Garmin vívoactive 5 Hits $173 All-Time Low: Subscribe and Pay More Than vívoactive 6 Costs
Garmin vívoactive 5 smartwatch is priced at an all-time low of $173 on Amazon, a $127 discount off its MSRP. The discount follows the launch of the newer vívoactive 6, and the price drop is part of a typical end-of-cycle pricing strategy. However, the vívoactive 5 now requires a Garmin Connect+ subscription for some features, costing $6.99/month or $69.99/year, which may make the newer model a better value over time.
How this was made
The 30-second read
Why it matters
The added subscription cost may deter some buyers, but could generate recurring revenue for Garmin.
Market read
The announcement adds a new cost dimension to a discounted product, modestly influencing Garmin's wearable segment.
What to watch
Potential for increased long-term revenue from Connect+ subscriptions offsets the hardware margin loss.
Background
Garmin introduced the Connect+ subscription in March 2025 for newer devices; this article is the first to note its extension to the older vívoactive 5 model.
Ticker impact
Garmin Connect+ subscription now applies to the vívoactive 5, adding ongoing costs to a discounted hardware purchase.
Short-term price pressure as consumers weigh subscription cost against discount.
The article introduces a new cost component for the vívoactive 5 that was not previously disclosed, but the impact is limited to a niche wearable market.
Market effects
May prompt competitors to highlight subscription-free offerings in the wearable space.
Limited to markets where Garmin devices are sold, primarily North America and Europe.
Low; the news affects only Garmin and its direct competitors.
Counterpoint
The deep discount could attract price-sensitive buyers despite the subscription, supporting short-term sales volume.
Key entities
- CompanyGarmin Ltd.
Manufacturer of the vívoactive smartwatch series.
