All-around high quality
Garmin gave the Forerunner 255 most of its finest operating instruments, from dual-frequency monitoring and wrist-based operating dynamics to restoration recs and coaching load focus. It has glorious battery life and loads of information the 245 lacked. Keep in thoughts that you will must pay further for music storage and wi-fi.
ForTwo measurement optionsDedicated up/down buttonsANT+ supportBetter glass safetyMore strong software program (security, tap-to-pay, instructed exercises)In opposition toMore costly, esp for Music versionShorter battery lifeNo customized marathon plans, Training Readiness
Affordable excellence
A $230 operating watch should not be this good, however COROS selected to not maintain again with regards to the PACE 3. All of the model’s coaching instruments can be found right here, although COROS’ finest nonetheless misses some issues in comparison with a compromised Forerunner 255. Overall, it is petite, long-lasting, and really dependable, and also you get the identical music storage and wi-fi that Garmin calls for an additional $50 for.
ForLighter and longer-livedCrown and touchscreenAmazingly affordableBetter battery lifeExcellent EvoLab coaching toolsAgainstDesign seems to be low-cost and smallMissing some non-running software program Garmin hasGPS may be barely much less correct
Running watches have gotten extra feature-packed and costly lately, particularly as extra health manufacturers swap away from battery-saving memory-in-pixel (MIP) shows to vivid AMOLEDs. For long-distance runners that desire epic battery life at an inexpensive worth, you’ve got two glorious choices: the Garmin Forerunner 255 or the COROS PACE 3.As the one who reviewed each the Forerunner 255 and COROS PACE 3, I wholeheartedly endorse them each by way of high quality, they usually’re really fairly related by way of what they provide. Perhaps the largest distinction, although, is that the PACE 3 prices considerably much less — particularly since you must pay further for the Forerunner 255 Music to get the identical music storage and wi-fi the PACE 3 has. Is there a cause to spend extra for that patented Garmin high quality, or must you save your self the cash with COROS for the same expertise? I’m right here to reply that query! Here’s what it’s worthwhile to know concerning the Garmin Forerunner 255 vs. COROS PACE 3!Garmin Forerunner 255 vs. COROS PACE 3: Design and displayWhy you’ll be able to belief Android Central
Our professional reviewers spend hours testing and evaluating services and products so you’ll be able to select one of the best for you. Find out extra about how we take a look at.Swipe to scroll horizontallyCategoryGarmin Forerunner 255COROS PACE 3Display1.3-inch (260×260) or 1.1-inch (218×218) Memory-in-Pixel non-touch display1.2-inch (240×240) Memory-in-Pixel touchscreenMaterialsFiber-reinforced polymerFiber-reinforced polymerProtection5ATM, Gorilla Glass 3Gorilla GlassDimensions45.6 x 45.6 x 12.9mm (255) or 41 x 41 x 12.4mm (255S)41.9 x 41.9 x 13mmWeight49g (255) or 39g (255S)30g (nylon) or 38g (silicone)Bands22mm or 18mm22mmColors255: Tidal Blue, Slate Gray; 255S: Light Pink, Powder Gray; 255 Music/ 255S Music: Whitestone, BlackWhite, Black, Track Edition (Red), Eliud Kipchoge Edition (multicolored)The 1.2-inch COROS PACE 3 falls proper in between the 1.3-inch Forerunner 255 and 1.1-inch 255S in measurement. Choosing Garmin’s watch offers you extra flexibility, nevertheless it’s finest when you desire a bigger show measurement. For small-wristed runners, the PACE 3 is similar weight because the 255S with a bigger show and silicone strap; when you select the nylon strap, it is barely above 1oz, making it even much less noticeable whereas operating. Both watches are made from fiber-reinforced polymer — onerous, sturdy plastic, in different phrases — and neither is very enticing. These watches are finest fitted to the monitor or path outdoor the place daylight makes MIP shows extra readable; you may must up the brightness of the backlight to make both watch readable indoors for notifications.(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)In phrases of fashion, the COROS PACE 3 has extra enjoyable with colourful bands; I want I had the multi-colored Eliud Kipchoge Edition or bright-red Track Edition as an alternative of the uninteresting Black PACE 3. The small, rounded watch design makes it look low-cost throughout the board, however a minimum of these variants are enjoyable to take a look at. With the Forerunner 255, most variations are Black, White, or Gray with a extra severe, mono-color look; you’ll be able to a minimum of get Tidal Blue or Light Pink, however you are restricted by which show measurement you need or whether or not you want music storage or not. While the 255 itself is far heavier, you may very well desire that, whereas the PACE 3 seems to be very small on bigger wrists like mine. (Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)Ultimately, your resolution will come right down to how you are feeling concerning the PACE 3’s rotating crown and touchscreen in comparison with Garmin’s patented five-button structure.Some runners desire having devoted up/down buttons that you would be able to intentionally press, even when it is slower than a crown as a result of it is not all the time clear how far to show it with a dial. I famous that it’s “fairly comfortable to use” in my overview, “with a nice tactile vibration through the watch every time you turn it.” I additionally famous that it is fairly compact in comparison with different crowns, which suggests it is not as straightforward to show but additionally does not push into your wrist if you bend it for workouts.With the Forerunner 255, I complained in my overview that the buttons had been “squishier than past Garmin watches I’ve tested,” which means I’d press them and never all the time have it register till I bought used to urgent them overly onerous. You’re additionally totally depending on the buttons, whereas the Forerunner 265 or Forerunner 955 has the choice of a touchscreen; I by no means use this throughout runs however desire having the choice for informal use. Garmin Forerunner 255 vs. COROS PACE 3: Sensors and battery lifeSwipe to scroll horizontallyCategoryGarmin Forerunner 255COROS PACE 3SensorsHRM, SpO2, accelerometer, barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, thermometerHRM, SpO2, accelerometer, barometric altimeter, accelerometer, compass, gyroscope, temperature, put on detectionTrackingGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO; All-systems & dual-frequency GPS; SatIQ modeGPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, QZSS; All-systems & dual-frequency GPSConnectivityBluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi (Music model solely)Bluetooth, Wi-FiMusic storage4GB (Music model solely)4GBBattery (smartwatch)14 days (255); 12 (255S)17 daysBattery (GPS)30 hours (255); 26 (255S)41 hoursBattery (All-GNSS)25 hours (255); 20 (255S)25 hoursBattery (Dual-frequency GPS)16 hours (255); 13 (255S)15 hoursWhen it involves important {hardware}, the COROS PACE 3 and Forerunner 255 Music — observe the “Music” distinction — are very related. Both watches are able to hyper-accurate monitoring with each dual-frequency GPS and a number of GNSS methods concurrently. Although the PACE 3 trounces the Forerunner 255 for GPS-only battery, my guess is that you simply will not use that setting typically; as an alternative, for all-systems or dual-frequency monitoring that you would be able to really depend upon, they’re both equivalent or inside one hour of one another. If you are contemplating the Forerunner 255S, nonetheless, you get a downgraded battery life throughout the board. It’s one other little bit of proof that the PACE 3 is the higher small operating watch. (Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)COROS tends to hook up with satellites barely sooner, and you’ll really examine the power of your satellite tv for pc sign if you want. In phrases of precise accuracy, COROS has been barely extra inaccurate in comparison with Garmin in my restricted testing however nonetheless does very effectively. Even if my mapped location on a monitor is not in the correct lane, I nonetheless get correct distance outcomes, which is basically all that issues. With the Forerunner 255, you’ll be able to choose SatIQ mode, which auto-selects a particular satellite tv for pc mode based mostly on sign power and solely makes use of the battery-guzzling dual-frequency mode when you’re someplace the place it’s a necessity. Garmin did not present a battery life estimate for this mode, nevertheless it ought to give the Forerunner 255 just a few hours’ edge. As for normal idle mode, the PACE 3 does add an additional three days of battery, although the hole narrows to only sooner or later when you allow the brand new HRV stress monitoring mode. Generally talking, you can keep away from frequent recharging with these watches, and their battery lives beat many of the AMOLED operating watches on the market. (Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)More usually, each watches provide each an accelerometer and gyroscope for correct exercise and step monitoring. The included altimeter is crucial for runners who care about correct information when coaching at elevation, and never all watches within the PACE 3’s worth vary have one. And you get a compass, so if you wish to observe an offline GPX map, you are able to do so. The Forerunner 255 has one area of interest upside: It’s the one watch to hook up with ANT+ equipment within the uncommon case you purchase one that does not assist Bluetooth connectivity. This primarily issues for gymnasium tools or bike equipment. On the opposite hand, the usual 255 lacks a Wi-Fi antenna, whereas the PACE 3 does assist this. While you technically can add information or obtain updates over Bluetooth, a direct wi-fi connection does actually repay for saving you time. If you purchase the Forerunner 255 Music, you get Wi-Fi assist and 4GB of music storage, the identical because the PACE 3. Garmin does win right here in a single particular means: If you subscribe to Spotify, Amazon Music, or Deezer, you’ll be able to obtain playlists from every respective app. Otherwise, you may must add your personal music information to both watch or simply accept playback controls to your cellphone’s playlist. Garmin Forerunner 255 vs. COROS PACE 3: Fitness and software programSwipe to scroll horizontallyCategoryGarmin Forerunner 255COROS PACE 3Custom exercises✔️✔️Workouts and plansDaily instructed exercises, Garmin Coach, coaching plansTraining plans, customized marathon plan, COROS coaches e mailRunning informationTraining load, coaching load focus, acute load, coaching impact, VO2 Max, restoration time, grade-adjusted tempo, efficiency situation, race predictor, depth minutesTraining Load, base health, load impression, fatigue, coaching impact, restoration timer, 4-week depth distribution, operating efficiency, race predictor, VO2 Max, threshold zones, coaching focusWrist-based operating dynamics✔️❌ (solely with Pod accent)Tap-to-pay✔️❌NavigationPoint-to-point, breadcrumb, Tracback, Up Ahead, Distance to Destination, Elevation profile, Sun and Moon infoTurn-by-turn / breadcrumb, elevation profile, distance to vacation spot, real-time GPS coordinates, deviate alerts, checkpointsCustom programs in app✔️✔️Sleep/ power informationBody Battery, sleep rating and insights, nap detection, all-day stress dataNightly sleep levels, all-day stress informationHealth dataResting coronary heart charge, excessive/low HR warnings, respiration charge, leisure reminders, Health Snapshot, girls’s well being trackingResting coronary heart charge, Wellness CheckSafetyIncident detection, Livetrack❌Compatible Third-party appsBeginner Triathlete, Concept2, Fetcheveryone, Final Surge, Komoot, MapMyFitness, MyFitnessPal, Nike+, Noom, RunKeeper, Runcoach, Slopes, Strava, TrainingPeaks, Virgin Pulse, Weight Watchers, Yes.Fit, ZwiftNike Run Club, Komoot, TrainingPeaks, Strava, Relive, adidas Running, Apple Health, Stryd, Final Surge, Runalyze, Running Quotient, DecathlonSports modes54: Running, Outdoor Track Running, Trail Running, Ultra Running, Treadmill Running, Indoor Track Running, Virtual Running, Hiking, Walking, Pilates, Yoga, Strength, HIIT, Cardio, Elliptical Training, Stair Stepping, Floor Climbing, Indoor Rowing, Triathlon, Biking, Mountain Biking, eBiking, eMountain Biking, Indoor Biking, Pool Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Rowing, Tennis, Pickleball, Badminton, Squash, Table Tennis, Padel, Platform Tennis, Racquetball, Skiing, Snowboarding, XC Classic Skiing, Basketball, Volleyball, Field Hockey, Ice Hockey, Football/Soccer, American Football, Lacrosse, Rugby, Ultimate Disc, Cricket, Softball, Baseball, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, Inline skating24: Run, Indoor Run, Track Run, Trail Run, Hike, Bike, Indoor Bike, Open Water, Pool Swim, Flatwater, Rowing, Ski, Snowboard, XC Ski, GPS Cardio, Gym Cardio, Walk, Triathlon, Multisport, Indoor Rower, Jump Rope, Strength, Training, Training PlanHere we come to the portion of the Garmin Forerunner 255 vs. COROS PACE 3, the place Garmin justifies the additional value. Strictly with regards to operating coaching, Garmin Connect and COROS EvoLab are very related. In both case, you’ll be able to create a customized exercise or map and add it to your watch, then observe the route or have your watch buzz your wrist when you’re operating too quick or sluggish. Both manufacturers provide customized coaching plans you’ll be able to obtain to your watch’s calendar, with goal race lengths or paces for any potential stage. (Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)After a exercise, both watch will describe the exercise’s coaching impact by way of cardio or anaerobic exercise, plus your present and long-term coaching load. You’ll understand how lengthy it’s best to relaxation and get better based mostly on the run’s depth and your VO2 Max stage. That’s all effectively and good, however the Forerunner 255 is extra well-rounded, even when it is no Venu 3 with regards to mainstream instruments. You get security monitoring options, a sleep rating proven throughout a cute Morning Report widget, and a Body Battery rating. It has greater than double the exercise modes for cross-training and different instruments too quite a few to listing right here. COROS has improved as a model in latest months with regards to smarts. Since November 2023, it is added personalized marathon coaching plans, HRV stress monitoring, a climate widget, turn-by-turn navigation, a operating type take a look at (with an non-compulsory Pod), and a wellness examine software to the PACE 3 (and different watches just like the APEX 2). It’s simply clear that, in some ways, it is enjoying catch-up with Garmin. (Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)If I needed to spotlight three particular Garmin instruments I miss with COROS, I’d say Body Battery, every day instructed exercises, and tap-to-pay. Even if I do not normally observe them, I like how instructed exercises change based mostly on my fatigue, coaching load focus, and health stage; and whereas I personally use my cellphone’s NFC funds, it is vital to have the choice in case your cellphone dies after a future. Also, whereas I personally do not pay a lot consideration to operating type evaluation, solely the Forerunner 255 helps wrist-based outcomes; the PACE 3 offers you operating energy by default however wants an non-compulsory Pod accent for superior metrics. My one spotlight for COROS is its customized marathon coaching plan function. Garmin Coach focuses on 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons, leaving marathoners to make use of extra inflexible coaching plans; COROS’ software pulls from previous exercise information and allows you to modify your depth and goal time earlier than getting a 16-week calendar of exercises. Lastly, it is a disgrace {that a} $350–400 watch just like the Forerunner 255 is having Training Readiness withheld from it when so lots of the different finest Garmin watches throughout the Forerunner and Instinct lineup bought it. It’s a very helpful metric that may give it an extra edge over the PACE 3, however Garmin continues to refuse to port the function. COROS does not maintain something again from the PACE 3 simply to make its pricier watches look extra tempting. Garmin Forerunner 255 vs. COROS PACE 3: Which must you purchase?(Image credit score: Michael Hicks / Android Central)Compared to one of the best health watches, neither the Forerunner 255 nor the PACE 3 are particularly good or feature-rich. Compared to smartwatches, they’re very primary and lack correct apps or colourful shows. And whereas they’re effectively past what an entry-level operating watch would provide, they lack essentially the most intense instruments you’d get with, say, the Forerunner 955, like real-time stamina or a Hill Score for elevation coaching. Still, most of those different choices have a lot worse battery life and inflated costs, and plenty of runners see “smarts” as a distraction. Either the Forerunner 255 or PACE 3 will maintain issues centered in your marathon coaching, with some well being monitoring thrown in, they usually will not value an excessive amount of — particularly the PACE 3. If I needed to advocate one, I’d level you to the PACE 3, just because I believe lots of long-time Garmin customers will default to the Forerunner 255 as a result of they’re comfy with the Garmin ecosystem. If you wish to step exterior your consolation zone, the PACE 3 has only a few downsides apart from its toy-like design and particular options like Garmin Livetrak that, whereas good to have, most individuals not often use.
All-around high quality
Choose the Forerunner 255 if you need the most important attainable show, particular sports activities modes or software program instruments that COROS lacks, and do not essentially want music storage. Don’t purchase it if you need options the extra superior Garmin Forerunners have, and contemplate the PACE 3 as an alternative of the 255S.
Affordable excellence
Choose the COROS PACE 3 if you wish to begin bettering your operating coaching however do not wish to spend tons of cash to do it — or if you need music storage for almost half the worth because the 255. Don’t select it if you need every day exercise solutions, tap-to-pay, stay monitoring for security, or different particular instruments Garmin gives.