what sport do you usually do? This will cause your choice to vary.

Garmin are the "apple" of sport ecosystem . If you are locked in the ecosystem, very hard to change .

why not consider coros as well?

hard to advice if you don't say what your specific main sports .

For me I'm into triathlons and trail running (breadcrumbs navigation) so the forerunner 9++ series suits me well.

Im using garmin vivo active 5. Mainly as daily wear + normal workout only. Before that went to retail tried sample to see which one I like.

Suggest ts go retail ask, hands on.. then u will know which brand you prefer.

whichever within your budget then . both can do your expected usage