Garmin Venu Sq 2 vs Garmin vívoactive 6
Garmin Venu Sq 2 (2022, listed at $249) and Garmin vívoactive 6 (2025, listed at $329) are both smartwatches, so the choice comes down to specifics.
Specs last updated · prices are list prices
Garmin Venu Sq 2
Square-faced Apple Watch alternative for Android — 11-day battery, vivid AMOLED, on-watch music.
Garmin vívoactive 6
Most accessible Garmin AMOLED gets smarter — meditation, nap detection, suggested workouts.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Garmin Venu Sq 2 wins on price ($249 vs $329); Garmin vívoactive 6 wins on weight (36 g vs 38 g) and tracked features (6 vs 4).
Bottom line: on raw specs the Garmin vívoactive 6 leads 2 to 1, but five spec categories are only a starting point. Match it to your phone, your main sport and your budget before you decide, or run the free quiz to see how each ranks for your answers.
Spec by spec
| Spec | Garmin Venu Sq 2 | Garmin vívoactive 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 11 days | 11 days |
| Weight | 38 g | 36 g |
| List price | $249 | $329 |
| Water rating | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Tracked features | 4 | 6 |
| Case size | 40 mm | 42 mm |
| Display | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Works with | both iPhone and Android | both iPhone and Android |
| Listed best for | everyday wellness, gym and strength work and running | everyday wellness, gym and strength work and running |
| Released | 2022 | 2025 |
Trophy marks the better value on the five measurable specs. Battery is the manufacturer's rating, not our test. How we score is on the methodology page.
Feature overlap
Both have (4)
- built-in GPS
- blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
- on-device music
- AMOLED display
Only Garmin Venu Sq 2 (0)
Nothing unique.
Only Garmin vívoactive 6 (2)
- contactless payments
- swim tracking
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Garmin Venu Sq 2 if…
- You want to spend less: it lists for $80 less.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin vívoactive 6 only works with Android.
Pick the Garmin vívoactive 6 if…
- You want a lighter watch: 36 g vs 38 g.
- You need contactless payments and swim tracking, which the Garmin Venu Sq 2 does not list.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin Venu Sq 2 only works with Android.
- You want the newer model (2025 vs 2022).
Frequently asked questions
Which has better battery life, the Garmin Venu Sq 2 or the Garmin vívoactive 6?
They are rated the same, at about 11 days per charge. Real-world life depends on GPS, display and cellular use.
Which is cheaper, the Garmin Venu Sq 2 or the Garmin vívoactive 6?
The Garmin Venu Sq 2 has the lower list price: $249 against $329 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Garmin Venu Sq 2 and Garmin vívoactive 6 work with iPhone and Android?
Yes, they have the same phone support: both iPhone and Android.
Which is better for swimming, the Garmin Venu Sq 2 or the Garmin vívoactive 6?
Neither has an edge on water rating: both are rated 5ATM. 5ATM is suitable for showering and pool swimming, but not for high-speed water sports or diving. Only the Garmin vívoactive 6 has a dedicated swim-tracking mode in our data.
Not sure either is right for you?
Nine questions about your phone, sport, wrist and budget, scored against all of our watches with the reasoning shown.
Take the free quiz