Brand: COROS
Category: Running Watches
Recommended by Robyn Lesh, Pro Trail Running Athlete — South Western Colorado
The COROS Apex 4 is a cutting-edge multisport GPS watch designed for athletes seeking precision and performance. With advanced features and a sleek design, it empowers users to track their activities and optimize their training like never before. 1. High-resolution color touchscreen display for clear visibility in all lighting conditions. 2. Up to 100 hours of battery life in GPS mode, ensuring long-lasting performance during extended activities. 3. Built-in heart rate monitor for real-time tracking of your cardiovascular performance. 4. Multi-sport tracking capabilities, including running, cycling, swimming, and more, catering to diverse athletic needs. 5. Advanced navigation features, including route planning and breadcrumb trails, to keep you on track during outdoor adventures. 6. Customizable watch faces and data fields, allowing users to personalize their experience. 7. Water-resistant up to 100 meters, making it suitable for swimming and other water-based activities. The COROS Apex 4 is ideal for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who engage in various sports, from running to triathlons. It performs best in dynamic environments, whether on trails, roads, or in the water, making it perfect for training sessions and competitions alike. Designed for users of all skill levels, this watch excels in providing detailed metrics and insights, helping athletes enhance their performance year-round, regardless of the season.
Price: $479
- Who it's for
- Trail runners, ultramarathon athletes, and mountain sports enthusiasts who prioritize navigation, battery life, and a clean interface over smartwatch connectivity. The 42mm size suits smaller wrists or anyone who prefers a lighter, lower-profile fit.
- What people are saying
- Notes are overwhelmingly positive, with near-universal praise for battery life, turn-by-turn navigation, accuracy, and the intuitive COROS app interface. The one consistent caveat is that it is deliberately not a full smartwatch — hosts frame this as a feature, not a flaw.
- Worth noting
- Hosts upgrading from the Apex 2 cite improved button/dial placement, maps on separate screens, and a faster processor as meaningful upgrades. Charges during an activity without resetting it — flagged as a fix over previous models.
Robyn Lesh's review
Recently upgraded from my Apex 2 (which I used for 3+ years). Flashy! Better button and dial placement. Some new cool features like maps on a separate set of screens from the other metrics. Still super awesome user interface. (this is why I like coros over some other watch brands)
Recommended by Robyn Lesh, Pro Trail Running Athlete
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Apex 4 for?
Trail runners, ultramarathon athletes, and mountain sports enthusiasts who prioritize navigation, battery life, and a clean interface over smartwatch connectivity. The 42mm size suits smaller wrists or anyone who prefers a lighter, lower-profile fit.
What do experts say about the Apex 4?
Notes are overwhelmingly positive, with near-universal praise for battery life, turn-by-turn navigation, accuracy, and the intuitive COROS app interface. The one consistent caveat is that it is deliberately not a full smartwatch — hosts frame this as a feature, not a flaw.
What should you know before buying the Apex 4?
Hosts upgrading from the Apex 2 cite improved button/dial placement, maps on separate screens, and a faster processor as meaningful upgrades. Charges during an activity without resetting it — flagged as a fix over previous models.
What does Robyn Lesh say about the Apex 4?
Recently upgraded from my Apex 2 (which I used for 3+ years). Flashy! Better button and dial placement. Some new cool features like maps on a separate set of screens from the other metrics. Still super awesome user interface. (this is why I like coros over some other watch brands)
Why does Robyn Lesh recommend COROS?
Robyn Lesh recommends the COROS Apex 4 for running watches. Recently upgraded from my Apex 2 (which I used for 3+ years). Flashy! Better button and dial placement. Some new cool features like maps on a separate set of screens from the other metrics. Still super awesome user interface. (this is why I like coros over some other watch brands)
Is the Apex 4 a good running watche?
Yes — Robyn Lesh recommends the Apex 4 by COROS as their running watches pick. Recently upgraded from my Apex 2 (which I used for 3+ years). Flashy! Better button and dial placement. Some new cool features like maps on a separate set of screens from the other metrics. Still super awesome user interface. (this is why I like coros over some other watch brands)
More from Robyn Lesh's GGT 57km
View Robyn Lesh's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
What other hosts are saying
17 experts recommend the COROS Apex 4.
Kelsey McGill, Running Coach (Trail, Ultra, Road)
Love the maps, battery life, ability to set timers/alarms without disruption to in-activity mode, and it doesn't reset the watch when you charge it during activity! These were major frustrations to previous models. Apex 4 is where it's at!
Recommended in Cocodona 250 Gear
Cody Poskin, Professional Ultrarunner and Hopeless Romantic
Navigation perfection. I would still be wandering around in the woods if it wasn’t for this watch. Battery life is insane. The accuracy for distance and vertical blows my mind. I’ve been wearing coros for 3 years now and will never go back. Loyalist!
Recommended in Kodiak 100
Points for accuracy, battery life, integration, intuitive, style
Recommended in Broken Arrow 46K
Steven Kornhaus, Content Creator & Running Coach
I think The APEX 4 is definitely the best watch in COROS’s lineup currently! The new and much faster processor, maps with street names and POI’s, sapphire glass and incredible battery life, this really is the ultimate mountain sports watch! The APEX4 has great maps, and you can load the No Business 100 GPX file and see the distance to the next aid station. Plenty of battery life for the race!
Recommended in No Business 100
Doug Shipman, Proud midpack trail runner
I’m using the APEX 4 for Ultra races and trail runs. It’s great for tracking, elevation, mapping and health tracking. Total package
Recommended in Trail Gear
The APEX has been my favorite watch from COROS for many years now. Its accurate, lightweight, durable, and a great trail running watch. I love putting the nylon band on it and it feels like its not even on my wrist.
Recommended in Products I Actually Use
Hayden Burdge, Personal Trainer, Hiking Guide
I’ve been a Garmin user for 6 years and just made the switch to Coros. BEST gear swap I’ve made yet! I love how lightweight it is and the battery lasts so long I never have to stress about charging it. The turn by turn navigation is what sold me and the interface is so user friendly.
Recommended in Cocodona 250
Lara Hamilton, Mountain Athlete | Olympian | Coach & Creative
+ the HR strap, a lightweight watch that has all the stats you need and super accurate data. I love digging in post race.
Recommended in Broken Arrow Ascent & 23k
Emi Stretton, What Gets Me Through the Miles
I use my COROS APEX 4 to track my training, monitor effort, and keep an eye on the data that actually matters when I’m putting in serious mileage. I’ve found it especially useful for long runs and ultramarathon training, where pacing, elevation, navigation, battery life, and knowing when to back off can make a big difference. I’m always learning how to use the data to train smarter—not just run more.
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
Anna Louden, Professional Trail Runner
the navigation is my favorite feature of this watch. The maps are super clear so you never miss a turn. Also has an impressive battery that can last through a week of high volume training without being charged
Recommended in Everyday Faves
Long battery life and the Coros app is hard to beat.
Recommended in Long Run Adventure Kit
I chose Coros because the app interface is extremely intuitive, easy to use, and comes with a lot of great features. Not as "connected" as some other brands, but I like not having a supercomputer strapped to my arm all day. Love the realtime maps and navigation, and the battery life is superior. It also charges incredibly fast just in case you are in a pinch. All the features you really need and none of the ones you don't.
Recommended in Dirt Run Essentials
Meg Cooke, Mountain Athlete, Materials Scientist
I'm the type of athlete who only charges their watch when they're sat down working. Aka, I track everything. I wear this watch 24/7 (including sleeping) and find it easy to use, with honestly, better than I expected mapping, and easy buttons and navigation. The battery life is also really good. I would never chose a bigger watch face over comfort, and as a smaller human the 42 mm version is perfect.
Recommended in Tech/Gadgets
Best user interface I have found in a GPS watch. It has a deep understanding of what we actually use watches for in the mountains. It is a California local company too.
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
Extremely lightweight with stellar battery life. The Coros app is known for its clean, uncluttered interface that makes logging trail runs effortless.
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
All the features you actually need and none of the ones you don't. It keeps things simple, it's not a smart watch with all the bells and whistles. Just a reliable watch with phenomenal battery life, super-fast charging, and great maps for navigation.
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
