| Suunto Race | Apple Watch SE | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting price | $499 | $249★ |
| Subscription | ✓ None | ✓ None |
| Hardware | ||
| Weight | 60g | 26g★ |
| Water resistance | 100m★ | 50m |
| Battery | 16 days★ | 18h |
| Always-on display | ✅★ | ❌ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ✅★ |
| Platform | iOS & Android | iOS only |
| Tier | Sports GPS | Smartwatch |
| Buy timing | ||
| Released | Aug 27, 2025 | Sep 19, 2025 |
| Cycle advice | good | good |
| Deals advice | neutral | neutral |
| Next model | — | Apple Watch SE 4 (Expected fall 2027) |
The redesigned optical HR sensor on Race 2 delivers far more reliable readings during high-intensity sessions — a notable weak point of the original Race that has been addressed.
Dual-frequency L1+L5 multi-constellation GPS for sub-meter precision in urban areas and dense forests, with 55 continuous GPS hours on a single charge.
The display grows to 1.5" at 2000 nits while the case slims to 12.5mm and drops to 76g — more readable in sunlight and easier to wear day-to-day than its predecessor.
Access the entire watchOS app ecosystem, Apple Pay, Siri, and Family Setup — for $150 less than the Series 11.
Emergency SOS, fall detection, and Crash Detection give real safety value even without premium health sensors.
Available in Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and (PRODUCT)RED with a wide range of Apple Watch-compatible bands.
The right pick depends on what you optimize for.
$249 vs $499 over 3 years · no required subscription.
16 days vs 18h battery.
5 sensors.
26g · no required subscription.
Competitive road and trail runners who want Suunto's precise multi-band GPS tracking and a vivid AMOLED display in a lighter, thinner package. A strong alternative to Garmin for athletes who prefer Suunto's clean interface and ecosystem.
Full details →iPhone users who want Apple Watch's core experience — activity tracking, notifications, crash detection, and Apple Pay — at a lower price point. Ideal for kids, teens, or anyone upgrading from a much older watch without needing the advanced health sensors.
Full details →