Suunto Race vs Suunto Race S vs Suunto Race 2 – Complete Comparison
Suunto has long been recognised as one of the most reliable brands in the world of sports watches and outdoor wearables. While many competitors focus heavily on smartwatch features, Suunto remains committed to performance, accuracy, and durability.
With the introduction of the Suunto Race, the more compact Suunto Race S, and the new Suunto Race 2, the range within this series is broader than ever. But which of these models is best suited to your training goals?
In this comparison, we take a detailed look at all the key differences.
What Are the Differences Between the Suunto Race, Suunto Race S and Suunto Race 2?
The Suunto Race series is designed entirely around sports performance, GPS accuracy, and long battery life. However, there are clear differences in size, performance, and functionality between the three models.
Specifications Overview
| Specification | Suunto Race | Suunto Race S | Suunto Race 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | AMOLED | AMOLED | AMOLED (improved) |
| Case Size | Large | Compact | Medium-sized |
| Weight | 83 g | 53 g | 76 g |
| Battery Life (GPS) | Up to approx. 40–50 hours | Up to approx. 30–40 hours | Up to approx. 50–60 hours |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch) | Up to approx. 12–16 days | Up to approx. 9–12 days | Up to approx. 14–18 days |
| GPS | Multi-band GPS | Multi-band GPS | Multi-band GPS (improved) |
| Water Resistance | 100 m | 50–100 m | 100 m |
| Maps | Offline maps | Offline maps | Improved offline maps |
| Training Modes | 90+ | 90+ | 100+ |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes (improved) |
| Barometer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Altimeter | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Music Storage | No | No | No |
| NFC Payments | No | No | No |
| Compatibility | Android / iOS | Android / iOS | Android / iOS |
Display
All three models feature a bright AMOLED display, but there are some differences in optimisation.
The Suunto Race offers a large and highly readable display, making it ideal for outdoor use. The Race S uses the same display technology in a more compact format, which is particularly suitable for smaller wrists.
The Suunto Race 2 provides the most refined display experience, with improved brightness and greater energy efficiency, making it easier to read in bright sunlight and during long activities.
Design
Suunto Race
The largest and most rugged model of the three. Designed for endurance athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who want a robust sports watch.
Dimensions: 49 x 49 x 13.3 mm
Suunto Race S
The compact option. Lightweight, comfortable, and ideal for everyday wear and smaller wrists.
Dimensions: 45 x 45 x 11.4 mm
Suunto Race 2
The perfect balance between the two, featuring a more modern design, improved finishing, and enhanced wearing comfort.
Dimensions: 49 x 49 x 12.5 mm
Battery Life
Battery life is one of the strongest aspects of the Suunto Race series.
- Suunto Race S: shortest battery life, but still impressive for its size (up to approx. 9–12 days)
- Suunto Race: excellent all-round battery performance (up to approx. 12–16 days)
- Suunto Race 2: best battery optimisation and longest usage time (up to approx. 14–18 days)
For ultra-runners and long trail adventures, the Race 2 is clearly the most appealing option.
Sensors
All models are equipped with:
- Heart rate sensor
- Barometer
- Altimeter
- Accelerometer
- Gyroscope
- Compass
- GPS module
The Suunto Race 2 features the most advanced generation of sensors, offering improved accuracy, particularly during intensive sporting activities and elevation changes.
Health Features
Suunto places less emphasis on lifestyle health features and more on performance-focused metrics.
All models offer:
- Heart rate monitoring
- Sleep tracking
- Recovery analysis
- Training load monitoring
- Stress indicators
The Race 2 provides the most comprehensive and accurate insights, especially when combined with its latest software algorithms.
Sports Features
This is where the Suunto Race series truly shines.
All models support:
- Running (including trail running)
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Skiing
- Triathlon
- Walking / hiking
- Indoor training
The Race 2 adds improved training guidance and more personalised workout options.
Smartwatch Features
As with many sports watches, smartwatch functionality is fairly limited.
Not included:
- Full app store
- Contactless payments
- Advanced notifications comparable to Wear OS
Included:
- Smartphone notifications
- Music controls
- Basic widgets
The focus is clearly on sports performance rather than smart features.
Price
| Model | Indicative Price |
| Suunto Race S | £350 – £450 |
| Suunto Race | £450 – £550 |
| Suunto Race 2 | £500 – £650 |
The Race S is the most affordable entry point, while the Race 2 is the premium model in the range.
Where Is the Suunto Race Better?
- Large display for viewing sports data
- Excellent all-round performance
- Strong balance between price and features
Where Is the Suunto Race S Better?
- Lightweight and compact
- Comfortable for everyday wear
- Best choice for smaller wrists
Where Is the Suunto Race 2 Better?
- Best battery life
- Most accurate sensors
- Improved GPS and tracking
- Most future-proof model
Conclusion
Choosing within the Suunto Race series mainly depends on how you plan to use your watch.
- Want a large and powerful sports watch? → Suunto Race
- Looking for something lightweight and comfortable? → Suunto Race S
- Want the best performance and latest technology? → Suunto Race 2
With this series, Suunto demonstrates why it remains one of the leading names in sports watches, particularly for serious athletes, trail runners, and outdoor enthusiasts.
FAQ
What is the difference between the Suunto Race and Race S?
The Race S is smaller and lighter but offers slightly shorter battery life.
Is the Suunto Race 2 really better than its predecessors?
Yes, particularly in terms of battery life, sensor accuracy, and GPS performance.
Can you make payments with the Suunto Race?
No, there is no NFC payment functionality.
Can you replace the watch straps on the Race 2?
Yes, this can be done very easily without tools. The Suunto Race 2 straps are 22 mm wide and feature a quick-release system for easy replacement. The other models use the same strap width, making the straps compatible with all three watches.
Which Suunto is best for beginners?
The Suunto Race S, thanks to its comfort and more affordable price.
Is Suunto better than Garmin?
For pure sports tracking, it is certainly highly competitive, but Garmin offers more smartwatch features.
