Coros PACE Pro vs Garmin Forerunner 970
Coros PACE Pro (2024, listed at $349) and Garmin Forerunner 970 (2025, listed at $749) are both sport watches, so the choice comes down to specifics.
Specs last updated · prices are list prices
Coros PACE Pro
Coros goes AMOLED — offline maps, dual-frequency GPS and 20-day battery for serious runners.
Garmin Forerunner 970
Garmin's flagship runner — built-in LED flashlight, ECG, running tolerance and projected race time.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Coros PACE Pro wins on battery life (20 days vs 15 days), weight (49 g vs 56 g) and price ($349 vs $749); Garmin Forerunner 970 wins on tracked features (8 vs 5).
Bottom line: on raw specs the Coros PACE Pro leads 3 to 1, 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 Pro | Garmin Forerunner 970 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 20 days | 15 days |
| Weight | 49 g | 56 g |
| List price | $349 | $749 |
| Water rating | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Tracked features | 5 | 8 |
| Case size | 46 mm | 47 mm |
| Display | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Works with | both iPhone and Android | both iPhone and Android |
| Listed best for | running and multisport and triathlon | running and multisport and triathlon |
| Released | 2024 | 2025 |
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 (5)
- built-in GPS
- on-device music
- AMOLED display
- offline maps
- swim tracking
Only Coros PACE Pro (0)
Nothing unique.
Only Garmin Forerunner 970 (3)
- ECG
- blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
- contactless payments
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Coros PACE Pro if…
- You want to spend less: it lists for $400 less.
- You want fewer charges: about 20 days per charge vs 15 days.
- You want a lighter watch: 49 g vs 56 g.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin Forerunner 970 only works with Android.
Skip it if…
- • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 46 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).
Pick the Garmin Forerunner 970 if…
- You need ECG, blood-oxygen (SpO₂) and contactless payments, which the Coros PACE Pro does not list.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Coros PACE Pro only works with Android.
- You want the newer model (2025 vs 2024).
Skip it if…
- • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 47 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).
- • You are watching your budget — the list price is $749.
Frequently asked questions
Which has better battery life, the Coros PACE Pro or the Garmin Forerunner 970?
The Coros PACE Pro has the longer rated battery life: about 20 days per charge against 15 days. These are manufacturer ratings; heavy GPS, always-on display and cellular use will cut both.
Which is cheaper, the Coros PACE Pro or the Garmin Forerunner 970?
The Coros PACE Pro has the lower list price: $349 against $749 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Coros PACE Pro and Garmin Forerunner 970 work with iPhone and Android?
Yes, they have the same phone support: both iPhone and Android.
Which is better for swimming, the Coros PACE Pro or the Garmin Forerunner 970?
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 quizWhere each one ranks #1 in our quiz
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