I just got the 645 as a gift. I run 40km a week. Do you recommend returning it for the 245 or stick with the 645. I saw your review on both watches and notice the differences are very suttle. Just caught in between whether I should keep the 645 or get the 245. Hope to hear from you desfit.
Thanks Des! I am buying my first watch and Vivoactive 3 Music was my final choice because i wanted a watch wearable with most outfits when I am not running or hiking, but with the ability to store music so I can leave my phone at home while training. This video helped reassure me it is the right choice for me. Gonna head to the store to pick it up now. Loved the video!
Just found your channel. Been running with 645 (no music) since last year. Just browsing and didnt know about vivoactive so watched your video. Thanks! Subscribed...
This was a great comparison video! I liked your format and how presented everything in an easy to read format. The side-by-side comparisons where the best. Your video helped make my gift purchase decision significantly easier.
I have been on the fence about what Garmin to get. This video answered SO MANY of my questions!!! Garmin 645 Music for sure! Thank you! This clarified so much for me!
Thanks so much! It did in fact take me quite a while to research and test for this video as some things just weren’t published in spec sheets. I appreciate you noticing!
Great review, thank you. I have vivoactive 3 (non music) and I agree using the touch screen during training is challenging, especially double tap to move on to the next exercise in strength training.
I do my running with my phone. I can listen to podcast, music, youtube, and track my running with app like runtastic. Other than less bulky, and easy to use during the run(easy access, clear screen), what makes gps watches better? Are they more accurate in recording you pace, distance and time compare to a smartphone?
Hello. I am in doubt regarding which one I will picked up. I will use for swimming (pool) and for workout at the gym. I slightly prefer the visual of the VA3 music because looks more "beautiful" and more as smartwatch, not like a sport one. Do you think will be good for me?
Both have footpod support, but it's useless for normal runs on the VA3M, because you cannot use the footpod pace nor distance if GPS enabled (You can on the 645). So if you want exact distance and pace on the VA3M you'll have to disable GPS completely for that activity, which will in turn make your activity pretty much useless for Strava and co
That's a nice summary. Thanks! Just my thoughts on my VA3. To be clear the vivoactive does give you *a lot* of data about your runs. It also lets you set up quite advanced interval sessions and even has automatic training plans from the app which will guide you day by day to your goal (set up on the app, but delivered on the watch) I'm sure the forerunner has more detail in both these areas, but the vivoactive gives you much more that just the basics. On the downside, I find the touch screen to be far too sensitive, and have it set to auto lock so I don't randomly change all my settings with my shirt sleeve! What a shame. As for battery life. I wear mine all the time apart from when I shower. This is plenty of time to charge the watch, but if you need it, you practically get about 3 days+ with activity tracking. (I did a 5:30 marathon plus the rest of my day on about 55% of the battery) I was hoping to see a more compelling reason to upgrade, but I think I'll stick with this for now.
Why do you think the fonts and screen looks so much better on the Forerunner? Although they have the same screen, the Vivoactive visual layouts just don't look as good, in the spacing. Words and letters are often a little cut off.
If you'd add Heartrate for swimming to the FR645 there is no more reason to buy the FR735XT unless you're really into triathlon (including open water). That's probably the reason why the FR645 cannot do it. I even don't know whether it makes any sense to include golf to the FR645 because of those "golf only" watches by Garmin ...
The vivoactive 3 is a great way to capture the calories burnt for the rest of the day when I'm not cycling. It's cheap and is also a great smart watch.
I just sold my VA3 music and thought of getting 645 music, mainly because of 3 features: 1) Audio prompt 2) Create course 3) Metronome during running activity I didn't know that it doesn't have a touchscreen! Can you recommend other Garmin models with touchscreen that also has those 3 features?
Not being able to download music on the VivoActive is causing me to spend more money so I guess Garmin made a good choice, but I am not happy with it as I really don't need the other features and no golf is just dumb.
I totally agree with your last two statements. Especially with the downloading of HR data for swimming. I feel they really are forcing people to get the Fenix 5 with that cheap move. Oh I figured out the solution for the HR sensor chafing. I just switch arms before I go to sleep to give the other arm a rest. Since it doesn't matter to much on which arm you wear it on, this works out perfectly. Thanks Des!
The VA3 also records swimming. However both do NOT record HR (even with HR belts)! That's why I wrote the FR735XT can do it. The FR735XT is a pure triathlon watch (including open water). You'll only need one of the Fenix models if you like to do other sports than running and cycling.
@@MusikPiratCH yes but it doesn't have music features. Not to mention. Garmin was late to the HR and swimming combo. Polar has been doing it for years and not just on Triathlon watches. Garmin knows they can easily allow this function and it doesn't hurt there sales. It actually increase it.
I'm not sure about the sales. By the way the VA3 and FR645 are sold with and without music. The more a Garmin watch can track the more it costs. I don't know whether Polar was first with HR and swimming or not. Garmin had a Swimming Watch only but stopped to produce it. This swimming watch was even cheaper than the VA3!
I’ve been using my VA3 (original variant) since it was announced and have to say I actually prefer the touchscreen. Was using a FR230 before, and the old square VivoActive before that (and various Polar units for about 20 years before THAT!). Maybe it’s me, but I much prefer the simplicity and streamlined look of the single button on the 3. Nothing against buttons per se, but I find the quick navigation of the 3 compared to buttons on my 230. I’m sure I’d easily get used to buttons again , but for now, I like the touchscreen. Different strokes for different folks I suppose....
Great video, thanks! Did you notice some issues in regard to the music connection? I read a few reviews where people mentioned some connection issue? Thanks! Em
Both should provide nearly the exact same HR and GPS performance. The biggest difference will be the usability with one being a touchscreen and the other utilizing 5 physical buttons.
Hi Des, thanks for your great review. I'm currently choosing between the forerunner 645 music, the Suunto 9 and Garmin Fenix 5. I run 3 times a week ( 2 days of training and 1 race ). I want a good looking watch tath I can wear every day. Wich one should I shoose?
Great comparison, DesFit! For the Vo2 max, do they both require an outdoor GPS run for 15 minutes before they calculate the Vo2 score? I currently have an Ionic which provides a cardio fitness score without any outdoor GPS run. It seems to work with any activity overall which is helpful for gym rats. Thank you!
Hey Des. Im torn between vivoactive 3 music and fenix 3 hr saphire. I do running, cykling but mostly weightlifting. What would you recomend? Oh yeah, great comparison btw.
I’d probably suggest the 645 mainly due to the fact that it has physical buttons vs a touchscreen which will be much easier to use during CrossFit. Thanks!
Maybe the 645 but the materials are nearly identical so you’d possibly scratch the glass on the VA3M easier just because it doesn’t have a metal bezel but I managed to scratch the metal bezel on the 645 rather easily, so could be a toss up.
Both would give similar results for wrist based heart rate and both can pair to an external HR strap so shouldn’t be an issue. I’d decide on whether or not you wanted physical buttons vs a touchscreen.
Excellent Review on these two watches, which would you recommend for a first-timer? (budget its not pretty much a concern but which one would be more useful)
@@PibeARios you can basically start, pause, and basic functions when you play music. It kind of controls it like a remote and you can't see your playlists just which song is playing. Hope that makes sense if you want something that can play spotify and see your playlists get a samsung watch.
Hello @DesFit do you know if the 645 (No Music Version) provides with "Audio Prompts"? . I am trying to change from fitbi Ionic to the 645 no music whats your opinion? iI am a runner, about 15 miles per week, light cross training. Thanks, BTW great reviews !!!!
Nice and very detailed video comparison! Btw if someone buy a ''smartwatch'' instead looking a professional support to train him/herself, then you would be disappointed.
Hello DesFit. Thanks for this video. I just bought the Vivoactive 3 music and i love it. Now my concern is do i need to put a screen protector for the VA3 music?
It will depend on what types of activities you do and how careful you are with your devices. Me? I’m pretty careless 😂🤦♂️ so if I wore a VivoActive 3 daily I’d probably think about one.
Definitely! I have had it a week and noticed a deep scratch on the screen even tho it's meant to be gorilla glass! As it's the music version it will be very hard to get a case fore it or the curved screen you will almost just have a circle glass protector and nothing on the side and being touchscreen you will always feel the protectors edge, great watch but not comparable to the protective elements like the non music version is, hope I helped! I took mine back.
Thank you Guys for the response. I'll get one. Hope I can find it here in The Philippines Garmin Store. I use it 3 times a week during when I feel like to run. But I'm worried since i easily sweat a lot. Anyway, again thanks for the advice.
How many days did you get out of the vivoactive 3 music? I just purchased this watch and lose about 50% of the battery in one day wit one hour of recorded activity w/o GPS or music. I'm disappointed with the battery life.
Any comments or experiences with how the new firmware is pairing with BT headphones? I have read reviews where the garmin BT software is struggling to keep connectivity outdoors... Still trying to decide between keeping the Apple Watch 2 vs going to a the better fitness capabilities of the Garmin while keeping the music aspect in the watch. Thoughts?
Very good review/comparssion! 😊 Where do i find GPS+GLONASS option on my Vivoactive 3? What i don't like about vivoactive 3 is that in Poland it has Polish language but i live in England and here it dose not, why?, no updates help 😑
Hi Des! I know this is an older video, but would you say this is still a good reference for deciding among the vivoactive 4s / forerunner 245 music / forerunner 645 music?
@@DesFit Watched this as I currently have the VA3 (non-music) which I love except for the touchscreen! I've noticed that the 645 is now being hawked off really cheaply - would you recommend or do you think too old ?
Hello everybodyi!! I really would like to know which one of these two devices fit better for my needs, here i m saying my needs :-) I'm 40 and I'm new about running but I've played soccer since I was 18 in a semipro level. Actually I've always been trainig me about 2 times a week. Now I want to train for a very long and hard marathon (52km most of them on mountain streets,. It's called Pistoia Abetone in Italy) I m going to have in june 2019. So which one is the best for me? I have to say that the cosmethic side is quite important and i slightly prefer the 645 but this is not enough for the extra money of course but I'd like to have the watch at my wrist all day, so I'm asking above all thinking about the advatages in the training I could get. Thanks a lot. Leo
It would be sooooo helpful we if you also showed the size your or your wrist vs the size of the face watch. I am a petite woman and it seems like all the Garmins will be like bricks for me.
Nice review Des and welcome back. How good is the training effect software on the 645? On the VA3 you do get active minutes per week but it's at times inaccurate. Just wondering if you thought training effect has any value or not.
Thanks John! I think the numbers are actually pretty good but at times I do see they are a little off. They definitely benefit runners and cyclists but aren’t as useful for other sports unfortunately.
I own a Vivoactive 3 without musicalen and I can only get 3½ hrs tracking with GPS. Do you think it's faulty and will I be able to track a full marathon (4½ hrs) with the 645?
There’s definitely something going on there that doesn’t sound right. The non-music VA3 should be able to get up to 13 hours. I’d contact Garmin support.
Thank you for breaking this down like this. I've gone over several websites ( some of which gave bad information such as the Vivoactive not having a touch screen ). So this definitely has helped me to choose. While I do like the touch screen for the Vivoactive 3 I think you have a point with the Forerunner and how it's better to have buttons.
Another great review, glad to see you back online again! I recently picked up a Fenix 5 at a heavy discount (after watching all your reviews!) and am super happy with it. Can you share your favourite watch faces and apps for yours? And it would be helpful to learn from you, how you have the different data pages set up for running and cycling workouts - which pages are showing which data fields. Cheers!
hi there, does Vivoactive 3 music have voice prompts during workout? like can it update my via my headphone for every 1km i finish with time, and pacing information etc?
They both use the Elevate HR sensor which is OK for cycling, but not 100% accurate, however this is the case with nearly all wrist HR for cycling. As you can imagine, the tougher the terrain, the worse the measurement. Again, for nearly all watches. I generally recommend an external HR strap for cycling activities.
Thanks for watching and Follow on Twitter for updates! 👉 twitter.com/GetDesFit
Do both record pace while running (not just per mile)??
I just got the 645 as a gift. I run 40km a week. Do you recommend returning it for the 245 or stick with the 645. I saw your review on both watches and notice the differences are very suttle. Just caught in between whether I should keep the 645 or get the 245. Hope to hear from you desfit.
The altimeter on the 645 and the blood oxygen sensor on the 245 should be things to consider between the two, but they are both very capable watches.
May want to check out this video for differences between the 245 and 645: th-cam.com/video/A0TwgJiZ4gI/w-d-xo.html
probably one of the most underrated reviewer. Great Job Des.
Thanks so much!
Thanks Des! I am buying my first watch and Vivoactive 3 Music was my final choice because i wanted a watch wearable with most outfits when I am not running or hiking, but with the ability to store music so I can leave my phone at home while training. This video helped reassure me it is the right choice for me. Gonna head to the store to pick it up now. Loved the video!
Thanks! Glad it helped!
Just found your channel. Been running with 645 (no music) since last year. Just browsing and didnt know about vivoactive so watched your video. Thanks! Subscribed...
This was a great comparison video! I liked your format and how presented everything in an easy to read format. The side-by-side comparisons where the best. Your video helped make my gift purchase decision significantly easier.
Glad it helped! Thanks!
Spotify app support for Vivoactive 3 announced just recently! Though I would like the physical buttons for winter running.
Do you like the spotify on the 645? How is it?
@@skateata1 I have the VA3M not the 645, sorry.
I have been on the fence about what Garmin to get. This video answered SO MANY of my questions!!! Garmin 645 Music for sure! Thank you! This clarified so much for me!
Sure thing! Thanks!
Great job. Didn't realize there were so many differences...
Best comparison I found. Once again, very well made video. 5 stars. Thank you for the effort. It must have take you many hours to do it.
Thanks so much! It did in fact take me quite a while to research and test for this video as some things just weren’t published in spec sheets. I appreciate you noticing!
I agree!
Best comparison I found so far... good work
Thanks!
Great review, thank you. I have vivoactive 3 (non music) and I agree using the touch screen during training is challenging, especially double tap to move on to the next exercise in strength training.
For sure! Simplicity has its place but does make more complex functions a little more challenging.
I am impressed on how much effort you put to your videos!
Thank you for make me take a better decision!!
Keep that great job!!
I do my running with my phone. I can listen to podcast, music, youtube, and track my running with app like runtastic. Other than less bulky, and easy to use during the run(easy access, clear screen), what makes gps watches better? Are they more accurate in recording you pace, distance and time compare to a smartphone?
yeah
This video was SO helpful and finally helped me decide which Garmin to choose for my boyfriend’s birthday. Thank you so much!
Glad it helped! Hope he enjoys his birthday present!
as always, superb video from u. purchased the 3 Music... your video was one of the videos I watched for research before buying the watch
Hello. I am in doubt regarding which one I will picked up. I will use for swimming (pool) and for workout at the gym. I slightly prefer the visual of the VA3 music because looks more "beautiful" and more as smartwatch, not like a sport one. Do you think will be good for me?
Both have footpod support, but it's useless for normal runs on the VA3M, because you cannot use the footpod pace nor distance if GPS enabled (You can on the 645). So if you want exact distance and pace on the VA3M you'll have to disable GPS completely for that activity, which will in turn make your activity pretty much useless for Strava and co
Great additional info. Thanks!
Philipp Klinger thanks for the note. Is this the same with a wahoo speed sensor on a bike?
so which is the better one?
I think a key difference is the ability to follow gpx trails. As a runner I feel this feature is key and justifies the jump in price.
That's a nice summary. Thanks!
Just my thoughts on my VA3.
To be clear the vivoactive does give you *a lot* of data about your runs. It also lets you set up quite advanced interval sessions and even has automatic training plans from the app which will guide you day by day to your goal (set up on the app, but delivered on the watch)
I'm sure the forerunner has more detail in both these areas, but the vivoactive gives you much more that just the basics.
On the downside, I find the touch screen to be far too sensitive, and have it set to auto lock so I don't randomly change all my settings with my shirt sleeve! What a shame.
As for battery life. I wear mine all the time apart from when I shower. This is plenty of time to charge the watch, but if you need it, you practically get about 3 days+ with activity tracking. (I did a 5:30 marathon plus the rest of my day on about 55% of the battery)
I was hoping to see a more compelling reason to upgrade, but I think I'll stick with this for now.
Can you set this up for crossfit and such combining cardio and strength
How's the screen visibility outdoors, sunny vs. cloudy on vivoactive 3 music? Screen appears dull in the video
Why do you think the fonts and screen looks so much better on the Forerunner? Although they have the same screen, the Vivoactive visual layouts just don't look as good, in the spacing. Words and letters are often a little cut off.
If you'd add Heartrate for swimming to the FR645 there is no more reason to buy the FR735XT unless you're really into triathlon (including open water). That's probably the reason why the FR645 cannot do it. I even don't know whether it makes any sense to include golf to the FR645 because of those "golf only" watches by Garmin ...
Hi Des!
vivoactive 3 music counts the steps while you are on the move in car or on bike, so how to really set it up.
What about altimeter? Which one have it? Regards
Excellent review as always
Thanks a bunch!
Great review. Can two "garmin connect" users use one vivoactive 3 watch? is there an option to change user on watch?
So adivse me whose are better ?
Forunner 645 music or vivoactive
The vivoactive 3 is a great way to capture the calories burnt for the rest of the day when I'm not cycling. It's cheap and is also a great smart watch.
Hi, great video! Is Deezer already compatible with both watches? I read something on internet that Garmin has removed all info about that feature
Great comparison! I've made my decision. Thank you.
Sure thing
Can I get trail maps on any of them ?
I just sold my VA3 music and thought of getting 645 music, mainly because of 3 features:
1) Audio prompt
2) Create course
3) Metronome during running activity
I didn't know that it doesn't have a touchscreen! Can you recommend other Garmin models with touchscreen that also has those 3 features?
Not being able to download music on the VivoActive is causing me to spend more money so I guess Garmin made a good choice, but I am not happy with it as I really don't need the other features and no golf is just dumb.
"compatible Android phone"? Are some Androids not compatible? How do you know?
I totally agree with your last two statements. Especially with the downloading of HR data for swimming. I feel they really are forcing people to get the Fenix 5 with that cheap move. Oh I figured out the solution for the HR sensor chafing. I just switch arms before I go to sleep to give the other arm a rest. Since it doesn't matter to much on which arm you wear it on, this works out perfectly. Thanks Des!
If you only need the heartrate for swimming you can also buy the FR735XT ... No reason to get any Fenix whether 3 nor 5 ... ;)
@@MusikPiratCH I don't only need HR for swimming.... Hence why the 645 should have this feature. It records swimming.
The VA3 also records swimming. However both do NOT record HR (even with HR belts)! That's why I wrote the FR735XT can do it. The FR735XT is a pure triathlon watch (including open water). You'll only need one of the Fenix models if you like to do other sports than running and cycling.
@@MusikPiratCH yes but it doesn't have music features. Not to mention. Garmin was late to the HR and swimming combo. Polar has been doing it for years and not just on Triathlon watches. Garmin knows they can easily allow this function and it doesn't hurt there sales. It actually increase it.
I'm not sure about the sales. By the way the VA3 and FR645 are sold with and without music. The more a Garmin watch can track the more it costs.
I don't know whether Polar was first with HR and swimming or not. Garmin had a Swimming Watch only but stopped to produce it. This swimming watch was even cheaper than the VA3!
Thank you for this nice review! I am wondering about resistance to cold weather.. any data on this from Garmin?
I'm not a golfer, but stll curious if the absence of the golf app is a hardware "issue", or it could be added bt Garmin later.
This was a really good review & exactly what I was looking for. Thank you! 🙌🏽
Nice explanation on buttons vs touch screen. But I still like the 630 because it has both.
Michael Moy what is the 630?
Garmin Forerunner 630 is the predecessor of the 645.
How does Amazfit Stratos compare to the 2? Is it in between?
Coming soon
I’ve been using my VA3 (original variant) since it was announced and have to say I actually prefer the touchscreen. Was using a FR230 before, and the old square VivoActive before that (and various Polar units for about 20 years before THAT!). Maybe it’s me, but I much prefer the simplicity and streamlined look of the single button on the 3. Nothing against buttons per se, but I find the quick navigation of the 3 compared to buttons on my 230. I’m sure I’d easily get used to buttons again , but for now, I like the touchscreen. Different strokes for different folks I suppose....
Definitely different strokes (or swipes 😉) for different folks!
Does the vivoactive 3 music extra 2mm in depth over non music version make it uncomfortable ? I’m deciding what to buy
I just wish they kept the side swipe pad from the OG VA3 on the VA3M
Did you scratch or crack the bottom part of the Vivio Active 3 Music?
I have 3 VAmusic and i am very impress.! Its great for live and sport active. Thanks!
Great video, thanks! Did you notice some issues in regard to the music connection? I read a few reviews where people mentioned some connection issue? Thanks! Em
I am mostly interested in knowing the accuracy of the heart rate sensor and the GPS. Which watch is the best wrt that?
Both should provide nearly the exact same HR and GPS performance. The biggest difference will be the usability with one being a touchscreen and the other utilizing 5 physical buttons.
These reviews are really helpful. Thanks!
Thanks! Glad they help!
Very good work! i think you just forgot about wireless (present on 645 and not present on vivoactive)
Which is best for only fitness Fitbit ionic or garmin fr 235 pls quick reply bro from india
Hi
Whether the 3 music live has sensitive side edges for touch?
Hi Des, thanks for your great review. I'm currently choosing between the forerunner 645 music, the Suunto 9 and Garmin Fenix 5. I run 3 times a week ( 2 days of training and 1 race ). I want a good looking watch tath I can wear every day. Wich one should I shoose?
Great video! Any vids on the 5 plus series coming?
Thanks! Yup, plenty about the 5 Plus coming!
Does anyone have a problem with inaccurate elevation for Vivoactive 3?
Hi what about audio cues on forerunner 645? Does it work well with connected headset?
Great comparison, DesFit! For the Vo2 max, do they both require an outdoor GPS run for 15 minutes before they calculate the Vo2 score? I currently have an Ionic which provides a cardio fitness score without any outdoor GPS run. It seems to work with any activity overall which is helpful for gym rats. Thank you!
Is the music version for Vivoactive 3 music version able to connect AirPods?
Yes
Hey Des. Im torn between vivoactive 3 music and fenix 3 hr saphire. I do running, cykling but mostly weightlifting. What would you recomend?
Oh yeah, great comparison btw.
Im planning to do my first marathon and i do crossfit as well. Wich one works for me? The one that i have right now is vivoavctive Hr
I’d probably suggest the 645 mainly due to the fact that it has physical buttons vs a touchscreen which will be much easier to use during CrossFit. Thanks!
Great video once again! But is one more durable than the other? Like the screen and body?
Maybe the 645 but the materials are nearly identical so you’d possibly scratch the glass on the VA3M easier just because it doesn’t have a metal bezel but I managed to scratch the metal bezel on the 645 rather easily, so could be a toss up.
DesFit thank you. I know the 935 is more money than the 645, but which one do you prefer? I know you can't get music on the 935 but that's ok.
935 battery life is amazing. I quite like that device.
DesFit thanks again.
One more question. If I go with the 935 do I need screen protector?
My main purpose is for running.
So which one is the best in terms of heart sensor?
Both would give similar results for wrist based heart rate and both can pair to an external HR strap so shouldn’t be an issue. I’d decide on whether or not you wanted physical buttons vs a touchscreen.
Excellent Review on these two watches, which would you recommend for a first-timer? (budget its not pretty much a concern but which one would be more useful)
Depends if you plan on getting more serious into fitness. Both will work great but the 645 offers a little more.
can you control spotify with both of them? as well as scrolling through my spotify playlists?
@@PibeARios you can basically start, pause, and basic functions when you play music. It kind of controls it like a remote and you can't see your playlists just which song is playing. Hope that makes sense if you want something that can play spotify and see your playlists get a samsung watch.
Hello @DesFit do you know if the 645 (No Music Version) provides with "Audio Prompts"? . I am trying to change from fitbi Ionic to the 645 no music whats your opinion? iI am a runner, about 15 miles per week, light cross training. Thanks, BTW great reviews !!!!
A fellow runner/bass head!! Nice!
what do u think about fr45 vs VA3 non music ? for beginning to run
Nice and very detailed video comparison! Btw if someone buy a ''smartwatch'' instead looking a professional support to train him/herself, then you would be disappointed.
Hello DesFit.
Thanks for this video. I just bought the Vivoactive 3 music and i love it. Now my concern is do i need to put a screen protector for the VA3 music?
It will depend on what types of activities you do and how careful you are with your devices. Me? I’m pretty careless 😂🤦♂️ so if I wore a VivoActive 3 daily I’d probably think about one.
Definitely! I have had it a week and noticed a deep scratch on the screen even tho it's meant to be gorilla glass! As it's the music version it will be very hard to get a case fore it or the curved screen you will almost just have a circle glass protector and nothing on the side and being touchscreen you will always feel the protectors edge, great watch but not comparable to the protective elements like the non music version is, hope I helped! I took mine back.
Thank you Guys for the response.
I'll get one. Hope I can find it here in The Philippines Garmin Store.
I use it 3 times a week during when I feel like to run. But I'm worried since i easily sweat a lot. Anyway, again thanks for the advice.
Great Review!
Thanks!!
Thanks for the update,
Great TH-camr site.
How many days did you get out of the vivoactive 3 music? I just purchased this watch and lose about 50% of the battery in one day wit one hour of recorded activity w/o GPS or music. I'm disappointed with the battery life.
I will go fore the 645 because I really hate the touchscreen when i'm running!
Any comments or experiences with how the new firmware is pairing with BT headphones? I have read reviews where the garmin BT software is struggling to keep connectivity outdoors...
Still trying to decide between keeping the Apple Watch 2 vs going to a the better fitness capabilities of the Garmin while keeping the music aspect in the watch. Thoughts?
Excellent review as always...
Thanks!
Very good review/comparssion! 😊
Where do i find GPS+GLONASS option on my Vivoactive 3?
What i don't like about vivoactive 3 is that in Poland it has Polish language but i live in England and here it dose not, why?, no updates help 😑
I co znalazłeś tą opcję?
Excellent comparison, very helpful. Thank you.
Glad it helped!
Thanks! Great review ;)
What d be your advice for marathon training prep? Is the V3 enought for 4/5 runs a week?
Oh ya the VA3 will be fine. May have charge it every 3-4 days with heavy GPS usage.
Thank you, there is big help. I'm just torn between these 2 and with tight wallet
Hi Des! I know this is an older video, but would you say this is still a good reference for deciding among the vivoactive 4s / forerunner 245 music / forerunner 645 music?
It is, but I'd probably lean towards the VA4S or the 245 at this point in time - they're more current and a little more future-proof. Thanks!
@@DesFit Watched this as I currently have the VA3 (non-music) which I love except for the touchscreen! I've noticed that the 645 is now being hawked off really cheaply - would you recommend or do you think too old ?
A bit too old at this point
Hello everybodyi!! I really would like to know which one of these two devices fit better for my needs, here i m saying my needs :-) I'm 40 and I'm new about running but I've played soccer since I was 18 in a semipro level. Actually I've always been trainig me about 2 times a week. Now I want to train for a very long and hard marathon (52km most of them on mountain streets,. It's called Pistoia Abetone in Italy) I m going to have in june 2019. So which one is the best for me? I have to say that the cosmethic side is quite important and i slightly prefer the 645 but this is not enough for the extra money of course but I'd like to have the watch at my wrist all day, so I'm asking above all thinking about the advatages in the training I could get. Thanks a lot. Leo
It would be sooooo helpful we if you also showed the size your or your wrist vs the size of the face watch. I am a petite woman and it seems like all the Garmins will be like bricks for me.
Nice review Des and welcome back. How good is the training effect software on the 645? On the VA3 you do get active minutes per week but it's at times inaccurate. Just wondering if you thought training effect has any value or not.
Thanks John! I think the numbers are actually pretty good but at times I do see they are a little off. They definitely benefit runners and cyclists but aren’t as useful for other sports unfortunately.
DesFit You are referring to the training effect numbers right? I had the impression they would apply more to the joggers/bikers
Yes they are most beneficial to runners and cyclists.
DesFit As I thought. Thanks, Des!
Sure thing, John!
Which one is best for walking? I am a beginner. Thanks
Either will work
Does the vivoactive 3 give audio prompts on distance/time when running and/or distance/laps on cycling?
Yes, mine vibrates after a mile and shows your time and average pace. Not sure if you can altar the distance of laps.
I love the 645! ...someday. In the meantime, I use my old FR 620.
I own a Vivoactive 3 without musicalen and I can only get 3½ hrs tracking with GPS. Do you think it's faulty and will I be able to track a full marathon (4½ hrs) with the 645?
There’s definitely something going on there that doesn’t sound right. The non-music VA3 should be able to get up to 13 hours. I’d contact Garmin support.
is there cadence tracking for running on the VA3M
Alex Lee yes
Thank you for breaking this down like this. I've gone over several websites ( some of which gave bad information such as the Vivoactive not having a touch screen ). So this definitely has helped me to choose. While I do like the touch screen for the Vivoactive 3 I think you have a point with the Forerunner and how it's better to have buttons.
Thanks! Glad it helped.
What did you choose in the end and how do you like it?
Another great review, glad to see you back online again! I recently picked up a Fenix 5 at a heavy discount (after watching all your reviews!) and am super happy with it.
Can you share your favourite watch faces and apps for yours? And it would be helpful to learn from you, how you have the different data pages set up for running and cycling workouts - which pages are showing which data fields. Cheers!
Sure thing! I actually have that video in the works! Thanks again!
DesFit I'll look forward to it!
Roger Hartley What made you go with the Fenix 5?
Great video!You explained both watches and their differences in great detail.Keep up the good work!
Thanks!
Do they track your active calories as well as your total at the end of the day?
Sure do.
Is it possible to turn off the touch screen if you want to track your sleep?
AuntTambo yes from the main menu choose lock screen
Boaz Sharabi Thanks!
When is Spotify coming to vivo Music??
It has come
Thank you for the review! Very helpful
The actual VA3Music review is coming soon but make sure to check out the 645 review if you haven’t already. Thanks!
Thanks SO Much for this Amazing video! Keep it Up!
Sure thing!
Best review there is,thank you!
Thanks! Hope it helped!
hi there, does Vivoactive 3 music have voice prompts during workout? like can it update my via my headphone for every 1km i finish with time, and pacing information etc?
Good Job. I like the details and not the theatrics on these comparison videos.
Thanks! There are theatrics on comparison videos?!?
@@DesFit You know. I like your layout, simple. The detail you get into is good. Thanks.
which one would you recommend between the two for mostly cycling?
The 645 mainly due to having buttons. Using a touchscreen during most physical activities isn’t exactly ideal.
DesFit thank you for such a quick response! Could you also tell me how the two compare in terms of HR accuracy while cycling?
They both use the Elevate HR sensor which is OK for cycling, but not 100% accurate, however this is the case with nearly all wrist HR for cycling. As you can imagine, the tougher the terrain, the worse the measurement. Again, for nearly all watches. I generally recommend an external HR strap for cycling activities.
Thank you very much for the help! :)