ConsFirst / Fitness trackers / Compare
Garmin Vivoactive 6 vs Amazfit Helio Strap
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
The short answer
Garmin Vivoactive 6 ranks higher (#1 vs #3 of 10) and scores better on tracking accuracy (as tested), comfort & screen. Amazfit Helio Strap wins on no hidden costs.
The biggest complaint about the Garmin Vivoactive 6 is some units fail or lose connection; for the Amazfit Helio Strap it's unreliable automatic workout detection. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Good for: Fitness-focused users on iPhone or Android
Its catch: some units fail or lose connection
Check price on AmazonGood for: Whoop-style recovery data without a subscription
Its catch: unreliable automatic workout detection
Check price on AmazonPaid links. We don't list prices — they change daily. Neither one feels right?
Side by side
| Garmin Vivoactive 6 | Amazfit Helio Strap | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in fitness trackers | #1 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$ |
| Type | Fitness smartwatch | Screenless band |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 11% | 10% |
| Overall score | 4.1 | 3.9 |
| Tracking accuracy (as tested) | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Battery life | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| App & insights | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Comfort & screen | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| No hidden costs | 4.5 | 5.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $60 · $$ $60–150 · $$$ over $150 (or subscription-priced). Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Garmin Vivoactive 6
- Some units fail or lose connection
Amazon's review summary says customers disagree on reliability, with some reporting it stops working after a couple of months, and that connectivity and durability are mixed, including screen cracks after six months. One Amazon reviewer says Bluetooth disconnects often.
- Limited smart features and apps
Tom's Guide lists limited third-party apps and smart features as a con; there's no LTE option, and no onboard ECG or skin-temperature sensor.
- No altimeter; smart alarm needs work
Without an altimeter it undercounted climbs in Tom's Guide's tests (by about 14 ft against an Apple Watch SE and 34 ft against a Galaxy Watch 7). Tom's Guide found the Smart Alarm's 30-minute window too short and its vibrations jarring, and an Amazon reviewer also calls the smart alarm not great.
Amazfit Helio Strap
- Unreliable automatic workout detection
Tom's Guide's tester saw it log short bike rides but miss a full yoga class, and fold a car drive into a hike at 57 mph. She resorted to starting every workout manually. Amazon owners are mixed on accuracy, with some reporting inaccurate data.
- Sleep tracking or the strap fails for some owners
Amazon's review summary says sleep tracking stops working after a week for some customers, some find the strap itchy, and some say it doesn't work for them.
- Battery and charger quirks
Wirecutter got eight days against the 10-day claim. Tom's Guide calls the charger 'incredibly losable'.
Who should pick which
Pick the Garmin Vivoactive 6 if
Fitness-focused users on iPhone or Android
About a week between charges
Small wrists (42 mm, 23 g)
Skip it if: You want apps, LTE or a full smartwatch; You hike and want accurate elevation (no altimeter); You want ECG or skin-temperature sensing
Pick the Amazfit Helio Strap if
Whoop-style recovery data without a subscription
Detailed sleep tracking
Budget screenless tracking
Skip it if: You rely on automatic workout detection; You want Whoop-level depth; You tend to lose small chargers
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.
Neither one feels right?
If both catches are deal-breakers, start here.
Tom's Guide's best budget tracker: about half the price of a Fitbit, with a bright 1.72-inch AMOLED screen, 159 activity modes and step counts that matched an Oura Ring. Battery fell well short of the 21-day claim in its test, and the app's insights feel less actionable than pricier rivals'.
Its catch: battery well short of 21 daysA third option · #5Garmin Cirqa Smart BandGarmin's $199 screenless band sits between the Fitbit Air and Whoop: it excelled in Wirecutter's distance tests, has a physical button to start workouts, lasts about nine to ten days and gives you all of Garmin Connect's data free. It costs twice as much as the Air, and Tom's Guide found it bulky and slow to dry.
Its catch: twice the price of the Fitbit AirAll 10 comparedSee every fitness tracker, rankedEach one's biggest complaint at a glance, with the full ranking and a 3-question quiz.
Browse fitness trackers →Not sure which downside you can live with? Take the 3-question quiz →