The new Garmin vivosmart 5 might be a worthy smartwatch alternative

It’s been nearly three and a half years since the launch of Garmin’s last fitness tracker, the Vivosmart 4. Since then, we’ve seen huge advancements in the company’s watch line including smart features, health tracking, and even solar charging on high-end devices. Today, however, Garmin re-enters the fitness tracker ring with the all-new vivosmart 5.

For anyone looking for a slim alternative to a bulky smartwatch, the vivosmart 5 fits the bill. It features a similar profile to its predecessor but with a 66% larger display screen that’s not only bright but is also now a touchscreen. Users can breeze through health and fitness data, smart notifications, news alerts, and a personalized Garmin Morning Report (including stats like sleep score, step goals, weather, and more), on a screen that won’t overwhelm wrists as a smartwatch can.

The device also introduces interchangeable bands in black, white, and cool mint for mixing up your look. These rounded bands are lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear as well as for sleep tracking. Comfort is key since the vivosmart 5 also provides users with an advanced sleep score and overnight Pulse Ox monitoring. Additionally, users can still monitor their Body Battery levels, all-day stress, and 24-hour heart rate, plus track hydration and women’s health data. Abnormally high and low heart rates will even trigger alerts as they do on other Garmin devices.

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On the fitness tracking front, Garmin has also added connected GPS support to the vivosmart line. Paired to a compatible smartphone, the vivosmart 5 can now accurately track distance, pace, and speed during outdoor walks, runs, and bike rides. GPS is something sorely missed on the vivosmart 4 so this is a big improvement for the line. Users can also tap into tools like Fitness Age or utilize safety features such as emergency assistance alerts.

All of these features are packed into an unobtrusive device with a narrow form factor. Without an oversized display to power, the battery can last up to seven days. That means more tracking and less charging. Garmin also announced the device is swim and shower proof so you can keep it on for pool workouts and for scrubbing down after.

You can find the vivosmart 5 on sale now at Garmin.com for $149.99