Coros Apex 2 Review

With smaller GPS watches, you can generally expect to sacrifice features and battery life due to the smaller body size. However, the Coros Apex 2 competes with watches much larger in size. With 40 hours of GPS recording and new dedicated function buttons, this is one of the best 42mm watches on the market. The older version of the Coros Apex in the 42mm size was lacking when compared to the more featured Apex Pro; however, in this iteration, there are far fewer differences between these 2nd generation models.

Performance Comparison

Accuracy

GPS chipset and heart rate monitors were tested on each watch to determine our accuracy scoring. For the GPS assessment, each watch was taken along a predetermined 2.8-mile route, and the recorded distance was compared to this known measurement. A watch was worn on each wrist as we ran half of a mile to test the heart rate monitor. We then compared findings to our Polar H10 chest strap. Overall accuracy scores were then derived from the findings of these tests. To ensure consistency in weather conditions, the GPS testing was all performed on the same day. For the heart rate tests, the watches were securely fastened to a standardized fit.

After our heart rate testing and comparing it to the chest strap, the Apex 2 was +/- 10 BPM. This was one of the larger differences in our testing, but we wouldn't count out the model purely because of this test. The GPS performed great, being +/- 0.10 miles. If you need the best heart rate accuracy, we still recommend using a chest-worn heart rate monitor.

Activity Use

A lot is packed into the smaller form factor of the Apex 2. This is a great watch for a variety of athletes and users. We are impressed that sapphire glass has been included on this model at such a great price, this is normally saved for the most expensive models. The model is easy to use and offers a host of activity types and metrics. The MIP e-ink-like display offers good clarity in a variety of conditions, and we prefer the more subtle brightness when compared to AMOLED displays on other models.

The included detailed navigation is nice, but the smaller touch screen makes usage feel finicky; our finger basically covers the entire screen when using. If you are navigating technical terrain, you will most likely want a phone. Regardless, it's nice to have the on-screen map as a backup, quick turn finder, or for loading tracks/courses. The 42mm case size feels small when looking at the display, but this is largely a personal preference. For more focused efforts and running fast, it's nice to have a larger display for viewing more data on the page. For the Apex 2, you will probably want to reduce the amount of data per page to make it more readable.

Everyday Use

As watches adopt a more unified UI and user experience, we often have similar opinions regarding their ease of use. However, Coros stands out for its mobile companion application — it is incredibly easy to use and elegant to look at. That said, we do wish Coros would implement some additional descriptions and metrics for its health data.

This new version of the Apex adds a third backlight button, which is a welcome addition. The scroll wheel still feels small for larger hands, but we noticed less wrist bumping and accidental interaction — especially with the wheel on the upward side of the arm. The touchscreen is nice for swiping through data screens, though it's less usable on other features like the navigation screens. The Apex 2 is simply too small to justify using it as a complex navigation tool over your phone. Otherwise, the menu systems are easy, and the toolkit allows for many setting changes without having to dig through menu layers.

Extra Features

If you are in the market for a fully featured 42mm watch without spending top dollar, this is a model you should consider. This watch contains all the features we consider must-haves, like sleep tracking, ABC (Altimeter, Barometer, and Compass), and sports tracking. Navigation maps have been added, but we find the smaller screen less useful for extensive navigation. New metrics like HRV (Heart Rate Variability) have also been included. This new model also adds helpful items in the toolkit like 'find my phone' and 'find my watch.' These were previously provided via a software update that did not include the Apex 42mm series, so we are happy these features have come over to the smaller case size.

One of the most compelling features of the Coros brand is the mobile companion app, which we find nearly as good as the the Apple UI. This Coros app easily displays data and does not feel overwhelming or confusing to operate. You can customize basically all of the settings on your watch and transfer them over via Bluetooth. It's also nice to know that Coros implements great software updates that, in the past, have provided features as complex as navigation. At this price point, we haven't found a more fully-featured watch in the 42mm case size.

Wearability

After using the Apex 2 for a couple of months, we feel this is one of the best-looking 42mm watches on the market. We are impressed with the implementation of solid materials without a super high cost, and we appreciate the option for cool colorways. Coros has designed top-notch buttons and haptics, some of the best the market has to offer. If you have a smaller wrist or want a watch with less of a footprint, this could be the choice for you. While not the most rugged-looking watch, we still think it looks good in a variety of situations.

The new loop wristband isn't our favorite — we tend to prefer a standard watch strap because it is easier to attach to handlebars, a backpack, or a climbing harness while not in use. The loop band is also harder to index and achieve the right tightness every time you put it on. Because the loop is still attached to the watch, it tightens less evenly than a normal watch band. These are still available as an accessory, but it would be nice to choose which band you want when purchasing the watch like you can with the Apple Watch.

Battery Life

As with all Coros watches, the battery life on the Apex 2 is impressive and one of the main selling points. You can expect this model to last almost two full days with GPS tracking; we achieved 44 hours of full GPS tracking before our watch died. This is the highest spec battery life we've found out of any of the 42mm watches on the market. Charging is also fast — we went from a dead battery to a full 100% in 98 mins (USB-A 12W). We just wish the included power cord was USB-C, which is easier to integrate into a charging system for expeditions and long events.

We expect this battery life will be sufficient for most athletes; it was for us during our testing. We took the Apex 2 on long outings and multi-day trips to test how it performed in a wide variety of conditions. Testing took place in winter, and we are happy that the battery life didn't suffer from cold conditions, which were sometimes in the negatives. This watch can also record while charging, which is important for those doing events with lots of time on the move.

Should You Buy the Coros Apex 2?

If the 42mm case size is your preferred format and you are concerned about battery life, this is the model for you. There are other 42mm watches that are more fully featured, but you'll have to dish out quite a bit more money. The Apex 2 excels due to its build quality, battery life, and features that, while paired down, still offer everything you truly need in a day-to-day GPS watch.

What Other GPS Watches Should You Consider?

If you are interested in the 42mm case size but the Coros Apex 2 is still a bit spendy, we'd recommend the Coros Pace 3, which is the same size but at a fraction of the cost. It's a great all-around entry GPS watch and one of the best deals on the market. If you are looking for a few more advanced features than Coros models, we recommend the Garmin Forerunner 965 or the Garmin Fenix 7.