Fitbit Versa 4 vs Garmin Vivoactive 5
Different logos, same mission. The Fitbit Versa 4 and the Garmin Vivoactive 5 both want to be your next watch. If you were hoping for a knockout, this isn’t it. The Fitbit Versa 4 and the Garmin Vivoactive 5 stay within reach of each other almost everywhere. One more thing to weigh: a launch price difference of $70, with the Fitbit Versa 4 as the lower-priced option.
At a glance
- Display Tie
- Health & Fitness Sensors Tie
- Battery Life Garmin Vivoactive 5 wins
- Smart Features & Connectivity Tie
- Price Fitbit Versa 4 wins
- Health & Fitness Sensors3.3
- Smart Features & Connectivity5.0
- Health & Fitness Sensors3.3
- Smart Features & Connectivity5.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Garmin Vivoactive 5 has 83% more rated battery life
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Garmin Vivoactive 5 makes its strongest case: 11 days against 6 days. The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is rated to last longer between charges, a big deal on trips and long weekends.
Design & Size
Design & Durability
| Spec | Fitbit Versa 4 | Garmin Vivoactive 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Case size (largest) | N/A (not specified) | 42 mm |
| Available sizes | N/A (not specified) | 42 mm |
| Water resistance | 50 m | 50 m |
Display
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the display section; the two are too close to separate. For display, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Health & Fitness Sensors
Too close to call
On health & fitness sensors, the Fitbit Versa 4 and the Garmin Vivoactive 5 are effectively level. Neither watch gives you a reason to choose it on health & fitness sensors.
Battery Life
Garmin Vivoactive 5 leads
In this area the Garmin Vivoactive 5 has a lead the Fitbit Versa 4 can’t close. Choose the Garmin Vivoactive 5 and you get 83% more rated battery life. Longer battery life means fewer nights on the charger, which also makes sleep tracking easier. Anyone shopping mainly on battery life should start with the Garmin Vivoactive 5.
Rated battery life
Fitbit Versa 4: 6 days Garmin Vivoactive 5: 11 days Ratings assume typical use; GPS workouts and always-on screens will shorten both.
Smart Features & Connectivity
Too close to call
The smart features & connectivity section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. Treat smart features & connectivity as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | Fitbit Versa 4 | Garmin Vivoactive 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Display type | Color AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Resolution (largest) | N/A (not specified) | 390 x 390 |
| Always-on display | Yes | Yes |
Health & Fitness Sensors
| Spec | Fitbit Versa 4 | Garmin Vivoactive 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Optical heart rate | Yes | Yes |
| ECG | No | No |
| Blood oxygen | Yes | Yes |
| Skin temperature | Yes | N/A (not specified) |
| GPS | Built-in GPS + GLONASS | Built-in GNSS (single-band) |
| Dual-frequency GPS | No | No |
Battery Life
| Spec | Fitbit Versa 4 | Garmin Vivoactive 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Rated battery lifeManufacturer rating, typical use | 6 days | 11 days (winner) |
Smart Features & Connectivity
| Spec | Fitbit Versa 4 | Garmin Vivoactive 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | N/A (not specified) | 4 GB Least storage in class |
| Cellular option | No | No |
| Contactless payments | Yes | Yes |
| Phone compatibility | iPhone and Android | iPhone and Android |
| Software | Fitbit OS | Garmin proprietary |
Design & Durability
| Spec | Fitbit Versa 4 | Garmin Vivoactive 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Case size (largest) | N/A (not specified) | 42 mm |
| Available sizes | N/A (not specified) | 42 mm |
| Water resistance | 50 m | 50 m |
Price
| Spec | Fitbit Versa 4 | Garmin Vivoactive 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $230 (winner) Lowest price in class | $300 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 asked for $70 more at launch. That gap of 30% has to be justified by the specs. Is the Garmin Vivoactive 5 worth $70 extra? What you get for the money is 83% more rated battery life.
All prices are official US launch prices, last checked September 2023. Actual prices at stores may differ.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Fitbit Versa 4 if…
- you want the lower price and can live with the trade-offs ($70 less)
- you’re comfortable with how Fitbit does things
Choose the Garmin Vivoactive 5 if…
- you hate charging your watch every day (11 days vs 6 days)
- you’re loyal to Garmin and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Fitbit Versa 4 or the Garmin Vivoactive 5?
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if every dollar counts and $70 is a real sum for you.
Which has better battery life, the Fitbit Versa 4 or the Garmin Vivoactive 5?
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 comes out ahead on rated battery life, with 11 days compared with 6 days on the Fitbit Versa 4.
Is the Fitbit Versa 4 cheaper than the Garmin Vivoactive 5?
At launch, the Fitbit Versa 4 undercut the Garmin Vivoactive 5 by $70. These figures are as of September 2023, and street prices can change.
Executive Summary
The Fitbit Versa 4 and the Garmin Vivoactive 5 are aimed at each other, and I think the gaps between them are more interesting than the headlines. I’d put 83% more rated battery life at the top of the list, and it belongs to the Garmin Vivoactive 5.
I’d steer price fans toward the Fitbit Versa 4 and battery life fans toward the Garmin Vivoactive 5.
My pick: the Garmin Vivoactive 5, and I’d only look at the Fitbit Versa 4 if paying $70 more feels hard to justify for you.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.