What To Know
- The Garmin Vivofit and Vivofit 3 share a similar design philosophy, featuring a compact and comfortable wristband.
- While the Vivofit provides basic sleep data, the Vivofit 3 goes a step further by incorporating a sleep score.
- The Vivofit is water-resistant up to 5 ATM (50 meters), while the Vivofit 3 boasts a higher rating of 5 ATM (50 meters).
Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the Garmin lineup are the Vivofit and Vivofit 3. Both boast a sleek design, impressive battery life, and a range of activity tracking features. But which one emerges as the victor in the Garmin Vivofit vs Garmin Vivofit 3 battle? Let’s delve into their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Display: A Tale of Two Screens
The Garmin Vivofit and Vivofit 3 share a similar design philosophy, featuring a compact and comfortable wristband. However, there are noticeable differences in their displays.
The original Vivofit boasts a monochrome, pixelated display that shows time, date, steps, distance, calories burned, and sleep data. While functional, it’s not the most visually appealing. The Vivofit 3, on the other hand, introduces a color display with a higher resolution. This allows for a more vibrant and detailed view of your fitness metrics, as well as personalized watch faces.
Here’s a quick comparison:
Vivofit:
- Monochrome, pixelated display
- Less visually appealing
Vivofit 3:
- Color display with higher resolution
- More vibrant and detailed view of data
Activity Tracking: Keeping You Motivated
Both the Vivofit and Vivofit 3 excel in activity tracking, providing comprehensive insights into your daily movements. They monitor steps, distance, calories burned, active minutes, and sleep patterns.
The Vivofit 3 takes the lead with its advanced features. It includes a built-in Move Bar that encourages you to stay active throughout the day. The bar fills up every hour, reminding you to get up and move. It also offers Move IQ, which automatically detects activities like walking, running, and swimming.
Vivofit:
- Basic activity tracking
- No Move Bar or Move IQ
Vivofit 3:
- Advanced activity tracking
- Move Bar for activity encouragement
- Move IQ for automatic activity detection
Sleep Monitoring: Understanding Your Rest
Both trackers offer sleep monitoring, providing insights into your sleep quality. They track your sleep duration, light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep. While the Vivofit provides basic sleep data, the Vivofit 3 goes a step further by incorporating a sleep score. This score provides a more comprehensive understanding of your sleep quality based on various factors.
Vivofit:
- Basic sleep monitoring
Vivofit 3:
- Sleep score for more detailed insights
Battery Life: Long-Lasting Power
One of the standout features of both the Vivofit and Vivofit 3 is their impressive battery life. Both trackers boast a battery life of up to a year, eliminating the need for frequent charging. This makes them ideal for those who want a low-maintenance fitness tracker.
Vivofit:
- Up to 1 year of battery life
Vivofit 3:
- Up to 1 year of battery life
Water Resistance: Taking the Plunge
The Vivofit and Vivofit 3 are water-resistant, allowing you to wear them while swimming or showering. However, there’s a difference in their water resistance ratings.
The Vivofit is water-resistant up to 5 ATM (50 meters), while the Vivofit 3 boasts a higher rating of 5 ATM (50 meters). This means the Vivofit 3 can withstand slightly more water pressure.
Vivofit:
- Water-resistant up to 5 ATM (50 meters)
Vivofit 3:
- Water-resistant up to 5 ATM (50 meters)
Connectivity and Features: Staying Connected
Both the Vivofit and Vivofit 3 connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing you to sync your data and receive notifications. The Vivofit 3 offers additional features, including:
- Smart Notifications: Receive calls, texts, and social media notifications on your wrist.
- Virtual Pacer: Compete against your past performance or other users.
- Garmin Connect: Access a comprehensive online platform to view your data, track progress, and set goals.
Vivofit:
- Basic connectivity
- No smart notifications or virtual pacer
Vivofit 3:
- Smart notifications
- Virtual Pacer
- Garmin Connect integration
Price: Finding the Right Fit
The Vivofit and Vivofit 3 differ in price, with the Vivofit 3 being slightly more expensive. This is due to its advanced features, color display, and improved functionality. However, both trackers offer excellent value for their respective price points.
Vivofit:
- More affordable
Vivofit 3:
- Slightly more expensive
The Final Verdict: Which One Wins?
Choosing between the Garmin Vivofit and Vivofit 3 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
The Vivofit is an excellent choice for those who:
- Prioritize affordability
- Prefer a simple and straightforward design
- Don’t require advanced features like smart notifications or a color display
The Vivofit 3 is a better option for those who:
- Value advanced features and a more visually appealing display
- Want to stay motivated with the Move Bar and Move IQ
- Appreciate the convenience of smart notifications
Beyond the Vivofit: Exploring Other Garmin Options
While the Vivofit and Vivofit 3 are fantastic options, Garmin offers a wide range of fitness trackers to cater to different needs and budgets. If you’re looking for more advanced features, consider exploring the Garmin Vivosport, **Garmin Vivoactive 3**, or **Garmin Forerunner**.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: What is the difference between the Garmin Vivofit and Vivofit 3?
A: The Garmin Vivofit 3 offers a color display, advanced activity tracking features like Move Bar and Move IQ, a sleep score, smart notifications, and a virtual pacer. The Vivofit has a monochrome display, basic activity tracking, and no additional features.
Q: Which Garmin Vivofit is better for beginners?
A: Both the Vivofit and Vivofit 3 are great for beginners. The Vivofit is a good choice for those who are new to fitness tracking and prefer a simple interface. The Vivofit 3 offers more features and guidance for those who want a more comprehensive experience.
Q: How long does the battery last on the Garmin Vivofit and Vivofit 3?
A: Both trackers have a battery life of up to one year.
Q: Can I use the Garmin Vivofit and Vivofit 3 for swimming?
A: Both trackers are water-resistant up to 5 ATM (50 meters), making them suitable for swimming.
Q: Is the Garmin Vivofit 3 worth the extra cost?
A: Whether the Vivofit 3 is worth the extra cost depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you value advanced features, a color display, and smart notifications, the Vivofit 3 is a worthwhile investment.