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Garmin Vivoactive 5 — 2023 · Fitness + health
Garmin

Garmin Vivoactive 5

2023 · Fitness + health

82
/ 100
From $299
VS
Suunto Race (Pro) — Fitness · 2023 · Pro
Suunto

Suunto Race (Pro)

Fitness · 2023 · Pro

82
/ 100
From $500
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Garmin Vivoactive 5 lands at 82 and Suunto Race (Pro) at 82. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Garmin Vivoactive 5 if…

  • ✓Multi-day fitness tracking
  • ✓GPS + heart rate
  • ✓Notification mirroring

Pick Suunto Race (Pro) if…

  • ✓Extended battery life vs smartwatches
  • ✓Sleep + recovery metrics
  • ✓Activity-specific modes
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Battery

Tie

Compared on the battery sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Durability

Garmin Vivoactive 5

Compared on the durability sub-score

Garmin Vivoactive 5 leads on durability (86 vs 84).

Fitness

Tie

Compared on the fitness sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Garmin Vivoactive 5

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Garmin Vivoactive 5 more score per dollar ($299 vs $500).

Garmin Vivoactive 5 82
vs
82 Suunto Race (Pro)

Score breakdown

Garmin Vivoactive 5
82
battery 94
display 88
fitness 82
health 80
durability 86
Suunto Race (Pro)
82
battery 94
display 74
fitness 82
health 82
durability 84

Specs side-by-side

Garmin Vivoactive 5 versus Suunto Race (Pro) — full spec comparison
Spec Garmin Vivoactive 5 Suunto Race (Pro)
Release year
2023
2023
Type
—
Fitness tracker / ring / bike computer
Variant
—
Pro

Garmin Vivoactive 5

Pros
  • +Multi-day fitness tracking
  • +GPS + heart rate
  • +Notification mirroring
Cons
  • −Battery life varies dramatically
  • −Companion phone required
  • −Screen-on drains battery

Suunto Race (Pro)

Pros
  • +Extended battery life vs smartwatches
  • +Sleep + recovery metrics
  • +Activity-specific modes
Cons
  • −Notifications limited
  • −No smartwatch app store
  • −Some require subscription

FAQ: Garmin Vivoactive 5 vs Suunto Race (Pro)

Which is better, Garmin Vivoactive 5 or Suunto Race (Pro)? +

Both score 82 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Garmin Vivoactive 5 worth the price? +

At $299, Garmin Vivoactive 5 delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in battery.

Is Suunto Race (Pro) worth the price? +

At $500, Suunto Race (Pro) delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in battery.

Does Garmin Vivoactive 5 or Suunto Race (Pro) last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for durability, Garmin Vivoactive 5 or Suunto Race (Pro)? +

Garmin Vivoactive 5 — leads on durability (86 vs 84). Compared on the durability sub-score.

Which is the better value, Garmin Vivoactive 5 or Suunto Race (Pro)? +

Garmin Vivoactive 5 — more score per dollar ($299 vs $500). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.