Why I recommend this Garmin watch over competing Apple, Samsung, and Google models

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Garmin Vivoactive 6 is available in four colors for $300.
• The AMOLED display is brilliant, the available activity functions are comprehensive, and the battery lasts 5-11 days.
• There is no altimeter, the 30 minute smart alarm interval is a bit long, and it’s a bit small for those with larger wrists.

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Garmin’s latest smartwatch for the masses, the Vivoactive 6, brings a fresh perspective to its lineup with a stylish design and approachable price.

With the continuation of its upgrade cycle, Garmin chose a smaller form factor for the Vivoactive 6, with support for a broad range of activities — a great watch for users who do a lot of different things but don’t need deep insights in one particular area. 

Also: The best Garmin watches you can buy: Expert tested

The Vivoactive 6 also incorporates the new Smart Alarm feature for the first time on a Garmin smartwatch. This feature wakes you within 30 minutes of your set alarm time when it detects you’re in a light sleep phase. We first saw this capability with Fitbit years ago, so it’s nice to see Garmin helping us wake up happier.   

I’m not sure I want to be awakened 30 minutes before my alarm, but the idea here is that it’d be easier to get up if you’re in a light sleep phase. It will take some experience to see how well it works, and if it’s really better to be awoken earlier, as opposed to sleeping longer but jolted awake from a deep sleep. 

Also: This smartwatch combines advanced health tracking with a classy design – and I love it

I have larger wrists, so I found the Vivoactive 6 a bit too small for me, but the 42mm diameter is sure to fit the majority of people. The watch’s design is very minimalist, though, with curved edges and an overall sleek feel that is a departure from most chunky smartwatches. It measures just 10.9mm thick and weighs 36 grams, so you can sleep soundly without it interrupting your sleep as you twist and roll.

There are only two physical buttons on the right side, so navigation of the user interface is via these two buttons, screen taps, and screen swipes. This design is perfect for people new to Garmin watches who may be overwhelmed by the traditional five-button interface. The AMOLED display is vibrant and lovely, but if you enable the always-on mode, then your battery life will be cut in half. Since the display turns on reliably when you lift your wrist, I recommend switching off the always-on mode and enjoying more than a week of battery life.

Matthew Miller/ZDNET

More than 80 indoor and outdoor activities are supported on the Vivoactive 6, including daily suggested workouts. It also includes stretching activities, animated workouts, wheelchair mode, and strength training. Running dynamics, fitness levels, interval and workout creation, stress tracking, HRV status, and much more are core functions in the Vivoactive 6.

Also: Finally, a budget smartwatch that’s just as durable as my Garmin (and it’s on sale)

The Vivoactive 6 launch comes as fair-weather golf season, biking, and other outdoor endeavors become more popular. The golf support is fairly extensive, so you can track your shots and be confident that the watch will not alter your swing. I barely felt the Vivoactive 6 when it was secured on my wrist, and am frankly amazed it has a battery large enough to last more than a week with regular use.

Matthew Miller/ZDNET

When compared to other devices, I confirmed accurate location tracking and heart rate performance while walking, running, cycling, and rowing. Sleep tracking matched the feature sets of other comparable devices, and the sleep coach feedback was accurate in my testing. 

ZDNET’s buying advice

The Garmin Vivoactive 6 has many significant improvements over the Vivoactive 5, while remaining at the same $299 starting price. The available color options are sure to satisfy people, and the smaller size means it’s perfect for those with small to medium-sized wrists. It supports an extensive number of sports and activities, so if you don’t need a specialized, focused device, this watch will likely meet your needs.