Garmin vs COROS
The short answer first, then side by side.
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COROS watches are lighter, cheaper for the features and have excellent battery life. Garmin has the bigger ecosystem: more training features, more third-party apps, Garmin Pay and a strap and accessory range to match. If you want the best value GPS watch, get a COROS PACE 3. If you want the most complete package, get a Forerunner 265.
Garmin Forerunner vs COROS at a glance
| Garmin Forerunner | COROS | |
|---|---|---|
| Price for features | Higher | Lower |
| Battery life | Good to very good | Excellent |
| Screens | AMOLED on 165/265/965 | MIP on PACE 3; AMOLED on PACE Pro |
| Training features | Very deep (readiness, suggested workouts) | Good, simpler |
| Apps & payments | Connect IQ apps, Garmin Pay | Fewer apps, no payments on most |
| Best for | Runners who want everything | Runners who want value and battery |
Choose Garmin Forerunner if…
- You want contactless payments on your wrist
- You like daily suggested workouts
- You'll use Garmin accessories or apps
Choose COROS if…
- Value for money matters most
- You hate charging your watch
- You want the lightest watch
Our picks: Garmin Forerunner
Garmin Forerunner 165
Garmin's entry into AMOLED running watches: a bright screen, suggested workouts and training plans at a mid-range price.
£153.72£153.20–£160.90 since 8 Sep
Garmin Forerunner 265
The sweet spot of the Forerunner range: AMOLED screen, multi-band GPS and training readiness for runners working to a plan.
£289.99£289.99–£301.90 since 8 Sep
Garmin Forerunner 965
Garmin's premium running watch, with a large AMOLED screen, full maps and multi-band GPS. For marathoners and trail runners who want everything.
£399.95Our picks: COROS
COROS PACE 3
A very light running watch with long battery life and dual-frequency GPS. The value alternative to a Forerunner 265.
£199
COROS PACE Pro
COROS's AMOLED running watch with offline maps, a rival to Garmin's Forerunner 265/965 at a lower price.
£299Frequently asked questions
Is COROS as accurate as Garmin?
For GPS and heart rate, current COROS and Garmin models are broadly comparable. Both offer dual-frequency GPS on their mid-range and top models.
Which is better for a first marathon?
Either will do. The Garmin Forerunner 165 and COROS PACE 3 are both excellent first marathon watches; pick on price and whether you want an AMOLED screen.
Related
How we choose: we don’t lab-test products. Picks are based on published specifications, what each product is designed for, brand track record with UK runners and UK availability. Prices on the buttons update hourly from Amazon UK. About Run For It.