The upgraded version of the Vertix 2 has a new, more accurate optical heart rate sensor, an improved algorithm for pinpointing your location while climbing, and a repositioned GPS aerial for greater accuracy.
For
- New heart rate sensor
- Improved GPS accuracy
- Same solid build
- Comes with two straps
Against
- No price cuts yet
- Marginally shorter battery life
The Coros Vertix 2 is a superb watch for outdoor adventurers, with a tough build, excellent offline maps, and superb battery life. If you can find it at a discount, it's an excellent choice and will serve you well for many years of exploring.
For
- Robust design
- Excellent mapping
- Great battery life
- Price cuts sometimes available
Against
- Previous-gen heart rate sensor
If you're looking for a new GPS watch – particularly one for climbing – then the Coros Vertix 2 and Vertix 2S should definitely be on your shortlist, but how do you know which one is right for you? That's where we come in, holding up the two watches side-by-side and comparing their design, specs and features so you can make the best choice.
If you're used to Garmin's naming structure then you may be expecting the Vertix 2S to simply be a smaller version of the original Vertix 2, but it isn't. Instead, it's a slightly upgraded edition, with a new optical heart rate sensor and updated algorithm for improved GPS accuracy when climbing. Coros has also made a slight tweak to the position of the GPS aerial in the case for the same reason.
The two watches have the same list price, but the older Vertix 2 can sometimes be found at a discount from third-party retailers like Amazon. If you've made up your mind, you'll find all today's best deals on both watches above. If not, read on.
Coros Vertix 2S vs Coros Vertix 2: price
The Coros Vertix 2 launched in November 2022, priced at $699. That's approximately the same as the standard Garmin Fenix 7, and puts the Vertix 2 firmly in the premium price bracket for a GPS watch.
The Coros Vertix 2S was released in April 2024 as a direct successor, also for $699. It's not yet received any price cuts, and at the time of writing it's only available from Amazon in the US, and direct from Coros in the US and UK.
Coros Vertix 2S vs Coros Vertix 2: design
The Coros Vertix 2 comes in two colors: Obsidian (black) and Lava (orange), each of which comes with a silicone band. Alternative straps are available to buy separately for $29.
the Vertix 2S is available in three: Earth (blue), Moon (gray), and Space (black). Each watch comes with a matching celestial-themed face and two interchangeable bands - one silicone and one nylon. If you want something different, it takes the same 26mm Quick Fit bands as the Vertix 2. It can also be fitted into the same carabiner case to keep it out of harm's way while you're climbing.
Both watch cases are made from titanium. They are the same diameter (50.3mm), but the Vertix 2S is fractionally thicker (16mm compared to 15.7mm). It's definitely not a difference you'll notice when the device is on your wrist. Whichever you choose, the dimensions are almost identical to those of the Garmin Enduro 2.
The two Coros watches have the same LCD display, which measures 1.4in (35.6mm) diameter and has a resolution of 280 x 280 pixels, topped with a sapphire crystal lens to resist scratches.
Both watches can be operated using a combination of touchscreen and physical controls. A digital crown on the side of the case allows you to scroll through and select menu options, and a small button lets you navigate back. There's also a dedicated backlight button (essential for dark conditions).
The touch controls can be locked during activities to avoid accidental taps and swipes, or all the time if you prefer.
Coros Vertix 2S vs Coros Vertix 2: battery life
Battery life for the new Vertix 2S is slightly shorter due to its upgraded heart rate monitor, but both watches are impressive and compare favorably to rivals from Garmin and Polar. Official stats from Coros are given in the table below.
Whichever Vertix watch you choose, it can be fully charged in just under two hours.
Coros Vertix 2S vs Vertix 2: activity tracking
- Coros Vertix 2S has new optical heart rate sensor
- Vertix 2S has improved algorithm for tracking location while climbing
- Vertix 2S has repositioned GPS aerial
One of the biggest differences between the Coros Vertix 2 and the Vertix 2S is the upgraded heart rate sensor, which features more LEDs and light sensors, and explains the new watch's shorter battery life and thicker case.
The other big upgrade is an improved algorithm for pinpointing your location during outdoor climbing activities, and a slight change to the position of the GPS aerial inside the case. Many GPS watches tend to struggle near cliffs and walls, where radio signals can bounce and line of sight to satellites can be lost, resulting in inaccurate readings, and Coros has aimed to rectify that.
Otherwise, the two watches are very similar. Both have an extensive selection of activity tracking modes, with a particular focus on adventure sports like climbing (indoor, rock, and ice), snow sports, ultra running, and mountaineering.
Coros Vertix 2S vs Vertix 2: health tracking
- Coros Vertix 2's new heart rate sensor should improve accuracy
In terms of everyday health and fitness tracking, the Vertix 2 and 2S are pretty much identical, with tools including all-day heart rate monitoring, stress tracking, sleep tracking (including heart rate variability), and on-the-spot wellness checks that take a snapshot of your current heart rate, SpO2, stress level, heart rate, and more.
There's also an ECG sensor to detect potential anomalies that should be investigated by a doctor (though neither watch is a medical device, and can't be used to diagnose or treat medical conditions).
The updated heart rate monitor in the Coros Vertix S2 should feed more accurate data into all of these calculations, resulting in more useful information about your overall wellbeing.
Coros Vertix 2S vs Vertix 2: packaging
- Coros Vertix 2 is packaged in plastic case
- Coros Vertix 2S comes in smaller molded pulp/card case
We wouldn't normally consider packaging too much when comparing two watches, but these two watches are an exception. The Vertix 2 comes in a large plastic case, with foam inserts to hold and protect the watch case and strap.
The Vertix 2S still comes with a carry case, but now it's about half the size and made from tough molded pulp with card inserts rather than plastic. It's a more sustainable choice, and the smaller size and lighter weight should made a small dent in the carbon emitted while the watches are transported en masse from the factory in China where they are made.
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