Details
Brand
Garmin
Model
vivosmart HR+
Battery Life
8 hrs GPS/5 days smart
Use
Tracking
Latest Version
Yes
Key Features
• Small size• Tracks 7 activities• 14 days of data stored• Connects easily to Bluetooth• Automatically switches between activities• Lightweight and durable• Compatible with Garmin Connect and MyFitnessPal
Comfort
The strap of this Garmin tracker is made completely of silicon. It is soft and flexible and moves freely with your wrist. It is fully adjustable to fit a wide range of wrist circumferences. Weighing in at only 31 grams for the regular size watch, this device is smaller than many other GPS fitness trackers currently on the market. It is only 21 mm wide and 15 mm thick, so it definitely does not have a bulky appearance. Users were most impressed with how lightweight the watch is and that they can wear it all day long- including while sleeping- without noticing it is on their wrist.
Size
This watch is available in two sizes. The regular size had a band circumference of 136-192 mm, and a weight of 31 grams. The Extra Large size has a band circumference of 180-224mm, and weighs 33 grams. The size ranges offered by these two options make this watch a good fitting option for both small and large wrists alike.
Accessories
This watch does not have any accessories with which is compatible. And, since the heart rate monitoring function is wrist-based, there is no need for a chest strap.
Use
The vivosmart HR+ is designed to meet the needs of multi-sport athletes and triathletes. This fitness tracker monitors not only your runs but also your cycling workouts, swims (yes… it’s waterproof!). However, it is important to note that running is the only sport listed above that has a dedicated function. Other activities, like swimming, biking, or an aerobics class can be tracked through the Cardio function or Other option.
Style
This device, unlike many other running watches or fitness trackers on the market, has been designed with sleekness in mind. It is not bulky and therefore is not noticeable to others or even the wearer. The original color of the watch is black, so it matches everything in your running or daily wardrobe. The silicone band has a matte finish, so it is subtle. This device is the closest resembling a small, square-faced watch on the market today.
Basic Features
This tracker monitors your pace, distance, and duration of individual laps and complete workouts. Since it has a touchscreen, a swipe of your finger can show you all of these metrics during or after your workout.
Advanced Features
The wrist sensor on this tracker, in addition to its basic functions, also measures your steps, elevation, calories burned, intensity of any activity, and heart rate. The vivosmart HR+ connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth, so you can receive alerts when texts, calls, or social media updates come through. Activity data is sent to Garmin Connect, a comprehensive fitness app that tracks and analyzes your workout data.
Connectivity
This watch connects to your phone via a Bluetooth connection and uses real-time GPS to track your distance and coordinates. It connects quickly and accurately according to users. Additionally, the Garmin app to which the watch connects to your phone syncs with the Garmin website so you can view your data on your PC as well. In addition to reviewing data, Garmin Connect Mobile allows you to receive personalized coaching and join fitness community challenges. You can also share your activity and data with friends, and connect to other apps like MyFitnessPal to monitor your diet and food intake.
Ease of Use
The touchscreen face of this watch is highly responsive and can be navigated with a simple swipe of your finger or tap of the screen. The vivosmart HR+ connects quickly and easily to your smartphone’s Bluetooth, allowing the Garmin Connect Mobile app to instantly track your data. This app also has another great function, in that it seamlessly transitions between activities during your workouts, eliminating the need to stop and manually change the function of the watch. Garmin Connect Mobile syncs with Garmin Connect on your PC so that you have another way to monitor and save your stats. Overall, runners felt this watch was extremely easy to use.
Power Source
The vivosmart HR+ charges using a device-specific dock that can be plugged in to either a USB drive or an electrical outlet. When used in GPS /HR mode, it holds its charge for an average of 8 hours. When used Smartwatch mode, it can hold it charge for up to 5 days.
Accuracy
According to reviewers, the step counter accuracy of this device is about the same as other fitness trackers. It determines what it considers a step using an accelerometer and Garmin’s own algorithm. Overall, reviewers were satisfied with the accuracy of its pedometer function. The same goes for elevation. It is generally accurate, but some reviewers noticed that the device can make mistakes when using elevators in high rise buildings.;The fall asleep and wake up times of this device are accurate, even when compared to other trackers that monitor sleep. Where it differs is the type of sleep you are getting. This, compared to other trackers, differed greatly, but it is important to keep in mind they all differed from each other. This can be chalked up to differences in sensors and algorithms. During the run function, the most noticeable downfall in accuracy involves distance. The device determines distance based on average stride length, and when running at a normal pace, it is usually accurate. However, because it generalizes your stride length, stark differences in pace (much slower or much faster than normal) have been found to cause the distance to be off by 20% to 30%.
Face
The face of this device is an acrylic touchscreen. Not only is a durable, it is easy to use and makes navigating through the functions of the watch simple, even while on the go. Most importantly, the face is sunlight visible, so you don’t have to worry about squinting to read your results during an outdoor training session. At only 21 mm wide, the face of the vivosmart HR+ is not overwhelming or bulky, even on smaller wrists. The numbers are stacked to be large and easy to read even though the screen is small.
Band
The band of the vivosmart HR+ is made of silicon. This material is lightweight and flexible, making it perfect for even the most demanding workout. It breathes fairly well, so you don’t have to worry about having a sweaty wrist all day long. Additionally, silicon is highly durable, so the band can withstand plenty of abuse without having to be replaced.
Apps
On your smartphone, the Garmin vivosmart HR+ connects via bluetooth to the Garmin Connect Mobile application. In addition to tracking data, this app allows you to join fitness communities and take on challenges, as well as share your data with other users or via your social media accounts. You can also receive training tips and coaching based on your activity data. The mobile app syncs with the computer-based app, Garmin Connect, for more in-depth review of your stats. These apps are compatible with MyFitnessPal, which also tracks calories consumed, and can help you compare your food intake versus your physical input to improve your health and diet.;The vivosmart HR+ is also equipped with MoveIQ, which allows the watch to differentiate between physical activities. So, if your training involves both cycling and running in a single workout, there is no need to stop to change the setting on your watch- it will do it automatically!
Durability
The vivosmart HR+ is constructed of highly durable materials. The band is made of silicon, which is flexible. It moves with your wrist and can withstand any impact or intense twisting or bending that might occur during your workout. The lens is acrylic, which can withstand impacts with fitness equipment or the ground. Users noted that this watch is durable and can stand up to the most intense activities.
Price
The price of this Garmin watch is average for similarly styled devices but is lower than the average price of larger Garmin watches.
Bottom Line
The Garmin vivosmart HR+ is a great watch for the all-around, multisport athlete. Riding a bike to your favorite trail to then go for a run? This watch can track your performance during both activities without any input from you. Easily connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth, this device allows you to track and monitor your progress so you can tweak your training program for improvement. Additionally, not only does this watch work with Garmin Connect, it also works with MyFitnessPal so you can link your diet to your physical fitness. If a small, comprehensive running watch is the item for which you are searching, this just might be the device for you.
