Coros Pace 4 Outlasts Garmin Forerunner 170 in Sub-$300 Sports Watch Face-Off

Athletes with smaller wrists now have two compelling, lightweight options for professional-grade tracking under $300. A recent comparison of the Garmin Forerunner 170 and the Coros Pace 4 shows that while both deliver advanced metrics, they prioritize fundamentally different strengths.

The Coros Pace 4 leads on raw endurance and precision. The Pace 4 lasts 19 days with the always-on display (AOD) turned off, nearly doubling the 10-day battery life of the Forerunner 170. This gap persists during active use; the Coros device provides 24 hours of GPS mode, whereas the Garmin manages 14 hours. Location tracking is also more precise on the Coros, which utilizes a dual-frequency GNSS chipset supporting five global satellite systems, surpassing the single-frequency GPS found in the Garmin model.

The Shift Toward Ultralight Tracking

This competition reflects a broader trend in the wearables market. As smartwatches evolve, there is an increasing demand for 'ultralight' sports watches that provide professional-grade data without the bulk of rugged, oversized models. Both Garmin and Coros are targeting this entry-level segment by integrating 1.2-inch AMOLED screens and battery lives that far exceed traditional smartwatches from giants like Apple or Samsung.

Ecosystem vs. Endurance

While Coros wins on specs, Garmin offers a more mature user experience. The Forerunner 170 features a traditional five-button configuration, which allows for full navigation without relying on the touchscreen—a critical advantage for athletes in wet conditions or wearing gloves. Additionally, the Garmin supports Garmin Pay for contactless payments, providing a level of daily utility the Coros lacks. Coros does offer a unique hardware convenience, however, providing a keychain adapter that enables the watch to be charged via a standard USB-C cable.

The Bottom Line

For the consumer, the decision comes down to a choice between integration and performance. The Garmin Forerunner 170, priced at $299.99, is the better pick for those who value a robust app ecosystem and tactile physical controls. The Coros Pace 4, which is more affordable at $249, is the clear winner for users prioritizing maximum battery longevity and the highest possible GPS accuracy.

What to Watch

As these brands continue to iterate on their entry-level lines, the industry will be watching to see if Garmin adopts dual-frequency GNSS in its smaller frames to close the accuracy gap. Meanwhile, Coros may look to integrate more lifestyle features, such as mobile payments, to compete with Garmin's comprehensive ecosystem.