OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartwatches Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v3.0

Suunto Race S review: 127 specs compared

Avg. price:~£?Screen size:1.32 inchBattery life:9 daysDisplay type:AMOLED

Suunto Race S Review: Compare 127 technical specifications, 28 expert and video reviews and 3 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Suunto Race S
8.2/10

Overall score

Score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 91% of models
Score components

35%

8.0

Technical score

30%

8.0

List score

25%

8.7

Reviews score

10%

8.8

Sentiment score

★Better than 91% of smartwatches
?

Value for money

Value for money
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.2

Overall score

30%

?

Price

Price not known yet
8.0

Technical score

Technical score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 83% of models
Score components

24%

7.9

Health

21%

9.7

Fitness

16%

7.5

Battery

14%

7.1

Smart features

12%

8.3

Connectivity

9%

7.4

Display & Design

4%

4.8

Hardware

▲Better than 83%
8.7

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 97% of models

80%

8.7

Average grade

20%

8.6

Popularity

Grades by review (28)
6 reviews + 22 videos, average 8.8/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
★Better than 97%
8.0

List score

List score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (3)
List score: in 3 of 118 lists (3%)
▲Better than 87%
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Best prices
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Smartwatches model ranking

Ranked #73 of 777 models in Smartwatches (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of smartwatch Suunto Race S

Technical score
Technical score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 83% of models
Score components:

24%

7.9

Health

21%

9.7

Fitness

16%

7.5

Battery

14%

7.1

Smart features

12%

8.3

Connectivity

9%

7.4

Display & Design

4%

4.8

Hardware

8.0
Reviews score
8.7
List score
8.0
Value for money
Value for money
8.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 94% of models
Score components:

70%

8.2

Overall score

30%

?

Price

8.8
Heart rate monitor
yes
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 9.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
This smartwatch supports blood oxygen monitoring. 30.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 18% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
?
HRV tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports HRV tracking. 54.9% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.5% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 46.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 28.9% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
?
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 3.7% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
Battery life
9 days
Market range: <1 days – >16 days
This smartwatch lasts 9 days on a charge, which is longer than 56.4% of Smartwatches and the same as 2.5% of Smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
30 h
Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
This smartwatch records workouts for 30 h on a charge, which is longer than 69% of Smartwatches and the same as 6% of Smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
40 h
Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
This smartwatch lasts 40 h with GPS on, which is longer than 83% of Smartwatches and the same as 3.4% of Smartwatches.
Battery power
450 mAh
Market range: <195 mAh – >475 mAh
This smartwatch has a 450 mAh battery, which is larger than 79.6% of Smartwatches and the same as 1.1% of Smartwatches.
Charge time
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Proprietary OS
This smartwatch runs Proprietary OS, which is less advanced than the system in 54% of Smartwatches and equal to 42.1% of Smartwatches.
Software update frequency
?
Third-party app support
yes
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 48.5% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
no
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 16.6% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
yes
This smartwatch supports GPS. 40.3% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
yes
This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation. 56.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Dual-frequency GPS
yes
Suunto Race S supports dual-frequency GPS. 85% of Smartwatches offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
1.32 inch
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
This smartwatch has a 1.32 inch screen, which is smaller than 63.2% of Smartwatches and the same as 3.7% of Smartwatches.
Display type
AMOLED
This smartwatch uses AMOLED, which is more advanced than the screen in 46.9% of Smartwatches and equal to 53.1% of Smartwatches.
Resolution
466x 466
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 466x466 which is higher than that of 84.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 13.2% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
326 ppi
Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi, which is higher than 45% of Smartwatches and equal to 8.7% of Smartwatches.
Display brightness
600 nits
Market range: <450 nits – >2k nits
This smartwatch has a screen brightness of 600 nits, which is lower than 52.5% of Smartwatches and equal to 13.1% of Smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
?
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
32 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch has 32 GB of internal storage, which is more than 81.3% of Smartwatches and equal to 15% of Smartwatches.
External memory slot
no
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

Suunto Race S vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • Temperature sensing
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.9% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
  • 19 h longer GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts longer with GPS on than the average smartwatch (40 h vs 21 h). The average smartwatch lasts 21 h with GPS on.
    40 h vs 21 h
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • Maps support
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 34.4% of smartwatches support maps.
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.6% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 46.6% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.5% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • 24.3% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ★ Better than 97% of models

    80%

    8.7

    Average grade

    20%

    8.6

    Popularity

    Grades by review (28)
    6 reviews + 22 videos, average 8.8/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.7 vs 7.0
  • 24.3% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ★ Better than 97% of models

    80%

    8.7

    Average grade

    20%

    8.6

    Popularity

    Grades by review (28)
    6 reviews + 22 videos, average 8.8/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.7 vs 7.0
  • 12.9% better value for money
    Suunto Race S has a higher value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (8.77 vs 7.8).
    8.77 vs 7.76
  • 17.3% higher sentiment score
    8.8 vs 7.5
  • Temperature sensing
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.9% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • 3 years newer
    This smartwatch was released more recently than the average smartwatch (2024 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    2,024 vs 2,021
  • External heart rate monitor support
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 46.6% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • 25 more exercise types
    This smartwatch includes more exercise types than the average smartwatch (115 vs 90). The average smartwatch includes 90 exercise types.
    115 vs 90
  • 19 h longer GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts longer with GPS on than the average smartwatch (40 h vs 21 h). The average smartwatch lasts 21 h with GPS on.
    40 h vs 21 h
  • 10 h longer training battery life
    This smartwatch lasts longer in training mode than the average smartwatch (30 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h in training mode.
    30 h vs 20 h
  • 145 mAh larger battery capacity
    This smartwatch has a larger battery than the average smartwatch (450 mAh vs 305 mAh). The average smartwatch has a 305 mAh battery.
    450 mAh vs 305 mAh
  • 2 days longer battery life
    This smartwatch runs longer per charge than the average smartwatch (9 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    9 days vs 7 days
  • Maps support
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 34.4% of smartwatches support maps.
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.6% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.5% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Supports dual-frequency GPS
    Suunto Race S supports dual-frequency GPS, while the average smartwatch does not. 15.1% of Smartwatches support dual-frequency GPS.
  • Galileo satellite support
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 43.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass vs mineral glass
  • Higher resolution
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 466x466, while the average smartwatch reaches 360x360.
    466x466 vs 360x360
  • Better case material
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    stainless steel vs polycarbonate
  • 8x more internal storage
    This smartwatch has more internal storage than the average smartwatch (32 GB vs 4 GB). The average smartwatch has 4 GB of internal storage.
    32 GB vs 4 GB
  • No speaker
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 15 g heavier
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (60 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    60 g vs 45.0 g
  • 0.08 inch smaller display
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen than the average smartwatch (1.3 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen.
    1.32 inch vs 1.4 inch
  • 150 nits dimmer screen
    This smartwatch has a dimmer screen than the average smartwatch (600 nits vs 750 nits). The average smartwatch peaks at 750 nits.
    600 nits vs 750 nits
  • 15 g heavier
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (60 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    60 g vs 45.0 g
  • 0.08 inch smaller display
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen than the average smartwatch (1.3 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen.
    1.32 inch vs 1.4 inch
  • 150 nits dimmer screen
    This smartwatch has a dimmer screen than the average smartwatch (600 nits vs 750 nits). The average smartwatch peaks at 750 nits.
    600 nits vs 750 nits
  • No speaker
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
ZRace Central
≈ estimated
11/02/2025
Long-term review · 3 months of runs, rides and navigation
Verdict
Suunto Race S is a positive pick for its premium feel and navigation, but heart rate accuracy and the app ecosystem hold it back.
7.0
It's Matt B
≈ estimated
20/01/2025
Hands-on review · runs compared with other watches
Verdict
Suunto Race S has great features for the price, but its heart rate is too unreliable for training without an external monitor.
9.0
Fit Gear Hunter
≈ estimated
19/01/2025
Long-term review · three months of wear
Verdict
Suunto Race S offers strong value for its price class, though it lacks some advanced training analytics found on rivals.
9.0
UltraTrailSteven
≈ estimated
23/12/2024
Long-term test · several weeks of running and GPS checks
Verdict
Suunto Race S is a great watch overall, smaller and lighter than the larger Race, with strong GPS.
9.0
Active Ideas
≈ estimated
06/11/2024
Hands-on review · mountain navigation, battery and heart rate
Verdict
Suunto Race S is a good deal with great battery life, strong GPS and solid heart rate for the price.
8.0
Matt LeGrand
≈ estimated
03/10/2024
Hands-on review · six weeks of testing and comparisons
Verdict
Suunto Race S has an impressive feature set for the price, with a plastic build and basic maps as drawbacks.
9.5
ActionHub
≈ estimated
23/08/2024
Long-term test · five weeks of trail running use
Verdict
Suunto Race S is well worth buying for trail runners, thanks to its accuracy, build quality and features.
9.0
The Run Testers
≈ estimated
24/07/2024
Hands-on review · running and training tests
Verdict
Suunto Race S is a strong multisport AMOLED running watch with offline maps and excellent value, despite some heart-rate and smart-feature gaps.
9.0
German Accent Reviews
≈ estimated
15/07/2024
Hands-on review · side-by-side comparison with predecessor
Verdict
Suunto Race S is excellent value for a robust AMOLED sports watch, with shorter battery life as its only real downside.
9.0
Chase the Summit
≈ estimated
11/07/2024
Initial review · about two weeks of daily use
Verdict
Suunto Race S is a great watch for the price and best for newcomers, with missing storage and map features as drawbacks.
9.5
DC Rainmaker
≈ estimated
25/06/2024
Hands-on review · accuracy, swim, bike and run tests
Verdict
Suunto Race S is a big step up at a lower price, with accurate running and GPS, though cycling heart rate was poor.
9.0
On The Move Sports & Wellness
≈ estimated
15/05/2025
Comparison with Peak Pro 9 · year-long testing
Verdict
Suunto Race S is a great all-round watch, and its AMOLED display and faster processor give it the edge over the rugged Peak Pro 9.
More graded video reviews (2)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

What reviewers agree on

Based on 6 · 11

Reviewers praise its accurate GPS, solid maps and light build, but heart rate readings disappoint and the interface feels clunky.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
trackbetter.com
≈ estimated
21/05/2025
Review · Compact multisport watch
Verdict
The Suunto Race S is a light, compact multisport watch with dual-frequency GPS and offline maps, but it has no payments, voice tools or offline music.
9.5
enduro-mtb.com
≈ estimated
12/02/2026
Long-term test · Mountain bike watch
Verdict
The Suunto Race S is a reliable, comfortable mountain bike watch with precise tracking and fast charging, though its touchscreen reacts to sweat and water.
9.0
marathonjournal.com
≈ estimated
04/12/2025
Year-long test · Marathon running watch
Verdict
The Suunto Race S suits marathon runners who want a bright screen and accurate dual-band GPS, but its heart rate sensor can lag during fast interval sessions.
9.0
run-evasion.fr
≈ estimated
25/09/2025
Test · Slim multisport watch
Verdict
The Suunto Race S is a slim, light multisport watch with precise dual-band GPS and free offline maps, though its always-on screen cuts battery to three days.
9.0
epoptrail.fr
≈ estimated
30/06/2026
Test · Trail running watch
Verdict
The Suunto Race S gives clean trail tracks, a bright screen and free offline maps in a light body, but it lacks SpO2, ECG and an SOS alert for solo outings.
8.2
runmorph.com
✓ explicit
20/07/2026
Review · Running and trail watch
Verdict
The Suunto Race S is a bright, light runner's watch with offline music and free maps, best for road and short trail rather than long ultras.

Third-party reviews

What we like about Suunto Race S

  • 40 h of battery with GPS on covers a long mountain route.
  • 9 days of battery life lasts through a full trip.
  • Dual-frequency GPS keeps tracks accurate under trees.
  • Offline maps are free, with no subscription.
  • The IP68 rating protects it from rain, sweat and a swim.
  • 115 exercise modes cover running, cycling and multi-sport training.

What we don't like about Suunto Race S

  • At 60 g the weight is felt on long days.
  • There is no ECG, and no fall or crash detection.
  • The wrist heart rate needs a chest strap for accurate intervals.
  • Sleep tracking has no REM stages.
  • In training mode the battery lasts 30 h.

Verdict

40 h of battery with GPS on is the first thing to know about the Suunto Race S. It suits runners, hikers and cyclists who head out for long sessions and do not want to pack a charger. The AMOLED screen stays readable in bright light, and the offline maps are free, with no subscription. Dual-frequency GPS keeps tracks clean under trees and between tall buildings, and 32 GB of storage holds music for runs without a phone. The IP68 rating makes it safe in rain and sweat. The trade-off is weight: at 60 g it is the part a buyer will feel on long days. The watch has no ECG and no fall or crash detection. It fits someone who wants a tough training watch with strong navigation and does not need health alerts.

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