Garmin Instinct 3 vs Suunto Race S

Garmin Instinct 3

€399.99

Suunto Race S

$349

Quick verdict

Garmin Instinct 3

€399.99

The better pick if you want:

A higher overall score (75 vs 50)
Longer battery (18 vs 9 days)

Suunto Race S

$349

The better pick if you want:

To spend $50.99 less
Built-in maps

Spec profile

Each axis ranks against the 34 products in Watch on the site: the further out, the more it stands out in that spec (lighter, cheaper…).

Center: lowest in the category · Edge: highest

Garmin Instinct 3· leads in 4

GPS batterySmartwatch batteryWater resistanceLightness

Suunto Race S· leads in 1

Affordability

Tied

Features

GPS battery
32 h
30 h
Smartwatch battery
24 daysTop 32%
9 days
Features
8
8
Water resistance
10 ATMTop 24%
5 ATM
Lightness
53 gTop 34%
60 gTop 49%
Affordability
$400Top 35%
$349Top 28%

Technical Specifications

Compare features between Garmin Instinct 3 vs Suunto Race S

Best value in this comparisonOnly differences (16)

Essentials

€399.99

$349

January 2025

April 2024

Battery

Up to 18–24 days

Up to 9 days

Up to 32 hours

—

Up to 25 hours

—

Display

AMOLED

—

1.2"–1.3" (30–33 mm)

—

390 x 390 / 416 x 416 pixels

—

Yes

Build & durability

Fiber‑reinforced polymer and aluminum

—

Fiber-reinforced polymer / aluminum

—

Chemically strengthened glass

—

10 ATM (100 m)

5 ATM (50 m)

Features

~1000 nits

600 nits

4–8 GB

—

Multi-band GNSS, Route & back-to-start navigation, Barometric altimeter, Compass, Blood oxygen (SpO2), AMOLED display, Contactless payments, LED flashlight

Multi-band GNSS, Offline maps, Route & back-to-start navigation, Barometric altimeter, Compass, Blood oxygen (SpO2), AMOLED display, Touchscreen

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Video Reviews

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Garmin Instinct 3

Suunto Race S

Visual Comparison

See the differences between Garmin Instinct 3 and Suunto Race S in a side-by-side slider comparison.

Comparison Questions

Answers based on product data and key differences.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which offers better value: Garmin Instinct 3 vs Suunto Race S?

For value comparison: The Garmin Instinct 3 ($399.99) provides premium features compared to the Suunto Race S ($349). Consider your budget and the specific features that matter most for your trail running setup.

Which is newer, the Garmin Instinct 3 or the Suunto Race S?

The Garmin Instinct 3 is newer: it came out in January 2025, and the Suunto Race S in April 2024.

Looking for alternatives to Garmin Instinct 3?

Closest in price, with what each one does better.

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Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro

Amazfit

$399.99Score 88+13

Better than Garmin Instinct 3 at:

A higher overall score (88 vs 75)
Longer battery (25 vs 18 days)
Built-in maps

Compare with Garmin Instinct 3

Coros Pace 4 Pro

Coros

$449+$49.01Score 87+12

Better than Garmin Instinct 3 at:

A higher overall score (87 vs 75)
Longer battery (21 vs 18 days)
Built-in maps

Compare with Garmin Instinct 3

Coros Nomad

Coros

$349−$50.99Score 74−1

Better than Garmin Instinct 3 at:

To spend $50.99 less
Longer battery (22 vs 18 days)
Built-in maps

Compare with Garmin Instinct 3

Popular Comparisons

Compare Garmin Instinct 3 or Suunto Race S with other top trail running watch from brands such as Garmin, Suunto and more.

Watch

Spec profile

Each axis ranks against the 34 products in Watch on the site: the further out, the more it stands out in that spec (lighter, cheaper…).

Center: lowest in the category · Edge: highest

Garmin Instinct 3· leads in 4

GPS batterySmartwatch batteryWater resistanceLightness

Suunto Race S· leads in 1

Affordability

Tied

Features

GPS battery
32 h
30 h
Smartwatch battery
24 daysTop 32%
9 days
Features
8
8
Water resistance
10 ATMTop 24%
5 ATM
Lightness
53 gTop 34%
60 gTop 49%
Affordability
$400Top 35%
$349Top 28%

Garmin Instinct 3 vs Suunto Race S

Garmin Instinct 3

Suunto Race S

Quick verdict

Spec profile