The Garmin Vivoactive 5 ($299.99) sits in the middle ground between a fitness tracker and a smartwatch, monitoring health metrics like heart rate, respiration, sleep, and stress levels, while offering lifestyle features like phone notifications, mobile payments, and weather reports. The fifth-generation model in the Vivoactive series costs $50 less than its predecessor did at launch, and adds an upgraded AMOLED display, nap tracking, a wheelchair mode, and more detailed Body Battery metrics to help you monitor your energy levels throughout the day. As a trade-off, Garmin has removed the barometric altimeter and workout animations featured in the previous generation and downgraded the bezel from stainless steel to aluminum. In terms of bang for your buck, Garmin's Venu Sq 2 ($249.99) is still our Editors’ Choice winner because it offers nearly the same mix of smarts and sensors at a lower price, but the Vivoactive 5 is a compelling alternative for its rounded design and onboard mus...
With a gorgeous display, long battery life, and bountiful health insights, the Garmin Vivoactive 5 is an excellent wellness-focused smartwatch.