Coros Apex 2 Pro vs Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Coros Apex 2 Pro (2022, listed at $449) and Garmin Instinct 3 Solar (2025, listed at $449) are both sport watches, so the choice comes down to specifics.
Specs last updated · prices are list prices
Coros Apex 2 Pro
Titanium dual-frequency GPS with offline global maps — 30-day battery for ultra athletes.
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Solar-charged tank — months of battery, MIL-STD-810 toughness, brilliant always-on MIP screen.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Coros Apex 2 Pro wins on battery life (30 days vs 24 days), weight (53 g vs 58 g) and tracked features (5 vs 3).
Bottom line: on raw specs the Coros Apex 2 Pro leads 3 to 0, but five spec categories are only a starting point. Match it to your phone, your main sport and your budget before you decide, or run the free quiz to see how each ranks for your answers.
Spec by spec
| Spec | Coros Apex 2 Pro | Garmin Instinct 3 Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 30 days | 24 days |
| Weight | 53 g | 58 g |
| List price | $449 | $449 |
| Water rating | 10ATM | 10ATM |
| Tracked features | 5 | 3 |
| Case size | 46 mm | 45 mm |
| Display | MIP | MIP |
| Works with | both iPhone and Android | both iPhone and Android |
| Listed best for | multisport and triathlon, outdoor adventure and running | outdoor adventure and multisport and triathlon |
| Released | 2022 | 2025 |
Trophy marks the better value on the five measurable specs. Battery is the manufacturer's rating, not our test. How we score is on the methodology page.
Feature overlap
Both have (3)
- built-in GPS
- blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
- swim tracking
Only Coros Apex 2 Pro (2)
- on-device music
- offline maps
Only Garmin Instinct 3 Solar (0)
Nothing unique.
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Coros Apex 2 Pro if…
- You want fewer charges: about 30 days per charge vs 24 days.
- You want a lighter watch: 53 g vs 58 g.
- You need on-device music and offline maps, which the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar does not list.
- Your main use is running: it is listed for that and the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar is not.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar only works with Android.
Skip it if…
- • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 46 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).
- • You want a bright, vivid AMOLED screen — this one uses a lower-power display.
Pick the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar if…
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Coros Apex 2 Pro only works with Android.
- You want the newer model (2025 vs 2022).
Skip it if…
- • You want a bright, vivid AMOLED screen — this one uses a lower-power display.
Frequently asked questions
Which has better battery life, the Coros Apex 2 Pro or the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar?
The Coros Apex 2 Pro has the longer rated battery life: about 30 days per charge against 24 days. These are manufacturer ratings; heavy GPS, always-on display and cellular use will cut both.
Which is cheaper, the Coros Apex 2 Pro or the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar?
They have the same list price ($449) in our database. Check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Coros Apex 2 Pro and Garmin Instinct 3 Solar work with iPhone and Android?
Yes, they have the same phone support: both iPhone and Android.
Which is better for swimming, the Coros Apex 2 Pro or the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar?
Neither has an edge on water rating: both are rated 10ATM. 10ATM is suitable for swimming and surface water sports. It is not a dive rating unless the maker says so.
Not sure either is right for you?
Nine questions about your phone, sport, wrist and budget, scored against all of our watches with the reasoning shown.
Take the free quizWhere each one ranks #1 in our quiz
Coros Apex 2 Pro
It is not the top pick for any standard quiz profile.
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