Compare Suunto Vertical 2 vs Garmin Forerunner 70

The app ecosystem was a weakness relative to Garmin, with reviewers calling out a lack of deeper training ecosystem or rich smart features.

Garmin’s mature ecosystem adds current software features, Connect IQ apps, and broad service integration. It remains one of the watch’s clearest advantages over similarly priced rivals.

Safety features were mixed: the flashlight helped, but one reviewer criticized the lack of a true SOS function.

LiveTrack and related safety tools let trusted contacts follow an activity when the phone is carried. The lack of cellular connectivity means these features still depend on a paired phone.

Pairing and sync reliability was split: one reviewer had no connection or syncing issues, while another found background activity inconsistent.

Most connectivity works normally, but a few users experienced temperamental syncing and severe Bluetooth setup failures. Those issues were uncommon yet frustrating when they occurred.

Step counting had a minor accuracy concern, with one reviewer saying the watch frequently overcounted steps.

Step counting was exceptionally accurate in a controlled walk, finishing within only a few steps of the manual tally. It is highly dependable for everyday movement tracking.

The flashlight was widely considered useful or even essential, but several reviewers criticized early software behavior, access flow, or clunky controls.

There is no built-in flashlight. It is not essential for most road runners, but the omission reduces usefulness for dark trails and emergencies.

Cross-platform compatibility had an iPhone caveat, with one reviewer noting reduced notification and response behavior when paired to iOS.

The watch works smoothly with both Android and iPhone, including mirrored notifications and media controls. Platform support is broad even though some Android features are more capable.

Watch-face quality was generally liked, especially the clear default face and useful data, though one review noted dim-state readability issues elsewhere.

Connect IQ offers thousands of downloadable faces, but the preinstalled selection is limited and customization can require a separate app. The ecosystem is broad, yet the setup feels unnecessarily cumbersome.

Size options were a weakness because one reviewer specifically criticized the single-size approach.

Only one compact case size is available, which suits many runners but may still feel large on very slender wrists. There is no larger alternative for those who prefer bigger displays.

Companion app quality was mixed: several reviewers liked its clean, digestible dashboard, but others found it less glanceable, overloaded, or inconsistent in background syncing.

Garmin Connect is powerful but can feel cluttered, with some settings difficult to locate. The watch itself is often easier to navigate than the mobile app.

Charging speed was acceptable rather than impressive, with one reviewer calling the roughly 90-minute charge adequate but not great.

A full charge takes roughly an hour to 90 minutes depending on starting level. Partial charging is notably faster through the middle of the battery range.

Contactless payments were a clear missing feature and one reviewer explicitly docked the product for no tap-to-pay wallet.

Garmin Pay is completely absent, so runners must carry a phone, card, or cash for purchases. This is one of the clearest reasons to consider the Forerunner 170.

Menu navigation was mixed: reviewers liked the clearer flow, but some found the touch-centric interface or long scrolling awkward.

The five-button layout and cleaner software make menus easy to move through during workouts or daily use. Touch remains available for faster scrolling.

Smartwatch features were considered limited; reviewers treated the watch as an outdoor tool rather than a full everyday smartwatch.

Notifications, widgets, media controls, and app support cover the basics, but calling, payments, offline music, and full maps are missing. It is primarily a sports watch rather than a full smartwatch.

Durability evidence was strong, with reviewers reporting protective construction, resistance to scratches, and a solid feel after rough use.

The lightweight plastic body can withstand ordinary drops and training use, but the lens is not Garmin’s toughest option. A screen protector may be worthwhile for rough environments.

Coaching features were useful for structured progress, though one advanced pacing feature was less convenient because it required a chest strap.

Training Readiness, Garmin Coach, Daily Suggested Workouts, and Quick Workouts provide unusually deep guidance for the price. Quick Workouts are convenient, though harder sessions can be overly aggressive.

Materials quality was praised through the metal casing and sapphire-glass construction.

Fiber-reinforced polymer keeps weight low and has held up well in normal use. It feels practical and sporty rather than premium.

Comfort was mixed: reviewers often found it wearable or balanced for its size, but the heavy, bulky case was a recurring caveat.

The light case is easy to wear around the clock, including during sleep and long runs. A small number of users may be sensitive to the plastic backing.

Touchscreen responsiveness was mostly positive, but reviewers noted wet-screen confusion and occasional lag.

Touch input is quick and responsive in normal conditions, with buttons available when hands are wet or gloved. Heavy rain may introduce a little lag.

Mapping and navigation were usually praised for clear, useful offline maps and route guidance, but reviewers noted setup friction, manual toggles, route limits, or Garmin’s easier experience.

Breadcrumb routes and turn prompts work well for roads and simple trails, but there are no offline maps. Trail runners navigating complex junctions may need a higher-end watch.

The user interface was viewed as more intuitive than earlier Suunto releases, though evidence was limited.

The updated interface is clean, polished, and easy to navigate. Key training information is faster to find than on older entry-level Garmin watches.

Onboard music storage was repeatedly criticized or marked absent, with reviewers noting no offline music despite the available storage.

The watch has no onboard music storage, so phone-free Spotify or downloaded playlists are unavailable. Music-focused runners need the Forerunner 170 Music or another model.

Reviewers found the broader health metrics generally usable, with one calling the data accurate enough and another seeing solid performance across navigation, sleep, and heart-rate measurements.

Heart-rate and walking data align well with comparison devices in controlled tests. The overall health picture is dependable for everyday fitness use.

Third-party app support was positive where discussed, especially clean syncing with Strava, TrainingPeaks, and health-app workflows.

Completed workouts sync easily to services such as Strava and Apple Health. The broad integration makes Garmin data easy to use across a larger fitness setup.

Charging convenience was a major improvement, with reviewers praising the stronger magnetic charger, better clip, and reliable connection.

Quick mid-range charging makes brief top-ups practical, and the familiar Garmin connector is easy to use. Charging slows near full capacity as expected.

Build quality was repeatedly described as intentional, solid, tank-like, and suited to hard outdoor use.

The polymer construction feels light and reasonably sturdy rather than luxurious. It suits running well, but buyers expecting metal or premium materials may find it basic.

Music controls were serviceable to good for phone playback, but reviewers framed them as limited controls rather than a full music experience.

Phone-based music playback controls work well with services such as Spotify. The watch can control audio, but it cannot store music for phone-free listening.

Button controls were broadly praised for glove use and tactile feedback, though some reviewers still preferred a crown or different interface logic.

Five physical buttons make the watch easy to operate with sweaty hands, gloves, or rain. They complement the touchscreen especially well during workouts.

Recovery insights were generally useful, with reviewers saying advice or training-state feedback aligned with how they felt and helped track progress.

Training Readiness, Training Status, acute load, Body Battery, and recovery time provide a detailed view of training condition. The tools are useful for beginners and experienced runners alike.

Reliability evidence was limited but positive, centered on performance data, durability, and route reliability.

Day-to-day tracking and software are generally stable, with few complaints across extended testing. Occasional Bluetooth and syncing problems are the main reliability caveat.

Sleep tracking drew mixed feedback: several reviewers found it accurate or improved, but others noted hit-or-miss results, missed wake periods, or quirks.

Sleep duration, bedtime, wake time, naps, and overall scores are generally useful and reasonably accurate. Sleep-stage breakdowns can still confuse light sleep with awake time.

GPS accuracy was one of the strongest themes, with reviewers repeatedly calling land-based tracking accurate, rock-solid, spot-on, or near-perfect.

GPS tracking is consistently strong on roads, trails, and urban routes, often matching pricier multi-band watches. Dense city canyons and wooded areas can still expose occasional small errors.

Heart-rate accuracy was mixed-positive: many reviewers saw accurate or much-improved readings, while others reported startup wobble, high-intensity drift, fit sensitivity, or inconsistent results.

The older Gen 4 optical sensor performs well for steady running and often tracks closely with chest straps. Intervals, cycling, cold weather, and rapid recovery changes can produce occasional lag or errors.

Battery life was the strongest point of agreement: reviewers repeatedly called it class-leading or excellent for AMOLED, with a few real-world caveats versus claims.

Typical use ranges from about five days with an always-on display to roughly a week or more with lighter settings. Endurance is good for a small AMOLED watch, though some rivals last longer.

Water resistance evidence was positive but limited, with one reviewer calling it fully waterproof and happy in the pool.

The 5ATM rating is adequate for pool swimming, showers, and sweaty training. Open-water and diving-focused users will need a more specialized model.

Fit was generally secure when adjusted correctly, but reviewers stressed that sensor accuracy and stability depend on placement.

The compact case and adjustable band suit many wrists, especially runners who prefer smaller watches. The single size may still feel slightly large on very slender wrists.

Brightness was strongly praised, with reviewers emphasizing the 2,000-nit output and easy readability in bright conditions.

The AMOLED panel is bright enough for outdoor training and everyday use, even if it does not match Garmin’s premium displays. Medium brightness can preserve battery without sacrificing much legibility.

Customization was praised for watch-face and data flexibility, with reviewers appreciating how much the display could be tailored.

Sport profiles, data pages, widgets, and watch faces offer extensive personalization. Runners can tailor controls and information layouts in unusually fine detail.

Wellness insights were seen as meaningful but fairly lean, especially the Resources-style daily energy framing.

Body Battery, Health Status, morning reports, and recovery metrics make daily health trends easy to understand. The insights add useful context without replacing how the wearer actually feels.

Style and design were praised as rugged, sleek, good-looking, and more refined than earlier models.

The compact shape, bright colors, and sporty appearance look appealing in person. The plastic construction prioritizes low weight over a premium aesthetic.

Software smoothness was much improved versus older Suunto models, with reviewers calling the UI faster, smoother, and more responsive.

The refreshed software feels faster, cleaner, and smoother than older entry-level Forerunners. Navigation and daily interactions benefit noticeably from the modern interface.

Band quality was mostly positive for softness and security, though reviewers also noted fiddly clasps, stiffness, or awkward break-in.

The silicone band is generally soft, stretchy, and comfortable, though one owner disliked the stock strap enough to replace it. Fit and feel may depend on personal preference.

Value for money was generally positive because the watch delivers strong outdoor performance at less than some Garmin rivals, though some reviewers flagged competition and higher titanium pricing.

The watch packs premium training analysis, accurate tracking, and a strong AMOLED display into Garmin’s lowest current Forerunner tier. Value is excellent inside Garmin’s ecosystem, though Coros and Suunto offer stronger hardware for similar money.

Workout variety was a clear strength, with reviewers repeatedly praising the very broad set of sport modes and activity profiles.

More than 80 activity profiles cover running, cycling, swimming, gym sessions, team sports, and more. The missing triathlon and open-water swim modes remain important limitations for multisport athletes.

Outdoor visibility was excellent across the evidence, especially in sun, low light, and map use.

The AMOLED display remains clear in direct sunlight and during outdoor workouts. Very bright conditions may require a higher brightness setting, which reduces battery life.

Display quality was one of the strongest positives, with reviewers repeatedly praising the AMOLED screen as bright, sharp, vibrant, clean, and modern.

The 1.2-inch AMOLED screen is vivid, sharp, and easy to read, giving the budget model a much more premium feel. Its smaller size limits data space compared with larger Garmins.

Sports tracking was described as solid overall, with accuracy tied to GPS performance and getting the watch fit right.

Core tracking for pace, distance, steps, and heart rate is dependable across running, walking, swimming, and indoor workouts. Elevation data is less precise because there is no barometric altimeter.

The operating system experience was praised as fast and efficient in the available review evidence.

Garmin’s newer operating system brings the same polished interface and widgets found on more expensive watches. The experience feels modern and consistent across the lineup.

Blood oxygen evidence was limited but positive, tied to a redesigned sensor that improved stability during demanding outdoor use.

Bluetooth works normally for most syncing and sensors, but isolated failures made setup and phone reconnection extremely frustrating. A restart may be needed when pairing stalls.

The missing temperature sensor limits advanced women’s health and overnight temperature insights. Buyers who need those features should consider the Forerunner 170 or a higher model.

Incoming call alerts appear on the wrist, but calls cannot be accepted or handled from the watch. It is notification support rather than true calling capability.

Calorie estimates were questioned by one reviewer, who said the watch tended to overestimate calories burned.

Wrist-based running power brings advanced training data without requiring a chest strap or foot pod. It is a standout capability at this price.

Notification handling was mixed: alerts could arrive reliably, but reviewers repeatedly noted read-only limits, short previews, no images, or reduced iPhone behavior.

Wi-Fi connectivity was mainly discussed through map downloads, where reviewers ran into a fiddly process or setup failures.