Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Suunto Race
Garmin Forerunner 965 (2023, listed at $599) 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 965
Best AMOLED running watch — full-color maps, training readiness and 23-day everyday battery.

Suunto Race
Finnish-built dual-frequency GPS with offline maps — rotating crown UI feels great.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Garmin Forerunner 965 wins on battery life (23 days vs 12 days), weight (53 g vs 69 g) and tracked features (7 vs 5); Suunto Race wins on price ($449 vs $599) and water rating (10ATM vs 5ATM).
Bottom line: on raw specs the Garmin Forerunner 965 leads 3 to 2, 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 965 | Suunto Race |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 23 days | 12 days |
| Weight | 53 g | 69 g |
| List price | $599 | $449 |
| Water rating | 5ATM | 10ATM |
| Tracked features | 7 | 5 |
| Case size | 47 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 (5)
- built-in GPS
- blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
- AMOLED display
- offline maps
- swim tracking
Only Garmin Forerunner 965 (2)
- on-device music
- contactless payments
Only Suunto Race (0)
Nothing unique.
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Garmin Forerunner 965 if…
- You want fewer charges: about 23 days per charge vs 12 days.
- You want a lighter watch: 53 g vs 69 g.
- You need on-device music and contactless payments, 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 47 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).
Pick the Suunto Race if…
- You want to spend less: it lists for $150 less.
- Your main use is outdoor adventure: it is listed for that and the Garmin Forerunner 965 is not.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin Forerunner 965 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 965 or the Suunto Race?
The Garmin Forerunner 965 has the longer rated battery life: about 23 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 965 or the Suunto Race?
The Suunto Race has the lower list price: $449 against $599 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Garmin Forerunner 965 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 965 or the Suunto Race?
Garmin Forerunner 965: 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
- Garmin fēnix 8 vs Garmin Forerunner 965
- Garmin fēnix 8 vs Suunto Race
- Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Garmin Forerunner 965
- Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Suunto Race
- Garmin Forerunner 570 vs Garmin Forerunner 965
- Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Garmin Forerunner 970
- Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
- Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED