As wearable technology continues to evolve, fitness enthusiasts and casual users alike seek devices that provide accurate and comprehensive health metrics. In 2026, two prominent contenders stand out: the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Garmin Vivosmart 5. This article compares their key fitness features to help users make informed choices.

Design and Display

The Apple Watch Series 8 features a sleek, rectangular Always-On Retina display with a high refresh rate, offering vibrant visuals and easy readability. Its lightweight design ensures comfort during extended wear. The Garmin Vivosmart 5 sports a slim, band-style form factor with a monochrome OLED display, prioritizing discreetness and durability, ideal for all-day wear.

Fitness and Health Metrics

Both devices track a wide range of fitness metrics, but their focus areas differ. The Series 8 provides:

  • Heart rate monitoring with ECG capabilities
  • Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2)
  • Sleep tracking with detailed stages
  • ECG and blood pressure monitoring
  • VO2 max estimation

Meanwhile, the Garmin Vivosmart 5 emphasizes:

  • Heart rate and stress tracking
  • Pulse oximetry
  • Sleep and respiration monitoring
  • Energy levels and hydration tracking
  • Body battery energy monitoring

Activity Tracking and Features

The Series 8 offers advanced activity tracking with automatic workout detection, GPS integration, and fall detection. It supports a broad range of sports and fitness activities, with personalized coaching options.

The Garmin Vivosmart 5 provides comprehensive activity and movement tracking, including step count, calories burned, and intensity minutes. It also features Move IQ automatic activity detection and supports connected GPS via paired smartphones.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Battery life varies significantly: the Series 8 typically lasts about 18 hours on a single charge, emphasizing its smartwatch capabilities. The Garmin Vivosmart 5 offers up to 7 days of battery life, making it more suitable for continuous health monitoring without frequent charging.

Both devices support Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. The Series 8 integrates seamlessly with iOS and supports cellular options, while the Garmin Vivosmart 5 connects primarily via Bluetooth to smartphones for syncing data.

Additional Features

The Apple Watch Series 8 includes features like ECG, blood pressure monitoring, and an ECG app approved by health authorities. It also supports Apple Pay, notifications, and a wide range of third-party apps.

The Garmin Vivosmart 5 focuses on health metrics and activity tracking, with features like stress management tools, hydration reminders, and Body Battery energy monitoring. It lacks some of the advanced health sensors found in the Series 8 but excels in long-term health tracking.

Conclusion

In 2026, both the Apple Watch Series 8 and Garmin Vivosmart 5 offer impressive fitness tracking capabilities. The choice depends on user priorities: for comprehensive health monitoring, ECG features, and smartphone integration, the Series 8 is ideal. For longer battery life, discreet design, and stress management tools, the Garmin Vivosmart 5 is a strong contender. Understanding these differences helps users select the device that best fits their fitness goals and lifestyle.