Garmin VIRB Elite

Overview

TechSpot Metascore

Based on 12 expert reviews

Excellent:

2
Good:

7
Average:

3
Bad:

0

Pros:

Rugged design
Good 1080p and 720p performance
ANT+ sensor and remote connectivity

Cons:

Requires an optional dive case for shooting underwater
Video quality and resolution dwarfed by the GoPro Hero3 Black Edition

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Last revision on May 13, 2019

Reviewers Liked

Rugged design
Good 1080p and 720p performance
ANT+ sensor and remote connectivity
WiFi functions
Good image quality

Reviewers Didn't Like

Requires an optional dive case for shooting underwater
Video quality and resolution dwarfed by the GoPro Hero3 Black Edition
No live Internet streaming
No zoom

Competitors and Related Products

Our editors hand-pick related products using a variety of criteria: direct competitors targeting the same market segment, or devices that are similar in size, performance, or feature sets.

Expert reviews and ratings

The VIRB exploits Garmin's GPS expertise, and it's well designed with a simple slide switch to start and stop recording. It arrives with a GoPro mount adapter, and the whole package has been well thought out, though it's only waterproof to 1m without...

By TechRadar AU on June 12, 2015

Action cameras are about more than just capturing crazy stunts these days — they've become a way to make anything you do look cool. You've probably seen people wave a selfie stick around while riding a bike, or strap a camera to their chest at a sporting...

By The Verge on November 26, 2014

Controlling the camera is simple, thanks to the large slide control on its side. If the camera is turned off this will turn it on automatically and begin recording. Similarly, this slider will also stop recording and turn the camera off. There’s also a...

By Expert Reviews on October 18, 2014

For a first attempt at an action cam, the Garmin Virb Elite is a definite success. It's robust, waterproof, easy to use and has a good range of connectivity options. It can even tether to other Garmin devices. While the GoPro Hero3+ still offers better...

By DigitalVersus on April 01, 2014

The Garmin VIRB Elite is a real rival to the GoPro range, perhaps the biggest they've had to face so far. In fact, given a straight choice between this and the flagship GoPro Hero3+ Black Edition, we'd choose the Garmin. Cripes. It's easy to use, takes...

By Stuff on February 20, 2014

The action camera market has gone from under to over-saturated in a few short years, and we now have a plethora of options to capture our weekend adventures on miniature video cams. For several years now, though, the only real option for action...

By Gadget Guy Australia on January 22, 2014

The Garmin VIRB is a capable action camera, but the premium Elite model's ANT sensor capabilities make it a truly unique option that's perfect for serious outdoors action types.

By TrustedReviews on January 03, 2014

The Garmin Virb and Virb Elite are functional, durable action cameras that aren't quite as durable or functional as their main...

By PC Mag on December 23, 2013

The Garmin VIRB Elite has three HD video modes, a long battery life, GPS, Wi-Fi, digital stabilization, photo capture and is water resistant. These features make it a versatile wearable camera for action sports, photography and family use. The camera in...

By TopTenREVIEWS on May 22, 2015

You can't just do something dangerous and insane these days without filming it for posterity. And while action cameras let us relieve these life-highlights over and over, they aren't all created equal. We decided to see for ourselves which one could...

By Gizmodo on April 17, 2014

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Garmin VIRB Elite

Overview

Pros & Cons

Reviews

Price: $559

TechSpot Metascore

Pros:

Cons:

Reviewers Liked

Reviewers Didn't Like

Competitors and Related Products

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Expert reviews and ratings