What To Know
- The Garmin Vivofit 3 sports a minimalist design with a rectangular display and a comfortable, lightweight band.
- While the band is also comfortable and available in multiple colors, it lacks the customization options of the Vivofit 3.
- The Vivofit 3 boasts an impressive battery life of up to a year, making it a low-maintenance option.
Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available in the market. Two popular contenders that often come up in discussions are the Garmin Vivofit 3 and the Polar A370. Both boast impressive features and cater to different fitness needs. This comprehensive comparison will delve into their strengths and weaknesses, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Comfort
Garmin Vivofit 3
The Garmin Vivofit 3 sports a minimalist design with a rectangular display and a comfortable, lightweight band. Its color display is always-on, making it easy to view data at a glance. The band is available in various colors and sizes, ensuring a snug fit for most wrists.
Polar A370
The Polar A370 adopts a more modern circular design with a touchscreen display. While the band is also comfortable and available in multiple colors, it lacks the customization options of the Vivofit 3. The touchscreen interface can be a bit fiddly to navigate, especially during workouts.
Verdict: The Vivofit 3 wins in terms of design and comfort due to its customizable band and easy-to-read display.
Activity Tracking and Accuracy
Garmin Vivofit 3
The Vivofit 3 excels in basic activity tracking, providing accurate steps, distance, calories burned, and sleep monitoring. It also boasts a built-in Move Bar that encourages you to stay active throughout the day.
Polar A370
The A370 goes beyond basic tracking, offering more detailed insights into your activity levels. It provides heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking for outdoor workouts, and personalized activity guidance.
Verdict: Both trackers offer accurate activity tracking, but the A370 takes the lead with its advanced features and heart rate monitoring.
Sleep Monitoring
Garmin Vivofit 3
The Vivofit 3 tracks your sleep duration and quality, providing insights into your sleep patterns. However, it lacks the advanced sleep analysis features of the A370.
Polar A370
The A370 offers more detailed sleep monitoring, including sleep stages (light, deep, and REM) and sleep duration. It also provides personalized sleep guidance and recommendations.
Verdict: The A370 wins this round with its comprehensive sleep tracking and analysis features.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Garmin Vivofit 3
The Vivofit 3 does not include heart rate monitoring.
Polar A370
The A370 features built-in optical heart rate monitoring, allowing you to track your heart rate during workouts and throughout the day. This feature is invaluable for understanding your fitness progress and maximizing your workouts.
Verdict: The A370 clearly wins this category with its heart rate monitoring capabilities.
Battery Life
Garmin Vivofit 3
The Vivofit 3 boasts an impressive battery life of up to a year, making it a low-maintenance option.
Polar A370
The A370 offers a battery life of up to 4 days with continuous heart rate monitoring. While this is decent, it falls short of the Vivofit 3’s longevity.
Verdict: The Vivofit 3 emerges as the champion in terms of battery life, offering a significantly longer usage period.
Smart Features
Garmin Vivofit 3
The Vivofit 3 offers basic smart features, including call and text notifications and a clock. However, it lacks advanced features like music control or smartphone app integration.
Polar A370
The A370 offers more advanced smart features, including music control, smartphone app integration, and social media notifications.
Verdict: The A370 outshines the Vivofit 3 in smart features, providing a more connected and versatile experience.
Price and Value
Garmin Vivofit 3
The Vivofit 3 is generally more affordable than the A370, making it a budget-friendly option for those seeking basic activity tracking.
Polar A370
The A370 is priced higher than the Vivofit 3, reflecting its more advanced features and heart rate monitoring capabilities.
Verdict: The Vivofit 3 offers excellent value for its price, while the A370 provides premium features at a higher cost.
The Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Tracker for You
The choice between the Garmin Vivofit 3 and the Polar A370 depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Choose the Garmin Vivofit 3 if:
- You’re looking for a budget-friendly option with long battery life.
- You prioritize basic activity tracking and sleep monitoring.
- You prefer a minimalist design and a comfortable fit.
Choose the Polar A370 if:
- You require advanced activity tracking and heart rate monitoring.
- You want detailed sleep analysis and personalized guidance.
- You value smart features and a more connected experience.
Popular Questions
Q: Does the Garmin Vivofit 3 have GPS?
A: No, the Vivofit 3 does not have built-in GPS.
Q: Can I use the Polar A370 for swimming?
A: Yes, the A370 is water-resistant up to 50 meters and can be used for swimming.
Q: Do both trackers offer smartphone app integration?
A: Yes, both the Vivofit 3 and the A370 can be paired with smartphone apps for data synchronization and additional features.
Q: Which tracker is better for tracking outdoor workouts?
A: The Polar A370 is better suited for tracking outdoor workouts due to its built-in GPS, allowing it to record your route and pace.
Q: Is the Polar A370 compatible with Android and iOS devices?
A: Yes, the A370 is compatible with both Android and iOS devices.