TL;DR
- At about $250, buy the COROS PACE 4 for dual-frequency GPS, far longer battery and maps; buy a Garmin Forerunner 70 or 170 for Garmin's coaching, ecosystem and, on the 170, Garmin Pay.
- The Forerunner 170 replaced the Forerunner 165 in May 2026 at $299.99; the new Forerunner 70 takes the old $249.99 price without payments.[3][5]
- GPS is the real gap: the PACE 4 has dual-frequency GNSS; both Garmins use multi-system, single-frequency GNSS.[1][4][5]
- Battery favours COROS: 41 hours of GPS and 19 days, against 23 hours and 13 days on the Forerunner 70 and 20 hours and 10 days on the 170.[1][4][5]
This is the entry-tier head-to-head: AMOLED running watches around $250 for new and improving runners. Garmin replaced its Forerunner 165 in May 2026 with two models, the Forerunner 70 at $249.99 and the Forerunner 170 at $299.99, which adds Garmin Pay; the 170 is a software-led update that keeps the 165's case, 1.2-inch AMOLED and sensor.[3][5] The decisive difference is still GPS hardware. The figures here trace to vendor specs and published reviews, not a watch we tested ourselves, and each was confirmed on 2026-10-18.
Verified spec and price comparison
| Spec | COROS PACE 4 | Garmin Forerunner 70 | Garmin Forerunner 170 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $249[1] | $249.99[3] | $299.99; Music $349.99[3] |
| Display | 1.2" AMOLED[1] | 1.2" AMOLED[3] | 1.2" AMOLED[3] |
| GNSS | All-satellite dual-frequency[1] | Multi-system[4] | Multi-system, single-frequency[5] |
| GPS battery | Up to 41 h[1] | Up to 23 h[4] | Up to 20 h GPS-only[5] |
| Smartwatch battery | Up to 19 days[1] | Up to 13 days[3] | Up to 10 days[3] |
| Maps | Downloadable global maps (beta)[6] | No onboard maps[4] | No onboard maps[5] |
| Payments / music | MP3 storage on base model[1] | Neither[3] | Garmin Pay; music on 170 Music[3] |
| Subscription | None[1] | None for core; Connect+ optional[4] | |
GPS: the dual-frequency gap is real here
Unlike the mid-tier matchups, this gap genuinely exists. The PACE 4 has all-satellite dual-frequency GNSS, which holds position better in cities and under tree cover, while the Forerunner 70 and 170 track multiple satellite systems on a single frequency, which keeps them below the multi-band Forerunner 265.[1][2][4][5] For trail or urban running where accuracy matters, the PACE 4 has the better hardware at the same price as the Forerunner 70.
Battery and maps: COROS pulls further ahead
The PACE 4 runs up to 41 hours of GPS and 19 days of daily use; the Forerunner 70 manages 23 hours and 13 days, and the Forerunner 170 20 hours and 10 days.[1][4][5] All three cover a marathon, but the COROS asks for the charger far less often. Since COROS's September 2026 update the PACE 4 also shows downloadable global maps with street and trail names, still labelled beta; neither entry Garmin has onboard maps.[6]
Where the Garmins earn their place
The Forerunner 70 and 170 bring features from Garmin's higher models to entry price: Garmin Coach plans that adapt to recovery, daily suggested workouts including run/walk sessions, training readiness, HRV status and wrist-based running power.[3] They also plug into Garmin's larger ecosystem of sensors and apps. The 170 adds Garmin Pay, and the 170 Music stores songs for phone-free listening.[3] Every watch here reads heart rate from the wrist, which trails an ECG chest strap during intervals, so add a strap if you train by precise zones (the studies are here).[7]
Pick by what you value
- Best GPS, battery and maps at this price, no subscription: COROS PACE 4.
- Garmin's adaptive coaching at the lowest price: Forerunner 70.
- Contactless payments on the run: Forerunner 170, or the 170 Music for stored music.
- First running watch, value-led: PACE 4 is the stronger all-rounder.
Bottom line: for about the same money, the COROS PACE 4 gives you better GPS hardware, roughly double the battery and maps, so it is the stronger entry running watch for most people. Choose the Forerunner 70 or 170 if Garmin's coaching, ecosystem or payments decide it. After you choose, set your zones with the Heart Rate Zone Calculator and build pacing with the Run Training Paces Calculator.
Confirmed on 2026-10-18. COROS and Garmin adjust pricing and editions periodically, so check both current product pages before buying.
FAQ
What replaced the Garmin Forerunner 165?
The Forerunner 170 ($299.99), announced in May 2026, succeeds it with the same case, display and sensor and updated software; the new Forerunner 70 ($249.99) sits below it without Garmin Pay.[3][5]
Do the Forerunner 70 and 170 have multi-band GPS like the COROS PACE 4?
No. Both use multi-system GNSS on a single frequency. The PACE 4 has all-satellite dual-frequency GNSS, which holds position better in cities and under tree cover.[1][5]
How much longer does the COROS PACE 4 battery last?
Up to 41 hours of GPS and 19 days of daily use, against 23 hours and 13 days on the Forerunner 70 and 20 hours and 10 days on the Forerunner 170.[1][4][5]
Do either of them need a subscription?
No. COROS has no paid tier, and Garmin's core metrics are free on the Forerunner 70 and 170, with Connect+ optional.[1][4]
References
- 1 COROS PACE 4 technical specifications ($249, 1.2-inch AMOLED, all-satellite dual-frequency GNSS, 41 h GPS, 19-day daily use, downloadable maps) — COROS (2026)
- 2 COROS PACE 4 In-Depth Review (dual-band GPS, heart-rate sensor, weight, battery) — DC Rainmaker (2025)
- 3 Run further with Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170 from Garmin ($249.99 / $299.99 / $349.99 Music; 1.2-inch AMOLED; up to 13 and 10 days) — Garmin Newsroom (2026)
- 4 Garmin Forerunner 70/170 product page (multi-system GNSS; Forerunner 70 up to 13 days and 23 h GPS; 170 adds Garmin Pay) — Garmin (2026)
- 5 Garmin Forerunner 170 specifications (succeeds the 165; single-frequency multi-GNSS, 20 h GPS-only, 10 days, 41 g) — the5krunner (2026)
- 6 COROS September 2026 update (global maps on PACE 4, in beta) — COROS (2026)
- 7 Optical wrist heart rate versus ECG chest strap accuracy during exercise (placement and intensity effects) — Sensors (PMC12788198) (2025)