Garmin has officially unveiled the Garmin Vivoactive 6, a smartwatch that retains a striking resemblance to its predecessor, the Vivoactive 5, while offering several key upgrades. This release comes in response to considerable criticism from users regarding the new Garmin Connect+ premium tier, which has sparked concerns over subscription fees and feature accessibility.
The Garmin Vivoactive 6 is marketed as an affordable smartwatch, priced at £279.99 (approximately $360 / AU$580, with exact U.S. and Australian pricing yet to be confirmed). This smartwatch is part of Garmin's Vivoactive series, known for its sporty, value-oriented designs aimed at competing with the likes of the Apple Watch. The Vivoactive 5 has been celebrated as our top pick for best value among the best Garmin watches, and the new Vivoactive 6 aims to build on that legacy.
In terms of design, the Vivoactive 6 features a plastic casing with an aluminum bezel and a sleek silicone strap. The watch simplifies navigation with just two buttons, diverging from the five-button configuration seen in more premium Garmin models. This new smartwatch also boasts an AMOLED screen and maintains the same dimensions as its predecessor, including a 1.2-inch display and an impressive battery life of up to 11 days.
One of the standout features of the Garmin Vivoactive 6 is its innovative ‘smart alarm’ functionality, designed to wake you during your optimal sleep phase. This feature has been a long-requested addition by Garmin users and adds significant value to the smartwatch experience. In addition to the smart alarm, the Vivoactive 6 offers daily suggested walking workouts, mirroring the running workouts already available.
Another notable upgrade includes access to Garmin’s advanced Running Dynamics metrics, a feature that was not available in the Vivoactive 5. Users can also download a diverse range of step-by-step workouts, covering strength training, HIIT, yoga, Pilates, and mobility, all accessible through the Garmin Connect app. Furthermore, the Vivoactive 6 allows access to Garmin Coach running and strength training plans, which adapt daily based on performance, recovery, and health metrics, helping users prepare for races or enhance their overall fitness.
In line with inclusivity, the Vivoactive 6 retains the popular wheelchair mode introduced in the Vivoactive 5, which tracks pushes effectively.
The Garmin Vivoactive 6 comes in four attractive color combinations: Black/Slate, Bone/Lunar Gold, Jasper Green, and Pink Dawn. These options cater to a diverse audience looking for both functionality and style in their smartwatch.
Despite the promising features of the Garmin Vivoactive 6, some analysts speculate that the timing of its launch may have been accelerated due to the recent backlash against Garmin's introduction of the Garmin Connect+ subscription service. Users have expressed frustration over paying a premium for their watches only to find new features restricted to a paid tier. There is a growing concern that essential functionalities may soon be locked behind a subscription model, compelling users to pay even more to maximize their device’s capabilities.
In this context, the launch of a well-received budget smartwatch like the Vivoactive 6 could help shift the media narrative and regain customer trust. However, it remains to be seen how effectively Garmin can address user concerns in the short term.
As Garmin continues to innovate within the wearable technology space, the Vivoactive 6 stands out as a compelling choice for fitness enthusiasts seeking an affordable yet feature-rich smartwatch.
