Coros Pace 4 Review | Unbeatable Features for the Price

Just when you think GPS watches can do it all, COROS comes out with new updates and improved technology. Our review of the new Coros Pace 4 (and our team has a lot of Coros experience!).

Whenever there are bells and whistles added to tech gear I want to make sure that the basic features will still work well. For a running watch, that means an accurate GPS tracking system, long battery life, and a way to easily review my data.

I can say that COROS has managed to improve the basics of their GPS watch while also adding on some extra features.

COROS watches have a reputation for the wealth of data that they provide. The Pace 4 offers all the data that runners need with some additional features added on. The updated design with a bright and clear AMOLED display makes it ideal for wearing all day long. And a few small updates take this watch to the next level, making it an all around top choice for runners.

COROS Pace 4 Review

GPS Accuracy

I was skeptical about going back to COROS after using an older model of one of their watches that was not giving me good GPS accuracy. When I switched to Garmin I was very happy with the GPS so I was hoping the Pace 4 would be comparable to what I’m using now.

My daily runs around my neighborhood have a lot of turns, so I usually expect some variation and for tracking to be a bit off from time to time. On my first run using the Pace 4, my Garmin measured 4 miles and COROS measure 3.96.

Not a huge difference, but you could see how over longer runs that would add up. However, after that run the accuracy improved and I got similar readings from both watches. It’s likely still not as accurate as some of the very top end GPS watches from Garmin.

In fact, I wore both watches (Garmin 265s and COROS Pace 4) to run the Richmond Marathon and both measured the race at 26.34 miles.

COROS also released an update recently that now allows for activity cropping, so if you forget to stop your watch after you finish an activity you can go back and crop the activity using the app.

Heart Rate Tracking

I use a COROS armband heart rate monitor so to compare the wrist-based heart rate reading of the Pace 4 I also wore my Garmin connected to the armband.

The readings were almost identical, even when I glanced at each watch during the run. Usually I find a bit of a delay with wrist-based readings but the Pace 4 seemed to pick up on my heart rate just as quickly as the armband monitor.

This is likely due to the 5 LEDS and 4 photoreceptors.

While we are excited to see this, we’ve often found wrist sensors to be less reliable over time and especially unreliable during the winter, so we like the Coros arm band HR monitor!

Voice Notes

A new feature on the Pace 4 is the ability to record voice notes after a workout. At first I thought, why would I want to do that? But I tried it out and could see how it would be useful.

After a workout, you can select your RPE using the dial of the watch. Then there is an option to leave a voice note using the built in microphone.

So in the moment, right after you finish your workout, you can record anything relevant about how you felt, weather conditions, any pain or injuries, etc.

I know personally when I go into my training log to type out my notes for my coach after a workout I often forget how I felt or leave out important information. The voice note will be saved in your COROS app so you can transfer to another training log or just keep it there for you or a coach to review.

It even transcribes your voice note to text in the app so you can read back your note without having to listen to it.

Display and Design

The AMOLED touchscreen is large and bright, making it easy to read both throughout the day and during a workout. Even though the watch looks bigger than my Forerunner, it does not feel any heavier. (Garmin 265s weighs 39g and COROS Pace 4 weights 40g)

The silicon quick release band that it came with sometimes opens on it’s own throughout the day, so I am always trying to remember to make sure it is securely closed.

There are 3 buttons to navigate the features of the watch: one on the bottom left and two on the right. The top right button allows scrolling and is used to unlock or lock the watch by holding it down.

COROS recently released an update with new pause options. You can choose what happens when you pause the watch by going to System > Activity Interface > Dial Press Menu. You can choose between Instance Pause or Pause Options. If you choose Pause Options then when you pause an activity you will be able to scroll through other options.

When a workout is completed, and you select “finish”, you need to hold down the top right button for 3 seconds for it to save. There have been quite a few times when I left the watch paused because I forget to hold it down to finish and save the workout.

Daily Activity Tracking

The Pace 4 has similar features to most other fitness trackers, including sleep tracking, resting and daily HR, and HRV. A new COROS feature is menstrual cycle tracking.

You can select optional reminders such as an ovulation predictor or period reminder, and can track your symptoms. Collecting this information can potentially help with understanding how your workouts might feel during different phases of your cycle.

Another new feature on the Pace 4 is a built-in flashlight. I could see how this could be useful, but so far it hasn’t been something I’ve needed to use.

Not only does it have a fairly bright white flashlight, but there is also a “Red SOS” setting that blinks red if you are trying to get assistance.

Safety Alerts

A reliable and easy to use safety alert system is an important feature of a GPS watch. In order to use the safety alerts on the COROS Pace 4 you need to set up your emergency contacts in the app by adding their phone number and email address.

If you have the “safety alert” setting turned on your emergency contact will get a notification when you start an activity. (Make sure the COROS app is opened on your phone.) The email they receive has a link to your live tracking location.

In order to initiate a safety alert you need to hold the dial on the top right of the watch for 7 seconds. A text message and email will be sent to your emergency contacts requesting assistance.

Data Screens

Using the app, you can set up your data screens for activities to be completely customized to your preferences. Maybe you want one screen to show your average pace, activity time, and distance. Another screen can show heart rate and cadence. Any combination is possible!

Keep in mind that once you are using the watch during an activity it can be a little tricky to know what data you are looking at.

When you first scroll to a new screen it will say “average pace” in the average pace box, but that goes away after a few seconds and shows a pace symbol instead. So try to set up your screens in a way that you will know what you are looking at.

Battery Life

The Pace 4 lasts 41 hours on high GPS mode, and for 19 days of daily use (6 days with the screen display always on). The estimated charging time is 1.5 hours.

It comes with a USB-C charging adapter on a keychain so you can charge it on the go. (You still need a USB-C charging cord). The adapter is small, so it would be smart to keep it on an actual keychain otherwise I could see this getting lost easily.

When comparing the Pace 4 to the Pace 3, there are a few improvements and updates. The display is brighter and clearer, with higher resolution and an AMOLED display. There is an additional action button on the watch for shortcuts to your most used features, pins, and more. The battery life is increased from 25 to 41 hours during activities and 15 days to 19 days during daily use. Additionally, there is a microphone for recording training notes and voice commands, as well as menstrual cycle tracking.

While many runners don’t need all of these features, they sure can be nice to have. And COROS was able to add on these extras without taking away any of the foundational features that are most important. For $249 the Pace 4 offers a ton of features as well as everything you would get from other watch brands.

Buy COROS Pace 4

Who Tried It?

Lisa is a distance runner, running coach, counselor, and mom of 2 kids. She’s been running since high school and has completed 8 marathons and dozens of other races. Her runs are usually done in the early morning hours either on the roads or on the treadmill. Lisa has also embraced strength training to stay strong and prevent injuries. You can find Lisa on instagram at @milebymile.

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