The Garmin Vivoactive 6 is a bit too similar to its predecessor, despite some cool updates

A photo of four Garmin Vivoactive 6 watches, showing the four color options and various tools on the AMOLED displays like suggested workouts and images in messages.

(Image credit: Garmin)

What you need to know

The Garmin Vivoactive 6, like the last model, has a 1.2-inch AMOLED display, 11-day battery life, all-systems GNSS, and music storage.
It adds two new satellite systems, a gyroscope, new running coaching tools, doubled storage, and a new smart alarm.
It keeps the same Elevate v4 sensor as most last-gen Garmin watches, without ECG or skin temp support.
It ships in Slate, Lunar Gold, Metallic Jasper Green, and Metallic Pink Dawn for $299 and is available now.

The Garmin Vivoactive 6 has arrived as the latest "mainstream" watch for frugal athletes who can't afford the Venu 3. And while it does have software upgrades, the hardware is quite similar to the Vivoactive 5.

Both have an identical 42.2mm case size, 36g weight with strap, 1.2-inch AMOLED touch display with 325 PPI, 11-day battery life, and 17 hours of all-systems GNSS tracking.

The Vivoactive 6 does measure 0.2mm thinner, which we appreciate, and it has a new main button that's elevated and more compact than the last generation, hopefully making it easier to press.

Unfortunately, this watch has the same Elevate v4 sensors, with accurate heart rate, HRV, stress, blood oxygen, and sleep data, but no ECG or skin temperature readings like the 2023 Venu 3. Given that the Instinct 3 also stuck to last-gen sensors, the cheaper Vivoactive 6 wasn't likely to upgrade, either. But it's still disappointing.

A press photo of three Garmin Vivoactive 6 watches sitting side by side on tiny stairs. The left black watch shows a Body Battery chart, the middle green watch shows a heart rate chart, and the top-right pink watch shows a sleep summary. — (Image credit: Garmin)

You get the same aluminum bezel as the last generation, giving the Vivoactive 6 a distinct look compared to the steel or polymer bezels of most Garmin watches. It ships in Slate, Lunar Gold, Metallic Jasper Green, and Metallic Pink Dawn, and costs $299 like its predecessor.

In terms of what is new, the Vivoactive 6 gets doubled music storage to 8GB, support for two new satellite systems — BeiDou and QZSS — and a gyroscope for better wrist-tracking accuracy.

The last upgrade pairs well with the new Garmin Strength Coach and workout animations, letting you follow a months-long training plan with auto-generated workouts and see form guidance for reps on the Vivoactive 6. Of course, you'll need the new Garmin Connect+ subscription that's generating controversy for the best indoor workouts.

Interestingly, Garmin improved running software tools on the Vivoactive 6, adding support for Track and Trail Running modes, post-run training effect, PacePro, wrist-based running dynamics, running power, and race predictions.

We only wish they'd added an altimeter for proper elevation tracking for runs, something the Vivoactive 4 had but the Vivoactive 5 cut. You'll need a Garmin Forerunner for that and other insights like training load.

An ECG summary page on the Garmin Venu 3 saying the author's sinus rhythm is normal — Why won't Garmin give more watches its new Elevate sensor? (Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

Along with strength training, Garmin says the Vivoactive 6 will have daily suggested workouts for walking, giving an example of "speed intervals" where you pick up the pace in short bursts. Garmin's suggested workouts have typically been for running and cycling; we love this addition for more casual athletes, helping people hit their daily step goals.

Garmin also added a "smart alarm" to the Vivoactive 6, a first for the Garmin brand. Like Fitbit's smart alarm, it "looks for lighter sleep stages during a pre-selected window of time to gently wake users with a light vibration," so your REM sleep isn't disrupted, but you still wake up on time.

Otherwise, you're getting a long list of popular, mainstream-focused Garmin perks: enhanced Body Battery tracking, the Sleep Coach, wheelchair mode, images in notifications (Android only), stress tracking with meditation and breathing guidance, and Garmin Pay.

Overall, this feels like a fairly iterative update for the Vivoactive 6. But we already liked recommending the Vivoactive 5 as the entry-level Garmin watch for anyone new to the platform. The Vivoactive 6 retains that mainstream appeal, and we at least appreciate that it's trying new things with the smart alarm, strength coaching, and walk suggestions.

The Garmin Vivoactive 6 is now on Garmin's site, where you can order it starting April 4.

Michael is Android Central's resident expert on wearables and fitness. Before joining Android Central, he freelanced for years at Techradar, Wareable, Windows Central, and Digital Trends. Channeling his love of running, he established himself as an expert on fitness watches, testing and reviewing models from Garmin, Fitbit, Samsung, Apple, COROS, Polar, Amazfit, Suunto, and more.