Comparison Garmin Fenix5Plus, Suunto9, PolarVantageV, AmazfitStratos

If you are wondering which are the best multisport and triathlon cardio-GPS watches in 2018/2019, we think these 4 models are part of it. In this article, we have put face to face the 4 sports watches that seem to us to be the most complete currently on the market. Three of them are considered as Premium or top of the range. Released in 2018, they are therefore relatively recent and should still be very successful in 2019.

Packed with sensors and rich in features, they represent the top of GPS watches to date. They are aimed at both professional and amateur athletes seeking to improve or enjoy themselves.

However, it is difficult for us to say which is the best, since it depends mainly on the objective, the sport practiced and the expectations of the user, not to mention the budget targeted. Some will seek the accuracy and reliability of measurements, others a high degree of autonomy, others a plethora of tools to help athletes, others ancillary functions used during and on a daily basis (music, payment, mapping), others a chic watch that can be worn both in town and for sport! There are also watches that are less complete but better adapted and perhaps also cheaper than those in this comparison. We have chosen here to highlight real multisport watches (with change of activity without stopping the watch), designed for triathlon and outdoor.

It should be noted that some of the watches in this comparison exist in several versions (with or without sapphire crystal, with different case sizes, in "luxury" model with titanium strap, etc.). We have opted here for a unique model of each watch. Find more details in our fitness equipment and cardio-GPS watches tests and reviews.

An improved model of the famous Fenix 5, the Fenix 5 Plus is a watch with exceptional features. She is currently the queen of GPS cardio watches but this luxury comes at a price! In addition to many athlete support features (performance analysis, physiological measurements, tests, coaching, etc.), it offers color mapping, advanced connected features (live tracking of other athletes, ability to be tracked online, etc.), sophisticated GPS navigation and attractive features such as an mp3 music player, Garmin Pay contactless payment. It has more than 40,000 golf courses on board. The Fenix 5 Plus is available in 3 versions (5S, 5 and 5X) which differ in their housing size and autonomy. The 5X Plus version also has an oximeter on the wrist (measurement of blood oxygenation level). The watch is available with or without sapphire crystal (scratch-resistant). More about: detailed review and our opinion on the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus

This high-end watch with sapphire crystal and integrated barometric altimeter (hence the "baro") emphasizes autonomy and precision. Thanks to the FusedTrack" system, it offers up to 120 hours of autonomy and a high accuracy of GPS measurements thanks to the use of accelerometer data to extrapolate the GPS track and thus save the battery. It also has an intelligent battery management system to extend the use of the watch according to the user's route and habits. There is a model without a barometer, the Suunto 9. More about: detailed review and our opinion on Suunto 9 Baro

Replacing the famous Polar V800, the Vantage V brings interesting innovations: power measurement at the wrist without an external sensor, a revolutionary new cardio optic that works underwater. It offers advanced functions for monitoring the athlete. This watch should not be confused with the Vantage M, which is less sophisticated, more running oriented and much cheaper. More about: detailed review and our opinion on the Polar Vantage V

Comparable to the above high-end watches in terms of functionality but with a number of limitations that can be crippling depending on the objective, this Chinese watch offers an unbeatable price-quality ratio. It is the cheapest GPS connected sports watch on the market for the functions offered! More about: detailed review and our opinion on Amazfit Stratos

Price and physical characteristics compared

Main features include	Fenix 5 Plus	Suunto 9 Baro	Vantage V	Amazfit Stratos
Prices	699 / 799 € ⁽¹⁾	599 €	499 €	180 €
Autonomy (GPS mode)	18 h	25 h	40 h	35 h
Outlet size	47 x 47 mm	50 x 50 mm	46 x 46 mm	48 x 48 mm
Thickness	15.8 mm	16.8 mm	13 mm	15 mm
Screen size	1.2\" (30 mm)	1.4\" (35 mm)	1.2\" (30 mm)	1.4\" (35 mm)
Resolution	240 x 240 px	320 x 300 px	240 x 240 px	320 x 300 px
Touch screen display		•	•	•
Color display	•	•	•	•
Weight	76 g / 86 g ⁽¹⁾	81 g	66 g	60 g
Interchangeable bracelet	•	•		•

The price: from simple to quadruple!

Price is often a decisive criterion when choosing a cardio watch. With the exception of the Stratos, which is the exception but which we have retained in this comparison for the richness of its functions, the 3 watches Garmin, Suunto and Polar were sold around or above the psychological bar of 500 euros. At this price, you must be sure to choose the model that best meets your expectations! The Fenix 5 Plus stands out with a high price, that of a computer, especially for the model with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal (100 to 150 € more than the model with ordinary glass). The Stratos, on the other hand, is offered at less than 200 euros, an unbeatable price, for functions comparable to the most expensive watches on the market today. It is a very good compromise for athletes with a limited budget.

Design, structure and robustness

In terms of design, each watch has its own charm with a stainless steel case and a look suitable for both city and sport. The type of bracelet (interchangeable or not, with or without tools) and the choice of available materials (silicone, leather, titanium, steel, etc.) are criteria to be taken into account when choosing your cardio-GPS. Finally, the sapphire crystal (scratch-resistant) is a plus for the protection of your watch in high-risk sports. However, it adds a little weight (about 10 g) and above all it increases the price (count at least 100 € more).

The screen

More and more watches offer a touch screen, color and high resolution. This is explained by the multiplication of the data displayed, the personalization of watches with the display of wallpapers and the arrival of cartography. For the 4 watches selected, the size and resolution of the screens vary significantly. Suunto and Amazfit offer a wide screen. Garmin and Polar have favoured a more discreet design better suited to small wrists.

Suunto and Amazfit offer a colour, touch screen and large (35 mm diameter) display with a resolution of 320 x 300 px, which, over time, should become more widespread on high-end watches. For their part, Garmin and Polar remained on an intermediate screen of 30.4 mm (1.2") and 240 x 240 px, which is already a good resolution but a little limited for the Garmin and its mapping. We also regret the lack of a touch screen for this type of functionality!

Weight and thickness

Weight and thickness are important criteria depending on the sport. A light and fie watch is less noticeable on the wrist than a voluminous and heavy watch. The Fenix 5 Plus and Suunto 9 are among the "heavy goods vehicles" with 76 g for the Garmin (86 g with a sapphire crystal and up to 96 g for the Fenix 5X Plus!) and 81 g for the Suunto 9 (72 g for the version without barometer). Note that the sapphire crystal adds 10 g to the weight of the watch.

The Vantage and Stratos all look light on the side (66 g and 60 g respectively). The 60 g of the Stratos is a surprise given the sensors it carries and its more than honourable range. These models are better suited for performance-oriented sports use, while the Suunto 9 and Fenix 5 Plus are more suitable for exploration, adventure and outdoor use.

Note that of the 4 watches, the Vantage V is the thinnest with a reasonable thickness of 13 mm compared to the 15.8 mm of the Fenix 5 and 17 mm of the Suunto 9, and has fewer components than other watches.

Autonomy: Suunto 9 makes the difference!

Autonomy is nowadays an important criterion in the choice of a cardio-GPS watch. It is even an elimination criterion for fans of "ultra" type races with operating times that can well exceed 40 hours. For shorter outings, autonomy remains an essential criterion as well: what a frustration to run out of battery power during an outing because you forgot to charge your watch the day before!

Model	Fenix 5 Plus	Suunto 9 Baro	Vantage V	Amazfit Stratos
Watch mode	12 d	14 d	30 d	5 d
GPS mode	18 h	25 h	40 h	35 h
UltraTrac Mode	42 h	120 h	46 x 46 mm	48 x 48 mm
Rechargeable during workouts	•	•		•

Record autonomy and reliability of Ultra mode measurements for Suunto

The number of sensors and functions embedded in cardio-GPS watches is steadily increasing, resulting in increased energy consumption. It is mainly the GPS chip that is very greedy. To conserve battery power and extend battery life, manufacturers sometimes offer a power saving feature (ultra mode) that consists of spacing GPS readings. This reduces the accuracy of the measurements. GPS chip manufacturers, on the other hand, are working to reduce the consumption of their chip, sometimes to the detriment of measurement accuracy.... That said, Broadcom announced in 2017 the release of a much more accurate chip (around 20-30 cm instead of 2 to 10 m currently) for a consumption that is twice as low. It is starting to equip our Smartphones and may soon be able to integrate cardio watches!

Suunto, on the other hand, offers a revolutionary solution (FusedTrack™ function): an energy-saving mode that does not overly alter the accuracy of measurements. By combining GPS, accelerometer, gyroscope and compass data, Suunto "guesses" the missing GPS measurements to finally obtain an accurate track. This allows you to go from 25 hours of autonomy to 40 or 120 hours! Suunto 9 also offers intelligent battery management based on previous outputs and user choices. It is thus possible to request an "extension" of autonomy to make an unexpected detour without running out of juice! In addition to these innovations, Suunto uses a more energy-efficient Sony GPS chip.

Polar surprises us with an announced 40-hour battery life in 1-second GPS mode. This good result is mainly due to the use of the Sony chip that uses less energy than the SiRF chip embedded in the old Polar V800 model. It is regrettable, however, that the watch does not offer any energy-saving mode as was possible on the V800 or other older models. Polar seems to think that 40 hours of autonomy is enough!

The Stratos also looks good with 35 hours announced and a full recharge in 2 hours.

Far behind, the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus has only 18 hours of battery life (42 hours in ultraTrac mode). To get more without losing accuracy, you have to choose the Fenix 5X Plus (32 hours of autonomy in 1-second GPS mode or 70 hours in ultraTrac mode).

Recharging without stopping the watch

Another positive point for 3 of the watches in our comparison: the Fenix 5 Plus, Suunto 9 and Stratos can be recharged during the activity, without stopping the watch. However, it will have to be removed from the wrist during a break because all 3 are recharged via a connector located under the watch. The Polar, on the other hand, must be stopped to be recharged.

Sensors

High-end watches are equipped with sensors that provide numerous measurements on the environment and the physiology of the athlete. Some sensors may be superfluous depending on the sport. The 4 watches compared are multi-sport and specially designed to be versatile. The onboard sensors are designed for triathlon and its activities, outdoor (adventure, hiking, trekking, exploration) and of course many other indoor and outdoor activities

Model	Fenix 5 Plus	Suunto 9 Baro	Vantage V	Amazfit Stratos
Barometer	•	•	•	•
Barometric altimeter	•	•	•	•
Manual calibration of the altimeter	•	•		•
Altitude combining GPS and barometer		•
GPS systems	GPS, GLONASS, Galileo	GPS	GPS, GLONASS	GPS, GLONASS
Cardio on the wrist	•	•	•	•
Power consumption	With external sensor	With external sensor	•	With external sensor
Compass	•	•		•
Pulse oximeter	Fenix 5X Plus
Thermometer	•	•
Weather functions	•	•
Compatibility of external sensors	ANT, Bluetooth	Bluetooth	Bluetooth

The barometer: storm alerts on the Suunto and Garmin

All 4 models are equipped with a barometer. It is used to measure atmospheric pressure, deduce altitude, measure altitude difference and detect changes in weather. Garmin and Suunto offer storm alerts triggered in the event of a sudden change in pressure, a plus for hikers.

The altimeter: barometric for the 4 models, mixed at Suunto

Essential for altitude and vertical drop measurements in particular, it can be barometric (altitude deduced from atmospheric pressure measured by an internal barometer) or operate from GPS measurements. For good accuracy, it should ideally be barometric. This is the case for the 4 models compared.

As the pressure changes over time, it is preferable that the altimeter can be calibrated manually. This is not the case with the Vantage and it is a pity. Suunto, on the other hand, goes further by combining GPS and barometric altimeter data for more accurate and reliable altitude and vertical drop measurements (FusedAlti™ algorithm).

GPS: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo: inequalities with no real impact

A few years ago, GPS watches operated on a single satellite network, the American system (GPS). Today, other systems are accessible such as Russian (GLONASS), Japanese (QZSS or Michibiki) or European (Galileo) satellite systems. Having more satellites improves acquisition time but not necessarily accuracy. Manufacturers offer chips compatible with several satellite systems, but watch manufacturers do not always exploit these possibilities. There are several reasons for this. The use of several systems adds to the watch's power consumption. On the other hand, the position reading is carried out with a single satellite network and not a mix of several networks, which means that the accuracy may be lower than with a single system (for example if GLONASS is picked up first by the watch where the GPS would have given better accuracy).

If Suunto Spartan (predecessor of Suunto 9) offered GPS and GLONASS (see our Suunto 9 versus Spartan comparative), Suunto 9 is only compatible with GPS. Suunto made this choice to save battery power without losing accuracy (GLONASS is more useful in the city, which is not the place for standard use of this watch). Garmin, on the other hand, operates the GPS, GLONASS and Galileo systems.

These differences between the 4 watches are not significant. If necessary, manufacturers can always activate compatibility with GLONASS or Galileo via a firmware update. The accuracy of the measurements is more closely linked to the GPS chip and the software developed by each watch manufacturer to use its data. It should be noted that the Sony chip, used in the Vantage and Suunto, consumes less energy than the chip offered by SiRF Technology, but is less accurate.

Cardio optics: one step ahead for Polar

Polar has always been the leader in measuring heart rate and heart rate variability. The Finnish company developed the first cardio sensor (measured by finger and then by chest belt).

On the Polar Vantage, Polar uses an innovative sensor with 9 LEDs, 4 electrodes and 4 sensors to improve the quality of measurements, especially in difficult conditions (aquatic environment, fractionation sessions, heavy perspiration, thick skin, etc.). The cardio monitor ensures in particular that the sensors are in good contact with the skin.

Thanks to this revolutionary system, heart rate measurement is more reliable and is made possible where other optical cardios fail, for example when swimming. However, if you cannot do without your HRM-Tri or HRM-Swim belt to swim, you will have to find another watch because Polar has removed this possibility on the Vantage V!

According to user feedback, this new optical heart rate monitor is not yet fully developed. Be aware that an optical pulse measuring system will never be as accurate as a chest belt.

Power: a step ahead at Polar!

Each of the 4 watches is used to estimate the power developed during running. To do this, a power sensor must be coupled to the watch (Stryd sensor, Foodpod, HRM-Run or HRM-Tri belt, etc.). The only exception is the Vantage V. It is the first watch to integrate power measurement without an external sensor. The estimation is carried out using the watch's sensors: accelerometer, GPS, altimeter. Power is estimated from the evaluation of kinetic and potential energy (more details in our article on Polar Vantage V). Of course, the measurements are approximate, but as much as those obtained with an external sensor. Polar is therefore one step ahead of the competition here.

Other sensors

ABC sensors (altimeter, barometer, compass) are essential for hiking and exploration. These sensors are present on all 4 watches except the Vantage V which does not have a compass.

Garmin stands out from the competition for its pulse oximeter. This sensor, available only on the Fenix 5X Plus, is integrated into the optical heart rate monitor. It measures the blood oxygenation rate, a parameter to be monitored for high altitude sports (mountaineering for example) and for divers. The watch can detect a lack of oxygenation and warns the athlete if there is a risk of an accident.

In addition to the ABC sensors, the Fenix 5 Plus and Suunto 9 carry a thermometer. They also offer weather functions (trend, storm alerts, sunrise and sunset times).

The external sensors

Today, 2 standards are used to connect a GPS watch to an external sensor: ANT+ (a low-power wireless protocol developed by a Garmin subsidiary) and Bluetooth. ANT+ is less and less used. Among the 4 watches compared, only the Fenix 5 Plus supports it, making it compatible with almost all current sensors. If you have ANT+ sensors, they will not work with Suunto 9, Vantage V or Stratos. For the Stratos, it's even more limited: it's not compatible with any external sensors except Bluetooth chest belts.

Features compared

Model	Fenix 5 Plus	Suunto 9 Baro	Vantage V	Amazfit Stratos
GPS navigation	+++	++	Coming soon	+
Number of sports	22	80	130	14
Triathlon	•	•	•	•
Golf	40,000 routes
Integrated route generator	•
Programming of training sessions	•	•	•	Running only
Split	•	•	Coming soon	•
Training follow-up	•	•	•	•
Physiological measurements	•		•	•
- VO2max	•		•	•
- Stroke predictor	•
- Training effect	•		•	•
- Lactic threshold	•
- Recovery time	•		•	•
- Drive load	•		•	•
- Training status	•		•	•
Running dynamics (cadence, stride, vertical oscillation...)	7	2	2	0
Altitude profile	•	•
Virtual partner	•
Strava Live segments	•		Coming soon	•
Connected functions	+++	++	Coming soon	++
Activity monitoring	+++	++	+	++
MP3 player	•			•
Contactless payment	•			China only
Cartography	•
Pulse oximeter	Fenix 5X Plus

Navigation: Fenix 5 Plus with no hesitation

GPS navigation (route tracking, route planning, return to departure, navigation to waypoints, etc.) is an essential function for hiking, exploring, trekking but also for organizing a bike trip or running on unknown trails.

At this level, the Fenix 5 Plus stands out from the crowd with a complete navigation tool, colour mapping of the country or continent of purchase (city maps, roads, cycle paths, paths, hiking maps with contour lines depending on the options), the possibility of letting the watch propose a loop itinerary, on roads or bicycle paths, from a given distance or to propose a route recorded by other users of the Garmin community (Trenline function), the possibility of obtaining the route profile (ClimPro function), the recalculation of the route when departing from a planned route. It also allows you to find a hotel, a refuge, an inn around you. She's really good at that.

In addition to these functions, Garmin has extended the LiveTrack function to its watches, which allows them to be tracked on the Internet. The Fenix 5 Plus also offers the GroupTrack function to follow other athletes wearing a Garmin watch with this function.

Suunto 9 also offers advanced navigation features (route tracking, waypoint navigation, waypoint recordings, thumbnail trail, return to departure, estimated time of arrival, elevation profiles, rate of climb, etc.) ).

The Stratos allows you to follow a route and be guided and even alerted in case of leaving the track.

The Polar Vantage V suffers from a total lack of navigation features (no route guide, no return to the starting point, no GPS track, no navigation to waypoints). But Polar announces that these functions will be integrated in 2019 by an update of the firmware.

Sports profiles and sports functions

These top-of-the-range watches all offer many sports profiles, up to 130 for the Vantage! The number of profiles does not necessarily indicate that the watch is more complete. At Polar (130 profiles) and Suunto (80 profiles), each profile is similar with generic data (distance, GPS track, calories expended, etc.). Sometimes it's just the name of the sport that changes!

At Garmin, each profile is studied to provide relevant data for each sport: running race dynamics, number of rowing strokes and cadence, number of skiing runs, etc. The Garmin Fenix 5 Plus, with its dozen profiles, is ultimately more complete than Polar or Suunto. It should also be noted that it is well adapted to the practice of golf with more than 40,000 courses on board and specific functions for this sport.

In addition to the profiles, the Fenix 5 Plus and Stratos provide training functions: training programming (only for running for the Stratos) with consideration of previous outings, split, running against an opponent or against yourself for the Garmin, audio coaching, alert programming, goal setting, etc. These watches are very complete. These functions, combined with physiological measurements, provide powerful tools for demanding athletes.

Polar also offers training programming (but not yet fractionated), taking into account physiological measures to advise the athlete (see below). It is a pity that the ZoneLock function, which made it possible to define objectives for heart rate, speed or power, is no longer available.

At Suunto, sports functions are much more limited. The focus is on autonomy, reliability and outdoor functions.

Physiological measurements and running dynamics

Increasingly present on sports watches, physiological measurements help athletes manage their training and optimize their performance, even predicting race times (a function offered by the Fenix 5). From the measurement of heart rate and its variability and other parameters (power, cadence, etc.), the watch can estimate the athlete's physical condition, his VO2max, his physiological age, his stress level, the training level, the effect of training on the body (training effect, status and training load, etc.). At Garmin, we can even predict a race time based on the distance to be covered, the level of training and the athlete's physical condition.

Firstbeat offers an algorithm to use this data. Garmin uses it on his latest watches and Amazfit in his Stratos. The 2 watches therefore offer similar functions (a little more complete at Garmin).

Polar also offers advanced monitoring and support functions for athletes such as VO2 max (OwnIndex) and especially the new Training Load Pro™ and Recovery Pro™ functions. These advanced functions allow you to manage your training and recovery. They take into account previous outings, cardiovascular load and muscle load, a first.

In addition to physiological measurements, Garmin and Amazfit offer running dynamics, advanced functions for runners: running power, stride length, cadence, ground contact time, vertical oscillation, ground contact time balance, vertical ratio and more.

Connected functions

Each of the watches offers more or less advanced functions. The minimum of current connected watches is to offer smart notifications (email, call and SMS notification). The Vantage does not yet offer it. The Fenix 5 still stands out with the ability to reject incoming calls from a smartphone or send predefined SMS messages. It offers LiveTrack and GroupTrack functions, the possibility to listen to music locally or in streaming with Spotify or Deezer, the possibility to pay for small purchases (Garmin Pay function), the control of compatible devices (3D camera VIRB, etc.). It can also be connected via Wifi (like the Stratos).

Activity monitoring

The watch measures your daily activity and even your sleep if you wear it 24 hours a day. It informs you of your activity (number of steps, distance covered, calories burned, etc.) and encourages you to move. Garmin offers complete functions, including stress level assessment, number of floors climbed. The Polar Vantage V is the least provided of the 4 watches.

Ancillary functions

These functions can make the difference in choosing a cardio watch, even if some may seem a little gadgety and add price to the watch.

Our opinion on these 4 multisport cardio-GPS watches: which one is the best?

It is difficult for us to say which of these 4 watches is the best multisport cardio-GPS watch since it depends on the budget targeted (from a single to a quadruple depending on the model), the type of main sport practiced (our selection is nevertheless based on the triathlon activity) and the objective sought (performance, reliability, number of data, specific functions sought, comfort, etc.).

The Garmin Fenix 5 Plus is undoubtedly the most complete watch on the market today, in terms of sensors, functionalities, physiological measurements, GPS navigation and interface usability. It is ultra-comprehensive, rich in terms of athlete follow-up and assistance to optimize performance. GPS navigation, route planning directly on the watch, searching for a site of interest in the surroundings (refuge, restaurant, etc.), colour mapping are simply amazing. It offers attractive additional features: an on-board MP3 player to listen to music without having to carry a Smartphone (ideal for light running!), a contactless payment function to be able to buy, empty pockets, a drink or a snack along the way! It is the ideal companion for outdoor outings, hiking, trekking. It is also the most complete watch for triathlon and an ideal companion for training. In addition, it adapts to all wrist sizes, a definite asset for people with thin wrists and those who are looking for a watch that is discreet enough to be worn on a daily basis. Garmin also offers stylish bracelets for city and work and an easy attachment system (no tools required). It's hard to do better than that! The other side of the coin is its high price, a little low autonomy for the ultra and medium accuracy for cardio optics and GPS. Read our detailed review and full opinion on the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus. For use exclusively dedicated to triathlon, we recommend the Garmin Forerunner 935, a very complete triathlon watch, lighter than the Fenix 5 Plus and cheaper (but also less chic).

The Suunto 9, with much less developed functions, is nevertheless a watch highly sought-after for its record range (120 h) and the accuracy of the GPS track despite its energy-saving mode. The innovative FusedTrack? system offers the reliability of GPS tracking (even when the signal is sometimes missing) while providing the impressive range that ultra racing fans are looking for. Intelligent battery management is also a great innovation. It allows to change the mode at any time to extend the autonomy without altering the accuracy of the trace too much. No more compromises between battery life and data accuracy! Finally, the FusedAlti™ and FusedSpeed™ functions are an advantage over the competition. The Suunto 9 is also pretty and robust. It is more suitable for outdoor, hiking, trail and of course all long (ultra) races, multi-day outings, trekking. It's a pity that the functions offered are not more developed. Read our detailed review and full opinion on Suunto 9.

The Polar Vantage V will be of interest to athletes looking for a powerful training assistant. The new Training Load Pro and Recovery Pro functions and the sensorless measurement of power developed during running are perfect for demanding athletes, whether they are pros or training like pros. It is very good for the athlete who wants to optimize his performance. Its innovative optical sensor allows use in difficult conditions (swimming, fractionated, cycling, etc.) but needs to be improved. It is well suited for triathlon practice. It offers excellent autonomy. This watch, released a little too early, still lacks a little maturity. GPS accuracy is lower than the previous version (Polar V800), some useful features have disappeared, it does not offer any GPS navigation, smart notifications, watchfaces, or power saving mode. Let's hope Polar quickly makes some corrections to improve this aspect. Read our detailed review and full opinion on the Polar Vantage V.

Finally, the Amazfit Stratos is attractive for its unbeatable price and its many on-board functions including physiological measurements and running dynamics offered by the Fenix 5 Plus. It also offers an embedded MP3 player and a payment function that is currently only available in China. It suffers from some anomalies and limitations that the price can justify. It is a good compromise for people with limited budgets. Read our detailed review and full opinion on Amazfit Stratos.

Model	Strong points	Areas for improvement
Fenix 5 Plus	Very complete Many functions to support the athlete Physiological measures Running dynamics Advanced GPS navigation Colour mapping Integrated route generator MP3 player Payment system	No touch screen GPS precision to improve Autonomy a little short
Suunto 9 Baro	Record battery life Intelligent battery management Quality of measurements (fusedAlti, FusedTrack, FusedSpeed) Advanced GPS navigation Practical gauges (light ring)	Few new functions No physiological measurements
Vantage V	Wrist power measurement Optical sensor Training Load Pro and Recovery Pro functions Elegance	No manual altimeter adjustment No power saving mode No Smart notifications No GPS navigation
Amazfit Stratos	Value for money Physiological measures MP3 player	Reliable measures Some annoying system bugs Payement system not available in Europe No interface for PC or Mac Not compatible with external sensors

Garmin Fenix 5 Plus vs Suunto 9 Baro vs Polar Vantage V vs Amazfit Stratos: differences, which one to choose?

Buy the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus

Buy Suunto 9

Buy Polar Vantage V

Buy Amazfit Stratos

The best multisport and triathlon cardio-GPS watches 2018-2019 compared