Polar Vantage V3 vs Suunto Race
Polar Vantage V3 (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
Polar Vantage V3
Lab-grade biometrics — ECG, skin-temp, wrist-based hemoglobin, training readiness.
Suunto Race
Finnish-built dual-frequency GPS with offline maps — rotating crown UI feels great.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Polar Vantage V3 wins on weight (57 g vs 69 g) and tracked features (6 vs 5); Suunto Race wins on battery life (12 days vs 8 days) and price ($449 vs $599).
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
| Spec | Polar Vantage V3 | Suunto Race |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 8 days | 12 days |
| Weight | 57 g | 69 g |
| List price | $599 | $449 |
| Water rating | 10ATM | 10ATM |
| Tracked features | 6 | 5 |
| Case size | 47 mm | 49 mm |
| Display | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Works with | both iPhone and Android | both iPhone and Android |
| Listed best for | multisport and triathlon, running and health tracking | 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 Polar Vantage V3 (1)
- ECG
Only Suunto Race (0)
Nothing unique.
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Polar Vantage V3 if…
- You want a lighter watch: 57 g vs 69 g.
- You need ECG, which the Suunto Race does not list.
- Your main use is health tracking: it is listed for that and the Suunto Race is not.
- 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.
- You want fewer charges: about 12 days per charge vs 8 days.
- Your main use is outdoor adventure: it is listed for that and the Polar Vantage V3 is not.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Polar Vantage V3 only works with Android.
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 Polar Vantage V3 or the Suunto Race?
The Suunto Race has the longer rated battery life: about 12 days per charge against 8 days. These are manufacturer ratings; heavy GPS, always-on display and cellular use will cut both.
Which is cheaper, the Polar Vantage V3 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 Polar Vantage V3 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 Polar Vantage V3 or the Suunto Race?
Neither has an edge on water rating: both are rated 10ATM. 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 quizWhere each one ranks #1 in our quiz
Polar Vantage V3
Suunto Race
It is not the top pick for any standard quiz profile.