Coros vs Garmin: The Ultimate Smartwatch Showdown in 2024!

Updated: October 4, 2024

October 4, 2024 in Reviews

In the ever-evolving world of wearable technology, two brands have emerged as frontrunners in the race for your wrist: Coros and Garmin.

As we dive into 2024, the smartwatch comparison between these titans has never been more exciting. Whether you're a weekend warrior or an ultra-endurance athlete, this comprehensive fitness tracker battle Coros vs Garmin will help you decide which GPS watch features align best with your active lifestyle.

I currently own both a Garmin and Coros watch, so I have first-hand experience with both brands. Additionally, I am a 31-minute 10k runner and a 1:09 Half Marathon runner, as well as being a certified running coach. I'm well-equipped to guide you through the world of running tech.

Let's strap in and explore the ins and outs of these impressive wearables!

coros vs garmin

Brand Overview: Coros Vs Garmin 

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of our smartwatch comparison, let's set the stage with a quick brand overview.

This product review is based on information available at the time of writing. Product specifications, features, and pricing may change over time. While we strive for accuracy, some information may become outdated or contain errors. Please verify critical details with the manufacturer or retailer before making a purchase decision. This review represents the author's opinion and personal experience, which may differ from others. We are not responsible for any decisions made based on this review.

The Rise of Coros: A New Challenger Emerges

Coros Pace 2: Watch Face

Coros Pace 2: Watch Face

The Ambitious Newcomer Coros burst onto the scene in 2015 with its first GPS watch launched in 2018, Coros has quickly made waves in the wearable tech ecosystem. 

Despite being the new kid on the block, Coros has gained a reputation for producing high-quality, budget-friendly fitness watches that give the big players a run for their money.

Their focus on ultra-endurance watch design and exceptional battery life has earned them a devoted following among trail runners, mountaineers, and triathletes.

Garmin: The Established Veteran 

Garmin Watch Face

Garmin Watch Face

In contrast, Garmin is the seasoned pro of the GPS watch world. Founded in 1989, Garmin has been at the forefront of navigation technology for decades.

Their vast experience translates into a wide range of premium smartwatch options catering to every type of athlete, from casual joggers to professional marathon runners. Garmin's ecosystem is rich and well-established, offering everything from basic activity tracking to advanced athlete features.

While Garmin's market share dwarfs that of Coros, the latter's rapid growth and innovation have turned heads in the industry.

This David vs. Goliath scenario makes for an intriguing smartwatch comparison, as we'll see how the ambitious upstart fares against the industry titan.

The first running watch I owned was the hugely popular at the time Garmin Forerunner 305.

Design and Build Quality: Style Meets Substance

When it comes to sports watches, looks matter – but so does durability. Let's break down how Coros and Garmin stack up in terms of design and build quality.

Design and Aesthetics

Coros watches, like the popular Coros Apex and my current sports watch the Pace 2, tend to sport a more minimalist design. 

They're sleek, modern, and often lighter than their Garmin counterparts. This makes them an excellent choice for those seeking a smartwatch for small wrists or a less obtrusive wearable.

Garmin, on the other hand, offers a wide variety of styles. From the rugged, outdoorsy look of the Garmin Fenix series to the more refined Garmin Venu line, there's a Garmin watch to suit every taste.

Some models, like the Fenix, are decidedly chunky, catering to those who prefer a large display fitness watch with a bold presence.

Materials and Durability

Both brands prioritize durability, but their approaches differ slightly.

Coros typically uses lightweight materials, resulting in watches that can take a beating without weighing you down.

The Garmin Fenix series, in particular, is known for its tank-like construction, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts who need a watch that can withstand extreme conditions.

Display Technologies

When it comes to displays, both brands offer high-quality screens, but with different philosophies.

Coros tends to favor, easy-to-read displays that prioritize battery efficiency. 

Their screens are typically clear and visible in various lighting conditions, though they may not be as vibrant as some Garmin offerings.

Garmin provides a range of display options across its lineup. Some models feature traditional LCD screens, while others boast vivid AMOLED displays. The Garmin Venu series, for instance, offers a touchscreen interface that rivals the best smartwatches on the market.

Water Resistance and Ruggedness

Both Coros and Garmin take water resistance seriously, with most models rated for at least 50 meters of water resistance. This makes them suitable not just for swimming but also for open water swimming and other aquatic activities. However remember to check the specific model you go for.

Coros Watch: Swimming mode

Coros Watch: Setting pool length

In terms of overall ruggedness, both brands excel, but Garmin might have a slight edge with some of its more premium offerings.

The Garmin Fenix series, for example, is built to military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance.

Feature Set: Battle of the Bells and Whistles

Now, let's dive into the heart of our smartwatch comparison: the features that make these devices tick and how its likely to help you on your running and fitness journey.

GPS Accuracy and Performance

GPS Accuracy and Performance Both Coros and Garmin are known for their excellent GPS watch features.

Coros has made significant strides in GPS accuracy, often matching or even surpassing Garmin in some scenarios. The Coros Vertix 2, for instance, boasts multi-band GNSS support, offering impressive accuracy even in challenging environments.

Garmin, with its long history in GPS technology, continues to deliver top-notch performance. Many Garmin watches offer multiple GPS modes, allowing users to balance accuracy and battery life.

Both brands perform well in urban environments and on trails.

As I own both Coros and Garmin GPS watches, I have tested on the same run route and over 8 miles the difference was 0.01 of a mile. 

Heart Rate Monitoring and Health Sensors

As an elite runner I really like to use heart rate based training regularly, in some aspects this is an area of which I think both brands could improve on both brands offer wrist-based optical heart rate sensors however I have found that once running they often are not very accurate. However once paired with a strap they work very well.

Sleep tracking technology has become increasingly important in the smartwatch world, and both brands have stepped up their game. Garmin generally offers more detailed sleep analysis, including sleep stages, respiration rate, and even blood oxygen levels on some models.

Coros provides solid sleep tracking basics, including duration and quality. While it may not as comprehensive as Garmin's offerings, Coros's sleep data is reliable and useful for athletes looking to optimize their recovery.

Smart Notifications and Connectivity

Both Coros and Garmin watches offer smart notifications, allowing you to stay connected without constantly reaching for your phone. You can receive notifications on your wrist.

Garmin generally offers more extensive smartwatch features, including contactless payments on some models and music storage and playback capabilities.

Coros keeps things simpler, focusing more on fitness features than smartphone-like functionality.

Unique Features

Each brand has its own set of unique features that set it apart.

Coros, for instance, provides personalized training plans based on your performance data. They also boast impressive battery life across their range, with some models lasting up to 60 days in regular use. I really love the long batter life on my Coros pace 2, for me this was one of the key selling points.

Garmin counters with features like Garmin Pay for contactless payments, music streaming support on select models, and advanced navigation capabilities on their higher-end devices. They also offer a wider range of sport-specific features, catering to niche activities like golf and skiing.

Battery Life: The Long-Distance Race

One of the most crucial aspects of any smartwatch is its battery life. After all, a dead watch is just a wrist weight. Let's see how Coros and Garmin stack up in the battery department.

Average Battery Life

Coros has made a name for itself with its impressive battery life. The Coros Vertix 2, for example, boasts up to 140 hours of GPS battery life and up to 60 days in regular smartwatch mode. Even their more affordable models like the Pace 2 offer up to 30 hours of GPS use.

Garmin's battery life varies widely across its range. The Fenix series is known for its longevity, with the Fenix 7X Solar offering up to 37 days in smartwatch mode and 122 hours in GPS mode. More compact models like the Forerunner 55 still manage a respectable 2 weeks in smartwatch mode and around 20 hours with GPS active.

Power-Saving Features

 Both brands have implemented various power-saving features to extend battery life. Coros uses a low-power display and allows users to customize which sensors are active. Their UltraMax GPS mode can extend battery life significantly for ultra-endurance events.

Garmin offers similar customization options and has introduced solar charging capabilities in some of its high-end models.

Charging Time and Methods 

When it comes to charging in my experience Coros watches typically charge faster, with most models going from empty to full in about 1-2 hours. Garmin charging times vary by model but generally range from 1-3 hours for a full charge.

Real-World Battery Performance 

In real-world use, both Coros and Garmin tend to live up to their battery life claims. However, Coros for me Coros edges out Garmin in this department, especially in their mid-range offerings.

This makes Coros watches particularly appealing for ultra-endurance athletes and those who dislike frequent charging.

Sports and Fitness Tracking: What's on Offer

Both Coros and Garmin shine when it comes to sports and fitness tracking, but they each have their strengths. Let's break it down

Supported Activities and Sports Modes 

Garmin typically offers a wide variety of supported activities, with some models tracking over 30 different sports. From running and cycling to golf and skiing, Garmin has you covered. They also offer niche tracking for activities like stand-up paddleboarding and bouldering.

Coros Watch - Sports modes

Coros Watch: Different Sports Modes

Coros focuses more on endurance sports but still offers a comprehensive range of activities. Their watches excel at tracking running, cycling, swimming, and strength training. They've also added modes for water sports and winter activities in recent updates.

Training Load and Recovery Metrics

Both brands offer advanced training load analysis and recovery time metrics.

Coros uses its Training Load 2.0 system, which provides detailed insights into the effect of your workouts on your fitness level.

It also offers a feature that can create personalized training plans based on your data.

Garmin's approach is equally sophisticated, with features like Training Status, Training Load, and Body Battery. These metrics give you a comprehensive view of your fitness level, fatigue, and readiness to train.

Running Dynamics and Advanced Performance Analytics 

When it comes to running watch accuracy and advanced metrics, both brands deliver.

Coros offers detailed running dynamics including cadence, stride length, and running power. 

Screenshot from Coros App with some Running Metrics

Screenshot from Coros App with some Running Metrics

Garmin is renowned for its running dynamics, especially when paired with additional sensors. They offer metrics like ground contact time, vertical oscillation, and running power (on compatible models).

Garmin's higher-end watches also provide features like PacePro for grade-adjusted pace guidance and ClimbPro for real-time ascent data.

Ecosystem and Apps: It's All Connected

A smartwatch can really excel when paired with an App to review your data and running performance. Let's compare how Coros and Garmin handle data management, third-party integrations, and overall user experience.

Companion Smartphone Apps 

Creating a workout on the Coros App

Creating a workout on the Coros App

The Coros app is straightforward and user-friendly. It provides clear visualizations of your activity data, detailed workout analysis, and access to fa range of features. The app's simplicity is a double-edged sword – it's easy to navigate but may lack some of the deeper analytical tools that data-hungry athletes crave.

Creating a workout on the Garmin App

Creating a workout on the Garmin App

With both Garmin and Coros, I am able to create workouts quickly and easily and upload them to the watch to complete.

Garmin Connect, offers a wealth of data analysis tools, social features, and integration with a wide range of third-party apps. While it can be overwhelming at first, Garmin Connect provides a level of depth that serious athletes appreciate.

Data Synchronization and Social Sharing

Both brands offer automatic sync with their respective apps when connected to your smartphone.

I have found that the Coros can usually pair and sync slightly quicker than the Gamrin but again this has just been my personal findings.

Screenshot from the Garmin App of a badge earned

Screenshot from the Garmin App of a badge earned

Social sharing features are more prominent in the Garmin ecosystem. Garmin Connect offers challenges, badges, and the ability to connect with friends, adding a social element to your fitness journey.

Coros keeps things more focused on individual performance but does offer basic sharing capabilities.

Price and Value: Bang for Your Buck

When it comes to choosing between Coros and Garmin, price is often a significant factor. Let's break down how these brands compare in terms of cost and value.

This certainly was the case for me when I was looking for my next full time running watch.

Price Range Comparison

Coros generally positions itself as a more budget-friendly option, with most of their watches falling in the $200-$700 range. The Coros Pace 2, for instance, offers impressive features at a very competitive price point.

Garmin's range is much broader, starting from around $150 for basic fitness trackers and going up to $1000+ for their top-of-the-line multisport watches. This wide range allows Garmin to cater to various budgets and needs.

Feature-to-Price Ratio 

Coros often provides excellent value for money, offering high-end features like long battery life and advanced training metrics at lower price points than comparable Garmin models.

Garmin's higher prices often come with additional features, more refined software, and a more extensive ecosystem. Whether these additions justify the price difference depends on individual needs and preferences.

For me personally, I was focused on just some key running metrics and looking for a lightweight watch and a great price, which the Coros Pace 2 satisfied.

Long-Term Value and Device Longevity 

Both Coros and Garmin produce durable devices built to last.

Garmin's longer presence in the market means there's more data on the long-term reliability of their watches. However, Coros has quickly built a reputation for creating robust, long-lasting devices.

Garmin tends to provide software updates and new features for their watches for several years after release.

Coros has also shown a commitment to improving their watches over time through software updates.

Conclusion: Making Your Choice

As we cross the finish line of our Coros vs Garmin showdown, it's clear that both brands offer impressive smartwatches catering to different needs and preferences.

Coros shines with its focus on endurance sports, incredible battery life, and competitive pricing. If you're an ultra-runner, triathlete, or someone who values simplicity and long-lasting performance, Coros offers compelling options that won't break the bank.

Garmin, with its vast range of products, advanced features, and comprehensive ecosystem, provides solutions for almost every type of athlete. From casual fitness enthusiasts to professional competitors, Garmin's extensive lineup has something for everyone.

The trade-off often comes in the form of higher prices and more complex interfaces.

In my opinion your ideal choice depends on a few key questions,

  1. If battery life is your top priority, Coros has a clear edge.
  2. For the widest range of sports modes and smartwatch features, Garmin is hard to beat.
  3. Budget-conscious athletes will find great value in Coros's offerings.
  4. Those who crave in-depth data analysis and third-party integrations might prefer Garmin.

Finally the best smartwatch for you is one which will seamlessly integrate into your lifestyle.

Both Coros and Garmin offer excellent devices that can help you track your progress, push your limits, and achieve your personal best.

About the author 

James

James is an elite distance runner and has also raced triathlon for a number of years. James is a fully certified UESCA Running Coach and has a passion to help all athletes succeed in finding a balance within sport and life.