Both Vivoactive and Lily watches come from Garmin, a trusted brand in health and fitness technology, but they serve different purposes.
⌚ Garmin Smart Watch Deals ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Understanding these differences can help you make a more informed decision, whether you want a stylish everyday companion or a feature-packed fitness tracker. Choosing the right smartwatch not only keeps you connected but also supports your health goals in a way that fits your routine.
Table of Contents
How We Compared Garmin Vivoactive 6 vs Lily 2
I focused on several key factors to compare these two Garmin smartwatches. First, I looked at design and comfort, especially since wrist size and style preferences vary.
Battery life was another important aspect, as it affects how often you need to recharge. I also considered health and fitness tracking features, including GPS capabilities and the variety of sports apps.
Connectivity and smart features like notifications, music storage, and payment options were evaluated to see how well each watch integrates with daily life. Finally, I took into account user feedback and overall value for the price.
🔀 Comparison Table
Here is a quick look at the main differences between the two watches.
| Feature | 🏃♂️ Garmin Vivoactive 6 | 💎 Garmin Lily 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | AMOLED, 1.2″ always-on | TFT LCD, 1.0″ touchscreen (non-AOD) |
| Battery Life | Up to 11 days (smartwatch mode) | Up to 5 days |
| Case Size | 45 mm | 35 mm (small wrists) |
| Design Focus | Unisex, fitness-first | Fashion-focused, petite & minimalist |
| Health Tracking | Advanced: heart rate, Pulse Ox, stress, sleep score, Body Battery | Basic: HR, Pulse Ox, stress, sleep |
| Fitness Features | Built-in GPS, Garmin Coach, HIIT, strength, yoga, PacePro | Connected GPS, yoga, cardio, walking |
| GPS | Built-in GPS + multi-band GNSS | No built-in GPS (uses phone GPS) |
| Music Storage | Yes, up to 8 GB | No |
| Smart Notifications | Yes, with quick replies on Android | Yes |
| Contactless Payments | Garmin Pay supported | Not supported |
| Water Rating | 5 ATM (swim-friendly) | 5 ATM |
| Phone Compatibility | Android & iOS | Android & iOS |
| Style Options | Sporty look with silicone or nylon bands | Fashion-forward: leather, woven nylon, metal |
| Best For | Active users, runners, wellness tracking | Petite wrists, lifestyle wellness |
| Pricing | Check Price | Check Price |
Garmin Lily 2
When I compare smartwatches Vivoactive 6 vs Lily 2, the Lily 2 really stands out if you want something sleek and subtle. It’s designed for smaller wrists and has this cool patterned lens that lights up to show a bright touchscreen.
I’ve found it perfect for everyday wear, whether I’m at work or out with friends, because it doesn’t feel bulky or too sporty. It tracks all the basics like steps, sleep, heart rate, and even women’s health data, which is handy. The battery life lasting up to 5 days means I’m not constantly charging it, which is a relief. It doesn’t have built-in GPS or speaker calls like the Vivoactive 6, but if you’re okay with using your phone for GPS, it’s a great companion.
Plus, the smart notifications keep me connected without pulling out my phone all the time. Overall, it’s a stylish, functional choice if you want a smartwatch that fits smaller wrists and keeps things simple but useful.
Pros and Cons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
✅ Compact and elegant design perfect for small wrists |
❌ No built-in GPS, relies on phone for location tracking |
|
✅ Good battery life lasting several days |
❌ No speaker for calls or voice features |
|
✅ Comprehensive health and wellness tracking |
❌ Screen can be prone to scratches without a protector |
|
✅ Customizable widgets and notifications |
❌ Occasional connectivity drops reported by some users |
|
✅ Replaceable bands with stylish options |
What People Say
People appreciate how the Lily 2 balances style and function, especially for smaller wrists. The battery life and health tracking get consistent praise, though some note it lacks built-in GPS and speaker calls. The Garmin app is often mentioned as a highlight for managing data and settings.
🗣️ Kk
I’ve been using the Lily 2 for a while now and it’s held up great for daily hikes, walks, and backpacking. The face is just a bit larger than the original Lily, but still perfect for my small wrist. I love the replaceable band and the neutral cream color fits with everything. It tracks heart rate, CO2, and alerts well, though it doesn’t have GPS or speaker calls. Battery life is solid, lasting about 5 days with moderate alerts. Switching from the original Lily was seamless, and it’s a great small wrist tracker overall.
🗣️ Victoria L Wicker
This watch fits my small wrist perfectly and looks elegant without being bulky. Sleep tracking and step counts have been accurate, and the customizable widgets let me see exactly what I want. The wrist raise feature works well during activities, and the Garmin Connect app is really user-friendly. I’m careful with the screen since it can scratch easily, but overall it’s a great feminine smartwatch that keeps me connected and tracks my health reliably.
How It Helps In Different Situations
|
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Daily Fitness Tracking |
Keeps accurate tabs on steps, calories, heart rate, and sleep, helping you stay on top of your health goals. |
|
Small Wrist Comfort |
Designed specifically for smaller wrists, it feels light and unobtrusive all day long. |
|
Staying Connected |
Smart notifications for calls, texts, and calendar alerts keep you informed without needing your phone out. |
|
Battery Life |
Up to 5 days of battery means less time charging and more time wearing. |
|
Outdoor Activities |
Connects to your phone’s GPS for tracking walks and runs, though no built-in GPS on the watch itself. |
What’s New Here
The Lily 2 introduces a patterned lens that cleverly hides the touchscreen until you tap or flick your wrist, blending fashion with function. It also offers improved battery life and a replaceable band system, making it more versatile and durable for everyday use.
Wearing It All Day
It’s super lightweight and fits snugly on smaller wrists without feeling bulky. The silicone band stays put during workouts, and the watch’s size means it doesn’t get in the way, whether you’re typing at your desk or out hiking.
Why I Like It
- Fits small wrists comfortably without looking bulky
- Stylish patterned lens hides the touchscreen until you need it
- Tracks essential health metrics like sleep, heart rate, and stress
- Up to 5 days of battery life keeps it low maintenance
- Smart notifications keep you connected without pulling out your phone
Rating: 4.2 (total: 359+)
Garmin Vivoactive 6
When I compare smartwatches Vivoactive 6 vs Lily 2, the Vivoactive 6 really shines if you want a feature-packed fitness companion. It’s got a bright AMOLED screen that’s easy to read outdoors and a battery that lasts up to 11 days, which means less time charging and more time moving. I love how it tracks everything from heart rate and stress to sleep quality and even naps, giving me a full picture of my health. Plus, with over 80 built-in sports apps, it keeps workouts interesting whether I’m running, cycling, or trying yoga.
It also handles smart notifications smoothly, so I can glance at texts or emails without pulling out my phone. The customizable workouts and Garmin Coach plans make training feel personal and doable. It’s a bit bigger and sportier than the Lily 2, so it’s perfect if you want a robust smartwatch that works for both daily wear and serious fitness tracking.
Pros and Cons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
✅ Feature-rich with advanced health and fitness tracking |
❌ Larger size might feel bulky on smaller wrists |
|
✅ Long battery life up to 11 days |
❌ Some users report occasional connectivity issues |
|
✅ Bright, sharp AMOLED display |
❌ Golf app features have had some glitches |
|
✅ Customizable workouts and route syncing |
❌ Not as dressy or subtle as smaller smartwatches |
|
✅ Smooth and modern user interface |
What People Say
Users love the Vivoactive 6 for its detailed health insights and smooth performance. The long battery life and bright screen get lots of praise, along with the ability to create custom workouts.
Some mention it’s a bit large for smaller wrists, but overall it’s seen as a solid all-rounder for fitness and daily use.
🗣️ Santosh Vaza
What I liked in the VA6: New UX improvements with a modern, premium feel. The notification center finally has a “Clear All” option, and the control center is similar to Android/iOS. I also appreciate the built-in compass and revamped apps. Creating custom workouts is a game changer, and syncing routes directly to the watch is super convenient. The improved haptics and premium strap make it feel high-end. Despite the feature-rich UI, it runs smoothly without lag. Garmin’s actionable health insights like Sleep Coach, Body Battery, and stress tracking really set it apart from other watches.
🗣️ KMF
I’ve been using this now for a couple months. It has all the features I loved on my Forerunner165 but looks a bit fancier and is easier to dress up. The bright screen and adjustable font size make it easy to read, and the battery life is impressive. It’s comfortable enough for daily wear and handles notifications well. Overall, a great upgrade for runners who want something versatile and stylish.
How It Helps In Different Situations
|
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Endurance Training |
Custom workouts and Garmin Coach plans help you train smarter and track your progress closely. |
|
Daily Wellness |
Body Battery and stress tracking give you insights on when to push and when to rest. |
|
Outdoor Activities |
Built-in GPS and over 80 sports apps cover everything from running to swimming and golf. |
|
Busy Days |
Smart notifications and music storage keep you connected and entertained without your phone. |
|
Long Trips |
Up to 11 days of battery life means less charging and more time enjoying your adventures. |
What’s New Here
The Vivoactive 6 brings a fully redesigned user interface that feels modern and intuitive, plus the ability to create custom workouts right on the watch. It also introduces Body Battery energy monitoring, combining sleep, stress, and activity data to give you personalized energy insights throughout the day.
Wearing It All Day
While it’s a bit bigger than some other models, the Vivoactive 6 is surprisingly lightweight at just 1.3 ounces. The premium strap feels comfortable and secure during workouts and daily wear, though it might feel a little bulky if you have smaller wrists.
Why I Like It
- Bright AMOLED display that’s easy to see in all lighting
- Up to 11 days of battery life keeps it low maintenance
- Tracks a wide range of health metrics including sleep, stress, and Body Battery
- Over 80 built-in sports apps to keep workouts fresh
- Custom workouts and Garmin Coach plans for personalized training
- Smart notifications and music storage right on your wrist
Rating: 4.4 (total: 187+)
FAQ
💎 🔆 How Do The Garmin Vivoactive 6 And Lily 2 Differ In Design And Display?
When I compare smartwatches Vivoactive 6 vs Lily 2, the first thing I notice is their design and display. The Lily 2 is made for smaller wrists and has a unique patterned lens that hides the touchscreen until you flick your wrist, which I find really stylish and discreet. It’s lightweight and feels more like a traditional watch, perfect if you want something subtle yet functional. On the other hand, the Vivoactive 6 has a larger, bright AMOLED display that’s easier to read at a glance and offers a more modern, sporty look.
It’s a bit heavier but feels premium and is great if you want a bigger screen for workouts or notifications. So, if you prefer elegance and a smaller size, Lily 2 is the way to go.
But if you want a more versatile display with richer visuals, Vivoactive 6 stands out.
🔋⏳ What Should I Consider About Battery Life And Fitness Features When Choosing Between These Two?
Battery life is a big deal for me, and here the Vivoactive 6 really shines with up to 11 days on a single charge, which means less hassle charging during busy weeks. The Lily 2 lasts up to 5 days, which is still solid but you’ll need to charge it more often if you use notifications a lot.
In terms of fitness tracking, both watches cover basics like heart rate, sleep, and stress, but the Vivoactive 6 goes further with built-in GPS, over 80 sports apps, and advanced features like Body Battery energy monitoring and custom workouts. The Lily 2 relies on your phone’s GPS and focuses more on everyday health tracking with a simpler interface.
So, if you want detailed fitness insights and longer battery life, I’d lean toward the Vivoactive 6. But if you want a stylish, easy-to-wear tracker for daily health monitoring, Lily 2 fits nicely.
📅 👟 Can Both Watches Handle Smart Notifications And Daily Use Comfortably?
Yes, both watches keep you connected by showing calls, texts, and app notifications right on your wrist, which I find super convenient. The Lily 2’s smaller size makes it really comfortable for all-day wear, especially if you have a smaller wrist like me. It’s also less obtrusive during workouts or meetings. The Vivoactive 6, while bigger, still feels comfortable and offers more customization with watch faces and apps, plus features like Garmin Pay for contactless payments.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Lily 2 doesn’t have a speaker or microphone, so you can’t take calls directly on it, whereas the Vivoactive 6 supports more advanced connectivity options. Overall, both are great for daily use, but your choice depends on whether you prioritize style and comfort or extra smart features.
📌 Wrapping Up
After comparing the Garmin Vivoactive 6 and Lily 2, it’s clear that each watch offers unique benefits depending on what you value most. The Vivoactive 6 stands out with its bright AMOLED display, longer battery life of up to 11 days, and a wide range of fitness features including built-in GPS and customizable workouts. It’s a great choice if you want a comprehensive health and sports companion.
On the other hand, the Lily 2 shines as a small, stylish smartwatch designed for those with smaller wrists who want essential health tracking and smart notifications without bulk. Its hidden patterned lens and up to 5 days of battery life make it a chic, everyday wearable.
Understanding these differences helps me—and hopefully you—pick the smartwatch that fits your lifestyle and health goals best.
| Garmin Lily 2 | Garmin vívoactive® 6 | |
|---|---|---|
 |
 | |
| Rating | 4.2/5 (359 reviews) | 4.4/5 (187 reviews) |
| Highlights | Small and stylish smartwatch, hidden display, patterned lens, up to 5 days battery life. | Health and fitness GPS smartwatch, AMOLED display, up to 11 days battery life. |
| Pros | Elegant design, lightweight, good battery life, accurate health tracking. | Comprehensive health tracking, long battery life, customizable workouts. |
| Cons | Limited GPS functionality, no speaker for calls. | Larger size may not suit everyone, some connectivity issues reported. |
| See Pricing | See Pricing |
