Garmin adds new Connect Plus subscription with smarter health tracking

Garmin is expanding its fitness and health platform with the launch of Garmin Connect Plus, a new subscription service added to its popular Garmin Connect app. This new tier aims to give users more detailed and useful feedback based on their daily activity, sleep, and wellness habits. With this move, Garmin enters a space already shaped by subscription-based services from companies like Fitbit, Whoop, and Oura.

The new subscription costs $6.99 per month or $69.99 for a full year. New users can try the service for 30 days at no cost. Garmin Connect Plus adds a layer of advanced features that focus on giving deeper, more specific feedback to help users stay on track with their fitness goals. This marks a shift for the company, which until now has offered most of its data and tools without charging users extra.

What the new subscription includes

Garmin says the Connect Plus service introduces what it calls “Active Intelligence,” a set of new tools that work behind the scenes to help users make sense of their health data. These features go beyond basic step counts or heart rate stats. Instead, they are designed to analyze your personal patterns and give suggestions that feel more tailored to your lifestyle.

The more you use your Garmin watch and the Connect app, the more useful these suggestions should become. If you sleep poorly, the app might advise a lighter workout the next day. If your training intensity increases, it could suggest a longer rest period or hydration reminders. While Garmin hasn’t shared every detail about what’s included, it’s clear the service aims to offer more practical, daily guidance.

Garmin has promised that existing features in the Connect app will remain free. The paid tier is designed to add more value rather than restrict what users already have. Still, some longtime users have voiced concern that this may lead to more core features being put behind a paywall in the future. For now, Garmin is presenting the subscription as optional and focused on extra insights rather than core tracking.

Why this is a shift in Garmin’s approach

For years, Garmin stood out in the fitness tech market by allowing users to access their health and workout data without charging extra. It was a key selling point for many athletes and everyday users who didn’t want to be tied to a monthly fee. In contrast, other companies like Fitbit and Whoop have been using subscriptions for years, often requiring payment just to access full reports or health recommendations.

Garmin began signaling a new direction in 2023 when it launched Outdoor Maps Plus, a $50 per year subscription focused on outdoor trail maps and navigation features. That move marked a small but important step toward offering premium add-ons. Now with Garmin Connect Plus, the company is applying that same model to its health and wellness tools.

A great smartwatch deal to pair with the new features

Alongside the addition of Garmin Connect Plus, one of the company’s newest smartwatches, the vívoactive 5, is available at a reduced price. Originally released in late 2023, the vívoactive 5 is now selling for $236.92 on Amazon, down 21% from its regular price.

The vívoactive 5 is a solid mid-range smartwatch packed with useful health and activity tracking features. It has a bright, colorful AMOLED display that improves visibility during workouts or outdoor use. The battery lasts up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, giving it a major edge over many similar models that need charging more often.

This watch tracks a wide range of health metrics, including heart rate, blood oxygen levels, sleep patterns, stress, and energy levels. It also includes Garmin’s personalized sleep coaching, which provides helpful feedback in simple terms. While it doesn’t have every feature of higher-end models like the Forerunner or Fenix series, it covers nearly everything most users would want.

The vívoactive 5 supports over 30 different activity types, from strength training to swimming, and includes built-in GPS for outdoor workouts. It also has smart features like phone notifications, music playback, and Garmin Pay for contactless payments. With its current discount, it offers excellent value for anyone looking to start or upgrade their fitness tracking.

What does it mean for everyday fitness users

Garmin’s decision to launch a paid subscription marks a big change for the company and for how users think about fitness tech. Devices today aren’t just step counters or heart rate monitors. They’re becoming more like personal health coaches. But that kind of ongoing guidance often comes with a price.

With Connect Plus, Garmin is betting that users will see value in more precise and timely advice. Whether that’s recovery suggestions, sleep reports, or stress management tips, the added layer of context could make the data more actionable. For users who already rely on their Garmin device every day, this could be a helpful addition to their routine.

That said, not everyone will need or want a subscription. For those happy with basic metrics or who don’t use advanced tracking features, the standard Garmin Connect app will still do the job. But for those training for a race, recovering from injury, or looking to make long-term health improvements, the extra insights might justify the monthly cost.

The 30-day trial gives users a chance to try the new features risk-free. That makes it easier to see whether the added feedback makes a real difference in how they train or feel. If it does, the subscription might feel like a natural extension of the Garmin experience.

Get more from Garmin without overspending

For American consumers balancing work, family, and health goals, a service that simplifies wellness tracking could be especially appealing. Connect Plus may not be essential for every user, but for those serious about their performance or well-being, it’s a well-placed option.

The discounted vívoactive 5 also makes it easier to dive into Garmin’s system without spending top dollar. Paired with Connect Plus, it offers a strong combination of features and value. It’s a compelling choice for someone looking to stay on top of their health with a smartwatch that doesn’t overcomplicate things.

In a fast-changing market filled with constant updates and new features, Garmin’s new model blends innovation with familiarity. By keeping its core app free while offering more for those who want it, the company gives users the freedom to choose how deeply they want to engage.