Two years ago, in May 2023, the Finnish manufacturer Suunto set the bar very high with its Vertical model. Last year, it offered two other models, again excellent: the Race and Race S. In 2025, Suunto completes its new generation of watches with a decidedly accessible entry-level model: the Suunto Run.
Available at just 249 euros, this connected watch is primarily aimed at beginners or regular runners looking for a reliable, well-equipped, and easy-to-use tool. But it can also be perfectly suited to more intensive athletes (trail runners, for example), who are looking for excellent value for money. We wore it for two weeks. Here's our verdict.
A discreet design... downright vibrant
Lightweight (36 grams with its nylon strap), compact, with a 46 mm format that remains reasonable even for thin wrists, the Suunto Run has a sober aesthetic. Its robust plastic chassis (glass fiber reinforced polyamide) is highlighted by a stainless steel bezel. It is water resistant to 50 meters.
Some might find its design a little timid compared to the brand's more assertive models, but Suunto offers, alongside fairly discreet and versatile options, vibrant colors that add spice and personality to the watch. Especially since the chassis is associated with a pretty, very comfortable Velcro strap (and adjustable to the millimeter). It also has well-thought-out ergonomics (three buttons including a customizable central dial for left-handers, that's clever).
An Amoled screen that's a real eye-catcher
This is THE big strong point of this Suunto Run. At this price, offering a 1.32'' Amoled panel in 466 x 466 pixels is quite unexpected. The definition is excellent, the contrasts are there, and readability in full sunlight has never disappointed us during our various outings. The Always On Display, permanent display of the screen, is offered, but be careful of the battery. We preferred to opt for a screen that only lights up when we turn our wrist to look at the watch.
A small drawback to note: for the watch's wallpaper, the dials remain few in number and the customization is still timid. This is a point of improvement for the brand in the future, even if it remains a detail that is not bothersome on a daily basis.
A more fluid interface, a real improvement
Suunto took advantage of the launch of this new watch to rework its. Closer to what its competitor Garmin offers, it becomes more logical, more fluid too... even if everything is not yet perfect. Some actions lack responsiveness, some validations require two clicks. Nothing prohibitive, but it's worth noting.
The activity screens now scroll vertically, the health widgets are enhanced, and menu navigation is more intuitive. Special mention goes to new features like hydration reminders, marathon mode, and recovery heart rate. These are all new indicators that may prove useful to some.
Well-thought-out sports functions
With 34 sports profiles (running, cycling, swimming, yoga, strength training, etc.), the Suunto Run covers the essentials... and goes far beyond what its name suggests. Indeed, it's not just dedicated to running on asphalt. Its numerous functions make it a true multi-activity sports watch. However, it's worth noting the lack of mapping, which is logical at this price, but the "breadcrumb" navigation is there to help out. While it's not exactly designed for adventures on remote trails, it can still meet most of your outdoor and indoor needs. Finally, the integration with the Suunto app remains a sure bet: simple, effective, and clear. In our eyes, it's a benchmark on the market.
In terms of geolocation, the dual-frequency GNSS chip ensures good GPS accuracy, even in dense urban environments. Comparative tests conducted with the Vertical and the Garmin Fenix 8 show minimal differences. The heart rate sensor performs well, except for interval training where it sometimes drifts. It would be better to equip yourself with a chest or arm heart rate sensor, but this is understandable. Finally, we note the very useful presence of a recovery index to assess your overall fitness level by integrating sleep and activities. The Suunto Race also displays training load.
A decent (but not spectacular) battery life
Suunto advertises up to 12 days of daily use and 20 hours in multi-band GNSS mode. During our tests, we were below these indications. We were more like 7-8 days in our use and without having activated the Always On screen. However, this remains very reasonable given the size of the watch and the quality of the screen. With regular workouts and notifications enabled (remote smartphone alerts), you'll need to recharge it every 3 to 4 days. For a competition, it's advertised with 20 hours of battery life in performance mode and 40 hours in energy saving mode. A nice surprise: the charging cable has been redesigned (USB-C) and is practical with small magnets that guide its placement.
In terms of advanced features, the Suunto Run does the bare minimum. No NFC, no payments, no calls, no integrated calendar. But storable music (4 GB) for playback even offline and well-managed notifications. Is that not much? For the price of the watch, less than 250 euros, it's already respectable.
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