What To Know
- If you are looking for a comfortable, reliable fitness tracker with excellent battery life and a strong focus on activity tracking, the Garmin Vivosmart is an excellent choice.
- However, if you need a device that offers advanced smart features, a vibrant color display, and seamless integration with Microsoft services, the discontinued Microsoft Band might have been a better option.
- However, since the Microsoft Band is no longer available, the Garmin Vivosmart remains a solid choice for fitness tracking and smart notifications.
Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, with an overwhelming number of options available in the market. Two popular contenders that often come up in discussions are the Garmin Vivosmart and the Microsoft Band. Both devices offer a range of features to help you track your fitness progress, but they also have distinct strengths and weaknesses. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Garmin Vivosmart and the Microsoft Band, helping you decide which fitness tracker best suits your individual needs and preferences.
Design and Comfort
The Garmin Vivosmart series has consistently been known for its sleek and comfortable design. The Vivosmart 4, for example, features a slim, lightweight band that seamlessly blends into your wrist. It is available in various color options and comes with interchangeable bands, allowing you to personalize its look. The Microsoft Band, on the other hand, had a more bulky and rigid design, which some users found uncomfortable to wear for extended periods. It was also less aesthetically pleasing compared to the Vivosmart.
Display and User Interface
The Garmin Vivosmart series utilizes a monochrome OLED display that is easy to read in various lighting conditions. The display is responsive and provides clear information about your fitness metrics. The Microsoft Band, however, featured a vibrant color display, offering a more visually appealing interface. However, the display was known to have issues with sunlight visibility, making it difficult to read outdoors. Both devices offer intuitive navigation and user interfaces, making it easy to access different features and track your progress.
Activity Tracking and Sleep Monitoring
Both the Garmin Vivosmart and the Microsoft Band excel in activity tracking and sleep monitoring. They can accurately track steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes. The Garmin Vivosmart also offers advanced features like heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking for outdoor activities, and automatic workout detection. The Microsoft Band also provided detailed sleep tracking data, including REM sleep and light sleep phases. However, the Microsoft Band was discontinued in 2016, while the Garmin Vivosmart series continues to be updated with newer models.
Smart Features and Connectivity
The Microsoft Band stood out for its smart features, including notifications, music control, and even the ability to make calls. It also integrated well with other Microsoft services. The Garmin Vivosmart series also offers smart notifications, but its functionality is more limited compared to the Microsoft Band. However, Garmin devices are known for their strong integration with other Garmin products and services.
Battery Life and Water Resistance
The Garmin Vivosmart series boasts impressive battery life, typically lasting for several days on a single charge. The Microsoft Band, on the other hand, had a shorter battery life, requiring frequent charging. Both devices are water-resistant, allowing you to wear them while swimming or showering. However, the Garmin Vivosmart is generally rated for higher water resistance, enabling you to use it for more water-intensive activities.
Price and Availability
The Garmin Vivosmart series is generally more affordable than the Microsoft Band was. The discontinued Microsoft Band was priced higher, reflecting its advanced features and smart capabilities. The Garmin Vivosmart is readily available at various retailers, while the Microsoft Band is no longer available for purchase.
Wrapping It Up: Choosing the Right Tracker for You
Choosing between the Garmin Vivosmart and the Microsoft Band ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you are looking for a comfortable, reliable fitness tracker with excellent battery life and a strong focus on activity tracking, the Garmin Vivosmart is an excellent choice. However, if you need a device that offers advanced smart features, a vibrant color display, and seamless integration with Microsoft services, the discontinued Microsoft Band might have been a better option. However, since the Microsoft Band is no longer available, the Garmin Vivosmart remains a solid choice for fitness tracking and smart notifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which fitness tracker is better for outdoor activities?
A: The Garmin Vivosmart is generally a better choice for outdoor activities due to its built-in GPS, which allows you to track your runs, hikes, and bike rides with greater accuracy.
Q: Which fitness tracker offers better sleep tracking?
A: Both devices offer detailed sleep tracking, but the Microsoft Band provided more comprehensive data, including REM sleep and light sleep phases. However, the Garmin Vivosmart 4 has also been praised for its accurate sleep tracking capabilities.
Q: Which fitness tracker is more affordable?
A: The Garmin Vivosmart series is generally more affordable than the discontinued Microsoft Band.
Q: Which fitness tracker is better for smart notifications?
A: The Microsoft Band offered more comprehensive smart notification features, including the ability to make calls. However, the Garmin Vivosmart also provides basic smart notifications, such as text messages and calls.
Q: Which fitness tracker is better for swimming?
A: The Garmin Vivosmart is generally rated for higher water resistance, making it a better choice for swimming.