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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerCOROS VERTIX 2S vs Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
The COROS VERTIX 2S takes the crown for battery life, boasting an incredible 118 hours of GPS usage compared to the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar's 60 hours. If you're an adventurer needing long-lasting performance, this flagship option is worth considering. The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar shines with its built-in LED flashlight and potentially unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode, thanks to solar charging. In real-world usage, that means you can extend your adventures without worrying about recharging as often, making it a great pick for outdoor enthusiasts in 2026.
⚖️ Weight: 3.07 oz vs 2.36 oz💽 Storage: 32 GB vs 64 GB🔋 Battery: 118h vs 60h
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COROS VERTIX 2S
★4
(89)•Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via COROS app)
Operating System:COROS UI
Case Size:50.3mm (50.3 x 50.3 x 16.0 mm / 1.98 x 1.98 x 0.63 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Grade 5 Titanium Alloy with PVD coating; Body: Titanium Alloy with PVD coating; Glass: Sapphire crystal
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Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
★4.7
(2,562)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone and Android (via Garmin Connect app)
Operating System:Garmin OS
Case Size:50mm (50 x 50 x 14.5 mm / 1.97 x 1.97 x 0.57 in)
Case Material:Bezel & Case: Fiber-reinforced polymer; Lens: Power Glass (Solar); Strap: Silicone
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
COROS VERTIX 2S
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
COROS VERTIX 2S
1.4 in
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Custom two-window design; 1.1" x 1.1" (27 x 27 mm)
Resolution
COROS VERTIX 2S
280 x 280 pixels (64 colors)
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
176 x 176 pixels
Performance1 specs
Storage
COROS VERTIX 2S
32 GB (Music storage and Maps)
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
64 MB (Activity data and apps only; no music/map storage)Winner
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
COROS VERTIX 2S
Up to 40 days (Daily Use); 118 hours (Standard Full GPS); 73 hours (All Systems On); 43 hours (Dual Frequency)
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Smartwatch: Up to 40 days (Unlimited w/ solar*); GPS: Up to 60 hours (145 hours w/ solar*); Multi-Band: Up to 27 hours (36 hours w/ solar*)
Design2 specs
Weight
COROS VERTIX 2S
87 g (with Silicone band) / 70 g (with Nylon band) / 61 g (Body only)
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
67 g (2.4 oz)Winner
Water Resistance
COROS VERTIX 2S
10 ATM (100 m)
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
10 ATM (100 meters)
Software1 specs
Operating System
COROS VERTIX 2S
COROS UI
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Garmin OS
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
COROS VERTIX 2S
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for data sync and firmware updates)
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Bluetooth, ANT+
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: COROS VERTIX 2S vs Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
COROS VERTIX 2S
★4(89)Amazon
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
★4.7(2,562)Amazon
| Criterion | COROS VERTIX 2S | Garmin Instinct 2X Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4(89)Amazon | ★4.7(2,562)Amazon |
Compatibility | Android and iOS (via COROS app) | iPhone and Android (via Garmin Connect app) |
Operating System | COROS UI | Garmin OS |
Case Size | 50.3mm (50.3 x 50.3 x 16.0 mm / 1.98 x 1.98 x 0.63 in) | 50mm (50 x 50 x 14.5 mm / 1.97 x 1.97 x 0.57 in) |
Case Material | Bezel: Grade 5 Titanium Alloy with PVD coating; Body: Titanium Alloy with PVD coating; Glass: Sapphire crystal | Bezel & Case: Fiber-reinforced polymer; Lens: Power Glass (Solar); Strap: Silicone |
Display Type | Transflective Memory-in-Pixel (LCD) touchscreen | Monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) |
Display Size | 1.4 in | Custom two-window design; 1.1" x 1.1" (27 x 27 mm) |
Resolution | 280 x 280 pixels (64 colors) | 176 x 176 pixels |
Always On Display | Yes (Memory LCD technology) | Yes (MIP technology) |
Water Resistance | 10 ATM (100 m) | 10 ATM (100 meters) |
Durability | Operating temp: -22°F to 122°F (-30°C to 50°C); scratch-resistant sapphire; titanium chassis | MIL-STD-810 rated (thermal, shock, water); Operating temp: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F) |
GPS | Dual-Frequency GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, QZSS | Multi-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, Galileo |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for data sync and firmware updates) | Bluetooth, ANT+ |
NFC Payments | No (Not supported) | Yes (Garmin Pay) |
Sensors | Next-Gen Optical Heart Rate; Barometric Altimeter; Accelerometer; Gyroscope; 3D Compass; Thermometer; Optical Pulse Oximeter; ECG Sensor | Garmin Elevate Gen 4 Heart Rate; Pulse Ox (SpO2); Barometric Altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer |
Health Features | HRV Index; Sleep tracking (REM/Deep/Light); SpO2 (Altitude mode); Daily Stress; Recovery time; Resting Heart Rate | Sleep Score & Insights; Body Battery; HRV Status; Morning Report; Stress tracking; Respiration; Pulse Ox; Health Snapshot |
Workout Modes | Multi-pitch climbing, Trail Running, Hiking, Skiing (XC/Touring/Downhill), Surfing (Speed/Wind), Whitewater, Triathlon, Strength | Obstacle Course Racing, HIIT, Running, Cycling, Swimming, Strength, Skiing, Golf, Indoor Climbing, Tactical (on Tactical Edition) |
Storage | 32 GB (Music storage and Maps) | 64 MB (Activity data and apps only; no music/map storage) |
Speaker Mic | No (Beep alerts and vibration only) | No (No built-in speaker or microphone) |
Calls | No (Notification alerts only) | No (Notification alerts only; Text response/reject on Android) |
Battery | Up to 40 days (Daily Use); 118 hours (Standard Full GPS); 73 hours (All Systems On); 43 hours (Dual Frequency) | Smartwatch: Up to 40 days (Unlimited w/ solar*); GPS: Up to 60 hours (145 hours w/ solar*); Multi-Band: Up to 27 hours (36 hours w/ solar*) |
Charging | COROS proprietary charging cable (USB-A) | Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-A); Solar charging |
Weight | 87 g (with Silicone band) / 70 g (with Nylon band) / 61 g (Body only) | 67 g (2.4 oz) |
Band Sizes | Silicone: 130–240 mm; Nylon: 155–225 mm; 26 mm Quick Fit width | Fits wrist sizes 145–228 mm; Standard 26 mm QuickFit compatible |
Extras | Global offline landscape/topo maps; Music playback (MP3 via Bluetooth); GoPro/Insta360 camera control; Digital Dial navigation; Storm alerts | Built-in LED Flashlight (White/Red variable intensities); Solar charging overlay; Breadcrumb navigation; TracBack; Safety & Incident Detection |
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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
COROS VERTIX 2S
Rating:★4(89)Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via COROS app)
Operating System:COROS UI
Case Size:50.3mm (50.3 x 50.3 x 16.0 mm / 1.98 x 1.98 x 0.63 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Grade 5 Titanium Alloy with PVD coating; Body: Titanium Alloy with PVD coating; Glass: Sapphire crystal
Display Type:Transflective Memory-in-Pixel (LCD) touchscreen
Display Size:1.4 in
Resolution:280 x 280 pixels (64 colors)
Always On Display:Yes (Memory LCD technology)
Water Resistance:10 ATM (100 m)
Durability:Operating temp: -22°F to 122°F (-30°C to 50°C); scratch-resistant sapphire; titanium chassis
GPS:Dual-Frequency GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, QZSS
Connectivity:Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for data sync and firmware updates)
NFC Payments:No (Not supported)
Sensors:Next-Gen Optical Heart Rate; Barometric Altimeter; Accelerometer; Gyroscope; 3D Compass; Thermometer; Optical Pulse Oximeter; ECG Sensor
Health Features:HRV Index; Sleep tracking (REM/Deep/Light); SpO2 (Altitude mode); Daily Stress; Recovery time; Resting Heart Rate
Workout Modes:Multi-pitch climbing, Trail Running, Hiking, Skiing (XC/Touring/Downhill), Surfing (Speed/Wind), Whitewater, Triathlon, Strength
Storage:32 GB (Music storage and Maps)
Speaker Mic:No (Beep alerts and vibration only)
Calls:No (Notification alerts only)
Battery:Up to 40 days (Daily Use); 118 hours (Standard Full GPS); 73 hours (All Systems On); 43 hours (Dual Frequency)
Charging:COROS proprietary charging cable (USB-A)
Weight:87 g (with Silicone band) / 70 g (with Nylon band) / 61 g (Body only)
Band Sizes:Silicone: 130–240 mm; Nylon: 155–225 mm; 26 mm Quick Fit width
Extras:Global offline landscape/topo maps; Music playback (MP3 via Bluetooth); GoPro/Insta360 camera control; Digital Dial navigation; Storm alerts
✓ Pros:
- • Class-leading battery life (118 hours standard GPS, 40 days daily use)
- • Updated next-gen heart rate sensor for improved accuracy over Vertix 2
- • Dual-frequency GNSS provides rock-solid tracking in steep terrain
- • Bombproof build quality with full titanium body and sapphire glass
- • 32GB storage for offline global maps and music without phone dependency
✗ Cons:
- • No NFC payments or streaming music support (Spotify/Apple Music)
- • Large 50.3mm case is very bulky for smaller wrists
- • Screen is less vibrant and lower resolution than AMOLED competitors
- • No built-in speaker or microphone for voice notes or calls
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Rating:★4.7(2,562)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone and Android (via Garmin Connect app)
Operating System:Garmin OS
Case Size:50mm (50 x 50 x 14.5 mm / 1.97 x 1.97 x 0.57 in)
Case Material:Bezel & Case: Fiber-reinforced polymer; Lens: Power Glass (Solar); Strap: Silicone
Display Type:Monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)
Display Size:Custom two-window design; 1.1" x 1.1" (27 x 27 mm)
Resolution:176 x 176 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (MIP technology)
Water Resistance:10 ATM (100 meters)
Durability:MIL-STD-810 rated (thermal, shock, water); Operating temp: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F)
GPS:Multi-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
Connectivity:Bluetooth, ANT+
NFC Payments:Yes (Garmin Pay)
Sensors:Garmin Elevate Gen 4 Heart Rate; Pulse Ox (SpO2); Barometric Altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer
Health Features:Sleep Score & Insights; Body Battery; HRV Status; Morning Report; Stress tracking; Respiration; Pulse Ox; Health Snapshot
Workout Modes:Obstacle Course Racing, HIIT, Running, Cycling, Swimming, Strength, Skiing, Golf, Indoor Climbing, Tactical (on Tactical Edition)
Storage:64 MB (Activity data and apps only; no music/map storage)
Speaker Mic:No (No built-in speaker or microphone)
Calls:No (Notification alerts only; Text response/reject on Android)
Battery:Smartwatch: Up to 40 days (Unlimited w/ solar*); GPS: Up to 60 hours (145 hours w/ solar*); Multi-Band: Up to 27 hours (36 hours w/ solar*)
Charging:Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-A); Solar charging
Weight:67 g (2.4 oz)
Band Sizes:Fits wrist sizes 145–228 mm; Standard 26 mm QuickFit compatible
Extras:Built-in LED Flashlight (White/Red variable intensities); Solar charging overlay; Breadcrumb navigation; TracBack; Safety & Incident Detection
✓ Pros:
- • Integrated LED flashlight is exceptionally useful for safety and utility
- • Potentially unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode (3 hours sun/day)
- • Multi-band GNSS provides superior accuracy in challenging environments
- • Extremely durable construction (MIL-STD-810) and 10 ATM rating
- • High-contrast monochrome display is perfectly legible in direct sunlight
✗ Cons:
- • Monochrome, low-resolution screen lacks the detail of AMOLED or color MIP
- • No topographic maps (breadcrumb trails only)
- • No onboard music storage (controls phone music only)
- • Large 50mm case size is bulky and may not fit smaller wrists well
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The COROS VERTIX 2S is the better buy for most people - its 118 hours of GPS battery life crushes the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar's 60 hours. That said, grab the Garmin if you want the handy LED flashlight for emergencies - it’slighter too.
Who should buy each?
Choose the COROS VERTIX 2S if: you prioritize unbeatable battery life for long hikes, want a robust build for extreme conditions, or need extensive offline map storage. (3.07 oz weight, 32 GB storage)
Choose the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar if: you want a lighter watch with a useful flashlight, enjoy solar charging for extended use, or prefer a more affordable option for casual outdoor activities. (2.36 oz weight, 64 GB storage)
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
COROS VERTIX 2S excels if you value class-leading battery life (118 hours standard gps, 40 days daily use). Garmin Instinct 2X Solar is better if you prioritize integrated led flashlight is exceptionally useful for safety and utility. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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