Today, we’re comparing some of the very best multisport GPS smartwatches currently on the market. And that includes; the Garmin Fenix 5X Plus – a premium multisport GPS smartwatch, joined by the Polar Vantage V – Another premium GPS smartwatch, and the Suunto 9 Baro – An outstanding multisport GPS smartwatch with impressively long battery life.
These three, undoubtedly are the best choices for triathlon athletes and Pros alike, and the very best choices for outdoor activity tracking. Head-to-head, we compare their specs and features, so you know the differences, and which is the ideal choice for you.
Garmin Fenix 5X Plus vs Polar Vantage V vs Suunto 9 Baro Specifications Compared
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Garmin Fenix 5X Plus vs Polar Vantage V vs Suunto 9 Baro Features Compared
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- Design
- Fitness Tracking
- Water Resistance Rating
- Connectivity
- Storage
- Battery Life
Each of these three, has got a distinctive design that describes a true premium smartwatch with each featuring the most durable materials on the market that ensures these three will withstand rigorous conditions associated with outdoor activities, especially for hikers and climbers.
Although not the most sophisticated design, the Vantage V has the most stylish and outstanding design that defines the attributes of a fitness smartwatch. It has the least weight, the sleekest, and moderately sized too which by no means makes it the most befitting wear for more people, and a more comfortable to wear all day long.
The sophisticated Fenix 5X Plus has no touchscreen support, unlike the other two that are touchscreen supported, and no doubt makes these two a bit easier to navigate the small interfaces, while the 9 Baro with the widest display allows you to see more at a glance.
For serious fitness tracking, these three are your best bets. Each is equipped to holistically track your training in the most efficient manner. Equipped with the entire standard sensors to comprehensively track your active life.
From the basics, each of these can track your steps, calories, distance, complete sleep cycle, continuous heart rate, and pace to the more advanced fitness tracking features such as recovery, training load, and other stress management features that help improve your productivity without breaking down.
And in addition, the inbuilt GPS support in each of these three supports the multi-satellite system that makes these three the best choices for navigating even the most difficult terrains.
However, the Fenix 5X plus being the most comprehensive fitness tracker features a pulse OX sensor that monitors your blood oxygen level, helping you see how well your body is utilizing oxygen. This feature comes very handy for climbers as it help you know when it’s no longer safe to continue climbing.
In addition, the Pulse OX sensor also uses light beams to gauge how well your body utilizes oxygen while you sleep. Thus, allows you to gauge your SpO2 overnight or use it to take a spot measurement anytime you want to check how well your body is absorbing oxygen, while also giving you added insight on your sleep patterns, including your light, deep and REM stages along with your movements throughout the night.
Another important feature found on Fenix 5X Plus is the ClimbPro that provides real-time information on current and upcoming climbs and allows you to see the climb gradient, distance and elevation gain for each ascent segment as well as a progress marker that shows how much farther you have to go. Such a great deal for climbers.
These three are swim-proof, and are great choices for tracking your swims. However, while the 5X Plus and 9 Baro are rated 10ATM, the Vantage V is rated 3ATM/5ATM. As a result, the 5X Plus and 9 Baro are the best for deep water activities and the most suitable choices for divers.
The Fenix 5x plus is the most equipped, it has more features that are not found on the other two. The 5X Plus has NFC that enables Garmin pay – a contactless payment system that lets make payment on the go with this device. Unlike the 9 Baro and Vantage V that lacks NFC chip.
In addition, the 5X Plus is more equipped to keep you connected with Wi-Fi onboard, unlike the other two that lack Wi-Fi and only rely on the Bluetooth.
The Fenix 5x Plus is fun-filled with the 16GB onboard storage that lets you store over 1000 of your favorite tracks, allowing you to take your music with you – a great way to stay focused and motivated on your goal.
The 9 baro and Vantage V lacks significant onboard storage.
These three being fitness smartwatches have a very impressive long battery life that will keep you going for days on a single charge. So, it’s safe to say each of these three is a great choice for tracking extreme workouts.
However, the 5X Plus takes it a bit further with its very long battery life that will see it last about 2 weeks on smartwatch mode compared to the 9 Baro and Vantage V that got about a week of battery life on smartwatch mode.
And that makes the Fenix 5X Plus the best choice for tracking long hours of activities. A great choice for hikers.
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Which is the Best?
Undoubtedly, these are the most outstanding choices for serious activity tracking. Each of these three has got features that define a comprehensive fitness smartwatch, while having long battery life that lets you go long on a single charge.
However, the Garmin Fenix 5x Plus is the most sophisticated, it has more features that make it a more comprehensive smartwatch and the most comprehensive fitness tracker while having the longest battery life.
Although most expensive, It’s indeed the best choice for fitness tracking. A great deal for pro athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.
The Vantage V with the most stylish design and a moderate size is a great choice for people with smaller wrists. A great deal for women.
While the Suunto 9 Baro is also a great deal for comprehensive fitness tracking with a very long battery life that lets you go days on a single charge.
Here’s how they stack up;
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| GARMIN FENIX 5X PLUS | The most sophisticated and the most comprehensive fitness tracker with the longest battery life. The best choice for men, and people with bigger wrists. |
| Suunto 9 Baro | Another outstanding GPS smartwatch, and a comprehensive fitness tracker with a decent long battery life. |
| POLAR VANTAGE V | The most stylish, and a comprehensive fitness tracker with a long battery life., The best choice for people with smaller wrists and women. |
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Our Pick
The Garmin Fenix 5X Plus is a sophisticated multisport GPS smartwatch that’s fully equipped to holistically track both indoor and outdoor activities, while having a very remarkable long battery life that lets you go days on a single charge. It’s indeed a fascinating beast, and is our preferred choice.