Late in cycle — a new model is likely coming
Best for: Beginner and intermediate runners who want real GPS accuracy and Garmin's analytics depth without the price of the 265 or 965. Also ideal as a first serious GPS watch for anyone moving up from a fitness tracker.
Full details →Current model just released
Best for: Trail runners, ultramarathon athletes, and multisport competitors who want full offline maps and long GPS battery without paying Vertix 2S prices. The speaker and depth gauge make the Apex 4 more capable than any previous Apex for mixed adventure and triathlon use.
Full details →| Garmin Forerunner 165 | COROS Apex | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Sports GPS | Sports GPS |
| Platform | iOS & Android | iOS & Android |
| Battery | 11 days | 24 days |
| Always-on display | ❌ | ❌ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ❌ | ❌ |
| Health sensors | hr, spo2, hrv, stress, body battery | hr, spo2, hrv, training load, skin temp |
| Released | Mar 5, 2024 | Oct 15, 2025 |
| Cycle length | 1006 days | 1126 days |
| Cycle advice | bad | good |
| Deals advice | good | neutral |
| Next model | Garmin Forerunner 170 (Expected March 2026) | — |
The FR165 is the first Garmin entry-level running watch with an AMOLED display — dramatically more readable than the LCD it replaces.
Training load, recovery time, Body Battery, HRV status, VO2 max estimation — the same analytics found on watches costing twice as much.
11 days typical use and roughly 19 hours GPS — enough for most training blocks without mid-week charging.
The 46mm Apex 4 delivers 65 hours of GPS tracking and 24 days typical use — enough for multi-day mountain events without charging. The 42mm offers 41h GPS and 15 days.
Global topographic maps with instant rendering, turn-by-turn navigation, POIs, and an underwater depth gauge — the Apex 4 is the first COROS mid-tier with a depth sensor.
Audio alerts, hands-free calling, and voice pin recording — a first for the Apex line, adding practical trail and daily-wear convenience to this mountain sports watch.