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Head-to-head · sportwatch

Coros Pace 3 vs Garmin Forerunner 265

Coros Pace 3 (2023, listed at $229) and Garmin Forerunner 265 (2023, listed at $449) are both sport watches, so the choice comes down to specifics.

Specs last updated · prices are list prices

Leads on raw specs: Coros Pace 3(3–1)
Coros Pace 3
sportwatch

Coros Pace 3

Ultralight runner's bargain — dual-frequency GPS at 30g, 24-day battery, EvoLab analytics.

$229list price
Check price on AmazonOr buy direct from COROS
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Full specs
Garmin Forerunner 265
sportwatch

Garmin Forerunner 265

Mid-range runner's pick — bright AMOLED, training load focus, race predictor.

$449list price
Check price on AmazonOr buy direct from Garmin
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Full specs

The verdict

On the numbers we track, Coros Pace 3 wins on battery life (24 days vs 13 days), weight (30 g vs 47 g) and price ($229 vs $449); Garmin Forerunner 265 wins on tracked features (5 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

Coros Pace 3 and Garmin Forerunner 265 specifications
SpecCoros Pace 3Garmin Forerunner 265
Battery (rated)24 days13 days
Weight30 g47 g
List price$229$449
Water rating5ATM5ATM
Tracked features25
Case size42 mm46 mm
DisplayMIPAMOLED
Works withboth iPhone and Androidboth iPhone and Android
Listed best forrunning and multisport and triathlonrunning and multisport and triathlon
Released20232023

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 (2)

  • built-in GPS
  • on-device music

Only Coros Pace 3 (0)

Nothing unique.

Only Garmin Forerunner 265 (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 $220 less.
  • You want fewer charges: about 24 days per charge vs 13 days.
  • You want a lighter watch: 30 g vs 47 g.
  • You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin Forerunner 265 only works with Android.
  • You want a display that stays readable in direct sun and sips power.

Skip it if…

  • • You want a bright, vivid AMOLED screen — this one uses a lower-power display.

Pick the Garmin Forerunner 265 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 a bright AMOLED screen.

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).

Frequently asked questions

Which has better battery life, the Coros Pace 3 or the Garmin Forerunner 265?

The Coros Pace 3 has the longer rated battery life: about 24 days per charge against 13 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 265?

The Coros Pace 3 has the lower list price: $229 against $449 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.

Do the Coros Pace 3 and Garmin Forerunner 265 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 265?

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 265 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

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