User submitted reviews
Review by pdxwopGreat bang for the buckby pdxwopCycling EnthusiastOregon1 of 4 customers found this review helpful.Running, biking, general health
Reviewed 6/29/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by pdxwop was helpful/No, review by pdxwop was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Running, biking, general health
Review by Pamfun and easyby PamTennessee3 of 3 customers found this review helpful.This is a fun watch that you can get your important data from very easily. It is also easy to set up and use. The battery lasts about a week before needing recharging.
Reviewed 1/17/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Pam was helpful/No, review by Pam was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
This is a fun watch that you can get your important data from very easily. It is also easy to set up and use. The battery lasts about a week before needing recharging.
Review by leewood356not particulary user friendly but worth it in the end!by leewood356Cycling EnthusiastThe Florida Keys3 of 3 customers found this review helpful.I hav'nt taken it off since I got it a month and a half ago. I continually monitor my sleep and heart rate, I especially like the water proof feature but don't like the difficulty in setting up. It has motivated me to move and keep moving, take up serious cycling once again and to monitor my weight. All the set up and using faults are more than compensated for by the sophisticated and technical abilities it provides.
Reviewed 1/17/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by leewood356 was helpful/No, review by leewood356 was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I hav'nt taken it off since I got it a month and a half ago. I continually monitor my sleep and heart rate, I especially like the water proof feature but don't like the difficulty in setting up. It has motivated me to move and keep moving, take up serious cycling once again and to monitor my weight. All the set up and using faults are more than compensated for by the sophisticated and technical abilities it provides.
Review by AnonymousAwesome!by Anonymous2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.I have use this watch now for about a month. I am extremely happy with it it is accurate on the treadmill, GPS is accurate and all the cycling segments, and I love the fact it tells me to get up move to move! I am looking forward to trying it out swimming, rowing, and, indoor cycling thank you Garman for providing this watch to us active people!
Reviewed 1/16/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I have use this watch now for about a month. I am extremely happy with it it is accurate on the treadmill, GPS is accurate and all the cycling segments, and I love the fact it tells me to get up move to move! I am looking forward to trying it out swimming, rowing, and, indoor cycling thank you Garman for providing this watch to us active people!
Review by AnonymousAwesome for many fitness activities!by AnonymousCasual CyclistSan Antonio3 of 3 customers found this review helpful.Love it! Can customize and track many different fitness events! Easy to use and always reminds me when to move. Primary use is cycling. Nice to know elevation changes.
Reviewed 1/9/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Love it! Can customize and track many different fitness events! Easy to use and always reminds me when to move. Primary use is cycling. Nice to know elevation changes.
Review by Jim Jmaesthe garmin vivoactive hr atch is gret and it dies all that i need.by Jim JmaesCycling Enthusiastsalida colorado2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.I use it for walking, biking, stationary biking I use it to monitor my heart rate and my sleep patterns. It was a great investment
Reviewed 6/19/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Jim Jmaes was helpful/No, review by Jim Jmaes was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I use it for walking, biking, stationary biking I use it to monitor my heart rate and my sleep patterns. It was a great investment
Review by CaptMLAwesome devicewatch!by CaptMLCycling EnthusiastMonterey Bay Coast4 of 5 customers found this review helpful.I've had my VivoActive HR for about 4 months now and I could not be more pleased! I've been riding with Garmin GPS devices for years and currently use a Garmin 510 on my bike. They are very, very close to each other on everything, I use both because occasionally my G-510 goes crazy and loses its location in the middle of a ride. I've been able to compare my Vivo with friends using other similar products and nothing compares.
Reviewed 4/8/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by CaptML was helpful/No, review by CaptML was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I've had my VivoActive HR for about 4 months now and I could not be more pleased! I've been riding with Garmin GPS devices for years and currently use a Garmin 510 on my bike. They are very, very close to each other on everything, I use both because occasionally my G-510 goes crazy and loses its location in the middle of a ride. I've been able to compare my Vivo with friends using other similar products and nothing compares.
Review by FrankAlways have gps handyby FrankSf bay4 of 4 customers found this review helpful.If you want to Strava all the outdoor activity, get this. Small size, good battery life, all day Heart rate for monitor RHR.
A random tip, once the touch screen freezed. Might be due to static in the winter, I'm giving up and almost return it. But it unfreezed in the shower, works fine afterwards.
Reviewed 1/17/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Frank was helpful/No, review by Frank was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
If you want to Strava all the outdoor activity, get this. Small size, good battery life, all day Heart rate for monitor RHR.
A random tip, once the touch screen freezed. Might be due to static in the winter, I'm giving up and almost return it. But it unfreezed in the shower, works fine afterwards.
Review by Danno12This HR watch works exactly as advertised and with it's two buttons and touchscreen it is simple to use.by Danno12Cycling EnthusiastNashville, TN3 of 4 customers found this review helpful.I use this HR watch for running and biking. I like it's ease of use and the fact that the charge lasts several days. I would like to see a trail running function on the watch.
Reviewed 1/20/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Danno12 was helpful/No, review by Danno12 was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I use this HR watch for running and biking. I like it's ease of use and the fact that the charge lasts several days. I would like to see a trail running function on the watch.
Review by AnonymousNice gadget - heart rate not fully working for cyclingby AnonymousCycling EnthusiastSan Ramon, CA7 of 7 customers found this review helpful.I've owned this Garmin for close to two weeks now and I do like it for the many activities it can track and the really good software it comes with. It also works well on stationary bike and treadmill. Linking to Strava is a breeze and all activities are tracked very well.
The heart rate monitor works well for all running but not so much for cycling. On all even and uphill routes it is giving you good data, but as soon as you descend it produces garbage due to your muscle flex - values are far too high and your suffer scores are completely wrong.
If you want full heart rate data, you'll need to link a strap to the watch.
Reviewed 6/9/2016Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I've owned this Garmin for close to two weeks now and I do like it for the many activities it can track and the really good software it comes with. It also works well on stationary bike and treadmill. Linking to Strava is a breeze and all activities are tracked very well.
The heart rate monitor works well for all running but not so much for cycling. On all even and uphill routes it is giving you good data, but as soon as you descend it produces garbage due to your muscle flex - values are far too high and your suffer scores are completely wrong.
If you want full heart rate data, you'll need to link a strap to the watch.
Review by BobLoving it!by BobCasual CyclistSeattle, WA1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.I am training for my first triathlon and new to the active watch world. This watch keeps my swimming, cycling, and running all in one place. It has also been paired with my speed and cadence sensors when cycling. Dennis provided excellent customer service as the item was shipped same day and received the next day..nothing beats free 1 day shipping. Thank you guys!
Reviewed 5/15/2016Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Bob was helpful/No, review by Bob was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I am training for my first triathlon and new to the active watch world. This watch keeps my swimming, cycling, and running all in one place. It has also been paired with my speed and cadence sensors when cycling. Dennis provided excellent customer service as the item was shipped same day and received the next day..nothing beats free 1 day shipping. Thank you guys!
Review by JohnUpdated Review 1 year inby JohnCycling EnthusiastMinnesota1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.Watch died in 20 of water after 1 year and 1 month. I had doubts about its durability for most of that year, but it's still a disappointment that the device didn't last longer.
Reviewed 7/16/2018Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by John was helpful/No, review by John was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Watch died in 20 of water after 1 year and 1 month. I had doubts about its durability for most of that year, but it's still a disappointment that the device didn't last longer.
Review by AnonymousGood device with many apps, maybe too many.by AnonymousCasual CyclistSpringfield, GAI use my watch to count steps,walk, play golf, and set goals. It is easy to use and can be use for many different activities. It is great for setting goals and motivating one to meet the goals set. In other words it is very versatile. The screen is cracked on mine. It would be nice to be able to repair the screen or replace it at a reduced price(It would cost $120 to replace.) It would also be nice to have more than one golf course on the watch at a time. An improvement would be to have the golf stats that are available with the approach series.
Reviewed 9/26/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I use my watch to count steps,walk, play golf, and set goals. It is easy to use and can be use for many different activities. It is great for setting goals and motivating one to meet the goals set. In other words it is very versatile. The screen is cracked on mine. It would be nice to be able to repair the screen or replace it at a reduced price(It would cost $120 to replace.) It would also be nice to have more than one golf course on the watch at a time. An improvement would be to have the golf stats that are available with the approach series.
Review by AV BikerGreat!!! Unless you have a Windows phoneby AV BikerCycling EnthusiastHigh Desert CAI use it to track sleep, steps and cycling - but in a relative sense. I am not looking for exact heart rate, sleep hours or steps - because on each of these you have to take the numbers given with a grain of salt. You move your arm too much and it seems to show up as steps, you wake up but don't get moving - seems to count as sleep, cycling... speed, time, distance and elevation seem fine - but if you take a walk from your bike into a market or out on a trail without pausing or stopping the Garmin- seems like it shows up as cycling very slowly. And as noted, I have a Windows phone and as the forums report - windows doesn't seem to agree all the time with Garmin Connect. Sometimes it just won't connect to update - other times the app just loses any memory of my device and I have to re-pair. A relative has this with an android phone and does not have any of my issues - so for non-windows phone folk... it's great.
Reviewed 8/23/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by AV Biker was helpful/No, review by AV Biker was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I use it to track sleep, steps and cycling - but in a relative sense. I am not looking for exact heart rate, sleep hours or steps - because on each of these you have to take the numbers given with a grain of salt. You move your arm too much and it seems to show up as steps, you wake up but don't get moving - seems to count as sleep, cycling... speed, time, distance and elevation seem fine - but if you take a walk from your bike into a market or out on a trail without pausing or stopping the Garmin- seems like it shows up as cycling very slowly. And as noted, I have a Windows phone and as the forums report - windows doesn't seem to agree all the time with Garmin Connect. Sometimes it just won't connect to update - other times the app just loses any memory of my device and I have to re-pair. A relative has this with an android phone and does not have any of my issues - so for non-windows phone folk... it's great.
Review by eltrackoGreat watch and innards, but the case is soft. by eltrackoCompetitive RacerTwin Cities, MN0 of 1 customers found this review helpful.I like that it's a great way to apply some metrics to my day-to-day activity, and I like some of the actual watch features as well. So far I'm only disappointed with the material that encases the electronics. It has dented, scratched and chipped. So it's not impervious to minor scuffs resulting from construction-site activities, which may or may not be a part of your normal routine. Luckily the glass has remained in perfect condition.
Reviewed 8/17/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by eltracko was helpful/No, review by eltracko was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I like that it's a great way to apply some metrics to my day-to-day activity, and I like some of the actual watch features as well. So far I'm only disappointed with the material that encases the electronics. It has dented, scratched and chipped. So it's not impervious to minor scuffs resulting from construction-site activities, which may or may not be a part of your normal routine. Luckily the glass has remained in perfect condition.
Review by TimGood sport watch - great valueby TimCycling EnthusiastHouston, TX2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.This watch is well thought out. The only negative for me is the display is somewhat dim. I know it is meant to be used outside but I wear it most of the time. When the backlight comes one, it has a washed out appearance.
The functions of the watch are good. They provide good insight into your activities when combined with Garmin Connect. However, not all of the features work well - not sure if it is the watch or the connected phone. LiveTrack works occasionally. When it does work, it only works for about 10 minutes even though the Bluetooth is showing it is connected to the phone.
Garmin support told me that is a known issue with their latest firmware and Windows Mobile OS changes that were released concurrently and that there were mismatches. Both Garmin and Microsoft are aware and are working on updates.
Reviewed 7/31/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Tim was helpful/No, review by Tim was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
This watch is well thought out. The only negative for me is the display is somewhat dim. I know it is meant to be used outside but I wear it most of the time. When the backlight comes one, it has a washed out appearance.
The functions of the watch are good. They provide good insight into your activities when combined with Garmin Connect. However, not all of the features work well - not sure if it is the watch or the connected phone. LiveTrack works occasionally. When it does work, it only works for about 10 minutes even though the Bluetooth is showing it is connected to the phone.
Garmin support told me that is a known issue with their latest firmware and Windows Mobile OS changes that were released concurrently and that there were mismatches. Both Garmin and Microsoft are aware and are working on updates.
Review by O.BGreat product!by O.BLouisianaThis is an awesome watch. The apps on this watch are very easy to use. I would highly recommend the vivoactive hr to anyone.
Reviewed 7/31/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by O.B was helpful/No, review by O.B was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
This is an awesome watch. The apps on this watch are very easy to use. I would highly recommend the vivoactive hr to anyone.
Review by tsutaokagreat smartwatch with some flawsby tsutaokaCompetitive Raceroakland, ca2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.It has all the features I need for running hrm paired to my edge 520. however it sometimes has glitches with hrm sensing and usb syncing
Reviewed 7/7/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by tsutaoka was helpful/No, review by tsutaoka was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
It has all the features I need for running hrm paired to my edge 520. however it sometimes has glitches with hrm sensing and usb syncing
Review by XenosExcellent GPS, not very useful HR readingsby XenosCasual CyclistNorthwest3 of 3 customers found this review helpful.GPS acquired quickly and works accurately and flawlessly. Heart rate acquired slowly (and continues 'reading' a HR for 30s after taking off), lags effort, and sometimes is completely random (this morning, during a short climb, showed 60 bpm, while during an easy flat stretch indicated 118 bpm, which latter is about 75 % of my max HR) . Compared this unit (simultaneously during a ride) with another Garmin unit using a chest strap, and the wrist HR had a large error, exceeding 20 bpm or so, 10 % of the time. Unfortunately, the inaccuracies were greatest during a hard effort, when I'd most want accurate data.
Reviewed 6/1/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Xenos was helpful/No, review by Xenos was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
GPS acquired quickly and works accurately and flawlessly. Heart rate acquired slowly (and continues 'reading' a HR for 30s after taking off), lags effort, and sometimes is completely random (this morning, during a short climb, showed 60 bpm, while during an easy flat stretch indicated 118 bpm, which latter is about 75 % of my max HR) . Compared this unit (simultaneously during a ride) with another Garmin unit using a chest strap, and the wrist HR had a large error, exceeding 20 bpm or so, 10 % of the time. Unfortunately, the inaccuracies were greatest during a hard effort, when I'd most want accurate data.
Review by StratmanSimple to set-up and use, especially if already using Garminby StratmanCycling EnthusiastRochester NY4 of 4 customers found this review helpful.I have a Garmin Edge for cycling specific but still use this for all activities including cycling. Very easy to use. Seamless interface with Garmin connect and Strava.
Drawbacks - heart rate monitor is fine for steady efforts but not good for intervals. The screen could be a little lighter with the backlight but it would probably shorten battery life which is great at about 1 week.
Still trying to figure out how to change alerts on watch different than phone
Reviewed 4/17/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Stratman was helpful/No, review by Stratman was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I have a Garmin Edge for cycling specific but still use this for all activities including cycling. Very easy to use. Seamless interface with Garmin connect and Strava.
Drawbacks - heart rate monitor is fine for steady efforts but not good for intervals. The screen could be a little lighter with the backlight but it would probably shorten battery life which is great at about 1 week.
Still trying to figure out how to change alerts on watch different than phone