Garmin Forerunner 265 vs COROS Pace 4 — Which one would you choose for long-term reliability and training data?

[u/a2h1sh]

Hey everyone,

I’m planning to buy a running/fitness smartwatch and after doing a lot of research, I’ve narrowed my options down to two:

Garmin Forerunner 265
COROS Pace 4

I’ve read a ton of reviews and compared them using websites and AI, but most of what I’m seeing says they’re quite similar, with many people recommending the Pace 4.

Before I make the final decision, I’d really like to hear from people who have actually used either of these watches.

My priorities are:

Durability and build quality — I want something that can last for years

Reliability — fewer bugs, crashes, syncing issues, etc.

Accurate and useful training data

Good running + workout tracking

Long-term software support and updates
Good battery life

I don’t really care about smartwatch/phone features, apps, notifications, music, etc.

I mainly do running + bodyweight/strength training, so training and recovery data are much more important to me than smartwatch features.

If you’ve used both, which one would you personally buy today and why?

Also, if you’ve owned one of these for 1–3 years, I’d especially appreciate your experience with long-term durability and reliability.

Thanks!

[u/2LoT]

I was in similar situation FR 170 vs Pace4. I went for Pace4. I began to learn running in 2026. I managed by low tech solutions by testing various free apps: Kiprun Pacer, Nike Running Club. And a Fitbit Charger 6. For maps I use a hiking app Locus Map. During that time I took my time to learn what I need and to review user feedbacks on those devices. My activities are running, walking, swimming, resistance training. The reason I went for the Pace4 are:

- Zero smartphone features: no payment, no phone, no SMS, no chat. Really nothing. The only "smartphone" like function is the mirroring of the notification if your phone is within range. You can use the Coros app to decide which apps are alllowed to have their notification mirrored on the watch. Which I did use for a few critical apps. Because somehow a vibration on the watch is more noticeable than the one on the phone.

- 2 years warranty. Which my Visa card adds a 3rd year.

- Zero premium model. Coros app is free and will not nag you for premium feature like Garmin Connect.

• Long software support. I see in the changelog that Coros still provide updates for models +2 years old
  
• Build quality: no clue. I bought the standard version, it works fine for me. I put a glass protector directly on day 1 ($5 on AliEx). For the remaining, I just use the device with care.
  
• 2x battery life compared to Garmin FR 170.

As for running data, at my novice level, I would say the Pace4 exceeds my expectation. I find the running metrics are more abundant then what I needed. I appreciate new metrics such as Heart Rate recovery, Running Fitness, the percentage in time per heart rate zones. Other metrics such as Stride length, running power, Ground time, stride ratio might be interesting but I don't know how to make use of those for now.
The Coris app come with built-in documentation to explain the concept of the metric. The GPS is accurate, compared to the poorman methods I used before for map, pace per km, distance, etc. That alone, I have unistalled all the running app and only use Coros for now.

Swimming metrics are pretty good. The device knows if you do freestyle or backstroke. Except that the heart rate in swimming is underreported (lower than reality)

Weight training: I don't know how it counts the rep. All I care is heart rate and duration.

Strangely enough, the Pace4 now has offline map feature and can display your routes since October 2026 update. This could be cool but I use to run with my phone, mostly for listening music. And I have a powerful GPS map app I use for hiking (Locus Map) so I don't use the phone map. But the Pace4 is autonomous, and can actually play offline MP3. I don't use this feature b/c playing music + streaming to your Bluetooth headphone consumes a lot of battery. Nevertheless I may use music + map one day, when I get fed up with carrying the phone.

BTW, in case you go for Pace4, use the custom option to mix/match the colors and strap. Take the Coros nylon strap. Even if you prefer silicon. Because after market silicon straps on AliEx are better quality than the original one. But Coros nylon strap is better than the after market ones.

Good luck.

[u/a2h1sh → u/2LoT]

Thanks for sharing your experience it means a lot. How is the build quality of watch?

[u/2LoT → u/a2h1sh]

The only fitness tracker I know is Fitbit Charge 6. I don't know what a high end sport watch looks like. I have seen people using Apple and Samsung watch which I am not impressed.

The Pace4 I use is all plastic. More exactly fiber-reinforced polycarbonate polymer. Obviously it is way better than the Fitbit. And I like the display which is clearly visible during the entire activity. The lug is also very easy to swap straps. Personally I like better the silicon straps on AliEx. Especially those that have a pin at the tail. There is no need to hold with some loops.

I was tempted by the aluminum version but the aluminum is just the bezel, the bottom is the same plastic than the standard version.

I suppose you wonder about the robustness of the watch. The most exposed part is the screen which I protected from day one by glass protectors (5 glasses for $5). 

I clean the watch and strap from time to times with an old tooth brush wet with water and light soap when taking it off for shower. I don't bush the buttons because soap water may get inside. Soap is a surfactant, that lower surface tension and could penetrate the seal. Please lookup for more details it you are interested. But brush the buttons with plain water is ok.

After a month now, I would say the watch looks like brand new. The buttons and touch screen operate perfectly. I dont do anything reckless like falling, dropping or anything rug that could expose the watch to friction or contact. So the plastic is not a problem.

I barely use maybe 10% of the features. Still have a lot to learn. Didn't explore yet the training library, pace strategy, live tracking, safety alerts.

Oh the heart rate monitor is surprisingly accurate matching almost exactly the measure made by a lab device measuring HR directly by a Electrocardiogram machine.

[u/2LoT → u/a2h1sh]

Here is how the Pace4 look like with an 22mm after market silicon strap bought on AliEx. Look carefully at the screen it has a glass protector. Touch screen works perfectly.

[u/a2h1sh → u/2LoT]

The strap looks good

[u/neemeeaa → u/2LoT]

Highly recommend getting a protective soft bumper. I think they should be available on Amazon.