Suunto Race S vs Garmin Forerunner: Which Running Watch?

If you’re trying to decide between the Suunto Race S and a Garmin Forerunner, the short answer is: choose the Suunto Race S if you want a rugged, GPS-accurate watch with long battery life and a bright AMOLED screen at a lower price, and choose a Garmin Forerunner if you want a lighter, more customizable watch with a deeper ecosystem of training metrics, smart features, and a proven track record of software updates. Both are excellent running watches, but they cater to slightly different priorities. This article breaks down the key differences in design, GPS accuracy, battery life, training features, and price to help you pick the right one for your running style.

Formula

The calculator above works out your average running pace and speed from a finish time and distance. The formula for pace is:

Pace (min/km) = Finish Time (minutes) ÷ Distance (km)

Speed (km/h) = Distance (km) ÷ (Finish Time (minutes) ÷ 60)

Variables:

• Finish time (t) – total time in minutes (e.g., 50 minutes).
• Distance (d) – distance in kilometers (e.g., 10 km).
• Pace – minutes per kilometer, the standard way runners measure speed.
• Speed – kilometers per hour, useful for treadmill settings or general reference.

Worked Example

Using the default values: finish time = 50 minutes, distance = 10 km.

1. Pace = 50 ÷ 10 = 5.0 min/km
2. Speed = 10 ÷ (50 ÷ 60) = 10 ÷ 0.8333 = 12.0 km/h

So a 50-minute 10K means an average pace of 5:00 per kilometer and an average speed of 12.0 km/h.

Suunto Race S vs Garmin Forerunner: Background

Suunto and Garmin are two of the oldest names in outdoor and sports watches. Suunto, a Finnish company, has historically focused on diving and outdoor adventure, while Garmin, an American company, has built a massive ecosystem around fitness, running, and smart features. The Suunto Race S, released in 2024, is a smaller, lighter version of the Suunto Race, aimed at runners who want a robust watch without the bulk. Garmin’s Forerunner line has been the default choice for runners for over a decade, with models ranging from the budget Forerunner 55 to the high-end Forerunner 965. The Race S sits between the Forerunner 265 and 965 in price and features, making it a direct competitor to those two.

Design and Display

The Suunto Race S has a 1.32-inch AMOLED display with a sapphire glass option and a stainless steel bezel. It feels premium and durable, with a 43mm case that fits smaller wrists comfortably. The Garmin Forerunner 265 has a similar 1.3-inch AMOLED screen, but the case is made of fiber-reinforced polymer, which makes it lighter (47g vs 58g for the Race S). The Forerunner 965 ups the size to 1.4 inches and adds a titanium bezel, but it’s also heavier. If you prefer a metal, premium feel, the Race S wins. If you want the lightest possible watch for racing, the Forerunner 265 is the better choice.

GPS and Accuracy

Both watches use multi-band GPS (L1+L5) for improved accuracy in urban canyons and under tree cover. In real-world testing, the Suunto Race S has been praised for its quick satellite lock and stable tracking, often matching or beating Garmin’s accuracy on open roads. Garmin’s GPS is also excellent, but some users report slight distance discrepancies on winding trails compared to Suunto. For most runners, the difference is negligible—both will give you reliable pace and distance data. If you run in dense forests or between tall buildings, either watch will handle it well, but Suunto’s outdoor heritage gives it a slight edge in signal retention.

Battery Life

Battery life is a major differentiator. The Suunto Race S lasts up to 5 days in smartwatch mode and up to 30 hours in GPS mode with the always-on display. The Garmin Forerunner 265 offers up to 13 days in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode. The Forerunner 965 does better: 23 days smartwatch, 31 hours GPS. So the Race S beats the 265 on GPS battery, but the 965 is comparable. If you run ultramarathons or multi-day adventures, the Race S and 965 are both solid, while the 265 may need a recharge for very long events. Suunto also includes a “tour� mode that extends GPS battery to 70 hours by lowering the tracking frequency, which is great for backpacking.

Training Features and Software

Garmin’s Forerunner line is famous for its training ecosystem: daily suggested workouts, training readiness, HRV status, race predictor, and a vast array of metrics like VO2 max, training load, and recovery time. The Forerunner 265 and 965 include all of these, plus Garmin Coach plans and integration with TrainingPeaks. Suunto’s app (SuuntoPlus) offers a simpler set of features: it tracks basic running dynamics, has a route planner, and supports third-party apps like Stryd, but it lacks the deep algorithmic coaching that Garmin provides. If you follow structured training plans or want a watch that tells you exactly what to run each day, Garmin is the stronger choice. If you prefer to do your own planning and just need reliable tracking, Suunto is sufficient.

Smart Features and Connectivity

Both watches support notifications, music controls, and Bluetooth/ANT+ sensors. Garmin has a more mature smartwatch experience: you can store music on the watch (Forerunner 265 and 965) and pay with Garmin Pay. The Suunto Race S does not have music storage or contactless payments, which is a significant omission for runners who like to go phone-free. Garmin also integrates with more third-party platforms (Strava, TrainingPeaks, Runalyze) and has a larger app store via Connect IQ. Suunto’s app is cleaner but more limited. If you want a watch that acts as a mini smartphone, Garmin is the obvious pick.

Price and Value

The Suunto Race S typically retails for around $449, while the Garmin Forerunner 265 is $449 and the 965 is $599. At the same price as the 265, the Race S offers a metal build and longer GPS battery, but you give up music, payments, and Garmin’s training ecosystem. The 965 costs more but adds a bigger screen, titanium bezel, and all the premium features. If you value hardware over software, the Race S is a great deal. If you want the best training tools, the 265 is a better value than the Race S, and the 965 is worth the extra cost for serious marathoners.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

A common misconception is that Suunto watches are only for outdoor adventurers, not runners. While Suunto’s heritage is in diving and hiking, the Race S is designed specifically for running with features like pace zones, intervals, and running power. Another issue: some users find Suunto’s app less intuitive than Garmin’s, and syncing can occasionally be slow. Garmin users sometimes complain about the watch’s proprietary charger, but Suunto uses a standard USB-C cable, which is more convenient. Neither watch is perfect, but both are reliable if you understand their strengths.

How to Choose

To decide, ask yourself these questions:

• Do you train with structured plans and want daily coaching? → Garmin Forerunner 265 or 965.
• Do you run ultra-distances or spend hours in the backcountry? → Suunto Race S (or Forerunner 965 for battery).
• Do you want to listen to music without your phone? → Garmin (265 or 965).
• Do you prefer a metal, durable watch that looks good off the track? → Suunto Race S.
• Is budget a concern? → Both are $449, but the Race S gives you more hardware for the same price.

If you’re a casual runner who wants a reliable GPS watch with a long battery, the Suunto Race S is a fantastic choice. If you’re a data-driven athlete who wants every metric imaginable, Garmin is the safer bet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Suunto Race S accurate for pace?

Yes, with multi-band GPS, the Race S provides accurate pace data in most conditions. Like all GPS watches, it can drift slightly on tight trails or under heavy tree cover, but it’s comparable to Garmin’s accuracy. For the most precise pace, you can pair it with a footpod.

Can the Suunto Race S track heart rate during swimming?

Yes, the Race S has a wrist heart rate monitor that works in water, and it’s rated for swimming (5 ATM). It can track pool swims and open water swims, though wrist HR is less accurate in water than a chest strap.

Does Garmin Forerunner 265 have a touchscreen?

Yes, the Forerunner 265 has a touchscreen AMOLED display, as does the 965. The Suunto Race S also has a touchscreen, but it’s less responsive than Garmin’s, and some users prefer the physical buttons for running.

Which watch is better for triathlon?

Both support multi-sport modes, but Garmin has more advanced transitions and a larger ecosystem for triathlon training (e.g., Garmin Coach, TrainingPeaks). Suunto’s Race S is fine for basic triathlon, but Garmin is the more popular choice among triathletes.

Can I use the Suunto Race S with Strava?

Yes, you can sync your Suunto activities to Strava automatically via the Suunto app. Garmin also syncs to Strava, so both work with the popular running app.

How long does the battery last on the Suunto Race S?

In smartwatch mode, the Race S lasts up to 5 days. In GPS mode with always-on display, it lasts about 30 hours, and with the tour mode, up to 70 hours. The Forerunner 265 lasts about 13 days smartwatch and 20 hours GPS, while the 965 lasts 23 days and 31 hours.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2