Between the vívoactive 5 and ScanWatch 2, the vívoactive 5 comes out ahead in display size and weight, while the ScanWatch 2 wins on battery life and ecg. Overall, the vívoactive 5 scores 53.3 and the ScanWatch 2 scores 72.6 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The ScanWatch 2 is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 19.3 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the vívoactive 5 if the display is what you stare at all day — refresh rate, brightness, or sharpness is where the difference will be most visible. The biggest gaps in its favor are display size, weight, peak brightness.
Pick the ScanWatch 2 if your top frustration with your current device is running out of charge before the day ends — endurance is the lead spec here. Its strongest claims are battery life, ecg.
Both ship with comparable cellular, spo2, water resistance, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the ScanWatch 2 is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Why Garmin - vívoactive 5 wins
- ▲Display size — 90.48% more. 1.2 " vs 0.63 ".
- ▲Weight — 33.00 g less. 26 vs 59.
- ▲Peak brightness: 1000 nits vs 0 nits.
Why Withings - ScanWatch 2 wins
- ▲Battery life — 172.73% more. 720 h vs 264 h.
- ▲Has ECG.
Spec comparison
Design
| Spec | Garmin - vívoactive 5 | Withings - ScanWatch 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Case size | 42 mm | 42 mm |
| Weight | 26 glead | 59 g |
| Case material | polymer | stainless steel |
| Water resistanceⓘ | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
Display
| Spec | Garmin - vívoactive 5 | Withings - ScanWatch 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display size | 1.2 "lead | 0.63 " |
| Always-on display | truelead | false |
| Peak brightnessⓘ | 1000 nitslead | 0 nits |
Health & Fitness
| Spec | Garmin - vívoactive 5 | Withings - ScanWatch 2 |
|---|---|---|
| ECG | false | truelead |
| SpO2 | true | true |
| Temperature sensor | false | truelead |
| Sleep tracking | true | true |
| Blood pressure | false | false |
Battery & Connectivity
| Spec | Garmin - vívoactive 5 | Withings - ScanWatch 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 264 h | 720 hlead |
| GPS | truelead | false |
| Cellular | false | false |
| NFC | truelead | false |
| OS | Garmin OS | Withings OSlead |
Frequently asked
Which has longer battery life, vívoactive 5 or ScanWatch 2?+
ScanWatch 2 lasts 720h vs 264h.
Do vívoactive 5 or ScanWatch 2 support ECG?+
ScanWatch 2 supports ECG; vívoactive 5 does not.
Which has cellular, vívoactive 5 or ScanWatch 2?+
Neither offers cellular.
Spec-level deep dives
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