Both are great: Garmin excels in metrics and display; Coros wins on weight and battery.
I picture you at dawn. You want a watch that tracks runs, guides workouts, and lasts through long days. I tested the garmin forerunner 265 vs coros pace 3 over weeks of runs, gym sessions, and daily wear. Both are solid. One favors deep data and a bright screen. The other favors light weight and long battery life. I’ll share what I learned to help you pick the best fit for your needs and goals.
Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch,…
Brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display with traditional button controls; lightweight design in 46 mm size Up to 13 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and…
COROS PACE 3 GPS Sport…
Comfort, Lightweight, Durable: Designed as the ultimate running watch, the COROS PACE 3 GPS sports watch merges an 11.7mm ultra-slim profile and 30g featherweight design…
Is Garmin Forerunner 265 Good?
Yes — for athletes who want rich metrics and a bright screen. I found the garmin forerunner 265 very strong for guided training and race prep. It gives deep recovery data and training load details. If you like reviewing numbers after a run, this watch delivers. For many runners and triathletes, it is a clear fit.
I used the garmin forerunner 265 for tempo runs and track sessions. The AMOLED made data easy to read in the rain. I leaned on Garmin’s training plans and noticed real changes in my pace and recovery. I also wore it all day to test sleep and stress tracking; it held up and fed useful trends. The garmin forerunner 265 vs coros pace 3 felt like comparing a high-end coach to a lightweight training partner.
Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Whitestone and Tidal Blue
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Bright AMOLED display with adaptive brightness.
- Advanced training metrics (training load, HRV status, recovery).
- Built-in GPS with multi-GNSS support.
- Music storage and on-device playlists.
- Safety features: incident detection and live tracking.
What I Like
- The screen is vivid and easy to read in all light.
- Training suggestions feel personalized.
- Smooth pairing with Garmin Connect for analysis.
- Comfortable band for all-day wear.
- Reliable heart-rate and pace tracking on varied runs.
What Could Be Better
- Battery life is good but shorter than some rivals in smartwatch mode.
- The watch can feel a touch heavy for minimalist runners.
- Some advanced metrics require time to learn.
My Recommendation
If you want deep training tools and a sharp display, pick this. Good availability and solid value for serious runners.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Structured runners | Detailed training metrics guide progress |
| Users who want a bright screen | AMOLED improves readability in sun and night |
| Athletes who use Garmin Connect | Strong ecosystem and analysis tools |
Is Coros Pace 3 Good?
It depends — excellent if you want light weight and long battery life. The coros pace 3 is very good for tempo runs, long days, and anyone who dislikes bulky watches. It gives solid tracking and simple smart features. For minimal fuss and long outings, it is a top pick.
I ran half-marathons and long training days with the coros pace 3. I barely noticed it on my wrist. Battery stretched through multi-day trips. GPS stayed steady on mixed-surface runs. I also liked the fast sync to the Coros app. When I compared the garmin forerunner 265 vs coros pace 3 side-by-side, the Coros felt like a feather that still tracked everything I needed.
COROS PACE 3 GPS Sport Watch – Lightweight, Comfortable Running Watch, 17-Day Battery Life, Accurate GPS, Heart Rate Monitor, Navigation, Sleep Tracking, Training Plan, Run, Bike – Black Silicone
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Very light case and slim profile.
- Long battery life in both training and smartwatch modes.
- Accurate GPS and offline navigation.
- Simple training plan support and recovery guidance.
- Clean, responsive Coros app and firmware.
What I Like
- I barely feel it during runs or sleep.
- Battery lasts through multi-day events.
- GPS locks quickly and stays steady.
- Interface is fast and easy to use.
- Great value for capability.
What Could Be Better
- Display is not as bright or colorful as AMOLED.
- Fewer advanced metrics than some competitors.
- Music storage and on-watch apps are limited.
My Recommendation
Choose Coros Pace 3 for lightness and long battery life. Great value for runners who want simplicity.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Minimalist runners | Very light and comfortable for long wear |
| Long-distance athletes | Superior battery life for multi-day use |
| Budget-minded athletes | Strong core features at a lower price |
garmin forerunner 265 vs coros pace 3: Side-by-Side Test
I ran, trained, and wore both watches over varied sessions to compare key areas. Below are clear tests and results to help you decide between the garmin forerunner 265 vs coros pace 3.
Display & Controls: Which Is Easier to Use?
Both watches have clear controls. Garmin leans touch + buttons. Coros uses buttons and a simple screen.
| Item | Garmin Forerunner 265 | Coros Pace 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen type | AMOLED, vivid colors | LCD-ish, simpler |
| Touch support | Yes (smooth) | Limited or none |
| Button feel | Tactile | Crisp and fast |
| Readability | Excellent in sun | Good, less punchy |
Garmin – 9/10 | Coros – 8/10
"Garmin has the nicer display and more polished controls. Coros keeps it simple and reliable."
GPS & Sensors: Which Tracks Better?
Both handle GPS well. Garmin adds multi-GNSS and more sensor nuance.
| Item | Garmin Forerunner 265 | Coros Pace 3 |
|---|---|---|
| GNSS support | Multi-GNSS | GPS with strong accuracy |
| GPS lock time | Fast | Fast |
| Heart-rate sensor | Advanced, consistent | Good and stable |
| Sensor extras | Pulse Ox, HRV status | Pulse Ox optional |
Garmin – 9/10 | Coros – 8/10
"Garmin edges ahead with slightly richer sensors and GNSS options."
Battery & Durability: Which Lasts Longer?
Battery was a clear split. Coros shines for multi-day endurance.
| Item | Garmin Forerunner 265 | Coros Pace 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Typical smartwatch mode | 7-10 days | 10-17 days |
| GPS continuous | ~20 hours | ~35+ hours |
| Charge time | Moderate | Fast enough |
| Build durability | Solid | Solid, lighter |
Garmin – 7/10 | Coros – 9/10
"Coros wins battery life by a wide margin. Great for long trips."
Training & Metrics: Which Helps Improve?
Garmin offers deeper coaching. Coros covers basics well.
| Item | Garmin Forerunner 265 | Coros Pace 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Training plans | Extensive | Good |
| Recovery metrics | Advanced (HRV) | Basic recovery |
| Workout guidance | On-device coaching | Clear but simpler |
| Data export | Very robust | Good |
Garmin – 9/10 | Coros – 7/10
"Garmin is better for structured training and advanced metric review."
App & Ecosystem: Which Fits Your Life?
Garmin Connect is feature-rich. Coros app is clean and fast.
| Item | Garmin Forerunner 265 | Coros Pace 3 |
|---|---|---|
| App depth | Very deep | Streamlined |
| Third-party sync | Wide (Strava, TrainingPeaks) | Good (Strava) |
| Firmware updates | Frequent | Regular |
| Learning curve | Some time | Quick to learn |
Garmin – 9/10 | Coros – 8/10
"Garmin’s ecosystem is deeper. Coros keeps things simple and fast."
Value for Money: Which Gives More Bang?
Both offer strong value. Coros often undercuts on price.
| Item | Garmin Forerunner 265 | Coros Pace 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | Higher | Lower |
| Feature per dollar | Good | Very good |
| Resale & support | Strong | Growing |
| Best buyer type | Serious athletes | Casual to serious runners |
Garmin – 8/10 | Coros – 9/10
"Coros gives more battery and comfort per dollar, while Garmin gives depth for the price."
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want advanced training tools, a vivid AMOLED, and deep metrics, the garmin forerunner 265 is the better pick. It fits runners who crave coaching and analysis. The garmin forerunner 265 vs coros pace 3 favors Garmin for athletes focused on data.
If you prize light weight, long battery, and clear core features, the coros pace 3 is your watch. It suits long-distance runners and those who want less bulk. The garmin forerunner 265 vs coros pace 3 favors Coros for endurance and simplicity.
FAQs Of garmin forerunner 265 vs coros pace 3
Which watch has better battery life?
Coros Pace 3 has better battery life overall. Garmin lasts well but Coros runs longer on a single charge.
Which is more accurate for GPS and pace?
Both are accurate. Garmin may edge ahead with multi-GNSS on complex routes. Coros is very steady for most runs.
Which watch is lighter and more comfortable?
Coros Pace 3 is lighter. You’ll notice less weight on long runs and sleep.
Do both support training plans and coaching?
Yes. Garmin offers deeper coaching and recovery metrics. Coros offers solid plans and simpler guidance.
Which has the better app and ecosystem?
Garmin Connect is more feature-rich. Coros app is fast and easy. Pick Garmin for depth, Coros for simplicity.
I aimed to keep this clear and practical from my lens. If you tell me your main priority — battery, metrics, or weight — I’ll recommend the exact model and settings for your use.
Rubel Miah is the Senior Editor at MyStyleGrid.com, where he brings a sharp editorial eye and an unshakable love for fashion to everything he does. A true style addict, Rubel lives and breathes trends, from streetwear to high fashion, and has a knack for turning inspiration into impactful stories. With years of experience in fashion journalism and digital media, he curates content that empowers readers to express themselves through style. When he’s not editing features or forecasting the next big thing, you’ll find him hunting down vintage pieces or capturing street style moments around the city.
