| Apple Watch (SE / Series / Ultra) | Garmin vívoactive 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 35/100 (Fair) | 78/100 (Great) |
| Official API ⚡ | Via phone health platform (5/25) | Partner/business only (10/25) |
| Data export ⚡ | Full account export (15/25) | Local raw files (25/25) |
| Gadgetbridge / open firmware ⚡ | Not supported (0/20) | Supported (20/20) |
| Home Assistant ⚡ | None (0/15) | Community (HACS) (8/15) |
| Subscription | Not needed (15/15) | Not needed (15/15) |
| Subscription | None | Garmin Connect+ (optional, not needed) |
⚡ = where they differ.
Apple Watch (SE / Series / Ultra)
No cloud API; data stays in HealthKit on your iPhone, readable by apps you authorise. The Health app can export all health data as an archive.
API · Export · Home Assistant
Garmin vívoactive 5
Garmin's best-selling everyday smartwatch has the usual Garmin data story: FIT files you can copy off the watch, Gadgetbridge rates it "mostly supported" for fully offline use, a community Home Assistant integration, and an official API for approved businesses only. Garmin Connect+ is optional.
API · Export · Home Assistant
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Scores come from each device's cited sources, last verified 2026-10-20. See how we score.
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