The Coros Pace 4, released in November 2025, represents Coros’s latest attempt to balance premium features with an accessible price point.
This lightweight running watch brings several notable upgrades over its predecessor while maintaining the brand’s reputation for exceptional battery life.
But does it deliver enough to stand out in the competitive sub-$300 sports watch market? Our in-depth Coros Pace 4 review examines all the details.
Display and Design: Premium Feel at a Budget Price
Coros has significantly upgraded the display on the Pace 4, moving from the Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) screen found on the Pace 3 to a vibrant 1.2-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 390×390 pixels. AMOLED display is also seen in Coros Pace Pro .
This represents a 164% increase in resolution over the Pace 3, resulting in noticeably sharper graphics and more vibrant colors .
The watch features a 1,500 nits brightness rating, making it easily readable even in direct sunlight .
Reviewers found the screen consistently visible during various lighting conditions, including early morning and evening runs .
Dimensions, Build Material and Weight
Weighing just 32 grams with the nylon band (or 40g with silicone), the Pace 4 is exceptionally lightweight .
Its thin 11.8mm profile makes it comfortable for all-day wear and sleep tracking .
The case is constructed from high-strength polymer and features mineral glass covering the display, an upgrade from the plastic cover on the Pace 3 .
The watch maintains the 22mm band size for compatibility with existing accessories .
The Pace 4 introduces a new “Action Button” on the left side, joining the digital crown and back button on the right .
This additional button provides quicker access to certain functions during activities.
Battery Life: Exceptional Endurance
Despite the power-hungry AMOLED display, Coros has managed to improve battery performance in most metrics:
- Daily use: Up to 19 days (6 days with always-on display)
- GPS mode: 41 hours in High GPS mode (all systems)
- Max GPS mode: 31 hours (all systems plus dual frequency)
Real-world testing confirms these estimates are largely accurate, with one reviewer reporting approximately 4% battery drain per hour during GPS activities with always-on display enabled .
The Pace 4 actually surpasses the battery life of the Pace 3 in most GPS modes despite having a more power-intensive display .
Health Tracking Features
The Pace 4 provides comprehensive health monitoring, including:
Reviewers found the sleep tracking generally accurate, with results closely matching other wearable devices .
The watch’s lightweight design makes it comfortable for overnight wear, unlike some bulkier competitors .
Sports Features and Tracking Accuracy
The Pace 4 covers a wide range of sports profiles, with particular emphasis on running. Key sports features include:
- Dual-frequency/multi-band GPS for improved accuracy in challenging environments
- Structured workout support with on-device creation
- Breadcrumb navigation for route following
- Running fitness metrics including race predictions and training load analysis
- Multisport mode for triathlon training
Reviewers consistently praised the GPS accuracy, with one noting they had “no worrying deviations from the route” during testing .
The optical heart rate sensor also received positive feedback, with performance described as “accurate enough to use to judge your effort in training” .
New Features Added
Voice Features and Action Button
The addition of a microphone enables two useful voice features:
- Voice Pins: Record voice notes to mark specific locations during activities
- Training Log Voice Notes: Automatically prompted after workouts to record thoughts, with automatic transcription in the Coros app
Users found these features more useful than expected, with one calling the voice logging a “game-changer” for capturing ideas during runs without interrupting the flow .
The new Action Button can be customized for various functions during activities, such as switching data screens or dropping voice pins .
Some users felt this button was underutilized, with limited customization options outside of sport modes .
Other Notable Features
- Display-based flashlight using the screen as a light source
- Media controls for controlling music/podcasts on your phone
- Improved charging system with USB-C adapter that can attach to any cable
Improvements Compared to Pace 3
The Pace 4 brings several key upgrades over the Pace 3:
- Display: MIP → AMOLED with significantly higher resolution
- Battery life: Improved GPS battery in all modes
- New hardware: Addition of microphone and action button
- Cover material: Plastic → mineral glass for better durability
- Heart rate sensor: Newer generation with potentially better accuracy
The price has increased from $229 to $249, representing a $20 premium over the Pace 3’s original price . Interestingly, Coros has reduced the price of the Pace 3 to $199, creating a clearer budget option .
Coros Pace 4: Strengths and Weaknesses
What the Pace 4 Does Well
Coros Pace 4 is one of the best running watches under $400 .
The exceptional battery life for an AMOLED watch at this price point is something to note as its strength.
The comfortable, lightweight design makes the watch really worth considering.
What It Lacks
The most notable omission is offline maps, with the Pace 4 limited to breadcrumb navigation .
The music storage only supports MP3 files with no streaming service integration.
Some users noted the action button has limited customization and can’t be programmed for use outside sports modes .
Coros Pace 4 vs Suunto Race 2
Suunto and Coros are generally considered direct competitors in their price and quality range. Here is how pace 4 compares to Suunto race 2:
- Display: Both feature high-quality AMOLED displays, though the Pace 4’s smaller 1.2″ screen may appeal to those with smaller wrists
- Navigation: The Suunto Race 2 offers full offline mapping, while the Pace 4 is limited to breadcrumb navigation
- Price: The Pace 4 sits at a lower price point ($249 vs approximately $449 for the Race 2)
- Battery life: The Pace 4 likely offers longer battery life based on Coros’s historical performance
- Target audience: The Pace 4 is runner-focused, while the Race 2 caters to broader outdoor activities
Coros Pace 4 Verdict: Who Should Buy It?
The Coros Pace 4 successfully threads the needle between price and performance, offering a compelling package for runners and triathletes.
You Should Buy the Coros Pace 4 If:
- You want a lightweight, comfortable watch for daily training and racing
- Battery life is a priority, especially for GPS activities
- You prefer the vibrant display of AMOLED technology
- You don’t require offline maps for navigation
You Might Consider Other Options If:
- You need full offline mapping (consider Coros Pace Pro or Suunto Race 2)
- Music streaming integration is essential (consider Garmin Forerunner 570 and other models)
- You prefer the always-visible MIP displays in bright sunlight (consider Coros Pace 3)
With its combination of premium display, exceptional battery life, and runner-focused features at a competitive price point, the Coros Pace 4 sets a new standard for what budget running watches can deliver.
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