Coros Pace 3 vs Polar Vantage V3
Coros Pace 3 (2023, listed at $229) and Polar Vantage V3 (2023, listed at $599) 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.
Polar Vantage V3
Lab-grade biometrics — ECG, skin-temp, wrist-based hemoglobin, training readiness.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Coros Pace 3 wins on battery life (24 days vs 8 days), weight (30 g vs 57 g) and price ($229 vs $599); Polar Vantage V3 wins on tracked features (6 vs 2) and water rating (10ATM vs 5ATM).
Bottom line: on raw specs the Coros Pace 3 leads 3 to 2, 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 | Polar Vantage V3 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 24 days | 8 days |
| Weight | 30 g | 57 g |
| List price | $229 | $599 |
| Water rating | 5ATM | 10ATM |
| Tracked features | 2 | 6 |
| Case size | 42 mm | 47 mm |
| Display | MIP | AMOLED |
| Works with | both iPhone and Android | both iPhone and Android |
| Listed best for | running and multisport and triathlon | multisport and triathlon, running and health tracking |
| Released | 2023 | 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 3 (1)
- on-device music
Only Polar Vantage V3 (5)
- ECG
- blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
- AMOLED display
- offline maps
- swim tracking
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Coros Pace 3 if…
- You want to spend less: it lists for $370 less.
- You want fewer charges: about 24 days per charge vs 8 days.
- You want a lighter watch: 30 g vs 57 g.
- You need on-device music, which the Polar Vantage V3 does not list.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Polar Vantage V3 only works with Android.
Skip it if…
- • You want a bright, vivid AMOLED screen — this one uses a lower-power display.
Pick the Polar Vantage V3 if…
- You need ECG, blood-oxygen (SpO₂), AMOLED display, offline maps and swim tracking, which the Coros Pace 3 does not list.
- Your main use is health tracking: 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 swim or paddle: 10ATM vs 5ATM.
- You want a bright AMOLED screen.
Skip it if…
- • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 47 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 Polar Vantage V3?
The Coros Pace 3 has the longer rated battery life: about 24 days per charge against 8 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 Polar Vantage V3?
The Coros Pace 3 has the lower list price: $229 against $599 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Coros Pace 3 and Polar Vantage V3 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 Polar Vantage V3?
Coros Pace 3: 5ATM is suitable for showering and pool swimming, but not for high-speed water sports or diving. Polar Vantage V3: 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.