Garmin Forerunner 255s vs Suunto 9 Peak: The Ultimate GPS Watch Showdown

It’s no secret that running is one of the most popular forms of exercise. And for serious runners, having a reliable GPS watch is essential. Two brands that have long been at the forefront of the market are Garmin and Suunto. In this article, we’ll be comparing their latest models - the Garmin Forerunner 255s and the Suunto 9 Peak.

Design: Both watches have a sleek and sporty look, with similar square-shaped faces and silicone straps. However, the Forerunner 255s is slightly smaller in size compared to the Suunto 9 Peak, making it a better fit for those with smaller wrists. One noticeable difference is that the Suunto 9 Peak has two buttons on each side while the Forerunner 255s has three buttons on one side.

Display: The Forerunner 255s boasts a colorful 1.2-inch display with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels. On the other hand, the Suunto 9 Peak has a slightly larger 1.3-inch display with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels as well. Both displays are clear and easy to read even in bright sunlight.

Features: Now let’s get to the important part - the features. Both watches offer a wide range of activity tracking options including distance, pace, heart rate, and calories burned. They also come with built-in GPS, sleep tracking, and water resistance.

However, the Suunto 9 Peak takes things a step further with its FusedTrack feature which uses GPS and motion sensors to provide accurate distance and track information. It also has a battery life of up to 170 hours, making it the ultimate companion for long-distance runs.

On the other hand, the Forerunner 255s has a feature that allows you to create customized workouts and even has a virtual running coach. It also has a Pulse Ox sensor to measure your blood oxygen saturation levels and a more accurate heart rate monitor.

Price: In terms of price, the Suunto 9 Peak is slightly more expensive than the Forerunner 255s. While the Forerunner 255s retails for around $300, the Suunto 9 Peak costs around $400. However, with all the extra features and longer battery life, the extra cost may be worth it for serious runners.

Verdict: Both the Garmin Forerunner 255s and Suunto 9 Peak are excellent GPS watches that offer a wide range of features to enhance your running experience. If you’re looking for a more affordable option with a focus on customization and coaching, the Forerunner 255s is a great choice. However, if you’re a serious runner looking for an all-in-one watch with a longer battery life, the Suunto 9 Peak may be the better option for you.