Overdue for a refresh — no successor announced yet. Prices should be at their lowest
📅 Add launch to calendarWell past its release cycle with no successor announced — prices at historic lows
The Garmin vivosmart 5, released April 2022, brings Garmin's unmatched health analytics to a slim fitness band — including Body Battery energy monitoring, HRV status, Pulse Ox SpO2, and stress tracking with 7-day battery. For users who want the depth of Garmin's health data without wearing a sports watch, the vivosmart 5 is the thin-band alternative.
Body Battery energy monitoring — the feature Garmin is known for — in a wristband that's thinner than most fitness trackers.
Continuous heart rate variability monitoring and all-day stress tracking give a more complete picture of recovery and readiness than step counts alone.
All data syncs to Garmin Connect, compatible with thousands of third-party apps, coaches, and integrations across the Garmin platform.
Garmin users and health-focused individuals who want Body Battery, HRV, and advanced sleep analytics in a slim, discreet wristband rather than a sports watch. Compatible with both iPhone and Android via Garmin Connect.
The vivosmart 5 is now 3 years old. At sale prices ($60–$80), the Body Battery and HRV data are still useful. A vivosmart 6 hasn't launched yet, so it remains the only slim Garmin band option. Buy at a discount.
Yes, via the Garmin Connect app on iOS and Android. All health data, notifications, and analytics sync to both platforms.
Garmin vivosmart 5 has Body Battery and HRV analytics unique to Garmin. Fitbit Charge 6 has ECG, built-in GPS, EDA stress sensing, and Google Maps. For Garmin ecosystem users, vivosmart 5 is the pick. For GPS running and ECG, Fitbit Charge 6 is the better tracker.
No standalone GPS — it uses connected GPS via your phone. If you want built-in GPS in a slim Garmin band, the vivosmart 5 does not have it. The Forerunner 165 is the entry Garmin watch with GPS.
Body Battery is Garmin's composite energy score (0–100) based on HRV, sleep quality, stress, and activity. It tells you how ready you are for exercise or demanding tasks. It is one of Garmin's most distinctive features and works better the more you wear the band consistently.