I'm a long-time Garmin user and the Vivoactive 6 for AU$388 would be my pick over the Apple Watch SE 3 — here's why | Tech Radar

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I'm a long-time Garmin user and the Vivoactive 6 for AU$388 would be my pick over the Apple Watch SE 3 — here's why

If health and fitness are priority over smarts, Garmin is the way to go

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If you’re like me, and like to torture yourself by waking up way too early in the morning to head out for a run or a bike ride before work, my guess is that you’re using a smartwatch of some sort to track your training.

While something like the Apple Watch SE 3 — our recommended smartwatch for i Phone users like me — can handle most health and fitness tracking admirably at a good price, I’d still choose a Garmin smartwatch.

Garmin wearables are more expensive than Apple’s offerings (as well as from other smartwatch brands), but I’d argue the costs even out. Most of Garmin’s features, like Body Battery and VO2 Max estimates are available out of the box, while these are locked behind the Apple Fitness Plus paywall. It also helps that Garmin watches are platform-agnostic, which means they pair with Android or Apple phones.

The value proposition of a Garmin watch is even more evident with this deal on the Garmin Vivoactive 6 for AU

The Vivoactive 6 contains a lot of the premium Garmin features found in its more expensive offerings, including on-board GPS, on-device storage for offline music via Spotify, and fitness metrics like Body Battery and VO2 Max. This deal puts the Garmin close to the Apple Watch SE 3's AU$399 RRP — a no-brainer if you prioritise fitness and health over smarts. However, note that this listing is a US import, and is estimated to arrive in late May if you order today.

Garmin has long been known for its accurate GPS technology, and has also been its main draw for its premium health and fitness-oriented smartwatches.

Its flagship Fenix watches can cost at least AU$1,000 at full price and the premium Forerunner series aren’t too far off, but the Vivoactive 6 is a more accessible option containing a lot of those premium features, but at a much lower price.

Garmin smartwatches have become popular for their long battery life that's counted in days or weeks, compared to hours with the Apple Watch SE 3. The Vivoactive 6 is no exception, with its battery rated up to 11 days without needing to charge. Even if you use the always-on display, you'll get more use out of it compared to any of the Apple Watches, even the Ultra.

The Vivoactive 6 also boasts an AMOLED screen to provide a display that’s similar to other consumer smartwatches, and I think its round watch face gives it a more understated look compared to a square-shaped watch like Apple's offerings.

Another feature I appreciate is the offline music storage, which means you can leave your phone behind when you head out for a run, walk or ride. To do the same with an Apple Watch would require you to opt for an LTE version which costs more (AU$469 for GPS+Cellular 40mm SE 3) and pay for a connected plan.

I also like that I can use the side buttons to navigate the data screens, while the touchscreen on the Apple Watch gets smudgy with sweaty fingers.

I would have to note that the Vivoactive 6 doesn’t have all the smartwatch-specific bells and whistles that the Apple Watch does, like being able to take phone calls on your wrist, and sending texts (some limited functionality via “Quick Replies” is available on Android phones). This, however is not a complaint, it's an observation — and in any case, I’m already so distracted by my phone to begin with, so less is more in this situation.

Long story short, I'd spend my hard-earned cash on the Garmin Vivoactive 6 right now (if I didn't already own a Fenix) over the Apple Watch SE.

Want something cheaper? The Garmin watch worn by 2026 London Marathon winner (and record-breaking runner) Sabastian Sawe is also discounted for AU$268.

If, however, your main focus is smart features, then I would recommend you get the Apple Watch SE 3 if you own an i Phone, or one of the other watches in our best smartwatches list if you have an Android handset.

If you’re a bit more serious with your training — or plan to get more serious — and find the Vivoactive 6’s features aren’t enough for your needs, you can check out our best Garmin watches list.

Nico is an experienced writer and journalist, having previously written for business titles across Australia.  While mainly focusing on phones and finding deals and coupon codes at Tech Radar Australia, he is also a keen cyclist and occasional hiker, so he also loves related tech like smartwatches and bike computers. Outside of tech, Nico is also a politics, basketball and movie obsessive.

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• Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards