watch and the Samsung 6 and the Garmin Venue 3. I'm 65 so taking that into account and my "event" my extreme days are gone and consist mainly of Pickleball, hikes, walks and bike rides so this might work just fine,,,, thoughts?

What kind of sensors can it pair with? Does it work with bike power meters?

Any tips for GPS not working any more on the vivoactive 4s? I’ve already tried updating, resetting and restarting both phone and watch. Also tried keeping the watching searching for gps.

Just spent £200 more on what is practically the same watch but says Venu 3 on the box. Thanks Garmin!

I got one of these for me wife recently and she’s mystified by the features and the learning curve. Speaking for myself, I just want to know whether and/or when her heart stops!

Great conclusion, totally agree ! What a mess it has become ^^

How does it compare in terms of accuracy in sleeptracking and stressmeasuring with the fitbit sense 2?

Thanks for this. Looking at getting the Vivoactive 5. I'm hearing some reports of crashing or freezing. Did you or your wife encounter anything like that? As to why this exists, I'm fairly new to Garmin watches (currently wearing a used Fenix 5x Plus that's on its last breath) but the functionality, look and price were all really attractive to me. I'm at the beginning of the use of these types of devices on my health journey and expect I'll upgrade in a few years. For now, this looks great to me.

As a newcomer to the wearable space I am also a bit confused by all the similar options. But I think it's also good that garmin offers consumers a budget version of the Venu 3 to forego the more advanced heart sensor and altimeter of the Venu 3 and save a lot of money. At least they are not doing a Fitbit and just drop the altimeter alltogether in the lastest model at that price point like with the Sense 2. From what I have seen in reviews so far, you will only really notice a difference between the Elevate 5 sensor and the older gen for HIIT or resistance training where the 4th gen lags a bit on heart frequency spikes. However, those lags don't seem to be dramatic enough on average bpm to really be a concern for an amateur and anyone serious enough to care about accuracy down a few bpm is just using a chest belt, no? I like to go bouldering so the altimeter of the Venu 3 would come in quite handy but on the other hand I think I don't want to wear a >350€ watch on my wrist for bouldering anyway...

Does it use your resting heart rate that it measures when calculating Active Minutes or does it still make Active Minutes too easy to get if one happens to have a resting heart rate higher than 60bpm?

Does the watch „count“ the altemeter via GPS if you go for a ride or a hike or is there abolutely no Tracking about the altitude?

Im considering picking this up for my wife. Im torn between the Vivoactive 5 and the Venu 2 Plus, as currently they are approximately the same price. She already has an Oura ring gen 3 for sleep and HRV tracking, the watch would primarily be for tracking running, cycling and gym workouts. The build quality of the Venu 2 Plus looks slightly better (tougher) and it has an ECG functionality. Other then that the Vivoactive 5 looks like it has more bells and whistles. Does anyone have any thoughts on either model?

Will this watch pair with an indoor trainer? Im having trouble connecting mine to my trainer and am wondering if i would have the same issue with a venu 3 or higher watch

I agree thay all those different watches are very confusing for customers. But also for Garmin. As they roll out updates to the watches, i noticed that they specs on the website are not updated timely or at all. For example, I have a Instinct 2s Solar which has Garmin pay on it, but last time i checked the website specs said it did not. A shame if that would be a deal breaker for someone.

Does ist supports a automatic training detection? And if so, is it working precisely?

Not the watch I hoped for. Stay on MIP. Newer sensors. Hiking and open water swimming. Maybe daily training recommendations. That's what I wanted as a current VA4 owner. The VA5 should have been the "Venu 3 lite" or "LR" (like Light & Round", matching SQ for square)

Is there any way to turn off the timeout setting? I have mine set to ALWAYS ON but it times out. I went into the timeout setting but it does not have a way to turn it off like older Garmin's.

I bought the Vivoactive 5 thinking it would have animation like the 4, now I think I'll return it and buy the 4.

Thank you

Why doesn't the Fenix 7x SS have the Sleep Coach?

"swipe right“ shortcut is on my Vivoactive 4 too... using it for the brightness setting... cos during the day it can be turn off

Do any of the Garmin watches have the "hard fall" notification feature?

Is there a way to set the heart rate zones. I can only change it as a % of the max heart rate, not as a actual number?

Yesterday I received Suunto Vertical bought for 320 E. Great build quality watch. Today Amazon made me thinking as I reserved this Garmin for 225 E. Would you guys downgrade to Garmin model and save 95E? I know they are two completely different watches. I love sapphire glass and stainless steal of the Suunto. On the other hand I would love to have Garmin soft. Their functions and HR sensors are just much better.

Not sure why they haven't added the call and text features to the thousand dollar Epix2 line-up. Would be a killer watch.

Hey..How did you transfer gps track to PC? And how to put location on vivoactive and then navigate thoruh watch to that point? :)

Another day, another new Garmin watch 🤣

I just got back from an open water swim and noticed the distance is recorded in feet! Is there a setting to change it to yards?

Any idea of the new features will come to the Venu 2 or Sq 2

Would the epix (gen 2) be a better purchase now in 2024 even though the epix is 2 years old?

Basically a Venu 2 with Venu 3 software unlocked (HRV, nap detection, mornig reports, etc) but with an aluminum bezel and one size only. They should just have updated the Venu 2 software. Disappointed with Garmin's exasperated fragmentation of their offer.

Thanks

Altimeter removal is a deal-breaker for me. Another exclusive feature I loved about the Vivoactive line was the Transflective memory-in-pixel display. It allowed for an always on display that was perfectly visible even without a backlight in normal lit rooms and daylight. It gave the feel of a traditional watch where you could glance at it and read information without it needing change states. Also the increased battery life is a huge plus. I don't need a high definition display on my watch if it means losing those features. It's a fitness tracker first and foremost for me, and Garmin's initial appeal for me was the absence of gimmicky smart watch features I can do more easily with my smartphone in my pocket. I'm disappointed and will be looking at other lines from Garmin.

@anickiee

6 ай бұрын

What did you end up with??

So interesting watch…

Does this watch beep or vibrate to keep you in your target heart rate zone?

Can you please help me. I've been looking for months for an entry-level fitness, smartwatch. This watch appeals to me but as you say, there is so much to choose from.

So it doesn’t have altimeter? I can’t track ur altitude? So it’s basically is the same as venu sq 2 then?

What learned from Garmin watch release.. Wait until the end of year to decide what to get 😅😅 this actually maddnes.. Still very interesting Always enjoy reviews any who 👍😁

@sergiimisiak2388

9 ай бұрын

Same thing 😂 I know about Garmin's new releases from suddenly appearing video reviews of KZread bloggers:) Otherwise, how could I know about their releases... Garmin is definitely not an Apple in many dimensions 😂

I understand Garmin wants a wacth at this price point and this feature set. But isn't this the Venu Sq's spot? In my mind that was the baby Venu. Garmin needs to consolidate all these different models. I work at a retail store and it's confusing for people wanting to buy their first watch and complicated for the person selling it. People will stand literally for an hour trying to figure out what they want or not even buy a Garmin at all. I think Coros is doing a much better job at this.

Wow, im suprised how much off the sleep tracking is compared to the other devices at 3.37 - Its something thats really important to me and since my fenix7x got the same sensor it would mean its also completely off - fall asleep and wake-up times, yikes! Is this a hardware or software related issue to Garmin watches?

@nikolaslamb439

4 ай бұрын

One would think software

I have a Vivoactive 4 and was looking to upgrade. It's really disappointing they removed the altimeter, it's basically makes tracking skiing/snowboarding useless and also no mic like the new Venu

@moritztweber

9 ай бұрын

why not buy a venu3 if you want all of its features?

@tchomicz1992

9 ай бұрын

@@moritztweber That's the plan now just disappointing to see features removed from the Vivoactive. I believe the 4 was $350 now the "replacement" is $450

@moritztweber

9 ай бұрын

@@tchomicz1992 the Barometer, i understand. I'm disappointed for that too, but the mic etc on the other hand...

@pehuyghe

9 ай бұрын

@@tchomicz1992 the Vivoactive 4 was indeed a very good allrounder.

@SuAlfons

8 ай бұрын

@@moritztweberI don't need my watch to be a Bluetooth speaker when my phone can't be more than a couple of meters away. Also would have liked the VA line to stay on MIP, like Fenix vs. Epics. But the barometer is a feature that already was there

It is the identical weight, size, and shape of the Garmin Swim 2....and the Vivoactive 5 has Open Water Swim. Cost $50 more than the ancient Swim 2.

Thanks for the review. This is falling behind the Coros Pace 3 IMHO, despite the good looks and the vibrant screen. Plus, I'm with you in that the Garmin portfolio is really confusing. Do any of the Venu or Vivoactive watches support suggested workouts? Those would be neat to get people into running. Two of my buddies got the Venu 2 recently and get into running. Yet, they struggle to find a good structure. I told them to simply follow the suggested workouts (I knew those from my Forerunner 55) and we were surprised to see that neither the Venu nor the Vivoactive line support suggested workouts (according to the Garmin website). Why would you strap that budget watch (its on the Forerunner 55 and 245!) feature, which clearly helps beginners in fitness watches which target people getting into sports? At this point, Garmins gamification of health stats is nice, but the Pace 3 is a lot more well rounded.

@moritztweber

9 ай бұрын

The Forerunners are sportswatches whereas the VA/Venus are smartwatches with an Focus on Fitness. Garmin cripples its Software in both directions. Only the flagships eventually get everything. But for them you have to pay more. But Yeah you can hate garmin for These dicisions. An alternative on VA/Venu are the garmin coaches.

Can you set a heart rate alarm at a certain level.

Does this watch track vo2 max

What?! I have a 4 I love it. I was sad when it seemed they moved on. I was researching so many watches and settled on 255, now I'm curious.

@carterm873

8 ай бұрын

Vivoactive 5 is better technologically but it has some features removed that he lists at 8:38. Forerunner 255 is not a good option if you want something significantly better than that VA4

Is Garmin pay the same as android pay . I have a Google pixel phone the watch must have nfc I presume

Can it talk to a Wahoo Bolt per ANT+?

Man i wish they didnt make the watch face smaller. My fat fingers will struggle. The vivoacrive for used to be my go to. But recently other smart watches have cought up with battery life and activity tracking.

Does this track spinning?

I'm guessing there's no suggested workouts function?

Without the transflective mip display its a disappointment, thats what sold me on the active line, as someone who is actively outside and prefers that always on display.

I'm interested in buying a Garmin sport/smartwatch. I exercise daily, do crossfit 3 times a week, I run regularly and like to go surfing. Anyone have an idea which Garmin would suit me best? I also like to keep the design elegant on my wrist. Thanks !!

Compare this to the Garmin 165 which one is better