Before you buy Garmin vívosmart 5
Garmin's slim screen band, compared with a lighter band that never charges.
Garmin vívosmart 5 is a $149.99 fitness band with a small monochrome touchscreen, no subscription and Garmin's deep fitness platform, Garmin Connect. It lasts up to seven days per charge. Ray is screen-free, about a quarter of the device weight and powered by light.
The short answer
Choose vívosmart 5 if you want Garmin Connect, notifications and stats on your wrist for less. Choose Ray if you want a lighter, quieter band with no charging routine.
Garmin vívosmart 5 status: Currently sold.
Side by side
Specs are manufacturer claims and US pricing snapshots, not lab-test results. A blank promise is less useful than a clear tradeoff, so we keep this list deliberately practical.
| What changes | Chargerless Ray | Garmin vívosmart 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Screen-free wristband | Fitness band |
| Power | Light powered; no charging routine | Rechargeable; up to 7 days |
| Screen | None | Monochrome touchscreen |
| US price | $219 silver / $249 gold | $149.99 |
| Required subscription | None | None |
| Core tracking | Sleep, heart rate, HRV, temperature, steps and light exposure | Activity, sleep, HR, stress, respiration and Pulse Ox |
Still weighing fitness trackers? Read what to look for in a tracker you'll want to wear every day.
Neither wins every category
The best tracker is the one whose compromises fit your life—and that you will actually keep wearing.
Why choose Ray
Ray removes charging and is about one-quarter the device weight.
Why choose Garmin vívosmart 5
vívosmart 5 costs less and brings Garmin's deep fitness ecosystem plus Pulse Ox.
Research note. Competitor facts were checked against Garmin vívosmart 5 product page on August 20, 2026. Prices, promotions, regional features and announced-product timelines can change. Ray details reflect the current Chargerless product page. Neither product is a substitute for medical care.
Wear your health. Not a charger. Ray tracks the essentials in a 7-gram bracelet powered by light. Silver starts at $219. Gold starts at $249. No required subscription.
See Ray options Browse all 38 comparisons