Between the VERTIX 2S and MARQ Athlete (Gen 2), the VERTIX 2S comes out ahead in gps mode and smartwatch mode, while the MARQ Athlete (Gen 2) wins on ecg. Overall, the VERTIX 2S scores 66.9 and the MARQ Athlete (Gen 2) scores 45.3 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The VERTIX 2S is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 21.6 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the VERTIX 2S if you care most about gps mode and smartwatch mode. The biggest gaps in its favor are gps mode, smartwatch mode, solar charging.
Pick the MARQ Athlete (Gen 2) if you care most about ecg. Its strongest claims are ecg.
Both ship with comparable multi-band gps, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the VERTIX 2S is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Why Coros - VERTIX 2S wins
- ▲GPS mode — 293.33% more. 118 h vs 30 h.
- ▲Smartwatch mode — 162.50% more. 42 days vs 16 days.
- ▲Has Solar charging.
Why Garmin - MARQ Athlete (Gen 2) wins
- ▲Has ECG.
Spec comparison
GPS & Sensors
| Spec | Coros - VERTIX 2S | Garmin - MARQ Athlete (Gen 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-band GPS | true | true |
| Barometric altimeter | true | true |
| Heart rate | true | true |
| ECG | false | truelead |
| Pulse Ox | true | true |
Battery
| Spec | Coros - VERTIX 2S | Garmin - MARQ Athlete (Gen 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch mode | 42 dayslead | 16 days |
| GPS mode | 118 hlead | 30 h |
| Solar charging | truelead | false |
Design
| Spec | Coros - VERTIX 2S | Garmin - MARQ Athlete (Gen 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Case size | 50.3 mmlead | 46 mm |
| Weight | 84 glead | 92 g |
| Water resistanceⓘ | 10 ATM | 10 ATM |
Frequently asked
Spec-level deep dives
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