Wear Radar

Garmin vivosmart 5vsAmazfit Balance

Garmin vivosmart 5
Buy/Wait:bad

Overdue for a refresh — no successor announced yet. Prices should be at their lowest

Best for: Garmin users and health-focused individuals who want Body Battery, HRV, and advanced sleep analytics in a slim, discreet wristband rather than a sports watch. Compatible with both iPhone and Android via Garmin Connect.

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Amazfit Balance
Buy/Wait:neutral

First-generation product — no release history to base predictions on

Best for: Android and iPhone users who want smartwatch health features (ECG, body composition, AI coaching) and a premium display at a price well below Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch. A strong pick if multi-day battery is a priority alongside health monitoring.

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Garmin vivosmart 5Amazfit Balance
TierFitness TrackerSmartwatch
PlatformiOS & AndroidiOS & Android
Battery7 days14 days
Always-on display
GPS
Cellular
Health sensorshr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery, pulse oxecg, spo2, hrv, hr, body comp, stress
ReleasedApr 26, 2022Nov 1, 2023
Cycle length700 daysnull days
Cycle advicebadneutral
Deals advicegoodneutral
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Why buy each?

Garmin vivosmart 5

Garmin Body Battery in a band

Body Battery energy monitoring — the feature Garmin is known for — in a wristband that's thinner than most fitness trackers.

HRV status and stress tracking

Continuous heart rate variability monitoring and all-day stress tracking give a more complete picture of recovery and readiness than step counts alone.

Works with Garmin Connect ecosystem

All data syncs to Garmin Connect, compatible with thousands of third-party apps, coaches, and integrations across the Garmin platform.

Amazfit Balance

14-day battery with AMOLED display

Rare combination: a bright always-on AMOLED display and 14 days of typical use without charging.

ECG and body composition

Medical-grade ECG and bioelectrical impedance body fat analysis — features usually found only on watches costing $100–$200 more.

AI wellness coaching

Zepp Coach uses Amazfit's AI to build personalised workout plans, recovery recommendations, and stress management guidance.