What To Know
- The **Xiaomi Mi Band 3** adopts a more minimalist approach, featuring a small OLED display and a simple, albeit comfortable, silicone band.
- The Vivosmart HR+ offers a more detailed breakdown of your sleep stages (light, deep, and REM), while the **Mi Band 3** focuses on overall sleep duration and sleep quality.
- However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with a long battery life and basic fitness tracking capabilities, the **Xiaomi Mi Band 3** is a great choice.
Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, especially with the vast array of options available. Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly segment are the Garmin Vivosmart HR++ and the **Xiaomi Mi Band 3**. Both offer a range of features for tracking your activity and sleep, but which one emerges as the victor? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key aspects of each tracker, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Comfort
The Garmin Vivosmart HR+ boasts a sleek and stylish design with a vibrant color touchscreen display. Its wristband is comfortable and secure, offering a variety of size options to fit most wrists. The **Xiaomi Mi Band 3** adopts a more minimalist approach, featuring a small OLED display and a simple, albeit comfortable, silicone band. While the Mi Band 3 is slightly more compact, the Vivosmart HR+ offers a larger and more visually appealing display.
Winner: Garmin Vivosmart HR++
Features and Functionality
Both trackers offer a plethora of features, catering to fitness enthusiasts of all levels. The Vivosmart HR+ shines with its advanced heart rate monitoring capabilities, providing continuous heart rate tracking and even allowing you to set heart rate zones for targeted workouts. It also supports GPS for accurate tracking of outdoor activities like running and cycling. The **Mi Band 3** focuses on basic fitness tracking, including steps, distance, calories burned, and sleep monitoring. It also features a heart rate monitor, though it’s not as advanced as the Vivosmart HR+’s.
Winner: Garmin Vivosmart HR++
Activity Tracking
The Garmin Vivosmart HR+ excels in activity tracking, offering detailed insights into your workouts and daily movement. It accurately records steps, distance, calories burned, and even sleep stages. The **Mi Band 3** provides similar activity tracking features, but its data may not be as precise. Both trackers offer automatic activity detection, recognizing activities like walking, running, and swimming.
Winner: Garmin Vivosmart HR++
Sleep Monitoring
Both the Vivosmart HR++ and the **Mi Band 3** provide sleep monitoring capabilities, tracking your sleep duration and quality. The Vivosmart HR+ offers a more detailed breakdown of your sleep stages (light, deep, and REM), while the **Mi Band 3** focuses on overall sleep duration and sleep quality.
Winner: Garmin Vivosmart HR++
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 boasts an impressive battery life, lasting for up to 20 days on a single charge. This makes it ideal for users who prefer not to constantly recharge their tracker. The **Garmin Vivosmart HR+** offers a more modest battery life of around 5-7 days.
Winner: Xiaomi Mi Band 3
Water Resistance
Both trackers are water-resistant, allowing you to wear them while swimming. The Vivosmart HR+ has a water resistance rating of 5 ATM (50 meters), while the **Mi Band 3** is rated at 5 ATM as well.
Winner: Tie
Price and Value
The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 is significantly more affordable than the **Garmin Vivosmart HR+**. Its budget-friendly price point makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious users. The **Vivosmart HR+** sits in a higher price range, but it offers more advanced features and a more premium design.
Winner: Xiaomi Mi Band 3
The Verdict: Which Tracker is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best fitness tracker for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize advanced features, accurate data, and a premium design, the Garmin Vivosmart HR+ is the clear winner. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with a long battery life and basic fitness tracking capabilities, the **Xiaomi Mi Band 3** is a great choice.
The Final Word: Beyond the Features
Choosing between these two trackers goes beyond simply comparing features. Consider your lifestyle, fitness goals, and budget. If you’re a serious athlete who values detailed data and advanced functionality, the Vivosmart HR+ might be your best bet. If you’re just starting your fitness journey and looking for a simple and affordable tracker, the **Mi Band 3** could be a perfect fit.
What You Need to Know
Q: Can I use the Vivosmart HR++ or Mi Band 3 for swimming?
A: Yes, both trackers are water-resistant and can be used for swimming. However, it’s important to note that they are not designed for diving or other high-pressure water activities.
Q: Does the Mi Band 3 have GPS?
A: No, the Mi Band 3 does not have built-in GPS. It relies on your smartphone’s GPS for tracking outdoor activities.
Q: What are the main differences between the Vivosmart HR++ and the Mi Band 3?
A: The Vivosmart HR+ offers more advanced features, including continuous heart rate monitoring, GPS, and detailed sleep tracking. The Mi Band 3 is more affordable, has a longer battery life, and is more compact.
Q: Can I use the Vivosmart HR++ or Mi Band 3 for music control?
A: Yes, both trackers allow you to control music playback on your smartphone.
Q: Are there any other fitness trackers I should consider?
A: There are many other great fitness trackers available, including the Fitbit Charge 3, the Samsung Galaxy Fit, and the Amazfit Bip. It’s important to compare features and prices to find the best tracker for your needs.