How to Track Activity on Garmin Vivofit: Garmin Fenix vs Garmin Watches
Fitness trackers have become an essential part of modern lifestyles, helping users stay motivated, set fitness goals, and monitor health metrics. But with so many Garmin devices available, the question arises: How do you track activity on Garmin Vivofit compared to Garmin Fenix and other Garmin watches?
If you’re struggling to pick the right Garmin device, this guide will give you a complete breakdown. And if you want a deeper dive into the Garmin Fenix vs Garmin Watches comparison, you can check out this detailed guide on Garmin Fenix vs Garmin Watches for more insights.
Understanding Garmin Vivofit
The Garmin Vivofit is one of the simplest trackers in Garmin’s lineup. Unlike smartwatches, it’s designed for everyday users who want:
- Step tracking
- Calories burned
- Sleep monitoring
- Distance estimates (via accelerometer)
- Long battery life (up to 1 year)
It doesn’t include GPS or heart rate monitoring in earlier versions, making it ideal for casual fitness tracking rather than professional training.
Tracking Activity on Garmin Vivofit
Tracking activity on a Vivofit is straightforward:
- Wear the device 24/7 – It automatically tracks steps and calories.
- Sync with Garmin Connect App – Upload your data via Bluetooth.
- Review Daily Goals – Vivofit adjusts goals based on your activity level.
- Check Move Bar Alerts – It reminds you when you’ve been inactive.
- Sleep Tracking – Automatically monitors rest at night.
👉 Best for users who want a no-fuss tracker with excellent battery life.
Garmin Fenix: The Advanced Tracking Beast
On the other hand, the Garmin Fenix series is for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. It offers:
- Built-in GPS + GLONASS + Galileo
- Heart rate monitoring
- VO2 Max & Training Load insights
- Multi-sport tracking (running, cycling, swimming, hiking, etc.)
- Advanced navigation tools
- Premium design with long battery life (up to 18 days)
Unlike Vivofit, Garmin Fenix is not just an activity tracker—it’s a sports performance smartwatch.
Comparison: Garmin Vivofit vs Garmin Fenix
| Feature | Garmin Vivofit | Garmin Fenix |
|---|---|---|
| GPS | ❌ | ✅ |
| Battery Life | 1 year | 14–18 days |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | ❌ | ✅ |
| Sleep Tracking | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sports Modes | Basic | Multi-sport |
| Price Range | Affordable | Premium |
👉 If you need basic step counting, Vivofit is enough.
👉 If you want professional-level training insights, Fenix is the better choice.
Other Garmin Watches Worth Considering
Apart from Vivofit and Fenix, Garmin offers a wide variety of watches in 2025:
- Garmin Forerunner 45/55 – Affordable GPS watches for runners.
- Garmin Venu Sq 2 – Stylish smartwatch with health features.
- Garmin Instinct 2 Solar – Rugged outdoor watch with solar charging.
- Garmin Lily – Fashion-focused watch for women.
Each has unique features that balance GPS, battery, and smart functions.
Pros and Cons: Garmin Vivofit vs Garmin Fenix
Garmin Vivofit Pros
- Affordable and simple
- 1-year battery life
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Easy syncing with Garmin Connect
Garmin Vivofit Cons
- No GPS
- Limited metrics
- Outdated compared to 2025 models
Garmin Fenix Pros
- GPS + multi-sport tracking
- Long battery life for a smartwatch
- Durable outdoor-ready design
- Advanced health and training metrics
Garmin Fenix Cons
- Expensive
- Heavier than basic trackers
FAQs
Q1: Can Garmin Vivofit track GPS?
No, Vivofit does not have GPS.
Q2: How is Garmin Fenix better than Vivofit?
Fenix offers GPS, heart rate, multi-sport tracking, and advanced performance features.
Q3: Is Garmin Vivofit still worth buying in 2025?
Yes, for casual users who want affordability and long battery life.
Q4: Which Garmin watch is best for athletes?
The Garmin Fenix series is ideal for serious athletes.
Q5: Can Vivofit connect with Garmin Connect?
Yes, it syncs automatically with the app for data analysis.
Conclusion
Both the Garmin Vivofit and the Garmin Fenix have their place in the fitness world. Vivofit is perfect for beginners who want a lightweight, affordable device, while Fenix is a premium choice for athletes who need advanced tracking and GPS.
If you want a deeper breakdown between the two, you can read this full Garmin Fenix vs Garmin Watches guide for detailed comparisons and buyer recommendations.
