Garmin Connect isn't the prettiest software we reviewed, but it's easy to read and includes plenty of useful features: a customizable dashboard, a training calendar, sleep tracking, new route suggestions and performance comparisons to other users who have run the same route. The software takes advantage of Garmin's background in navigation by highlighting its mapping and routing capabilities throughout each various features, which makes this software ideal for runners or cyclists. It also integrates with social media such as Facebook and Twitter, and lets you compete with and encourage friends who use Garmin Connect. The vívofit is Garmin's all-purpose fitness tracking device. It records steps, distance, elevation, duration and calories burned, and will save 2-3 weeks of history if you forget to sync. In addition, it will remind you to get moving if you've been sitting still for too long. The vívofit is water resistant up to 50 meters, features a sleek design and can be upgraded to include a corresponding heart rate monitor. The base version of the vívofit is $129.99; the bundle that includes the heart rate monitor is $169.99. Garmin's other devices (the ForeRunner 620 for avid runners, the Approach S6 for golfers and the Edge 510 or Edge Touring Plus for cyclists) will cost you a whopping $299.99-399.99. They offer all the bells and whistles you could want, yes - but unless you're training for the next Olympics, this level of technology is unnecessary; you can still meet and exceed your fitness goals with any of the other less-expensive devices out there.

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The Bad

Very expensive
Separate heart rate monitor
No sleep tracking

Given the inflated prices and sport-specific features of most of Garmin's devices, the vívofit is the only Garmin fitness tracker that's useful for the average Joe. While the vívofit rates high in terms of tracking features and wearability, the separate heart rate monitor is a downside - it could easily be left at home or misplaced. Garmin Connect doesn't offer the option to track your sleep, so you may want to opt for another company if this is important to you.

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The Bottom Line

Though we'd like to see more device options for Garmin Connect, the software is user-friendly and has plenty to offer. In addition, users are bound to see the benefit of using a fitness tracker company that also has a major stake in the navigation industry - Garmin's GPS mapping and tracking features are top-notch.

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User Reviews

Star Rating

3.7

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26 Reviews

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46%

4 grade

19%

3 grade

2 grade

12%

1 grade

15%

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Mike Pelletier Sabattus, ME

Garmin Connect only works when it feels like it.Spoke several times on a chat at Garmin because of this issue each time I was asked to do something I did what they wanted it never corrected the issue and the chat got dropped.Feeling helpless once in a while the watch for some reason resets itself and I lose all my activity for that day and I have to go outside and run until the GPS resets my watch to the right day.Every time I charge the watch on my computer or my laptop the activity again gets wiped out.Too bad because it is a good tracker.Every day I have to take Garmin Connect off of my phone and reload it so it will work.It does not matter if I have it on an apple I pad a computer a smart phone it will not work.Never had that issue with my Fitbit the reason I got rid of the Fitbit is the watch band kept on breaking I went through 2 of them in 2 years.

7 years ago

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Terry Scarafiotti Nogal, NM

Customer service were rude and unhelpful. My glass had broke on my vivofit HR. After waiting to speak with some one to see if it could be replaced, I finally spoke to some one who was in a hurry to be done with me and did not offer and help except that I could buy a new one at full price. No help at all did not leave his name nor cared about helping.

7 years ago

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vicki smith

Bought Vivofit mainly as a step counter and alarm, also to notify me at work when I received a message from either daughter - one with young kids, the other works abroad. Bracelet works fine, but syncing can be a problem, and reporting any problem is longwinded. Numerous 'upgrades'/downloads do not install confidence. Would I purchase again?....probably not, unless a LOT cheaper. But to be honest that would probably apply to any similar fitness device.

10 years ago