Polar H7
Score: 74/100
Garmin Vívоactive 5
Score: 82/100Rankings
Garmin's vívoactive 5 is a mid-range smartwatch featuring a bright 1.2-inch AMOLED display, extensive health sensors and up to 11 days of battery life. It omits ECG and dual-frequency GPS, limiting its appeal to serious athletes. Targets fitness enthusiasts who value a rich health suite and music storage without premium navigation features.
The Polar H7 is a chest-strap heart-rate sensor delivering ECG-grade accuracy and a long-lasting CR2025 battery. It lacks ANT+ support and cannot transmit data while swimming, and its older design may feel bulkier. Best suited for athletes who need precise chest-based heart-rate data and long battery life.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
200 hours | 264 hoursbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 125 g | 36 gbest |
— | 1.2 inbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 200 hours | 264 hours |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 125 g | 36 g |
General(1) | ||
Operating Temperature (°C) | -10 to 50 °C | -20 to 60 °C |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the H7 for its ECG-grade accuracy, long-lasting battery, and lightweight belt design, noting its seamless Bluetooth and GymLink integration for a wide range of devices. However, they point out its legacy status, lack of ANT+ and inability to transmit data underwater, making it less future-proof than newer Polar models.
Everyday users appreciate the H7's reliable Bluetooth pairing, comfortable elastic strap, and long battery life, especially for running, gym, and swimming workouts. Recurring complaints focus on occasional pairing hiccups with non-Polar phones, strap stretch over time, and the desire for a lighter, wrist-based alternative.
Professional reviewers describe the vívoactive 5 as a well-rounded health-focused smartwatch, applauding its bright AMOLED display, impressive 11-day battery life, and comprehensive suite of health tools like Body Battery and Sleep Coach. They note the inclusion of wheelchair-specific modes as a strong accessibility point, but criticize the absence of a barometric altimeter, ECG, and dual-frequency GPS, which limits its appeal to serious athletes seeking precise elevation data.
Everyday users consistently praise the long battery life, vivid display, and intuitive health insights, especially Body Battery and sleep tracking. While overall sentiment is positive, a few users express disappointment over missing advanced GPS and altitude features, and the lack of disclosed weight creates some uncertainty about comfort.
