Coros Pace 4 Pro: Cheaper, Better Than Garmin 970?

The Coros Pace 4 Pro presents a strong challenge to the Garmin Forerunner 970, offering a more budget-friendly option with a lighter, slimmer build and a larger AMOLED display. Priced at $449/£389, it significantly undercuts the Garmin's $749/£629 cost. Both watches deliver exceptional GPS accuracy, with minor differences noted in heart rate tracking, where the Forerunner 970 has a slight edge. The Pace 4 Pro distinguishes itself with superior battery performance, lasting up to seven days on a single charge, whereas the Forerunner 970 requires charging every four to five days.

While the Garmin Forerunner 970 leads in advanced training analysis features like Training Readiness and offers more robust smart capabilities including NFC payments and music streaming, the Coros Pace 4 Pro fulfills core sports tracking needs effectively. The Coros's navigation maps are less dynamic than the Garmin's routable maps, but both provide detailed route guidance. For athletes prioritizing value and essential performance, the Coros Pace 4 Pro is a highly recommended choice, especially if the premium features of the Forerunner 970 are not essential.