It can be difficult to choose between the Garmin Instinct and Suunto Traverse Alpha watches, as they share many similarities. To make the decision easier, I have created this ‘vs‘ guide.
Comparison Table: Garmin Instinct vs Suunto Traverse Alpha
Below, is a table summarizing the key differences between the Garmin Instinct and Suunto Traverse Alpha watches, allowing for a quick and easy comparison.
| GARMIN INSTINCT | SUUNTO TRAVERSE ALPHA | |
| Display | 1.7”, AMOLED | 2.0” |
| Resolution | 128 x 128 pixels | 128 x 128 pixels |
| Companion App | Garmin Connect App | Suunto App |
| Sensors | GPS, SpO2, Barometer, Temperature Sensor, Cadence | GPS, barometer, accelerometer, temperature sensor, compass, gyroscope, |
| Activity Tracking | Activity reports, Distances, Calories Burned, Sleep | Routes, distances, activity reports, pace, calories burned, sleep, goal setting, elevation, exercise tagging |
| Mobile Payment | Yes (Garmin Pay) | No |
| Compatibility | iOS & Android | iOS & Android, external HR monitors |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth v4, wireless sync, ANT+ | Bluetooth v4, wireless sync, ANT+ |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters | 100 meters |
| Battery Life | Up to 14 days (smartwatch mode) & 16 hours (GPS mode) | Up to 14 days (smartwatch mode) & 15 hours (GPS mode) |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Display: Garmin Instinct vs Suunto Traverse Alpha
The Garmin Instinct and Suunto Traverse Alpha are two popular smartwatches that offer a range of features. The Garmin Instinct features an AMOLED display of 1.7 inches, while the Suunto Traverse Alpha features a display of 2.0 inches. Both watches have a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels and non-touchscreen displays. The Garmin Instinct is equipped with branded damage-resistant glass, making it more resistant to drops than the Suunto Traverse Alpha.
Design
Both watches come with replaceable straps, but the Garmin Instinct is lighter, weighing 52g compared to the Traverse Alpha’s 75g. Both watches are waterproof and have a water-resistance rating of 10 ATM, meaning they can withstand pressure up to 100 meters below water.
Sensors: Garmin Instinct vs Suunto Traverse Alpha
The Garmin Instinct comes with a built-in heart rate monitor that can track your heart activities, while the Suunto Traverse Alpha lacks this feature.
Neither watch has a SpO2 sensor to monitor blood oxygen levels. However, both watches have built-in compasses, temperature sensors, barometric air pressure sensors, and accelerometers.
If you’re a cyclist, the Garmin Instinct is the better choice as it has a cadence sensor to track the number of pedal revolutions per minute.
In addition, both watches have route trackers that allow you to add your routes on maps and activity reports that can be viewed via the Garmin Connect App and Suunto App.
Activity Tracking
Both the Garmin watch and the Suunto watch are equipped with route trackers that allow you to add your routes to maps. Additionally, both smartwatches provide activity reports that can be viewed on either the website or the app (Garmin Connect App & Suunto App).
The Instinct and Traverse Alpha models from Garmin and Suunto respectively can track your distances while you walk, jog, run, or cycle. They can also measure your paces as you cover distances. Furthermore, the Garmin Instinct and Suunto Traverse Alpha can both track the number of calories burned each day.
With the Trackback feature, Instinct and Traverse Alpha can guide you to your destination and then guide you back to where you started. Both watches also offer sleep-tracking features so you can tell how long you have slept.
However, while your sleep can be tracked by the Suunto watch, you won’t receive a sleep report. This is unlike the Garmin watch where users get sleep statistics every morning. Finally, if you’re looking for a watch with a multi-sport mode and automatic activity tracking, the Garmin watch is the better option as the Suunto watch does not have a multi-sport mode.
Connectivity: Garmin Instinct vs Suunto Traverse Alpha
Garmin Instinct and Suunto Traverse Alpha are two popular activity watches that can connect to iOS and Android devices via Bluetooth technology. While both watches support Bluetooth, there are some differences in their connectivity features.
Garmin Instinct can connect to Windows devices, but Suunto Traverse Alpha cannot. Additionally, Garmin comes with Bluetooth version 4.2, while Suunto has version 4.0.
One of the biggest differences in connectivity between the two watches is that Garmin Instinct can sync automatically, while Suunto Traverse Alpha cannot. Both devices support ANT+, a connection similar to Bluetooth that allows your fitness watch to connect to fitness monitors like cadence sensors and heart rate monitors.
Finally, only the Garmin Instinct has an NFC feature that enables contactless payments, while the Traverse Alpha does not support this feature.
Battery Life: Garmin Instinct vs Suunto Traverse Alpha
Each activity tracker has a battery level indicator, and neither the Garmin Instinct nor the Suunto Traverse Alpha can charge wirelessly. When fully charged, both smartwatches can last up to 14 days in smartwatch mode. However, the Garmin Instinct provides approximately 16 hours of battery life with GPS mode active, while the Suunto Traverse Alpha lasts for 15 hours with GPS mode. Neither of these activity trackers uses solar energy.
Features
The Garmin watch can locate your phone, but the Suunto watch cannot. As a result, Suunto Traverse Alpha does not allow you to control calls. On the other hand, Garmin Instinct lets you control calls. Both exercise watches provide you with smart notifications such as calls and messages.
Price: Garmin Instinct vs Suunto Traverse Alpha
Suunto Traverse Alpha comes at a higher price than Garmin Instinct. For Garmin Instinct you will spend from $175 while for Suunto Traverse Alpha you will spend up to $850.
Which Smartwatch Should I Buy: Garmin Instinct or Suunto Traverse Alpha?
The smartwatch you should buy depends on what you are looking for in an activity watch. Fortunately, either or both smartwatches are worth investing in, depending on how much you are willing to spend. Most of the features you’ll find on Suunto Traverse Alpha are the same as those on Garmin Instinct (and vice versa).
Luckily, you have this article to help you compare Garmin Instinct and Suunto Traverse Alpha.
