Garmin Vivoactive 6 vs. Vivoactive 5: What we recommend after testing
Following our real-world testing, this guide provides a comparison of the key differences between the Garmin Vivoactive 6 and Vivoactive 5.
Condensed by AI-Portable from Editorial queue.
Which Garmin Vivoactive is the best pick? Here's what we recommend after extensive testing
With the arrival of the Garmin Vivoactive 6 , it’s only natural to wonder how much better, smarter, and more useful it is compared to the Vivoactive 5 .
The 2023 Vivoactive 5 effectively marked the line’s relaunch after a four-year hiatus. Garmin then swiftly upgraded it in early 2025 with slicker software, improved coaching plans, and a slightly tweaked design.
It’s a minimal update—not one we think is worth upgrading to if you already own a Vivoactive 5. However, for people choosing directly between these two smartwatches, there’s plenty to consider.
Luckily, that’s what this guide is here for. After testing the Vivoactive 6 and Vivoactive 5, we’ve compiled a complete comparison of the designs, features, battery life, and pricing to help you decide. Let’s get into it.
The Garmin watches we’ve tested and recommend
The Vivoactive 5’s launch price was $299/£279—a price that has now been stripped back in some countries (like the UK, at £199) with the arrival of its successor. Meanwhile, the Vivoactive 6 sits at $299/£279.99, which is a little step up in price for some regions (but not the US).
There’s only one version for both watches, so no LTE models here, and unlike other Garmin lines, there’s just the one case size.