COROS Pace 3 vs Garmin 255 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

COROS Pace 3 & Garmin Forerunner 255 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the COROS Pace 3 rather than the Garmin Forerunner 255. 

Table Of Contents hide
1 Why Do I Recommend The COROS Pace 3?
2 Side By Side Comparison
3 What Common Both Can Do?
4 Common Features

Why Do I Recommend The COROS Pace 3? 

  • The Coros Pace 3 features a responsive touchscreen with a digital crown for faster and more intuitive on-wrist navigation, whereas the Garmin Forerunner 255 relies entirely on physical buttons.
  • Coros Pace 3 supports up to 24 days battery life for fewer recharges during travel or training cycles, whereas the Garmin Forerunner 255 lasts up to only 14 days in similar use.
  • It features up to 38 hours continuous GPS runtime for extended endurance events, while the Garmin Forerunner 255 provides about 30 hours under comparable GPS conditions.
  • The Coros Pace 3 includes onboard music storage with local file playback to listen music without a phone, whereas the Garmin Forerunner 255 lacks Music storage.
  • It comes with touch-enabled memory-in-pixel display for always-on visibility in bright light and simple swipe navigation, while the Garmin Forerunner 255 uses a non-touch MIP display.
  • The Coros Pace 3 uses a lightweight nylon strap option for improved breathability and all-day comfort, whereas the Garmin Forerunner 255 uses a heavier silicone strap.
  • Coros Pace 3 features a streamlined software interface for quicker syncing and easier access to training data through the Coros app, while the Garmin Forerunner 255 uses a more complex Garmin Connect layout.

Maybe the Garmin Forerunner 255 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the COROS Pace 3. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Check COROS Pace 3 Best Price

Check Forerunner 255 Best Price

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureCOROS Pace 3Garmin Forerunner 255
InterfaceTouchscreen + digital crown + button5 physical buttons
Battery—smartwatchUp to ~24 daysUp to ~14 days
Battery—GPS onlyUp to ~38 hrsUp to ~30 hrs
Charging cableCoros pin-style cableGarmin proprietary charging cable
On-device musicLocal file playbackNot Available
Navigation styleBreadcrumb route followCourse guidance
Sensors controlsCrown scroll + touch gesturesButton navigation only
PriceCheck COROS Pace 3 PriceCheck Forerunner 255 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Built-in GPS: Both watches feature integrated GPS systems, enabling accurate distance and route tracking without the need for a connected smartphone during outdoor activities. This ensures precise performance data for runners, cyclists, and hikers.
  • Dual-frequency GNSS: Each device supports dual-frequency satellite positioning, which enhances accuracy in dense urban areas or mountainous regions where signal reflection can distort measurements.
  • Barometric Altimeter: Both models include a barometric sensor to measure elevation gain and loss, offering more precise altitude readings for trail running and hiking.
  • Compass: Each watch has a digital compass that helps users navigate routes and maintain orientation, even when GPS signals are weak or unavailable.
  • Accelerometer: Both use an accelerometer to track indoor workouts, cadence, and movement metrics, ensuring activity tracking accuracy even without GPS.
  • Recovery Time: Each device provides a recommended rest period after intense workouts to prevent overtraining and promote better recovery planning.
  • Race Prediction: Both watches estimate finish times for common race distances using VO₂ Max and training history, assisting athletes in goal setting.
  • Music Playback: Each supports onboard music playback, allowing athletes to enjoy stored audio during workouts without carrying a phone.
  • Water Resistance: Both are rated at 5 ATM, making them suitable for swimming and general water exposure without risk of damage.
  • Bluetooth Connectivity: Both models support Bluetooth for syncing with smartphones and accessories like heart rate straps or headphones.
  • Smart Notifications: Each can display smartphone notifications such as calls, texts, and app alerts directly on the watch.
  • Multi-sport / Triathlon Mode: Both support multi-sport profiles, enabling seamless tracking of activities like triathlons without pausing between disciplines.
  • Step Tracking: Each counts daily steps automatically, providing users with consistent activity summaries for overall fitness monitoring.
  • Wrist-based HR during Swim: Both watches can measure heart rate underwater, giving swimmers real-time training feedback and post-session analysis.

Check COROS Pace 3 Best Price

Check Forerunner 255 Best Price

Common Features

FeatureCOROS Pace 3Garmin Forerunner 255
Built-in GPSYesYes
Dual-frequency GNSSYesYes
Barometric AltimeterYesYes
CompassYesYes
AccelerometerYesYes
GyroscopeYesYes
Optical Heart Rate SensorYesYes
Pulse Oximeter (SpO2)YesYes
Sleep TrackingYesYes
VO₂ Max EstimationYesYes
Training StatusYesYes
Recovery TimeYesYes
Race PredictionYesYes
Music PlaybackYesYes
Water Resistance5 ATM5 ATM
Bluetooth ConnectivityYesYes
Smart NotificationsYesYes
Multi-sport / Triathlon ModeYesYes
Step TrackingYesYes
Wrist-based HR during SwimYesYes
Price Check COROS Pace 3 Price Check Forerunner 255 Price

FAQ

Is the Coros Pace 3 touchscreen?
Yes, the Coros Pace 3 features a responsive touchscreen combined with a digital crown and button, allowing users to navigate menus and data screens easily during workouts or daily use.

Does the Garmin Forerunner 255 have a touchscreen?
No, the Garmin Forerunner 255 relies on five physical buttons for navigation, which is preferred by many athletes for reliability during intense training or wet conditions.

Do both watches support dual-frequency GPS?
Yes, both the Coros Pace 3 and Garmin Forerunner 255 include dual-frequency GNSS technology for highly accurate location tracking in challenging environments like cities or mountains.

Which watch has longer battery life?
The Coros Pace 3 offers longer battery life, lasting up to around 24 days in smartwatch mode and up to 38 hours in GPS mode, compared to the Forerunner 255’s 14 days and 30 hours respectively.

Do both watches track VO₂ Max?
Yes, both models provide VO₂ Max estimates based on heart rate and performance data, giving athletes insight into cardiovascular fitness and training improvements.

Can both watches store music?
Yes, but with differences. The Coros Pace 3 has built-in local file storage for music playback, while the Forerunner 255 supports music only on the “Music” variant, which includes about 4 GB of storage.

Are both watches suitable for swimming?
Yes, both have a 5 ATM water resistance rating, allowing them to be used safely for swimming, showering, and exposure to rain or splashes.

Do both models measure blood oxygen levels?
Yes, both the Coros Pace 3 and Forerunner 255 are equipped with a SpO₂ sensor that tracks blood oxygen saturation for recovery and altitude adaptation.

Do they support wrist-based heart rate monitoring during swimming?
Yes, both can measure heart rate underwater, providing accurate swim tracking and better analysis for aquatic training sessions.

Can both watches track sleep quality?
Yes, both models include advanced sleep tracking that monitors duration, sleep stages, and movement to help users improve rest and recovery.

Do both have barometric altimeters?
Yes, both watches include a barometric altimeter for precise elevation data, making them ideal for trail running, hiking, and cycling.

Is there NFC or payment support on both?
No, only the Garmin Forerunner 255 includes Garmin Pay for contactless payments; the Coros Pace 3 does not have NFC payment capability.

Do both support training and recovery analysis?
Yes, both offer tools to monitor training load, recovery time, and performance readiness, helping users optimize their workout schedules and prevent overtraining.

Are both compatible with Bluetooth accessories?
Yes, both watches support Bluetooth connectivity for syncing data and pairing with external sensors or wireless headphones.

Do both support smart notifications?
Yes, both can display incoming calls, messages, and app alerts from a connected smartphone, allowing users to stay connected without checking their phones.