For years I’ve recommended Garmin devices over Fitbit. Why? While Garmin’s devices cost a fair amount more than Fitbit’s, I always saw the additional outlay of a subscription cost as being worth the extra upfront cost to avoid. After all, a fitness device has the potential of lasting a very long time without an upgrade, and Fitbit’s $13 a month fee really starts to build up after a while.

But then Garmin did the unthinkable — it added a subscription fee, locking features behind a paywall and personally stabbing me in the back.

Alright, so maybe I’m being a little dramatic. But I was a bit annoyed. And that feeling of annoyance lasted all the way until I got to try the features for myself while testing the Garmin Vivoactive 6, and discovered that some of the features I was convinced would be pointless, are actually pretty good. But even so, it’s not an essential buy — and that’s very good indeed.

Garmin’s new AI is a bit pointless

I was, despite my earlier annoyance, I was excited to try out Garmin’s new features. And of all the new features on offer, the one I was most looking forward to using was Garmin’s artifici— sorry, “Active Intelligence”. According to Garmin’s description, its AI will recommend exercises and insights based on my health and physical data. Sounds great! I love insights and being told what to do.

So far it’s told me that, after two bad nights sleeping six hours each, I’m tired and should go to bed earlier. It’s also told me that, at 11am, I still have time to walk some more. Hardly ground-breaking stuff.

I can see what they want this feature to achieve. It’s clear Garmin wants this to be your personal pocket cheerleader and coach in one, and with time and more development, it’s possible it might get there. But at the moment, it isn’t saying much me. If it was just a little extra feature Garmin had thrown in, I’d find it a cute little oddity. As a paid product? Like many AI-driven products, it’s a disappointment. Would I want to pay for this? Even at just $7 it’s not much to write home about.

One is a game-changer

Oddly, it’s the other features that I had dismissed that have impressed me.

Being able to make changes to a workout while it’s underway is a great addition. It’s only useful for certain activities; it has little use during runs for instance, but it’s excellent when lifting weights. One of my previous frustrations with fitness tracking and weightlifting is that correcting numbers of lifts, or the weight being lifted, can be fiddly. Poking a tiny watch screen isn’t the easiest way to fix a problem, especially during a short rest period, and being able to do it from a phone screen is much better. Plus, your phone’s screen shows the number of lifts, heart rate, and other live stats. If you’re a frequent weightlifter or gym-goer, it’s a reason to consider the subscription.

The others aren’t as compelling, but they definitely fall into the “nice to have” category. Extra challenges and badges are good, but not worth paying for. I’m also not hugely keen on the idea of Garmin’s coaches taking a look at my running training plans. I work from home to avoid people, and I didn’t go to those lengths just to let far fitter people judge my running skills. I had enough of that during school sports days, thanks.

The last new feature worth noting is the additions to LiveTrack. Now, when you set out on a run, LiveTrack can automatically ping your chosen contacts. Honestly, I like this feature, but it definitely sticks in the craw that something so safety-based is a paid feature. It feels like something like this should be included for free.

It’s not for everyone, but that’s great

Probably the best part of these new additions is that they’re all just that: Additions. Nothing has been taken away from you, and everything you enjoyed about Garmin Connect is still available for free. Really, it’s the best way to introduce a paywall. It avoids resentment by taking away features you might used, and subtly tempts you with some fun new toys.

Is it tempting enough? This is an early reaction at the very start of my time with the new Vivoactive 6, and my views may well change, but at the moment, I’m going to say no. There are a few instances where it’s stand-out excellent — live stats for weightlifting is an actual game-changer, and a genuine reason to pay $7 a month. But for everything else? It’s hard to justify it for casual runners, swimmers, or gym-goers. More serious athletes will find value here, especially in the coaching and live changes, but personally, it’s best to view it as a fun optional extra, rather than a must-buy.

Why does that make me so happy? Because it means that Garmin has successfully kept everything that made Connect so good before the subscription fee. Nothing has been lost, and you only have to gain. And that’s exactly how it should be.