Garmin
Garmin Vivoactive 5
2023 · Fitness + health
82
/ 100
From $299
VS
Apple
Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) (Sport Band)
2022 · Fitness + health
82
/ 100
From $279
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Garmin Vivoactive 5 lands at 82 and Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) (Sport Band) at 82. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Garmin Vivoactive 5 if…
- ✓Multi-day fitness tracking
- ✓GPS + heart rate
- ✓Notification mirroring
Pick Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) (Sport Band) if…
- ✓Multi-day fitness tracking
- ✓GPS + heart rate
- ✓Notification mirroring
Garmin Vivoactive 5 82
vs 82 Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) (Sport Band)
Score breakdown
Garmin Vivoactive 5
82 battery 94
display 88
fitness 82
health 80
durability 86
Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) (Sport Band)
82 battery 72
display 88
fitness 82
health 80
durability 86
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Garmin Vivoactive 5 | Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) (Sport Band) |
|---|---|---|
| Release year | 2023 | 2022 |
Garmin Vivoactive 5
Pros
- +Multi-day fitness tracking
- +GPS + heart rate
- +Notification mirroring
Cons
- −Battery life varies dramatically
- −Companion phone required
- −Screen-on drains battery
Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) (Sport Band)
Pros
- +Multi-day fitness tracking
- +GPS + heart rate
- +Notification mirroring
Cons
- −Battery life varies dramatically
- −Companion phone required
- −Screen-on drains battery
FAQ: Garmin Vivoactive 5 vs Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) (Sport Band)
Which is better, Garmin Vivoactive 5 or Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) (Sport Band)? +
Both score 82 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Garmin Vivoactive 5 worth the price? +
At $299, Garmin Vivoactive 5 delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in battery.
Is Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) (Sport Band) worth the price? +
At $279, Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) (Sport Band) delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in display.
Does Garmin Vivoactive 5 or Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) (Sport Band) last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.