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Head to Head

Coros Pace 4 vs Garmin Forerunner 265

Same analytics tier, and the Pace 4 actually rates higher (4.8 vs 4.7) while costing $200 less, Coros wins on pure value here, Garmin wins on brand ecosystem and touchscreen software polish.

Coros Pace 4Coros

Coros Pace 4

4.8
Garmin Forerunner 265Garmin

Garmin Forerunner 265

4.7
Best Overall Runner
$249
Lower price
MSRP
$449
Semi-Smart
Watch Type
Semi-Smart
Solid Training Data
Training Data
Solid Training Data
iOS & Android
Phone
iOS & Android
4.8
Higher rated
Rating
4.7
41 hrs
Longer battery
GPS Battery Life
20 hrs
Dual-Band
GPS
Dual-Band
40g
Lighter
Weight
47g
43mm
Case Size
42/46mm
No
Wrist Calls
No
Yes
Offline Maps
Yes
Local files only
Offline Music
Spotify/Amazon Music
More music options
5 ATM
Water Resistance
5 ATM
Notable For
Best Overall Runner
Best For
  • You want the best-reviewed value pick in this entire lineup plus new offline maps feature
  • You don't need Garmin's specific software ecosystem or app library
  • You want the watch that shows up as "most recommended" across the widest range of reviewers
  • Garmin's broader ecosystem and third-party app support matter to you
The Full Story

At just 32 grams with a bright AMOLED screen and real running dynamics, the Pace 4 punches well above its price. It skips maps and deep smartwatch features on purpose, focusing entirely on being an excellent, lightweight training tool.

The 265 pairs a bright touchscreen with real training-load and recovery metrics, without pushing into flagship pricing. It remains one of the most recommended running watches on the market for good reason: it just covers the bases extremely well.

*Estimated — this model's exact GPS battery life isn't published by the manufacturer. All figures are standard GPS mode, midsize case, no solar boost.

†Estimated — this model launched too recently to have an established customer rating yet.

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