Best Running Watches for Training: GadgetScout Shortlist

Published 9 Sept 2026

Our current shortlist of running watches for training, among the products covered by GadgetScout: Forerunner 170 or 165, PACE 4 Standard or Pace 3, without a universal ranking.

Among the running watches currently covered by GadgetScout, four models serve different training priorities: the Garmin Forerunner 170 (newer generation) and Garmin Forerunner 165 (earlier generation) on the Garmin side, the COROS PACE 4 Standard (newer generation) and COROS Pace 3 (earlier generation) on the COROS side. This shortlist helps you choose between them.

QUICK PICKS - Choose the Garmin Forerunner 170 if you want Garmin's newer-generation 43 mm option: a 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen and Garmin's structured training features (daily suggested workouts, Garmin Coach per the spec sheet). - Choose the Garmin Forerunner 165 if the AMOLED display and Garmin's structured training features matter most in the earlier generation; it remains a fully relevant alternative. - Choose the COROS PACE 4 Standard if you train with the COROS app (planning, load, recovery) and want the newer generation in a light format with the polymer bezel. - Choose the COROS Pace 3 if light weight and battery-first design are your priorities in the earlier generation.

This shortlist covers only the products GadgetScout currently covers; it does not claim to include every option available. It is built only from documented sources: the published product sheets and the manufacturer-announced specs. We have not run independent tests. Current pricing can change, so check both before deciding.

• •Garmin Forerunner 170: a newer-generation 43 mm running watch with a 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen; built-in GPS and wrist-based heart rate; standard model without onboard music storage (music from your phone); daily suggested workouts and Garmin Coach
• •Garmin Forerunner 165: a 43 mm AMOLED running watch; standard model without onboard music storage; daily suggested workouts and Garmin Coach
• •COROS PACE 4 Standard: a lightweight GPS sports watch with a polymer bezel (Standard edition); the newer display/interface package documented in its product evidence; the COROS training app covers planning, load and recovery
• •COROS Pace 3: a light GPS running watch; battery life is the headline spec with several GPS modes; the COROS training app covers planning, load and recovery; no onboard mapping or music per the spec sheet

• •Garmin Forerunner 170: newer-generation Garmin option with an AMOLED touchscreen and Garmin's structured training features
• •Garmin Forerunner 165: bright AMOLED display built for running and Garmin's structured training features
• •COROS PACE 4 Standard: light watch, polymer bezel Standard edition, and the COROS training app
• •COROS Pace 3: light watch built for long wear, with battery life as the headline spec and the COROS training app

• •Garmin Forerunner 170: no offline music on the watch (the Music variant is a separate product); announced battery life varies with GPS and display use (check the specs); some higher-tier features aren't included
• •Garmin Forerunner 165: no offline music on the watch; announced battery life varies with GPS and display use (check the specs); some higher-tier features aren't included; the 43 mm case isn't the smallest — check the fit
• •COROS PACE 4 Standard: Aluminium editions are separate products; band color depends on the listing; announced battery varies with use — compare the sheets; no full mapping announced per its sheet
• •COROS Pace 3: no onboard mapping or music per the spec sheet; the display and menu navigation differ from Garmin-style watches, so it's worth checking in person; real battery life depends on GPS use and backlight settings; colorways vary by market

WHO IT FITS

The Garmin Forerunner 170 for runners who want Garmin's newer generation with an AMOLED touchscreen and structured training features without music on the watch. The Garmin Forerunner 165 for runners who want a Garmin with a bright AMOLED display and structured training features in the earlier generation. The COROS PACE 4 Standard for runners and endurance athletes who train with the COROS app and want the newer generation in a light format. The COROS Pace 3 for runners and endurance athletes who want a light watch and battery-first design.

BUYING DECISION

Neither the Garmin pair nor the COROS pair is universally better: the Forerunner 170 and 165 lean on the AMOLED display and Garmin's ecosystem (with the 1.2-inch touchscreen on the 170), while the PACE 4 Standard and Pace 3 lean on lightness and the COROS app. Choose according to your training priority, then check the current prices and the official spec sheets before deciding.

For a direct head-to-head, three dedicated comparisons cover the documented differences: Forerunner 165 or Forerunner 170, COROS Pace 3 or PACE 4, and Forerunner 170 or PACE 4; a fourth covers the Forerunner 165 or COROS Pace 3. They are listed in the Comparisons section of the site.