When you’re looking to invest in a smartwatch that supports your health and fitness journey, it’s important to choose a device that aligns with your lifestyle and goals. Comparing the Garmin vivoactive 6 with the Garmin Forerunner 165 helps you understand the unique features each watch offers, so you can make an informed decision.
Whether you want detailed training insights, long battery life, or versatile sports tracking, knowing the differences will benefit you by ensuring you pick the right companion for your workouts and daily wellness.
Table of Contents
How to Compare the Two Smartwatches
To help you decide between these two Garmin smartwatches, consider factors like display quality, battery life, fitness and health tracking features, training support, and smartwatch capabilities. Also, think about your primary activities—whether you’re a runner focused on training metrics or someone who wants a broader range of sports apps and wellness insights.
Price and user experience are also key elements to weigh in your choice.
Comparison Table
| Garmin vívoactive® 6 | Garmin Forerunner 165 | |
|---|---|---|
 |
 | |
| Rating | 4.4/5 (1,000+ reviews) | 4.7/5 (600+ reviews) |
| Highlights | AMOLED display, Body Battery™ monitoring, 80+ sports apps, smart notifications, music storage, Garmin Pay™. | AMOLED display, training metrics, recovery insights, health monitoring, smart notifications. |
| Pros | Long battery life (up to 11 days), comprehensive health tracking, customizable workouts, modern design. | Excellent GPS accuracy, vibrant display, great for running and multi-sport tracking, intuitive app integration. |
| Cons | Some users report connectivity issues with certain apps, larger size may not suit everyone. | Weather feature can be unreliable, primarily designed for runners which may not suit all users. |
| See Pricing | See Pricing |
Vivoactive 6
When you compare the Garmin vivoactive 6 with the Garmin Forerunner 165, you’ll notice the Vivoactive 6 feels like a step up if you want something that’s both sporty and a bit dressier. It’s got a bright AMOLED screen that’s easy to read whether you’re out for a run or just checking notifications during the day.
The battery life is impressive too — you can go up to 11 days without charging, which means less fuss and more time tracking your activities. Plus, it’s packed with features like Body Battery energy monitoring, sleep coaching, and over 80 built-in sports apps, so whether you’re hitting the gym, the golf course, or just trying to stay active, it’s got your back.
It’s a solid choice if you want a versatile smartwatch that fits both your fitness goals and everyday style.
Pros and Cons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
✅ Long battery life means less charging hassle |
❌ Large watch face might feel bulky if you prefer smaller designs |
|
✅ Custom workouts and Garmin Coach adapt to your fitness level |
❌ Some users report occasional syncing issues with the app |
|
✅ Smooth, modern user interface with adjustable font size |
❌ Golf features can be glitchy for serious players |
|
✅ Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear |
❌ Limited notification functionality for iPhone users |
|
✅ Supports Garmin Pay™ for contactless payments |
How It Fits Your Life
|
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Running outdoors |
Built-in GPS tracks your route and pace accurately, plus daily suggested workouts keep you motivated. |
|
Office or casual wear |
Sleek design and customizable watch faces let you dress it up or down easily. |
|
Tracking sleep and recovery |
Sleep score and personalized coaching help you improve rest and energy levels. |
|
Multi-sport training |
Access to 80+ sports apps means you can switch between activities without missing a beat. |
Health Features That Matter
|
Benefit |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Body Battery™ Energy Monitoring |
Gives you a clear idea of your energy levels throughout the day so you can plan workouts and rest smarter. |
|
Sleep Coaching |
Tracks your sleep quality and offers tips to help you get better rest. |
|
Stress Tracking |
Keeps an eye on your stress levels and suggests breathing exercises to help you relax. |
|
Heart Rate Monitoring |
Wrist-based heart rate tracking helps you stay in the right zone during workouts and daily life. |
Getting Comfortable With It
|
Feature |
Ease Level |
|---|---|
|
User Interface |
Smooth and intuitive |
|
Setup Process |
Quick with QR code scanning |
|
Workout Customization |
Easy to create and sync custom workouts |
|
Notification Handling |
Simple but limited on iPhone |
Versatility
Whether you’re a casual walker, a serious runner, or someone who likes to mix up their workouts, the Vivoactive 6 adapts well. It’s great for daily wear, sports, and even some smart features like music storage and contactless payments, making it a solid all-rounder.
Innovation
The Vivoactive 6 brings a fresh take with its AMOLED display and advanced Body Battery™ energy monitoring. Plus, the ability to create custom workouts and sync routes directly to your watch shows Garmin’s focus on giving you more control and smarter insights without needing a subscription.
Why You’ll Like It
- Bright AMOLED display makes it easy to see your stats anytime
- Up to 11 days of battery life keeps you going longer between charges
- Body Battery™ energy monitoring helps you know when to push or rest
- Over 80 built-in sports apps to keep workouts fresh and fun
- Personalized sleep coaching and nap detection for better rest
Rating: 4.4 (total: 187+)
Check Price on AmazonForerunner 165
When you compare the Garmin vivoactive 6 with the Garmin Forerunner 165, the Forerunner 165 feels like a focused running companion that’s easy to use and packed with just the right features. Its bright AMOLED screen makes checking your pace, distance, and heart rate a breeze, even when you’re outside. You’ll appreciate the training insights and recovery tips that help you avoid overdoing it, plus the battery life that keeps up with your busy schedule—lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode.
It’s lightweight and comfortable enough to wear all day, whether you’re hitting the trails, swimming laps, or just keeping an eye on your health stats. If you want a solid, no-fuss watch that’s built for runners but versatile enough for everyday use, the Forerunner 165 is a great pick.
Pros and Cons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
✅ Clear, colorful touchscreen that responds smoothly |
❌ Strap size might feel small if you prefer wider bands |
|
✅ Comprehensive running and multi-sport tracking features |
❌ Weather updates can be inconsistent at times |
|
✅ Long battery life even with regular GPS use |
❌ Limited smartwatch features compared to some competitors |
|
✅ Lightweight design that’s comfortable for all-day wear |
❌ Heart rate accuracy may vary during intense workouts |
|
✅ Helpful training plans and recovery advice built in |
How It Works For You
|
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Training for a race |
Adaptive training plans and Garmin Coach guide you through workouts tailored to your goals. |
|
Outdoor running |
Built-in GPS tracks your route and pace accurately, so you can focus on your run. |
|
Cross-training days |
Multiple activity profiles like cycling, swimming, and strength training keep all your workouts covered. |
|
Daily wear |
Smart notifications and health tracking keep you connected and informed throughout the day. |
Health Features You’ll Use
|
Benefit |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Heart Rate Monitoring |
Keeps track of your heart rate 24/7 to help you stay in the right training zones. |
|
Sleep Tracking |
Gives you insights into your sleep stages so you can improve your rest. |
|
Stress Tracking |
Monitors your stress levels and suggests breathing exercises to help you unwind. |
|
Recovery Time |
Tells you how long to rest before your next hard workout to avoid burnout. |
Getting Started and Daily Use
|
Feature |
Ease Level |
|---|---|
|
Touchscreen Display |
Very easy to navigate with smooth responsiveness |
|
Setup and Pairing |
Quick and straightforward with Garmin Connect app |
|
Workout Tracking |
Simple to start and customize workouts |
|
Notifications |
Clear and easy to read, but limited interaction |
Versatility
The Forerunner 165 is primarily built for runners but handles other activities like swimming, cycling, and strength training well. It’s also comfortable enough for everyday wear, making it a solid all-rounder if you want a watch that’s focused but flexible.
Innovation
This watch shines with its bright AMOLED display and smart training features like Garmin Coach and adaptive workout suggestions. It balances simplicity with enough tech to keep you motivated and informed without overwhelming you.
What You’ll Appreciate
- Vibrant AMOLED display that’s easy to read in any light
- Up to 11 days of battery life to keep you going longer
- Detailed training metrics and recovery insights to optimize workouts
- Built-in GPS for accurate pace and distance tracking
- Smart notifications keep you connected without pulling out your phone
Rating: 4.7 (total: 605+)
Check Price on AmazonFAQ
🏃 How Do The Garmin Vivoactive 6 And Forerunner 165 Compare In Terms Of Fitness And Health Tracking?
When you compare the Garmin vivoactive 6 with the Garmin Forerunner 165, you’ll find both offer solid fitness and health tracking, but they cater to slightly different needs. The vivoactive 6 is more of an all-rounder with over 80 built-in sports apps, advanced health features like Body Battery™ energy monitoring, sleep coaching, and stress tracking. It’s great if you want detailed wellness insights alongside your workouts.
The Forerunner 165, on the other hand, is more focused on running and training metrics, offering race adaptive training plans, recovery insights, and detailed running stats. If running is your main priority, the Forerunner 165 gives you targeted tools to improve performance. Both have AMOLED displays and up to 11 days of battery life, so you won’t have to charge often.
🏃♀️ Which Watch Is Better For Everyday Use And Smartwatch Features?
If you want a smartwatch that fits seamlessly into your daily life, the vivoactive 6 might be the better choice. It supports music storage, Garmin Pay™ contactless payments, and a wider range of smart notifications, making it easier to stay connected without pulling out your phone.
The Forerunner 165 also shows notifications and pairs well with your smartphone, but it’s more streamlined and focused on training rather than lifestyle features. The vivoactive 6’s AMOLED screen is bright and customizable with adjustable font sizes, which helps if you want a watch that looks good and is easy to read throughout the day.
🔋 What Should I Consider About Battery Life And Comfort When Choosing Between These Two?
Both watches offer impressive battery life, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, so you won’t be charging every day. However, the vivoactive 6 has a slightly larger battery capacity and tends to last longer if you use a lot of its health tracking features.
Comfort-wise, the vivoactive 6 is lightweight and has a premium strap that many users find comfortable for all-day wear. The Forerunner 165 is also light but comes with a smaller strap that might feel tight if you have a larger wrist, so you might want to check the fit before deciding. Ultimately, think about how you’ll use the watch daily and whether you prefer a more fitness-focused or lifestyle-friendly device.
Wrapping Up
In comparing the Garmin vivoactive 6 with the Garmin Forerunner 165, you’ll find that both offer excellent AMOLED displays and up to 11 days of battery life, making them reliable choices for everyday wear and workouts. The vivoactive 6 stands out if you want a broader range of sports apps, personalized wellness insights like Body Battery™, and a more feature-rich smartwatch experience.
On the other hand, the Forerunner 165 is tailored for runners who want detailed training metrics, recovery guidance, and adaptive coaching to improve performance. By understanding these differences, you can select the watch that best supports your fitness routine and helps you stay motivated on your journey.