Garmin Vivosmart 5 vs Xiaomi Smart Band 9
The Garmin Vivosmart 5 and Xiaomi Smart Band 9 represent two completely different philosophies in fitness tracking — premium brand reliability versus unbeatable value. At $149.99, the Garmin offers mature ecosystem integration and advanced Body Battery monitoring, while the $29.99 Xiaomi delivers flagship features like a 1200-nit AMOLED display and 21-day battery life at a fraction of the cost.
Garmin Vivosmart 5
Xiaomi Smart Band 9
Specifications compared
| Spec | Garmin Vivosmart 5 | Xiaomi Smart Band 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.99 | $28.50 |
| DriftScore | 82/100 | 83/100 |
| Display | 0.84" OLED | 1.62" AMOLED 1200 nits |
| Battery | 7 days | 21 days |
| Sensors | Pulse Ox, heart rate, stress | Heart rate, SpO2, stress |
| Water Resistance | Swim-proof | 5ATM |
| GPS | Connected (via phone) | — |
| Features | Body Battery energy monitoring | — |
| Workout Modes | — | 150+ |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.4 |
Score breakdown
Our verdict
The Xiaomi Smart Band 9's higher DriftScore (86 vs 80) and incredible $29.99 price point make it the clear winner for most buyers. You're getting a brighter display, longer battery life, and more workout modes than the $149.99 Garmin. Only choose the Vivosmart 5 if you're already invested in Garmin's ecosystem or specifically need Body Battery monitoring — otherwise, the Smart Band 9 delivers 90% of the functionality at 20% of the price.
Frequently asked questions
Which has better battery life?
The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 crushes the Garmin with 21-day battery life versus roughly 7 days for the Vivosmart 5. This means you'll charge the Xiaomi about once per month compared to weekly charging for the Garmin.
Is GPS included on both devices?
Neither device has built-in GPS — both require your phone for accurate distance tracking during runs and walks. This is a common limitation in fitness bands versus full smartwatches.
Which is more accurate for health tracking?
The Garmin Vivosmart 5 generally provides more accurate health metrics, especially heart rate and sleep tracking. Xiaomi's sensors are decent for the price but can't match Garmin's years of algorithm refinement and sensor quality.