The Garmin Venu 4 is a better choice for users who want a smartwatch with comprehensive features like GPS, display, notifications, and music, while the WHOOP 5.0 is more suitable for athletes focused on in-depth recovery analysis and training optimization despite its lack of display and other smart features.
| Attribute | Garmin Venu 4 | WHOOP 5.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Heart Rate Monitoring Accuracy | Uses optical heart rate sensors, accuracy can be affected by various factors; chest straps provide more consistent readings. | ~99% accuracy claimed; may be inconsistent during high-intensity workouts compared to a chest strap |
| Sleep Tracking Quality | Reliable in detecting Light and Deep sleep stages, generally accurate with REM sleep. | Tracks light, deep, REM, and awake sleep stages with improved accuracy; improved wake detection |
| GPS Accuracy and Speed | Enhanced GPS for precise tracking during outdoor activities. | No built-in GPS |
| Battery Life (typical use) | Depends on enabled features like activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, notifications, and GPS. | 14+ days; PowerPack adds up to 30 days |
| Water Resistance Rating | 5ATM, suitable for splashes, rain, snow, showering, swimming, and snorkeling. | IP68 (dust-tight and water-resistant up to 10 meters for 2 hours) |
| Display Type and Brightness | AMOLED display with adaptive brightness, clear viewing in various lighting conditions, brighter and sharper than previous models. | Screen-free design |
| Available Sports/Activity Profiles | Various activity profiles, including dedicated modes for pool, open water, and swimrun activities. | Tracks over 145 activities including running, cycling, yoga, swimming, weightlifting, and massage therapy |
| Smartphone Notifications Support | Allows receiving calls, messages, and alerts directly on the wrist. | No smartphone notification support |
| Music Storage and Playback | Stores hundreds of songs, syncs playlists from Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music (on select models) for offline playback. | No music storage or playback capabilities |
| Stress Tracking Capabilities | Tracks stress levels using heart rate variability (HRV), provides a stress score from 0 to 100. | Uses HRV and heart rate to identify high-stress periods |
| Body Composition Analysis | Tracks body temperature and blood oxygen levels. | Requires integration with a Withings scale to track body fat, muscle mass, and bone mass |
| Recovery Metrics and Analysis | Estimates recovery time considering training effect, sleep quality, stress levels, and daily activity. | Provides a recovery score based on HRV to guide training intensity and prevent overtraining |