NBC Select names Coros Pace 4 its top running watch for 2026
NBC Select’s tested guide highlights Coros, Fitbit, Amazfit and Garmin models for runners with different budgets and needs.
By Priya Raghavan · Science Reporter
3 min read
NBC Select has ranked the Coros Pace 4 as its best overall running watch for 2026, citing its mix of running features, comfort and $249 price. The recommendation matters for runners weighing costly GPS watches against simpler fitness trackers as training tools become more specialized.
Harry Rabinowitz, who wrote the guide for NBC Select, said he has tested dozens of running watches, fitness trackers and smartwatches from brands including Garmin, Apple, Google, Fitbit and Coros. NBC Select said the watches in the guide were loaned by brands for testing, and the outlet noted that it may earn a commission when readers buy through its links.
Coros tops the list
NBC Select named the Coros Pace 4 the best overall pick, describing it as a compact watch that works for beginners as well as marathon runners. Rabinowitz said the watch did not feel like something he needed to replace as his running advanced.
The Coros Pace 4 has a 43.4-millimeter display, weighs 27 grams without straps and is rated for up to 19 days of battery life in watch mode, according to NBC Select. The guide lists up to 41 hours of GPS battery life, dual-band GPS, water resistance to 50 meters and compatibility with iPhone and Android.
NBC Select said the watch stands out because it offers tools such as route creation, course pacing, hill alerts, marathon training plans, recovery metrics and long battery life at $249. Rabinowitz noted that it lacks some lifestyle features, including tap-to-pay and music streaming, but said its app keeps running and training features easy to find.
Beginner and budget picks
For new runners, NBC Select chose the Fitbit Charge 6. Rabinowitz said the tracker is small, comfortable and easy to use, with software that is less complicated than many competing platforms.
The Fitbit Charge 6 has built-in single-band GPS, ECG support and water resistance to 50 meters, according to the guide. NBC Select listed battery life at up to seven days in watch mode and up to five hours with GPS, and noted that some data requires a subscription.
NBC Select’s budget running watch pick was the Amazfit Active 3 Premium, listed at $169.99. The guide said the watch offers four-button controls, long battery life, a metal case and a sapphire crystal screen, but Rabinowitz said its software and app can be less intuitive than rivals.
The Amazfit model has a 45-millimeter display, weighs 38 grams without straps and offers up to 12 days of battery life in watch mode, according to NBC Select. The guide lists up to 24 hours of GPS battery life, water resistance to 50 meters and compatibility with iPhone and Android.
Garmin leads the premium tier
NBC Select named the Garmin Forerunner 970 its premium running watch pick. Rabinowitz described it as Garmin’s most advanced running watch and said it can handle uses ranging from 5K races to ultramarathons.
The Forerunner 970 has a 47-millimeter display, multi-band GPS, ECG support and water resistance to 50 meters, according to NBC Select. The guide lists battery life at up to 15 days in watch mode and up to 26 hours with GPS.
NBC Select said the Garmin watch offers the most extensive set of training, recovery, workout and course features among its recommendations, as well as offline maps and rerouting. Its drawbacks, according to the guide, are price and a learning curve: the watch was listed at $649.99 on sale from $749.99.
This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.