Is the Suunto Race Worth It in 2026?
Quick Verdict:
Maybe—while the Suunto Race offers impressive features, its price may not justify the lack of NFC and music storage.
Is Suunto Race worth it? Is the Suunto Race worth it in 2026? For fitness enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers, this smartwatch presents some compelling features, especially in terms of durability and battery life. However, depending on your specific needs and budget, the investment may be a consideration. PageBen aims to help you determine if the benefits align with your value expectations. The Suunto Race boasts a rugged design and premium specs that can appeal to those who engage in demanding outdoor activities. With features like 100m water resistance and military-grade durability, it's designed to withstand tough conditions. However, potential buyers should weigh these advantages against its limitations, particularly the absence of NFC payments and music storage, which are becoming standard in many competing smartwatches.
💰 Is the Price Justified?
In evaluating whether the price of the Suunto Race is justified, it's essential to consider the quality of features offered. The 1.43” AMOLED display with 1,000 nits brightness provides excellent visibility in various lighting conditions, enhancing the user experience. Coupled with a battery life of up to 26 days in Daily Mode, this smartwatch offers substantial longevity that many competitors struggle to match. When compared to alternatives in the premium tier, the battery life alone can justify a higher price point.
The dual-band GNSS system, which includes GPS, GLONASS, and more, ensures accurate tracking even in challenging environments. This feature is particularly valuable for serious athletes and adventurers who need reliable navigation. The inclusion of 95+ sport modes and features like offline maps adds to its appeal, making it a practical choice for users who engage in diverse physical activities.
However, the absence of NFC payments and music storage could deter some users, especially those who value convenience and multimedia features in a smartwatch. These elements are increasingly expected at this price level, and while the Suunto Race excels in durability and battery performance, these limitations might make consumers reconsider their investment. Ultimately, it offers a strong price-to-performance ratio for those prioritizing rugged functionality.
When analyzing the competitive landscape in 2026, many smartwatches are integrating features like health tracking, music storage, and smart notifications, often at a similar or lower price point. Therefore, potential buyers should assess if the premium tier pricing aligns with their specific needs, particularly if they desire additional functionalities like NFC payments or integrated music playback, which the Suunto Race lacks.
✓ 3 Reasons to Buy
1. Exceptional Durability and Design
The Suunto Race is built to last, featuring MIL-STD-810H certification, which guarantees its resilience against extreme conditions. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the 100m water resistance, allowing them to dive or swim without worry. This level of durability is not only impressive but also essential for users who push their limits in various environments, making it a reliable companion for adventures.
Additionally, the sapphire crystal glass ensures that the display remains scratch-resistant, maintaining clarity and visibility over time. The rugged design, combined with a stylish aesthetic, allows it to transition seamlessly from outdoor activities to everyday wear, providing both functionality and style.
2. Outstanding Battery Life
One of the standout features of the Suunto Race is its exceptional battery life, offering up to 26 days in Daily Mode and 40 hours with dual-band GNSS tracking. This extended battery performance is particularly advantageous for long hikes, marathons, or multi-day adventures where charging options are limited. Users can rely on the watch to track their activities without the constant need to recharge, enhancing the overall user experience.
Moreover, the ability to access offline maps further complements the battery efficiency, as users can plan their routes ahead of time without draining their battery during use. This combination of features makes the Suunto Race an excellent investment for anyone serious about outdoor sports.
3. Advanced Navigation and Tracking
With dual-band GNSS capabilities, the Suunto Race provides superior tracking accuracy, an essential feature for athletes and adventurers navigating through complex terrains. The watch supports multiple satellite systems, including GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO, ensuring reliable navigation in various conditions. This level of precision is critical for users who rely on their smartwatch for finding their way during challenging outdoor activities.
Furthermore, the inclusion of 95+ sport modes allows users to tailor their tracking to specific activities, improving the overall fitness experience. The Suunto Coach feature provides tailored training advice, ensuring users can optimize their performance based on real-time data. This comprehensive approach to activity tracking positions the Suunto Race as a valuable tool for dedicated fitness enthusiasts.
✗ Reasons to Skip It
Lack of NFC and Music Storage
While the Suunto Race excels in many areas, it notably lacks NFC payment capabilities, which are increasingly standard in premium smartwatches. For users who prefer the convenience of contactless payments, this absence could be a significant drawback, especially as many competitors now offer this feature. Without NFC, users may find themselves reaching for their phone for transactions, which adds inconvenience during workouts or outdoor activities.
Additionally, the lack of music storage means that users cannot download playlists directly onto the watch. Instead, they can only control music from their phone. This limitation may deter those who prefer to listen to music while exercising without carrying their phone, making the Suunto Race less appealing for music-oriented users.
Bulkiness and Weight
The 49mm case size of the Suunto Race may feel bulky on smaller wrists, which could be uncomfortable for some users over extended periods. While the heavier 83g steel model is built for durability, it may not be suitable for those who prioritize lightweight options in their wearable tech. This bulkiness could be a dealbreaker for individuals who prefer a more streamlined design in their smartwatches, especially in casual or office settings.
Furthermore, this weight and size may limit its appeal to a broader audience. Users seeking a smartwatch for everyday activities might find it cumbersome compared to sleeker alternatives that offer similar features in a more compact design.
Technical Analysis
Key Specs at a Glance
The Suunto Race's 1.43” AMOLED display stands out with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels, making it sharp and vibrant for both indoor and outdoor use. With always-on display capabilities, users can quickly glance at vital stats, a feature that's particularly useful during workouts. Given the growing trend of high-resolution displays in the smartwatch market, this offering is competitive but not unique.
Battery life is another strong point, providing up to 40 hours in Performance Training mode with dual-band GNSS, which is impressive for a smartwatch intended for rugged outdoor use. This endurance makes the Suunto Race a strong contender among premium smartwatches, especially for users who frequently engage in long outdoor activities without easy access to charging.
In terms of health monitoring, the presence of sensors like optical heart rate measurement and blood oxygen (SpO2) tracking positions the Suunto Race well in the current market. These features cater to fitness enthusiasts who seek comprehensive health insights. However, the competition also includes smartwatches with more advanced health tracking capabilities, such as ECG features, leaving the Suunto Race slightly behind in this aspect.
The dual-band GNSS system is a significant technical advantage, providing enhanced accuracy in difficult terrains compared to single-band systems. This is crucial for outdoor enthusiasts who navigate through dense forests or urban canyons. However, some competitors are now matching or exceeding this precision, making it essential for Suunto to continually innovate.
Lastly, the overall build quality of the Suunto Race, including a sapphire crystal glass and military-grade durability, ensures it can handle extreme conditions. This ruggedness is a compelling selling point for users who prioritize durability in their devices. However, it does come at the cost of a heavier weight, with the steel version weighing 83g, which may not appeal to all users, particularly those with smaller wrists.
Who Is This For?
The Suunto Race is best suited for outdoor enthusiasts and serious athletes who require a durable, feature-rich smartwatch. With its military-grade durability and up to 40 hours of battery life in GPS mode, it caters specifically to those engaged in long-distance running, hiking, or other demanding sports. These users will appreciate the advanced tracking capabilities and rugged design that can withstand tough environments.
However, it may not be ideal for casual users or those who prioritize smart features like NFC payments and music storage. Individuals looking for a smartwatch primarily for daily notifications and music control may find better value in alternatives that offer these conveniences without the bulk of a rugged design.
Final Decision: Should You Buy It?
✓ Buy if:
- •You are an outdoor athlete needing a durable smartwatch
- •You prioritize battery life for long activities
- •You need advanced navigation features for complex terrains
✗ Skip if:
- •You want NFC payment functionality
- •You prefer a lighter, sleeker design for everyday use
In summary, the Suunto Race offers an impressive array of features that cater to serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, making it a strong contender in the premium smartwatch market. However, its limitations in smart features may not justify the investment for all users. For the best current pricing and to see if it fits your needs, check out PageBen.