COROS is back — and it’s taking aim squarely at Garmin and Suunto with its latest release, the COROS APEX 4. This next-generation multi-sport GPS watch merges the APEX 2 and APEX 2 Pro lines into a single, more powerful platform built for serious endurance athletes.
From offline maps and voice functionality to Bluetooth calling and offline music playback, COROS clearly listened to what users wanted most.
And with its rugged titanium-and-sapphire design and all-satellite GNSS tracking, the APEX 4 looks ready to tackle any challenge — from ultra-distance trail runs to triathlons in extreme environments.
Let’s dive into what makes the COROS APEX 4 stand out, how it compares to competitors like Garmin’s Fenix 8 and Suunto Race, and whether it deserves a spot on your wrist in 2025.
What’s New in the COROS APEX 4?
The APEX 4 represents the biggest leap in COROS’s lineup since the brand first entered the performance GPS watch scene. It doesn’t just combine two older models — it reinvents the APEX line entirely with:
Offline Maps for All: True topographical and street maps are now standard on both the 42mm and 46mm models, backed by 32 GB of unified storage. No more breadcrumb navigation on the smaller watch.
Zero-Lag Mapping: A significantly faster processor means map panning and zooming are finally smooth and responsive—a massive usability win during navigation.
Voice Features & Calling: The addition of a speaker and dual-microphones enables Bluetooth phone calls and, more importantly for training, spoken activity alerts (e.g., “Lap pace: 7:15”) and hands-free logging via “Voice Pins.”
Precision Tracking: Dual-Frequency GNSS (Multi-band) is now included on both sizes, ensuring pinpoint accuracy even in urban canyons or deep forests.
The Action Button: A new dedicated button for instant, one-tap access to maps or custom shortcuts.
In short, it’s the most feature-rich APEX watch yet, designed to keep up with athletes who demand reliability in remote locations.
Design & Display: Why MIP Still Wins
The APEX 4 comes in two sizes — 42.6 mm and 46.2 mm — to fit a wider range of wrists. Both feature a third-generation Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) touchscreen, offering high contrast and excellent readability under direct sunlight — a must-have for mountain runners and cyclists.
Specs at a glance:
| Model | Display | Weight (Silicone/Nylon Band) | Battery (Smartwatch Mode) |
|---|---|---|---|
| APEX 4 (46 mm) | 1.3″ (260×260 px) | 64g / 51g | Up to 24 days |
| APEX 4 (42 mm) | 1.2″ (240×240 px) | 56g / 44g | Up to 15 days |
Both variants feature Grade 5 titanium bezels, sapphire glass lenses, and 5 ATM water resistance, ensuring the APEX 4 can handle harsh environments without a scratch.
The new Action Button is another welcome upgrade. It joins the familiar digital crown and back button, providing one-tap access to maps, waypoints, and frequently used functions. This small addition makes a big usability difference on long runs.
Navigation & Mapping: Finally, True Offline Maps for All Users
If you’ve used earlier APEX watches, you know the frustration — the standard APEX 2 only offered breadcrumb navigation. At the same time, the Pro model got full maps. With the APEX 4, COROS has finally evened the playing field.
Now, both sizes get complete offline maps with:
- Street names and POIs
- Separated road and trail layers
- Wi-Fi downloads for any region
- Faster rendering and 100 route storage capacity
With 32 GB of unified storage, you can preload maps for your entire training season — no need to delete old routes before a big race.
When compared to Garmin’s Fenix 8, which offers full-color topo maps, COROS’s MIP display looks simpler but far more battery-efficient.
The experience is smoother than ever, and zooming/panning feels noticeably faster than previous COROS generations.
Sports & Sensors: Built for Every Athlete
Whether you’re running a trail ultra, diving into open water, or just exploring a new city, the APEX 4 is loaded with tools to keep your data accurate and your training smart.
All-Satellite Dual-Frequency GNSS
Supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, and QZSS — ensuring a consistent signal even in dense forests or urban canyons.
Depth-Gauge Sensor
Perfect for open-water swimmers and divers, it measures water depth and pressure in real time.
Full Sensor Suite Includes:
- Optical heart rate monitor
- Pulse oximeter
- ECG support
- Barometer and altimeter
- Compass and gyroscope
- Thermometer and body-temperature compatibility (via accessory)
And for the first time, COROS adds dual microphones and a speaker — not just for voice notes, but for hands-free calls and spoken activity alerts. Imagine your watch telling you when to hydrate or announcing your lap pace mid-run.
This feature alone brings COROS into new territory — and makes it a more direct rival to Garmin’s high-end models that already support phone calls and voice commands.
Battery Life: COROS Still Dominates Endurance
Battery life has always been one of COROS’s strongest selling points, and the APEX 4 keeps that tradition alive.
Here’s the breakdown by size and GNSS mode:
| Model | Endurance Mode | All Systems High | Dual Frequency Max | Smartwatch Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APEX 4 (46 mm) | Up to 65 hours | 53 hours | 41 hours | 24 days |
| APEX 4 (42 mm) | Up to 41 hours | 34 hours | 26 hours | 15 days |
Even in Dual-Frequency GNSS, the APEX 4 easily outlasts many Garmin or Suunto watches, offering long-distance athletes reliable tracking without mid-race charging stress.
Charging takes less than 2 hours via the COROS magnetic cable. Offline music playback is also supported via Bluetooth headphones, though this will slightly reduce endurance time.
Connectivity & Integrations
COROS continues to expand its ecosystem. The APEX 4 supports Bluetooth LE for accessories and phones, plus Wi-Fi for quick map and firmware downloads.
It integrates seamlessly with major fitness platforms, including:
- Strava
- Komoot
- TrainingPeaks
- Nike Run Club
- Relive
- adidas Running
- Stryd
- Apple Health
This wide compatibility means your training data flows wherever you want it — without tedious syncing issues.
Voice Functionality: A First for COROS
One of the standout new additions is the voice functionality. You can now make Bluetooth calls, set voice pins, and receive spoken training alerts.
This feature helps keep your hands free — a huge win for cyclists or anyone training in motion. It’s not quite at the level of Apple’s Siri or Google Assistant integration, but for COROS’s first attempt, it’s impressive and useful.
Price & Availability
The COROS APEX 4 is available now in two sizes:
- 42 mm — $429 USD
- 46 mm — $479 USD
Both versions are competitively priced against the Garmin Forerunner 965 ($599) and Suunto Race ($449).
Given the hardware upgrades, offline mapping, and battery efficiency, COROS has hit a solid balance between performance and value.
COROS APEX 4 vs. Garmin & Suunto: Which Should You Buy?
| Feature | COROS APEX 4 | Garmin Fenix 8 | Suunto Race |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | MIP | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Offline Maps | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Features | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Battery Life | Up to 65h | Up to 40h | Up to 55h |
| Price | From $429 | From $749 | From $449 |
Verdict:
If what matters most to you is battery life, toughness, and accurate mapping, the COROS APEX 4 gives you incredible value for the price.
Sure, Garmin still takes the crown when it comes to smartwatch features like AMOLED displays, built-in apps, and streaming music. Suunto, on the other hand, focuses on sleek design and a smooth user interface.
But COROS? It’s quickly becoming the top choice for serious endurance athletes — the ones who care more about performance and reliability than shiny extras.
Final Thoughts: COROS Just Leveled Up
The COROS APEX 4 shows just how far the brand has come. It’s no longer the “budget-friendly” alternative — it’s a genuine competitor in the premium multi-sport GPS category.
For trail runners, triathletes, and outdoor explorers, the APEX 4 delivers what matters most: accuracy, battery life, durability, and reliable mapping — now with modern perks like voice control and offline music.
If you’re training for your next ultra, mountain race, or simply want a watch that won’t quit before you do, the APEX 4 deserves a serious look.
