Coros Pace 3 vs Garmin Forerunner 165
Coros Pace 3 (2023, listed at $229) and Garmin Forerunner 165 (2024, listed at $249) are both sport watches, so the choice comes down to specifics.
Specs last updated · prices are list prices
Coros Pace 3
Ultralight runner's bargain — dual-frequency GPS at 30g, 24-day battery, EvoLab analytics.
Garmin Forerunner 165
Most affordable Garmin AMOLED runner — training readiness, race predictor and morning report.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Coros Pace 3 wins on battery life (24 days vs 11 days), weight (30 g vs 39 g) and price ($229 vs $249); Garmin Forerunner 165 wins on tracked features (4 vs 2).
Bottom line: on raw specs the Coros Pace 3 leads 3 to 1, 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 Pace 3 | Garmin Forerunner 165 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 24 days | 11 days |
| Weight | 30 g | 39 g |
| List price | $229 | $249 |
| Water rating | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Tracked features | 2 | 4 |
| Case size | 42 mm | 43 mm |
| Display | MIP | AMOLED |
| Works with | both iPhone and Android | both iPhone and Android |
| Listed best for | running and multisport and triathlon | running |
| Released | 2023 | 2024 |
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 3 (1)
- on-device music
Only Garmin Forerunner 165 (3)
- blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
- AMOLED display
- swim tracking
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Coros Pace 3 if…
- You want to spend less: it lists for $20 less.
- You want fewer charges: about 24 days per charge vs 11 days.
- You want a lighter watch: 30 g vs 39 g.
- You need on-device music, which the Garmin Forerunner 165 does not list.
- Your main use is multisport and triathlon: it is listed for that and the Garmin Forerunner 165 is not.
Skip it if…
- • You want a bright, vivid AMOLED screen — this one uses a lower-power display.
Pick the Garmin Forerunner 165 if…
- You need blood-oxygen (SpO₂), AMOLED display and swim tracking, which the Coros Pace 3 does not list.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Coros Pace 3 only works with Android.
- You want the newer model (2024 vs 2023).
- You want a bright AMOLED screen.
Frequently asked questions
Which has better battery life, the Coros Pace 3 or the Garmin Forerunner 165?
The Coros Pace 3 has the longer rated battery life: about 24 days per charge against 11 days. These are manufacturer ratings; heavy GPS, always-on display and cellular use will cut both.
Which is cheaper, the Coros Pace 3 or the Garmin Forerunner 165?
The Coros Pace 3 has the lower list price: $229 against $249 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Coros Pace 3 and Garmin Forerunner 165 work with iPhone and Android?
Yes, they have the same phone support: both iPhone and Android.
Which is better for swimming, the Coros Pace 3 or the Garmin Forerunner 165?
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. Only the Garmin Forerunner 165 has a dedicated swim-tracking mode in our data.
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