Fitbit Inspire 3 vs Garmin vivosmart 5 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Fitbit Inspire 3 & Garmin vívosmart 5 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Fitbit Inspire 3 rather than the Garmin vívosmart 5. 

Why Do I Recommend The Fitbit Inspire 3

  • The Fitbit Inspire 3 comes with an AMOLED display for clearer visibility and stronger contrast in bright and low-light conditions, while the Garmin vívosmart 5 uses an OLED display.
  • Fitbit Inspire 3 has an always-on display for checking time and stats instantly without wrist movement, whereas the Garmin vívosmart 5 does not support always-on mode.
  • It includes an EDA stress sensor for detecting physical stress responses and supporting guided stress-management sessions, while the Garmin vívosmart 5 does not include an EDA sensor.
  • The Fitbit Inspire 3 supports skin temperature variation tracking for identifying changes related to illness, recovery, or sleep conditions, whereas the Garmin vívosmart 5 does not track skin temperature variation.
  • Fitbit Inspire 3 features a Daily Readiness Score for helping you decide whether to rest or train based on recovery metrics, while the Garmin vívosmart 5 uses Body Battery instead.
  • It delivers up to around 10 days of battery life for longer use between charges during continuous health tracking, while the Garmin vívosmart 5 has a shorter typical battery life of around 7 days.
  • The Fitbit Inspire 3 supports animated clock faces and richer visual themes for better customization and readability, while the Garmin vívosmart 5 uses simpler UI styling.
  • Fitbit Inspire 3 integrates deeply with Fitbit Premium insights for advanced health trend analysis and personalized guidance, whereas the Garmin vívosmart 5 relies primarily on standard Garmin Connect metrics.

Maybe the Garmin vívosmart 5 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Fitbit Inspire 3. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureFitbit Inspire 3Garmin vívosmart 5
Display technologyAMOLEDOLED
Always-on displayYesNo
Screen sizeSmallerLarger
TouchscreenYesYes
EDA sensorYesNo
Skin temperature variationYesNo
Readiness metric nameDaily ReadinessBody Battery
Activity profiles (on-device)FewerMore
App ecosystemFitbit appGarmin Connect
Premium subscriptionOptionalNone required
Strap compatibilityInspire 3 bandsvívosmart 5 bands
Charging methodClip chargerCable charger
Battery life (typical)Up to ~10 daysUp to ~7 days
SpO₂ display styleTile/clock-face capableWidget/summary style
UI navigationSwipe-focusedButton + swipe
PriceCheck Inspire 3 PriceCheck vívosmart 5 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Activity tracking: Both fitness bands track daily movement such as walking, running, and general activity throughout the day. This allows users to maintain awareness of overall activity levels and stay consistent with fitness goals.
  • Step counting: Each device records daily steps automatically without user input. This helps users monitor daily movement and encourages a more active lifestyle.
  • Distance tracking: Both models calculate distance covered during walking or running activities. This is useful for users who want more context beyond step counts alone.
  • Calorie tracking: Each device estimates calories burned based on activity and heart rate data. This supports weight management and energy-balance awareness.
  • Continuous heart rate: Both devices monitor heart rate continuously throughout the day and night. This enables better insight into resting heart rate, activity intensity, and overall cardiovascular trends.
  • Sleep tracking: Fitbit Inspire 3 and Garmin vívosmart 5 both track sleep automatically. This helps users understand sleep duration and consistency without manual input.
  • Sleep stages: Each device breaks sleep into stages such as light, deep, and REM sleep. This provides a deeper look into sleep quality rather than just total sleep time.
  • Stress tracking: Both devices include stress-related metrics derived from heart rate variability. These insights help users recognize periods of physical or mental strain.
  • SpO₂ monitoring: Each model supports blood oxygen saturation monitoring, typically during sleep. This can help users gain awareness of breathing-related or recovery trends.
  • Connected GPS: Neither device has built-in GPS, but both can use a connected smartphone’s GPS. This allows route and pace tracking during outdoor activities without adding hardware bulk.
  • Smartphone notifications: Both fitness bands mirror notifications such as calls, messages, and app alerts from a connected phone. This keeps users informed without needing to check their phone frequently.
  • Water resistance: Both devices are rated at 5 ATM for water resistance. This makes them suitable for swimming, showering, and everyday water exposure.
  • Guided breathing: Each model includes guided breathing or relaxation sessions. These features help users manage stress and improve mindfulness during the day.
  • Menstrual health tracking: Both platforms support menstrual cycle tracking within their companion apps. This allows users to monitor cycles and related health patterns over time.
  • Silent alarms: Both devices support vibration-based alarms. This allows users to wake up or receive reminders discreetly without audible alerts.
  • App-based data sync: Fitbit Inspire 3 and Garmin vívosmart 5 both sync data to companion mobile apps. This enables long-term trend tracking, visual summaries, and deeper health insights.

Common Features

FeatureFitbit Inspire 3Garmin vívosmart 5
Activity trackingYesYes
Step countingYesYes
Distance trackingYesYes
Calorie trackingYesYes
Continuous heart rateYesYes
Sleep trackingYesYes
Sleep stagesYesYes
Stress trackingYesYes
SpO₂ monitoringYesYes
Connected GPSYesYes
Smartphone notificationsYesYes
Water resistance5 ATM5 ATM
Guided breathingYesYes
Menstrual health trackingYesYes
Silent alarmsYesYes
App-based data syncYesYes
Price Check Inspire 3 Price Check vívosmart 5 Price

FAQ

Is Fitbit Inspire 3 compatible with both Android and iOS devices?
Yes, Fitbit Inspire 3 works with both Android and iOS smartphones through the Fitbit app, allowing users to sync health data, view insights, and manage device settings across either platform.

Is Garmin vívosmart 5 compatible with both Android and iOS devices?
Yes, Garmin vívosmart 5 supports both Android and iOS via the Garmin Connect app, enabling full access to activity, health metrics, and device customization.

Do Fitbit Inspire 3 and Garmin vívosmart 5 have built-in GPS?
No, neither device includes built-in GPS hardware, but both support connected GPS by using a paired smartphone for route and distance tracking during outdoor activities.

Can both devices track sleep automatically?
Yes, both Fitbit Inspire 3 and Garmin vívosmart 5 automatically track sleep without manual activation, recording duration and sleep stages overnight.

Do both fitness bands measure blood oxygen levels (SpO₂)?
Yes, both devices support SpO₂ monitoring, typically measured during sleep to provide insights related to breathing and recovery trends.

Are Fitbit Inspire 3 and Garmin vívosmart 5 suitable for swimming?
Yes, both devices are rated at 5 ATM water resistance, making them suitable for swimming, showering, and everyday water exposure.

Do both devices provide continuous heart rate monitoring?
Yes, each device tracks heart rate continuously throughout the day and night, supporting activity tracking, stress analysis, and sleep metrics.

Do Fitbit Inspire 3 and Garmin vívosmart 5 require a subscription to function?
Both devices function fully without a subscription, but Fitbit Inspire 3 offers additional insights through an optional Fitbit Premium subscription, while Garmin vívosmart 5 includes most features without any paid plan.

Can both devices display smartphone notifications?
Yes, both fitness bands can mirror notifications such as calls, texts, and app alerts from a connected smartphone directly on the screen.

Do both models support stress tracking?
Yes, both devices provide stress-related metrics based on heart rate variability, helping users understand daily stress patterns.

Are guided breathing or relaxation features available on both devices?
Yes, Fitbit Inspire 3 and Garmin vívosmart 5 both include guided breathing or relaxation exercises designed to help users manage stress.

Do both devices support menstrual health tracking?
Yes, both platforms include menstrual cycle tracking within their companion apps, allowing users to log cycles and view trends over time.

Can both fitness bands be used as silent alarms?
Yes, both devices support vibration-based alarms, enabling quiet wake-ups and discreet reminders without sound.

Do Fitbit Inspire 3 and Garmin vívosmart 5 track calories burned?
Yes, both devices estimate calories burned using activity data and heart rate measurements to support fitness and weight management goals.

Do both devices sync data to mobile apps for long-term tracking?
Yes, both Fitbit Inspire 3 and Garmin vívosmart 5 sync health and activity data to their respective mobile apps, allowing users to review history, trends, and detailed summaries over time.