When comparing Microsoft Band vs Garmin Vivoactive HR, the Slant community recommends Microsoft Band for most people. In the question“What are the best fitness trackers with heart rate monitoring?” Microsoft Band is ranked 7th while Garmin Vivoactive HR is ranked 11th. The most important reason people chose Microsoft Band is:
There is a built in heart rate monitor that is always monitoring and for the most part it is consistent in its tracking. This way people can get a full view of what their daily heart rate is at any given time.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Always-on heart-rate monitor
There is a built in heart rate monitor that is always monitoring and for the most part it is consistent in its tracking. This way people can get a full view of what their daily heart rate is at any given time.
Pro Allows downloading workouts
Users can download workouts to their devices from companies that have partnered with Microsft such as Gold's Gym or Men's Fitness. This allows for one to find workouts that fit their needs that are created by people familiar with what should work the best.
Pro Shows email, sms and call notifications
No matter the device being used, Android, iOS or Windows Phone the Microsoft Band is able to show ones connected devices emails, SMS and call notifications. This makes it easy to see what ones alerts are without having to pull the phone out of their pocket.
Pro Good display
The fitness tracker has a large backlit full-color touch-display that's sunlight-readable and responsive.
Pro Easy to use
The fitness tracker has two buttons, a back button that also locks the device and a start button that also enters settings, and an intuitive touch interface that is controlled with swipes and taps. The learning curve is close to nonexistant.
Pro Step, stairs, heart monitoring
Cons
Con Finess tracker heart rate monitoring
Fitness tracker
Con Slightly too big and heavy to be unnoticeable
Like most smart watches the Micorsoft band is big and heavy (due to their screens) and will be hard to forget one is wearing it due to the weight size and shape.
Con HR monitoring does not work during swimming
The fitness tracker's heart rate monitoring gets turned off during swimming.