“Venu” and “Fenix 6” are both popular Garmin watches. Most of their features are similar, including heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking, which can make choosing between them a little difficult. I have created this “vs” guide to help you make an informed decision. So, without further ado, let’s begin!
Comparison Table: Garmin Venu vs Fenix 6
Here is a summarized table to help you distinguish between Garmin Fenix 6 and Garmin Venu.
| GARMIN VENU | FENIX 6 | |
| Display | 1.2”, AMOLED | 1.3”, Corning Gorilla Glass DX, Colored |
| Resolution | 390 x 390 pixels | 260 x 260 pixels |
| Companion App | Garmin Connect App | Garmin Connect App |
| Features (Sensors) | Heart Rate monitor, onboard GPS, SpO2 sensor, accelerometer | HR monitor, Pulse Ox, Barometer, GPS, accelerometer, VO2 Max, Temperature sensor, respiratory sensor, stroke recognition |
| Activity Tracking | Blood oxygen levels, climbing, running, cycling, calories burned, heart rate, sleep & stress, steps taken, pace | Calories burned, Step count, stair climbed, heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen levels, running, walking, hiking |
| Mobile Payment (NFC) | Yes (Garmin Pay) | Yes (Garmin Pay) |
| Smart Notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Compatibility | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ANT+ |
| Battery Life | Up to 7+ days (smartwatch mode) & 6 hours (GPS mode + Music) No Power Saving Mode | Up to 14 days, about 36 hours on GPS mode 48 days on power-saving mode |
| Water-resistance Rating | 50 meters | 100 meters |
 Buy on Amazon |  Buy on Amazon |
Design: Garmin Venu vs Fenix 6
Venu and Fenix are two types of durable Garmin watches that come with screens to display your fitness data. The Garmin Venu’s display is 1.2 inches and uses AMOLED technology. It has a resolution of 390 x 390 pixels. On the other hand, the Garmin Fenix 6’s display is 1.3 inches and comes with Corning Gorilla Glass for protection. It has a resolution of 260 x 260 pixels. Both watches have always-on displays.
The bands on both Garmin watches are replaceable, which allows for customization to match your outfit. To navigate through the Fenix 6, you will use side buttons as it is not a touchscreen watch. However, you can use the display as a touchscreen to navigate through the Garmin Venu.
Both Garmin watches are waterproof and can be worn while swimming. The Garmin Venu features a water resistance of up to 50 meters, while the Garmin Fenix 6 features a water resistance of up to 100 meters. That means the Garmin can withstand a pressure of up to 50 meters below water, while the Fenix 6 can withstand a pressure of up to 100 meters below water.
Sensors
Both Garmin smartwatches come with built-in GPS sensors. This feature is essential not only for navigation but also for locating your watch if lost and for emergency response purposes. Other Garmin watches with onboard GPS connections include Forerunner 45, Garmin Venu Sq, Fenix 6X, and Forerunner.
Additionally, Garmin Venu and Fenix 6 have a SpO2 sensor that measures blood oxygenation levels.
Both watches are also equipped with accelerometers to detect linear acceleration.
The Fenix 6 can detect changes in body temperature from the wrist using its onboard temperature sensor, while Venu lacks this feature.
The watches also have a barometer that measures barometric pressure and predicts possible weather changes.
The TOPO and Ski maps feature, which is exclusive to Fenix 6, is another remarkable feature to look out for in any Garmin activity watch.
You will find a heart rate sensor on both watches and it will monitor heartbeat alongside resting heart rate and heart rate variability.
Finally, the VO2 Max sensor, found on both Fenix 6 and Venu, provides information on how well your body is taking in oxygen.
Activity Tracking: Garmin Venu vs Fenix 6
Garmin Fenix 6 and Fenix 6 can calculate calories burned every hour, whether working out or relaxing. However, they cannot monitor calorie intake.
These fitness trackers can also provide information about the distance covered while cycling, running, jogging, or walking, as well as the total number of steps taken.
If you are a swimmer, the Fenix 6 may be the better choice for you, as it comes with a swim stroke recognition sensor and can calculate the number of strokes while swimming. It is also an ideal watch for monitoring open-water swimming.
Both Garmin watches can track cycling with the help of the cadence sensor, which calculates the number of pedal revolutions per minute.
Additionally, you can monitor your sleep each night with either Garmin wearable. All your sleep results will be available on the Garmin Connect app or website each morning.
Nonetheless, Venu and Fenix 6 can automatically track your activities, such as running, walking, swimming, or cycling, and provide daily reports through the Garmin website or the Connect app for each workout.
Without forgetting, you can monitor routes while cycling, running, walking, or jogging thanks to the built-in route tracker.
Connectivity
Both the Garmin Venu and Garmin Fenix 6 can connect to both Android and iOS devices, and to Wi-Fi networks. This means that they support Near-Field Communication (NFC) and can be used for cashless payments. Additionally, both watches can sync wirelessly and automatically with compatible Bluetooth devices within range.
Battery Life: Garmin Venu vs Fenix 6
Each Garmin fitness tracker has a battery level indicator to show how much battery life is left. The Garmin Fenix 6 has the longest battery life, lasting up to 14 days on a full charge when in smartwatch mode. In GPS mode, the Fenix 6 can last up to 36 hours, while the Venu lasts up to 6 hours. The Fenix 6 also has a power saver mode that can extend the battery life up to 48 days.
Which Smartwatch should I Buy: Garmin Venu or Fenix 6?
While both watches are worth buying, the Garmin Fenix 6 is the better choice due to its additional features. The Fenix 6 offers swim and VO2 max tracking, which are not found on the Venu. Additionally, the Fenix 6 can detect changes in body temperature and has a Trackback mode that allows users to track their routes and reverse them. The only area where the Venu outperforms the Fenix 6 is in resolution. However, the Garmin Venu is a good alternative if you are looking for a watch that does not break the bank.