COROS Smartwatches: Precision-Driven Tools for Serious Athletes

Product line-up 3.5: COROS's line-up focuses on the more serious athletes in the fields of endurance sports, from runners using a Pace 3, multisport athletes with the APEX 2 and APEX 2 Pro, for the extreme adventurers there is the VERTIX 2 and VERTIX 2S. It offers a more compact variant called the VERTIX 2S for those requiring on their wrist the advanced capabilities offered by the VERTIX 2 in more compact form. These models work for precise tracking and training needs but, for the casual/day-to-day user, there is not as much variety in them as there is with brands.

COROS has good value options, starting with the serious running-focused Pace 3 at about $250. The APEX 2 and APEX 2 Pro are between $400 and $500, respectively, featuring advanced training features without the premium from some competitors. High-end adventure features and longer battery life are reserved for the VERTIX 2 and VERTIX 2S at roughly $700. While these prices are somewhat on the higher side, the values they give back to the athletes with advanced tracking capabilities are reasonable.

COROS is well known for class-leading battery life, and the VERTIX 2 also claims an incredible up to 140 hours in full GPS mode and up to 60 days in standard mode. It's a given choice for ultra-endurance events. The APEX 2 Pro has up to 75 hours in GPS mode, while the Pace 3 offers up to 30 days of regular use. But even at a more modest size, the VERTIX 2S still manages to boast very impressive battery life, ideal for any user whose activities require them to spend much time outdoors.

The VERTIX 2 and APEX 2 Pro offer seamless performance, coupled with dual-frequency GPS for highly accurate positioning even in the most challenging environments. The Pace 3 boasts improved GPS antenna design for better accuracy for runners both in urban and trail settings. COROS's interface is optimized for the athlete, providing quick access to training metrics and easy navigation during workouts. While COROS focuses less on third-party apps, the core performance is ideal for users who focus on precise tracking and training insights.

Unique in its tough build, the COROS VERTIX 2 gets an impressive build in with a structure in titanium bezels and sapphire glass for added strength. A Pace 3 will come with a lightweight design that feels great against your skin for long runs, an APEX 2 Pro will provide a sleek yet rugged look perfect both on the training and casual wear, while the VERTIX 2S retained the durable design of the VERTIX series in a smaller, more wearable size. COROS watches have been designed to function, so the design is highly utilitarian-functional with a greater emphasis on their durable aspects rather than style.

The Vertix 2 and Vertix 2S boast ruggedness with 10 ATM water resistance, down to military-grade durability against extreme environments. The Apex 2 Pro also boasts glass sapphire and construction from titanium, making it resistant enough for daily wear and demanding training; meanwhile, Pace 3 boasts a lighter build without compromising the sturdy, hardy design suited for more substantial training. COROS's focus on using solid materials within their devices makes these watches ideal for individuals who train in the most difficult conditions.

The APEX 2 Pro and VERTIX 2 excel in providing advanced metrics like training load, recovery insights, and running power. The Pace 3 focuses on running-specific metrics, offering high-precision GPS and AI-powered training plans through the COROS app. The VERTIX 2 and VERTIX 2S offer altitude acclimation and spO2 monitoring, making them suitable for mountain sports and high-altitude training. While COROS provides comprehensive fitness metrics, its focus is more on advanced athletes rather than everyday wellness.

COROS watches provides notifications on calls, texts, and some apps, though the experience is basic compared to more established ecosystems like Wear OS or watchOS. COROS doesn't include NFC payments, which isn't quite fair to those who want to make contactless payments with their smartwatch—something competitors like Apple and Samsung provide. And there is no capability for streaming music directly from the watch, which might be a disappointment for audiophiles on the go. Advanced GPS tracking, running power, and VO2 max are touted, so it is supposed to be meant for athletes, not with things like built-in voice assistants or compatibility with a wide swath of third-party apps. That more specialized focus makes COROS one of the best options available for performance-minded users but far less compelling to people looking for a somewhat more well-rounded smart experience.