In 2025, Suunto continues to carve a niche in the fitness and outdoor wearable market, and this Suunto smartwatch review explores why these watches are a favorite among runners, cyclists, and adventurers. Known for their rugged build, long battery life, and precise GPS, Suunto smartwatches like the Suunto Race, Suunto Run, and Suunto 9 Peak Pro cater to those who prioritize sports tracking over mainstream smartwatch features. This Suunto smartwatch review dives into their performance, design, and usability, offering insights on smartwatch setup, smartwatch maintenance, and more. Whether you’re hitting the trails or training for an ultra-marathon, this best smartwatch guide will help you decide if a Suunto is right for you. Let’s explore the top models in this smartwatch review for 2025.
Why Choose a Suunto Smartwatch in 2025?
Suunto, a Finnish brand with a legacy in sports watches and dive computers, excels in creating durable, fitness-focused wearables. Unlike Apple or Samsung watches, Suunto prioritizes adventure-ready features like multi-band GPS, topographic maps, and exceptional battery life, making them ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. This Suunto smartwatch review evaluates their strengths in sports tracking, navigation, and durability, while noting trade-offs in smartwatch functionality like notifications or music streaming. With models starting at $249, Suunto offers compelling value for those seeking a portable smartwatch for rugged activities.
Suunto Smartwatch Models in 2025: A Breakdown
This Suunto smartwatch review focuses on three standout models: the Suunto Race, Suunto Run, and Suunto 9 Peak Pro. Each has been tested for fitness tracking, navigation, and real-world usability, drawing on insights from recent user feedback and expert reviews.
1. Suunto Race: Best Overall Suunto Smartwatch
Price: Starting at $449 (stainless steel), $549 (titanium)
Why Choose It: The Suunto Race earns a 4.5-star rating in this Suunto smartwatch review as Suunto’s flagship training watch, praised for its 1.43” AMOLED touchscreen, dual-band GPS, and robust feature set. Its 49mm stainless steel or titanium case is durable, with a sapphire crystal display and 100m water resistance, making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling. With up to 40 hours of GPS battery life and 12 days in smartwatch mode, it’s a top choice for runners and cyclists. The Suunto Coach AI provides training guidance, though some settings require app navigation, which can be confusing.
Key Features:
- 1.43” AMOLED display, 466x466px, 1,000 nits
- Dual-band GPS with topographic maps and route planning
- 100m water resistance, MIL-STD-810H durability
- 40 hours GPS battery life; 12 days smartwatch mode (gesture-based)
- Health sensors: heart rate, HRV, sleep stages, training load
Pros: Bright display, accurate GPS, and long battery life. Supports 95+ sport modes, including running, cycling, and rope skipping.
Cons: Bulky 49mm case may dig into wrists during intense activities like mountain biking. Limited smartwatch features like notifications.
Best For: Multisport athletes needing a durable, feature-rich smartwatch with GPS.
Setup Tip: For smartwatch setup, pair with the Suunto app on iOS or Android (Android 12.0+, iOS 16+). Sync routes and enable Suunto Coach for personalized training plans.
2. Suunto Run: Best Budget Suunto Smartwatch
Price: Starting at $249
Why Choose It: The Suunto Run is a lightweight (36g) runner-focused watch, earning a 4-star rating in this Suunto smartwatch review for its affordability and performance. Its 1.32” AMOLED display (466x466px) matches the pricier Race S, and dual-band GPS ensures accurate tracking. With 20 hours of GPS battery life and up to 12 days in smartwatch mode, it’s ideal for runners and casual athletes. It supports 34 sport modes and offline MP3 storage (4GB), though it lacks Spotify integration.
Key Features:
- 1.32” AMOLED display with Gorilla Glass
- Dual-band GPS with breadcrumb navigation
- 50m water resistance for swimming
- 20 hours GPS battery life; 12 days smartwatch mode (no always-on)
- Heart rate, running power, sleep tracking
Pros: Lightweight, affordable, and accurate tracking. Comfortable nylon strap for running.
Cons: No offline maps or SuuntoPlus apps. Touchscreen can’t be fully disabled in water, causing issues in pools.
Best For: Runners and budget-conscious users seeking a portable smartwatch with reliable GPS.
Maintenance Tip: For smartwatch cleaning, rinse with fresh water after swimming and wipe with a microfiber cloth to protect the Gorilla Glass display.
3. Suunto 9 Peak Pro: Best for Ultra-Endurance
Price: Starting at $549
Why Choose It: The Suunto 9 Peak Pro is a slim (10.8mm) multisport watch, ideal for ultra-endurance athletes. Its 43mm stainless steel or titanium case, sapphire touchscreen, and 100m water resistance make it adventure-ready. With 40 hours of GPS battery life and 21 days in smartwatch mode, it outperforms many competitors. Advanced metrics like training load and recovery time shine, though it lacks some smartwatch features like Google Pay.
Key Features:
- 1.2” touchscreen with sapphire crystal
- 4 GNSS systems for accurate positioning
- 100m water resistance, MIL-STD-810H durability
- 40 hours GPS battery life; 21 days smartwatch mode
- 95+ sport modes, breadcrumb navigation
Pros: Slim design, long battery life, and robust build. Ideal for trail running and mountaineering.
Cons: Smaller display than the Race. App navigation can be text-heavy.
Best For: Ultra-runners and outdoor enthusiasts needing a durable, long-lasting smartwatch.
Troubleshooting Tip: For smartwatch troubleshooting, update firmware via the Suunto app to fix GPS or heart rate inaccuracies.
Performance and Features: What Makes Suunto Smartwatches Excel
This Suunto smartwatch review highlights key features across the lineup, based on real-world testing:
- Fitness Tracking: All models support heart rate, sleep stages, and training load. The Race and 9 Peak Pro offer 95+ sport modes, while the Run covers 34, including running, swimming, and triathlon. Running power and HRV tracking add depth.
- GPS and Navigation: Dual-band GPS ensures accuracy in challenging environments. The Race includes offline topographic maps, while the Run and 9 Peak Pro use breadcrumb navigation.
- Battery Life: Exceptional across models: 40 hours GPS for Race and 9 Peak Pro, 20 hours for Run. Smartwatch mode lasts 12–21 days without always-on display.
- Smart Features: Limited compared to Apple or Samsung. The Run supports offline MP3s (no Spotify), and notifications are basic. The Suunto app is user-friendly but text-heavy.
- Design and Comfort: The Run’s 36g weight is barely noticeable, while the Race’s 49mm case can feel bulky. The 9 Peak Pro’s slim 43mm design is ideal for smaller wrists.
How to Choose the Right Suunto Smartwatch
This Suunto smartwatch review offers guidance on selecting the best model:
- Budget: The Run ($249) is perfect for budget buyers, the Race ($449–$549) for premium features, and the 9 Peak Pro ($549) for ultra-endurance.
- Use Case: Choose the Run for running, the Race for multisport with maps, and the 9 Peak Pro for ultra-marathons or mountaineering.
- Size and Fit: The Run (46mm) and 9 Peak Pro (43mm) suit smaller wrists; the Race (49mm) is bolder but bulkier.
- Compatibility: All models work with iOS and Android, though some settings require the Suunto app.
Pro Tip: For more comparisons, visit smartwatchus.com for a detailed wearable guide.
How to Use a Suunto Smartwatch Effectively
Maximize your device with these how to use a smartwatch tips:
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- Setup: Pair with the Suunto app on iOS or Android. Sync routes and customize sport modes for quick access.
- Fitness Tracking: Wear snugly for accurate heart rate and running power. Start activities with two button presses on the Run or Race.
- Navigation: Import routes via the Suunto app for breadcrumb navigation or topographic maps (Race only).
- Battery Management: Disable always-on display and use power-saving GPS modes for longer battery life.
Troubleshooting Tip: If notifications or GPS lag, restart the watch and ensure the Suunto app is updated.
Suunto Smartwatch Maintenance and Cleaning
Keep your Suunto in top shape with these smartwatch maintenance tips:
- Cleaning: For smartwatch cleaning, rinse with fresh water after swimming or sweating. Wipe with a microfiber cloth to protect the sapphire or Gorilla Glass display.
- Strap Care: Clean nylon or silicone straps with water; replace worn straps with 22mm quick-release bands.
- Protection: Avoid extreme temperatures and high-pressure water jets. Use silicone grease on gaskets when changing batteries (Core model).
- Battery Health: Use Suunto’s proprietary charging puck and store in a cool, dry place.
Suunto Smartwatch Safety Tips
Ensure safe use with these smartwatch safety practices:
- Skin Health: Loosen the strap or switch to hypoallergenic bands if irritation occurs.
- Data Privacy: Secure health data with a PIN and review permissions in the Suunto app.
- Navigation Safety: Use GPS and route planning for safe trail navigation, but carry a backup map for remote areas.
Conclusion: Is a Suunto Smartwatch Worth It in 2025?
This Suunto smartwatch review confirms that Suunto delivers exceptional value for fitness and outdoor enthusiasts. The Suunto Race is the best all-around choice with its AMOLED display and topographic maps, while the Suunto Run offers incredible value at $249 for runners. The Suunto 9 Peak Pro excels for ultra-endurance athletes with its slim design and long battery life. While smartwatch features like notifications and music streaming lag behind competitors, Suunto’s focus on sports tracking and durability makes it a top pick for adventurers. Follow our smartwatch tips for setup, maintenance, and safety to maximize your experience. For more insights, explore maintenance tips at smartwatchus.com, your ultimate best smartwatch guide.
Choose a Suunto smartwatch in 2025 and conquer your next adventure with confidence.
