The Suunto Race 2 smartwatch marks an important milestone for the Finnish brand as it pushes further into the competitive world of premium fitness wearables. Positioned against industry leaders like Garmin and Coros, this next-generation device delivers an impressive blend of rugged hardware, refined software, accurate health tracking, and long battery life. After extensive testing, we can confidently say the Race 2 has what it takes to compete toe-to-toe with the best smartwatches for athletes, runners, and outdoor adventurers.
Design and Build Quality
The Suunto Race 2 continues the brand’s minimalist Scandinavian approach while embracing modern premium materials. Buyers can choose between a 49mm titanium case or a black stainless-steel option, both of which exude durability and sophistication. The bezel has been reduced, allowing the display size to increase from 1.43 inches to 1.50 inches, offering more usable screen real estate without feeling bulky on the wrist.
The AMOLED display is the true standout. With brightness levels jumping from 600 nits to 2000 nits, it delivers crystal-clear visibility even in direct sunlight. The 466×466 resolution ensures sharp details, while the sapphire glass protects against scratches and daily wear. Water resistance up to 100 meters adds further confidence for swimmers, divers, and outdoor athletes who frequently train in challenging environments.
Complementing the design are Bluetooth music controls, durable strap options, and an updated optical heart rate sensor that promises improved accuracy compared to the Race S. Simply put, the Race 2 offers a rugged yet stylish aesthetic that easily fits both gym sessions and everyday wear.
Software and User Experience
Suunto has refined the user interface to make it both intuitive and customizable. Navigation can be done through the responsive touchscreen or the familiar three-button layout on the right-hand side. The digital crown—which doubles as the middle button—makes scrolling through menus smooth and effortless.
The Race 2 supports over 115 sport modes, ranging from running, cycling, hiking, and swimming to less conventional options like skiing, indoor rowing, and even chores. Athletes can configure shortcuts for quick access, whether to music controls, timers, or notifications.
The watch integrates seamlessly with the Suunto companion app, which has undergone a major redesign. The home dashboard is less cluttered, while performance metrics are presented more clearly. New features include an AI-powered training coach, structured workout plans, and personalized recommendations based on heart rate variability (HRV), recovery, and activity history.
Key widgets such as Resources and Progress give users actionable insights into fitness readiness, training intensity, and recovery balance. Metrics like TSS (Training Stress Score), CTL (Chronic Training Load), and TSB (Training Stress Balance) are available for advanced users but can be simplified for casual athletes.
The updated software reflects Suunto’s commitment to making the Race 2 a serious training tool while remaining user-friendly enough for everyday fitness enthusiasts.
Performance and Accuracy
During daily use, the Suunto Race 2 demonstrates strong performance thanks to an upgraded chipset that ensures snappy transitions and a lag-free experience. The new optical heart rate sensor shows significant improvements compared to the Race S. Previous inconsistencies with resting heart rate spikes and workout fluctuations are now resolved, delivering much more consistent and reliable tracking.
When compared with competitors like Garmin and chest straps such as the Amazfit Helio, the Race 2 produced readings well within acceptable ranges. Its GPS accuracy is also excellent, whether tracking runs in the city, trail hikes, or cycling routes synced to Strava. The altimeter adds further precision for elevation-based training, making it an excellent tool for mountain athletes.
Overall, the Race 2 delivers professional-level data accuracy, which is essential for endurance athletes and serious trainers.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the biggest advantages of the Race 2 is its extended battery performance. Thanks to the larger case and optimized hardware, the smartwatch delivers up to:
- 55 hours in full multi-band GPS mode
- 18 days in standard smartwatch mode
In real-world testing, we achieved around 16 days between charges with a mix of GPS workouts, smartwatch functions, and daily health tracking. This endurance comfortably surpasses many competitors and makes the Race 2 particularly appealing to athletes who dislike frequent charging.
The newly designed magnetic charger with USB-C support offers reliable and convenient charging. However, we strongly believe Suunto should standardize chargers across its lineup, much like Garmin and Amazfit, to reduce electronic waste and simplify user experience.
Price and Value
The Suunto Race 2 starts at $499 for stainless steel and $599 for titanium. While positioned as a premium fitness smartwatch, the price remains competitive with alternatives from Garmin’s Forerunner and Fenix series or Coros’ Apex line. Given its durability, display quality, sensor accuracy, and battery life, the Race 2 offers solid value for athletes who want both performance and style.
Final Verdict
The Suunto Race 2 smartwatch is a powerful evolution of the Race S, delivering a premium balance of design, accuracy, endurance, and software refinement. From the ultra-bright AMOLED display to the AI-driven training tools, this is a smartwatch that caters to both everyday fitness enthusiasts and advanced endurance athletes.
Suunto has successfully positioned the Race 2 as a true rival to Garmin and Coros, while maintaining its unique Scandinavian identity. For those seeking a rugged, accurate, and long-lasting fitness watch that looks as good in the office as it does on the trail, the Suunto Race 2 deserves serious consideration.
