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

Date:
Sat, 02 May 2026 00:30:00 +0000

Description:
Garmins smartwatches generally have a more expensive upfront cost, but this deal on the entry-level Vivoactive 6 tears that barrier down a bit, if health and fitness are your priorities over smarts.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter If youre 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 youre using a smartwatch of some sort to track your training.

While something like the Apple Watch SE 3 our recommended smartwatch for iPhone users like me can handle most health and fitness tracking admirably
at a good price, Id still choose a Garmin smartwatch . Garmin wearables are more expensive than Apple s offerings (as well as from other smartwatch brands), but Id argue the costs even out. Most of Garmins 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$388 , making it cheaper than the Apple Watch SE 3's RRP of AU$399. Save 29% (AU$160.59) Garmin Vivomove 6: was AU$549 now AU$388.41 at Amazon 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. View Deal 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 arent 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 thats 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. (Image credit: Future) 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 doesnt 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, Im 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 iPhone, or one of the other watches in our best smartwatches list if you have an Android handset.

If youre a bit more serious with your training or plan to get more serious and find the Vivoactive 6s features arent enough for your needs, you can
check out our best Garmin watches list. Garmin Vivoactive 6 deals 192.75 View Deal 279 229 View Deal 263.99 View Deal Show more We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices powered by



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/im-a-long-time-garmin-us er-and-the-vivoactive-6-for-au329-would-be-my-pick-over-the-apple-watch-se-3-h eres-why


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