Coros Apex 42 Review

Probably the biggest reason I was drawn to the Apex is the look. I can wear it around with it looking too sporty. The Apex 2 has a sleek 46mm case with a sapphire glass display, making it scratch-resistant and rugged while still looking stylish. Coros switched from silicone to a lightweight nylon band, which I was skeptical about at first but found surprisingly comfortable, even during long runs or swims. The watch feels premium without being oversized, and its design is versatile enough to wear outside of training.

At first the Nylon strap was not my favorite, but I do appreciate that you can get a perfect fit on your wrist. It doesn't chafe which was a huge concern of mine (plus it dries quickly and doesn't smell if it gets too sweaty). 

Controls and Interface

Coros stuck with their signature rotating crown, but the Apex 2 now includes two additional buttons to simplify navigation. The crown is still a bit finicky mid-run, but overall, the interface is straightforward. Customizing watch faces and data screens is easy through the Coros app, allowing you to prioritize the stats you use most, like pace, distance, and heart rate.

Fitness and Health Tracking

The Apex 2 offers a wide range of health metrics, from daily steps and calories to more advanced stats like HRV (Heart Rate Variability). The HRV test, performed manually by holding the bezel, gives insight into stress and recovery, while sleep tracking provides an overview of rest quality. While I don’t rely heavily on sleep data, the watch seemed accurate enough compared to other devices.

Running:
I've used the Coros Apex 2 for almost any type of run you can imagine from track to trail to treadmill to road running. I haven't had any issues in the GPS accuracy and it's able to log miles and beep when we hit the appropriate mile marker. The big thing I love that Coros does is you can edit the treadmill mileage. I haven't had a GPS watch that is perfect when it comes to tracking treadmill miles, but at the end you are able to edit the mileage to match the treadmill. Why don't more brands do this? I've been happy with the running features.

Swimming:
I will occasionally use the Apex 2 for swimming both outdoor and open water. It's usually pretty accurate for both, although occasionally it will add an extra 25 in the pool. But it does do the trick if you need something to count your laps. I mostly rely on Form Goggles for that though. 

Elevation Tracking: 

Elevation tracking, however, remains a weak spot. Like other Coros models I’ve tried, the Apex 2 often overestimates elevation gain. It’s not a dealbreaker, but worth noting for trail runners and hikers who want pinpoint accuracy. As a whole, Coros is very flawed when it comes to elevation tracking. Now, it doesn't happen every run or with every watch, but I've tried multiple Coros watches over the last 6 years and had issues with different watches overestimated elevation. Since I use Strava, it's an easy fix to just use Strava elevation instead but it's annoying to have to do that. 

Sports Modes and Mapping

This watch is built for versatility. It supports over 25 activity modes, including running, swimming, cycling, hiking, skiing, and even surfing. The Apex 2 also offers full offline mapping and breadcrumb navigation, which is great for exploring new trails. While it doesn’t provide turn-by-turn directions, it alerts you if you veer off your route. Uploading GPX files is straightforward, but I’d like to see Coros improve in-app route creation.

Music and Smartwatch Features

You can upload MP3 files to the Apex 2’s 8GB of storage, but it doesn’t support streaming services. While it’s a nice option for races or long runs, most people may find it easier to run with their phone. Notifications for calls and messages are customizable, and I appreciate that I can choose exactly what comes through to my wrist.

Another fun surprise: the Apex 2 can control GoPro and Insta360 cameras. It’s a niche feature, but useful for those who film workouts or adventures.

GPS and Heart Rate Accuracy

GPS accuracy is one of the most important aspects of a running watch, and the Apex 2 performs well. It’s typically within a few hundredths of a mile compared to Garmin devices over long runs. The specialized trail and track modes are especially useful for runners looking for precise data. Heart rate accuracy is comparable to other top watches, but as always, a chest strap is best for serious training.

At $349, the Apex 2 is priced competitively against Garmin’s models, and it offers similar performance for less. If you’re looking for a watch that can handle ultramarathons, multi-day hikes, and triathlons while looking great on your wrist, this is a good choice. Or if you are like me and forget to charge your watch most of the time. 

The Coros Apex 2 is a strong option for serious athletes and everyday runners alike. Its long battery life, rugged build, and mapping capabilities make it a standout. While it’s not perfect (elevation tracking could use improvement, and music storage feels dated), it offers tremendous value. Coros has proven they can create a GPS watch that blends functionality, style, and performance without overcomplicating things. If you want a reliable, feature-rich watch that doesn’t need daily charging, the Apex 2 should be on your shortlist.