Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Coros Pace 4
Best Battery LifeGarmin Forerunner 55
Best ValuePrice
$199-$249
$149-$199
Summary
Wirecutter's top GPS running watch pick, praised for lightning-fast GPS acquisition, exceptional battery life, and full training analysis at an entry-level price. Tom's Guide testers called it the best value running watch after testing 19 options.
Garmin's entry-level running watch punches well above its price, delivering GPS accuracy, Strava sync, and training data for around $160. Reddit beginners and veterans alike call it more than enough for most runners.
Pros
- Best-in-class battery life among running watches
- Fastest GPS signal acquisition tested by Wirecutter
- Full training analysis features despite entry-level pricing
- Accurate run tracking metrics across all distances
- Affordable at ~$160, frequently on sale
- Accurate GPS for run and bike tracking
- Syncs with Strava and Garmin Connect
- Long battery life for its price class
Cons
- Doesn't suggest daily workouts like Garmin watches do
- Smaller community and ecosystem than Garmin
- Less polished smartwatch experience outside of fitness
- No AMOLED display — basic MIP screen only
- Limited smartwatch features compared to Apple Watch or FR265
- Fewer advanced training metrics than higher-end Garmins
Our take
Coros has quietly built the best battery-life-to-price ratio in running watches, and the Pace 4 is the proof. If you hate charging your watch mid-training block, this is your answer.
Don't overthink it — the FR55 gives you 95% of what you need for running at half the price of fancier options. It's the watch I'd hand to any new runner without hesitation.
Buy
