Coros Pace 3 vs Suunto Vertical
Coros Pace 3 (2023, listed at $229) and Suunto Vertical (2023, listed at $629) 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.
Suunto Vertical
Adventure-class Suunto — offline topo maps, dual-band GPS and up to 60-day solar battery.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Coros Pace 3 wins on weight (30 g vs 74 g) and price ($229 vs $629); Suunto Vertical wins on battery life (30 days vs 24 days), tracked features (5 vs 2) and water rating (10ATM vs 5ATM).
Bottom line: on raw specs the Suunto Vertical 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 | Suunto Vertical |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 24 days | 30 days |
| Weight | 30 g | 74 g |
| List price | $229 | $629 |
| Water rating | 5ATM | 10ATM |
| Tracked features | 2 | 5 |
| Case size | 42 mm | 49 mm |
| Display | MIP | AMOLED |
| Works with | both iPhone and Android | both iPhone and Android |
| Listed best for | running and multisport and triathlon | outdoor adventure, multisport and triathlon and running |
| 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 Suunto Vertical (4)
- 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 $400 less.
- You want a lighter watch: 30 g vs 74 g.
- You need on-device music, which the Suunto Vertical does not list.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Suunto Vertical 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 Suunto Vertical if…
- You want fewer charges: about 30 days per charge vs 24 days.
- You need blood-oxygen (SpO₂), AMOLED display, offline maps 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 swim or paddle: 10ATM vs 5ATM.
Skip it if…
- • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 49 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).
- • You want something light enough to sleep in — it weighs 74 g.
- • You are watching your budget — the list price is $629.
Frequently asked questions
Which has better battery life, the Coros Pace 3 or the Suunto Vertical?
The Suunto Vertical has the longer rated battery life: about 30 days per charge against 24 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 Suunto Vertical?
The Coros Pace 3 has the lower list price: $229 against $629 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Coros Pace 3 and Suunto Vertical 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 Suunto Vertical?
Coros Pace 3: 5ATM is suitable for showering and pool swimming, but not for high-speed water sports or diving. Suunto Vertical: 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 quiz