We're not going to lie to each other. The pleasure of a sports watch is measured by the number of profiles available. On this ground, Garmin drives the point home: more than 30 sports, ultra-precise tracking, diving, golf, climbing, triathlon, running, trail, sea/pool swimming, Nordic skiing... the list never ends. Coros Pace Pro takes a minimalist but effective approach. In short: the essentials for the runner, the cyclist, the swimmer, the triathlete, the trailer are there. No dispersion, a clear interface that gets straight to the point.
This pragmatism appeals to those who want to activate recording in two gestures. Precious detail: each mode of the Garmin Forerunner 965 offers lens settings, customizable profiles - enough to get lost, if you don't have an exploring soul.
Trail: both manage the altitude difference autolap; only the Garmin takes the analysis further in the field.
Swimming: style detection and transitions better managed on Garmin, basic on Coros.
A Sunday, 8 a.m., Canal du Midi, biting east wind. We continue running, cycling, then swimming. There Forerunner 965 switches from one sport to another automatically: triathlon, swimrun; global chrono, timed transitions, everything comes together. There Coros Pace Pro requires you to go through the interface again to change activity - less fluid for multisport addicts, but without a false note nonetheless.
For fans of long distance or non-standard formats: more than 40 sports profiles on the Garmin, compared to 8 heart modes on the Coros. Everyone has their own compass.
Model | Sports modes | Multi-activity | Personalization |
|---|---|---|---|
Garmin Forerunner 965 | 40+ | Yes, automated transitions | Total |
Coros Pace Pro | 8 essentials | Basic, via interface | Configurable but limited |
When the path steepens at 20%, the question is no longer “where are we going” but “how much longer does it last?”. There ClimbPro functionsignature Garminautomatically detects each ascent, displays distance, remaining elevation gain, average slope — a must for demanding trail runners. Coros Pace Pro offers classic altimeter profile monitoring — enough to not get lost, but without advanced analysis or dynamic route segmentation.
ClimbPro: your virtual coach on Garmin, step-by-step analysis, compares to old runs.
Coros: simple, efficient graph, without algorithmic overlay.
Once again, it all depends on tolerance for data — some don't ask for more, others want to dissect everything.
Who has never gotten lost in the mist during a trail? The map makes the difference. On Garmin Forerunner 965the color mapping is integrated, dense, viewable even off-grid. Creation, import-export, modification live on the watch: it’s a system in its own right. At the house of Coros Pace Prono map layer. We simply import the GPX track, which the watch displays as a line on a black background, with a progress arrow.
In the middle of the forest, the GPS navigation advanced Garmin proves to be relentless, locks the route, signals exits from the track, even suggests an intelligent “return to the start” in the event of a U-turn. Coros does the job: follow the track, sound signal if you deviate, but without graphic challenge or enriched visual guidance.
Course creator: Garmin allows editing on the watch or in the app; Coros requires preparation on PC or mobile before syncing.
Unknown trails: Garmin HD display, dual-frequency GPS, stability in the undergrowth; Solid core, but sometimes lagging precision under dense canopy.
One Sunday evening, improvisation of an outing. On the Garmin Forerunner 965we draw the route directly on the watch — zoom, points of interest, estimated duration. We modify the itinerary in the event of an unforeseen event, we download instantly via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Valuable for exploring off the beaten track or correcting a missed start.
Direct creation using the Garmin OS, no need to use the PC.
Full GPX import from the app or Strava.
Everything is designed to save time — and save money. battery avoiding unnecessary detours.
There is no point in drowning the fish. Coros Pace Pro gets to the point: GPX file, wired route, direction arrow, vibrating alert trace output. It’s simplicity itself — zero overlay, no overconsumption. For many, this is sufficient security.
But you have to prepare everything in advance: import the route onto PC, synchronize, launch the session. Purists will love its speed and the fact that it never loses a drop of battery for the superfluous. Everyone, again and always, has their own level of demands – or letting go.
The watch that is used for everything — and above all to make your life easier. On the Garmin Forerunner 965everything is there: native installation of Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Musicmanagement and downloading of playlists, listening via Bluetooth without a smartphone. Another notable advantage, the NFC integrated for contactless payment via Garmin Pay : get supplies at the village bakery or pay for a drink on the terrace, without a wallet. Quite simply, it’s a comfort that we adopt very quickly.
Rich notifications, message replies (Android only)calendar, weather, various widgets.
Garmin Connect IQ: market of apps and dials, multiple utilities, extreme customization.
Difficult to be more complete in 2025: the Garminbecomes an extension of oneself, well beyond sport or navigation.
Frankly, it's a blind spot in the Coros Pace Pro . Music storage exists, but you have to transfer the songs manually via USB cable. No Spotify or streaming services. No NFC to pay for your purchases in the middle of a run. Usage is basic: MP3 listening, volume control, pause/play. For some, this is enough; for others, a real weak point.
Simple notifications, call and SMS alerts, but no direct responses.
No advanced customization outside of standard Coros dials.
Again, the sobriety bias makes sense — but it closes the door to those looking for a versatile smartwatch, not just a sports GPS watch.
Obvious, right? More the battery lasts, the longer freedom stretches. There Coros Pace Proburies all debates on this subject: 24 to 30 hours in full GPS mode up to 20 days in watch only mode. Garmin Forerunner 965displays approximately 7 to 11 p.m. in maximum GPS and 6-7 days in connected mode. This difference disappears with classic use, but as soon as marathon sessions and ultras start, the Coros Pace Pro reassures.
Real experience: Montagne Noire test, 6h outing, bottom of battery on Coros at 73%, Garmin at 59%. Minor difference on the semi, decisive from the ultra. Fast charging on both, less than 90 minutes for a full fill-up; no overheating noted.
Watch | GPS battery (hours) | Battery Watch Mode (days) | Charging time |
|---|---|---|---|
Garmin Forerunner 965 | 19-23 | 6-7 | ~90 mins |
Coros Pace Pro | 24-30 | 20 | ~90 mins |
Use over several days without recharging: Coros wins in autonomy GPS.
In daily use without sport, the difference diminishes.
Less stress, more independence – and at the end of the session, that ultimately makes all the difference.
It must be clear: the Garmin Forerunner 965 is not for all budgets. Price displayed in store: €599 public price excluding discounts, sometimes less as the Paris marathon approaches. There Coros Pace Pro borders on €349 — online, competition is still undercutting prices. The difference is clear: practically a single to double.
Garmin targets the high end: finishes, materials, features and exclusive ecosystem.
Coros casts a wide net among pragmatic athletes: solid performance and price muscle.
This big gap creates two worlds, two ways of looking at the real cost of high-performance sports tracking. The question will never be resolved by the tester – only the user decides, depending on whether he favors the lifespan, the featuresadvances or the look. In short, it’s always discussed, in front of a window… or between two splits.
Who follows? Anyone who wants everything, right away - the watch that receives emails, downloads apps, performs on the track and at the table, will opt for the Garmin Forerunner 965. The discreet, autonomous, robust tracker enthusiast, who requires no more than the essentials to perform, will swear by the Coros Pace Pro .
Garmin Forerunner 965 :
Titanium status design, XXL AMOLED screen, ultra-advanced GPS navigation.
Multimedia and payment ecosystem NFC complete.
Advanced sports features, multi-sport tracking, ClimbPro, extensive IoT compatibility.
Coros Pace Pro:
Lightness, marathon autonomy, refined interface.
Simple and efficient navigation, essential sports modes.
Manual music storage, basic connected features, but no frills.
Basically, it's always the same story: priority to connected life or pure freedom. Everyone has their own limits, everyone has their own watch – and that, ultimately, is what makes sense.
Weight & comfort : Coros unbeatable for discretion, Garmin for presence.
Design: statutory titanium at Garmin, durable plastic at Coros.
Screen: Huge and bright AMOLED on Garmin, sober and efficient on Coros.
GPS navigation: immersive and customizable on Garmin, direct and safe on Coros.
Battery: Coros champion in the ultra; equivalent daily use.
Ecosystem: streaming, NFC payment, Garmin apps – sober efficiency at Coros.
Price: two worlds, two budgets, a choice that becomes lighter – or heavier – over time.
Tested and purchased in store RunAdvisor Toulousethen compared to the offers on the official site Coros(delivery within 72 hours, premium after-sales service) and in the Garmin corners of Vieux Campeur Paris. Garmin seduces with the packaging, the detailed instructions, the Connect IQ app which is easy to install. Coros, minimalist in form, focuses everything on functionality and the effectiveness of chat support. After-sales — fast and localized for both, with clear management of product return in 2025 (field test until June, Paris and South-West, split and ultras controlled sessions).
David Deteve, editor & field tester — last updated: February 2025.
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