| General | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Garmin |
| Type | Fitness smartwatch |
| Series | Vívoactive |
| Released | 4 April 2025 (announced 1 April 2025) |
| Price at launch | GBP 279.99 / USD 299.99 |
| Predecessor | Vívoactive 5 |
| Successor | Not yet announced. See Release Radar. |
| Sizes | One size, 42mm |
| Colours | Lunar Gold, Metallic Jasper Green, Metallic Pink Dawn, Slate |
Specifications and features as at launch.
Jump to: Expert opinion | What’s new | Specifications | Battery life | Features | Activity profiles | Software updates | Quick answers | Further reading
Expert opinion
Vívoactive 6 adds PacePro pacing, wrist-based running dynamics and running power, and course following, features previously reserved for the Forerunner and Fenix series, without raising the price over the Vívoactive 5.
The hardware carries over largely unchanged: same 42mm polymer case, same 1.2 inch AMOLED display at 390 x 390 pixels, same battery life. The upgrade is entirely software and firmware, expanding sport profiles from around 30 to more than 80 and narrowing the functional gap with the Venu 3 at roughly half the price. It still lacks multi-band GPS and comes in one case size only.
What’s new versus the Vívoactive 5
Hardware
- Storage doubled from 4GB to 8GB
- GNSS constellations expanded to add BeiDou and QZSS
- Magnetic compass added
- Display brightness increased
Software
- PacePro pacing strategies
- Wrist-based running dynamics
- Wrist-based running power
- Course and route following
- Animated workouts restored
- Smart Wake Alarm
- Sport profiles expanded from around 30 to more than 80
- YouTube Music support
- Garmin Share
Specifications
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.2 inch (30.4mm) diameter |
| Type | AMOLED, optional always-on mode |
| Resolution | 390 x 390 pixels |
| Lens | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Physical | |
| Case size | 42.2 x 42.2 x 10.9mm |
| Weight | 23g case only, 36g with included band |
| Case material | Fibre-reinforced polymer |
| Bezel material | Anodised aluminium |
| Water rating | 5 ATM |
| Strap width | 20mm, quick release |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | |
| Sensors and positioning | |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou |
| Heart rate | Garmin Elevate wrist sensor |
| Other sensors | Pulse Ox, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, ambient light. Thermometer with optional tempe sensor accessory. |
| Connectivity and storage | |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi |
| Storage | 8GB |
Vívoactive 6 has no barometric altimeter, so floors climbed and vertical speed tracking are not available.
Battery life
| Mode | Battery life |
|---|---|
| Smartwatch | Up to 11 days (5 days always-on) |
| Battery Saver Smartwatch | Up to 21 days |
| GPS only | Up to 21 hours |
| All systems GNSS | Up to 17 hours |
| All systems GNSS with music | Up to 8 hours |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | |
Features
Feature explanations are covered in the relevant the5krunner Garmin features hub.
Health
- Health Status
- Body Battery
- Sleep Coach
- Nap Detection
- Breathing Variations
- Lifestyle Logging
- Nutrition tracking via Garmin Connect
- Morning Report
- Evening Report
- Smart Wake Alarm
- Wrist-based heart rate
- Stress Tracking
- Women’s Health Tracking
- Health Snapshot
- Pulse Ox sensor
- Meditation
- Mindful Breathing
- Hydration
- Respiration Tracking
Fitness
- 80+ preloaded activity profiles
- Strength Training
- Mobility
- Wheelchair mode
- Animated On-Screen Workouts
- Mixed Session
- Garmin Fitness Coach
- Wrist-based running dynamics
- PacePro pacing strategies
- Workout Benefit and Recovery Time
- Fitness Age
- Workout Creation
- Rucking activity
- Golf activity
- Cycling sensor compatibility, including Rally power meter pedals and Varia radar
Running and Triathlon
- Wrist-based running power
- Course and route following
- Track Running
- Triathlon and multisport profiles
Connect
- Garmin Connect app
- Connect IQ Store
- Smart Notifications
- On-wrist texting
- Works with WhatsApp
- Music: Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music, YouTube Music
- Garmin Pay
- Safety and tracking with live location
- Sports Scores
- Garmin Share
- Google Maps app (Android)
Convenience
- Watch face customisation
- Font sizes
- Colour Shift
- Colour Filters
- Timer and stopwatch
- Focus Modes
- Calendar
Activity profiles
| Category | Profiles |
|---|---|
| Running | Running, Outdoor Track Running, Trail Running, Treadmill Running, Indoor Track Running, Virtual Running |
| Cycling | Biking, Road Biking, Mountain Biking, Gravel Biking, Bike Commuting, Bike Touring, eBiking, eMountain Biking, Indoor Biking, Cyclocross, BMX |
| Swimming | Pool Swimming, Open Water Swimming |
| Gym and fitness | Strength, HIIT, Cardio, Elliptical Training, Stair Stepping, Indoor Rowing, Jump Roping, Walking, Pilates, Yoga, Indoor Walking, Mobility, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts |
| Outdoor | Hiking, Horseback Riding, Golfing, Mountaineering, Disc Golf, Archery |
| Other | Winter sports: Skiing, Snowboarding, XC Classic Skiing, XC Skate Skiing, Ice Skating, Snowshoeing. Water sports: Stand Up Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Rowing, Snorkeling. Team sports: Basketball, Volleyball, Field Hockey, Ice Hockey, Football, American Football, Lacrosse, Rugby, Ultimate Disc, Cricket, Softball, Baseball. Racket sports: Tennis, Pickleball, Badminton, Squash, Table Tennis, Padel, Platform Tennis, Racquetball. Motorsports: Motorcycling, Overlanding, Motocrossing, ATVing, Snowmobiling. Other: Inline Skating. |
Garmin Vivoactive 6 software updates
The current Garmin Vivoactive 6 software is version 18.29 and 18.30. Garmin is still updating the Vivoactive 6, with 2 software releases since May 2026. This section is updated when Garmin releases a new version.
| Current version | 18.29 and 18.30, released 8 September 2026. |
| Public beta | No beta newer than the current version. |
| Last update | 18.29 and 18.30 on 8 September 2026. |
Features added since May 2026
- 18.29 and 18.30, 8 September 2026.
- Voice command enabled with the “OK Garmin” wake word
- Suggested quick workout added for running
- XC Ski Indoor activity added
- Volume control now carries context
- Flashlight shortcut cycles through on, off and strobe modes during an activity
- Fewer false unlocks when touch lock is in use
- 17.33, 27 May 2026. Silent mode shortcut added. Approach CT1 golf sensor support added.
Full version history, 4 releases including betas and fixes
| Version | Type | Date | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18.29 and 18.30 | Stable | 8 September 2026 | Voice command enabled with the “OK Garmin” wake word. Suggested quick workout added for running. |
| 18.14 | Beta | 15 July 2026 | Button tones default to off while headphones are connected. Fewer false unlocks when using the touch lock. |
| 18.12 | Beta | 2 July 2026 | Hands-free voice control activated with the “OK, Garmin” wake word. Quick workout suggestion added for running sessions. |
| 17.33 | Stable | 27 May 2026 | Silent mode shortcut added. Approach CT1 golf sensor support added. |
Version history is recorded from May 2026. See also known problems and fixes and Garmin’s release notes for the current version.
Quick answers
When was the Garmin Vivoactive 6 released?
Garmin announced the Vívoactive 6 on 1 April 2025, and it was released on 4 April 2025. The launch price was GBP 279.99 or USD 299.99.
Is the Vivoactive 6 waterproof?
Vívoactive 6 has a water rating of 5 ATM. It includes Pool Swimming and Open Water Swimming profiles as well as triathlon profiles.
Does the Vivoactive 6 have multi-band GPS?
No, Vívoactive 6 lacks multi-band GPS. It receives GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS and BeiDou.
Does the Vivoactive 6 have a barometric altimeter?
No, Vívoactive 6 has no barometric altimeter, so floors climbed and vertical speed tracking are not available.
Does the Vivoactive 6 have music and Garmin Pay?
Yes, Vívoactive 6 has 8GB of storage for music from Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music and YouTube Music, and it supports Garmin Pay.
What size is the Vivoactive 6 and how long does the battery last?
Vívoactive 6 comes in one 42mm size, is 10.9mm thick and weighs 36g with the included band, which is 20mm wide. Garmin rates it for up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 21 hours in GPS-only mode.
Further reading
Related watches
Looking at alternatives to the Vívoactive 6?
- Predecessor: Garmin Vívoactive 5, the previous generation, now usually cheaper.
- Also consider: Apple Watch Series 11, a similarly priced smartwatch with deeper phone integration.
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin from any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafe stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Beet It Sport nitrate shots: Beetroot shots I take in the days before a race. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable insoles that are good. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: I’ve just bought one.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home. I use it.
Health, recovery and sleep
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
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