Garmin Vivosmart vs Xiaomi Mi Band 2: Which is the Best Fitness Tracker for You?

Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available. Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly category are the Garmin Vivosmart and the **Xiaomi Mi Band 2**. Both devices offer a range of features to track your activity, sleep, and heart rate, but they also have their own strengths and weaknesses.
This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each fitness tracker, helping you make an informed decision based on your individual needs and preferences.

Design and Comfort: A Tale of Two Styles

The Garmin Vivosmart boasts a sleek and stylish design, featuring a vibrant color touchscreen display and a comfortable, adjustable band. Its slim profile makes it discreet enough to wear throughout the day, even during sleep.
The Xiaomi Mi Band 2, on the other hand, adopts a more minimalist approach. Its small, circular display is embedded within a black, rubbery band, offering a simple and functional design. While it might not be as aesthetically pleasing as the Vivosmart, the Mi Band 2 excels in comfort and durability, making it ideal for everyday wear.

Features and Functionality: Tracking Your Progress

Both the Garmin Vivosmart and the **Xiaomi Mi Band 2** offer a comprehensive suite of fitness tracking features.
The Vivosmart excels in its ability to monitor various activities, including steps, distance, calories burned, and sleep quality. It also features a built-in heart rate sensor, providing continuous heart rate monitoring throughout the day. Additionally, the Vivosmart offers advanced features like Move IQ, which automatically detects and records your workouts, and Smart Notifications, allowing you to receive alerts from your smartphone directly on your wrist.
The Mi Band 2 also tracks steps, distance, calories burned, and sleep, but it lacks continuous heart rate monitoring. Instead, it offers on-demand heart rate measurement, which can be triggered manually. While it does not have Move IQ, the Mi Band 2 does provide basic notifications for calls, messages, and social media apps.

Battery Life: Endurance and Convenience

One of the key advantages of the Xiaomi Mi Band 2 is its impressive battery life. With typical usage, the Mi Band 2 can last for up to 20 days on a single charge, making it incredibly convenient for extended travel and daily use.
The Garmin Vivosmart, on the other hand, has a shorter battery life, lasting around 5-7 days on a single charge. While this is still reasonable for most users, it requires more frequent charging compared to the Mi Band 2.

Price and Value: Finding the Best Deal

The Xiaomi Mi Band 2 is significantly more affordable than the **Garmin Vivosmart**, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. Its low price point coupled with its impressive features and long battery life make it an excellent value proposition.
The Garmin Vivosmart, while more expensive, offers a more premium experience with its sleek design, advanced features, and continuous heart rate monitoring. Its price reflects its higher quality and functionality, making it a worthwhile investment for users who prioritize those aspects.

Choosing the Right Tracker for You: Weighing Your Needs

So, which fitness tracker is right for you? The answer depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Choose the Garmin Vivosmart if:

• You prioritize style and design.
• You require continuous heart rate monitoring.
• You value advanced features like Move IQ and Smart Notifications.
• You’re willing to pay a premium for a more comprehensive experience.

Choose the Xiaomi Mi Band 2 if:

• You’re on a tight budget.
• You’re looking for long battery life.
• You don’t require continuous heart rate monitoring.
• You prioritize simplicity and functionality.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring Additional Considerations

While the above comparison highlights the key differences between the Garmin Vivosmart and the **Xiaomi Mi Band 2**, there are several additional factors to consider when making your decision.

• Water resistance: Both trackers are water-resistant, but the Vivosmart offers a higher rating (5 ATM) compared to the Mi Band 2 (IP67). This means the Vivosmart can withstand greater water pressure, making it suitable for swimming.
• GPS: The Vivosmart does not have built-in GPS, while the Mi Band 2 does offer GPS functionality. This allows for more accurate tracking of outdoor activities like running and cycling.
• Compatibility: Both trackers are compatible with Android and iOS devices. However, the Vivosmart might offer more advanced features and customization options within the Garmin Connect app.
• Software updates: The Mi Band 2 has received a limited number of software updates since its release, while the Vivosmart continues to receive updates, adding new features and improving performance.

The Verdict: A Winner for Every Need

Ultimately, the choice between the Garmin Vivosmart and the **Xiaomi Mi Band 2** comes down to your specific needs and priorities.
The Vivosmart is a stylish and feature-rich tracker that excels in activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, and advanced features. It’s a great choice for users who prioritize a premium experience and are willing to pay for it.
The Mi Band 2, on the other hand, is an affordable and convenient tracker with excellent battery life. It’s a perfect option for budget-conscious users who are looking for a simple and reliable device for basic fitness tracking.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which tracker is better for swimming?
A: The Garmin Vivosmart is better for swimming due to its higher water resistance rating (5 ATM).
Q: Does the Mi Band 2 have GPS?
A: Yes, the Mi Band 2 has built-in GPS functionality.
Q: Which tracker has a longer battery life?
A: The Xiaomi Mi Band 2 boasts a significantly longer battery life, lasting up to 20 days on a single charge.
Q: Can I receive notifications on the Vivosmart?
A: Yes, the Vivosmart offers Smart Notifications, allowing you to receive alerts from your smartphone directly on your wrist.
Q: Which tracker is more affordable?
A: The Xiaomi Mi Band 2 is significantly more affordable than the Garmin Vivosmart.