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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGarmin Forerunner 965 vs COROS VERTIX 2S
If you're after an adventure watch, the COROS VERTIX 2S is the go-to with its insane 118-hour GPS battery life, compared to Garmin Forerunner 965's 31 hours. However, the Garmin shines with a vibrant 1.4" AMOLED display, making it perfect for quick map checks and notifications. In real-world use, both watches are flagship models, but you'll notice the weight difference—Garmin is a featherlight 1.87 oz versus COROS's hefty 3.07 oz. If you prioritize battery longevity and ruggedness over features like music streaming and vibrant displays, the COROS might be worth considering in 2026.
⚖️ Weight: 1.87 oz vs 3.07 oz🔋 GPS Battery Life: 31 hours vs 118 hours📱 Display Resolution: 454 x 454 pixels vs 280 x 280 pixels
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Garmin Forerunner 965
★4.7
(1,717)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:47.2 x 47.2 x 13.2 mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Titanium bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens
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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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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Garmin Forerunner 965
COROS VERTIX 2S
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Garmin Forerunner 965
1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter
COROS VERTIX 2S
1.4 in
Resolution
Garmin Forerunner 965
454 x 454 pixels
COROS VERTIX 2S
280 x 280 pixels (64 colors)
Performance1 specs
Storage
Garmin Forerunner 965
32GB
COROS VERTIX 2S
32 GB (Music storage and Maps)
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Garmin Forerunner 965
Smartwatch mode: Up to 23 days; GPS Only: Up to 31 hours; SatIQ (AutoSelect) GNSS: Up to 22 hours; All-Systems GNSS + Multi-Band: Up to 19 hours
COROS VERTIX 2S
Up to 40 days (Daily Use); 118 hours (Standard Full GPS); 73 hours (All Systems On); 43 hours (Dual Frequency)
Design2 specs
Weight
Garmin Forerunner 965
53 gWinner
COROS VERTIX 2S
87 g (with Silicone band) / 70 g (with Nylon band) / 61 g (Body only)
Water Resistance
Garmin Forerunner 965
5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof
COROS VERTIX 2S
10 ATM (100 m)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Garmin Forerunner 965
Garmin OS (Proprietary)
COROS VERTIX 2S
COROS UI
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Garmin Forerunner 965
Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
COROS VERTIX 2S
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for data sync and firmware updates)
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Garmin Forerunner 965 vs COROS VERTIX 2S
Garmin Forerunner 965
★4.7(1,717)Amazon
COROS VERTIX 2S
★4(89)Amazon
| Criterion | Garmin Forerunner 965 | COROS VERTIX 2S |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(1,717)Amazon | ★4(89)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required) | Android and iOS (via COROS app) |
Operating System | Garmin OS (Proprietary) | COROS UI |
Case Size | 47.2 x 47.2 x 13.2 mm | 50.3mm (50.3 x 50.3 x 16.0 mm / 1.98 x 1.98 x 0.63 in) |
Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Titanium bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens | Bezel: Grade 5 Titanium Alloy with PVD coating; Body: Titanium Alloy with PVD coating; Glass: Sapphire crystal |
Display Type | AMOLED; Always-On Mode available | Transflective Memory-in-Pixel (LCD) touchscreen |
Display Size | 1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter | 1.4 in |
Resolution | 454 x 454 pixels | 280 x 280 pixels (64 colors) |
Always On Display | Yes (optional) | Yes (Memory LCD technology) |
Water Resistance | 5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof | 10 ATM (100 m) |
Durability | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens; Titanium bezel adds rigidity | Operating temp: -22°F to 122°F (-30°C to 50°C); scratch-resistant sapphire; titanium chassis |
GPS | Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Dual-Frequency GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, QZSS |
Connectivity | Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for data sync and firmware updates) |
NFC Payments | Garmin Pay | No (Not supported) |
Sensors | Elevate Gen 4 optical heart rate sensor; Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor | Next-Gen Optical Heart Rate; Barometric Altimeter; Accelerometer; Gyroscope; 3D Compass; Thermometer; Optical Pulse Oximeter; ECG Sensor |
Health Features | Morning Report; Training Readiness; HRV Status; Sleep Score; Body Battery; Pulse Ox; Women’s Health Tracking; Health Snapshot | HRV Index; Sleep tracking (REM/Deep/Light); SpO2 (Altitude mode); Daily Stress; Recovery time; Resting Heart Rate |
Workout Modes | Triathlon; Duathlon; Brick Workouts; Track Run; Ultra Run; Virtual Run; Cycling (Road, MTB, Gravel, eBike); Swimming (Pool, Open Water); Hiking; Strength; HIIT; Yoga; Pilates | Multi-pitch climbing, Trail Running, Hiking, Skiing (XC/Touring/Downhill), Surfing (Speed/Wind), Whitewater, Triathlon, Strength |
Storage | 32GB | 32 GB (Music storage and Maps) |
Speaker Mic | None (Audio prompts via connected Bluetooth headphones only) | No (Beep alerts and vibration only) |
Calls | No (Can accept/decline calls to control phone; Android users can send text replies) | No (Notification alerts only) |
Battery | Smartwatch mode: Up to 23 days; GPS Only: Up to 31 hours; SatIQ (AutoSelect) GNSS: Up to 22 hours; All-Systems GNSS + Multi-Band: Up to 19 hours | Up to 40 days (Daily Use); 118 hours (Standard Full GPS); 73 hours (All Systems On); 43 hours (Dual Frequency) |
Charging | Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-C cable included) | COROS proprietary charging cable (USB-A) |
Weight | 53 g | 87 g (with Silicone band) / 70 g (with Nylon band) / 61 g (Body only) |
Band Sizes | Fits wrists 135–205 mm (Silicone band included); Compatible with 22mm QuickFit bands (requires tool to remove original pin) | Silicone: 130–240 mm; Nylon: 155–225 mm; 26 mm Quick Fit width |
Extras | Preloaded TopoActive Maps; Full-color mapping navigation; Garmin Music (Spotify/Deezer/Amazon Music offline); PacePro; ClimbPro; Real-time Stamina | Global offline landscape/topo maps; Music playback (MP3 via Bluetooth); GoPro/Insta360 camera control; Digital Dial navigation; Storm alerts |
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Garmin Forerunner 965
Rating:★4.7(1,717)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:47.2 x 47.2 x 13.2 mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Titanium bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens
Display Type:AMOLED; Always-On Mode available
Display Size:1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter
Resolution:454 x 454 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (optional)
Water Resistance:5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof
Durability:Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens; Titanium bezel adds rigidity
GPS:Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
Connectivity:Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
NFC Payments:Garmin Pay
Sensors:Elevate Gen 4 optical heart rate sensor; Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor
Health Features:Morning Report; Training Readiness; HRV Status; Sleep Score; Body Battery; Pulse Ox; Women’s Health Tracking; Health Snapshot
Workout Modes:Triathlon; Duathlon; Brick Workouts; Track Run; Ultra Run; Virtual Run; Cycling (Road, MTB, Gravel, eBike); Swimming (Pool, Open Water); Hiking; Strength; HIIT; Yoga; Pilates
Storage:32GB
Speaker Mic:None (Audio prompts via connected Bluetooth headphones only)
Calls:No (Can accept/decline calls to control phone; Android users can send text replies)
Battery:Smartwatch mode: Up to 23 days; GPS Only: Up to 31 hours; SatIQ (AutoSelect) GNSS: Up to 22 hours; All-Systems GNSS + Multi-Band: Up to 19 hours
Charging:Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-C cable included)
Weight:53 g
Band Sizes:Fits wrists 135–205 mm (Silicone band included); Compatible with 22mm QuickFit bands (requires tool to remove original pin)
Extras:Preloaded TopoActive Maps; Full-color mapping navigation; Garmin Music (Spotify/Deezer/Amazon Music offline); PacePro; ClimbPro; Real-time Stamina
✓ Pros:
- • Bright, high-resolution 1.4" AMOLED makes maps easy to read
- • Lightweight (53g) and slim profile ideal for racing and sleep
- • Excellent battery life (23 days) eclipses most AMOLED competitors
- • Titanium bezel adds a premium feel to the lightweight chassis
- • Native running power and advanced metrics (Training Readiness) built-in
✗ Cons:
- • Uses older Elevate Gen 4 sensor (lacks ECG hardware found in Fenix 8)
- • No built-in microphone or speaker for voice notes/calls
- • Water resistance is 5 ATM (standard) vs 10 ATM on Fenix/Epix
- • Stock strap uses a non-QuickFit pin system (requires tool to swap to QuickFit)
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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.
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Which one is better?
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is the better buy for most people - its stunning 454 x 454 pixel AMOLED display crushes the COROS VERTIX 2S's lower resolution screen. That said, grab the COROS if you need a watch that lasts 118 hours on GPS - it's a powerhouse for long adventures.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Garmin Forerunner 965 if: you want a stunning display for maps, prefer a lightweight design for racing, or value advanced metrics like Training Readiness. (1.87 oz weight)
Choose the COROS VERTIX 2S if: you need class-leading battery life for extended outdoor adventures, appreciate a bombproof build for harsh conditions, or want a dual-frequency GNSS for superior tracking. (3.07 oz weight)
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Garmin Forerunner 965 excels if you value bright, high-resolution 1.4" amoled makes maps easy to read. COROS VERTIX 2S is better if you prioritize class-leading battery life (118 hours standard gps, 40 days daily use). 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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