Suunto Race vs Suunto Vertical
Suunto Race (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
Suunto Race
Finnish-built dual-frequency GPS with offline maps — rotating crown UI feels great.
Suunto Vertical
Adventure-class Suunto — offline topo maps, dual-band GPS and up to 60-day solar battery.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Suunto Race wins on weight (69 g vs 74 g) and price ($449 vs $629); Suunto Vertical wins on battery life (30 days vs 12 days).
Bottom line: on raw specs the Suunto Race 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 | Suunto Race | Suunto Vertical |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 12 days | 30 days |
| Weight | 69 g | 74 g |
| List price | $449 | $629 |
| Water rating | 10ATM | 10ATM |
| Tracked features | 5 | 5 |
| Case size | 49 mm | 49 mm |
| Display | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Works with | both iPhone and Android | both iPhone and Android |
| Listed best for | outdoor adventure, multisport and triathlon and running | 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 Suunto Race (0)
Nothing unique.
Only Suunto Vertical (0)
Nothing unique.
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Suunto Race if…
- You want to spend less: it lists for $180 less.
- You want a lighter watch: 69 g vs 74 g.
- 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 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.
Pick the Suunto Vertical if…
- You want fewer charges: about 30 days per charge vs 12 days.
- 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 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 Suunto Race or the Suunto Vertical?
The Suunto Vertical has the longer rated battery life: about 30 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 Suunto Race or the Suunto Vertical?
The Suunto Race has the lower list price: $449 against $629 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Suunto Race 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 Suunto Race or the Suunto Vertical?
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 quiz