Garmin Vivoactive 5 Review - After 30 Days

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Thanks for watching! Subscribe ❤. And do you like this watch?

[@LynduPreez]

Hi Abby this helped me so much thank you 😄

[@AbbyBReviewing]

@@LynduPreez Awesome! Glad I could help ❤

[@MaríaLópez-c2k8e]

I’ve been watching so many smartwatches reviews that I can actually say: YOURS IS THE BEST! You are really clear and easy to follow, nice descriptions and use of on screen content. Congrats!! (Please review Garmin Instinct 2S solar) 😊

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hello, and thank you! I'm happy you enjoyed the video, and i will definitely consider reviewing the Garmin Instinct 2S solar :)

[@Greenwashing101]

Girl, love listening to your voice, it's uplifting! Thank you.

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Wow, thanks :)

[@heartquaked]

Nice review. I have this watch arriving tomorrow and I’m so excited to use it to help my fitness journey. I fall asleep on the couch every day after dinner so I’m super excited for the nap function 😂

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Thank you! And nice, I hope you enjoy your new Vivoactive 5 :)

[@fujajo2761]

After a month of owning the smart watch, how are you finding it, would you recommend it? ❤

[@benoitmurray85]

First time here and great review. Shopping for a smartwatch for my wife's birthday to replace her old Fitbit... We'll see if it's worth it to pay more for a Garmin...

[@krismiller2328]

Great review AbbyBReviewing very informative & honest! I am also disappointed they made it look like a Venu series instead of a Vivoactive series watch, and that their is no smaller s version. Why Garmin is pushing all their watches AMOLED I will never know, but not a good move, its better to have variety of options for those with diff preferences catering to a larger audience. I prefer MIP watches myself being an outdoor walker/ biker.

[@anniew6210]

Nice review, very helpful thanks for making this Abby! And I am looking forward to your Vivoactive 4S comparison too :)

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Thanks and it's coming soon! 💜

[@ArtzFenix]

Appreciate you showing all the activities and watch faces.

[@AbbyBReviewing]

No problem, I'm glad you found that helpful!

[@amiraazmy6701]

Thanks for the review -- super helpful. One big reason for not buying this watch is gyroscope & lacking S model (smaller size). Also I got lots reviews on Garmin sleep senor data being off both with Vivoactive & Venu Sq2.

[@chillwavemusic5024]

Really great and helpful review! Thanks a lot

[@AbbyBReviewing]

@@chillwavemusic5024 Hello. And thank you! 😊

[@pandachrissan]

Thank you for the review, I would love to see a comparison between the Vivoactive 5 and the Venu SQ 2. I'm torn between them and can't decide which one is better, what is your opinion on that? 🥰

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hello, I will consider doing that comparison. Honestly, the Venu SQ 2 and Vivoactive 5 are very similar in terms of build quality, battery life, sensors and features. Some major differences are that the Vivoactive 5 has HRV, tracks naps, and tracks more activities, one is circular the other square. The design you prefer may make the choice for you. You get a very similar experience no matter which one you pick.

[@pandachrissan]

@@AbbyBReviewing Thank you a lot ❤️ This helped 🥰

[@josie7188]

Always on display turns off when the watch is not on your wrist . Great review 😁🤩

[@AbbyBReviewing]

This actually still happens when it's on my wrist. I'm not sure if it will be fixed but hopefully. And thank you!

[@khanguyen1124]

I don't know why VA5 is cheaper than VA4s, I am looking forward to your next video

[@AbbyBReviewing]

I'll will be covering that for sure 😊

[@jamillia7243]

Thank you so much!! This was such an informative video, and I love how you interact with your audience. I'm leaning towards the vivoactive 5 but read some reviews about it frequently crashing. It's my first smart watch and the features im looking for. Based in this price range, would you recommend this garmin smartwatch or another?

[@AbbyBReviewing]

@jamillia7243 Hello! If this has all the features you are looking for, it fits your budget, and you like the design i would recommend it. And I haven't had any crashing issues myself.

[@TennisObsessed]

Thanks for the great review as always. Because of the sale, I took the plunge and got the orchid. Still learning but so far I love it! I was so worried it would be too large and feel bulky but it's perfect. I actually prefer it to the Venu 3 that I returned because it feels lighter.

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hi there! Nice to hear your enjoying your Vivoactive 5 so far, and thanks for sharing :)

[@markhumphrey8394]

I tried the VA5 and found the buttons to be horrible. I also thought the touch screen functionality very glitchy. For example, the screen would randomly go black when scrolling through and editing watch faces, forcing me to start the process again. Very annoying. Garmin support suggested extending the screen timeout and turning off auto brightness, neither of which helped. I also tried the latest beta software (as of Feb 2024) to see if that fixed the problem, but it didn't. The VA5 is a big step down in quality from my old VA3. I returned the VA5 and opted for a Foreunner 255. I don't mind losing the touch screen in favour of responsive buttons, and non-glitchy UI! That, plus all the other features the 255 has over the VA5 makes it worth the CA$70 extra!

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hello, I didn't experience the glitchy-ness but I do agree the buttons were bad. I also find it's a step down in quality from the older VA4 and VA3. I hope Garmin goes back to the older quality & display type in the next gen VA6 if they make one. Yes the FR255 is a great watch and thanks for sharing :)

[@MrWuwho]

I have a vivoactive 4s and love the stress tracking features as I could even tell I m abt the get sick. Recently I tried to switch to a pixel watch 2 and couldn't stand the short battery life and the lose of stress tracking. But the amoled screen looks so good that I just cant stand going back to the low res vivoactive 4 screen now. This vivoactive 5 is just perfect for me. The build quality as you said got me really hesitated. I dun mind paying 50 extra to get the metal buttons, but the 150 exta for venu 3 is just a rip off. The the functionality and price is just great for vivo5. I would probably buy a nice band to make it looks less as cheap.

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@lesliegoa]

This model is missing altimeter sensor, which the vivoactive 3 has/had. Is the gps accurate enough to indicate climbs on cycling?

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Yes, the Vivoactive 3 and 4 have an altimeter disappointing not to see it on newer the Vivoactive 5 here. And you would need to have an external speed and cadence sensor to get that data plus you won't get any elevation data, it calculates the rest ex: calories burned, heart rate, intervals, and gps course fine.

[@giedrezananavice9951]

Hi Abby! Could you recommend more Garmin watches for women with HRV?

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hello, sure some are Garmin Fenix 7S, Fenix 6S, Forerunner 265S, Forerunner 255S, and Venu 3S, for example

[@giedrezananavice9951]

Thank you ❤

[@ashwinpstpr]

Hi Abby, I like your videos. Short and precise. A couple of things I like about this watch Battery! Display One of the issues I’ve noticed is the amount of gesture it needs to turn the screen on. Feels more than other watches - even the Venu SQ. Believe garmin have used a different algorithm to optimise battery usage. This could be noticed when the display goes off as soon you lower your wrist/parallel to the hip/thighs.

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Great to hear you like my videos! And thanks for sharing :)

[@rivenharlow]

Wonderful review, Abby!

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Thank you! 💜

[@jessicaafiorin]

Great review! Loved it! Your review really helped me. Do you know if it have sleep tracking?

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Thank you 🥰. And yes, it does track sleep!

[@neetas]

Hi ! Thank you for your detailed review ! Which would you recommended between Garmin Vivoactive 5 and Fitbit Charge 6. I don’t plan to pay for premium metrics, and I would use it for activity tracking and stress management.

[@AbbyBReviewing]

@neetas Hello, i like both watches, and they can both track everything you listed well. I'd consider if you want great sleep tracking, go for the Fitbit. If you want to see all detailed metrics without any premium subscription needed, go for Garmin.

[@neetas]

​@@AbbyBReviewing Thank you so much for the quick response. That makes the decision much easier !

[@kirsten3493]

Hey Abby! I’m in Australia and this watch usually goes for 499 but currently selling for 349. Would you rate it higher if it were cheaper? I’ve never had a smart watch and it has every feature I want but it’s HUGE on me as a smol person so I can’t tell if it’s worth it!

[@AbbyBReviewing]

@kirsten3493 hello, yes if it was a cheaper it would be rated a bit higher, but the price is just one component i consider in a rating. If you find it huge and want something smaller I wouldn't recommend the Vivoactive 5 its not a small watch. Possibly consider the Garmin Venu 2S or Lily 2 active instead.

[@arkon133]

Hi, what would you recommend between vivoactive 5 and garmin venu 2? If they were to be at the same price. Thank you!

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hello, i haven't tried the Venu 2 only the Venu 2S and thr 2 is too large for me. But, I'd choose the Venu 2S over the Vivoactive 5 for sure.

[@alfredo19560]

Hello Abby ! Found your channel just a few days ago and I am excited ! Really great tutorials ! At the moment i`m wearing a venu sq from 2022. Do you think that the vivoactive 5 is big upgrade to the Venu sq ??? Greetings from Vienna !

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hi! And that great to hear 😊. I dont find it to be a huge upgrade. The main new upgrades are the newer heart rate sensor and HRV status being added on the Vivoactive 5.

[@slicedbreadrocks]

Missing number of stairs from vivoactive 4 to vivoactive 5 makes me keep vivoactive 4. Venu 3 is not an option, it is too expensive.

[@AbbyBReviewing]

I get that, floors climbed is a feature I use daily and missed on this watch.

[@jasontan7611]

@abbyBReviewing does the bezel and screen scratches easily?

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hello, yes it can scratch easily if you are not careful. The Vivoactive 5 is not made with the strongest materials. And I always recommend getting a screen protector, which helps prevent scratches.

[@leaumacob7541]

Hi abby,what is the best version for hiker?

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hello, I'd recommended a watch that has a barometric altimeter (so you can track your elevation changes) and one with a hiking activity profile. The Vivoactive 5 does not have that. However, some Garmin watches that do have that, i can recommend are the: Forerunner 55, Forerunner 255S, Forerunner 265S, Venu 2S, Venu 3S, Vivoactive 4S or Fenix 7S for example. And I've reviewed all of these on the channel, feel free to check them out for more info!

[@katebrady455]

Hi! I have this watch and like it - but I really like your watch face. How did you create it/where did you get it? Thx!

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hello! Which watch face the one on the videos thumbnail?

[@katebrady455]

The one in the video- when you review the display. Time displayed on the watch is 08:12

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hey, that is a watch face that came preinstalled on my Venu 3S! I just customized the colour and data in the watch face settings.

[@katebrady455]

On the venu3s? I don’t think I have that on my vivoactive 5, but I’ll double check. Thank you for replying! Much appreciated!

[@AJ-tu1tj]

Great video! Does it connect to an app on an iphone and does it count calories?

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Thank you! And yes, it can.

[@lamandragore1920]

I love your videos

[@AbbyBReviewing]

@lamandragore1920 thats awesome, thanks 💜

[@user-oz9lt1zv5k]

Great review thanks! I also wish there was a smaller version. Do you think they'll come out with 5S?

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Thank you! And probably not, theyve always dropped the S small series with the larger ones at the same time. We'll most likely have to wait for a vivoactive 6 series for that.

[@user-oz9lt1zv5k]

@AbbyBReviewing thanks for your input, I'm new to Garmin watches so that's good to know

[@dilla_wolf]

What is better for you.. Vivoactive 5 or huawei watch gt4.. For strong display maybe garmin better for hard worker right? But huawei has really good style 🙈

[@AbbyBReviewing]

@dilla_wolf Hello! The Vivoactive 5 is better for me. I dont have a Huawei phone and miss out on some featires because of it while the Garmin works Seamlessly with my Samsung phone & has a longer battery life which i prefer.

[@bretts5571]

Whats better this or samsung galaxy watch 7...

[@AbbyBReviewing]

The Samsung Galaxy watch 7 has a better looking dispaly & more smart features m/app compatibility. While the Vivoactive 5 has way longer battery life, and many fitness features. Which one is better for you may depend on the phone you have, your budget, features you're looking for, design you prefer, etc. I prefer the Vivoactive 5 I prefer the colour, longer battery life & prefer the operation to name a few things.

[@bretts5571]

@@AbbyBReviewing Thanks

[@ScarlettDawn-Hope]

Vivoactive 5 or Lily 2, which one is better for ur opinion?

[@AbbyBReviewing]

I'd say that depends if you want a smaller lighter fitness tracker or a smartwatch that has more features, but it is larger. I prefer the Vivoactive 5 out of the 2 built in GPS is big for me, but the Lily 2 looks better and is more comfortable in my opinion.

[@ScarlettDawn-Hope]

@@AbbyBReviewing Thank you

[@marieclairesix]

Hi do you feel the charger spot on the back of the watch touches your skin at all? Would any part of the back cause allergic reactions?

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hi, I don't feel the charger spot when wearing. The heat rate sensor is slightly elevated and that's really the only spot in direct contact with my wrist. I think a possible allergic reaction that would depend on your specific allergies, and skin. And I personally have sensitive skin and have not had a reaction.

[@marieclairesix]

@@AbbyBReviewing Thank you! I ended up buying the watch and tried it out. It doesn't give me any allergic reactions thankfully. And I am in LOVE with it!

[@tammaraalexander2284]

When I first set up my Vivoactive 5, I saw a display of my Ring Camera & disabled it. Now I can't find out how to get it back as I never even set it up to do that. Thoughts?

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hi, i haven't experienced that, but you may be able to turn the ring notifications back on in the Garmin Connect app in the notifications tab that's found in the settings.

[@tammaraalexander2284]

@AbbyBReviewing I figured it out. On the settings menu in the app, you select "notifications" and a ton of apps pop up (apps from your phone to link) so I found the ring app in Garmin settings & just turned it back on. Surprisingly, even the Garmin tech wasn't aware the watch could do this.

[@katecook2311]

So which smartwatch do you wear the most right now?

[@AbbyBReviewing]

The Fenix 6S currently! It's older but still a fav of mine 😊.

[@TiffanyMorgan-z2z]

Love my watch

[@meems2001]

I am so torn between the vivoactive 5 and the vivomove trend! The viviactive is a bit too big for my wrist and reminds me of Ben 10 😂 but i love the AMOLED!!

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hi there, I'd consider the Venu 2S if you want a smaller AMOLED Garmin watch.

[@yolandamarisalopezroman1509]

In your opinion, which is better, the vivo active 5 or the fitbit versa 4?

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hi I think they are both nice, and I do prefer the Versa.

[@yolandamarisalopezroman1509]

@@AbbyBReviewing Thanks Abby, I already had a Sence 2 and it took me a day, I didn't want to synchronize and I returned it and on Saturday I picked up the Versa 4 and I wanted to know which one was better since I see a review of the watch and I wanted to be sure that this time I went to the sure, thank you for answering me, your videos are very good

[@ranjanivivekanantham7792]

Fitbit lot of issue with application and step count wrong. The best is garmin model

[@bernadethfernandez4663]

Hi Abby, between Lily 2 and Vivoactive 5, which one would you prefer for a profile like me? I am not super active in fitness, but does regular walk / jog and badminton. Thank you in advance!

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hi there! You can track basic activities like running & walking with both. If you are choosing between only these two, I'd consider the display type, size, battery life, sensors, price and features(ex connected GPS, vs built in GPS, music download ability etc.) that work best for you. I prefer the Vivoactive out of the two. But keep in mind there are many other Garmin watch options available that have more features/sensors, and are made with more durable materials for example Venu 2S, Venu 3S, Vivoactive 4S which I'd choose over those 2 options personally.

[@p_t02]

How's the strength of the vibration motor, please?

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hello, the vibration strength is good and can be adjusted from low to high if desired.

[@p_t02]

@@AbbyBReviewing Thank you so much for your info.

[@TennisObsessed]

Currently on sale in the USA for $249 😊

[@lancetomberlin8559]

Does it check blood pressure. I read that it did but can't find a video of someone showing how it works.

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hello, it does not check blood pressure. It can check your blood oxygen SpO2, sometimes people get the two confused.

[@thomasconway95]

Hi Abby - could you do a comparison video between the VA5 and FR255S? They are similar in price now that the 255 is older and I can't decide :(

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hello, I will definitely consider doing that video! And I've done full reviews on both the FR255S and Vivoactive 5 already, I'd recommend watching both so get more of a feel for them :) PS. I do prefer the FR255S out of the two!

[@Itstherealld]

Does it have kickboxing ?

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hi, it does not, and I showed the activities it can track at 4:30 in the video!

[@missz339]

Hi whats that watchface called u have on the 4s

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hi, it's called VerticalSpace!

[@sigilarcanum6402]

Hi Abby, why is my Vivoactive do not show charging display? It only show the percentage

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hello, you may have dismissed the display, or could be due to a new update. As long as you see the charging percentage with the little lightning bolt it is charging.

[@renata13725]

I didn't see where it tracks spinning as an activity, I wonder why?

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hi, i dont choose the activities, so I can't answer that. But it does have a cycling indoors option.

[@bcl8226]

Is it reliable for sleep tracking? Is it better than Fitbit?

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hey, I talked about sleep at 08:05 in the video. And the sleep tracking is not better than Fitbit, in my opinion.

[@bcl8226]

@@AbbyBReviewing I saw the part for sleep. I'm mainly interested in sleep tracking and stages. I'm between Garmin and Fitbit and I don't know if this Garmin is as reliable in sleep tracking as a Fitbit. Your opinion?

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Fitbit is definitely better for sleeping tracking/stages accuracy. Garmin is better for everything else (ex. heart rate data, activity tracking, GPS performance, battery life etc).

[@maddog1052]

@@bcl8226Im late to this, but the fitbit app so go in depth for sleep you have to pay for premium but with garmin you dont have to pay extra for the sleep feature

[@unique_user_]

Hi Abby! I recently purchased the Vivoactive 5 and have noticed that it seems to track steps while I'm sleeping... is there something wrong with my watch? Does this happen with other Garmin watches as well?

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hi there! I haven't noticed that myself with this Garmin watch or others I've used. When I wake up my steps are usually between 0-5 steps for the day, and not much if any recorded overnight. You may be unknowingly moving your arm a lot in your sleep, as steps are only registered with arm movements. Also, I'd recommend checking to see if your watch is fully updated to double-check its running optimally as well, and consider reaching out to Garmin's customer service if your step data during the day is also off.

[@NightOps71]

Are you sure you're not sleep walking 😂?

[@n64central]

I think you’re sleep walking

[@catherinetheyssens]

I don't know if you have been able to solve the problem in the meantime, but I had the same thing with my Fitbit watch. For me it helped to adjust the placement of the watch in the settings to the dominant wrist... Since then I have no more steps during my sleep.

[@brandonglasser]

I noticed the same thing, as well as my Cals are off!

[@feestewart8884]

Hi Abby, I can’t decided this one and the forerunner 165. Which one would you recommend. Im not overly active but want to start running. Please let me know. Thank you so much.

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hello! If you're decing between only these two, both options can work for runs indoors on treadmill or outside runs. The Forerunner is the better option for running though. I have done a review on the Forerunner 165 as well if you're interested.

[@amy0012]

I definitely agree it seems more like a Venu than a vivoactive! Thanks for the video @abbybreviewing❤ :)

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Thanks for sharing @amy0012 💜

[@Arodrock]

I can’t get raise to wake function to work!! Help! Please

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hello, did you check to see if that function is turned on? And DND/sleep modes are turned off?

[@MinhPTD]

Do we have pace pro on vivoactive 5 ?

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hello, pace pro is not on the vivoactive 5

[@MinhPTD]

@@AbbyBReviewing thank you, i guess it not available on venu 3 too

[@AbbyBReviewing]

No problem! And yes it is not on the Venu 3S. PacePro is a feature that is on Garmin's running centric watches like the Fenix, Forerunner, and Epix series.

[@KonvoyChief]

Wait it doesn't have always on display?

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hi, as I mentioned is has an optional always on display, once turned on it decreases the battery life significantly. With it off (the default) screen wakes up for a few seconds when its tapped, or a button is pressed.

[@rfrancoi]

Great video, do you know if it automatically detect activity? Subs +1

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hi, and thank you! Yes, there is an auto workout detection option you can turn on.

[@rfrancoi]

@@AbbyBReviewing You have OFFICIALLY convinced me. Thank you.

[@Superdazzu2]

This or the garmin venu 2 at the same price?

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hi, I haven't used the Venu 2 but, have used the Venu 2S. I just released a comparison on the Venu 2s vs Vivoactive 5 here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqabY5tro5KDq5I where you can hear my thoughts on them and which I prefer!

[@GK-qc5ry]

A shame about that grey button not matching the colour of the watch.

[@AbbyBReviewing]

It's actually a dark purple. And I agree, not sure why they decoded to make one button and the watch keeper a darker/different colour.

[@noahebikes6917]

Is there a smart alarm that wakes you up when you have had enough sleep?

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hello, it does not. And I haven't actually used any smartwatch that has that feature, seems interesting though.

[@alberttan8863]

Can it measures blood pressure?

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hi, it cannot measure blood pressure but, can measure blood oxygen saturation SpO2.

[@spikeweb5193]

Can we add picture do background in watch face?

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hi, yes you can do that using the Garmin Connect IQ app. And making a Face it (custom watch face)

[@spikeweb5193]

@@AbbyBReviewing thank you

[@kelsieroach8896]

Can you upload a photo as your background?

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hi, yes you can using the Garmin Connect IQ app.

[@meruem5638]

"Can you answer messages/calls?"

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hi, yes you can.

[@randomvideos-123abc]

No you can’t, that’s Venus 3 only

[@taram247]

does it get dirty easily?

[@AbbyBReviewing]

Hi, that would depend on what you do when wearing it. For example If you work out daily, it will get dirty from sweat and body oils. But risning with water helps it stay clean.