Garmin - vívoactive® 3 Music

Gonna be the negative Nancy here and have to say my vivoactive 3 music died in three years, then the refurb I got to replace it (paid refurb, 90 bucks, not warrantied) broke in another 3. It came apart due to some medium force so I can’t 100% say it was its fault but I have reason to suspect that it was beginning to come apart about 3 weeks prior to the incident (screen was glitching for a few hours, was randomly acting up) and that might just have been the final straw. I did still get a new venu 3 tho. It works well and I don’t have to charge every day, that means a lot to me lol.

While I know you didn't mention it, IMHO this depends on your budget and what you're looking to get. I had (still have) a Vivoactive 3 Music, which I got 6 years ago for $199. It replaced my previous Fitbit which had fallen apart (literally) and I wanted something that had a) standalone, reliable GPS/barometer/altimeter, and b) music storage (I got sick of carrying my phone when I run). Recently, when Jeff Bezos needed more yachts (aka Prime Day), I snagged a FR255M for $249 (normally $399).

\^\^ This. I had a Vivoactive 3 Music for 6 years; hardly any new updates, but the thing kept working (the battery stopped holding a charge as well). The only reason(s) I updated to a 255 Music was because a) it was on sale for only $50 USD more than the VA3M from *6 years* prior, and b) it had more sensors I wanted to take advantage of. If my 255 lasts as long as my Vivoactive did (does), I'll be a happy dude.

It depends on what you need. When moving to Garmin from Fitbit, I opted for a Vivoactive 3 Music (aka VA3M). I was looking for a) GPS on the watch, and b) music storage. Hate carrying my phone when cycling/running. Recently moved on from the VA3M (worked for 6+ years, and *technically* still works). Picked up a Forerunner 255 Music and am quite happy with my choice. This may help: [https://www.garmin.com/en-US/which-watch/runner/compare/](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/which-watch/runner/compare/)

Same here, it’s been such a solid watch. I’ve put it through everything and it still does exactly what I need, plus more. Battery life is still great even after 4 years. Only downside is no more updates, but honestly that hasn’t been an issue at all.

After many years of being a GARMIN user, starting with the Vivoactive3 then Fenix ​​5 and 7, I decided in 2021 to switch to an Apple Watch Ultra 1. I will never regret it. Everything is more stable, the Apple ecosystem works smoothly and gives you many useful features during the day. The battery issue that I hear about every time is simply ridiculous, we all take a bath every day (I hope) and that's when I charge it. For 4 years now, I have never run out of battery while doing at least 10km either hiking or running a day. Personally, I have had issues twice with Garmin watches, both times they were replaced by service. I also had issues with sleep and step measurements. Finally, the fact that I leave my mobile at home and with network data it is like having a mobile phone in my hand is a game changer for me. A very good application is the HealthFit App. It gives you a lot of data about your activities.

I have an old VivoActive3, but there must be a similar new model. Mine has GPS and built in heart rate and external sensor compatibility for my bike.

In the same boat. Been wearing a regular watch on the left wrist and a garmin vivoactive3 for the last 2 years now. Get the odd look from people at times. But at this point I just don’t give a damn with what people thinks and just do me. I got a need and that need is being met with daily double standards wristing. But yea, if there is a whoop-like or ring from garmin, I would definitely jump on that. And then only wear the garmin watch for actual activity tracking like when I go biking or at the gym.

I have Fenix 6x Sapphire and Vivoactive 3s for my wife, her display got cracked, decided to upgrade the watches also for touchscreen and newer sensors. Was reviewing Fenix 8, but got frustrated how easy scrambled the bazel is, didn't like lots of things in the Pro. Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro are dropped for support only maintenance. Was wondering for Enduro 3 but saw a review of Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro for less than half the price and decide try it. Received if two days ago and for now it is perfect, will see in future. Still considering Venu 4 for my wife.

I went from FitBit to VivoActive music (3 and 4, I believe), and now have a 165. I prefer the 165. It seems more runner-friendly, but still easily tracks other activities.

I have had both the Garmin Vivo and Charge 5 and I am an android user so Apple watch is out for me. Durability wise Garmin but not sure how that compares to the Charge 6 as they fixed alot of the issues that the Charge 5 has. But wearing and comfort. Hands down the Charge 5. I have gone thru 2 charge 5 over the last 5 years and would still buy the charge 5/6 over Garmin for the comfort. The Charge 5/6 is much thinner on your wrist and surprisingly that makes a world of difference

Nice. On my Vivo a wet long sleeve shirt can change the screen which is annoying when running. You can lock the screen during an activity to prevent that but it’s an extra step to disable when the run is over. First world problems