Garmin, a brand renowned for its GPS technology catering to athletes and adventurers, also offers a lineup of smartwatches designed for everyday users. The Vivoactive series, in particular, strikes a balance between fitness functionality and all-around smartwatch appeal—often at a more affordable price point compared to competitors like Apple and Samsung.
As part of Amazon’s Tech Week sale event, the Garmin Vivoactive 5 has received a substantial discount. Originally priced at £259.99, the smartwatch is now available for just £179, a saving of £81, for a limited time.
Sporting a sleek, circular design, the Vivoactive 5 is crafted to complement both fitness gear and casual attire, unlike Garmin’s more rugged, sport-focused models. It features a vivid AMOLED touchscreen display known for its deep blacks and bright colors, offering excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. For users who prefer tactile controls, the device can also be navigated via side buttons.
Health and wellness tracking is a key strength of the Vivoactive 5. Equipped with heart rate sensors, accelerometers, and gyroscopes, it delivers comprehensive insights into sleep patterns—including naps—while generating detailed health data such as Body Battery energy levels, Sleep Scores, and Fitness Age. The smartwatch also includes women’s health tools like menstrual cycle and pregnancy tracking.
On the fitness front, the device features built-in GPS, a heart rate monitor, and a blood oxygen sensor, making it a reliable companion for runners, cyclists, and workout enthusiasts. Workout data can be synced directly with popular fitness platforms like Strava.
Compatible with both iOS and Android devices, the Vivoactive 5 provides a versatile alternative to brand-exclusive smartwatches. For iPhone users, Apple’s entry-level SE model starts at £219, while the more advanced Series 10 has recently dropped to £329. On the Android side, the CMF by Nothing Watch Pro 2 offers a compelling budget option at £56.99, with similar health tracking features.
Customer feedback for the Vivoactive 5 is overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 4.5 stars on Amazon. One reviewer praised the device’s battery life, stating, “I bought the watch because I was tired of charging my Apple Watch every day. Let me tell you—it was worth the money. THIS WATCH BATTERY LASTED 10 DAYS!”
Others highlighted the design and performance. “I’ve been using my Garmin for about four months now, and you can’t beat it. The design is sleek and feminine, perfect for those who don’t want a bulky, techy-looking watch,” one user wrote. Another added, “I absolutely love this watch. I’m glad I chose it over the Apple Watch. It’s been a breeze to track everything from my health to fitness, and I get all my phone alerts on the watch.”
However, there are minor drawbacks. For iPhone users, replying to messages directly from the watch is not supported. “The only con—and it’s no biggie—is you can’t reply to texts if you have an Apple phone. Other than that, I love it,” one reviewer noted.
With its mix of sophisticated features, stylish design, and now a reduced price, the Garmin Vivoactive 5 stands out as a strong contender in the smartwatch market.
