Coros Pace 3 vs Garmin Forerunner 255: When it comes to sports watches, the market is flooded with options. Two of the latest contenders are the Coros Pace 3 and the Garmin Forerunner 255. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of these two devices.
The Coros Pace 3 and the Garmin Forerunner 255. Both watches are packed with features and promise to cater to the needs of fitness enthusiasts. But which one truly stands out? Let’s delve into a detailed comparison to find out. For the runners who deserve only the best: We’re breaking down the specs of COROS PACE 3 vs Garmin Forerunner 255 just for you!
COROS PACE 3 vs Garmin Forerunner 255
Size and Display
- COROS PACE 3: 41.9 x 41.9 x 11.7 mm with a 1.2” display.
- Garmin Forerunner 255: 45.6 x 45.6 x 12.9 mm with a 1.3” display.
Weight and Band Options
- COROS PACE 3: 30 g (nylon) and 39 g (silicone).
- Garmin Forerunner 255: 49 g.
Battery Life
- COROS PACE 3: GPS: 38 hours. Daily Use: 24 Days (18 days w/ sleep tracking).
- Garmin Forerunner 255:Smartwatch Mode: Up to 14 days. GPS Mode: Up to 30 hours.
Smart Features
- COROS PACE 3 offers features like message/call alerts, offline music, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, and more.
- Garmin Forerunner 255 series offers a wide range of smart features including Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, smart notifications, music storage (for Music models), Garmin Pay™, and more.
Key Differences
- Coros Pace 3: Available in white silicone, white nylon, black silicone, or black nylon. It has a slightly retro style, especially in the white nylon version.
- Garmin Forerunner 255: Comes in two sizes and various colors. There’s also a music version available in black or white stone.
- Coros Pace 3: Features a 1.2-inch always-on memory in pixel transflective display. Best viewed in direct sunlight.
- Garmin Forerunner 255: Boasts a larger screen with a 1.3-inch display for the 255 and a 1.1-inch display for the 255s.
- Coros Pace 3: Lightweight at 30 grams with up to 38 hours in GPS mode and 24 days of general use.
- Garmin Forerunner 255: Weighs between 32 to 49 grams depending on the model. It can last up to two weeks in smartwatch mode and between 16 to 30 hours in GPS mode.
- Coros Pace 3: Offers multi-band GPS, breadcrumb navigation, and turn-by-turn directions. Users can load routes using the Coros app.
- Garmin Forerunner 255: Provides various GPS modes and features a new race day widget for users.
Design and Comfort
Coros Pace 3:
- Size and Weight: The Coros Pace 3 is almost identical to its predecessor, the Pace 2, in terms of size and weight. It’s slightly smaller and weighs a tad more, likely due to the wider band size, which is now 22 millimeters.
- Strap Options and Display: The watch offers both nylon and silicon strap options. The 1.2-inch screen with a 240 by 240 memory in pixel always-on display is now touch-enabled, making navigation during workouts a breeze.
Garmin Forerunner 255:
- Form Factor & Design: The Forerunner 255 boasts a clean, minimalistic design made of plastic with metal buttons. It’s available in six colors, including black, white, powder gray, slate gray, tidal blue, and bubble gum pink.
- Display: The watch features a 1.3-inch memory in pixel transflective display, perfect for sunlight readability. Unlike the new 955, it’s not touch-enabled.
Features and Functionality
Coros Pace 3:
- Battery Life and GPS: The watch offers an impressive 24 days of battery life under regular use. It introduces dual-band GPS, enhancing accuracy, especially in challenging environments.
- Music and Connectivity: The Pace 3 supports downloadable music with 4GB of storage. However, music must be imported directly from a computer.
- Activity Tracking: The watch offers a wide range of activity types, from running to winter sports. It also supports navigation with turn-by-turn alerts currently in beta.
- Heart Rate Sensor and Sleep Tracking: The improved heart rate sensor provides accurate readings. The watch also tracks sleep stages but lacks heart rate variability (HRV) tracking.
Additional Features
The Coros Pace 3 can play MP3 files directly on the watch when connected to Bluetooth headphones or speakers. However, it doesn’t support streaming services like Spotify. Coros also offers a range of training and efficiency tools, all included with the purchase of the watch.
Garmin Forerunner 255:
- GPS Accuracy: The Forerunner 255 offers improved GPS accuracy, especially in its multi-band GPS mode.
- Heart Rate Sensor & Battery Life: The watch comes with an improved built-in heart rate sensor and up to 14 days of battery life in smartwatch mode.
- Software Updates: The 255 is packed with software updates, making it more user-friendly. It introduces features like a morning report widget for daily insights and a race widget for upcoming races.
- New Features: The watch introduces multi-band GPS mode, an Elevate 4.0 optical heart rate sensor, an updated user interface, Garmin Pay for NFC payments, and more.
Additional Features
The watch includes Garmin Pay, allowing users to make payments directly from their wrist. It also features Garmin’s latest optical heart rate monitor and can monitor blood oxygen saturation levels.
Price Point
The Coros Pace 3 is priced at $229, offering a plethora of features at an affordable rate. On the other hand, the Garmin Forerunner 255 is available in two versions: the 255 priced at $299 and the 255 Music at $349. The only difference between the two is the built-in music storage in the 255 Music.
Conclusion: COROS PACE 3 vs Garmin Forerunner 255
Both the Coros Pace 3 and the Garmin Forerunner 255 offer a range of impressive features for their price points. The Pace 3 stands out for its customizable display, impressive battery life, and training tools. In contrast, the Forerunner 255 shines with its payment feature, heart rate monitor, and race day widget.
If you’re looking for a watch with a retro style and long battery life, the Coros Pace 3 might be the one for you. However, if you want a watch packed with high-end features and don’t mind spending a bit more, the Garmin Forerunner 255 is a solid choice.
Ultimately, the best watch for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Both watches are excellent options, and you can’t go wrong with either choice.
