Garmin’s Venu 3 and Vivoactive 5 are two of the model’s prime life-style watches—however which one’s best for you? On this Garmin Venu 3 vs Vivoactive 5 information, I break down design, options, and worth that will help you resolve.

It may not really feel prefer it but, however belief me, the vacations are proper across the nook. And in the event you’re eyeing a Garmin smartwatch for your self or a liked one, you’re positively not alone. That’s why I’m evaluating two of Garmin’s hottest life-style fashions: the Garmin Venu 3 vs. Garmin Vivoactive 5, so that you’ll be prepared to choose the precise one come December.

Associated: Garmin Venu 3 vs 3S: The One I’d Really Put on All Day—At Work and Throughout Exercises

Launched in 2023, these watches nonetheless make considerate (and enviable) items in 2025. They ship glorious well being monitoring, lengthy battery life, and nonetheless get lively software program assist. Plus, with newer fashions now on cabinets, these older favorites typically go on sale; so that you can provide the Garmin expertise with out spending $700+.

However which one must you select? Whereas the Venu 3 and Vivoactive 5 have lots in frequent, their variations could make or break your determination. Let’s dive into what units them aside and who every is finest for.

Garmin Venu 3 vs Vivoactive 5: Design and Show

Design at all times issues relating to wearables. In spite of everything, you’re it (and carrying it) daily. Each the Garmin Venu 3 and Vivoactive 5 pull off that smooth, sporty look Garmin’s identified for, however the Venu 3 positively feels a bit extra premium. Its bigger 1.4-inch show, sharper decision, and stainless-steel bezel give it a high-end type that appears elegant on the wrist.

That mentioned, the Vivoactive 5 holds its personal. Its 1.2-inch AMOLED display screen continues to be shiny and crisp, and the anodized aluminum bezel retains issues sturdy with out including weight. It’s additionally lined in Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (the identical powerful materials because the Venu 3) and makes use of a snug silicone band.

Verdict: The Venu 3 feels extra luxurious with its bigger, sharper show, however the Vivoactive 5 nonetheless appears to be like nice and presents glorious construct high quality for the value. Except you really need that additional polish, you’re not lacking a lot by going with the extra inexpensive choice.

Garmin Venu 3 vs Vivoactive 5: Well being and Health Monitoring

Each watches do a terrific job holding tabs in your well being, however the Venu 3 takes issues a step additional. It makes use of Garmin’s newest Elevate 5 coronary heart price sensor, which is extra correct throughout high-intensity exercises. So in the event you’re into operating, HIIT, or something that will get your coronary heart racing, it’ll observe you with out lacking a (literal) beat. It additionally consists of an ECG app, one thing the Vivoactive 5 skips, for deeper insights into your coronary heart well being.

That mentioned, the Vivoactive 5 nonetheless delivers the place it counts. Its barely older Elevate 4 sensor tracks your coronary heart price simply tremendous for on a regular basis exercises. And because it shares the identical sleep monitoring tech because the Venu 3, you’ll nonetheless get an in depth have a look at your relaxation (which is gold for fogeys, college students, and professionals alike). Each watches additionally provide Physique Battery, stress monitoring, Pulse Ox, HRV standing, menstrual monitoring, and even guided meditation that will help you unwind after an extended day.

Verdict: The Venu 3 is for many who need each potential metric. The type of one that checks their restoration rating earlier than grabbing espresso. However in the event you simply need correct, well-rounded well being information with out all of the extras, the Vivoactive 5 is incredible.

Garmin Venu 3 vs Vivoactive 5: GPS and Navigation

I like happening lengthy walks or hikes once I get a pocket of time to myself, however I even have a horrible sense of route, so good GPS issues. The Garmin Venu 3 positively offers you extra confidence to wander somewhat additional. It can save you your favourite spots, discover your manner again in the event you get rotated, and it even has a built-in compass. Plus, it connects to a number of satellite tv for pc techniques, which helps it keep correct once you’re out within the woods or surrounded by tall buildings.

The Vivoactive 5, alternatively, covers the fundamentals properly. It’ll observe your distance, tempo, and route, no downside. However it skips the fancier navigation perks like on-watch maps or turn-by-turn instructions. So in the event you normally stroll or run acquainted routes, or similar to holding issues easy, it’s bought every thing you really want.

Verdict: Go together with the Venu 3 in the event you like exploring new locations or need that additional reassurance you gained’t get misplaced. Follow the Vivoactive 5 in case your routes are routine and also you’d quite maintain it straightforward.

Garmin Venu 3 vs Vivoactive 5: Good Options

As a working mother, I like tech that helps me keep linked and save time; and the Garmin Venu 3 completely delivers on that. It may well make and obtain calls, which implies I can sneak in a run and nonetheless choose up if the youngsters’ college calls. It additionally helps voice assistants like Google Assistant, Bixby, and Siri, so I can set reminders or examine the climate hands-free. Principally, it’s nice for multitasking.

The Vivoactive 5 doesn’t have name or voice assistant options, nevertheless it’s nonetheless fairly succesful. You will get smartphone notifications, management your music, and even reply to texts (in the event you’re on Android). Plus, it’s Join IQ-compatible, letting you obtain additional apps.

Verdict: If you might want to keep reachable whereas on the transfer, go for the Venu 3. However in the event you can unplug somewhat once you work out, the Vivoactive 5 offers you the necessities with out the distractions.

Garmin Venu 3 vs Vivoactive 5: Battery Life and Efficiency

Battery life is a kind of belongings you don’t recognize till your watch dies mid-run…and fortunately, each of those Garmins maintain their very own. The Venu 3 edges forward right here, lasting as much as 14 days in smartwatch mode (or about 5 days with the always-on show). So you may go practically two weeks with out searching down the charger; a small luxurious for anybody juggling work, exercises, and household life. And in the event you change on Battery Saver mode, it could actually stretch to nearly a month.

The Vivoactive 5 isn’t far behind, providing round 11 days in smartwatch mode and as much as 21 days in Battery Saver. Positive, it’s a bit lower than the Venu 3, however nonetheless manner higher than what most smartwatches from Apple or Samsung handle.

Verdict: Each watches final lengthy, however if you need most freedom from the charging cable, the Venu 3 has a slight higher hand.

Garmin Venu 3 vs Vivoactive 5: Value and Availability

Right here’s the place the Vivoactive 5 pulls forward. With its present 20% off on Amazon, it’s a wallet-friendly $239.50. As a mother, I’m all about budgeting, so I like offers that give me premium tech for much less. This one delivers, so long as you’re okay sacrificing a couple of bells and whistles.

The Venu 3 is discounted too, however solely 6% off its $449.99 price ticket, bringing it to $423.97. With this watch, you’re nonetheless getting a brand new, exact sensor and useful options like calls and voice assistant assist.

Which one must you purchase?

What do I believe? The Vivoactive 5 is a good choose in the event you prefer to disconnect whereas figuring out or need stable well being monitoring. However when you’ve got individuals counting on you, like children, coworkers, or your workforce—or in the event you take your health severely, the Venu 3’s sensible options make it value the additional funding.