vívoactive® 6
#8
Garmin

Garmin vívoactive® 6

Rating

Model: 010-02985-01
$299(incl. tax)Amazon price as of 2025-08-13
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Product Overview

The Garmin vívoactive® 6 is a health and fitness GPS smartwatch featuring a bright AMOLED display and up to 11 days of battery life. It offers Body Battery energy monitoring, sleep score with personalized coaching, and over 80 built-in sports apps. It also includes smart notifications, music storage, and Garmin Pay for contactless payments. The watch provides extensive health monitoring features, including heart rate, stress tracking, and more.

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Product Specifications

Display Size
1.2inches
Display Resolution
- pixels
Battery Life
11days
Water Resistance
- ATM
Heart Rate Monitoring
Yes
GPS
Yes
Bluetooth Support
Bluetooth
NFC Support
Yes
Operating System
Garmin OS
Weight
36.8grams

Size & Weight

Weight
1.3 ounces
Hight
-
Width
-
Depth
-

Features

Heart Rate Monitoring Function

Accurately monitors heart rate throughout the day, providing real-time data and insights into cardiovascular health. Useful for optimizing workouts and identifying potential health issues. Data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked.

Sleep Tracking Function

Monitors sleep stages, including light, deep, and REM sleep, providing a detailed analysis of sleep patterns. Helps users understand and improve their sleep quality with personalized sleep coaching. Data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked.

GPS Tracking Function

Tracks location during outdoor activities, providing accurate data on distance, pace, and routes. Ideal for runners, cyclists, and hikers. Built-in GPS allows for phone-free tracking during workouts.

Smartphone Notification Function

Displays notifications from your smartphone on your wrist, including calls, texts, emails, and app alerts. Keeps you connected without needing to constantly check your phone. Some users have reported occasional connectivity issues.

Music Playback Control Function

Allows you to control music playback on your smartphone from your smartwatch, including skipping tracks, adjusting volume, and pausing/playing music. Also supports music storage on the watch for phone-free listening.

Contactless Payment Function

Enables you to make payments using your smartwatch at compatible payment terminals via Garmin Pay. Offers a quick and convenient way to make purchases without needing your phone or wallet. Requires a supported country and payment network.

SHOPSTAFF Rating Score

#8
Ranked #8 out of 100 products in Category
4.5
Overall Rating

The vívoactive® 6 offers a comprehensive suite of health and fitness features with a vibrant AMOLED display and long battery life. It's positioned as a versatile smartwatch for daily activity tracking and sports. The watch is expected to last for several years with proper care.

Display Quality and Size
4.5
The 1.2-inch AMOLED display is bright and clear, making it easy to view health metrics and notifications. The screen is smooth and easy to navigate. The size is suitable for most wrists, providing a comfortable viewing experience.
Health and Fitness Tracking Features
4.7
Offers extensive health monitoring features, including heart rate, sleep tracking, Body Battery, stress tracking, and more. It provides personalized insights based on sleep, naps, and workouts. The watch also supports over 80 built-in sports apps.
Smartphone Compatibility
4.6
Seamlessly connects to smartphones, allowing users to receive texts, emails, and other smart notifications directly on their wrist. Connectivity is generally easy, though re-syncing may be required for certain functions.
Battery Life
4.8
Provides up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, which is excellent for extended use without frequent charging. Battery life may vary depending on usage patterns, such as GPS and always-on display.
Water Resistance
4.0
While specific water resistance rating is not provided, the watch is suitable for swimming and other water activities. However, it's best to avoid exposing the smartwatch to extreme water conditions or high-pressure water jets.
GPS and Connectivity
4.7
Features built-in GPS for accurate tracking of outdoor activities like running and cycling. It also supports Bluetooth for pairing with headphones and other devices. NFC is available for contactless payments via Garmin Pay.
Manufacturer Reliability and Warranty
4.5
Garmin is a well-known brand with a reputation for producing reliable and durable wearable technology. They offer excellent customer support and a comprehensive warranty, providing peace of mind for users.
Cost Performance
4.5
Priced at $299.99, the vívoactive® 6 offers a great balance of features and performance for its price range. It provides excellent value for those seeking a comprehensive health and fitness smartwatch with long battery life.

Brand & Manufacturer Details

Garmin
Garmin is a leading provider of navigation, communication and information devices and applications.

Key Highlights

  • Excellent battery life
  • Comprehensive health tracking
  • Bright AMOLED display
  • Built-in GPS
  • Garmin Pay

Considerations

  • Data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked
  • Re-syncing may be required for certain functions
  • Connectivity issues may occur with some phones

Recommended For

  • Fitness enthusiasts
  • Users seeking detailed health insights
  • Individuals wanting a long-lasting battery
  • Those who prefer a comprehensive smartwatch

Not Recommended For

  • Users needing specialized medical monitoring
  • Those who require perfect accuracy in all metrics
  • none in particular

Suitable For

  • Daily fitness tracking
  • Running and cycling
  • Swimming
  • Everyday wear for notifications

Not Suitable For

  • Heavy construction work
  • High-pressure diving
  • Situations requiring extreme shock resistance
  • none in particular

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q.I'm concerned about the accuracy of the health tracking features. Can I really rely on the data?
A.The vívoactive® 6 offers extensive health monitoring features, including wrist-based heart rate, stress tracking, sleep score, and more. It's important to note that the data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked. Staff confirmation indicates that the sleep tracking is accurate, matching how the staff felt with the quality of sleep. Also, Garmin provides actionable health insights without requiring a subscription.
Q.How does the battery life really hold up with constant use of the features?
A.The product overview states the battery can last up to 11 days in smartwatch mode. Staff confirmation mentions battery life of a little more than seven days with always-on blood ox sensing and single band GPS. Several staff confirmed excellent battery life, with one mentioning it lasts as advertised and charges quickly.
Q.I'm not very tech-savvy. Is this watch easy to set up and use?
A.Staff confirmation indicates the screen is smooth and easy to navigate. While one staff member mentioned it took over an hour to set up settings and create workout plans due to the expansive features and customizability, another staff member found the watch easy to use.
Q.I've had issues with smartwatches disconnecting from my phone in the past. Is the Bluetooth connection reliable?
A.While most staff confirmation is positive, one staff member did report experiencing frequent unpairing issues with an Android Google Pixel 7a, a problem they say is common among other users. Most staff did not mention this issue.
Q.I'm a serious athlete. Is this watch suitable for tracking my workouts?
A.The vívoactive® 6 includes over 80 built-in indoor and GPS sports apps and allows for personalized daily suggested workouts. Staff confirmation notes the ability to create custom workouts and sync courses/routes directly to the watch. However, one staff member reported issues with the watch locking up during workouts due to software bugs.
Q.I'm switching from an Apple Watch. What are the advantages of the Garmin vívoactive 6?
A.Staff confirmation suggests that Garmin offers more actionable health insights without a subscription compared to Apple Watch. Highlighted features include sleep score, sleep coach, stress tracking, body battery, and recovery insights. The watch also allows for custom workout creation. Do note that as a smartwatch, the notification function may be limited if you use an iPhone.

SHOPSTAFF Rating Ranking

#1

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Display Size1.4 inchesDisplay Resolution - pixels
Battery Life16 daysWater Resistance - ATM
Heart Rate MonitoringYesGPSYes
Bluetooth SupportYesNFC Support -
Operating SystemAndroid & iOSWeight - grams
Heart Rate Monitoring FunctionSleep Tracking FunctionGPS Tracking FunctionSmartphone Notification FunctionMusic Playback Control FunctionContactless Payment Function
4.8Overall Rating
5.0Display Quality and Size
5.0Health and Fitness Tracking Features
4.8Smartphone Compatibility
5.0Battery Life
4.5Water Resistance
5.0GPS and Connectivity
5.0Manufacturer Reliability and Warranty
4.0Cost Performance
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Display Size1.3 inchesDisplay Resolution- pixels
Battery Life22 daysWater Resistance- ATM
Heart Rate MonitoringYesGPSYes
Bluetooth SupportBluetoothNFC Support-
Operating SystemGarminOSWeight73 grams
Heart Rate Monitoring FunctionSleep Tracking FunctionGPS Tracking FunctionSmartphone Notification FunctionMusic Playback Control FunctionContactless Payment Function
4.8Overall Rating
4.8Display Quality and Size
4.9Health and Fitness Tracking Features
4.7Smartphone Compatibility
5.0Battery Life
4.8Water Resistance
4.9GPS and Connectivity
4.5Manufacturer Reliability and Warranty
4.5Cost Performance
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$1,099(incl. tax)Amazon price as of 2025-08-13

Premium multisport GPS smartwatch with AMOLED display, sapphire lens, titanium bezel, and LED flashlight.

Display Size1.4 inchesDisplay Resolution- pixels
Battery Life16 daysWater Resistance- ATM
Heart Rate MonitoringYesGPSYes
Bluetooth SupportBluetoothNFC SupportYes
Operating SystemGarmin OSWeight- grams
Heart Rate Monitoring FunctionSleep Tracking FunctionGPS Tracking FunctionSmartphone Notification FunctionMusic Playback Control FunctionContactless Payment Function
4.7Overall Rating
4.9Display Quality and Size
4.8Health and Fitness Tracking Features
4.7Smartphone Compatibility
5.0Battery Life
4.9Water Resistance
4.9GPS and Connectivity
4.5Manufacturer Reliability and Warranty
4.0Cost Performance
#4

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$899(incl. tax)Amazon price as of 2025-08-13

Ultraperformance GPS smartwatch designed for ultra-endurance athletes with extreme battery life and detailed mapping.

Display Size1.4 inchesDisplay Resolution- pixels
Battery Life90 daysWater Resistance10 ATM
Heart Rate MonitoringYesGPSYes
Bluetooth SupportBluetoothNFC Support-
Operating SystemGarmin OSWeight63 grams
Heart Rate Monitoring FunctionSleep Tracking FunctionGPS Tracking FunctionSmartphone Notification FunctionMusic Playback Control FunctionContactless Payment Function
4.7Overall Rating
4.5Display Quality and Size
4.8Health and Fitness Tracking Features
4.7Smartphone Compatibility
5.0Battery Life
4.8Water Resistance
4.9GPS and Connectivity
4.5Manufacturer Reliability and Warranty
4.0Cost Performance
#5

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$226(incl. tax)Amazon price as of 2025-08-13

The Garmin vívoactive 5 is a health and fitness GPS smartwatch with a bright AMOLED display and long battery life.

Display Size1.2 inchesDisplay Resolution - pixels
Battery Life11 daysWater Resistance - ATM
Heart Rate MonitoringYesGPSYes
Bluetooth SupportYesNFC SupportYes
Operating SystemGarminOSWeight36.85 grams
Heart Rate Monitoring FunctionSleep Tracking FunctionGPS Tracking FunctionSmartphone Notification FunctionMusic Playback Control FunctionContactless Payment Function
4.6Overall Rating
4.7Display Quality and Size
4.8Health and Fitness Tracking Features
4.7Smartphone Compatibility
5.0Battery Life
4.0Water Resistance
4.8GPS and Connectivity
4.5Manufacturer Reliability and Warranty
4.5Cost Performance