What To Know
- Two popular contenders in the Garmin lineup are the Vivofit and the Vivosmart series, each offering a unique set of features and functionalities.
- While both the Vivofit and Vivosmart series offer essential fitness tracking features, the Vivosmart series takes it a step further by incorporating more advanced functionalities.
- However, if you’re willing to invest in a more feature-rich tracker with a stylish aesthetic, the Vivosmart is worth considering.
Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the Garmin lineup are the Vivofit and the Vivosmart series, each offering a unique set of features and functionalities. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Garmin Vivofit vs Garmin Vivosmart, helping you determine which tracker best aligns with your fitness goals and preferences.
Understanding the Garmin Vivofit and Vivosmart Series
Both the Garmin Vivofit and Vivosmart series are designed to track your daily activity, sleep, and heart rate. However, they differ in terms of design, features, and price point.
The Garmin Vivofit is known for its **durability and long battery life**. It boasts a **colorful, always-on display** that remains visible even in direct sunlight. The Vivofit series primarily focuses on **basic fitness tracking**, offering features like step counting, distance tracking, calorie burn estimation, and sleep monitoring.
The Garmin Vivosmart series, on the other hand, leans towards **sleeker designs and advanced features**. It typically comes with a **monochrome or color touchscreen display**, offering a more intuitive user experience. The Vivosmart series expands its capabilities beyond basic tracking, incorporating features like **stress monitoring, advanced sleep analysis, and smartphone notifications**.
Design and Comfort: Vivofit vs Vivosmart
The Garmin Vivofit is known for its **robust and durable design**. Its **plastic band** is water-resistant and comfortable to wear throughout the day and night. The Vivofit series is available in various colors and band sizes, ensuring a comfortable fit for most wrist sizes.
The Garmin Vivosmart, however, focuses on a **sleeker and more stylish aesthetic**. It typically comes with a **silicone band** that feels soft and comfortable on the skin. The Vivosmart series offers a wider range of design options, including different band materials and colors, allowing you to personalize your tracker to match your style.
Display and Usability: Vivofit vs Vivosmart
The Garmin Vivofit features a **colorful, always-on display**, making it easy to read even in bright sunlight. However, the display is **not touchscreen**. You’ll need to use the buttons on the side of the tracker to navigate through menus and access information.
The Garmin Vivosmart series boasts a **monochrome or color touchscreen display**, offering a more intuitive and user-friendly experience. The touchscreen allows for easy navigation and quick access to various features. However, some users might find the display smaller than the Vivofit’s, making it slightly less legible in direct sunlight.
Feature Comparison: Vivofit vs Vivosmart
While both the Vivofit and Vivosmart series offer essential fitness tracking features, the Vivosmart series takes it a step further by incorporating more advanced functionalities.
Garmin Vivofit:
- Basic fitness tracking: Step counting, distance tracking, calorie burn estimation, sleep monitoring.
- Move bar: Encourages you to stay active throughout the day.
- Water reminder: Tracks your water intake.
- Long battery life: Typically lasts for over a year.
Garmin Vivosmart:
- All Vivofit features: Step counting, distance tracking, calorie burn estimation, sleep monitoring, move bar, water reminder.
- Advanced sleep analysis: Provides insights into your sleep stages and quality.
- Stress monitoring: Measures your stress levels throughout the day.
- Smartphone notifications: Receive calls, texts, and app notifications on your wrist.
- Music control: Control your music playback directly from your tracker.
- Safety and tracking: Send your location to emergency contacts in case of need.
Price and Value: Vivofit vs Vivosmart
The Garmin Vivofit series is generally **more affordable** than the **Vivosmart** series. This is due to its simpler design and fewer advanced features. If you’re looking for a basic fitness tracker that’s budget-friendly and durable, the Vivofit is an excellent choice.
The Garmin Vivosmart series, with its advanced features and sleek design, comes at a **higher price point**. However, if you’re willing to invest in a more feature-rich tracker with a stylish aesthetic, the Vivosmart is worth considering.
Choosing the Right Tracker: Vivofit vs Vivosmart
The best fitness tracker for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of which tracker might suit you best:
Choose the Garmin Vivofit if:
- You’re looking for a durable and budget-friendly fitness tracker.
- You primarily need basic fitness tracking features like step counting, distance tracking, and sleep monitoring.
- You prefer a large, always-on display that’s easy to read in all lighting conditions.
- You prioritize long battery life.
Choose the Garmin Vivosmart if:
- You want a sleek and stylish fitness tracker with advanced features.
- You’re interested in features like stress monitoring, advanced sleep analysis, and smartphone notifications.
- You prefer a touchscreen display for easy navigation.
- You’re willing to invest in a more feature-rich tracker.
The Final Verdict: Vivofit vs Vivosmart
Both the Garmin Vivofit and Vivosmart series offer excellent fitness tracking capabilities, each catering to different needs and preferences. The Vivofit is a solid choice for those seeking a durable and affordable tracker with basic features, while the Vivosmart provides a more comprehensive and stylish experience with advanced functionalities. Ultimately, the best tracker for you depends on your individual priorities and budget.
What People Want to Know
Q: Can I use either tracker for swimming?
A: The Vivofit series is generally water-resistant, but not waterproof. It can withstand splashes and rain but is not designed for swimming. The Vivosmart series, on the other hand, offers varying levels of water resistance, with some models being swim-proof. Check the specific model’s specifications for water resistance details.
Q: Which tracker has better battery life?
A: The Garmin Vivofit series boasts a significantly longer battery life than the Vivosmart series. The Vivofit typically lasts for over a year on a single charge, while the Vivosmart’s battery life ranges from a few days to a week depending on the model and usage.
Q: Do both trackers offer GPS tracking?
A: No, neither the Vivofit nor the Vivosmart series comes with built-in GPS. However, you can pair them with your smartphone to use GPS for tracking your outdoor workouts.
Q: Can I receive smartphone notifications on both trackers?
A: Only the Vivosmart series offers smartphone notifications. The Vivofit does not have this functionality.
Q: Which tracker is better for sleep tracking?
A: Both trackers offer basic sleep tracking, but the Vivosmart series provides more detailed sleep analysis, including insights into your sleep stages and quality.