Suunto and Garmin both make rugged GPS watches favored by outdoor athletes. Both now include wrist-based HRV tracking, but they differ significantly in ecosystem depth, sensor accuracy, and software polish.
Comparison Overview
| Category | Suunto Watches | Garmin Watches |
|---|---|---|
| HRV Features | Nightly HRV tracking, sleep/recovery score | HRV Status, morning report, Body Battery ✓ |
| Garmin offers deeper HRV analytics and 7-day baseline trending | ||
| Accuracy | Solid wrist PPG, optional chest strap support | Elevate 5 sensor, excellent wrist accuracy ✓ |
| Garmin's latest sensor is more validated in research | ||
| Outdoor Features | Excellent navigation, barometric altimeter | Multi-band GPS, ABC sensors, ClimbPro |
| Both are excellent for backcountry and trail use | ||
| Ecosystem | Suunto app + limited third-party | Garmin Connect + massive ecosystem ✓ |
| Garmin's third-party integrations are far more extensive | ||
| Battery Life | Up to 26 days (Suunto Race 2) | Up to 37 days (Fenix 8) ✓ |
| Garmin edges out on endurance modes | ||
| Build Quality | Finnish design, titanium options, sapphire glass | Titanium options, sapphire glass, solar charging |
| Both build premium hardware; Garmin adds solar option | ||
| Price | $450-650 ✓ | $450-1100 |
| Suunto offers comparable quality at a lower price ceiling | ||
| Data Export | Exports to Strava, TrainingPeaks | Exports to Strava, TrainingPeaks, more ✓ |
| Garmin supports more platforms including native HRV export | ||
The Bottom Line
Choose Garmin if you want the deepest HRV analytics, widest ecosystem, and longest battery life. Choose Suunto if you prefer Finnish design, simpler software, and a more focused outdoor tool at a slightly lower price.
Detailed Reviews
Suunto Watches
Premium outdoor watches with solid HRV capabilities. Best for adventurers who want rugged build quality and...
Full reviewGarmin Watches
Great for athletes already in the Garmin ecosystem. Recent models include solid HRV tracking, though features vary...
Full review