While running is one of the most innate and simple sports around, technological advances in GPS watches have taken the sport to the next level in recent years. Smartwatch brands such as Garmin and Coros now offer top-of-the-line GPS monitoring, training insights, and so much more to help you make the most out of your training.
If you’ve spent any time looking into top running watches, you’ve likely come across Garmin watches. Since its founding in 1989, Garmin has become a powerhouse in the running world, offering a huge range of smartwatches built for running, hiking, swimming, day-to-day life, and nearly every other activity you can think of.
While Coros was launched more recently in 2014, the brand has quickly made a name for itself in the running world. Its intuitive, lightweight watches are built for endurance athletes, offering a wide range of advanced technology to help them be their best and reach all their goals.
Both of these watches boast innovative technologies and crucial insights for runners and other athletes. So if you’re looking for a new smartwatch, how do you decide which is right for you?
These brands look very similar on the surface, but when you dive into the two brands and their products, there are a few crucial differences that can help you narrow down your options and choose the right watch for your training needs.
We’ll dive into key general comparisons, along with a closer side-by-side look at top watches from both brands, to help you make an informed decision for your next running watch.
Garmin vs Coros: Best Overall Use
When you first start looking into running watches, one of the top factors to look for is the range of features it offers and what specific features will meet your athletic needs.
Both brands offer a range of features designed to help runners achieve their goals and improve their performance, including training metrics, heart rate monitoring, run coaches, and more.
However, those looking for a good all-around lifestyle watch will likely appreciate everything Garmin watches have to offer. From sleep tracking to body battery energy monitoring, Garmin watches go beyond performance insights with a huge variety of recovery tools and day-to-day fitness monitoring.
Coros watches are made by endurance athletes for endurance athletes, so if you’re looking for a dedicated running watch, you can’t go wrong with an option from Coros. They offer a wide range of performance and training tools, including running dynamics and insights into form and cadence.
Coros watches are great for dedicated endurance athletes looking to make the most of their training. But those looking for an everyday running watch will likely appreciate the comprehensive lifestyle features Garmin has to offer.
Garmin vs Coros: Battery Life
Specific battery life will vary greatly based on the watch model you choose, but as a whole, both Garmin and Coros offer long-lasting charges in a lightweight package.
Garmin watches hold their charge well, with their standard base running model, the Forerunner 170, lasting 10 days in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode. If you’re looking for reliability and long-lasting charge, Garmin has plenty of fantastic options.
But when it comes to battery life, Coros truly shines next to the competition. Their base model, the Pace 4, boasts a whopping 19 days of use in smartwatch mode and 41 hours of continuous GPS mode.
While the specific battery life depends on the model, Coros is known for its unmatched longer battery life next to comparable brands. That’s not to say that Garmin doesn’t also offer an impressive battery life. But endurance athletes looking to minimize charging time will likely appreciate Coros’s dedication to improved battery capacity.
Garmin vs Coros: Accuracy
Coros may lead the competition in battery life, but when it comes to accurate and detailed navigation and training tools, Garmin is hard to beat.
Both brands offer GPS tracking, but Garmin’s long history in this field gives it the upper hand when comparing navigation tools. Their maps and navigation pages are incredibly detailed and accurate, making any of their watches a great choice for runners looking for exceptional GPS tracking.
Despite Garmin watches offering more reliable and detailed mapping capabilities, Coros does bring a lot to the table regarding accurate navigation. Their dependable dual-frequency tracking system helps you stay oriented and maintain GPS location, particularly on trails. But overall, runners and hikers that rely on GPS tracking may lean towards the slightly more accurate Garmin watches.
Garmin vs Coros: Interface and Complexity
We know that it can be frustrating spending lots of time trying to figure out a new watch interface. Fortunately, while their interfaces and designs differ, both Coros and Garmin offer an intuitive, easy-to-use interface.
Garmin watches typically have four buttons along the side to navigate through different screens and settings. Some models also include an easy-to-use touchscreen to move through different screens and help you find the display you need.
On the other hand, Coros is all about light, streamlined designs, and its navigation system is no different. The interface features a simple digital dial that moves you between screens.
Both watches are equally simple and easy-to-use when it comes to connectivity. Both brands boast simple smartphone apps that connect with the watch to track progress, offer training insights, and help drive your training plans.
Garmin vs Coros: Which Watch is Right for You?
Now that you know some of the key differences between the two brands, it’s time to take a closer look at the specific models we’d recommend, how each model differs, and which one is the right choice for your needs.
Best Standard Running Watch: Garmin Forerunner 170 vs Coros Pace 4
Athletes looking for an entry-level running watch have two fantastic options: The Garmin Forerunner 170 or the Coros Pace 4.
Garmin Forerunner 170
The Garmin Forerunner 170 is the gold standard in entry-level running watches. This lightweight GPS watch has all the tools and training insights you need to reach your running goals without the hefty price tag of more advanced sport watches.
The bright AMOLED touchscreen and intuitive smartwatch display make it easy to track your progress and stay on top of all your goals. It also features a huge range of performance metrics, including heart rate, VO2 max, pulse ox, and other running dynamics to enhance your workouts and improve your fitness.
This watch includes accurate route tracking, daily suggested workouts, and even a Garmin Coach for free training plans, making it a great option for runners of all skill levels. But runners aren’t the only ones who can benefit from this watch – it even includes profiles for gym workouts, swimming, biking, yoga, pickleball, and more.
With a 10-day battery life and 5 ATM water rating, no matter where you are or what sport you’re doing, you can feel confident knowing this reliable and accurate watch will help you reach your goals.
Coros Pace 4
Another entry-level running watch, the Coros Pace 4 is built to be lightweight and comfortable while offering all the training insights and support you need for everyday mileage.
Like the Forerunner 170, the Pace 4 is designed to handle a wide variety of activities. So whether you’re going for a run, climbing a mountain, going to the gym, or training for a triathlon, the Coros Pace 4 has your back with accurate heart rate monitoring, dual-frequency GPS tracking, running performance insights, training plans, and more.
The touchscreen and digital dial make the Pace 4 easy and intuitive to use, particularly while navigating the screen during workouts. And with a 19-day battery life in smartwatch mode, you can enjoy everything this watch has to offer for longer between charges.
Along with all the innovative training features the Pace 4 offers, it’s also a great choice for anyone looking for the best value for their money. At $249, it’s one of the most affordable running watches on the market today.
Forerunner 170 vs Pace 4: Final Thoughts
Athletes looking for an entry-level running watch truly can’t go wrong with either the Garmin Forerunner 170 or Coros Pace 4. But if you’re trying to narrow down your options, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Both offer a wide range of training features; however, the Forerunner 170 has more lifestyle and daily health tracking details, such as women’s health monitoring, nap detection, and body battery tracking. The Pace 4 is more focused on training metrics and fitness tracking.
- Both watches are lightweight, although the Pace 4 is even lighter and more low-profile, weighing in at only 32 grams with a silicone band. In comparison, the Forerunner 170 is 41 grams.
- The Pace 4 is slightly more affordable, ringing up at $249 compared to the Forerunner 170 at $299.99. However, if you want a watch with both extensive training and lifestyle features, you may find the Forerunner 170 worth the extra cost.
Best Mid-Range Running Watch: Garmin Forerunner 570 vs Coros Pace Pro
Looking for a few more advanced features in your running watch? Here are two options from Garmin and Coros to meet your needs.
Garmin Forerunner 570
One of the newer additions to Garmin’s GPS watch line, the Forerunner 570 offers all the benefits of the Forerunner 170 but with even more training and lifestyle features.
The Forerunner 570 features an incredibly bright AMOLED screen wrapped in a sleek, lightweight bezel and maintains an 18-hour battery life in GPS mode and 11 days in smartwatch mode.
Along with comprehensive training insights, this new and improved running watch features even more adaptive, personalized training plans. And while the Forerunner 170 has several multi-sport options, the 570 takes it to the next level with 30+ built-in activities and a personalized triathlon profile.
Finally, the watch offers a range of features that both experienced athletes and casual runners will appreciate in their day-to-day life. Between music storage, GarminPay, stress tracking, and call and text ability, this mid-tier running watch has everything you need for both workouts and recovery.
Coros Pace Pro
If you’re looking for durability and unmatched battery life, the Coros Pace Pro might be the running watch for you.
The Pace Pro boasts an impressive 38 hours of battery life in GPS mode and 20 days in regular smartwatch mode, so you can take full advantage of all the features with more time between charges.
The bright, crystal-clear, and durable AMOLED display and 5 ATM water resistance make the Pace Pro GPS watch a versatile option for a huge range of terrains and outdoor activities. The all-satellite and dual-frequency GPS also provides Coros’s fastest, most accurate navigation data yet, so you can feel safe and secure no matter where you venture.
While the Pace Pro lacks the comprehensive health and lifestyle monitoring that Garmin typically offers, it does incorporate a variety of general wellness features, including sleep tracking, heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, and recovery insights.
Forerunner 570 vs Pace Pro: Final Thoughts
Both Garmin and Coros offer fantastic mid-range watches built for everyone, from casual runners and walkers to elite athletes. So how do these two watches differ?
- Runners on a budget will likely prefer the Pace Pro. The Coros Pace Pro costs $349, while the Forerunner 570 costs $549.99
- Those looking for an everyday watch will appreciate all the additional day-to-day features the Forerunner 570 has to offer, including text and call capabilities, health snapshots, music storage, and more
Ultimately, the decision comes down to what features you prioritize in your next running watch. Looking for a performance-focused wearable that can carry you through long runs, hikes, and other workouts? The Coros Pace Pro may be for you. But if you’re looking for a daily watch to take you from the track to everyday activities, you might want to consider the Forerunner 570.
Best Advanced Running Watch: Garmin Fenix 8 vs Coros Apex 4
Anyone looking for cutting-edge, top-of-the-line technology has some fantastic options from both Garmin and Coros, including the Garmin Fenix 8 and Coros Apex 4.
Garmin Fenix 8
The Garmin Fenix 8 is hard to beat when it comes to innovative features, comprehensive health tracking, and durable design. Available in three sizes, this scratch-resistant GPS watch has all the tracking and frills you need for the best training and recovery possible.
Of course, the Fenix 8 has all the training, recovery, and performance metrics that Garmin is known for. But this advanced watch goes well beyond standard metrics, offering unparalleled accuracy for all types of workouts.
SATIQ technology guarantees accurate GPS tracking, while TopoActive maps, turn-by-turn navigation, and offline maps keep you moving forward no matter where your adventures take you.
The Fenix 8 also covers even more sports tracking, and can monitor your health and fitness throughout runs, team sports, skiing trips, scuba dives, and so much more. And throughout your daily life, the Fenix 8 is there for you with contactless payment, music storage, 24/7 health monitoring, and even a built-in emergency flashlight.
Coros Apex 4
The Apex 4 from Coros is made for advanced off-road or mountain athletes who need the longest battery life and most advanced features in their smartwatch. With a high-contrast Memory-in-Pixel touchscreen, lightweight titanium bezel, and durable sapphire glass with alpine-grade durability, the Apex 4 is ready for whatever you throw at it.
Like the Fenix 8, the Apex can be used for many sports and activities, including strength training and running, although it excels in mountain sports like rock climbing, hiking, trail running, or mountain biking. The dual-frequency GPS, dual-range barometer, and vertical GPS algorithms can help you navigate through any terrain. You can also enjoy detailed mapping, advanced turn-by-turn navigation, and 3D flyovers to keep you prepared for any adventure.
Along with the metrics and navigation tools, the Apex 4 also takes a big step forward in daily fitness monitoring. Heart rate variability tracking, training load insights, adventure journaling, sleep tracking, and more all work together to create a complete health and recovery picture.
Garmin Fenix 8 vs Coros Apex 4: Final Thoughts
An advanced running watch is a big purchase, so it’s important to consider all the details and when shopping around. Here are a few aspects to consider if you’re deciding between the Fenix 8 or Apex 4:
- Coros watches tend to be more affordable, and this difference is evident in the two brands’ advanced watch models. The Fenix 8 is more expensive, costing $1,199.99 compared to the Apex at $479.
- The Apex 4 is more specifically geared towards mountain sports, although it can be used for other activities. The Fenix 8 is a bit more versatile with a wider range of built-in sports profiles.
- While both watches offer advanced tracking features, the Fenix 8 is truly top-of-the-line for 24/7 health monitoring, accurate heart rate tracking, and countless convenient smart features.
If you’re looking for an affordable smartwatch that excels in advanced navigation tracking on tough terrain, it’s hard to argue with the Apex 4’s price tag. However, the Garmin Fenix 8 is a great option for anyone looking for a durable watch built for nearly any sport or activity. Runners looking for the most detailed fitness overview and most advanced training features may want to try out the Fenix 8.
Find Your Perfect Running Watch at Marathon Sports
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Choosing the right running watch for your training can feel like an overwhelming decision. Fortunately, at Marathon Sports, we don’t just know running shoes. Our dedicated staff is up-to-date on all the newest running technology and smartwatches to help you make the most informed choice for your needs.
Stop in today to talk through the options, ask any watch questions you may have, or just browse all the top running watch options Marathon Sports has to offer. Armed with your new running watch, you’ll have the tools you need to improve your training and recovery and crush all your fitness goals.
