If you’re like me and like to torture yourself by waking up too early in the morning to go for a run or bike ride before work, I’m guessing you use some sort of smartwatch to track your workout.
While something like the Apple Watch SE 3 – our recommended smartwatch for iPhone users like me – can handle most health and fitness tracking admirably at a good price, I’d still choose a Garmin smartwatch.
Garmin has long been known for its precise GPS technology and is also its main draw for its premium health and fitness-focused smartwatches.
Its flagship Fenix watches can cost at least AU$1,000 at full price and the premium Forerunner series isn’t too far away, but the Vivoactive 6 is a more accessible option packing a lot of those premium features but at a much lower price.
Garmin smartwatches have become popular for their long battery life which is measured in days or weeks, compared to hours with the Apple Watch SE 3. The Vivoactive 6 is no exception, with its battery lasting up to 11 days without needing to recharge. Even if you use the always-on display, you’ll get more out of it than any Apple Watch, even the Ultra.
The Vivoactive 6 also has an AMOLED screen to provide a display similar to other mainstream smartwatches, and I think its round dial gives it a more understated look compared to a square-shaped watch like Apple’s.
Another feature I like is offline music storage, which means you can leave your phone behind when you go for a run, walk, or bike ride. To do the same thing with an Apple Watch, you would have to opt for an LTE version which costs more (AU$469 for GPS+Cellular 40mm SE 3) and pay for a connected plan.
I also like that I can use the side buttons to navigate data screens, while the Apple Watch’s touchscreen gets smudged from sweaty fingers.
I should note that the Vivoactive 6 doesn’t have all the smartwatch-specific features that the Apple Watch does, like being able to take phone calls on your wrist and send text messages (some limited functionality via “Quick Replies” is available on Android phones). That’s not a complaint though, it’s an observation – and anyway, I’m already so distracted by my phone to begin with, so less is more in this situation.
Long story short, I’d spend my hard-earned money on the Garmin Vivoactive 6 right now (if I didn’t already own a Fenix) over the Apple Watch SE.
Want something cheaper? The Garmin watch worn by 2026 London Marathon winner (and record runner) Sabastian Sawe is also discounted for AU$268.
If, however, your main goal is smart features, I recommend getting the Apple Watch SE 3 if you have an iPhone, or one of the other watches on our list of the best smartwatches if you have an Android handset.
If you’re a little more serious about your workout – or planning to get more serious – and find the Vivoactive 6’s features aren’t enough for your needs, you can check out our list of the best Garmin watches.