Garmin's celebrating its birthday by letting deal-hunters skip the wait for October Prime Day or Black Friday. It's discounted dozens of watches, bike computers, satellite tech, and more, but the most notable deal we've spotted is the Garmin Vivoactive 6 at $249 ($50 off), an all-time low for Garmin's best starter watch for most people.
Our Garmin Vivoactive 6 review highlights how Garmin designed it as an accessible entry point for casual gym-goers or couch-to-5kers new to the Garmin brand. It has a respectable 11-day battery life with reliable GPS accuracy for following Garmin Run or Cycling Coach workouts, it's extremely light and comfortable for sleep tracking, and it's one of the best brands for counting gym reps accurately.
Our Vivoactive 6 reviewer actually preferred the cheaper model over the pricier Venu 3 because it felt more accessible, focusing on tracking indoor HIIT or strength workouts without the extra info he didn't feel he needed.
Garmin watches are getting increasingly expensive this year. The "mid-range" Garmin Venu 4 and Forerunner 570 both cost $549, not to mention the $1,000+ Fenix 8 series! So while the Vivoactive 6 may not be "cheap" by traditional standards, it's the only 2025 Garmin watch with a price tailored to everyday athletes.
Garmin did make some cutbacks to hit its lower price point; you don't get the latest-generation health sensors for ECGs or skin temperature, nor an altimeter for counting stairs climbed. But you can most likely live with those missing features to save a few hundred dollars!
Garmin has discounted several other cheap models for its sale event, including the Forerunner 55 and Lily 2 at $149, or the Instinct E at $199. But compared to the Vivoactive 6, these feel more compromised, like the Lily 2 hybrid with no GPS and much shorter battery life, or the 55's limited sensors and dull MIP display.
Anyone on a tighter budget will get value from them, but the Vivoactive 6 is the better option for the current Garmin experience. So if you're looking to switch to Garmin or upgrade your current watch, we'd say you should either start here or accept that you'll have to spend more for a more premium Venu or Forerunner model.
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