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Garmin Vivoactive 5 — 2023 · Fitness + health
Garmin

Garmin Vivoactive 5

2023 · Fitness + health

82
/ 100
From $299
VS
Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Milanese Loop) wins by 11
Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Milanese Loop) — 2023 · Fitness + health
Apple

Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Milanese Loop)

2023 · Fitness + health

93
/ 100
From $829
Specdex verdict

Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Milanese Loop) takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Garmin Vivoactive 5 lands at 82 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Milanese Loop) at 93. That puts Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Milanese Loop) ahead by 11 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Garmin Vivoactive 5 if…

  • ✓Multi-day fitness tracking
  • ✓GPS + heart rate
  • ✓Notification mirroring

Pick Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Milanese Loop) if…

  • ✓Multi-day fitness tracking
  • ✓GPS + heart rate
  • ✓Notification mirroring
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Display

Tie

Compared on the display sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Fitness

Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Milanese Loop)

Compared on the fitness sub-score

Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Milanese Loop) leads on fitness (93 vs 82).

Durability

Tie

Compared on the durability sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Garmin Vivoactive 5

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Garmin Vivoactive 5 more score per dollar ($299 vs $829).

Garmin Vivoactive 5 82
vs
93 Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Milanese Loop)

Score breakdown

Garmin Vivoactive 5
82
battery 94
display 88
fitness 82
health 80
durability 86
Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Milanese Loop)
93
battery 72
display 88
fitness 93
health 91
durability 86

Specs side-by-side

Garmin Vivoactive 5 versus Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Milanese Loop) — full spec comparison
Spec Garmin Vivoactive 5 Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Milanese Loop)
Release year
2023
2023

Garmin Vivoactive 5

Pros
  • +Multi-day fitness tracking
  • +GPS + heart rate
  • +Notification mirroring
Cons
  • −Battery life varies dramatically
  • −Companion phone required
  • −Screen-on drains battery

Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Milanese Loop)

Pros
  • +Multi-day fitness tracking
  • +GPS + heart rate
  • +Notification mirroring
Cons
  • −Battery life varies dramatically
  • −Companion phone required
  • −Screen-on drains battery

FAQ: Garmin Vivoactive 5 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Milanese Loop)

Which is better, Garmin Vivoactive 5 or Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Milanese Loop)? +

Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Milanese Loop) scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 11. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Garmin Vivoactive 5 worth the price? +

At $299, Garmin Vivoactive 5 delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in battery.

Is Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Milanese Loop) worth the price? +

At $829, Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Milanese Loop) delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in fitness.

Does Garmin Vivoactive 5 or Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Milanese Loop) last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for fitness, Garmin Vivoactive 5 or Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Milanese Loop)? +

Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Milanese Loop) — leads on fitness (93 vs 82). Compared on the fitness sub-score.

Which is the better value, Garmin Vivoactive 5 or Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Milanese Loop)? +

Garmin Vivoactive 5 — more score per dollar ($299 vs $829). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.