Coros Vertix 2S vs Garmin Forerunner 970
Coros Vertix 2S (2024, listed at $699) 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 Vertix 2S
40-day adventure beast — offline global maps, dual-frequency GPS, titanium bezel.
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 Vertix 2S wins on battery life (40 days vs 15 days), price ($699 vs $749) and water rating (10ATM vs 5ATM); Garmin Forerunner 970 wins on weight (56 g vs 72 g) and tracked features (8 vs 5).
Bottom line: on raw specs the Coros Vertix 2S leads 3 to 2, 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 Vertix 2S | Garmin Forerunner 970 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 40 days | 15 days |
| Weight | 72 g | 56 g |
| List price | $699 | $749 |
| Water rating | 10ATM | 5ATM |
| Tracked features | 5 | 8 |
| Case size | 50 mm | 47 mm |
| Display | MIP | AMOLED |
| Works with | both iPhone and Android | both iPhone and Android |
| Listed best for | outdoor adventure 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
- blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
- on-device music
- offline maps
- swim tracking
Only Coros Vertix 2S (0)
Nothing unique.
Only Garmin Forerunner 970 (3)
- ECG
- contactless payments
- AMOLED display
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Coros Vertix 2S if…
- You want to spend less: it lists for $50 less.
- You want fewer charges: about 40 days per charge vs 15 days.
- Your main use is outdoor adventure: it is listed for that and the Garmin Forerunner 970 is not.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin Forerunner 970 only works with Android.
- You swim or paddle: 10ATM vs 5ATM.
Skip it if…
- • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 50 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).
- • You want something light enough to sleep in — it weighs 72 g.
- • You want a bright, vivid AMOLED screen — this one uses a lower-power display.
Pick the Garmin Forerunner 970 if…
- You want a lighter watch: 56 g vs 72 g.
- You need ECG, contactless payments and AMOLED display, which the Coros Vertix 2S does not list.
- Your main use is running: it is listed for that and the Coros Vertix 2S is not.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Coros Vertix 2S 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 Vertix 2S or the Garmin Forerunner 970?
The Coros Vertix 2S has the longer rated battery life: about 40 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 Vertix 2S or the Garmin Forerunner 970?
The Coros Vertix 2S has the lower list price: $699 against $749 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Coros Vertix 2S 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 Vertix 2S or the Garmin Forerunner 970?
Coros Vertix 2S: 10ATM is suitable for swimming and surface water sports. It is not a dive rating unless the maker says so. Garmin Forerunner 970: 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
Coros Vertix 2S
It is not the top pick for any standard quiz profile.
Related comparisons
- Garmin fēnix 8 vs Garmin Forerunner 970
- Coros Vertix 2S vs Garmin fēnix 8
- Garmin Forerunner 265 vs Garmin Forerunner 970
- Coros Vertix 2S vs Garmin Forerunner 265
- Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Garmin Forerunner 970
- Coros Vertix 2S vs Garmin Forerunner 965
- Garmin Forerunner 570 vs Garmin Forerunner 970
- Coros Vertix 2S vs Garmin Forerunner 570