Garmin Venu 3 and Garmin Vivoactive 6 are two advanced fitness smartwatches designed for health tracking, workout guidance, and smartwatch functionality in one device. Garmin Venu 3 is the more premium and feature-rich model with upgraded sensors, a sharper display, and expanded health tracking capabilities. Garmin Vivoactive 6 is a newer refresh in the Vivoactive line that focuses on core fitness features at a lower price. This comparison will walk you through key differences so you can confidently decide which one fits your needs best.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor:
- Garmin Venu 3 features a latest-generation faster processor that improves menu responsiveness and tracking accuracy.
- Garmin Vivoactive 6 uses a mid-tier Garmin processor, which provides standard performance for everyday use.
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Stainless-Steel Bezel:
- Garmin Venu 3 has a stainless-steel bezel that increases durability and provides a more premium build.
- Garmin Vivoactive 6 has an aluminum bezel, which is lighter but less resistant to scratches.
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Display:
- Garmin Venu 3 includes a 1.4-inch AMOLED display that provides more space for viewing data and navigation.
- Garmin Vivoactive 6 has a 1.3-inch AMOLED display with slightly less viewing area.
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ECG:
- Garmin Venu 3 supports ECG measurement with AFib detection to help monitor heart rhythm health.
- Garmin Vivoactive 6 does not include ECG functionality.
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Barometric Altimeter:
- Garmin Venu 3 has a barometric altimeter that tracks elevation gain and floors climbed more precisely.
- Garmin Vivoactive 6 relies on GPS for elevation data.
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Speaker & Microphone:
- Garmin Venu 3 comes with a built-in speaker and microphone to enable phone calls and voice assistant functions.
- Garmin Vivoactive 6 has only a microphone for voice commands.
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Internal Storage:
- Garmin Venu 3 has 8 GB of internal storage that allows more offline music and app downloads.
- Garmin Vivoactive 6 includes 4 GB of internal storage, which supports fewer files.
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Battery Life:
- Garmin Venu 3 supports up to 14 days of battery life in smartwatch mode to reduce charging frequency.
- Garmin Vivoactive 6 lasts up to 11 days in smartwatch mode.
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Jet-lag Advisor:
- Garmin Venu 3 includes a jet-lag advisor to guide sleep and activity adjustments when traveling across time zones.
- Garmin Vivoactive 6 does not include a jet-lag advisor.
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Higher Resolution:
- Garmin Venu 3 delivers 454 x 454 resolution for sharper display with increased pixel density, text and graphics.
- Garmin Vivoactive 6 has lower 416 x 416 pixels resolution.
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature |
Garmin Venu 3 |
Garmin Vivoactive 6 |
| Display |
1.4-inch AMOLED, 454×454 resolution |
1.3-inch AMOLED, 416×416 resolution |
| Brightness |
Higher peak brightness for better sunlight visibility |
Standard AMOLED brightness |
| Processor |
Latest-gen faster chipset |
Mid-tier Garmin processor |
| Bezel |
Stainless steel |
Aluminum |
| HR Sensor |
Elevate 5 with improved accuracy |
Elevate 4 sensor |
| ECG |
Yes (AFib detection) |
No |
| Altimeter |
Barometric altimeter |
Standard GPS-based elevation |
| Audio |
Built-in speaker and microphone |
Microphone only |
| Storage |
8 GB |
4 GB |
| Battery Life |
Up to 14 days in smartwatch mode |
Up to 11 days in smartwatch mode |
| Special Features |
Jet-lag advisor, Morning report |
Morning report only |
Who Should Buy What?
Buy the Garmin Venu 3 if you:
- Want the sharpest and largest AMOLED display in this lineup.
- Need ECG, AFib detection, and more accurate heart rate tracking.
- Prefer stainless-steel build for premium durability.
- Travel frequently and would benefit from the jet-lag advisor.
- Want longer battery life and more storage for offline music.
Check Garmin Venu 3 Best Price
Buy the Garmin Vivoactive 6 if you:
- Prefer a lower-cost Garmin smartwatch with solid core fitness features.
- Do not need ECG or the latest heart rate sensor.
- Want a lighter watch with a slightly smaller display.
- Are fine with shorter battery life and less storage.
- Want a balance of price and essential health tracking tools.
Check Garmin Vivoactive 6 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category |
Winner |
| Processor |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| Stainless-steel bezel |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| Larger AMOLED display |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| Brightness |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| ECG (AFib detection) |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| Barometric altimeter |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| Speaker & microphone |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| Internal storage |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| Battery life |
Garmin Venu 3 |
| Morning report |
Garmin Venu 3 |
What They Have in Common
- AMOLED Touchscreen Display: Both watches feature a bright and vibrant AMOLED display, making data easy to read even under direct sunlight.
- Built-in GPS: Each model includes integrated GPS, allowing you to accurately track your outdoor runs, rides, and hikes without carrying a phone.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Both offer 24/7 wrist-based heart rate tracking, helping users monitor health trends and exercise intensity.
- Advanced Fitness Tracking: Each watch supports multi-sport modes, sleep tracking, and stress monitoring, making them reliable all-in-one health companions.
- Smart Notifications: Both devices can deliver call, text, and app alerts from your smartphone, ensuring you stay connected on the go.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Is the Garmin Venu 3 better for advanced health tracking than the Vivoactive 6?
Yes, the Garmin Venu 3 is better for advanced health tracking because it includes ECG with AFib detection, the newer Elevate 5 heart rate sensor, and more wellness tools like the jet-lag advisor.
Does the Garmin Vivoactive 6 have an AMOLED display like the Venu 3?
Yes, both watches have AMOLED displays, but the Venu 3 has a larger 1.4-inch panel with higher resolution and brightness compared to the Vivoactive 6’s 1.3-inch display.
Which watch lasts longer on a single charge?
The Garmin Venu 3 lasts up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, which is longer than the Garmin Vivoactive 6’s maximum of 11 days.
Does either watch have a barometric altimeter?
Yes, the Garmin Venu 3 has a barometric altimeter for more accurate elevation tracking, while the Garmin Vivoactive 6 relies on GPS for altitude data.
Can both watches store music for offline playback?
Yes, both can store music, but the Garmin Venu 3 has 8 GB of storage, allowing for more songs and apps compared to the Vivoactive 6’s 4 GB.
Do both models support phone calls?
The Garmin Venu 3 supports phone calls with its built-in speaker and microphone, while the Garmin Vivoactive 6 only has a microphone for voice commands.
Is the Garmin Venu 3 heavier than the Vivoactive 6?
Yes, the Garmin Venu 3 is slightly heavier due to its stainless-steel bezel, while the Vivoactive 6 is lighter with its aluminum bezel.
Does the Vivoactive 6 include ECG functionality?
No, the Garmin Vivoactive 6 does not support ECG or AFib detection, which is a feature exclusive to the Garmin Venu 3.
Which watch is better for frequent travelers?
The Garmin Venu 3 is better for frequent travelers because it includes a jet-lag advisor to help adjust sleep and activity schedules when crossing time zones.
