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Comparison Vivoactive 3 vs Vivoactive 3 Music: the differences, which one to choose?

Comparison Vivoactive 3 vs Vivoactive 3 Music: the differences, which one to choose?

April 10, 2020

Vivoactive 3 versus Vivoactive 3 Music comparison: what differences?
Vivoactive 3 vs Vivoactive 3 Music: our opinion
How to choose between Vivoactive 3 and Vivoactive 3 Music?
Garmin Vivoactive 3 price and availability with or without music

After having released the Vivoactive 3 in 2017, Garmin announced in June 2018 an evolution of its multisports smart health connected watch: the addition of an MP3 music player to listen to music without having to clutter up a Smartphone. The smartwatch also has some differences which we detail below. The Vivoactive 3, like the previous Vivoactive HR model, is very successful and ranks among the best-selling sports watches. Should we prefer the model with music player? What are the differences between the 2 models? Discover our comparative tables, our comments and our advice to choose between the 2 models.

Also read: description and review of the Vivoactive 3 Music

Buy Vivoactive 3 Music

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Price (from)

i-Run

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329 € 299

Amazon

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329 255 €

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Buy Vivoactive 3

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Price (from)

Alltricks

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299 € 219.99

Amazon

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299.99 199.7 €

Baker

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299.99 € 279.99

Go-Sport

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229.99 € 191.78

Commercial links. Non contractual prices. Please consult the merchant website.

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Vivoactive 3 versus Vivoactive 3 Music comparison: what differences?

The Vivoactive 3 Music is almost a Vivoactive 3 (read our review and opinion on the Vivoactive 3) to which Garmin has integrated an mp3 player. A logical evolution following the recent development of this function by the brand (see our review of the Forerunner 645 Music).

Garmin is catching up with the competition and (see Apple Watch Series 4, Tom Tom Runner 3, Fitbit).

But the manufacturer took the opportunity to make a few other modifications, notably in terms of design and materials, points that we think are important to review before choosing which model to buy.

Aside from a design change, Garmin has made efforts to pull the prices down and offer this new model at the same price as the previous model (without MP3 player) and lower the other model by 30 €.

Screen and design: a borderless screen

Screen comparison with steel bezel and borderless screen

Garmin offers a new Garmin Chroma borderless 3D screen as on recent Smarphones. The steel bezel disappears in favor of a curved reinforced glass which gives the watch a nice look and highlights it with its reflections. We like it or we don't like it! The old model, with its metallic bezel, gave a more sporty look.

Also note that the glass is no longer Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3, this ultra-resistant glass used on certain smartphones, but a chemically reinforced glass (therefore a priori cheaper).

In terms of resolution and screen size, both remain unchanged (30.4 mm in diameter and 240 x 240 px).

The housing: made of polymer and a thicker coat

Vivoactive 3 Music seen in its thickness

The case of the Vivoactive 3 Music is made of polymer while the old model was made of polymer or steel, depending on the model. It is roughly the same size (to within 0.3 mm!) But slightly thicker: 13.6 mm instead of 11.7 mm, which is almost 2 mm thick. This should not be a problem, however.

Weight: a lighter watch!

The Vivoactive 3 Music is lighter by 4 g (39 g versus 43 g for the other model), despite its thicker housing to integrate the additional memory. This drop is probably due to the disappearance of the steel bezel. However, you will not feel the difference. With 39 g, this watch is one of the featherweights!

Autonomy: lower, especially when listening to music

The music function is relatively energy consuming. Garmin advances an autonomy of up to 5 hours in GPS mode with music and a maximum duration of 7 days in smart health connected watch mode with heart rate (compared to 8 days for the previous model). So we are running roughly on the same values as the Forerunner 645 Music. This remains suitable for most athletes, as long as one performs short outings.

No more side swap touch strip navigation

On the Vivoactive 3, Garmin had added a side strip allowing the menus to be scrolled with a simple movement of the thumb. This handy feature has been removed from Vivoactive Music. Maybe for reasons of economy.

The robustness of the watch: a lighter but perhaps also less robust watch

The Vivoactive 3 was offered with a steel or reinforced polymer case and a steel bezel. On the Vivoactive 3 Music, the choice is limited to a polymer case and the steel bezel has been removed. We are thus dealing with a lighter but slightly less solid watch. The watch glass, as we mentioned above, is also less robust (glass reinforced against Corning Gorilla Glass 3). After the mp3 player, this is the biggest noticeable change between the 2 models.

Summary of the differences between the 2 models

Vivoactive 3 vs Vivoactive 3 Music: our opinion

It is especially the presence of the integrated mp3 player that makes all the difference with the old model. It is a real asset for all those who love to play sports, go for a walk or even work while listening to music without having to bother with a mobile phone. We transfer our favorite music (individually or through playlists) directly to the watch in a few clicks, then put on the bluetooth earphones and go for several hours of music. For 30 € more, there is no hesitation, especially since Garmin has lowered the price of the old model. So, for the same price, we now have an mp3 player!

Cardio watch reviews and comparison

A selection of 25 sports watches at the best price

The heart rate monitoring has become an essential tool for athletes, whether to train, lose weight or simply maintain their shape. But today's watches offer more than just a pulse. Depending on the sport practiced, they have an impressive number of additional functions allowing you to make the most of your outing. How to find your way around?

See the comparison

In addition, we found the look of this watch nice with its curved and borderless screen. We can however regret the disappearance of the stainless steel bezel which gave the watch a more robust and sporty appearance. This is a matter of taste.

Regarding the weight and size of the watch, there is not much to say. The fact that the case is a little thicker is not a concern. The difference is relatively small but you still need to know because some people may be sensitive to it. The 4 grams less on the model with mp3 player does not make a big difference. Not enough to make it a criterion of choice.

The watch seems less solid than the old model (polymer case, reinforced glass, more steel bezel). It is a little cheaper than the old model.

Finally, we can regret the disappearance of the menu scroll strip on the side of the watch which was very practical.

The advantages of Vivoactive 3

Steel / design bezel
Corning Gorilla Glass 3
More robust
30 € cheaper
A little better autonomy in watch mode
Exists in steel case (more robust)

The advantages of Vivoactive 3 Music

Mp3 player
Rimless glass
Same price as the old model (the other model drops by 30 €)

How to choose between Vivoactive 3 and Vivoactive 3 Music?

It is clear that for people who do not listen to music or who can not part with their Smartphone, this new watch has frankly no added value compared to the previous model. No need to pay 30 € more for a function that you will not use. Unless you really like the new design and you're not looking at the extra price to pay!

For demanding athletes looking for a watch with music, it is better to move towards a more complete model in terms of sporting functions like the Forerunner 645 Music (read our opinion here) which is mainly intended for runners, or, high-end and more versatile, the excellent Fenix 5 Plus (read our description and reviews). But if the budget is limited and we are looking for a simple watch, we can turn to the Tom Tom Runner 3 Music (with GPS track) or otherwise, for an even lower price, the Tom Tom Runner 2 Music (see our Review).

Garmin Vivoactive 3 price and availability with or without music

Vivoactive 3 Music is already available on the Garmin website and on the Internet. It will soon be in major brands (Boulanger, ehealth, etc.). It is offered at € 329.99 (recommended price) or € 299.99 for the model without music (price of the watch with its bracelet and cable for charging and data transfer). Interchangeable straps can be purchased separately and are offered at € 29.99