Garmin Fenix 5

We’ve read the reviews across the web for the Garmin Fenix 5 and summarize the results below:

Universal Ranking

PeakScore: 86 (out of 100)
User Rating: 4.3 stars 
Expert Rating: 4.2 stars

Number of Ratings Reviewed: 2240

Pros & Cons

Reasons to buy:

User Reviews

  • Able to get text notifications, which helps with compatibility and those who are multitasking.
  • Provides fitness tracking and GPS to keep track of your workouts accurately.
  • Looks great and stylish to wear while training or for casual use.
  • The band is waterproof for ample protection and versatility for use during water sports.
  • Able to track your running, whether it is on the road, trail, track, or treadmill.
  • Able to track other activities besides running, like cycling, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, climbing, golf, rowing, or almost any other sport.
  • Easily connects to your smartphone for compatibility, as well as providing weather, alerts, music control, and find your iPhone app.

Expert Reviews

  • Lightweight and small for ease-of-use and sleek look.
  • Tracks almost every activity accurately and easily.
  • Able to measure your VO2 Max with the watch to determine your race predictions.
  • Works with iOS, Android, and desktop computers for ample functionality.
  • Outdoor-readable display lets you easily see the display in bright or dim lights.
  • Customizable display for complete personalization to suit what your needs are.
  • Various color, strap, and lens options for a wide range of choices when personalizing your watch.
  • Features built-in topographical maps that can help users find popular trails with ease.
  • This new version now uses contactless payments, enhancing the functionality of this watch.

Reasons NOT to buy:

User Reviews

  • Some reports of the battery level running out very quickly and the watch dying within 10 hours of use.
  • Does not have any ability to store music for enhanced functionality.
  • Some reports of the watch getting scratched very easily, reducing the durability and the overall look.
  • Some reports of the watch failing after only a few months of use, which is not covered under the warranty period.

Expert Reviews

  • Expensive when compared to other options on the market.
  • The notification interaction is not the easiest to use.
  • The mobile app is a bit cluttered and can be confusing to use.
  • The screen is low-resolution, so it doesn’t have the clearest graphics on the market.
  • The recovery advice while working out might not be the most accurate and leans on the conservative-side.
  • No local music storage.
  • The heart rate monitor isn’t the most accurate on the market.

Summary:

The Garmin Fenix 5 is a highly-functional, versatile, and high-tech watch that boasts a wide range of features all users will enjoy. Despite being expensive, lacking music storage, and not having the most sensitive heart rate monitor, this Garmin is jam-packed with handy features. This watch can track almost any activity, estimate your VO2 Max, track your sleep, monitor your heart rate, use contactless payments, and show your text messages, making this an extremely functional choice for any level of athlete.

Multimedia:

Note: User and expert rankings were reviewed across the web. Some expert reviews include these: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.