Review: Suunto Web Browser Route Planner
Suunto’s launch of a web-based route planner is a quietly important update, especially for users who prefer planning routes properly rather than pecking away on a phone screen. It brings Suunto into line with what many walkers, runners and cyclists have been asking for: proper route planning on a computer, using a mouse and a larger screen.
Launched in mid-December 2025, the planner is accessed entirely through a web browser — there’s nothing to install — and uses the same login details as the Suunto app. That simple decision makes a big difference, because routes planned on your computer sync directly back to the app and onto your Suunto watch.
First Impressions: A Sensible, Welcome Addition
The overall look and feel will be immediately familiar if you already use the Suunto app. This is not a completely new system; it’s essentially the same route-planning experience, just expanded onto a larger canvas.
That’s a good thing.
Planning routes with a mouse is faster, more accurate, and far less frustrating, particularly when:
- Zooming in and out frequently
- Following paths precisely
- Editing longer routes
- Working with GPX files already stored on your computer
For anyone who already keeps GPX routes on their laptop or desktop, the new planner removes the clumsy step of emailing files to yourself just to open them on a phone.
GPX Handling: One of the Strongest Features
One of the standout benefits of the web planner is how easy it makes importing and exporting GPX files.
You can:
- Import GPX routes created elsewhere (including OS-based planners)
- Edit them in the Suunto planner
- Sync them straight back to the Suunto app
- Export routes as GPX files for use on other devices
This flexibility is important. Suunto watches don’t exist in a vacuum, and many users mix tools depending on the job. The browser planner fits neatly into that reality.
Mapping & Route Planning Tools
The planner uses Mapbox open-source mapping, with worldwide coverage. While this isn’t Ordnance Survey mapping for the UK, it does a surprisingly good job of showing:
- Footpaths
- Trails
- Roads and tracks
For most route planning, it’s more than adequate — though we would still recommend double-checking routes against a detailed map when heading into more remote or complex terrain.
Routing modes are well thought through, allowing you to switch between:
- Free drawing (straight lines)
- Path and road snapping
- Foot-based routing
- Cycling options, including avoiding hills
- Paved-road-only routing
You can mix and change routing styles mid-route, which is particularly useful for multi-activity outings.
Elevation, Distance & Data
Once a route is planned, the planner provides:
- Distance
- Ascent and descent
- A clear elevation profile
The elevation profile is interactive, allowing you to see exactly where climbs and descents fall along the route. For training, pacing and general confidence, this is a genuinely useful feature rather than just a nice visual extra.
You can also switch easily between metric and imperial units, and for UK users there’s support for British National Grid references, which is a thoughtful touch.
Heatmaps, 2D/3D & Extras
Suunto includes optional heatmaps showing popular routes for activities such as running and cycling. Some users will find this helpful for inspiration; others will ignore it entirely. It’s there if you want it, and unobtrusive if you don’t.
The option to switch between 2D and 3D views is welcome, although for detailed planning most users will likely stick with 2D for clarity.
Where It Could Improve
Because this is a brand-new release, a few rough edges are inevitable:
- There’s currently no clear “start new route” or “clear screen” button
- Editing an existing route always creates a new version rather than updating the original
- Deleting routes must still be done via the app
- Zoom controls rely heavily on mouse scroll or trackpad gestures
None of these are deal-breakers, but they do highlight that this is a first version, not a finished product. The foundations are solid, and these feel like the sort of refinements we’d expect Suunto to address over time.
How It Fits With GPS Training
From a training perspective, this planner slots in very nicely. If you already understand route planning in the Suunto app, you’ll feel at home immediately. If you’re new to it, the web version arguably makes learning easier because everything is simply clearer on a bigger screen.
It also works well alongside other planning tools. If you prefer to plan on Ordnance Survey mapping, you can still do that, export a GPX file, and then use the Suunto planner purely as a bridge to get routes cleanly onto your watch.
Overall Verdict
The Suunto web browser route planner is not revolutionary, but it is genuinely useful.
It:
- Makes route planning quicker and more comfortable
- Handles GPX files sensibly
- Syncs cleanly with the Suunto app and watches
- Feels familiar rather than overcomplicated
It does need some polish, but as a first release it’s a strong start — and a feature many Suunto users will quickly come to rely on.
If you’re buying a Suunto watch through GPS Training, this planner becomes part of a much bigger picture, backed up by structured training, walkthrough videos, and real-world support — which is where it really starts to shine.
Further information
1. Suunto Web Browser Route Planner
2. Suunto GPS watches
3. Free OS planner from GPS Training
4. GPS Training Online Resource