TechRadar Verdict
The Coros Nomad, while visually similar to the Garmin Instinct, stands out as a distinct device. It offers a significantly lower price point while delivering essential features, notably including maps, which are absent in the Instinct series.
- Looks great
- 22 days of battery life
- Well-priced considering the features on offer
- No LED flashlight
- Communication features rely on cellular
- Very little smartwatch functionality
One-minute review
The Coros Nomad, while bearing a slight resemblance to the Garmin Instinct 3, offers a compelling and more affordable alternative. It streamlines the smartwatch experience, focusing on core functionalities while maintaining a competitive edge.
Positioned primarily as a fitness tracker, the Nomad omits features such as NFC payments. However, it compensates with the significant benefit of locally stored maps, over three weeks of battery life on a single charge, a convenient action button, and a comfortable, lightweight design.
The Memory in Pixel display, while not as vibrant as AMOLED screens found on some smartwatches, significantly contributes to battery conservation. This trade-off results in excellent value and exceptional battery longevity.
Coros Nomad: Price and availability
- Starts at $349 / £319 / around AU$640
- Considerably cheaper than rivals
- Available in three color options
A major advantage of the Coros Nomad is its competitive pricing compared to the Garmin Instinct 3. Starting at $349 / £319 / around AU$640, it is notably more affordable than the Garmin model’s $449 / £389 / AU$829. The Nomad is available in Dark Grey, Green, and Brown.
- Value score: 5/5
Coros Nomad: Specifications
- Component: Coros Nomad
- Price: $349 / £319
- Dimensions: 47.8 x 47.8 x 16.4mm
- Weight: 49g with band
- Case/bezel: Polymer Case
- Display: 1.3 inch Memory-in-Pixel display (260×260 resolution)
- GPS: Dual frequency GPS
- Battery life: 22 days of standard use, 34 hours in GPS mode
- Connection: Bluetooth
- Water resistant: 50M
Coros Nomad: Design
- Durable, but fairly lightweight
- Action button
Marketed as a rugged smartwatch, the Coros Nomad is surprisingly lightweight upon first impression.
Its Polymer case offers durability while remaining light, which is beneficial for a device designed for extended wear of up to three weeks on a single charge. The strap is also comfortable, though its pin-based attachment method might not appeal to everyone.
The case design protects the mineral glass display by providing ample clearance, reducing the risk of damage from impacts.
The user interface is controlled by two buttons and a customizable action button, which can be set for functions like backlight, voice pins on a route, or switching between activity data and map view. Charging occurs through a proprietary port on the back.
- Design score: 4.5/5
Coros Nomad: Features
- Offline maps
- No smartwatch features
Unlike the Garmin Instinct 3, the Coros Nomad includes map functionality, making it ideal for trail runners exploring unfamiliar routes. Its companion app allows users to store and save routes for quick access and condition checks.
The dual-band GPS provides highly accurate tracking, performing reliably in both open countryside and and dense urban environments.
Designed for outdoor use, the watch offers standard maps and GPX routing. A unique Voice Pin feature allows users to record audio notes at specific locations during activities, which can be replayed later. Photos can also be added via the app to create a comprehensive adventure journal.
Specialized fishing modes include a digital anchor to track drift. Health features comprise an ECG sensor, SpO2 monitor, and Safety Alerts that can share location with emergency contacts. It’s important to note that these alerts rely on a phone signal, similar to Garmin’s LiveTrack, rather than satellite communication.
A notable limitation is the absence of certain smartwatch functionalities. While marketed as a fitness watch, the lack of NFC payments and music storage might be a drawback for users who prefer to leave their phone behind.
- Features score: 4.5/5
Coros Nomad: Performance
- MiP display
- Up to 22 days of battery
- Heart rate accuracy is up there with the best
The Coros Nomad delivers impressive performance, with a battery life of up to 22 days on a single charge. GPS mode offers approximately 50 hours of tracking, or 34 hours with dual-band GPS, which was consistent with testing results.
While fishing modes were not tested, the map feature proved to be a standout.
Offline maps are a significant advantage over many competitors in its price range, providing crucial navigation without a phone. Downloading maps through the companion app is straightforward, and the maps are clear, utilizing color-coding for different route types.
The crown allows for easy zooming in and out, enhancing route context.
The Voice Pin feature is a novel addition, enabling users to record location-specific audio notes during activities. This could be used for creating guided routes or adding personal navigation cues.
Heart rate tracking performance is comparable to the Apple Watch Ultra series, a recognized benchmark for accuracy. Despite its lower price point, the Coros Nomad demonstrated similar precision, which is a significant positive.
- Performance score: 5/5
Coros Nomad: Scorecard
- Value: Undercuts a Garmin while offering additional features. Score: 5
- Design: Easy to use, comfortable, and rugged. Score: 5
- Features: Plenty of health monitor features, but lacking in terms of NFC payments. Score: 4.5
- Performance: Offline maps and voice pins are great. Score: 5
Coros Nomad: Should I buy?
Buy it if…
You want a Garmin, but don’t want to pay Garmin money
The Coros Nomad offers a competitive feature set against Garmin’s Instinct lineup at a significantly lower price point.
You want to wear it for weeks without charging
Its battery life of over three weeks is impressive, even without solar charging capabilities.
Don’t buy it if…
You’re a gym person
The Coros Nomad is optimized for outdoor activities and may not be the best choice for primarily indoor workouts.
You’re looking for a watch to take off-grid
It lacks satellite SOS messaging, a feature found in watches like the Google Pixel Watch 4, Garmin Fenix 8 Pro, and Apple Watch Ultra 3.
You want a communication-based smartwatch
Smartwatch features are limited, with no NFC for payments, basic notifications, and no support for third-party applications.
Also consider
- Price: Coros Nomad: $349 / £319; Garmin Instinct 3: $449 / £389 / AU$829; Apple Watch Ultra 3: $799 / £749 / AU$1,399
- Dimensions: Coros Nomad: 47.8 x 47.8 x 16.4mm; Garmin Instinct 3: 45 x 45 x 14.9mm; Apple Watch Ultra 3: 49 x 44 x 12mm
- Weight: Coros Nomad: 49g with band; Garmin Instinct 3: 53g; Apple Watch Ultra 3: 62g
- Case/bezel: Coros Nomad: Polymer Case; Garmin Instinct 3: Fiber-reinforced polymer / aluminum; Apple Watch Ultra 3: Titanium
- Display: Coros Nomad: 1.3 inch Memory-in-Pixel (260×260); Garmin Instinct 3: AMOLED (390 x 390px); Apple Watch Ultra 3: Liquid Retina LTPO3 OLED
- GPS: Coros Nomad: Dual frequency GPS; Garmin Instinct 3: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, SatIQ; Apple Watch Ultra 3: L3 dual-band GPS
- Battery life: Coros Nomad: 22 days (standard), 34 hours (GPS); Garmin Instinct 3: Up to 18 days (smartwatch), 32 hours (GPS); Apple Watch Ultra 3: 42 hours (smartwatch)
- Connection: Coros Nomad: Bluetooth; Garmin Instinct 3: Bluetooth, ANT+; Apple Watch Ultra 3: Bluetooth, LTE
- Water resistant: Coros Nomad: 50M; Garmin Instinct 3: 10ATM; Apple Watch Ultra 3: WR100
Garmin Instinct 3
A direct competitor to the Coros Nomad, offering similar features within Garmin’s established ecosystem.
Read the full Garmin Instinct 3 review.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
An ultra-premium adventure watch that includes advanced communication features not found in the Nomad.
Read the full Apple Watch Ultra 3 review.
How I tested
The Coros Nomad was used in daily life, during sleep, and various workouts. Its GPS and biometric data were compared against the Suunto Race 2, Apple Watch Ultra, and Apple Watch Series 11. The GPS system was also tested in urban environments with large crowds and buildings.
