Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Suunto Race 2
Garmin Forerunner 265 (20 h GPS, 47 g) vs Suunto Race 2 (55 h GPS, 65 g). Side-by-side spec comparison: battery, weight, maps, multi-band GPS and price. Which GPS watch should you buy?
GarminGarmin Forerunner 265Running watch with AMOLED display, dual-frequency multi-band GPS and onboard music. 20 h in GPS mode (14 h multi-band) and 13 days in smartwatch mode, at 47 g. The perfect balance of accuracy, advanced metrics and price for training and racing from 10K to marathon.
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SuuntoSuunto Race 2Racing watch with a 1.5" 2,000-nit AMOLED display, dual-band GPS and free offline maps. Up to 55 h in the most accurate mode and 18 days in smartwatch mode. Rotating crown, 115+ sport modes and 32 GB of storage for maps. A lot of watch for the money versus Garmin.
View on AmazonSpec-by-spec comparison
| Spec | Garmin Forerunner 265 | Suunto Race 2 |
|---|---|---|
| GPS battery | 20 h | 55 h |
| Multi-band battery | 14 h | Yes |
| Smartwatch | 13 days | 18 days |
| Weight | 47 g | 65 g |
| Maps | – | ✓ |
| Multi-band | ✓ | ✓ |
| Music | ✓ | – |
| Display | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Price | Mid-range | Mid-range |
GPS battery = each manufacturer's standard GPS mode; multi-band = dual-frequency (maximum accuracy). On Suunto, Polar Grit and Amazfit T-Rex the GPS figure already corresponds to dual-band mode. Figures verified against the manufacturer.
Verdict
For maximum autonomy on long ultras, Suunto Race 2 lasts longer in GPS mode. If you want the lightest watch on your wrist, go for Garmin Forerunner 265. Only Suunto Race 2 brings onboard topo maps for navigation. Both sit in the same price segment, so let battery, weight and the feature you value most decide.