Vivosmart 5: From good to bad stress measurement

I recently bought a Vivosmart 5 and have been finding it underwhelming. As a long-time Garmin user, I'm now considering other brands like Fitbit. The stress tracking feature, in particular, seems to be significantly less accurate than previous models. It frequently reports high stress levels, even during periods of relaxation. This inconsistency is puzzling, especially given my positive experiences with other Garmin devices. Why is the Vivosmart 5's stress algorithm so much less reliable, particularly when compared to my older Vivosmart 4?

0 8768744 1 hour ago

Hey! Lite Blue

I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing issues with the Vivosmart 5's stress tracking. It's definitely frustrating when a device doesn't meet expectations, especially when you've had positive experiences with previous models.

From what I've gathered, the Vivosmart 5 uses heart rate variability (HRV) to measure stress levels. However, some users have reported that the stress tracking algorithm isn't as reliable as in earlier models. This could be due to several factors, such as changes in the algorithm, hardware differences, or even individual variations in how stress is manifested and measured.

If you're considering switching to another brand, Fitbit is a solid option, as they also offer stress tracking features. It might be worth trying out a Fitbit device to see if it better meets your needs.

Have you had a chance to test any Fitbit devices yet, or are you still exploring your options?