Withings ScanWatch 2 vs Garmin Vivosmart 5: Which Fits Your Day?
By McCabes Pharmacy | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: Buying Guides
Compare the Withings ScanWatch 2 38mm and Garmin Vivosmart 5 on design, health tracking, battery and price to decide which wearable suits your routine.
Quick answer
Choose the Withings ScanWatch 2 38mm if you want a dressier hybrid watch with advanced temperature tracking and are willing to pay more. Pick the Garmin Vivosmart 5 Small/Medium if you prefer a lightweight, simple fitness tracker with a touchscreen and a lower price.
Design and everyday wear
The ScanWatch 2 in rose gold has a traditional watch look that works with office wear and evenings out, while the Vivosmart 5 is a slim fitness band that disappears under a sleeve. Neither is objectively better—your daily dress code and comfort preferences decide.
Health tracking depth
Withings positions the ScanWatch 2 as a 24/7 health companion with its TempTech24/7 module for temperature tracking, which may appeal if you want to monitor trends beyond steps and heart rate. The Vivosmart 5 covers standard fitness tracking such as workouts and health insights, but it does not include the ScanWatch 2’s temperature feature. If temperature tracking is a priority, the Withings is the clearer choice; if you mainly want step and workout tracking, the Garmin is sufficient.
Battery life and charging routine
Garmin states up to 7 days of battery life for the Vivosmart 5, which suits people who dislike frequent charging. Withings does not list a battery life figure in the supplied details, so check the product page if all-week battery is essential. A longer battery is convenient, but it may not matter if you already charge your watch nightly.
Price and value
At the catalog prices shown, the ScanWatch 2 is significantly more expensive than the Vivosmart 5, even with its comparison price. The higher cost buys the hybrid design and temperature tracking. The Vivosmart 5 costs less and still delivers core fitness features, making it the budget-friendly option.
Trade-offs to weigh
- Style vs. simplicity: The ScanWatch 2 looks like a classic watch and can be worn with dressier outfits; the Vivosmart 5 is a casual fitness band. Choose based on whether you want one device for both work and workouts or a dedicated activity tracker.
- Advanced health data vs. core tracking: The ScanWatch 2 includes temperature tracking via TempTech24/7, while the Vivosmart 5 focuses on standard fitness and health insights. If you need temperature trends, the Withings is the only option here; otherwise, the Garmin covers the basics.
- Upfront cost vs. long-term value: The ScanWatch 2 has a higher catalog price, but it may replace a traditional watch. The Vivosmart 5 is cheaper and offers up to 7 days of battery, which can be better value if you only need fitness tracking.
Key product facts
- Withings ScanWatch 2 Hybrid Smartwatch – 38mm Rose Gold: 38mm rose gold hybrid smartwatch with TempTech24/7 temperature tracking. You get a watch that looks traditional and adds temperature trend data, but you pay more for it.
Withings ScanWatch 2 Hybrid Smartwatch – 38mm Rose Gold - Garmin Vivosmart 5 Smart Watch Small/Medium – White: Small/Medium white fitness tracker with a touchscreen and up to 7 days of battery life. It is a lightweight, lower-cost option for everyday activity and health tracking with less frequent charging.
Garmin Vivosmart 5 Smart Watch Small/Medium – White
Which should you choose?
Best for
- People who want a hybrid smartwatch that looks like a traditional watch and includes temperature tracking.
- Users willing to spend more for a dressier design and advanced health features.
Not for
- Budget-conscious shoppers who mainly want step and workout tracking.
- Anyone who prefers a lightweight fitness band with a touchscreen and long battery life.
