Coros PACE 2 vs Coros Pace 3
Coros PACE 2 (2020, listed at $199) and Coros Pace 3 (2023, listed at $229) are both sport watches, so the choice comes down to specifics.
Specs last updated · prices are list prices
Coros PACE 2
29-gram running GPS for under $200 — long-standing budget favorite of marathoners.
Coros Pace 3
Ultralight runner's bargain — dual-frequency GPS at 30g, 24-day battery, EvoLab analytics.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Coros PACE 2 wins on weight (29 g vs 30 g) and price ($199 vs $229); Coros Pace 3 wins on battery life (24 days vs 20 days) and tracked features (2 vs 1).
Bottom line: there is no clear winner on specs (2 to 2). Decide on phone support, how often you are willing to charge, your main sport and your budget, or run the free quiz to see how each ranks for your answers.
Spec by spec
| Spec | Coros PACE 2 | Coros Pace 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 20 days | 24 days |
| Weight | 29 g | 30 g |
| List price | $199 | $229 |
| Water rating | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Tracked features | 1 | 2 |
| Case size | 42 mm | 42 mm |
| Display | MIP | MIP |
| Works with | both iPhone and Android | both iPhone and Android |
| Listed best for | running | running and multisport and triathlon |
| Released | 2020 | 2023 |
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 (1)
- built-in GPS
Only Coros PACE 2 (0)
Nothing unique.
Only Coros Pace 3 (1)
- on-device music
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Coros PACE 2 if…
- You want to spend less: it lists for $30 less.
- You want a lighter watch: 29 g vs 30 g.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Coros Pace 3 only works with Android.
Skip it if…
- • You want a bright, vivid AMOLED screen — this one uses a lower-power display.
Pick the Coros Pace 3 if…
- You want fewer charges: about 24 days per charge vs 20 days.
- You need on-device music, which the Coros PACE 2 does not list.
- Your main use is multisport and triathlon: it is listed for that and the Coros PACE 2 is not.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Coros PACE 2 only works with Android.
- You want the newer model (2023 vs 2020).
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 PACE 2 or the Coros Pace 3?
The Coros Pace 3 has the longer rated battery life: about 24 days per charge against 20 days. These are manufacturer ratings; heavy GPS, always-on display and cellular use will cut both.
Which is cheaper, the Coros PACE 2 or the Coros Pace 3?
The Coros PACE 2 has the lower list price: $199 against $229 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Coros PACE 2 and Coros Pace 3 work with iPhone and Android?
Yes, they have the same phone support: both iPhone and Android.
Which is better for swimming, the Coros PACE 2 or the Coros Pace 3?
Neither has an edge on water rating: both are rated 5ATM. 5ATM is suitable for showering and pool swimming, but not for high-speed water sports or diving.
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 quiz