Coros PACE Pro vs Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Coros PACE Pro (2024, listed at $349) 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 Pro
Coros goes AMOLED — offline maps, dual-frequency GPS and 20-day battery for serious runners.
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 Pro wins on weight (49 g vs 58 g), price ($349 vs $449) and tracked features (5 vs 3); Garmin Instinct 3 Solar wins on battery life (24 days vs 20 days) and water rating (10ATM vs 5ATM).
Bottom line: on raw specs the Coros PACE Pro 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 Pro | Garmin Instinct 3 Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 20 days | 24 days |
| Weight | 49 g | 58 g |
| List price | $349 | $449 |
| Water rating | 5ATM | 10ATM |
| Tracked features | 5 | 3 |
| Case size | 46 mm | 45 mm |
| Display | AMOLED | 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 | 2024 | 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 (2)
- built-in GPS
- swim tracking
Only Coros PACE Pro (3)
- on-device music
- AMOLED display
- offline maps
Only Garmin Instinct 3 Solar (1)
- blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Coros PACE Pro if…
- You want to spend less: it lists for $100 less.
- You want a lighter watch: 49 g vs 58 g.
- You need on-device music, AMOLED display and offline maps, 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 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 Instinct 3 Solar if…
- You want fewer charges: about 24 days per charge vs 20 days.
- You need blood-oxygen (SpO₂), which the Coros PACE Pro does not list.
- Your main use is outdoor adventure: it is listed for that and the Coros PACE Pro is not.
- You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Coros PACE Pro only works with Android.
- You want the newer model (2025 vs 2024).
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 Pro or the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar?
The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar has the longer rated battery life: about 24 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 Instinct 3 Solar?
The Coros PACE Pro has the lower list price: $349 against $449 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Coros PACE Pro 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 Pro or the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar?
Coros PACE Pro: 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
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