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With so many fitness watch brands on the market, it can be tough to choose the right one for your needs. Garmin, Polar, and Coros are three of the top brands that cater to athletes and fitness enthusiasts, offering a range of models designed to enhance performance tracking, training, and overall health management.
Each brand has its strengths, and choosing the right one depends on your fitness goals, preferred features, and budget. Let’s run through some differences between these three brands across performance tracking, battery life, features, and price.
Performance and Tracking Accuracy
Garmin
Garmin has long been recognised for its advanced GPS technology and accurate performance tracking. Whether you're a runner, cyclist, swimmer, or triathlete, Garmin provides comprehensive data tracking, including metrics like VO2 max, lactate threshold, and training load focus.
The Garmin Fenix and Forerunner series offer multisport capabilities, allowing you to seamlessly switch between activities like running, cycling, and swimming without missing a beat. Garmin's advanced heart rate sensors and precise GPS make it a top choice for endurance athletes.
Polar
Polar is a brand synonymous with heart rate-based training. Known for its reliable heart rate monitors, Polar offers in-depth analytics such as the Running Index and Fitness Test, which assess your aerobic and anaerobic fitness levels. While Garmin is known for multisport capabilities, Polar’s strength lies in detailed heart rate tracking, making it a go-to for athletes focused on cardiovascular health and heart rate zones.
Coros
While newer to the market, Coros has quickly built a reputation for its high-performance GPS accuracy and long battery life, particularly for ultra-endurance athletes. With models like the Coros Vertix and Pace 2, Coros offers precise navigation and great metrics for trail runners, cyclists, and outdoor athletes. Coros watches are ideal for those looking for rugged, durable devices with a focus on GPS tracking and outdoor navigation, without all the extra bells and whistles of some Garmin models.
Battery Life and Charging
Garmin
Garmin watches are known for their solid battery life, particularly in models like the Garmin Fenix 6 and Forerunner 945. However, running GPS and music playback simultaneously can drain the battery faster, so depending on your usage, you may need to charge more often. Garmin offers some models with solar charging, such as the Fenix 6 Solar, which helps extend battery life during long training sessions or outdoor adventures.
Polar
Polar watches typically offer shorter battery life compared to Garmin, but they still provide reliable performance for most users. The Polar Vantage V2 offers around 40 hours in GPS mode, which is more than enough for most workouts and races. However, for ultra-athletes who need extreme battery life, Polar’s offerings may not match Garmin’s solar-charged models or Coros' ultra-long-lasting battery.
Coros
Coros is a leader when it comes to battery life. The Coros Vertix offers up to 60 hours of continuous GPS tracking, and the Coros Pace 2 is known for its lightweight design and up to 30 hours of battery life with GPS on. The brand also offers solar charging in some models, making it a top choice for ultra-distance athletes who need a device that can keep up with their endurance training or long races.
Key Features and Smart Technology
Garmin
Garmin’s watches offer a comprehensive suite of features, including Garmin Pay, music storage, contactless payments, and smart notifications. With watches like the Garmin Venu and Forerunner 945, you can enjoy an all-in-one experience that combines fitness tracking with smartwatch capabilities. Garmin’s Garmin Connect platform syncs with your device, providing detailed analysis and personalized insights for your training and health data.
Polar
Polar focuses on performance metrics with features like Training Load Pro, which helps you assess how your body is handling your workouts, and Recovery Pro, which provides insights into your recovery needs. While Polar offers fewer smartwatch features than Garmin, it’s ideal for those who want in-depth analytics and data-driven insights for heart rate training and sport-specific tracking.
Coros
Coros offers essential fitness tracking features but doesn’t overwhelm users with extra smartwatch capabilities. Instead, the brand prioritises GPS accuracy, ultra-long battery life, and outdoor-specific features like altimeter and barometric pressure sensors. The Coros Pace 2 focuses on lightweight design with features like power meter compatibility for cycling and sleep tracking for recovery.
Pricing and Value for Money
Garmin
Garmin is generally more expensive than both Polar and Coros, especially for high-end models like the Garmin Fenix 7 or Forerunner 945. However, the brand offers a wide range of watches to suit different budgets, from the affordable Forerunner 45 to the premium Fenix 7X Pro Solar. Garmin provides excellent value for athletes looking for an all-in-one solution that combines performance tracking with smartwatch functionality.
Polar
Polar tends to offer more affordable options than Garmin, with models like the Polar Vantage V2 providing a solid range of features at a lower price point. For athletes who are primarily interested in heart rate-based training and sport-specific features, Polar offers excellent value without the premium pricing of Garmin.
Coros
Coros offers great value for the price, particularly with models like the Coros Pace 2, which delivers exceptional performance tracking and GPS accuracy at a lower cost than many Garmin and Polar models. If you’re looking for a high-performance, budget-friendly option with ultra-long battery life, Coros is a great choice.
The bottom line
The most important part of choosing a smart watch is understanding your specific needs—whether it’s advanced smartwatch features, sport-specific metrics, or long battery life. This’ll let you confidently choose the best brand for your endurance training. If you need advice, don’t hesitate to visit our store or get in touch with our friendly team.
