In today’s hyper-connected world, smartwatches have evolved beyond fitness bands into essential everyday companions. Whether you’re hitting the gym or organizing your work schedule, choosing the right smartwatch means balancing features, battery life, and design. Our 2025 guide pits two leading wearables against each other: the Garmin Vivoactive 6and the Google Pixel Watch 3.
Quick Overview
The Garmin Vivoactive 6 caters to fitness-focused users seeking robust health metrics, long battery life, and precise GPS. Known for reliability and data-rich performance, it’s a solid option for runners, athletes, and active lifestyles.
The Google Pixel Watch 3, launched in early 2025, blends premium design with advanced smart features via Wear OS. With seamless Google ecosystem integration, it’s ideal for users who prioritize apps, connectivity, and daily convenience.
Design and Display
Garmin Vivoactive 6
- Sporty aesthetic with 1.3-inch AMOLED display
- Reinforced polymer case with stainless steel bezel
- Interchangeable 20mm bands (silicone, leather, metal)
- Always-on display for visibility without draining battery
Google Pixel Watch 3
- Sleek and domed AMOLED screen (1.36-inch edge-to-edge)
- Stainless steel body with Gorilla Glass 5
- Customizable bands with quick-swap functionality
- Elegant enough for office, light enough for workouts
Verdict: Garmin wins on rugged sportiness and visibility; Pixel Watch 3 is more stylish and fashion-forward.
Fitness & Health Features
Garmin Vivoactive 6 Highlights:
- Built-in GPS with excellent accuracy
- Pulse Ox, VO2 Max, HRV tracking
- Stress & recovery analysis
- Garmin Coach & animated on-screen workouts
- Body Battery energy tracking
- Sleep Score and respiration monitoring
Pixel Watch 3 Highlights:
- Fitbit-powered insights (heart rate, sleep score, stress tracking)
- ECG & skin temperature sensors
- Active Zone Minutes
- Google Fit integration
- Guided breathing & mindfulness sessions
Fitness Verdict: Garmin offers more data and advanced fitness tools. Pixel Watch 3 delivers solid wellness features for casual users.
Smartwatch Features
Garmin Vivoactive 6
- Phone notifications, calendar, weather
- Offline music (Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer)
- Garmin Pay
- 14-day battery (6 hrs GPS + music)
- Lacks voice assistant
Pixel Watch 3
- Google Assistant voice commands
- Turn-by-turn navigation (Google Maps)
- LTE model for calls & messages
- Google Wallet
- Play Store for apps
- 24-hour battery with fast charging
Smartwatch Verdict: Pixel Watch 3 is smarter and more integrated. Garmin prioritizes battery and sports use.
Battery & Durability
- Garmin Vivoactive 6: Up to 14 days in smartwatch mode; rugged, 5 ATM water resistance
- Pixel Watch 3: 24-hour average, fast charging; 5 ATM water resistance but less rugged
Durability Winner: Garmin, with longer battery and better shock resistance.
Pricing in 2025
- Garmin Vivoactive 6: $349 – $399
- Google Pixel Watch 3: $349 (Wi-Fi), $399+ (LTE)
Value Verdict: Both deliver strong value. Garmin wins on longevity and fitness depth; Pixel Watch excels in smart convenience.
Final Recommendation
Choose Garmin Vivoactive 6 if:
- You value battery life and in-depth fitness data
- You train outdoors frequently
- You need GPS accuracy and offline music
Choose Google Pixel Watch 3 if:
- You want a stylish, smart assistant on your wrist
- You rely on Google services (Gmail, Maps, Calendar)
- You use Android and want full Wear OS access
Q: Are both watches waterproof?
A: Yes, both are water-resistant up to 50 meters.
Q: Can I use them with an iPhone?
A: Both work with iOS, but Pixel Watch 3 is optimized for Android.
Q: Do they support offline music?
A: Garmin does; Pixel Watch 3 prefers streaming, but some offline use is possible.
Q: Which one has better GPS?
A: Garmin is known for top-tier GPS performance.