Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Suunto Race 2
Garmin Forerunner 965 (31 h GPS, 53 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 965Premium running watch with a 1.4" AMOLED display, onboard topo maps, multi-band GPS and music. Up to 31 h in GPS mode (19 h multi-band) and 23 days in smartwatch mode, at just 53 g. Garmin's top running watch without the bulk of a Fenix: ideal for marathons and single-day ultras with accurate navigation.
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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 965 | Suunto Race 2 |
|---|---|---|
| GPS battery | 31 h | 55 h |
| Multi-band battery | 19 h | Yes |
| Smartwatch | 23 days | 18 days |
| Weight | 53 g | 65 g |
| Maps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-band | ✓ | ✓ |
| Music | ✓ | – |
| Display | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Price | High-end | 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 965. On budget, Suunto Race 2 is the more affordable option.