Garmin Vivoactive HR GPS
Our health and fitness product reviews are based on objective testing and subjective expert analysis. If you use our links to make a purchase, we might earn a commission. Read our disclaimer.
Product Highlights
- Fits wrist circumferences 5.39" to 7.68".
- Sunlight-readable, high-resolution color touchscreen.
- 24/7 heart rate monitoring without additional strap.
- Up to 8 days battery life in smartwatch mode.
- Receive notifications from your paired smartphone.
The vivoactive HR is a versatile GPS smartwatch designed for an active lifestyle. With Elevate wrist heart rate technology, it monitors your heart rate 24/7 without the need for an additional strap, though it’s not available while swimming. This smartwatch supports various activities, including running, biking, swimming, golfing, and skiing. It features a sunlight-readable, high-resolution touchscreen that displays smart notifications like calls, texts, emails, and social media alerts.
The built-in activity tracker keeps count of your steps and measures calories burned throughout the day. Customize your watch with over 1,300 apps, watch face designs, data fields, and widgets available from the Connect IQ store. The vivoactive HR offers a long battery life, lasting up to 8 days in watch/activity tracking mode and up to 13 hours in GPS mode. It fits wrist circumferences from 5.39″ to 7.68″ and has a water rating of 5 ATM, making it suitable for various conditions.
Compatible with Android 4.4 OS or later, Bluetooth 4.0 or later, and Apple iOS 10.0 or later devices, this smartwatch ensures seamless connectivity and smart notifications from your mobile device, enhancing your overall experience.
Pros
- Tracks various activities, including swimming, with good lap and stroke monitoring.
- Accurate step sensor and effective general activity tracking.
- 24/7 heart rate monitoring provides valuable insights into activity levels.
- Decent sleep tracking with silent vibrating alarms.
- Useful smart notifications reduce phone distractions.
Cons
- Heart rate monitoring unavailable during swimming sessions.
- Screen readability under dark conditions is suboptimal.
- Occasional inaccuracies in swim lap counting.
- Limited smartwatch functionality for handling messages.
- Battery life may decrease with frequent notifications.