Garmin Vivoactive HR vs Polar M400

Last Updated & Fact Checked:  April 18, 2026

Are you trying to decide between the Garmin Vivoactive HR and the Polar M400?

Product Versus will provide you with all the product details so you can quickly compare the facts to find which product is right for you – the Garmin Vivoactive HR or the Polar M400 – and find out exactly what the differences are.

Both the Garmin Vivoactive HR and the Polar M400 are quality products, so read on to find out which one is best for your needs!

Garmin Vivoactive HR quick facts

Polar M400 quick facts

Garmin Vivoactive HR product details

Bestseller No. 1
Garmin vívoactive 5, Health and Fitness GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, Up to 11 Days of Battery, Orchid
  • Designed with a bright, colorful AMOLED display, get a more complete picture of your health, thanks to battery life of up to 11 days in smartwatch mode
  • Body Battery energy monitoring helps you understand when you’re charged up or need to rest, with even more personalized insights based on sleep, naps, stress levels, workouts and more (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
  • Get a sleep score and personalized sleep coaching for how much sleep you need — and get tips on how to improve plus key metrics such as HRV status to better understand your health (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
  • Find new ways to keep your body moving with more than 30 built-in indoor and GPS sports apps, including walking, running, cycling, HIIT, swimming, golf and more
  • Wheelchair mode tracks pushes — rather than steps — and includes push and handcycle activities with preloaded workouts for strength, cardio, HIIT, Pilates and yoga, challenges specific to wheelchair users and more (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
Bestseller No. 2
Band for Garmin Vivoactive HR Watch, Soft Silicone Wristband Replacement Band for Garmin Vivoactive HR Sports Watch
  • Compatible with Garmin Vivoactive HR ONLY - Personalized Your Garmin Vivoactive HR Watch with this refined replacement wrist band
  • Adjustable Secure Wristband Design - Free size fits most wrists (Fits 5.51"-8.18" (140mm-208mm) wrist), have plenty of spots for size adjustment
  • Softness is moderate, wear very comfortable. Compression molding, sturdy and durable. Easy and direct installation and removal
  • Delighted varied color personalize your wristband to fits your mood and outfits in daily life with this brand new color choices
  • Only the accessory band itself and screwdrivers, exclude the Watch device or other parts
Bestseller No. 3
Garmin® HRM 600 Premium Heart Rate Monitor, Accurate Heart Rate and HRV Data, Running Dynamics, Stand-Alone Activity Recording, M-XL
  • Sends accurate real-time heart rate and HRV data to compatible Garmin smartwatches and cycling computers, fitness equipment, and apps
  • Comfortable machine-washable strap is available in two sizes (XS–S and M–XL) for the most ideal fit for your body type
  • Understand how much you slow down when your foot hits the ground with step speed loss, and improve your running form with additional running dynamics, including stride length, vertical oscillation and ground contact time balance (requires compatible smartwatch)
  • During activities where you can’t wear a watch, such as team sports, HRM 600 will record the workout and sync data, including heart rate, calories, speed, distance and more, directly to the Garmin Connect smartphone app
  • Tracks daily metrics, including estimated steps, heart rate, calories burned and more, and syncs that data directly to the Garmin Connect smartphone app

Polar M400 product details

Bestseller No. 1
kwmobile Strap Compatible with Polar M400 / M430 Strap - Replacement Silicone Watch Band - Black
  • COMPATIBLE WITH: Polar M400 / M430 - PLEASE NOTE: "Since the models may differ slightly in construction, we request that you safely remove any plastic parts on the fitness tracker before mounting the bracelet.
  • SOFT MATERIAL: TPU silicone strap is flexible, waterproof and durable; protects from scratches, wear and tear
  • ADJUSTABLE: Band measures approx. 6.3 - 9.5 inches (16 - 24 cm) and can be adjusted with the buckle
  • NEW LOOK: Personalize your activity tracker with these straps or use them as replacement bands
  • NOTE: Silicone watch strap does NOT include fitness tracker
Bestseller No. 2
QGHXO Band for Polar M400/M430, Soft Adjustable Silicone Replacement Wrist Watch Band for Polar M400/M430 Watch (Black)
  • Changeable wristband compatible with the Polar M400/M430 fitness watch (M400/M430 fitness watch not included)
  • Lightweight, seamless design, Fully waterproof for swimming
  • Comfortable, soft-touch wristband is made of durable silicone material
  • Customize your M400/M430 with vibrantly colored wristbands
  • Band Wide: 23MM, Band length: 235MM. Note: This silicone band for Polar M400 GPS Smart Sports Watch and Polar M430 GPS Running Watch Only
Bestseller No. 3
Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap - ANT + Bluetooth, Waterproof HR Sensor for Men and Women, Red, M-XXL
  • WORKS WITH EVERYTHING: Polar HRM works with many smart watches, Polar Beat, apps such as Strava and Nike, and ALL HRM compatible Equipment.
  • SUPREME ACCURACY: Widely recognized for its top precision by many sources, Polar H10 is the most accurate heart rate sensor in Polar's history. Polar H10 provides top quality measurement.
  • CONNECTIVITY: Bluetooth, ANT plus and 5 kHz provide an excellent variety of connection options. You can use Bluetooth and ANT plus connections simultaneously as well as two Bluetooth connections simultaneously.
  • POLAR PRO CHEST STRAP: With improved electrodes, an easy-to-use buckle and silicone dots, the strap is comfortable and interference-free.
  • VERSATILITY: Polar H10 is fully waterproof and it has internal memory for multiple hours.

New products & alternatives to the Garmin Vivoactive HR and the Polar M400

New
Garmin Quick Release Bracelet 20mm Fits Selected Forerunnner Venu Vivoactive Vivomove D2 Approach Series Original Accessories
  • Quick to replace: change the 20 mm quick-release bracelet easily without tools - simply click in and out, done. In just a few seconds you have a new, personal look
  • High-quality material: the 20 mm quick-change strap gives your watch a new look immediately. Whether sporty, elegant or casual - so you always look good
  • Suitable for: Approach J1, Approach S12, Approach S40, Approach S42, Apporach S44, Approach S50, D2 Air, D2 Air X10, Forerunner 165, Forerunner 245 Music, Forerunner 55, Forerunner 570 - 42 mm, Forerunner 645, Forerunner 245
  • Suitable for: Venu, Venu Sq, Venu Sq 2, Venu 2 Plus, vivoactive 3, vivoactive 5, vivoactive 6, vivomove , vivomove 3, vivomove HR, vivomove luxe, vivomove sport, vivomove style, vivomove trend
New
Garmin® Venu® X1, Thin and Lightweight GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, Advanced Health and Fitness Features, Soft Gold with Titanium Caseback and French Gray ComfortFit Nylon Band
  • Sleek GPS smartwatch with our biggest display 2 easy-to-read AMOLED and our thinnest watch case measuring 8 mm with a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, titanium caseback, bright LED flashlight and ComfortFit nylon band for all-day wearability
  • Battery performance: up to 8 days in smartwatch mode; up to 16 hours in GPS mode
  • Health is wealth; invest in yours with 24/7 health and wellness monitoring with HRV status, advanced sleep tracking, Body Battery energy monitoring, Pulse Ox and more (this is not a medical device, and data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked; Pulse Ox not available in all countries)
  • Track your passions with more than 100 preloaded indoor and outdoor sports apps, including running, golf and strength training
  • Stay connected hands-free: A built-in speaker and mic let you make and take phone calls from your wrist when your watch is paired to your smartphone and you can even use your smartphones voice assistant to respond to text messages and more
New
Garmin 010-N2785-04 Venu 3S Fitness GPS Smartwatch Gold Bezel with Ivory Case 41mm (Renewed) Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
  • EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE - Enjoy up to 10 days in smartwatch mode or 15 hours in GPS mode, minimizing charging and maximizing usage for all your activities and adventures.
  • ADVANCED FITNESS TRACKING - Monitor steps, calories, floors climbed, and intensity minutes, providing a comprehensive overview of your daily activity levels and workout performance.
  • SEAMLESS CONNECTIVITY - Stay connected with Bluetooth, ANT+, and Wi-Fi, enabling smart notifications, music control, and Garmin Pay for convenient, on-the-go transactions.
  • VIBRANT AMOLED DISPLAY - Experience clear visuals on a 1.2" (390x390 pixels) AMOLED display with optional always-on mode, ensuring readability in any lighting conditions.
  • WATER-RESISTANT DESIGN - With a 5 ATM water rating, this smartwatch is suitable for swimming and other water activities, providing reliable performance in aquatic environments.
New
Garmin vívosmart 5, Fitness Tracker, Long-Lasting Battery, Simple Design, Black Large Bundle with Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
  • SIMPLE, EASY-TO-USE DESIGN: The Garmin vívosmart 5 fitness tracker features a 66% larger, brighter display than its predecessor for effortless readability. A responsive touchscreen with a button interface ensures smooth navigation, while its lightweight, comfortable band design makes it perfect for daily wear at work, the gym, or on the go.
  • SPORTS APPS AND CONNECTED GPS: Move your way with built-in activity profiles for walking, running, yoga, cycling, Pilates, and more. Connect to your smartphone’s GPS to accurately record distance, pace, and routes during outdoor workouts. The vívosmart 5 smartwatch provides essential tracking data to help you stay consistent and confident in your progress.
  • EXTENDED BATTERY AND WATER RATING: Stay active longer with up to 7 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, giving you uninterrupted performance throughout the week. The vívosmart 5 fitness tracker is rated 5 ATM for water resistance, so you can wear it confidently in the pool or shower without removing your device.
  • STAY CONNECTED ANYWHERE: Pair with your smartphone to receive call, text, and app notifications directly on your wrist. Smart connectivity features keep you informed without reaching for your phone. Compatible with the Garmin Connect app, you can view your activity stats, track progress, and sync data automatically to review trends over time.
  • Bundle Includes: Garmin vívosmart 5, Fitness Tracker, Long-Lasting Battery, Simple Design, Black Large + USB3.0 to type-c female adapter Space Gray + Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
New
Garmin vívosmart 5, Fitness Tracker, Long-Lasting Battery, Simple Design, Black Bundle with USB Wall Charger + More
  • SIMPLE, EASY-TO-USE DESIGN: The Garmin vívosmart 5 fitness tracker features a 66% larger, brighter display than its predecessor for effortless readability. A responsive touchscreen with a button interface ensures smooth navigation, while its lightweight, comfortable band design makes it perfect for daily wear at work, the gym, or on the go.
  • SPORTS APPS AND CONNECTED GPS: Move your way with built-in activity profiles for walking, running, yoga, cycling, Pilates, and more. Connect to your smartphone’s GPS to accurately record distance, pace, and routes during outdoor workouts. The vívosmart 5 smartwatch provides essential tracking data to help you stay consistent and confident in your progress.
  • EXTENDED BATTERY AND WATER RATING: Stay active longer with up to 7 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, giving you uninterrupted performance throughout the week. The vívosmart 5 fitness tracker is rated 5 ATM for water resistance, so you can wear it confidently in the pool or shower without removing your device.
  • STAY CONNECTED ANYWHERE: Pair with your smartphone to receive call, text, and app notifications directly on your wrist. Smart connectivity features keep you informed without reaching for your phone. Compatible with the Garmin Connect app, you can view your activity stats, track progress, and sync data automatically to review trends over time.
  • Bundle Includes: Garmin vívosmart 5, Fitness Tracker, Long-Lasting Battery, Simple Design, Black + USB3.0 to type-c female adapter Space Gray + USB Wall Charger (2000 mAh) White Cube + Microfiber Cleaning Cloth + P-Bank Battery + Air Pro TWS Truly Wireless EarBuds - WHITE + Universal 2-port USB Car adapter

Our conclusion on the Garmin Vivoactive HR vs Polar M400

Both the Garmin Vivoactive HR and the Polar M400 are high quality products and we are sure you will be happy with either one. In the end it comes down to your budget and the value for money you are looking for.

Either way, the Garmin Vivoactive HR and the Polar M400 are both excellent products that will more than do their job!