Garmin Vivosmart 5 Review: A Simple Tracker With a Real Button
Garmin Vivosmart 5 review: bigger screen, physical button, up to 7-day battery, Body Battery and sleep tracking, no built-in GPS, and who it suits best.
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Garmin is better known for big, chunky running watches. The Garmin Vivosmart 5 is the opposite: a slim fitness band for people who want steps, sleep, heart rate and stress tracking without the complexity, and without a monthly fee.
In this Garmin Vivosmart 5 review, we look at the screen, the battery, the very welcome physical button, what it tracks well, the GPS catch, and who should choose something else.
The short version
The Vivosmart 5 is one of the easiest trackers to live with: about a week of battery, a real button, a readable screen and all features free in Garmin Connect. Its weak spots are a monochrome display and no built-in GPS, so it relies on your phone for outdoor maps.
How we put this review together
We have not lab-tested the Vivosmart 5. This review is based on Garmin’s published specs and manual, comparisons with similar trackers, and common themes in owner reviews. Check the listing for the current version and band sizes.
Key specs
- Battery: up to 7 days (Garmin’s claim; less with heavy use)
- Display: monochrome OLED touchscreen, larger than the Vivosmart 4
- Button: one physical button
- GPS: connected GPS (uses your phone)
- Water rating: 5 ATM, swim-friendly
- Sensors: wrist heart rate, pulse ox, accelerometer
- Bands: small/medium or large, swappable
- Subscription: none required
What we like
The button
Many slim trackers rely entirely on swipes and taps. The Vivosmart 5 adds one physical button that wakes the screen and takes you back. It sounds minor, but owners, especially older ones, say it makes daily use much easier.
A screen that’s finally big enough
Garmin made the display noticeably larger than the previous model. It’s still monochrome, but text is clear and you can choose a simple watch face with big numbers.
Body Battery and sleep
Garmin’s Body Battery score (0 to 100) combines heart rate variability, stress, sleep and activity into one “energy” number. It’s an estimate, but a helpful nudge: a low morning number after poor sleep is a reason to take an easy day. Sleep tracking breaks your night into stages and gives a sleep score.
No subscription
Everything lives in the free Garmin Connect app, which is detailed and reliable. That’s a real plus compared with trackers that hold back insights behind a paywall.
Swappable bands
Unlike the older model, you can change the band, which helps if one wears out or you want a different size.
What could be better
- No built-in GPS: for accurate outdoor distance and maps, carry your phone. The Fitbit Charge 6 has GPS built in.
- Monochrome screen: functional, not pretty.
- Touchscreen sensitivity: some owners find swipes need a firm touch.
- Wrist heart rate limits: like all wrist trackers, it’s less accurate during intervals or lifting. Pair a chest strap with a Garmin watch if you need precise numbers; the Vivosmart itself doesn’t connect to straps.
Vivosmart 5 vs alternatives
vs Fitbit Charge 6
The Charge 6 has a color screen, built-in GPS and Google apps, but some insights need Fitbit Premium. The Vivosmart 5 is simpler, has a physical button and no subscription. Read our Charge 6 review.
vs a smartwatch
If you want apps, payments and fall detection, a smartwatch fits better. Our fitness tracker vs smartwatch guide breaks it down.
Who should buy the Garmin Vivosmart 5
- People who want a simple, slim tracker with a real button.
- Anyone who dislikes subscriptions.
- Seniors and beginners who mainly track steps, sleep and heart rate. It’s one of our picks in best fitness trackers for seniors.
Who should skip it
- Runners and cyclists who want built-in GPS.
- People who want a colorful screen or smartwatch apps.
Setup tips
- Pick a large-number watch face in Garmin Connect.
- Turn on “Move bar” reminders if you sit a lot.
- Set an auto-adjusting step goal rather than a fixed 10,000.
- Charge it on the same day each week.
FAQ
Does the Garmin Vivosmart 5 have GPS?
Not built in. It uses your phone’s GPS when connected.
Is the Vivosmart 5 waterproof?
It’s rated 5 ATM, which is fine for swimming and showering.
Does it need a subscription?
No. All features are free in Garmin Connect.
How long does the battery last?
Garmin claims up to 7 days. Heavy use of features like pulse ox overnight shortens that.
Bottom line
The Garmin Vivosmart 5 is a simple, comfortable tracker that does the basics well, with a real button and no fees. If you don’t need built-in GPS or a color screen, it’s an easy recommendation.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to a qualified professional before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have an injury or health condition.