Garmin vívoactive 5 vs Garmin vívoactive 6
Garmin vívoactive 5 (2023, listed at $299) 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 vívoactive 5
Most accessible Garmin AMOLED — 11-day battery, sleep coach, gym workouts and music storage.
Garmin vívoactive 6
Most accessible Garmin AMOLED gets smarter — meditation, nap detection, suggested workouts.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Garmin vívoactive 5 wins on price ($299 vs $329).
Bottom line: on raw specs the Garmin vívoactive 5 leads 1 to 0, 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 vívoactive 5 | Garmin vívoactive 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 11 days | 11 days |
| Weight | 36 g | 36 g |
| List price | $299 | $329 |
| Water rating | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Tracked features | 6 | 6 |
| Case size | 42 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 | 2023 | 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 (6)
- built-in GPS
- blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
- on-device music
- contactless payments
- AMOLED display
- swim tracking
Only Garmin vívoactive 5 (0)
Nothing unique.
Only Garmin vívoactive 6 (0)
Nothing unique.
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Garmin vívoactive 5 if…
- You want to spend less: it lists for $30 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 might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin vívoactive 5 only works with Android.
- You want the newer model (2025 vs 2023).
Frequently asked questions
Which has better battery life, the Garmin vívoactive 5 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 vívoactive 5 or the Garmin vívoactive 6?
The Garmin vívoactive 5 has the lower list price: $299 against $329 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Garmin vívoactive 5 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 vívoactive 5 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.
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