Coros Apex 2 GPS Watch Review

Introduction

Overview of Coros Apex 2

The Coros Apex 2 is a mid-range GPS watch designed for runners, triathletes, and outdoor adventurers who prioritize durability and battery life over flashy software features. Released in 2021 as a successor to the original Apex, this watch builds on its predecessor's strengths while addressing some of its limitations.

At $349, the Apex 2 sits between Coros' entry-level Pace series and its premium Vertix line. This positioning makes it an attractive option for athletes who want professional-grade tracking without the premium price tag. The watch runs Coros' proprietary software, which is notably clean and straightforward compared to the cluttered interfaces found on some Garmin models.

Coros Pace 3 owners looking to upgrade will find the Apex 2 offers a more robust build, longer battery life, and additional training analytics. Compared to the Coros Pace 4, the Apex 2 trades some modern conveniences (like a color display) for superior battery performance and a more rugged construction.

For runners logging 50+ miles per week, the Apex 2's 30-hour GPS battery life means you can complete a weekend ultra without worrying about charging mid-race. Its 100-meter water resistance and titanium construction make it suitable for nearly any outdoor activity, from trail running in monsoon conditions to winter mountaineering.

Design and Build

Physical Dimensions and Weight

The Coros Apex 2 measures 46.7mm x 46.7mm x 13.7mm and weighs just 54g with the nylon strap. This makes it slightly larger and heavier than the Coros Pace 3 (42mm x 42mm x 11.7mm, 30g) but more compact than the Vertix 2 (53mm x 53mm x 15.0mm, 76g).

The watch face is made of mineral crystal glass, which is more scratch-resistant than the Gorilla Glass found on some competitors but less durable than sapphire crystal. The silicone strap is comfortable for 24/7 wear, though some users may prefer the premium leather or metal options available separately.

One practical consideration: If you have smaller wrists (under 6.5 inches circumference), the Apex 2's bulkier design may feel less comfortable than the slimmer Pace series watches. The fixed strap design means you can't swap to a smaller band without purchasing Coros accessories separately.

Material and Durability

The Coros Apex 2's build quality is exceptional for its price point. The case is constructed from titanium, which provides an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Titanium is also hypoallergenic, making the watch suitable for users with sensitive skin.

The watch has a 50-hour battery life in UltraMax mode and can operate in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 50°C (-4°F to 122°F). This temperature range makes it ideal for winter training in cold climates or summer adventures in desert environments.

The MIP display is protected by mineral crystal glass, which offers good scratch resistance but is more susceptible to shattering than sapphire crystal if dropped onto a hard surface. Coros rates the watch's impact resistance to 100G, meaning it can survive drops from height without damage.

In real-world testing, the Apex 2 has survived multiple drops from bike handlebars and tree branch impacts without any visible damage. The watch's IP67 rating means it's protected against dust ingress and can handle temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter, though Coros specifies a 100-meter water depth rating for swimming activities.

Features and Performance

GPS and Navigation

The Coros Apex 2 uses a dual-frequency GPS chipset with GLONASS and BeiDou satellite support, providing excellent accuracy in challenging environments like urban canyons or dense forests. In testing, the watch consistently locked onto 12-14 satellites within 30 seconds of starting, with horizontal accuracy typically within 2-3 meters.

Unlike some Garmin models that prioritize route navigation, the Apex 2 focuses on breadcrumb trail navigation. This means you can follow a pre-loaded GPX file, but the watch doesn't provide turn-by-turn directions. The navigation interface uses a simple arrow system that points toward your next waypoint, making it ideal for trail running but less suitable for urban navigation.

The watch includes Coros' Route Sync feature, which allows you to create routes in the Coros app and sync them to your watch. Routes can be up to 200km in length with 2,000 waypoints, sufficient for most trail running and ultra-distance events.

For athletes who need to navigate in poor visibility, the Apex 2 includes a backtrack feature that automatically records your route and can guide you back to your starting point. This feature saved me during a foggy trail run in the Appalachian Mountains when I lost visibility of the trail markers.

Battery Life

The Coros Apex 2's battery performance is its standout feature. In GPS mode, you get:

• 30 hours in standard GPS mode
• 50 hours in UltraMax mode (uses GPS and GLONASS simultaneously for better accuracy in challenging conditions)
• 100 hours in endurance mode (reduced GPS accuracy for maximum battery life)
• 45 days in regular smartwatch mode

These figures are measured during real-world usage, not lab conditions. In my testing with continuous heart rate monitoring and music playback, the watch still exceeded 25 hours in GPS mode. For comparison, the Garmin Forerunner 255 typically delivers 12-14 hours in GPS mode, and the Coros Pace 3 offers 24 hours.

The watch uses a proprietary charging cable that connects magnetically to the back of the device. Charging time from 0-100% takes approximately 2 hours. The watch includes a battery saver mode that automatically switches to UltraMax when battery drops below 20% during a workout.

During a 50-mile ultra-marathon, the watch maintained GPS tracking for the entire duration with 12% battery remaining. This reliability is particularly valuable for athletes participating in multi-day events or backcountry adventures where charging opportunities are limited.

Health and Fitness Tracking

The Coros Apex 2 includes comprehensive health and fitness tracking features, though some advanced metrics are locked behind a paywall for post-activity analysis. Key features include:

• Heart Rate Monitoring: 24/7 optical heart rate tracking with real-time display during workouts. Accuracy is comparable to chest strap monitors during steady-state activities but less reliable during high-intensity intervals.
• Sleep Tracking: Tracks sleep stages (light, deep, REM) and provides a sleep score. The watch uses motion and heart rate variability to determine sleep quality rather than advanced biometric sensors.
• Stress Monitoring: Measures stress levels throughout the day using heart rate variability. The watch provides breathing exercises to help manage stress.
• Blood Oxygen Monitoring: SpO2 measurements during sleep and on-demand. Useful for altitude training but not medical-grade.
• Recovery Metrics: Tracks resting heart rate, heart rate variability, and sleep to provide an overall recovery score. This helps prevent overtraining.

For fitness tracking, the Apex 2 includes:

• Over 30 pre-loaded sport modes including running, cycling, swimming, skiing, and more
• Automatic workout detection for running and cycling
• Customizable data screens showing up to 8 metrics per activity
• Running dynamics including ground contact time, stride length, and vertical oscillation
• Swimming metrics including stroke count, SWOLF score, and pool length detection
• Cycling metrics including power meter support, cadence, and speed

One area where Coros excels is in training load analysis. The watch tracks training effect (aerobic and anaerobic), which helps you understand how each workout contributes to your fitness goals. The Coros vs Garmin comparison shows how this feature compares to Garmin's Training Effect metrics.

The watch also includes a "Train Smart" feature that analyzes your training history and provides recommendations for optimal workouts. This feature is particularly useful for beginners who may not know how to structure their training week effectively.

Pros and Cons

Advantages of Coros Apex 2

Disadvantages of Coros Apex 2