Garmin Vivoactive 6 Hands-On: Everything You Need to Know!

Garmin has released new Vivoactive 6 Available in stock, which brings it even closer to the mainstream consumer watch, the Venu 3. This new version adds in some 50 sport profile modes and a ton of running features, including running dynamics, running power, running PacePro, course following, and on-watch workout animations. Meanwhile, on the hardware side, it doubles the music storage, and increases GPS connectivity.

Included the ability to do offline music (such as Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music).

What’s New:

The Vivoctive 6 is overall a very modest hardware upgrade from the Vivoactive 5. These sorts of product launches are more about ensuring you have a ‘recently released’ hardware model in the market for buyers, and less so about huge splashy releases. However, from a software standpoint, Garmin has substantially increased the features here, especially in the sports realm.

Still, here’s what’s changed from the Vivoactive 5 to the Vivoactive 6:

– Completely revamped/changed user interface (especially around settings/controls)
– Added ~50 sport profiles/apps
– Added Smart Wake Alarm
– Added Running Dynamics support (Ground Contact Time, Vertical Oscillation, Stride Length)
– Added Running Power Support
– Added PacePro
– Added Course/Route following
– Added Daily Suggested Workouts (Walk only)
– Added Mobility activity/sport profile (for flexibility & strength)
– Added Workout Animations (previously on Venu 3, but not Vivoactive 5)
– Increased data fields per page from 4 to 8
– Increased custom data pages allowed
– Added compass & compass fields
– Increased display brightness
– Doubled internal storage from 4GB to 8GB
– Increased GPS/GNSS types: Added Beidou & QZSS to multiband list (but not dual frequency)
– Same 1.2” AMOLED display size as Vivoactive 5 (390x390px)
– Same 42mm case size as Vivoactive 5 (one model size)
– Same Garmin Elevate Gen4 Optical HR Sensor
– Same 11 day (smartwatch) battery life as Vivoactive 5
– Same 21hr GPS mode battery life as Vivoactive 5
– Same 23g weight as Vivoactive 5

When it comes to the sport profile modes, here’s the full list on the Vivoctive 6:

Walk, Run, Track Run, Treadmill, Virtual Run, Indoor Track, Trail Run, Obstacle Racing, Bike, Road Bike, Handcycle, Bike Indoor, Handcycle Indoor, MTB, eBike, eMTB, CycloCross, Gravel Bike, Bike Commute, Bike Tour, Pool Swim, Openwater, HIIT, Yoga, Meditation, Mobility, Strength, Pilates, Treadmill, Elliptical, Stair Stepper, Row Indoor, Bike Indoor, Walk Indoor, Pool Swim, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, Jump Rope, Hike, Golf, Mountaineering, Disc Golf, Horseback, Cow Tipping, Archery, Obstacle Racing, Inline Skating, Ski, Snowboard, XC Classic Ski, XC Skate Ski, Snowshoe, Ice Skating, Snowmobile, SUP, Kayak, Row, Snorkel, Soccer/Football, American Football, Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Volleyball, Cricket, Lacrosse, Rugby, Field Hockey, Ice Hockey, Ultimate Disc, Tennis, Pickleball, Padel, Racquetball, Squash, Badminton, Platform Tennis, ATV, Snowmobile, Overland, Motocross, Motorcycle, Breathwork, Cardio