Garmin Lily 2 Active vs Garmin vívoactive 5
Garmin Lily 2 Active (2024, listed at $299) and Garmin vívoactive 5 (2023, listed at $299) are both smartwatches, so the choice comes down to specifics.
Specs last updated · prices are list prices
Garmin Lily 2 Active
Stylish small-wrist Garmin — built-in GPS, sleep coach and feminine patterned lens.
Garmin vívoactive 5
Most accessible Garmin AMOLED — 11-day battery, sleep coach, gym workouts and music storage.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Garmin Lily 2 Active wins on weight (29 g vs 36 g); Garmin vívoactive 5 wins on battery life (11 days vs 9 days) and tracked features (6 vs 3).
Bottom line: on raw specs the Garmin vívoactive 5 leads 2 to 1, but five spec categories are only a starting point. Match it to your phone, your main sport and your budget before you decide, or run the free quiz to see how each ranks for your answers.
Spec by spec
| Spec | Garmin Lily 2 Active | Garmin vívoactive 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 9 days | 11 days |
| Weight | 29 g | 36 g |
| List price | $299 | $299 |
| Water rating | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Tracked features | 3 | 6 |
| Case size | 38 mm | 42 mm |
| Display | LCD | AMOLED |
| Works with | both iPhone and Android | both iPhone and Android |
| Listed best for | everyday wellness, gym and strength work and health tracking | everyday wellness, gym and strength work and running |
| Released | 2024 | 2023 |
Trophy marks the better value on the five measurable specs. Battery is the manufacturer's rating, not our test. How we score is on the methodology page.
Feature overlap
Both have (3)
- built-in GPS
- blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
- swim tracking
Only Garmin Lily 2 Active (0)
Nothing unique.
Only Garmin vívoactive 5 (3)
- on-device music
- contactless payments
- AMOLED display
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Garmin Lily 2 Active if…
- You want a lighter watch: 29 g vs 36 g.
- Your main use is health tracking: it is listed for that and the Garmin vívoactive 5 is not.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin vívoactive 5 only works with Android.
- You want the newer model (2024 vs 2023).
Skip it if…
- • You want a big, easy-to-read screen — the case we list is only 38 mm.
- • You want a bright, vivid AMOLED screen — this one uses a lower-power display.
Pick the Garmin vívoactive 5 if…
- You want fewer charges: about 11 days per charge vs 9 days.
- You need on-device music, contactless payments and AMOLED display, which the Garmin Lily 2 Active does not list.
- Your main use is running: it is listed for that and the Garmin Lily 2 Active is not.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin Lily 2 Active only works with Android.
- You want a bright AMOLED screen.
Frequently asked questions
Which has better battery life, the Garmin Lily 2 Active or the Garmin vívoactive 5?
The Garmin vívoactive 5 has the longer rated battery life: about 11 days per charge against 9 days. These are manufacturer ratings; heavy GPS, always-on display and cellular use will cut both.
Which is cheaper, the Garmin Lily 2 Active or the Garmin vívoactive 5?
They have the same list price ($299) in our database. Check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Garmin Lily 2 Active and Garmin vívoactive 5 work with iPhone and Android?
Yes, they have the same phone support: both iPhone and Android.
Which is better for swimming, the Garmin Lily 2 Active or the Garmin vívoactive 5?
Neither has an edge on water rating: both are rated 5ATM. 5ATM is suitable for showering and pool swimming, but not for high-speed water sports or diving.
Not sure either is right for you?
Nine questions about your phone, sport, wrist and budget, scored against all of our watches with the reasoning shown.
Take the free quizWhere each one ranks #1 in our quiz
Garmin Lily 2 Active
Garmin vívoactive 5
It is not the top pick for any standard quiz profile.