← Back to Smartwatches
2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGarmin Forerunner 965 vs Suunto Race
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is the flagship option here, bringing in a bright 1.4" AMOLED display and a whopping 23-day battery life in smartwatch mode. On the flip side, the Suunto Race offers a slightly larger 1.43" AMOLED screen but excels with a max GPS battery life of 40 hours. After testing both watches, the deciding factor is battery life. For serious athletes, having up to 40 hours of GPS tracking means you can tackle long races or hikes without worrying about a recharge, while the 23-day battery life of the Forerunner 965 is impressive for everyday use but pales in comparison when it comes to extended tracking needs.
⚖️ Weight: 1.87 oz vs 2.93 oz💽 Storage: 32 GB vs 16 GB🔋 Battery: 23 days vs 40 hours
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Garmin Forerunner 965
★4.7
(1,717)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:47.2 x 47.2 x 13.2 mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Titanium bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens
Check Amazon Price→
Suunto Race
★4.2
(297)•Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via Suunto app)
Operating System:Suunto UI
Case Size:49mm (49 x 49 x 13.3 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.52 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Stainless Steel; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone
Check Amazon Price→
Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Garmin Forerunner 965
Suunto Race
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Garmin Forerunner 965
1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter
Suunto Race
1.43 in
Resolution
Garmin Forerunner 965
454 x 454 pixels
Suunto Race
466 x 466 pixels (1,000 nits brightness)
Performance1 specs
Storage
Garmin Forerunner 965
32GBWinner
Suunto Race
16 GB (Steel model) / 32 GB (Titanium model)
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Garmin Forerunner 965
Smartwatch mode: Up to 23 days; GPS Only: Up to 31 hours; SatIQ (AutoSelect) GNSS: Up to 22 hours; All-Systems GNSS + Multi-Band: Up to 19 hours
Suunto Race
Up to 26 days (Daily Mode); Up to 12 days (Daily HR + AOD); 40 hours (Performance Training / Dual-band GNSS)
Design2 specs
Weight
Garmin Forerunner 965
53 gWinner
Suunto Race
83 g / 2.93 oz (Steel model)
Water Resistance
Garmin Forerunner 965
5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof
Suunto Race
100 m (10 ATM)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Garmin Forerunner 965
Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Suunto Race
Suunto UI
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Garmin Forerunner 965
Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
Suunto Race
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for map downloads)
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Suunto Race
Garmin Forerunner 965
★4.7(1,717)Amazon
Suunto Race
★4.2(297)Amazon
| Criterion | Garmin Forerunner 965 | Suunto Race |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(1,717)Amazon | ★4.2(297)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required) | Android and iOS (via Suunto app) |
Operating System | Garmin OS (Proprietary) | Suunto UI |
Case Size | 47.2 x 47.2 x 13.2 mm | 49mm (49 x 49 x 13.3 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.52 in) |
Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Titanium bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens | Bezel: Stainless Steel; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone |
Display Type | AMOLED; Always-On Mode available | AMOLED touchscreen (High definition, always-on capable) |
Display Size | 1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter | 1.43 in |
Resolution | 454 x 454 pixels | 466 x 466 pixels (1,000 nits brightness) |
Always On Display | Yes (optional) | Yes |
Water Resistance | 5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof | 100 m (10 ATM) |
Durability | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens; Titanium bezel adds rigidity | MIL-STD-810H tested; Operating temp: -20°C to +55°C (-5°F to +130°F) |
GPS | Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Dual-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BEIDOU |
Connectivity | Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for map downloads) |
NFC Payments | Garmin Pay | No (Not supported) |
Sensors | Elevate Gen 4 optical heart rate sensor; Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor | Optical heart rate; blood oxygen (SpO2); barometric altimeter; digital compass; accelerometer; gyroscope |
Health Features | Morning Report; Training Readiness; HRV Status; Sleep Score; Body Battery; Pulse Ox; Women’s Health Tracking; Health Snapshot | HRV measurement (Sleep & Daily); 24/7 heart rate; sleep tracking (stages & quality); blood oxygen; stress and recovery status |
Workout Modes | Triathlon; Duathlon; Brick Workouts; Track Run; Ultra Run; Virtual Run; Cycling (Road, MTB, Gravel, eBike); Swimming (Pool, Open Water); Hiking; Strength; HIIT; Yoga; Pilates | 95+ sport modes; Suunto Coach (AI-based training load & recovery); offline maps; route navigation; race time estimates |
Storage | 32GB | 16 GB (Steel model) / 32 GB (Titanium model) |
Speaker Mic | None (Audio prompts via connected Bluetooth headphones only) | No (No built-in speaker or microphone) |
Calls | No (Can accept/decline calls to control phone; Android users can send text replies) | No (Notification alerts only) |
Battery | Smartwatch mode: Up to 23 days; GPS Only: Up to 31 hours; SatIQ (AutoSelect) GNSS: Up to 22 hours; All-Systems GNSS + Multi-Band: Up to 19 hours | Up to 26 days (Daily Mode); Up to 12 days (Daily HR + AOD); 40 hours (Performance Training / Dual-band GNSS) |
Charging | Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-C cable included) | Suunto magnetic fast charger (USB-A) |
Weight | 53 g | 83 g / 2.93 oz (Steel model) |
Band Sizes | Fits wrists 135–205 mm (Silicone band included); Compatible with 22mm QuickFit bands (requires tool to remove original pin) | Fits wrist sizes 125–175 mm; standard 22 mm quick-release width |
Extras | Preloaded TopoActive Maps; Full-color mapping navigation; Garmin Music (Spotify/Deezer/Amazon Music offline); PacePro; ClimbPro; Real-time Stamina | Global offline outdoor maps (free); weather widgets; phone media controls; customizable watch faces; digital crown navigation |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Garmin Forerunner 965
Rating:★4.7(1,717)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:47.2 x 47.2 x 13.2 mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Titanium bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens
Display Type:AMOLED; Always-On Mode available
Display Size:1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter
Resolution:454 x 454 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (optional)
Water Resistance:5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof
Durability:Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens; Titanium bezel adds rigidity
GPS:Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
Connectivity:Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
NFC Payments:Garmin Pay
Sensors:Elevate Gen 4 optical heart rate sensor; Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor
Health Features:Morning Report; Training Readiness; HRV Status; Sleep Score; Body Battery; Pulse Ox; Women’s Health Tracking; Health Snapshot
Workout Modes:Triathlon; Duathlon; Brick Workouts; Track Run; Ultra Run; Virtual Run; Cycling (Road, MTB, Gravel, eBike); Swimming (Pool, Open Water); Hiking; Strength; HIIT; Yoga; Pilates
Storage:32GB
Speaker Mic:None (Audio prompts via connected Bluetooth headphones only)
Calls:No (Can accept/decline calls to control phone; Android users can send text replies)
Battery:Smartwatch mode: Up to 23 days; GPS Only: Up to 31 hours; SatIQ (AutoSelect) GNSS: Up to 22 hours; All-Systems GNSS + Multi-Band: Up to 19 hours
Charging:Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-C cable included)
Weight:53 g
Band Sizes:Fits wrists 135–205 mm (Silicone band included); Compatible with 22mm QuickFit bands (requires tool to remove original pin)
Extras:Preloaded TopoActive Maps; Full-color mapping navigation; Garmin Music (Spotify/Deezer/Amazon Music offline); PacePro; ClimbPro; Real-time Stamina
✓ Pros:
- • Bright, high-resolution 1.4" AMOLED makes maps easy to read
- • Lightweight (53g) and slim profile ideal for racing and sleep
- • Excellent battery life (23 days) eclipses most AMOLED competitors
- • Titanium bezel adds a premium feel to the lightweight chassis
- • Native running power and advanced metrics (Training Readiness) built-in
✗ Cons:
- • Uses older Elevate Gen 4 sensor (lacks ECG hardware found in Fenix 8)
- • No built-in microphone or speaker for voice notes/calls
- • Water resistance is 5 ATM (standard) vs 10 ATM on Fenix/Epix
- • Stock strap uses a non-QuickFit pin system (requires tool to swap to QuickFit)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Suunto Race
Rating:★4.2(297)Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via Suunto app)
Operating System:Suunto UI
Case Size:49mm (49 x 49 x 13.3 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.52 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Stainless Steel; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone
Display Type:AMOLED touchscreen (High definition, always-on capable)
Display Size:1.43 in
Resolution:466 x 466 pixels (1,000 nits brightness)
Always On Display:Yes
Water Resistance:100 m (10 ATM)
Durability:MIL-STD-810H tested; Operating temp: -20°C to +55°C (-5°F to +130°F)
GPS:Dual-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BEIDOU
Connectivity:Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for map downloads)
NFC Payments:No (Not supported)
Sensors:Optical heart rate; blood oxygen (SpO2); barometric altimeter; digital compass; accelerometer; gyroscope
Health Features:HRV measurement (Sleep & Daily); 24/7 heart rate; sleep tracking (stages & quality); blood oxygen; stress and recovery status
Workout Modes:95+ sport modes; Suunto Coach (AI-based training load & recovery); offline maps; route navigation; race time estimates
Storage:16 GB (Steel model) / 32 GB (Titanium model)
Speaker Mic:No (No built-in speaker or microphone)
Calls:No (Notification alerts only)
Battery:Up to 26 days (Daily Mode); Up to 12 days (Daily HR + AOD); 40 hours (Performance Training / Dual-band GNSS)
Charging:Suunto magnetic fast charger (USB-A)
Weight:83 g / 2.93 oz (Steel model)
Band Sizes:Fits wrist sizes 125–175 mm; standard 22 mm quick-release width
Extras:Global offline outdoor maps (free); weather widgets; phone media controls; customizable watch faces; digital crown navigation
✓ Pros:
- • Vibrant 1.43” AMOLED screen with sapphire crystal durability
- • Excellent battery life (up to 40 hours in max accuracy GPS mode)
- • Free global offline maps with intuitive digital crown zooming
- • Dual-band GNSS provides highly accurate tracking in difficult terrain
- • Military-grade (MIL-STD-810H) durability
✗ Cons:
- • No NFC payments or music storage (music controls only)
- • No built-in speaker or microphone for calls
- • 49mm case size is bulky for smaller wrists
- • Steel version is noticeably heavier (83g) than the Titanium model (69g)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The Suunto Race is the better buy for most people - its 40-hour GPS battery life crushes the Garmin Forerunner 965's 31-hour max. That said, grab the Forerunner 965 if you prefer a lighter design at 1.87 oz and want a more extensive smartwatch experience with features like Garmin Pay.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Garmin Forerunner 965 if: you want a lightweight watch at 1.87 oz, need 23 days of battery life for daily wear, or favor advanced fitness metrics like Training Readiness.
Choose the Suunto Race if: you prioritize battery life for long-distance tracking with up to 40 hours, want military-grade durability, or need a vibrant display for outdoor navigation.
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Garmin Forerunner 965 excels if you value bright, high-resolution 1.4" amoled makes maps easy to read. Suunto Race is better if you prioritize vibrant 1.43” amoled screen with sapphire crystal durability. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.