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Suunto VerticalvsGarmin Forerunner 965

Suunto Vertical
Buy/Wait:good

Current model just released

Best for: Mountain runners, alpinists, and expedition athletes who want full offline maps, long GPS battery, and a bright AMOLED display in a rugged adventure watch. Suunto loyalists who need the brand's navigation precision and now want a readable colour display in the field.

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Garmin Forerunner 965
Buy/Wait:superseded

This model is no longer sold new. It has been replaced by the Garmin Forerunner 970.

Best for: Competitive runners, triathletes, and ultramarathon runners who want full maps, running dynamics, and premium build.

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Suunto VerticalGarmin Forerunner 965
TierSports GPSSports GPS
PlatformiOS & AndroidiOS & Android
Battery20 days23 days
Always-on display
GPS
Cellular
Health sensorshr, spo2, hrv, training loadhr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery, training readiness, running dynamics
ReleasedOct 15, 2025Mar 1, 2023
Cycle length884 days806 days
Cycle advicegoodsuperseded
Deals adviceneutralclearance
Next model

Why buy each?

Suunto Vertical

AMOLED display — first for the Vertical line

The Vertical 2 replaces the MIP screen with a bright 1.5" AMOLED LTPO — delivering vivid colour maps and improved night readability while still providing 65 hours of dual-band GPS.

Built-in LED flashlight

An integrated LED flashlight is new to the Vertical 2, adding practical trail and camp utility without a separate device — especially useful for early morning and night runs.

Full offline maps, 65h GPS, AI Coach

Global topographic maps with dual-band GPS, 20-day smartwatch battery, and an AI Coach that personalises training load and recovery recommendations directly on the watch.

Garmin Forerunner 965

Full color topographic maps

Turn-by-turn navigation on full TopoActive maps — essential for trail running and mountain racing.

Running dynamics metrics

Cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, and running power.

23-day battery and 31h GPS

Enough for week-long trail ultras without a charge.