The Coros Pace 4 weighs less than an energy gel yet tracks runs as accurately as $600 watches. After testing this 32-gram watch for over 50 hours, the verdict is clear: premium performance at a budget-friendly price.

At $249, you get a bright AMOLED screen, a 41-hour GPS battery, and accuracy matching expensive competitors. For runners wanting serious data without the premium cost, this watch delivers.

Coros Pace 4

The Pace 4 brings meaningful upgrades over its predecessor while keeping the price under $250. Released in November 2025, this watch answers a simple question: Can budget watches compete with premium models?

The answer is yes, with some trade-offs.

At just 32 grams with the nylon band, this is one of the lightest GPS watches you can buy. The 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen looks sharp and stays readable in bright sunlight. Three physical buttons allow you to control everything without touching the screen, which is particularly useful when you’re sweating or wearing gloves.

The case uses lightweight plastic throughout. No metal bezels here, but that’s intentional. This design choice keeps weight down and makes the watch disappear on your wrist during long runs. You genuinely forget you’re wearing it.

Battery life impresses. Coros claims 41 hours of GPS tracking with all satellites enabled, 31 hours with dual-frequency GPS, and 19 days of regular use. Real-world testing confirmed these numbers hold up, which is rare. Most watch makers publish optimistic estimates that don’t match actual performance.

Our Coros Pace 4 Review

We tested the Pace 4 against the Garmin Forerunner 970 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 through urban areas, trails, and open roads.

GPS performance impressed. Satellite lock happened in 15 to 20 seconds, and distances tracked within 1% of known course lengths. On a certified 10K, it recorded 10.01 kilometers. That’s race-day precision.

Dual-frequency GPS pulls signals from multiple satellites for better accuracy under trees or buildings. Battery drops from 41 to 31 hours, but tracking improves significantly.

The AMOLED display is bright, clear, and readable while running. Screen wakes instantly with no delay. At 1,500 nits, it handles direct sunlight well.

Heart rate monitoring works great for steady runs, matching chest straps within 2 to 3 beats per minute. High-intensity intervals show occasional spikes that correct within 10 to 15 seconds. Good enough for training, but serious athletes still need chest straps for precision.

Voice pins let you record 60-second notes during runs. The app transcribes with 95% accuracy. Coros Pace 4 became essential for capturing gear observations and how runs felt.

Training features match expensive Coros models. Load tracking, recovery analysis, race predictions, and structured workouts work identically. The same algorithms power the $249 and $699 watches.

Race mode provides real-time splits against goal pace. Essential for maintaining pacing during races.

Battery delivers 9 to 10 days with one hour daily GPS and raise-to-wake screen. Always-on display gives 5 to 7 days. Impressive for AMOLED.

Charging takes 90 minutes from empty to full with the magnetic cable.

Navigation is basic with breadcrumb trails and simple route following. No detailed maps. Road runners won’t care, trail explorers might.

The action button toggles between data and navigation screens instantly. Customizable for your most-used features.

New Features and Slight Misses

The AMOLED display is the biggest upgrade from the Pace 3. Modern, sharp, premium looking.

Battery life increased to 41 hours despite the power-hungry screen. Better chip design makes this possible.

The microphone enables voice pins now, with future voice control possibilities.

Sensors improved. Heart rate and GPS hardware now match premium Coros models.

What’s missing: No offline maps. No speaker for voice feedback or calls. No music streaming, only MP3 files. Smart features lag behind Apple and Garmin. No text responses, no payments, no third-party apps.

The touchscreen triggers accidentally sometimes. Screen lock fixes this, but adds a step.

Who Should Buy the Coros Pace 4?

This watch works for runners prioritizing performance over smart features. Perfect for beginners through ultramarathoners.

The 42mm size fits smaller wrists comfortably at 11.8mm thick. Wearable all day without noticing.

Budget athletes get premium features at $249. Accuracy supports serious training while saving money.

Battery-focused runners love the 41-hour GPS endurance. No charging stress during training.

Eco-conscious buyers appreciate the durable polymer construction and long firmware support. At under $7 monthly over three years, it’s a sustainable value.

Not ideal for: Trail runners exploring without phones (no offline maps). Smartwatch users need notifications, payments, and apps.

Pros And Cons Rating: 4.5/5

FAQ’s

How accurate is the Coros Pace 4 GPS?

Very accurate, within 1% of known course lengths. Dual-frequency GPS improves precision in forests or cities but reduces battery life to 31 hours.

What’s the real battery life?

9 to 10 days with one hour daily GPS (raise-to-wake). 5 to 7 days with always-on display. 41 hours continuous GPS with all satellites.

Can I use it without a phone?

Yes. GPS, heart rate, and metrics work offline. Phone needed only for setup, updates, and notifications.

How does it compare to the Garmin Forerunner 165?

Both cost $249. Pace 4 wins on battery and weight. Forerunner 165 has better smart features and an app ecosystem.

Does it have offline maps?

No. Breadcrumb trails and basic routes only. Upgrade to Pace Pro ($299) for full mapping.

Worth buying in 2026?

Absolutely for value seekers. Professional tracking, modern display, and 41-hour battery for $249. Best value running watch available.

FINAL VERDICT

The Coros Pace 4 delivers premium performance at a budget price. At 32 grams and $249, it matches watches costing twice as much in the metrics that matter.

After 50+ hours of testing, this watch earned its place. Modern AMOLED display without battery sacrifice. 41-hour GPS removes charging anxiety.

Voice pins and action buttons add useful features. The watch focuses on running excellence while keeping smart features minimal.

For runners wanting lightweight, accurate, long-lasting training tools without premium prices, the Pace 4 delivers.