Versus Matchup · Reviewed by Sanjiv Sathiah, Managing Editor
A head-to-head wearable comparison of critic scores, GPS & sensor accuracy, battery endurance, value pressure, and buyer fit.
Carries the stronger blended case on critic score (84), value score (100), and release longevity.
Garmin Lily 2 Active
With the Garmin Lily 2 Active, Garmin finally added built-in GPS, two physical side buttons, and 9-day battery life to its petite 38mm jewelry-inspired anodized aluminum case. When idle, the display vanishes behind a patterned lens; flick your wrist and you get Garmin Pay, Sleep Coach, HRV status, and true untethered outdoor run tracking in a 29-gram package.
Garmin Vivosmart 5
The Garmin Vivosmart 5 is the best fitness band for shoppers who want Garmin's completely subscription-free Body Battery energy monitoring, sleep score, all-day stress tracking, and Morning Report in a slim 26.5-gram strap. It relies on your phone for connected GPS and uses a utilitarian monochrome OLED screen, but never locks your historical health data behind a monthly paywall.
| Metric | Garmin Lily 2 Active | Garmin Vivosmart 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Critic MetaScore | 84/100 | 82/100 |
| Value Score | 100/100 | 100/100 |
| Typical Street Price | $299 | $149 |
| Category | Fitness Trackers | Fitness Trackers |
| Key Hardware / Sensors | 38mm petite metal case / Built-in GPS / 9-day battery | Subscription-free band / Body Battery / 7-day battery |
| Battery Life | Up to 9 days in smartwatch mode / up to 9 hrs in GPS mode | Up to 7 days in watch/activity tracking mode |
| Sensors & GPS | Garmin Elevate Gen 4 optical HR, HRV status, Pulse Ox, built-in GPS/GLONASS/Galileo | Garmin Elevate wrist HR, Pulse Ox SpO2, Body Battery energy monitoring, all-day stress & sleep score |
| Display | 1.0-inch (240x201) hidden liquid crystal display behind patterned lens + 2 physical side buttons | 0.41 x 0.73-inch (88x154) bright monochrome OLED touchscreen + physical button |
| Case & Lens Glass | 38mm anodized aluminum case (29g), Corning Gorilla Glass 3, 14mm quick-release bands | 26.5g interchangeable silicone band design with polycarbonate casing & acrylic lens |
| Water & Dive Rating | 5 ATM (50m swimproof) | 5 ATM (swim and shower safe) |
| Platform & Storage | Garmin OS (Garmin Pay contactless payments, Sleep Coach, Body Battery, nap detection) | Garmin OS (Connected GPS, Incident Detection & Assistance alerts, Morning Report) |
| Phone Compatibility | iOS & Android via Garmin Connect | iOS & Android via Garmin Connect ($0/mo — no subscription required) |
| Release Age | 2y 1m old | 4y 6m old |
| Consensus | 84/100 | 82/100 |
| Buying Verdict | Best value | Best value |
Garmin Lily 2 Active takes the overall recommendation on Smartwatchify (84 MetaScore vs 82), while Garmin Vivosmart 5 remains a strong option depending on street price ($149) and ecosystem preference.
Garmin Lily 2 Active is listed around $299 (100/100 value score), whereas Garmin Vivosmart 5 is listed around $149 (100/100 value score). Check live Amazon and B&H Photo offers as wearable discounts frequently shift the value winner.
Choose Garmin Lily 2 Active for the stronger all-around critic consensus and sensor longevity, or pick Garmin Vivosmart 5 if its battery life, form factor, or current deal price fits your priorities better.
Managing Editor
Sanjiv is a veteran technology journalist and the Managing Editor across our network. With over 15 years of experience writing and reviewing consumer electronics, his bylines have appeared in top-tier tech publications including MacNN, Electronista, SlashGear, and Notebook Check. His deep industry knowledge and authoritative, buyer-focused insights drive our "Editor's Verdict" recommendations, ensuring you cut through the noise and buy the right tech.