When searching for a high-performance multisport GPS watch, two brands that consistently rise to the top are Suunto and Coros. But how exactly do these sports watch powerhouses stack up against each other?
This in-depth guide examines the key similarities and differences between Suunto and Coros across a range of factors. Read on to learn how to decide which brand is the better fit for your athletic needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Features | Suunto | Coros |
| Battery Life | Up to 40 hours GPS | Up to 140 hours GPS |
| GPS Accuracy | Dual-frequency | Dual-frequency |
| Smartwatch Features | Basic notifications | Minimal smart features |
| Touchscreen | No | Some models |
| Price Range | $200-$900 | $200-$500 |
Overview of Suunto
Finnish company Suunto has been a leader in sports watches and dive computers for over 80 years. Their watches target serious athletes across sports like running, cycling, swimming, and more.
Some of Suunto’s core strengths include:
- In-depth activity tracking with dozens of sport modes
- Long battery life, up to 40 hours with GPS
- Rugged, durable designs built for harsh environments
- Barometer, altimeter, and compass sensors
- Heat and altitude acclimation estimates
- User-friendly smartphone app to analyze data
Top-end models like the Suunto 9 Peak Pro offer premium build materials like titanium and sapphire glass. And the 9 Peak series provides dual-frequency GPS for enhanced accuracy under tree cover.
For hardcore athletes who train in the mountains, the ocean, or other extreme locales, Suunto watches deliver advanced metrics without compromising toughness.
Overview of Coros
Founded in China in 2016, newcomer Coros burst onto the sports watch scene with its direct-to-consumer value pricing and long battery life.
Here are some highlights of Coros watches:
- Up to 140 hour GPS battery life on higher-end models
- Dual-frequency GPS and barometric altimeter
- Easy-to-use touchscreen interfaces
- Lightweight, comfortable designs for all-day wear
- Integrated racing features like PacePro pacing guidance
- Excellent value with most models under $500
While the brand is still growing, Coros has quickly shaken up the sports watch market by matching advanced features of higher-priced competitors at more accessible price points.
And innovations like the massive battery life, touchscreens, and unique dial control pod demonstrate Coros is here to stay at the forefront.
Also Read: Is Fossil Gen 5E Better Than Gen 6?
Key Differences Between Suunto and Coros
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each brand, let’s dive into a detailed breakdown of how Suunto and Coros stack up across core categories.
- GPS Accuracy
Both Suunto and Coros incorporate dual-frequency GPS into their latest watches. This means the devices tap into two satellite signals (GPS and GLONASS) to boost positioning accuracy and connection stability.
In real-world testing, the GPS tracking from both brands proves reliable even under challenging conditions like thick tree cover or in cities with tall buildings. They quickly reconnect to satellites when obstructions clear.
For GPS reliability, Suunto and Coros are evenly matched and far better than watches using only standard GPS.
- Battery Life
Battery life is a clear advantage for Coros over Suunto. Using GPS and full features, Suunto’s watches typically last between 25-40 hours on a charge. Decent, but not outstanding.
Meanwhile, Coros blows the doors off with insane battery life like 60 hours on the Vertix 2 and 140 hours with the Apex Pro. This allows tracking ultra-distances or multi-day adventures without ever needing to recharge.
For buyers wanting the maximum possible battery efficiency, Coros dominates over Suunto. But Suunto’s life is still respectable for most users.
- Smartwatch Connectivity
Suunto edges out Coros when it comes to integrating basic smartwatch features like notifications, apps, and mobile payments.
Popular Suunto models allow you to receive phone alerts, track daily activity, make payments, and more when not training. Useful for an all-day wear watch.
Coros focuses almost entirely on advanced sports tracking. While you get notifications, there are minimal smartwatch capabilities otherwise. Suunto provides a more well-rounded experience.
- Touchscreen & Interface
Most Suunto watches use traditional five-button interfaces to navigate the watch and input data. This provides tactile, reliable control while training.
On the other hand, Coros has embraced touchscreens on models like the Apex Pro and Vertix 2. The extra responsiveness makes navigating metrics and options quicker than button-only input.
So if you want a more interactive, modern interface, Coros wins out with touch. But Suunto’s button control has its own appeal too.
- Price and Value
Across equivalent models, Coros watches retail for $200 to $300 less than Suunto on average. You get all the same advanced capabilities like dual-frequency GPS, wrist heart rate, altitude acclimation, etc. found in the pricier Suunto watches.
For buyers on a tighter budget who still want high-performing multi-sport watches, Coros provides outstanding value. Suunto demands a premium for the brand reputation. So Coros pulls ahead for value seekers.
Also Read: Comparison Between Suunto 9 Peak Pro and Garmin Fenix 7
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In terms of core performance metrics like GPS accuracy, activity tracking, and battery life, COROS watches can compete head-to-head with premium Garmin watches at significantly lower prices. You get most of the same advanced training features for several hundred dollars less in most cases. However, Garmin still has an edge for onboard maps, payment services, and overall smartwatch functionality. But for pure fitness tracking, COROS punches far above its price class against a legend like Garmin.
Yes, COROS is a Chinese company founded in 2016 and based in Beijing. However, despite its Chinese origins, COROS sells globally to customers worldwide. Its watches boast impressive build quality and cutting-edge tech like dual-frequency GPS that matches or beats established brands like Garmin and Suunto. So don’t let the Chinese origins deter you – COROS makes incredibly capable sports watches for the price.
Garmin and Suunto now utilize similar highly-accurate GPS systems across their latest watch models. Suunto uses dual-frequency GPS which taps into two satellite signals to boost accuracy under challenging conditions. Garmin employs multi-band GPS across more satellites. Bottom line – both offer excellent GPS reliability that outperforms standard GPS watches. You’ll get accurate distance and pacing while training or adventuring outdoors from either brand.
Yes, Suunto remains one of the best sports watch brands for serious athletes and adventurers. The Finnish company has decades of expertise crafting durable, high-performing watches with useful training metrics and navigation features. While the brand demands a premium over value options like Coros, you get rock-solid reliability and quality suited for harsh environments. For hikers, climbers, swimmers, runners and anyone wanting an investment-level watch, Suunto delivers quality timepieces.
Also Read: Comaprison Between the Garmin Tactix and Fenix
Final Thoughts
Both Suunto and Coros make capable, appealing sports watches for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. You really can’t go wrong with either brand.
For maximum battery life and cost savings, Coros is hard to beat. But fans of Suunto love the refined designs and reliability built up over almost 100 years.
At the end of the day, choosing between the two brands comes down to your budget, desired features like touchscreen or button navigation, and brand reputation. Fortunately, the competition between Coros and Suunto means consumers get better GPS watches at more competitive prices across the board.