Garmin Vivoactive 5 vs 6: The Ultimate Smartwatch Choice for Aussie Fitness Fans
CompareMates Editorial Team 
Garmin Vivoactive 5 vs 6 comparisons are heating up as Australians look to upgrade their smartwatches. Garmin smartwatches have become increasingly popular amongst Australian fitness enthusiasts, offering a perfect blend of advanced health tracking, GPS functionality, and smart features. With the recent announcement of the Garmin Vivoactive 6 in April 2025, many Aussies are wondering whether to stick with the proven Vivoactive 5 or upgrade to the latest model. This comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision based on features, pricing, and availability across Australia.
Table of Contents
Quick Overview of the Vivoactive Series
The Garmin Vivoactive series has consistently evolved to meet the demands of health-conscious consumers who want more than just a basic fitness tracker. The Vivoactive 5, launched in 2023, brought significant improvements in display technology and battery life compared to its predecessors. The Vivoactive 6, launched in April 2025, builds on this success with added running tools like PacePro and running power, 50+ sport profiles, and a refreshed user interface.
Both models maintain the signature 42mm case size that appeals to users with smaller wrists while packing advanced health monitoring capabilities that rival more expensive smartwatches.
Feature Comparison: Vivoactive 5 vs 6
Design and Display
Both the Garmin Vivoactive 5 vs 6 maintain a sleek, lightweight design with a comfortable 42mm case that works well for both men and women. The Vivoactive 6 features an AMOLED display, providing vibrant colours and excellent outdoor visibility – a crucial feature for Australian conditions where bright sunlight can make many smartwatch displays difficult to read.
The Vivoactive 5 also features an AMOLED display with similar brightness levels and resolution. Both models offer customisable watch faces and always-on display options, though this will impact battery life.
Key Design Features:
- Both models: 42mm case diameter, lightweight construction
- AMOLED displays with excellent outdoor visibility
- Multiple colour options available
- Compatible with standard 22mm watch bands
- 5ATM water resistance rating
Fitness and Health Tracking
This is where the differences between the models become more apparent. The Vivoactive 6 has a packed suite of health and wellness monitoring features, including wrist-based heart rate, Body Battery, all-day stress, relaxation and movement reminders, meditation, breathwork, sleep coach and even nap detection.
The Vivoactive 5 offers similar core health tracking features but lacks some of the advanced capabilities found in the newer model. The Vivoactive 6 includes 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.
Health Tracking Comparison:
- Vivoactive 5: 30+ built-in sports apps, basic running metrics, sleep tracking, stress monitoring
- Vivoactive 6: 50+ sport profiles, advanced running dynamics, running power, PacePro pacing strategy, enhanced sleep coaching
Smart Features and Connectivity
Both models offer comprehensive smart features including notifications, music storage, Garmin Pay, and safety features. They’re fully compatible with both Android and iOS devices, making them versatile choices for Australian users regardless of their smartphone preference.
The connectivity remains largely similar between both models, with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS functionality standard across the range.
Battery Life and Charging
The Vivoactive 6 gets up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and between 17 and 21 hours with GPS, though real-world testing suggests the watch dropped from a full charge to 87% after one day – that was without GPS enabled.
The Vivoactive 5 offers similar battery performance, typically lasting 8-11 days in smartwatch mode depending on usage patterns. Both models use the same charging cable and support relatively quick charging times.
Pricing and Availability in Australia
As of July 2025, Australian pricing reflects the typical premium for the latest technology:
Vivoactive 5 Pricing:
- RRP: around $449-499 AUD (depending on retailer and colour)
- Available at Amazon AU and other major Australian retailers
Garmin vívoactive® 5, Health and Fitness GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, Up to 11 Days of Battery, Black
- Designed with a bright, colorful AMOLED display, get a more complete picture of your health, thanks to battery life of up to 11 days in smartwatch mode
- Body Battery energy monitoring helps you understand when you’re charged up or need to rest, with even more personalized insights based on sleep, naps, stress levels, workouts and more (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
- Get a sleep score and personalized sleep coaching for how much sleep you need — and get tips on how to improve plus key metrics such as HRV status to better understand your health (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
- Find new ways to keep your body moving with more than 30 built-in indoor and GPS sports apps, including walking, running, cycling, HIIT, swimming, golf and more
- Wheelchair mode tracks pushes — rather than steps — and includes push and handcycle activities with preloaded workouts for strength, cardio, HIIT, Pilates and yoga, challenges specific to wheelchair users and more (data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked)
Vivoactive 6 Pricing:
- RRP: around $499-549 AUD (launch pricing)
- Available at Amazon AU and other major Australian retailers
Garmin vivoactive® 6, GPS Smartwatch, Slate with Black Band
- Bright AMOLED display and up to 11 days of battery life.
- Improve your form with downloadable animated workouts from Garmin Connect for HIIT, cardio, strength, mobility, yoga and Pilates.
- Receive an overview of your sleep, recovery, daily calendar, HRV status and more as soon as you wake up.
- Get running power and advanced running dynamics, including stride length, vertical ratio and more to help improve your running form plus PacePro for pace guidance to help you plan your race-day strategy
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | Vivoactive 5 | Vivoactive 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.3″ AMOLED | 1.3″ AMOLED (brighter) |
| Battery Life | Up to 11 days | Up to 11 days |
| GPS Battery | Up to 21 hours | 17-21 hours |
| Sports Profiles | 30+ | 50+ |
| Running Features | Basic metrics | Advanced dynamics, power, PacePro |
| Health Monitoring | Standard suite | Enhanced with nap detection |
| Water Resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Music Storage | Yes | Yes |
| Garmin Pay | Yes | Yes |
| Australian RRP | $449-499 | $499-549 |
| Release Date | September 2023 | April 2025 |
Pros and Cons of Each Model
Garmin Vivoactive 5
Pros:
- Proven reliability and stability
- More affordable pricing
- Excellent battery life
- Comprehensive health tracking
- Wide availability with frequent sales
- Established ecosystem of accessories
Cons:
- Fewer sport profiles compared to Vivoactive 6
- Limited advanced running features
- Missing latest software enhancements
- No running power metrics
Garmin Vivoactive 6
Pros:
- Nearly everything you want in a smartwatch, including comfortable design, practical smart features, week+ battery life and Garmin’s best fitness-tracking tools
- 50+ sport profiles for diverse activities
- Advanced running features including power and PacePro
- Latest software with refined user interface
- Enhanced sleep tracking with nap detection
- Future-proofed with latest features
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Lacks Multi-Band GPS and ECG functionality
- Limited availability initially
- Battery life may not meet advertised claims in real-world use
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it worth upgrading to the Garmin Vivoactive 6?
If you’re a serious runner or multi-sport athlete, the advanced running features and additional sport profiles in the Vivoactive 6 justify the price difference. Casual fitness enthusiasts may find the Vivoactive 5 meets all their needs at a more attractive price point.
Will my Vivoactive 5 accessories work with the 6?
Yes, both models use the same 22mm quick-release bands and charging cables, making the transition seamless if you decide to upgrade.
Is the Vivoactive 6 available in Australia yet?
Yes, the Vivoactive 6 is available at JB Hi-Fi and other major Australian retailers following its April 2025 global launch. Availability may vary by colour and region within Australia.
How does GPS accuracy compare between the models?
Both models offer excellent GPS accuracy for Australian conditions. However, the Vivoactive 6 lacks Multi-Band GPS, which some users might expect in a 2025 release.
Which model is better for Australian outdoor conditions?
Both models handle Australian weather conditions well with their 5ATM water resistance and bright AMOLED displays. The improved display brightness in the Vivoactive 6 may offer a slight advantage in intense sunlight.
Conclusion: Which Garmin Smartwatch Suits You Best?
The choice between the Garmin Vivoactive 5 vs 6 ultimately depends on your specific needs, budget, and how much you value the latest features. For most Australian users, the Vivoactive 5 remains an excellent choice, offering proven performance, comprehensive health tracking, and great value for money, especially when found on sale.
However, if you’re a dedicated runner, enjoy diverse sports activities, or want the latest technology, the Vivoactive 6’s advanced features and refined user experience justify the additional investment. The enhanced running metrics, expanded sport profiles, and improved software make it particularly appealing for serious fitness enthusiasts.
Our Recommendation:
- Choose the Vivoactive 5 if you want excellent value, proven reliability, and comprehensive fitness tracking without breaking the bank
- Choose the Vivoactive 6 if you’re a serious athlete, want the latest features, or plan to keep your smartwatch for several years
Both models represent excellent value in the Australian smartwatch market, and either choice will serve you well for years to come. Consider your budget, intended use, and whether the additional features in the Vivoactive 6 align with your fitness goals and lifestyle.
