Garmin Vivoactive HR

Don’t buy one – Brought one 3 years ago for 250 pounds I’ve had two replacements as it just stops powering on. Customer service were rubbish said I could get a replacement for 100 pounds from them. I can buy it for half the price online. I asked for a discount on another watch but they said no. Their motto is ‘ built to last’ I think not. Wouldn’t buy from them again Show details

Does everything I really want it too – What I use it for? Mainly recording running and walking, sometimes rollerblading and scootering. Wrist heart rate sensor is a lot better than chest strap, even though it’s not as super responsive but it is more than enough for me. I prefer the freedom and ease of using it. Heart rate sensor is accurate, responsive. GPS is accurate and works in… Read more

most locations I use it, there is speed and steps information even indoors.

I really like a watch face I found on the App Store called time flies. It is very customisable.

The Garmin connect app is wonderful to use, very detailed and nicely presented. I like it more than other brands I have tried like Fitbit and polar and jawbone.

The watch helps me a lot to stay motivated and active and I get a sense of reward after viewing the data for the exercise I have done for the day.

The thing I would miss about not having is storage for music with Bluetooth connections for my wireless earphones. The watch has a controller to control volume pause/play and skip song function so it’s good for my ipad which contains a lot of music.

Dead after Splashing in Surf- Thank you Garmin for Replacing!!! – Purchased at JB Hi Fi with a Years warranty for $364 serial number 4P9039235 which was very reasonable when they first came out. Despite being a dedicated swim watch, mine is now completely dead as the screen is NOT sealed. Falsely claiming this is a swim watch isnt correct. All other apps on watch were very accurate. Run and bike were brilliant.… Read more

Maps and gps was faultless. Love my HR monitor and achieving goals. Unfortunately 8 months out of warranty means I am left with a broken watch when used for the purpose it is advertised for died. Will be pursuing this with consumer law. Cannot recommend an expensive watch that isn’t able to function as stated. BUT, when I contacted Garmin, all I had to do was send back my dead one and another is on its way. It wasn’t a cheapy but I am grateful I registered my warranty details. The only good thing I can say is that the interactive app and the Garmin Connect data was brilliant. I won’t use it in the water now but really, I’m pleased with the outcome. Thanks Garmin.

Outstanding fitness watch - but definitely NOT water-resistant as advertised :( DEAD! – I have so far owned the Polar S625X, the Garmin 305 Forerunner, the Garmin 910XT and now the Garmin Vivoactive HR - all running watches. (I also own a Garmin Oregon 750t unit for hiking) My wife has the disappointing and clearly inferior FitBit - but we'll get to that later. I've had the Vivoactive HR watch for 12months now - purchase Dec… Read more

2016. I wear it 24/7 and also use it for running and frequent marathons, ultramarathons and hiking. Battery life is excellent for such a small gps watch - I can have it on gps recording mode for 15+hour ultra-marathons and still have ~20% battery left. Without gps use I'll get about 9(ish) days use before 'low-battery' indication. As a day-to-day watch it's smaller enough to be comfortable and is less obtrusive than the huge Fenix or Suuntos - which are still excellent watches though. Until now I've been VERY happy with my Garmin Vivoactive HR and it's gps/fitness/calorie tracking performance - paired together with the 'Garmin Connect' app on my iPhone. I also have the matching Vivoactive HR compatible wireless Garmin weight scales, the Garmin wireless waist HR strap, the wireless Garmin Tempe (temperature) pod - and Garmin wireless foot pod which I use indoors on the gym treadmill. I have never had a problem with any of these products - they're all great and the connectivity of all these devices with the Vivoactive HR is seamless - although the Tempe can sometimes take 1~2minutes to initialise.

My wife has a FitBit which I've frequently played with and used in the past - and it's definitely inferior to the Garmin VivoactiveHR - so too is the FitBit app which I found poor for performance/fitness tracking and training - *however* the FitBit app may have updated/improved over the past 15months. My wife totally regretted her FitBit the moment she tried my new VivoActive HR! Note: At the time of her FitBit purchase though (16months ago) the FitBit brand definitely just had MUCH better marketing (esp. targeted to the girlies) and seemed 'trendier' and more fashionable amongst her non-running, expensive lycra wearing female friends than the Garmin.

Cons:

***1/. I wore it in water for the very first and only time (last week) in only 1~1.5 metres depth (snorkelling) and the watch died almost instantly. So the Garmin Vivioactive HR is definitely NOT water-resistant as claimed. The watch is 1week past it's warranty :(... ***

2/. Sleep record function. This is important to me. The default time for sleep monitoring is 10:00pm-6:00am - it can be altered - BUT then it no longer seems to work/record properly for sleep monitoring - except when returned back to the default times. As a 24/7 shift worker with sleep times all over the place - the sleep monitoring is important to me - however the watch won't allow me to set my actual sleep periods - which vary daily :(

Note: I notice here on PR some people complaining that the Vivoactive HR doesn't come with gym specific settings (ie. CXworks, BodyPump, RPM etc) like FitBit - but this is just not the case - they clearly don't understand the watch. Sure the watch doesn't come packaged with these activities in the 'default' activity setttings out of the box - but these or any activities can easily be added - and any unwanted default activities easily removed (ie. golf, swim etc)

Although the Garmin Vivoactive HR is a fantastic watch I'm only giving it 3 stars as it died instantly the first time mine touched water. I will definitely purchase another for sure - but just NOT use it in the water.

perfect all rounder – I have had my vivoactive hr for over 2 years now and it has never let me down. unlike other fitness watches the Garmin vivoactive hr is packed full of features. I get nearly a full week of battery life on a single charge, and it only takes an hour to charge. I find that the suit in gps is very useful as when I sync my phone I can see where I have… Read more

been running. while I'm not a athlete I do like a lot of sport and the preset activities allow me to track my sport weather it be rowing, running or skiing it almost always tracks it.

It's a great product. One problem though – Had mine for about 3 years, no problems with it whatsoever and it is really a great product: - Works well (had a few random freezes which requires a reboot but nothing major and never during an activity) - Didn't realize it had a GPS in it until I logged into Connect and it showed me the map of where I'd been running. Cool. - I've tested the… Read more

accuracy of this and it's quite good. Distance accuracy was enhanced when I linked it to a foot pod I had with one of my older Garmin products.

- I really like the Connect app. It just works.

My one biggest problem is when I accidentally dropped it and cracked the screen out of warranty (watch still was working but I knew it would stop once water gets in), I couldn't get it repaired and instead had to buy another one (although Garmin offered me a refurbished one heavily discounted). It does seem like a waste but I guess it's fair enough.

Perfect for me – I require a sports watch that is not an extension of my smartphone and Garmin Vivoactive HR does it so well for me. I would not need to worry about unnecessary alerts or poor battery life because I can use it for about a week without running flat. It's quite accurate in measuring my pulse and all the metrics I need. Awesome product.  Show details

Garmin Vivoactive HR doesn't last long – I've own my Garmin Vivoactive HR watch for 2 years and it stopped working, won't charge and turn on. Disappointed that the product only last 2 years for the price. Will never buy a Garmin watch again. What a waste of money. Garmin offered me a refurbished watch at cost. Why would I waste my money on a refurbished watch when a new one doesn't last long. Show details

Good while it last – Hi i agree with some of the other reviews here. While it is working is quite good, very good battery life and only leaves my wrist to be charge in a couple of hours. But the durability doesn't seems to be very good. Bought it on April 2017. Fail in December ( apparently water leaked into it ) and was replaced under warranty in February. … Read more

Now last week , the touch screen stop working and after another swimming, it completely fail.

I work in an office and don't do any extreme sports. I cannot remember noticing any big hit on it and screen looks in perfect conditions. I think the plastic case is the problem and you shouldn't expect to last longer than 12 months.

Before the vivoactive HT i had a vivoactive that had similar problem and it was working for aobut 18 months.

Wont charge after 12 months – I initially loved this watch, used it everyday for 8 months then i moved house and it was placed in a box for 4-5 months, when i found it I discovered it would not charge, it turns on initially when plugged into charger but off as soon as you unplug it. Hoping the garmin company warranty is kind to me as i will be atempting to get it fixed  Show details

Awesome until the end! – After 3 and a half years of swimming, hiking, running, golf, cycling, surfing, jumping off cliffs and ropes into rivers, tennis, bowling, and generally bashing through the great outdoors, my Garmin Vivoactive HR has finally retired. I am disappointed that it hasn't lasted longer and yet surprised it has lasted so long, given the treated it has… Read more

endured. And under all extreme conditions this device has not missed a beat. The GPS and Heart Rate Monitor have been spot on and its activity recording has always been detailed and precise. I love the Garmin Connect APP with all its data fields and goal setting features. I will be finding another Garmin to accompany me on future adventures.

Works great: for less than 12 months – Received the first one for Christmas 2016, in September 2017 it stopped working. Contacted Garmin who asked me if I had been charging it in a wall socket. I questioned how else am I meant to recharge it, upon which I was told that I must use a lower power device like a laptop. Throughout modern history mankind has used wall sockets for electricity… Read more

but now some companies think this is too easy. Anyway, Garmin were kind enough to honour the warranty and sent me a replacement which I never stuck in those obsolete wall thingies that provide electricity throughout the home. It mattered not because on the 27 Oct 2018 the second Garmin gave up the ghost. So two watches two years. Talk about rubbish Quality Control, I am really disappointed because I was planning on getting a Garmin D2 Delta this Christmas.

Good while it lasted – Stayed on my wrist for 14 months straight until the screen started glitching (everything else - tracking, heart rate, etc were fine). No way to get replacement screens, and no longer covered under warranty. Pros: - Waterproofing and comfort made it an excellent everyday wearer - Phone notifications (messages, emails, calls) easily monitored … Read more

- Charge lasts for a decent amount of time

- Heart rate monitor is accurate enough when used directly

- Activity counter keeps up well

Cons:

- Bluetooth updating and timekeeping can get randomly problematic (doesn't keep up with or just changes the time)

- Elevation counter inconsistent

3 times. 3 mistakes – I bought 3 watch. 3 times it stopped working. Each time they don't last more than 1 year. Too expensive for the lasting. When I wrote the last time to the company, they don't even answer me. I am very unsatisfied. Try to find a better watch with better service.  Show details

For the fitness freak – I totally destroyed my vivoactive falling off the bike and upgraded to the HR. I found that the major differences were the different shaped face, more memory, and the additional heart rate monitor. Being able to change the watch face is still pretty cool and knowing how many steps I do each day. For sporting, I have other gadgets to record all the… Read more

stats so I don't use the watch for that. I have noticed that more watch companies are putting the same functions into their stylish watches so that is where I'll be looking next.

Was great, just watch the screen – I loved this watch. That is, until the screen cracked. It even had a protective cover. Screen can't be replaced so the store gave a free upgrade under warranty which was awesome. If the screen hadn't cracked I would still be loving the watch to this day. All functions were perfect for me.  Show details

1 year warranty for a reason – This device was great while it lasted. I bought it in Nov 2016. It died Apr 2018. One year warranty. Well calculated Garmin. Very expensive disposable item. The various watch faces were fun, it measured my rides and runs etc but I would not rush out to buy another Garmin product.  Show details

Upgrade from Fitbit – This watch is never off my wrist. It keeps great time and of course all the extra apps are an advantage. Being waterproof is fantastic.The only down side that I have found is it is not very female looking being only available in black so I recently bought a new watch strap (red) so although the watch remains black the new strap is much more to my… Read more

liking

May 5th 2018 Update: update to original review in april 2018

Garmin service fantastic even after guarantee ran out

my glass on watch cracked - unsure how

contacted Garmin and although a little slow in getting through the staff were very helpful

only advice I would give if sending back - register package - there was a little confusion with my return by the AU post

13 days after sending parcel (bank holiday in that time) - I received my refurbished watch back :-)

Looked just like new and it didn`t cost me anything after they recieved a photo that they requested

Very very happy

Excellent Watch/Activity Tracker – Nice fitting watch and activity tracker. Have used it for bike riding, indoor bike classes,swimming and daily step counter. Provides accurate and useful information for all activities. Battery life is good. Works well with the Android phone app. Only quibble is that it doesn't measure heart rate whilst you are swimming  Show details

Quality watch and fitness tracker – The watch is now 2 years old, so have had time to verify. HR monitor is quite accurate, though does under-read in some circumstances. Garmin apps are extensive in selection, The GUI/UX looks a bit old now compared with some units coming onto the market and could do with an update.  Show details

Nice watch – This is a great watch. I find the step count to be more accurate than other brands of fit watches I’ve owned. The kilometres do seem to be a little inaccurate but that could be due to differences in stride length. It can be a little uncomfortable to wear at times as the sensor can dig into my wrist. All in all a good watch.  Show details

6 months no eork – Watch stopped working after 6 months. Item would not charge and was unresponsive to finger on the screen. I'm still trying to get Kogan to validate the warranty. I sent the watch back to supplier but they still have not been able to fix it or give me a functional watch  Show details

Died after 5 months – Great watch. Fairly accurate with hr, sleep, steps. Loved the app and the challenges you could participate in. Battery life lasted quite well after charging. Out of the blue, it just died. Absolutely no response. WARNING: Do NOT out it on the charge if you think your watch is broken. I did and came back tonit 30 minutes later to an extremely HOT… Read more

appliance. My watch only lasted 5 months. This isn’t good enough for an expensive sports watch. Rebel sports have been great to deal with. Now I have to choose another watch. Not sure about Garmin now as my first one didn’t last long either.

Nice to own and use – It’s a good watch. I use it for biking and running. I really like the on wrist heart rate monitor. The heart rate strap ones are very tiring to use and uncomfortable when running. The heart rate monitor gives me a good indication of what level of training to do to lose weight and because I stay under 80% I can do excercise for longer. Without… Read more

the watch I won’t know where I am at.

The watch is easy to view the screen even in day time and the watch face is always on which I like. It gives steps and speed count even indoors without gps which is great. In summary I really enjoy using the watch.

Love it until it breaks after 4 months – Had it on for 4 months daily (only taken off during shower, even it is meant to be waterproof). The touch screen died in 4 months, not responsive and unable to control it. (tried resetting as well) I was unable to find anywhere to repair it. It was an expensive gadget and I hope the new versions'd be better.  Show details

Don't buy it – Don't through your money out. I bought one of these and went into the water and it doesn't work anymore, it supposed to be waterproof 50 m or 5 ATM,but they lie. I didn't even go a metre under the water and then it started to blink and then gone. The customer service is terrible too. So don't trust Garmin when they say something is waterproof.  Show details

Great for fitness – The back light is not very bright in the dark, hard to read. They forgot to mention that the Garmin Connect must be running in the background at all times in order for the watch to get data on Weather and Calendar, that's a problem as running app in the background contributes to smartphones power usage. Apart from that everything works… Read more

perfectly, fitness tracking is a triumph, and after 4h of using GPS (and Glonas) I can confirm that the battery life is: 7 full days (!) and still 8% available!!! I'm more than happy!

Beautiful watch, I don't need a conventional wrist watch now – This watch was a god sent in search of being fit in a new city. Easy to connect with a dedicated app on my smartphone. Sleek design. Sometimes I forget that I am wearing it. Garmin is a step above everyone else in this area and this watch is a example.  Show details

Long battery life – Haven’t stopped wearing this watch since I purchased last year. I bought because it was the only option I could find at the time that tracked HR while swimming. The accompanying phone app is simple and easy to use to access data too. Battery also lasts at least one week.  Show details

Comfortable – Motivates you to move. I use it as an alarm in the morning as it vibrates gently on your wrist to wake you up. Has a backlight too that you can touch the screen to see the time in the dark. Good battery life lasts a week and charges ever so quickly. Would like a tap and pay feature. Good service from Garmin. Broke the silicone band which can’t be replaced, so they sent me out a brand new reconditioned watch.  Show details

Great Fitness Tracker – One thing that the Garmin Vivoactive HR does excellent is fitness tracking. Do not get this if you want an "all-rounder" or a smart watch. Yes it does smart notifications, no you can't take calls. I was looking for a decent fitness tracker with accurate HR monitoring, sleep monitoring, water resistant AND a second hand for taking OTHER people's… Read more

HR! Sync can be a bit clunky but I mean it is sending a ton of data via bluetooth depending how often you turn it on (disabling extends battery life). It also has excellent battery life and I charge it maybe 1-2x a week and wear it 24/7.

Below Expectation – Bought this product for indoor and outdoor use. After a few months, I started having connectivity issues between the unit and laptop. Garmin recommended to reset it. Now I have to reset unit too often. Synchronizing is also an issue. Indoor use is questionable, when "Weight" program is selected the watch face disappears and unit switches off. … Read more

Unable to remove some sports, such a golf from the main menu.

Cycling, running outdoor and GPS are accurate.

Overall - I would like to return this unit and buy a different brand.

Great! – Works well, just sometimes need to restart it and phones/computer to syncronise properly. It gives comprehensive data on activity and sleep etc and has the ability to link up with other users. There are easy to view apps on phone or computer etc. I definitely would recommend it to anyone.  Show details

Functions were great but died just out of warranty – Loved the functionality and the fact it nagged me to move however just out of warranty the watch died. I would consider buying a similar product in the future but I this stage am still feeling burnt by Garmin. Preferred it to previous Fitbit and Jawbone products. Unfortunately I have put on 10 kgs since it died.  Show details