Garmin Forerunner 265 vs COROS Pace 3 Comparison

Last Updated on November 12, 2024 by Luis Cooper

The Garmin Forerunner 265 and COROS Pace 3 are two standout smartwatches explicitly designed for runners and fitness enthusiasts, each bringing unique strengths.

The Forerunner 265 is celebrated for its vibrant AMOLED display and comprehensive health-tracking features, making it perfect for those who want detailed insights into their performance.

Meanwhile, the COROS Pace 3 impresses with its lightweight design and exceptional battery life, appealing to athletes seeking a reliable and efficient training partner.

Both watches cater to different preferences, making this comparison essential for anyone looking to enhance their running experience.

Garmin Forerunner 265 vs COROS Pace 3 Comparison

Design: 

The most noticeable upgrade in the Forerunner 265 is its stunning AMOLED touchscreen, which outshines the transflective memory-in-pixel display found in the Forerunner 255.

This new display is brighter and more vibrant, making it easy to read even in direct sunlight. It offers a user experience comparable to a smartwatch and is just as enjoyable to interact with as the AMOLED screen on the Epix 2, which I consider my top watch from 2022.

The Forerunner 265 features a 1.3-inch (33mm) display with a resolution of 416 x 416 pixels, while the Forerunner 265S has a slightly smaller 1.1-inch (28mm) display with 360 x 360 pixels.

While the Forerunner 265’s AMOLED display does impact battery life, it remains pretty reliable.

Garmin indicates that the watch can last up to five days in smartwatch mode with the always-on feature activated or up to 15 days when using the raise-to-wake option.

Additionally, it can provide up to 24 hours of GPS tracking.

These figures apply to the smaller Forerunner 265S, which benefits from a reduced display size for more extended battery performance.

In contrast, the Forerunner 265 offers up to 13 days in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS-only mode.

Another enhancement is the Forerunner 265’s ability to track specific running dynamics, such as ground contact time and stride length, directly from the wrist without needing additional accessories.

Garmin has also updated the watch’s fonts and introduced new watch faces to utilize the vibrant display fully.

This gives the Forerunner 265 a distinct feel compared to the Forerunner 255 despite sharing the same core tracking features.

Many aspects of the Forerunner 265 remain consistent with the Forerunner 255, including its two-size options.

The smaller Forerunner 265S is particularly well-suited for those with slimmer wrists.

Both models feature five buttons for menu navigation in addition to the touch screen.

Sports Tracking: 

Another significant enhancement in the Forerunner 265, compared to the 255, is the introduction of Garmin’s training readiness feature.

This feature provides a color-coded graph indicating your readiness to train at any given moment, considering factors such as your recent training load, recommended recovery time, sleep history, and heart rate variability from the previous night’s sleep.

I find it incredibly useful for consolidating all the training insights into one easy-to-read statistic.

It’s disappointing that Garmin hasn’t included the training readiness feature in the Forerunner 255, making the Forerunner 265 the most affordable option in its lineup to offer this capability.

Previously, I viewed this feature as a significant incentive to upgrade to Garmin’s higher-end models like the Forerunner 955 or Epix 2, so having it available on the 265 at a lower price point is a welcomed addition.

The watch supports various sports modes and connects to external sensors via Bluetooth and ANT+.

It also delivers comprehensive training analysis, race predictions, and daily suggested workouts to help maintain a balanced training load.

Overall, it’s an excellent sports watch that meets the needs of runners and triathletes alike.

The primary reason to consider upgrading to Garmin’s pricier models is the inclusion of maps.

GPS and Heart Rate Accuracy: 

I’ve utilized the Forerunner 265’s multi-band GPS mode for tracking my outdoor runs and found it to be precise in measuring both distance and pace.

I’ve tested it alongside the Garmin Enduro 2 and Epix 2 watches, also in multi-band mode, and the GPS tracks have been remarkably consistent throughout my runs.

While I have complete confidence in the Forerunner 265’s GPS accuracy when using it as my sole device, I can’t say the same about its heart rate tracking.

During my runs, I relied on the optical heart rate monitor for about half the time and compared its readings to those from a Garmin HRM-Pro Plus chest strap.

Although the 265 is generally accurate, there are enough discrepancies to raise concerns.

Typically, these inaccuracies manifest as my heart rate spiking unexpectedly high, which I suspect occurs when the watch picks up on my cadence instead of my actual heart rate.

Even during some easy runs, I’ve noticed incorrect heart rate readings.

To ensure I get more reliable data, I would recommend pairing the Forerunner 265 with a chest strap for better accuracy.

Specs: 

Brand	Garmin
Memory capacity of the product	8 GB
Model name of the item	Garmin forerunner 265
ASIN	B0BS1T9J4Y
Batteries	1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)
Model number of the product	010-02810-00
Connectivity feature	Bluetooth, WiFi
Display size of item	1.3 inches
Size	Standard
Compatible devices	Smartphones

2. COROS PACE 3 Sport Watch with GPS

Sports and Navigation: 

If you’re considering the COROS Pace 3, you’re clearly looking for a watch that supports your active lifestyle.

The Pace 3 has significantly broadened its range of sports modes, enabling you to effectively monitor your performance across various activities, including swimming, cycling, and running.

Additionally, it includes fundamental navigation features, allowing you to set waypoints and easily retrace your steps using a breadcrumb trail.

A standout addition is the new capability to display nearby points of interest (POIs), which enhances the outdoor experience.

GPS and HR accuracy: 

COROS has invested considerable effort into the antenna design of the Pace 3, which has significantly enhanced GPS accuracy.

This model features an upgraded GPS chipset that allows for quicker satellite acquisition and improved precision while maintaining your running pace.

Regarding GPS performance for land-based activities within its price range, the COROS Pace 3 stands out, even outperforming some of their more expensive models.

Seeing such a notable advancement in GPS functionality is exciting, raising expectations for future COROS watches.

Moreover, the heart rate monitor in the Pace 3 shows improved accuracy compared to earlier Coros models, consistently delivering reliable readings even during high-intensity workouts.

Health and Sleep Tracking: 

The Coros Pace 3 provides extensive health-tracking capabilities throughout the day, offering insights into sleep patterns, daily step counts, and resting heart rate.

One of its standout features is the newly integrated blood oxygen (SpO2) sensor, which measures the oxygen saturation in your blood.

This functionality primarily benefits those in high-altitude activities with lower oxygen levels.

Features: 

We are genuinely impressed by the sleek simplicity of the Pace models.

The latest iteration, the Pace 3, brings exciting new features like a touch screen, music downloads, and breadcrumb mapping.

This lineup consistently receives substantial software updates, granting access to previously reserved functionalities for more premium models.

However, our testing revealed that Coros’s focus extends beyond the feature set.

They prioritize exceptional build quality and impressive battery life.

By emphasizing simplicity over an extensive array of software features, Coros has managed to keep the price affordable, making the Coros Pace 3 an outstanding option for a GPS watch at an accessible price point.

In contrast, brands like Garmin and Apple concentrate more on software, which often increases device prices.

The key strengths of the Coros Pace 3 are its health and GPS tracking capabilities and remarkable battery life.

While using this watch, we occasionally long for features available in higher-end models, such as contactless payment, music controls, a flashlight, and Spotify integration.

However, if your main priorities are extended battery life and precise GPS tracking, with less emphasis on additional features, this watch is likely an ideal choice.

Specs: 

Brand	COROS
Memory capacity of the product	4 GB
The model name of the item	COROS pace 3
ASIN	B0CFQQ9FDL
Batteries	1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)
Dimensions of the product	4.13 x 4.13 x 4.13 inches
Connectivity feature	Bluetooth
Display size of the item	1.2 inches
Size	Standard
Compatible devices	Smartphones

Garmin Forerunner 265 vs COROS Pace 3 design: 

When comparing the design of the Garmin Forerunner 265 and the COROS Pace 3, both watches present distinct aesthetics and functionalities that cater to different preferences. 

The Garmin Forerunner 265 boasts a modern, sleek design featuring a vibrant AMOLED display that enhances visibility and interaction. Its rounded edges and lightweight construction provide comfort during extended wear, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize style alongside functionality. The overall look is sporty yet sophisticated, suitable for workouts and everyday use.

On the other hand, the COROS Pace 3 emphasizes a minimalist and practical design. It is lightweight and compact, making it ideal for athletes focused on performance rather than flashy aesthetics. While not as vibrant as Garmin’s, the display is clear and functional, providing essential information at a glance. The design reflects a straightforward approach, prioritizing durability and ease of use.

In conclusion, while the Garmin Forerunner 265 excels in style and display quality, the COROS Pace 3 stands out for its simplicity and lightweight build. Ultimately, the winner in terms of design depends on personal preference, but if we had to choose, the Garmin Forerunner 265 takes the lead with its modern and visually appealing design.

Winner: Garmin Forerunner. 

Garmin Forerunner 265 vs COROS Pace 2 features: 

When evaluating the features of the Garmin Forerunner 265 and the COROS Pace 3, both devices offer impressive capabilities tailored to fitness enthusiasts but cater to different needs.

The Garmin Forerunner 265 has advanced features, including built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, and an extensive suite of activity profiles. Its AMOLED display enhances visibility and supports intelligent notifications, music controls, and Garmin’s unique training tools like PacePro and Garmin Coach. The watch also offers detailed sleep tracking and recovery insights, making it an excellent choice for those who want comprehensive health metrics and intelligent functionalities.

In contrast, while more straightforward, the COROS Pace 3 does not fall short in performance. It offers accurate GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and various sports modes tailored for runners, cyclists, and swimmers. The Pace 2 is known for its exceptional battery life, lasting up to 20 days in regular use, and its lightweight design makes it comfortable for long periods. However, it lacks some more advanced intelligent features in the Forerunner 265, such as music storage and extensive training analytics.

In summary, while the COROS Pace 2 excels in battery life and simplicity, the Garmin Forerunner 265 stands out with its rich feature set and intelligent capabilities. Therefore, the winner in terms of features is the Garmin Forerunner 265, making it the more versatile option for those seeking a comprehensive fitness watch.

Winner: Garmin Forerunner 265

Garmin Forerunner 265 vs COROS Pace 3 training benefit: 

Regarding training benefits, both the Garmin Forerunner 265 and the COROS Pace 3 offer unique advantages tailored to different types of athletes and their specific needs.

The Garmin Forerunner 265 shines with its advanced training features, including personalized coaching through Garmin Coach and the innovative PacePro feature, which helps runners strategize their pacing throughout a race. It provides in-depth performance metrics, such as VO2 max estimation, training effect, and recovery time, allowing users to fine-tune their workouts effectively. Additionally, the watch supports a wide range of sports profiles, making it versatile for various training regimens, from running to cycling and swimming.

On the other hand, the COROS Pace 3 is designed with a focus on simplicity and efficiency. It offers essential training metrics, including heart rate monitoring, pace, and distance tracking, but it also includes features like the ability to create structured workouts and intervals. Its lightweight design and impressive battery life make it an excellent companion for long training sessions, especially for those who prefer a no-frills approach.

In conclusion, while both watches provide valuable training benefits, the Garmin Forerunner 265 offers a more comprehensive suite of features for serious athletes looking for detailed insights and coaching. Therefore, the winner in terms of training benefits is the Garmin Forerunner 265, as it caters to a broader range of training needs and goals.

Our Verdict:

In conclusion, the choice between the Garmin Forerunner 265 and the COROS Pace 3 ultimately depends on your needs as a runner. If you value a feature-rich experience with a stunning display and in-depth health metrics, the Forerunner 265 is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lightweight design and outstanding battery life for long training sessions, the COROS Pace 3 is an excellent choice. Both watches excel in their respective areas, ensuring you can find the perfect companion for your fitness journey.

FAQs:

Which one is better, Garmin or COROS?

Ultimately, the right sports watch for you depends on your intended use. Garmin is probably your go-to if you’re looking for more general health and fitness monitoring. But if you’re an elite athlete aiming to get even more elite, Coros offers more of the performance fine-tuning you need.

Why switch from Garmin to COROS?

If I compare both, the Garmin app, insights, and recovery stats are just miles ahead of Coros, but the Coros hardware is way better than Garmin. If you plan to use external software to analyze and track your training data, then I would pick Coros.

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