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Watch Match
Head-to-head · sportwatch

Coros PACE Pro vs Garmin Forerunner 965

Coros PACE Pro (2024, listed at $349) and Garmin Forerunner 965 (2023, listed at $599) are both sport watches, so the choice comes down to specifics.

Specs last updated · prices are list prices

Coros PACE Pro
sportwatch

Coros PACE Pro

Coros goes AMOLED — offline maps, dual-frequency GPS and 20-day battery for serious runners.

$349list price
Check price on AmazonOr buy direct from COROS
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Full specs
Garmin Forerunner 965
sportwatch

Garmin Forerunner 965

Best AMOLED running watch — full-color maps, training readiness and 23-day everyday battery.

$599list 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 Pro wins on weight (49 g vs 53 g) and price ($349 vs $599); Garmin Forerunner 965 wins on battery life (23 days vs 20 days) and tracked features (7 vs 5).

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

Coros PACE Pro and Garmin Forerunner 965 specifications
SpecCoros PACE ProGarmin Forerunner 965
Battery (rated)20 days23 days
Weight49 g53 g
List price$349$599
Water rating5ATM5ATM
Tracked features57
Case size46 mm47 mm
DisplayAMOLEDAMOLED
Works withboth iPhone and Androidboth iPhone and Android
Listed best forrunning and multisport and triathlonrunning and multisport and triathlon
Released20242023

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 (5)

  • built-in GPS
  • on-device music
  • AMOLED display
  • offline maps
  • swim tracking

Only Coros PACE Pro (0)

Nothing unique.

Only Garmin Forerunner 965 (2)

  • blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
  • contactless payments

Which one should you pick?

Pick the Coros PACE Pro if…

  • You want to spend less: it lists for $250 less.
  • You want a lighter watch: 49 g vs 53 g.
  • You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin Forerunner 965 only works with Android.
  • You want the newer model (2024 vs 2023).

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).

Pick the Garmin Forerunner 965 if…

  • You want fewer charges: about 23 days per charge vs 20 days.
  • You need blood-oxygen (SpO₂) and contactless payments, which the Coros PACE Pro does not list.
  • You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Coros PACE Pro only works with Android.

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 Pro or the Garmin Forerunner 965?

The Garmin Forerunner 965 has the longer rated battery life: about 23 days per charge against 20 days. These are manufacturer ratings; heavy GPS, always-on display and cellular use will cut both.

Which is cheaper, the Coros PACE Pro or the Garmin Forerunner 965?

The Coros PACE Pro has the lower list price: $349 against $599 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.

Do the Coros PACE Pro and Garmin Forerunner 965 work with iPhone and Android?

Yes, they have the same phone support: both iPhone and Android.

Which is better for swimming, the Coros PACE Pro or the Garmin Forerunner 965?

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.

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

Where each one ranks #1 in our quiz

Garmin Forerunner 965

It is not the top pick for any standard quiz profile.

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