Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Suunto Race
Garmin Forerunner 265 (2023, listed at $449) and Suunto Race (2023, listed at $449) are both sport watches, so the choice comes down to specifics.
Specs last updated · prices are list prices
Garmin Forerunner 265
Mid-range runner's pick — bright AMOLED, training load focus, race predictor.
Suunto Race
Finnish-built dual-frequency GPS with offline maps — rotating crown UI feels great.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Garmin Forerunner 265 wins on battery life (13 days vs 12 days) and weight (47 g vs 69 g); Suunto Race wins on water rating (10ATM vs 5ATM).
Bottom line: on raw specs the Garmin Forerunner 265 leads 2 to 1, but five spec categories are only a starting point. Match it to your phone, your main sport and your budget before you decide, or run the free quiz to see how each ranks for your answers.
Spec by spec
| Spec | Garmin Forerunner 265 | Suunto Race |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 13 days | 12 days |
| Weight | 47 g | 69 g |
| List price | $449 | $449 |
| Water rating | 5ATM | 10ATM |
| Tracked features | 5 | 5 |
| Case size | 46 mm | 49 mm |
| Display | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Works with | both iPhone and Android | both iPhone and Android |
| Listed best for | running and multisport and triathlon | outdoor adventure, multisport and triathlon and running |
| Released | 2023 | 2023 |
Trophy marks the better value on the five measurable specs. Battery is the manufacturer's rating, not our test. How we score is on the methodology page.
Feature overlap
Both have (4)
- built-in GPS
- blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
- AMOLED display
- swim tracking
Only Garmin Forerunner 265 (1)
- on-device music
Only Suunto Race (1)
- offline maps
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Garmin Forerunner 265 if…
- You want fewer charges: about 13 days per charge vs 12 days.
- You want a lighter watch: 47 g vs 69 g.
- You need on-device music, which the Suunto Race does not list.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Suunto Race only works with Android.
Skip it if…
- • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 46 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).
Pick the Suunto Race if…
- You need offline maps, which the Garmin Forerunner 265 does not list.
- Your main use is outdoor adventure: it is listed for that and the Garmin Forerunner 265 is not.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin Forerunner 265 only works with Android.
- You swim or paddle: 10ATM vs 5ATM.
Skip it if…
- • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 49 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).
- • You want something light enough to sleep in — it weighs 69 g.
Frequently asked questions
Which has better battery life, the Garmin Forerunner 265 or the Suunto Race?
The Garmin Forerunner 265 has the longer rated battery life: about 13 days per charge against 12 days. These are manufacturer ratings; heavy GPS, always-on display and cellular use will cut both.
Which is cheaper, the Garmin Forerunner 265 or the Suunto Race?
They have the same list price ($449) in our database. Check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Garmin Forerunner 265 and Suunto Race work with iPhone and Android?
Yes, they have the same phone support: both iPhone and Android.
Which is better for swimming, the Garmin Forerunner 265 or the Suunto Race?
Garmin Forerunner 265: 5ATM is suitable for showering and pool swimming, but not for high-speed water sports or diving. Suunto Race: 10ATM is suitable for swimming and surface water sports. It is not a dive rating unless the maker says so.
Not sure either is right for you?
Nine questions about your phone, sport, wrist and budget, scored against all of our watches with the reasoning shown.
Take the free quizRelated comparisons
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