Garmin Vivoactive 5 vs Withings ScanWatch 2
The Verdict
Garmin Vivoactive 5 and Withings ScanWatch 2 target different priorities within the smartwatch space. Garmin's offering features a vibrant 390x390 AMOLED display, built-in GPS for accurate running and cycling tracking, and NFC for contactless payments. Battery life reaches 11 days in smartwatch mode or 21 hours with GPS active. Withings ScanWatch 2 prioritizes medical-grade health monitoring with ECG, SpO2, skin temperature, and advanced sleep analysis, plus exceptional 30-day battery life thanks to its hybrid analog-OLED display design. The stainless steel construction feels more premium than Garmin's aluminum. However, Withings lacks GPS entirely, making it unsuitable for serious athletes who need precise route tracking. Garmin's Garmin OS ecosystem connects to 200+ third-party apps via Connect IQ, while Withings offers a more minimalist, traditional watch experience. At $299 versus $349, Garmin delivers better value for fitness enthusiasts and runners. Choose Garmin if you want comprehensive workout tracking and GPS functionality. Select Withings if health metrics and multiday battery life matter most and you primarily need a sophisticated hybrid watch without fitness navigation.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Garmin Vivoactive 5 if…
- →Bright AMOLED display looks stunning and is readable in sunlight
- →11-day battery with AMOLED is best-in-class for lifestyle watches
- →Lightweight at 36 g — one of the lightest feature-rich smartwatches
Buy the Withings ScanWatch 2 if…
- →30-day battery life is unmatched — charge monthly, not daily
- →Looks like a luxury analog watch — no one will know it's smart
- →Medical-grade ECG, SpO2, and respiratory rate monitoring
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Garmin Vivoactive 5
Pros
- Bright AMOLED display looks stunning and is readable in sunlight
- 11-day battery with AMOLED is best-in-class for lifestyle watches
- Lightweight at 36 g — one of the lightest feature-rich smartwatches
- NFC for Garmin Pay contactless payments
- Wheelchair mode and Body Battery energy monitoring for accessibility
Cons
- No multi-band GPS — less accurate than Forerunner or Fenix in dense areas
- No built-in maps for trail navigation
- No cellular option — phone dependent for notifications
- Limited third-party app ecosystem compared to Apple/Samsung
Withings ScanWatch 2
Pros
- 30-day battery life is unmatched — charge monthly, not daily
- Looks like a luxury analog watch — no one will know it's smart
- Medical-grade ECG, SpO2, and respiratory rate monitoring
- Skin temperature tracking for early illness detection
- Stainless steel build is genuinely elegant
Cons
- No GPS — phone required for route tracking
- Tiny OLED sub-display limits notification readability
- No NFC for contactless payments
- No third-party apps — health tracking only
Full Specifications
| Spec | Garmin Vivoactive 5 | Withings ScanWatch 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) | Withings OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 36 g | 39 g |
| Case material | Aluminum bezel with fiber-reinforced polymer case | Stainless steel |
| Water resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 11 days (smartwatch), 21 hrs GPS | Up to 30 days |
| Display | ||
| Size | 42mm (1.2 inches) | 42 mm |
| Type | AMOLED | Hybrid analog + OLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 390 x 390 | Hybrid analog with OLED sub-display |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Garmin custom processor | Withings proprietary |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in smartwatches, see all Garmin products or all Withings products. View full details for the Garmin Vivoactive 5 or the Withings ScanWatch 2.