Nice review. I have this too. The comfort and feel is so much better than the previous VAHR. I’ve been disappointed with social media notifications and the strengths profiles. Both of them have software bugs that need working out. Overall a very nice watch though.
If you like a bigger watch, i just went to look at it today, it would work for a female who likes a bigger watch, but it's not huge. The scale of it is reasonable.
can you upload mp3 on the watch ? i cant find the free space mentions anywhere , only the music edition that could hold 500 songs ,but what about the normal vivoactive 3 , can it hold mp3 and how much space is free ?
In Canada I can get the Fenix 3 HR and the Vivoactive 3 for the same price. What would you go with? I recreational bike, hike, walk, 6 days a week at the gym. why would you pick one over the other?
The Fenix is going to be tougher for hiking etc. It also has good navigational features so you can get back to CAMP etc from saved Waypoints. They'd both be good, but if you're rough on your watches definitely get the Fenix 3. You will not get the STRESS level test, but most other essential features are present. For me, it would be the Fenix 3 HR without hesitation. I can live without the STRESS test.
great review, thanks! any advice between this or Forerunner 735XT? Can get both for the same price on amazon. Mainly a runner, so don't need triathlon mode, and also prefer look (& looks smarter to wear around office), future proofing? gym reps, barometric altimeter (with gamin's new running power), music control, stress score, always on heart rate and smartwatch features on Vivoactive 3. That being said, for same price seem to get more dedicated running features on 735XT e.g lactate threshold, virtual partner plus ability to get running dynamics with sensor. Plus seems to be less buggy (vivoactive has fairly bad amazon reviews and have heard takes a while to find GPS), and easier to track runs with button layout and had a much higher starting price suggesting better quality?
Oliver Daniel the 735xt is still a great watch and makes a superb TECHNICAL training watch. The Vivoactive 3 is more general fitness / well being than elite sports monitoring. I'd personally get the 735xt for myself as I'm keen on the technical aspects and features like daily stress aren't really a key feature - for ME. Bottom line is they are both great - I'm sure you'll be happy either way. Have fun 🤙 Tris aka CardioCritic
Why 90% bad reviews on rei.com website but amazon reviews have more positive in last 4 mos? Wonder if its true people get paid to put "positive" reviews on products. Cant decide between this or wahoo bike computer?
Hi. I can assure you I don't get paid for my reviews - they are 100% unbiased. I think the negative reviews are generally from the first firmware release. This is often the case with Garmin and Suunto. They release a product a little too early with bugs still inherent in the firmware. A few releases later, and everything is sorted. The Vivoactive 3 is a great all-rounder. If you only cycle, get the Wahoo .... otherwise, if you run, bike and other, get the Vivoactive :-)
If you’re cycling to get cadence and speed, I would go with wahoo computer first. I just got this watch and I can connect cadence sensor to display on watch and I use the heart rate for training. Don’t have the funds for a power meter at the moment so 220 for a watch that has heart rate zone and GPS to compare with cycling apps and computer is worth it to analyze data after workouts. Hope this helps.
you go way to fast for a first time user. I find that most reviews are geared to those who are savy already re smart watches. Start at grade one not grade eight if you know what I mean and that goes for all reviewers not only you.
*Cardio Critic Very thorough review, thank you, I've just bought my VA3 from Expansys.co.nz It was the cheapest by far around the world, I am 65 and do stair climbing and swimming for fitness, I'm looking forward to using this watch, I particularly wanted an accurate analogue face for use with my timing points - I drive for a job, are there any training tips you would recommend for elderly folk ? thanks again for the helpful review, regards from Aotearoa :-) Don
I don't like smart watches but for work is wery good , it has silent wubration on arm to wake mee up. And I use it on my yob more than regular manual watches which I like ,but if I haw 2 awers of work hee will note mee and of I must bee somwere I hade reminder 30minutes that means that I must go. And loot more. I pay that Garmin 300€ newe and in 1 are something hepend they in 5 days give mee newe watch. Also I have booth with Stanley's not black sight watch and when Garmin told mee that they will give me newe watch I asked can you give me gun metal I will pay the difference they send that they can't doo that and when I com to pick up the woch I open it and seen black watch I wanted. So to me garmin is the best brand with unbelievable customer support.Thanks garmin all my smart watches will bee Garmin. After now 5 ares looking to something newer and beter.
If you are mainly a serious runner then I'd still suggest the 235. However, if you take part in several sports and want the STRESS test feature, get the Vivoactive 3 :-)
to change to C go to settings on the watch. select system settings, units, temp than select C. (it will not affect miles/kilometres) Hope this helps
Thank you Ashley
How many times do you really need to flash subscribe across the screen! Way annoying having that go across every few minutes. Good info though.
16:55 you can control the weather from the watch? I want that!
In the US, BJ's Wholesale Club has the Vivoactive 3 on sale (silver) for $169 w/black and white straps as of 02-April-19.
Nice review. I have this too. The comfort and feel is so much better than the previous VAHR. I’ve been disappointed with social media notifications and the strengths profiles. Both of them have software bugs that need working out. Overall a very nice watch though.
And if you get it through Google Shopping right now it's only 106! Phenominal deal for this fitness watch! I love mine!
Does the GPS function work independently, i.e.without close proximity to smartphone?
Gps works perfectly..vivoactive3 IS a perfect sports watch..
Can you recommend ways to get the Vivoactive 3 to accurately count my pool laps? Thank you
Great review, helped me a lot. Do you know if this model would support a polar h10 chest strap ?
How do you get the clock face to display the different colours - mine seems to isplay black and white only or can only display one accent colour?
Did i missed hr comparison vs chest strap monitor with actual workout graphs?
hey your flashing of subscribe didnt bother me... far too interested in other things not to let something so small bother me.. good review.. 👍
Is this too large for a 65" female with small wrists? Thank you
If you like a bigger watch, i just went to look at it today, it would work for a female who likes a bigger watch, but it's not huge. The scale of it is reasonable.
No. I've got one and I love it
can you upload mp3 on the watch ? i cant find the free space mentions anywhere , only the music edition that could hold 500 songs ,but what about the normal vivoactive 3 , can it hold mp3 and how much space is free ?
Hi, thanks for the nice review. Is there an app for xc skiing plus hiking? I didn't see any on your review.
Hi. It's not a default, but you can add one from the downloadable apps - apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/86a04a66-b6b8-4943-b569-b786a0edfebf
Cardio Critic wunderbar! Thanks for the reply
How is the glass display? Does it scratches easily?
Snehasish Roy . Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3. You can check specs here: buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/571520/pn/010-01769-21#specs
In Canada I can get the Fenix 3 HR and the Vivoactive 3 for the same price. What would you go with? I recreational bike, hike, walk, 6 days a week at the gym. why would you pick one over the other?
The Fenix is going to be tougher for hiking etc. It also has good navigational features so you can get back to CAMP etc from saved Waypoints. They'd both be good, but if you're rough on your watches definitely get the Fenix 3. You will not get the STRESS level test, but most other essential features are present. For me, it would be the Fenix 3 HR without hesitation. I can live without the STRESS test.
Cardio Critic thanks for responding
great review, thanks!
any advice between this or Forerunner 735XT? Can get both for the same price on amazon. Mainly a runner, so don't need triathlon mode, and also prefer look (& looks smarter to wear around office), future proofing? gym reps, barometric altimeter (with gamin's new running power), music control, stress score, always on heart rate and smartwatch features on Vivoactive 3. That being said, for same price seem to get more dedicated running features on 735XT e.g lactate threshold, virtual partner plus ability to get running dynamics with sensor. Plus seems to be less buggy (vivoactive has fairly bad amazon reviews and have heard takes a while to find GPS), and easier to track runs with button layout and had a much higher starting price suggesting better quality?
Oliver Daniel the 735xt is still a great watch and makes a superb TECHNICAL training watch. The Vivoactive 3 is more general fitness / well being than elite sports monitoring. I'd personally get the 735xt for myself as I'm keen on the technical aspects and features like daily stress aren't really a key feature - for ME. Bottom line is they are both great - I'm sure you'll be happy either way. Have fun 🤙 Tris aka CardioCritic
Thanks a lot!
Oliver Daniel what did you end up getting? Torn between VA3 and 735xt.
Can the watch show cadence during a run?
Manish Psychia yes
Why 90% bad reviews on rei.com website but amazon reviews have more positive in last 4 mos? Wonder if its true people get paid to put "positive" reviews on products. Cant decide between this or wahoo bike computer?
Hi. I can assure you I don't get paid for my reviews - they are 100% unbiased. I think the negative reviews are generally from the first firmware release. This is often the case with Garmin and Suunto. They release a product a little too early with bugs still inherent in the firmware. A few releases later, and everything is sorted. The Vivoactive 3 is a great all-rounder. If you only cycle, get the Wahoo .... otherwise, if you run, bike and other, get the Vivoactive :-)
If you’re cycling to get cadence and speed, I would go with wahoo computer first. I just got this watch and I can connect cadence sensor to display on watch and I use the heart rate for training. Don’t have the funds for a power meter at the moment so 220 for a watch that has heart rate zone and GPS to compare with cycling apps and computer is worth it to analyze data after workouts. Hope this helps.
Hi. It's not a default, but you can add one from the downloadable apps - apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/86a04a66-b6b8-4943-b569-b786a0edfebf
you go way to fast for a first time user. I find that most reviews are geared to those who are savy already re smart watches. Start at grade one not grade eight if you know what I mean and that goes for all reviewers not only you.
A16mm wrist? That's taking dainty to a whole new level
*Cardio Critic
Very thorough review, thank you, I've just bought my VA3 from Expansys.co.nz It was the cheapest by far around the world, I am 65 and do stair climbing and swimming for fitness, I'm looking forward to using this watch, I particularly wanted an accurate analogue face for use with my timing points - I drive for a job, are there any training tips you would recommend for elderly folk ? thanks again for the helpful review, regards from Aotearoa :-) Don
I don't like smart watches but for work is wery good , it has silent wubration on arm to wake mee up. And I use it on my yob more than regular manual watches which I like ,but if I haw 2 awers of work hee will note mee and of I must bee somwere I hade reminder 30minutes that means that I must go. And loot more. I pay that Garmin 300€ newe and in 1 are something hepend they in 5 days give mee newe watch. Also I have booth with Stanley's not black sight watch and when Garmin told mee that they will give me newe watch I asked can you give me gun metal I will pay the difference they send that they can't doo that and when I com to pick up the woch I open it and seen black watch I wanted. So to me garmin is the best brand with unbelievable customer support.Thanks garmin all my smart watches will bee Garmin. After now 5 ares looking to something newer and beter.
This or forerunner 235?
If you are mainly a serious runner then I'd still suggest the 235. However, if you take part in several sports and want the STRESS test feature, get the Vivoactive 3 :-)
Cardio Critic thanks for the reply very tempted to get vivoactive looks really stylish espically in gun metal.