Choosing the right fitness tracker can feel like navigating a maze of features and price points. If you’re eyeing Garmin’s popular lineup, you might be weighing the options between the vivofit 3 and the vivosmart 3. Both offer a path to better health monitoring, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences.
The vivofit 3 is known for its simplicity and long battery life, making it a no-fuss companion for everyday activity tracking. On the other hand, the vivosmart 3 packs in more advanced features, including heart rate monitoring and stress tracking, appealing to those who want deeper insights into their fitness and well-being.
This comparison will break down the key differences, helping you decide which of these Garmin wearables is the perfect fit for your lifestyle and fitness goals. Let’s dive in and see which device truly stands out.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | vivofit 3 | vivosmart 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Type | Sunlight-readable, monochrome | OLED, touch-enabled |
| Display Size | N/A (fixed size) | 0.75″ x 0.41″ |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Yes (Garmin Elevate wrist heart rate technology) | Yes (Garmin Elevate wrist heart rate technology) |
| GPS | No | No |
| Activity Tracking | Steps, distance, calories, sleep, Move IQ | Steps, distance, calories, sleep, Move IQ, floors climbed, intensity minutes |
| Smart Notifications | No | Yes (calls, texts, app alerts) |
| Music Control | No | Yes |
| Stress Tracking | No | Yes (via HRV) |
| VO2 Max Estimate | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to 1 year (user-replaceable) | Up to 5 days |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth LE, ANT+ | Bluetooth LE, ANT+ |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Vivofit 3: Features a monochrome, sunlight-readable display. It’s basic but effective for viewing time and basic activity stats. Its simplicity means longer battery life.
- Vivosmart 3: Boasts a more advanced OLED touchscreen display. This allows for richer data visualization, notifications, and easier navigation. The touchscreen is a significant upgrade for user interaction.
- Winner: vivosmart 3
Design & Comfort
- Vivofit 3: Offers a classic, somewhat bulkier design with a traditional watchband clasp. It’s comfortable for all-day wear but lacks a premium aesthetic. The interchangeable bands are a plus.
- Vivosmart 3: Presents a sleeker, more modern band-like design that sits flush with the wrist. It’s very lightweight and comfortable, blending seamlessly into everyday wear. The integrated band is stylish.
- Winner: vivosmart 3
Activity Tracking
- Vivofit 3: Tracks steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes. It also includes Move IQ, which automatically detects and records various activities. It’s a solid all-around tracker for fundamental metrics.
- Vivosmart 3: Tracks the same core metrics as the vivofit 3, but adds automatic rep counting for strength training and VO2 max estimation. This provides more in-depth fitness insights.
- Winner: vivosmart 3
Heart Rate Monitoring
- Vivofit 3: Does not have an integrated heart rate sensor. Heart rate data can only be obtained if paired with a compatible ANT+ chest strap. This limits real-time heart rate insights.
- Vivosmart 3: Features an integrated Elevate wrist heart rate sensor. This allows for continuous heart rate monitoring, resting heart rate tracking, and heart rate-based calorie burn.
- Winner: vivosmart 3
Smart Notifications & Connectivity
- Vivofit 3: Offers basic Bluetooth connectivity for syncing with the Garmin Connect app. It does not support smart notifications from a connected smartphone.
- Vivosmart 3: Provides smart notifications (calls, texts, app alerts) directly on the device when paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth. This significantly enhances its utility as a smart accessory.
- Winner: vivosmart 3
Battery Life
- Vivofit 3: Boasts an impressive battery life of up to one year, powered by a user-replaceable coin cell battery. This is a major advantage for those who dislike frequent charging.
- Vivosmart 3: Offers a battery life of up to 5 days on a single charge. While good for a smartwatch with a display and HR sensor, it requires regular recharging.
- Winner: vivofit 3
Water Resistance
- Vivofit 3: Is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and showering. This allows for worry-free wear during water-based activities.
- Vivosmart 3: Is also water-resistant up to 50 meters, providing the same level of protection against water. Both are well-equipped for daily water exposure.
- Winner: Tie
Additional Features
- Vivofit 3: Includes features like an inactivity alert with a move bar to encourage movement. It’s a straightforward tracker focused on core health metrics.
- Vivosmart 3: Includes stress tracking, guided breathing exercises, and all-day stress tracking in addition to the features of the vivofit 3. These add a wellness dimension.
- Winner: vivosmart 3
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Simplicity & Battery Life | vivofit 3 |
| Smart Features & Display | vivosmart 3 |
| Advanced Health Metrics | vivosmart 3 |
| Value for Basic Tracking | vivofit 3 |
| Overall Feature Set | vivosmart 3 |
What They Have in Common
- Activity Tracking: Both devices diligently track your daily steps, distance covered, and calories burned. They also offer automatic sleep monitoring to help you understand your rest patterns.
- Move Iqâ„¢: Both vivofit 3 and vivosmart 3 feature Garmin’s Move IQ, which automatically detects and records different activities like walking, running, cycling, and swimming without requiring you to manually start a timer.
- Water Resistance: You can wear both the vivofit 3 and vivosmart 3 in the shower, pool, or ocean without worry, as they both boast a 5 ATM water rating. This makes them suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.
- Garmin Connect Compatibility: Both fitness trackers sync wirelessly with the Garmin Connect app, allowing you to view your stats, track progress over time, set goals, and engage with a community of other Garmin users.
- Customizable Watch Faces: Both devices allow you to personalize their look with a variety of downloadable watch faces from the Garmin Connect IQ store, letting you express your style.
Vivofit 3 Vs Vivosmart 3 Buying Guide
For the Casual Tracker
If your primary goal is simply to track your daily steps, distance, and calories burned without needing advanced fitness features, the Vivofit 3 is a solid choice. It offers reliable basic activity tracking and a long battery life, making it a hassle-free companion for everyday wear. Its simplicity appeals to those who want a no-fuss approach to understanding their general activity levels. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
For the Fitness Enthusiast on a Budget
The Vivosmart 3, while slightly more advanced, also presents a compelling option for those looking for more detailed fitness insights without a hefty price tag. It includes features like VO2 max estimation and stress tracking, which can be valuable for individuals wanting to understand their fitness more deeply. The added smart notifications also enhance its utility for staying connected.
For Smart Features and Connectivity
If you desire seamless integration with your smartphone and the convenience of receiving notifications directly on your wrist, the Vivosmart 3 is the clear winner. It offers a more connected experience, allowing you to stay informed without constantly checking your phone. This makes it ideal for users who want their fitness tracker to be an extension of their digital life.
For Simplicity and Durability
When ease of use and a robust, no-nonsense design are paramount, the Vivofit 3 shines. Its straightforward interface means you can start tracking immediately without a learning curve. It’s built for durability and long-term wear, making it suitable for those who might be tougher on their devices or simply prefer a gadget that “just works” with minimal intervention. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy vivofit 3 If…
- You prioritize simplicity and a no-fuss approach to fitness tracking.
- You want an extremely long battery life that doesn’t require frequent charging.
- You are on a tighter budget and need a reliable basic activity tracker.
- You don’t need smart notifications or advanced features like music control.
Buy vivosmart 3 If…
- You want a more modern, touch-enabled display with access to smart notifications.
- You’re interested in more advanced health metrics like stress tracking and VO2 Max estimation.
- You appreciate the convenience of music controls directly from your wrist.
- You prefer a sleeker, more discreet design for everyday wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference in activity tracking between the Vivofit 3 and Vivosmart 3?
The Vivofit 3 focuses on core activity tracking like steps, distance, calories, and sleep. The Vivosmart 3 builds upon this by adding features like VO2 max estimation to gauge cardiovascular fitness, all-day stress tracking to monitor your body’s response to stressors, and dedicated strength training activity profiles for more specific workout analysis.
Does either device offer GPS tracking?
Neither the Vivofit 3 nor the Vivosmart 3 comes with built-in GPS. If you require GPS tracking for activities like running or cycling, you would need to rely on a connected GPS feature, which uses your smartphone’s GPS to record your routes. Both devices support this functionality when paired with a compatible smartphone.
How do the smart notification features compare?
The Vivosmart 3 offers more robust smart notification capabilities. It can display alerts for calls, texts, and app notifications directly on its screen, allowing you to stay connected without pulling out your phone. The Vivofit 3, on the other hand, does not offer smart notifications, focusing solely on its fitness tracking functions. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
Which device has a better battery life?
Both devices boast impressive battery life, but the Vivofit 3 generally has a slight edge. The Vivofit 3 is known to last up to a year on a single coin-cell battery, making it incredibly low-maintenance. The Vivosmart 3 typically offers around 5-7 days of battery life on a single charge, which is still excellent for a device with more advanced features.
Is the Vivosmart 3 water-resistant enough for swimming?
Yes, the Vivosmart 3 is water-resistant up to 5 ATM, meaning it can withstand splashes, rain, and even shallow-water swimming. While it can track swimming as an activity, it’s not designed for deep diving or high-velocity water sports. The Vivofit 3 is also water-resistant, suitable for everyday wear and showering.
Final Verdict
For users prioritizing simplicity, extreme battery life, and basic activity tracking, the Vivofit 3 is a reliable and affordable choice. However, the Vivosmart 3 offers a more feature-rich experience with advanced fitness metrics, smart notifications, and a sleeker design, making it a more versatile and engaging wearable for those seeking deeper insights into their health and fitness.
Winner: Vivosmart 3