COROS PACE 4: Upgrades Without the Price Hike Might Make It the Best Budget Running Watch of 2025

Announced on November 10, 2025, the COROS PACE 4 is the latest evolution of COROS’s lightweight performance running watch line — and it’s already drawing attention for bringing a bright AMOLED display, upgraded sensors, and new voice-driven features to one of the most affordable serious training watches on the market. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know: what’s new compared to the PACE 3, how it stacks up against Garmin’s closest rivals, what experts are saying, and who this watch is really built for — from everyday runners to data-driven athletes chasing every marginal gain.

COROS PACE 4 Review from Our Partner at Chase the Summit

What’s New on the COROS PACE 4

If you’re familiar with the earlier COROS PACE 3 and watching COROS’s evolution (e.g., the COROS APEX 4, COROS NOMAD), the PACE 4 adds a number of meaningful upgrades for serious runners and multisport athletes.

Here are the key changes compared to the Pace 3:

• Display upgrade: Switched from a 1.2″ Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) display to a 1.2″ AMOLED screen (~1,500 nits brightness) with higher clarity.
  
  
• Resolution increase: From 240×240px in the Pace 3 to 390×390px in the Pace 4.
  
  
• Cover material improved: Mineral glass instead of plastic (improves durability and scratch resistance). (As mentioned in the spec summary.)
  
  
• Added a dedicated “Action Button” (third physical button) inherited from higher-end COROS models.
  
  
• Added a microphone for recording training logs and “Voice Pins” (i.e., voice notes tied to workouts) — though note: no speaker, so not full smart speaker functionality.
  
  

• Switched to newer optical HR sensor for better accuracy/spikes & drop reduction.

• Battery time for GPS (“High GPS” / all-systems) increased versus Pace 3. COROS claims 41 hours in GPS mode, and up to 19 days in daily use.
  
  
• Daily (non-GPS) battery life in always-on display modes has decreased compared to the MIP display of the Pace 3 (AMOLED uses more power) — COROS lists ~6 days in “always-on”.
  
  
• New features:
  
  
  • Display-based flashlight (LED/backlight functionality) for low-light runs.
    
    
  • Voice Pins and training log voice notes (via mic) — you can speak directly after a set or interval to tag how you feel.
    
    
  • Media controls (e.g., control music/podcast on your phone) from the watch.
    
    
  • Menstrual cycle tracking built-in to watch and app.
    
    
• Form-factor and physical specs:
  
  
  • Band size remains 22 mm — maintains compatibility with existing straps.
    
    
  • Weight: 40g with silicone band; 32g with optional nylon band.
    
    
  • Thickness: 11.8 mm.
    
    
  • Offered in two “basic” colorways (black and white) with either silicone or nylon bands.
    
    
• Price: Launch MSRP rises from $229 (PACE 3) to $249 (PACE 4).
  
  

Summary of new features takeaway: If you were using or considering the Pace 3, the PACE 4 gives you a sharper, brighter display, newer sensor hardware, added physical button + mic features, and better GPS endurance — all while staying in the budget-friendly ~$250 window. For runners who care about those tangible upgrades (especially display and sensor/platform longevity), this is a meaningful step up.

What the Experts Are Saying About the PACE 4 Running Watch

Here’s a snapshot of how the watch is being received by reviewers and tech analysts, geared toward savvy runners:

From Dave from Chase the Summit (in his video review):

“This thing is pretty awesome. I really like this little watch. ... might be one of the best options out there for a sport watch under $250 right now. … great user interface, a good app experience, crazy long battery life, a small, comfortable, light form-factor, and a great display at a compelling price point.”

He adds caveats:

• He wishes it had mapping like the higher-end COROS watches (it does not).
  
  
• He reports mixed HR accuracy so far and suggests waiting on firmware or re-testing sensor.

He concludes: for someone who wants a simple, lightweight sport watch (5 K, marathon, even 100 m ultra) it’s a strong fit.

From DC Rainmaker (in his in-depth review):

• • Confirms the PACE 4 brings the new action button (as seen in NOMAD/APEX) but notes the Action Button is still only usable in sport modes (and not fully customizable outside) — a minor limitation.
    
    
  • Calls out the display: “Obviously now an AMOLED display (1,500 nits)… no issues there.”
    
    
  • On battery charts: “GPS battery life is very solid here, easily surpassing the Pace 3 in every mode.”
    
    
  • On form-factor: appreciates the smaller size/weight for running everyday.
    
    
  • On trade-offs: Recognizes the lack of full mapping/navigation is a deliberate decision to keep cost/size down.

Other reviewers echo the value proposition: budget ~$249, AMOLED display, excellent battery for the size class, some compromises (e.g., no offline music streaming, mapping limitations) but overall excellent for the price.

Key points to weigh from expert commentary:

• Display and battery upgrades are very real and impactful for runners.
  
  
• HR sensor and platform upgrades are expected to be better, but some early users report mixed results — worth keeping eye on future firmware.
  
  
• If you need navigation/ offline maps/ full smartwatch ecosystem, this watch may not cover that — deliberate trade-off at this price/size.
  
  
• For runners prioritizing lightweight, focused performance (rather than full smartwatch bells & whistles), this hits a strong sweet spot.
  
  

Who the COROS PACE 4 is for — And Who Might Opt for Something Else

Who the PACE 4 is well suited for:

• Runners (road or trail) who want a lightweight, comfortable GPS sport watch: 32g / 40g is impressively light.
  
  
• Serious runners who care about meaningful performance features (training load, structured workouts, pace analysis) but don’t need full mapping/navigation.
  
  
• Budget-conscious athletes who still want premium hardware (AMOLED display, upgraded sensors).
  
  
• People with smaller wrists or those who dislike chunky watches: 11.8 mm thickness helps.
  
  
• Those who use the watch primarily for sport/running (rather than general smartwatch features) and value battery life above “smart” features.
  
  
• Athletes who already use or are comfortable with the COROS ecosystem and are okay with some trade-offs compared to full Garmin connectivity.
  
  

Who might want to consider something else (or upgrade up):

• If you require offline maps, turn-by-turn navigation, and richer mapping features (e.g., trail/urban navigation) — go with a higher-end COROS like the PACE Pro or a Garmin model.
  
  
• If you want full smartwatch features: music streaming/download (Spotify/Apple), NFC payments, app ecosystem (e.g., Garmin Connect IQ) you may prefer a Garmin like the Garmin Forerunner 265 or 570. Dave from Chase the Summit noted that Garmin 165, while less battery life, offered more smart features.
  
  
• If wrist-based HR sensor accuracy is mission-critical (e.g., triathlon transitions, chest strap backup a must) you may decide on a higher-end sensor/watch or pair with external HR strap.
  
  
• If you want maximum battery life (multi-day adventures, back-to-back ultramarathons) the watch is good, but other COROS models (or larger cases) may provide longer lasting runtimes.
  
  
• If you prefer a large screen (for readability mid-stride), the 1.2″ may feel modest compared to 1.4″+ on some rivals.
  
  

Recommendation of alternatives:

• For runners leaning toward full ecosystem + mapping: consider Garmin Forerunner 265 or Forerunner 570 (higher cost, more “smartwatch” features).
  
  
• If you want mapping but still COROS ecosystem: the Pace Pro is the next step up (adds mapping, more storage) — if your budget allows.
  
  
• If you’re fully budget-driven and okay with fewer features/display compromises: the Pace 3 remains a decent value if discounted.
  

COROS PACE 4 Feature Comparison Table

Here’s a practical comparison of general & specific features so you can see where the PACE 4 stands relative to its predecessor and other typical options.

🏁 Final Thoughts

For a serious runner who cares deeply about form-factor, display quality, battery endurance, and meaningful sports features, the COROS PACE 4 is a compelling choice. It hits the sweet spot of lightweight comfort + strong running/fitness tracking + sensible price (~$249) while offering meaningful upgrades over its predecessor.

At the same time, it’s important to recognise the intentional trade-offs: you won’t get full smart features, full navigation/mapping, or perhaps the richest sensor ecosystem Garmin offers — but you do get a focused tool designed for performance rather than distraction.

To summarize:

If your priority is “train smarter, run faster, minimal bulk, maximum battery for the money” and you’re okay skipping some of the extras, the PACE 4 should be high on your list.
If your priority is “everything in one watch” (mapping + streaming + payments + huge app ecosystem), then you might slide up in budget or pick a different model.