Coros Pace 3 vs Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Coros Pace 3 (2023, listed at $229) 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 Pace 3
Ultralight runner's bargain — dual-frequency GPS at 30g, 24-day battery, EvoLab analytics.
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 Pace 3 wins on weight (30 g vs 58 g) and price ($229 vs $449); Garmin Instinct 3 Solar wins on tracked features (3 vs 2) and water rating (10ATM vs 5ATM).
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 3 | Garmin Instinct 3 Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 24 days | 24 days |
| Weight | 30 g | 58 g |
| List price | $229 | $449 |
| Water rating | 5ATM | 10ATM |
| Tracked features | 2 | 3 |
| Case size | 42 mm | 45 mm |
| Display | MIP | MIP |
| Works with | both iPhone and Android | both iPhone and Android |
| Listed best for | running and multisport and triathlon | outdoor adventure and multisport and triathlon |
| Released | 2023 | 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 (1)
- built-in GPS
Only Coros Pace 3 (1)
- on-device music
Only Garmin Instinct 3 Solar (2)
- blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
- 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 a lighter watch: 30 g vs 58 g.
- You need on-device music, 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 want a bright, vivid AMOLED screen — this one uses a lower-power display.
Pick the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar if…
- You need blood-oxygen (SpO₂) and swim tracking, which the Coros Pace 3 does not list.
- Your main use is outdoor adventure: it is listed for that and the Coros Pace 3 is not.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Coros Pace 3 only works with Android.
- You want the newer model (2025 vs 2023).
- You swim or paddle: 10ATM vs 5ATM.
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 3 or the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar?
They are rated the same, at about 24 days per charge. Real-world life depends on GPS, display and cellular use.
Which is cheaper, the Coros Pace 3 or the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar?
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 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 Pace 3 or the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar?
Coros Pace 3: 5ATM is suitable for showering and pool swimming, but not for high-speed water sports or diving. Garmin Instinct 3 Solar: 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 Pace 3
It is not the top pick for any standard quiz profile.
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