guide for Coros Pace 2

COROS PACE 2 Smartwatch: A Marathon Runner’s Honest Review

Many would argue that you don’t need a smartwatch to go for a run. However, if you’re training with a specific goal in mind, a sports watch offers several convenient and helpful features.

While you could simply use a basic stopwatch for timing intervals on an already mapped distance, wearable devices with built-in GPS provide additional training data, such as your total distance and average pace.

Many GPS watches also allow you to program workouts so you don’t have to worry about manually lapping splits between hard and recovery intervals.

For many runners, Garmin watches have long been the gold standard when it comes to accuracy and functionality.

This has definitely been true for me, as I’ve been wearing Garmin watches for the last decade — ever since I decided to splurge and upgrade my $10 Timex stopwatch that I bought at Target.

However, other brands have started to give Garmin a run for its money over the recent years.

COROS watches, in particular, have gained popularity for their extended battery life and sleek design.

So, when the brand offered to send me a loaner unit of its PACE 2 — a lightweight watch with triathlon mode — I figured I’d give it a shot.

This article provides a thorough review of the COROS PACE 2, including my honest opinion as to whether it’s worth buying.

Healthline’s verdict

The COROS PACE 2 is a lightweight sport watch that offers an impressively long battery life and many of the same basic training features as comparable models.

However, due to concerns around accuracy and ease of use, I recommend spending a little bit extra on a more reliable fitness tracker.

What is the COROS PACE 2?

Founded in 2016, COROS was first launched as a smart cycling helmet company. It later evolved to include running and multisport watches, which is what it’s best known for today.

COROS launched the original PACE in 2018 as an affordable alternative to its competitors, equipped with many of the same training metrics and an extra-long-lasting battery.

COROS has since released its popular multisport APEX and VERTIX watches, as well as the latest PACE model, the COROS PACE 2.

The PACE 2 is the least expensive model in the COROS lineup and marketed as the lightest smartwatch on the market.

In addition to its lightweight design, the watch stands out for its long battery life and affordable price.

Pros and cons of the COROS PACE 2

Pros

easy-to-read display

built-in GPS

up to 20 days of battery life with regular use

more affordable than competitors

lighter than most other GPS watches

snug wristband may make for more accurate heart rate readings

Cons

no user manual provided

some functions could be simpler and more intuitive

nylon strap stays wet and retains sweat smell

lacks some smartwatch features, such as the ability to play music

How much does the COROS PACE 2 cost?

Here’s a quick look at the COROS PACE 2’s cost, warranty, and refund policy:

Price (MSRP): $199

Shipping: free within the United States

Included accessories: charging cable

Financing options: special financing through PayPal Credit

Refund policy: may be returned for a full refund within 30 days of purchase if returned in the original packaging; customers may be subject to a $10 restocking fee and responsible for shipping charges; if purchased from a retail location, you must return the watch to that same location and adhere to their return policy

Warranty: covered for 2 years; COROS covers the shipping charges and sends a new replacement product in the same size and color

Key specs

At 1.02 ounces (29 grams), the COROS PACE 2 is significantly lighter than many other sports watches. For comparison, the Apple Watch Series 5 and Garmin Fenix 6x Pro are 1.09 and 2.9 ounces (31 and 83 grams), respectively.

While this is a plus for some runners, I’ve never felt like my Garmin was especially bulky.