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Coros Apex Pro 2 Review

This watch offers the best battery life for its size, a great interface, and our favorite mobile companion app, all for less than the top premium models
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Coros Apex Pro 2 Review
Credit: Coros
Price:  $449 List
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Manufacturer:   Coros
By Matthew Richardson ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Jul 3, 2024
75
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#9 of 16
  • Accuracy - 30% 8.3
  • Activity Use - 20% 7.5
  • Everyday Use - 15% 7.5
  • Extra Features - 15% 5.5
  • Wearability - 10% 8.5
  • Battery Life - 10% 7.5

Our Verdict

With an 88% increase in battery performance, the Coros Apex Pro 2 has an impressive battery life for a 47mm watch. A new dual-frequency GPS chip for added accuracy and an all-new heart rate monitor are also included in this new iteration. Unfortunately, there are few added software updates to compete with the health metrics other platforms provide, and this watch loses the price accessibility of the older models. There are better value watches for your money, but despite the bump in price for this newest version, this could still be the model for you if you prioritize battery life. See how it scored among others in our best GPS watch review.
REASONS TO BUY
Excellent battery life
Great mobile application
Sleek premium design
REASONS TO AVOID
Scroll wheel requires screen lock
Pricey
Lacks ANT+
Editor's Note: Our Coros Apex Pro 2 review was updated on July 3, 2024, to correspond with our new testing metrics.

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Bottom Line Industry-leading battery life and usability, this is one watch to consider if you really are concerned about battery lifeGreat craftsmanship and design with an updated UI, menu, and AMOLED displayWe prefer a slightly larger screen for enhanced readability, those with smaller wrists will love the Forerunner 165This watch excels as an affordable GPS companion, offering value and dependable accuracySerious athletes should opt for a larger screen so their data is more easily readable, but for the basics, this is a decent option
Rating Categories Coros Apex Pro 2 Suunto Race Garmin Forerunner 165 Coros Pace 3 Fitbit Charge 6
Accuracy (30%)
8.3
9.3
9.3
9.0
7.0
Activity Use (20%)
7.5
8.5
6.5
7.5
4.0
Everyday Use (15%)
7.5
7.5
7.0
7.0
7.0
Extra Features (15%)
5.5
6.5
7.5
5.0
7.0
Wearability (10%)
8.5
9.5
8.0
7.5
7.0
Battery Life (10%)
7.5
6.3
4.6
5.4
4.0
Specs Coros Apex Pro 2 Suunto Race Garmin Forerunner 165 Coros Pace 3 Fitbit Charge 6
Measured Main Body Size (Diameter) 46.5 mm 49.0 mm 43.0 mm 41.9 mm 23.1 mm
Measured Thickness 14.0 mm 13.3 mm 11.6 mm 11.8 mm 11.2 mm
Measured Screen Width 33.0 mm 36.0 mm 30.4 mm 31.0 mm 20.o mm
Measured Weight 1.90 oz 2.93 oz 1.40 oz 1.50 oz 1.30 oz
Screen Type MIP AMOLED AMOLED MIP AMOLED
Measured Charging Time 93 min 84 min 103 min 113 min 120 min
Battery Life Claims by Manufacturer Full GPS: 66 hours - 18 with music; All systems on: 41 hours - 15 hours with music; Dual Frequency: 24 hours - 12 with music; Daily Use: 24 days - 21 days with daily stress monitors In time mode: 26 days
With 24/7 Tracking and Mobile Notifications: 12 days
Training Mode with GPS: 40h / 50h / 70h / 120h
Smartwatch mode: Up to 11 days;
Battery Saver Smartwatch mode: Up to 20 days;
GPS-Only GNSS mode: Up to 19 hours;
All-Systems GNSS mode: Up to 17 hours
Full GPS: 38 hours - 10 hours with music; All Systems On: 25 hours - 9 hours with music; Dual Frequency: 15 hours - 7 hours with music; Daily Use: 17 days - 15 days with daily stress monitors Smartwatch mode: up to 7 days
Measured Battery Life with GPS 73 hours 50 hours 19 hours 34 hours 8 hours
Sensors Included Heart rate, altimeter, barometer, compass, blood oxygen level Heart rate, altimeter, barometer, compass, blood oxygen level Heart rate, altimeter, barometer, compass, blood oxygen level Heart rate, altimeter, barometer, compass, blood oxygen level Heart rate, temperature, blood oxygen level
Navigation Detailed, back to start Detailed, back to start Breadcrumb, back to start Breadcrumb, back to start None
Music Options Control, storage Control only Control only Downloaded control, storage Control only
Touchless Payment No No Yes No Yes
Sleep Tracking Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Water Resistance (Max Depth) 50m 100m 50m 50m 50m
Main Software App Coros App Suunto Garmin Connect Coros App Fitibt App
Compatible with Other Software Ecosystems Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Watch Face Material Sapphire glass Sapphire crystal Chemically strengthened glass Mineral Glass Glass
Battery Type Rechargable lithium ion Rechargable lithium ion Rechargable lithium ion Rechargable lithium ion Rechargable lithium ion
Bezel Material Titanium alloy Stainless steel Fiber reinforced polymer Glass fiber reinforced polyamide Aluminum
Case Material Titanium Glass fiber reinforced polyamide Fiber reinforced polymer Glass fiber reinforced polyamide Resin
Strap Material Silicon or nylon Silicone Silicone Silicone Silicone and aluminum
Tools Required to Change Band No No No No No
Model Tested Pro Stainless steel Standard Standard Standard
Size Tested 47 mm One size only One size only One size only One size only
Warranty Offered 2 year 2 year 1 year 2 year 1 year

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Apex Pro 2 continues to impress with its incredible battery life for its size (66 hours in full GPS mode). Equipped with the same UI as all Coros watches, this watch is easy to use and is paired with an awesome companion application that allows for watch customization and visualization of health data. Sensor upgrades such as heart rate, HRV, and electrocardiogram, as well as new features like music storage (MP3) and multi-pitch climb modes, make this an advanced Coros watch.

Performance Comparison


coros apex pro 2 - steep skiing is one of the best ways to test a gps watch - technical...
Steep skiing is one of the best ways to test a GPS watch - technical terrain and clothing interference with the antenna let us know how reliable a watch is.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Accuracy


We took each watch on a 2.8-mile course and noted the recorded distance. For heart rate testing, with a watch on each wrist, we ran 0.5 miles and the recorded heart rates were compared to the Polar H10 chest strap, known for its scientifically validated accuracy. GPS and heart rate accuracy were then averaged to determine the accuracy score of each watch. All GPS tests were conducted on the same day under similar weather conditions. When testing heart rate accuracy, we were sure to tighten the watches equally for a consistent fit. Data from the tests were exported, and timestamps were matched to ensure an accurate comparison between the chest-worn heart rate monitor and the GPS watches.

The Coros Apex Pro 2 had a difference of +/- 5.0 BPM during our heart rate comparison. While larger than others in our group, we wouldn't discount the model purely because of this test. Heart rate accuracy depends quite a lot on fit, and each user can provide different results. For the highest accuracy, we continue to recommend a chest-worn heart strap. For GPS testing the model was +/- 0.17 from our set 2.80 course.

coros apex pro 2 - heart rate analysis between the coros apex pro 2 and the polar h10...
Heart rate analysis between the Coros Apex Pro 2 and the Polar H10 chest strap.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Activity Use


The Coros Apex Pro 2 is a great option for those who want premium-level battery life without spending top dollar. The 47mm case size allows for a fair amount of data to be displayed per page. This is nice for reducing the amount of times you need to change data pages. It also makes for easy viewing of singular data pages, like heart rate. We think this watch is most suited for serious athletes that need dependability and simplicity.

There are a multitude of different sport modes, all with unique data page layouts that are customizable to tailor the activity to your needs. Navigation features are also included, like breadcrumb trails, turn-by-turn, and detailed maps. While it's nice knowing these features are available as a backup, we've never really been fond of the interaction. We've long preferred MIP displays, but one area where AMOLED wins is mapping. Regardless, we are still going to pull out our phone for detailed mapping. Pre-loaded GPX tracks are a great way to prevent unnecessary screen time, and we think this combo serves our testers best.

coros apex pro 2 - the included loop band prevents easy attachment to other gear. we...
The included loop band prevents easy attachment to other gear. We prefer the classic watch clasp design that is easy to take on and off and get the tension right every time.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Everyday Use


A required mobile companion app allows for easy changes to settings and data fields. This app is one of the best we've tested, and it does a good job of balancing data and space, making the UI feel clean and uncluttered. The setup is easy, and linking to third-party apps like Strava is straightforward. We experienced no lag in uploads, and the Bluetooth connection was always reliable and fast.

Interacting with the Apex Pro 2 is smooth and precise, but we would still prefer dedicated buttons over the larger scroll wheel. We found the dedicated back/backlight buttons useful and are glad they were kept around for this iteration. The touch screen is still limited to certain data screens, but is not enabled throughout the entire device. It's probably most useful moving the navigation screen, but we almost always rather pull out our phone. The screen lock is still one extra step we could live without. Really, our biggest complaint is the continued implementation of the scroll wheel; it has never felt like a natural way to interact with the watch. Still, if you've used any tech products in the past five years, the Apex Pro 2 will feel familiar.

coros apex pro 2 - we like that the coros app is clean and easy to read.
We like that the Coros app is clean and easy to read.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Extra Features


The Apex Pro 2 has all the expected features you'd want on a modern GPS device. Our team insists on a few important features such as sleep tracking, activity tracking, some form of navigation, ABC (Altimeter, Barometer, and Compass), and health stats via a heart rate monitor. The increasingly popular HRV (Heart Rate Variability) metric is newly included in this model, which can help visualize overtraining and overall health. Coros is also known for implementing substantial software updates, which we anticipate will bring new features in the future.

The Apex Pro 2 lacks a few other features found elsewhere at this price point. Music storage is still limited to MP3, which is confusing given today's ecosystem of streaming services. Map navigation is still limited to GPX route following and does not offer turn-by-turn directions. Health metrics are still very data-oriented and do not provide detailed insights into a user's health. ANT+ has been removed, and Bluetooth is now the only method of connecting external sensors. Also missing are features we personally enjoy, like contactless payment, music remote control, and inReach pairing. These missing features may or may not be a deal breaker, depending on your personal preferences, and Coros makes up for them largely with its industry-leading battery life.

coros apex pro 2 - the coros apex pro 2 features a large touchscreen that is visible...
The Coros Apex Pro 2 features a large touchscreen that is visible even in harsh light. You can customize the watch fully though the mobile companion app which we think is the best.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Wearability


While the form factor hasn't changed with this newest iteration, Coros has switched up the design a bit, offering new colorways and a standard loop wristband. The durability of the materials and the tactile feel of the buttons and haptics are of high quality. There is a new watch face specific to this model, and it does a good job of sharing data without leaving the timing field cluttered. We prefer the slightly more angular design of other watches, but we can see the appeal of the rounded design found here.

The Apex Pro 2 only ships with a loop band — a normal watch band is available as an accessory. We prefer a watch strap because it is easier to attach to other gear or a bag. The ability to micro-adjust your watch is nice, but we actually prefer the ability to index the tightness based on the hole count. Largely, this will come down to your preference, and overall, this model is a sleek-looking design and competes with the competition on durability and high-quality materials.

coros apex pro 2 - seen here is the size difference between the coros apex 2 (42mm) and...
Seen here is the size difference between the Coros Apex 2 (42mm) and the Coros Apex Pro 2 (47mm).
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Battery Life


With 66 claimed hours of full GPS, this is impressive battery life for any ~47mm watch. Coros continues its battery life domination, and, in our opinion, this is one of the main selling points of this watch. You can receive top-tier battery life and save hundreds over other higher-end models.

During our testing, we went from a dead battery to 100% in 93 mins (12W USB-A), and full GPS lasted for 73 hours of continuous usage. This is roughly 88% longer than the previous version. We would prefer for the included cord to be USB-C, which is more convenient and potentially allows for faster charging. Regardless, this battery life was more than sufficient for all of our daily needs and even supported us on extended multi-day outings. If you plan on using dual-frequency or music while tracking, expect the battery life to drop.

Should You Buy the Coros Apex Pro 2?


If your primary concern is battery life, this is a great option for the price point. However, if you don't mind sacrificing some hours, there are other watches with more features, some of which are very useful. Without a doubt, this is one of the best watches Coros has released, but we wish it also included some additional features found elsewhere.

coros apex pro 2 - the coros apex pro 2 excels with its battery life, we just wish...
The Coros Apex Pro 2 excels with its battery life, we just wish there were a few more features that competed with the Apple and Garmin offerings. Still, if your top priority is battery life, this is a great choice.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

What Other GPS Watches Should You Consider?


For a slightly lower cost with comparable performance, the Coros Vertix 2 isn't a bad option. Or, if battery life is less important to you, but you still want a solid adventure watch, we'd recommend the Garmin Forerunner 965. It has multiple software features that we appreciate, like Spotify Music, Garmin Pay, ANT+, and turn-by-turn navigation. If you're on a budget but still want a great watch, we'd recommend the Coros Pace 3.

coros apex pro 2 - we hope our review of the coros apex pro 2 helped narrow down your...
We hope our review of the Coros Apex Pro 2 helped narrow down your decision.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Matthew Richardson