Coros PACE 2 vs Garmin Forerunner 55
Coros PACE 2 (2020, listed at $199) and Garmin Forerunner 55 (2021, listed at $199) are both sport watches, so the choice comes down to specifics.
Specs last updated · prices are list prices
Coros PACE 2
29-gram running GPS for under $200 — long-standing budget favorite of marathoners.
Garmin Forerunner 55
Beginner-friendly running GPS — coach-style plans, 14-day battery, refreshingly simple UI.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Coros PACE 2 wins on battery life (20 days vs 14 days) and weight (29 g vs 37 g).
Bottom line: on raw specs the Coros PACE 2 leads 2 to 0, but five spec categories are only a starting point. Match it to your phone, your main sport and your budget before you decide, or run the free quiz to see how each ranks for your answers.
Spec by spec
| Spec | Coros PACE 2 | Garmin Forerunner 55 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 20 days | 14 days |
| Weight | 29 g | 37 g |
| List price | $199 | $199 |
| Water rating | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Tracked features | 1 | 1 |
| Case size | 42 mm | 42 mm |
| Display | MIP | MIP |
| Works with | both iPhone and Android | both iPhone and Android |
| Listed best for | running | running |
| Released | 2020 | 2021 |
Trophy marks the better value on the five measurable specs. Battery is the manufacturer's rating, not our test. How we score is on the methodology page.
Feature overlap
Both have (1)
- built-in GPS
Only Coros PACE 2 (0)
Nothing unique.
Only Garmin Forerunner 55 (0)
Nothing unique.
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Coros PACE 2 if…
- You want fewer charges: about 20 days per charge vs 14 days.
- You want a lighter watch: 29 g vs 37 g.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin Forerunner 55 only works with Android.
Skip it if…
- • You want a bright, vivid AMOLED screen — this one uses a lower-power display.
Pick the Garmin Forerunner 55 if…
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Coros PACE 2 only works with Android.
- You want the newer model (2021 vs 2020).
Skip it if…
- • You want a bright, vivid AMOLED screen — this one uses a lower-power display.
Frequently asked questions
Which has better battery life, the Coros PACE 2 or the Garmin Forerunner 55?
The Coros PACE 2 has the longer rated battery life: about 20 days per charge against 14 days. These are manufacturer ratings; heavy GPS, always-on display and cellular use will cut both.
Which is cheaper, the Coros PACE 2 or the Garmin Forerunner 55?
They have the same list price ($199) in our database. Check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Coros PACE 2 and Garmin Forerunner 55 work with iPhone and Android?
Yes, they have the same phone support: both iPhone and Android.
Which is better for swimming, the Coros PACE 2 or the Garmin Forerunner 55?
Neither has an edge on water rating: both are rated 5ATM. 5ATM is suitable for showering and pool swimming, but not for high-speed water sports or diving.
Not sure either is right for you?
Nine questions about your phone, sport, wrist and budget, scored against all of our watches with the reasoning shown.
Take the free quiz