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Head-to-head · sportwatch

Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Suunto Vertical

Garmin Forerunner 265 (2023, listed at $449) and Suunto Vertical (2023, listed at $629) are both sport watches, so the choice comes down to specifics.

Specs last updated · prices are list prices

Garmin Forerunner 265
sportwatch

Garmin Forerunner 265

Mid-range runner's pick — bright AMOLED, training load focus, race predictor.

$449list price
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Suunto Vertical
sportwatch

Suunto Vertical

Adventure-class Suunto — offline topo maps, dual-band GPS and up to 60-day solar battery.

$629list price
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

The verdict

On the numbers we track, Garmin Forerunner 265 wins on weight (47 g vs 74 g) and price ($449 vs $629); Suunto Vertical wins on battery life (30 days vs 13 days) and water rating (10ATM vs 5ATM).

Bottom line: there is no clear winner on specs (2 to 2). Decide on phone support, how often you are willing to charge, your main sport and your budget, or run the free quiz to see how each ranks for your answers.

Spec by spec

Garmin Forerunner 265 and Suunto Vertical specifications
SpecGarmin Forerunner 265Suunto Vertical
Battery (rated)13 days30 days
Weight47 g74 g
List price$449$629
Water rating5ATM10ATM
Tracked features55
Case size46 mm49 mm
DisplayAMOLEDAMOLED
Works withboth iPhone and Androidboth iPhone and Android
Listed best forrunning and multisport and triathlonoutdoor adventure, multisport and triathlon and running
Released20232023

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 Vertical (1)

  • offline maps

Which one should you pick?

Pick the Garmin Forerunner 265 if…

  • You want to spend less: it lists for $180 less.
  • You want a lighter watch: 47 g vs 74 g.
  • You need on-device music, which the Suunto Vertical does not list.
  • You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Suunto Vertical 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 Vertical if…

  • You want fewer charges: about 30 days per charge vs 13 days.
  • 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 74 g.
  • • You are watching your budget — the list price is $629.

Frequently asked questions

Which has better battery life, the Garmin Forerunner 265 or the Suunto Vertical?

The Suunto Vertical has the longer rated battery life: about 30 days per charge against 13 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 Vertical?

The Garmin Forerunner 265 has the lower list price: $449 against $629 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.

Do the Garmin Forerunner 265 and Suunto Vertical 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 Vertical?

Garmin Forerunner 265: 5ATM is suitable for showering and pool swimming, but not for high-speed water sports or diving. Suunto Vertical: 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 quiz