TL;DR
- At the same ~$249 price, buy the COROS PACE 4 for dual-band GPS and far longer battery; buy the Garmin Forerunner 165 for the larger ecosystem and easier music if you live in Garmin's world.
- GPS is the real gap: the PACE 4 has dual-frequency (multiband) GNSS, while the Forerunner 165 uses all-systems single-band only.[1][3]
- Battery favours COROS heavily: 41 hours GPS and 19 days daily, against 19 hours GPS and 11 days on the FR165.[1][3]
- Neither charges a subscription. The FR165 needs the $299.99 Music edition for on-watch music; the PACE 4 stores MP3s on the base model.[1][3]
This is the true entry-tier head-to-head: two AMOLED running watches at about $249, both aimed at new and improving runners. The decisive difference is GPS. The PACE 4 carries dual-frequency multiband positioning that the Forerunner 165 lacks, and it doubles the battery on top. The Garmin's counter is its larger app and accessory ecosystem and the familiarity of Garmin Connect. The figures here trace to named vendor specs and published reviews, not a watch we tested ourselves, and each was confirmed on 2026-05-26.
Verified spec and price comparison
| Spec | COROS PACE 4 | Garmin Forerunner 165 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $249[1] | $249.99; Music $299.99[3] |
| Display | 1.2" AMOLED[1] | 1.2" AMOLED[3] |
| GPS-only battery | Up to 41 h[1] | Up to 19 h[3] |
| Daily / smartwatch battery | Up to 19 days[1] | Up to 11 days[3] |
| GNSS | Dual-frequency, all-systems[1] | All-systems, single-band[3] |
| Music | MP3 on base model[1] | Music edition only ($299.99)[3] |
| Weight | ~32 g[1] | ~39 g[3] |
| Subscription | None[1] | None for core; Connect+ optional[3] |
GPS: the dual-band gap is real here
Unlike the mid-tier matchups, this gap genuinely exists. The PACE 4 has dual-frequency (multiband) GNSS, which holds position better in cities and under tree cover, while the Forerunner 165 uses all-systems single-band GPS only, Garmin's choice to keep the 165 below its multiband models.[1][2][3][4] For trail or urban running where accuracy matters, the PACE 4 has the better hardware at the same price.
Battery: COROS roughly doubles it
The PACE 4 runs up to 41 hours of GPS and 19 days of daily use; the Forerunner 165 manages up to 19 hours of GPS and 11 days.[1][3] Both cover a marathon, but the COROS asks for the charger far less often and has the headroom for longer events.
Where the Garmin still earns its place
The Forerunner 165 plugs into Garmin's larger ecosystem, more compatible sensors, a bigger app catalogue, on-watch payments on supported models, and the familiar Garmin Connect platform.[3] If you already own Garmin sensors or want that ecosystem, the 165 is the easier fit, though you pay $299.99 for the Music edition to get on-watch music the PACE 4 includes on its base model. Both read heart rate from the wrist, which trails an ECG chest strap during intervals, so add a strap to either watch if you train by precise zones (the studies are here).[5]
Pick by what you value
- Best GPS and battery at this price, no subscription: COROS PACE 4.
- Already in the Garmin ecosystem or want its app catalogue: Forerunner 165.
- Want on-watch music without paying extra: PACE 4 (FR165 needs the $299.99 Music edition).
- First running watch, value-led: PACE 4 is the stronger all-rounder.
Bottom line: at the same price the COROS PACE 4 gives you better GPS hardware and roughly double the battery, so it is the stronger entry running watch for most people. Choose the Forerunner 165 if Garmin's ecosystem or Connect platform is the deciding factor. After you choose, set your zones with the Heart Rate Zone Calculator and build pacing with the Run Training Paces Calculator.
Confirmed on 2026-05-26. COROS and Garmin adjust pricing and editions periodically, so check both current product pages before buying.
FAQ
Does the Garmin Forerunner 165 have multiband GPS like the COROS PACE 4?
No. The Forerunner 165 uses all-systems single-band GPS only. The PACE 4 has dual-frequency (multiband) GNSS, which holds position better in cities and under tree cover, at the same price.[1][3]
How much longer does the COROS PACE 4 battery last?
Roughly double. The PACE 4 runs up to 41 hours GPS and 19 days daily, versus up to 19 hours GPS and 11 days on the Forerunner 165.[1][3]
Do I need the Forerunner 165 Music edition for on-watch music?
Yes. The standard Forerunner 165 at $249.99 has no on-watch music; the $299.99 Music edition adds it. The COROS PACE 4 stores MP3s on its base model.[1][3]
Do either of them need a subscription?
No. COROS has no paid tier, and Garmin's core metrics are free on the FR165 with Connect+ optional.[1][3]
References
- 1 COROS PACE 4 technical specifications ($249, 1.2-inch AMOLED, 41 h GPS, 19-day daily, dual-frequency GNSS) — COROS (2026)
- 2 COROS PACE 4 In-Depth Review (dual-band GPS, heart-rate sensor, weight, battery) — DC Rainmaker (2025)
- 3 Garmin Forerunner 165 product page ($249.99; $299.99 Music, 1.2-inch AMOLED, all-systems GNSS, 11-day battery) — Garmin (2026)
- 4 Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Forerunner 265 Comparison (all-systems vs multi-band GPS, battery, features) — DC Rainmaker (2024)
- 5 Optical wrist heart rate versus ECG chest strap accuracy during exercise (placement and intensity effects) — Sensors (PMC12788198) (2025)