Garmin Vivosmart 5
Slim fitness tracker with Pulse Ox, Body Battery energy monitoring, and all-day stress tracking. No subscription required — all features free with the Garmin Connect app.
Where to buy
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Our take
The Garmin Vivosmart 5 scores 82/100 and proves that the best subscription is no subscription at all — everything works, forever, with no monthly fee.
Body Battery energy monitoring (Garmin's killer feature), Pulse Ox, all-day stress tracking, respiration monitoring, hydration tracking — all through the Garmin Connect app, which is free and excellent. Compatibility scores a stellar 90/100 across iOS and Android. Daily utility: 88/100. For a slim fitness band, that's remarkable.
The honest disclosure: this launched in March 2022. It's aging hardware with a small OLED display, no built-in GPS (needs your phone), and no ECG sensor. Against the Fitbit Charge 6 (82/100), it loses on GPS and Google integration but wins on zero subscription fees and Garmin's superior ecosystem.
At $149.99, the lowest is $119.99. "Fair price" momentum — typical for Garmin, which doesn't do flash sales. Check Amazon and Best Buy during holiday events for that $120 sweet spot.
Bottom line: Buy if you want a slim, reliable fitness band from a trusted brand with absolutely zero ongoing costs — but consider the Fitbit Charge 6 if built-in GPS matters to you.
Pros & cons
What we like
- No subscription required — ever
- Garmin Connect ecosystem (free, excellent)
- Body Battery energy monitoring is genuinely useful
- Slim comfortable design
- Swim-proof
- Interchangeable bands
What could be better
- Released in 2022 — aging hardware
- Small display
- No built-in GPS
- No ECG sensor
- Connected GPS only (needs phone)
Key features
Who is this for?
Best for
People who want reliable health tracking from a trusted brand with absolutely no subscription fees.
Not ideal for
Tech enthusiasts wanting the latest features — this is a 2022 product. Runners who need built-in GPS.
How it scores
Review scores
Price history
Specifications
| Display | 0.84" OLED |
|---|---|
| Battery | 7 days |
| Sensors | Pulse Ox, heart rate, stress |
| Water Resistance | Swim-proof |
| GPS | Connected (via phone) |
| Features | Body Battery energy monitoring |
Compatibility
Syncs with Garmin Connect app and compatible with various third-party fitness apps
Featured in our guides
Compare Garmin Vivosmart 5 with
See how it stacks up against other fitness wearables — specs, price, and our verdict side by side.
