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 according to your priority.

In summary

- Garmin Forerunner 170: Garmin's newer-generation 43 mm option, with a 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen and Garmin's training ecosystem (daily suggested workouts, Garmin Coach per the sheet). - Garmin Forerunner 165: Garmin's earlier-generation 43 mm option, with an AMOLED display and Garmin's training features; it remains a fully relevant alternative. - COROS PACE 4 Standard: COROS's newer-generation option in a light format, with the polymer bezel and the COROS app (planning, load, recovery). - COROS Pace 3: COROS's earlier-generation option, light, with announced battery life as the headline claim of its sheet.

Our take

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

Garmin Forerunner 170 (newer generation) Who is it for? Runners who want a recent 43 mm case with an AMOLED touchscreen and Garmin's training features, without onboard music storage. Strengths - 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen, 43 mm case, according to the manufacturer sheet - Built-in GPS and wrist-based heart rate, according to the sheet - Garmin training features: daily suggested workouts and Garmin Coach, per the sheet - Standard model: music is controlled from your phone, with no storage on the watch Limitations - No standalone music playback on the watch: the Music variant is a separate product - Announced battery life varies with use (GPS, display): check the manufacturer sheet - Some features from higher Garmin ranges are not included

Garmin Forerunner 165 (earlier generation) Who is it for? Runners who want a 43 mm AMOLED display built for running and Garmin's training features, without onboard music storage. Strengths - 43 mm AMOLED display built for running - Garmin training features: daily suggested workouts and Garmin Coach, according to the manufacturer sheet - Standard model: music is controlled from your phone, with no storage on the watch Limitations - No standalone music playback on the watch - Announced battery life varies with use (GPS, display): check the manufacturer sheet - Some features from higher Garmin ranges are not included - The 43 mm case does not suit every wrist: check the fit

COROS PACE 4 Standard (newer generation) Who is it for? Runners and endurance athletes who train with the COROS app and want the newer generation in a light format. Strengths - Lightweight GPS sports watch, Standard edition with polymer bezel - The newer display/interface package documented in its product evidence - COROS training ecosystem: planning, load and recovery via the app Limitations - Aluminium editions are separate products; the band colour depends on the listing sold - Announced battery life varies with use (GPS, display): compare the sheets - No full mapping announced for this model per its sheet

COROS Pace 3 (earlier generation) Who is it for? Runners and endurance athletes who prioritise lightness, long wear and announced battery life as the headline claim. Strengths - Light GPS running watch designed for long wear - Battery life is the central claim on the manufacturer sheet, with several GPS modes - COROS training ecosystem: planning, load and recovery via the app Limitations - No mapping or onboard music according to the manufacturer sheet - The display and navigation differ from rival watches: check day-to-day usability - Real battery life depends on use (GPS, backlight) - The colourway varies by market: it does not change the features

Choosing between two models Three dedicated comparisons cover the documented differences model by model: Forerunner 165 or Forerunner 170, COROS Pace 3 or PACE 4, and Forerunner 170 or PACE 4. A fourth comparison covers the Forerunner 165 or COROS Pace 3. They are listed in the Comparisons section of the site.

Alternatives

GadgetScout also covers the HUAWEI Watch GT 6 Pro (46 mm), a fitness-and-everyday watch with a large display and wrist-based activity tracking, according to its published sheet. It can be an option if you want general activity tracking rather than a running-specialist watch: check the 46 mm format and phone compatibility.

• •Compatibility with your phone and the apps you already use
• •The case size relative to your wrist
• •Announced battery life for your GPS usage
• •Whether you need music or mapping on the watch

Verdict

None of these models is universally better: the Garmin Forerunner 170 and 165 lean on the AMOLED display and Garmin's ecosystem (with the 1.2-inch touchscreen on the 170), while the COROS PACE 4 Standard and Pace 3 lean on lightness and the COROS app. Choose according to your training priority, then check current prices and the official sheets before deciding.