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Head-to-head · sportwatch

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

Leads on raw specs: Garmin Forerunner 965(3–2)
Garmin Forerunner 965
sportwatch

Garmin Forerunner 965

Best AMOLED running watch — full-color maps, training readiness and 23-day everyday battery.

$599list price
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Suunto Race
sportwatch

Suunto Race

Finnish-built dual-frequency GPS with offline maps — rotating crown UI feels great.

$449list price
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

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

Garmin Forerunner 965 and Suunto Race specifications
SpecGarmin Forerunner 965Suunto Race
Battery (rated)23 days12 days
Weight53 g69 g
List price$599$449
Water rating5ATM10ATM
Tracked features75
Case size47 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 (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 quiz