Garmin Venu 3 vs Garmin Vivoactive 5

The Verdict

Both watches share Garmin's reliable OS and solid fitness fundamentals, but they serve different priorities. The Venu 3 justifies its $150 premium with a larger 1.4-inch AMOLED display (454x454 resolution versus 390x390), delivering noticeably sharper text and interface elements. Its 47-gram weight remains reasonable despite the bigger screen. The Venu 3 adds ECG capability and skin temperature tracking, features absent on the Vivoactive 5, making it better suited for users wanting comprehensive health monitoring. Battery performance slightly favors the Venu 3 (14 days smartwatch mode versus 11 days), though both handle roughly 3 weeks between charges with light use. The Vivoactive 5 weighs just 36 grams, making it the lighter option for wrist comfort during workouts, and its $299 price point delivers exceptional value for runners and casual athletes. Both support NFC payments, WiFi, and 5ATM water resistance. If you want a premium health-tracking smartwatch with a superior display and advanced biometric sensors, the Venu 3 is the stronger choice. For budget-conscious buyers or those prioritizing minimal wrist weight, the Vivoactive 5 remains an excellent Garmin alternative that sacrifices only ECG and skin temperature features.