Quick Overview
Launched at €249, the Coros Pace 3 is among the lightest and most cost-effective GPS running watches available. It boasts precise data tracking, an impressive battery life, and a fully integrated MP3 player—all while retaining a simple, intuitive interface. In an era of flashy AMOLED screens, Coros holds onto a transflective display to prioritise readability and battery efficiency. Is this minimalist yet robust design still relevant in 2024? We tested the Pace 3 extensively to find out.
Design, Comfort, and Materials
A Compact, Discreet Build
The Coros Pace 3 weighs in at only 30g (with the nylon band) and measures just 11.7mm thick, sporting a 42mm case. Although made from plastic, it feels far from flimsy, thanks to Coros’s solid build quality. Two side buttons (one of which has a rotating crown) provide tactile control—augmented by a responsive touch-capable screen.
Two Band Options: Nylon or Silicone
Coros offers a choice of a nylon or silicone band at the same €249 price. The nylon strap yields the watch’s featherlight 30g form factor, uses velcro for a snug fit, and is highly breathable—ideal for intense training sessions and wearing overnight. The silicone band (39g total) is quicker to wash and dry but slightly heavier.
Colourways and Limited Editions
Beyond standard black or white options, Coros occasionally rolls out special editions: from an Eliud Kipchoge version to the Marathon de Valencia or retro editions. The watch itself only comes in one case size, but different band colours can be purchased separately at €29 apiece.
Display: Transflective vs. AMOLED
Why Coros Sticks to Transflective
While many rivals (including Garmin) are pivoting to AMOLED panels, Coros has stuck with a 240×240 MIP transflective display on the Pace 3. The result? Full-time readability without draining the battery, even under bright sun. It’s neither vibrant nor super high-resolution, but in fitness-focused scenarios, it excels at clarity—particularly outdoors or while in motion.
Touchscreen Navigation
In contrast to some Garmin Forerunner models, the Pace 3 includes full touchscreen functionality. You can swipe through menus or use the side buttons to navigate. This flexibility is handy: swipes for quick scrolling off-run, buttons for fine-tuned control during workouts.
Software and Interface
Streamlined Menus
The Pace 3’s user interface splits into three main areas:
- Swipe-Up Menu: Displays daily stats (steps, floors climbed, training load, sleep summary, stress, HRV, etc.).
- Activity Menu (press the crown): Select from 22 sport profiles (running, triathlon, pool swim, cycling, and more). Access settings, training library, or activity history.
- Toolbox (long-press lower button): Alarms, timers, music, boussole (compass), navigation, system controls, camera remote, etc.
No Third-Party Apps
Unlike an Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch, Coros does not allow third-party app installs. The Pace 3 focuses purely on fitness, offering no NFC payments or music streaming apps—just a built-in MP3 player (4GB storage).
Battery: Endurance Champion
Real-World Usage
Coros claims up to 15 days of everyday use, dropping to 25 hours of GPS in “all systems” mode or 15 hours with dual-frequency GPS active. Our experience saw around 6 to 8 days per charge with six sports sessions per week (roughly 8 hours of GPS usage). Toggling off advanced features like constant stress monitoring can extend battery further.
Charging and Updates
A proprietary USB-A cable charges the 236mAh battery in under two hours. Frequent over-the-air software updates have slightly reduced the watch’s battery duration (down from ~17 to ~15 days since its 2023 launch), but it still comfortably outperforms most similarly priced competitors.
Data and Tracking
New Optical Sensor + SpO2
Compared to its Pace 2 predecessor, the Pace 3 gains an SpO2 sensor for blood oxygen saturation. The built-in optical HR sensor reliably logged heart rate data during our test runs, though advanced athletes might consider a separate chest strap for high-intensity intervals.
Stress, HRV, and Sleep
Continuous stress monitoring is based on heart-rate variability (HRV). The watch logs HRV at night, offering insights into your recovery status. Its sleep tracking is basic, accurately capturing total duration but occasionally misclassifying deep and REM phases. Overall, it’s good enough for general use, though dedicated sleep wearables may provide more nuanced detail.
Sport Modes and Activity Data
During workouts, up to 8 real-time data fields can be displayed (pace, HR, altitude, power, etc.). After training, the watch shows detailed breakdowns of your performance, including speed, power, cadence, and training effects. The supporting mobile app or the Coros Training Hub (on PC) allows a broader view, data export in multiple formats, and deeper analysis like your current training load and fitness trend.
Key Sports Features
- Virtual Pacer: Set a target time or pace, and the watch indicates whether you’re on track. Less advanced than Garmin’s PacePro but sufficient for simpler pacing goals.
- Race Test & Training Insights: Helps the Pace 3 estimate your run threshold and prescribe relevant pace zones.
- Route Builder: You can preload turn-by-turn “breadcrumb” routes. However, the Pace 3 doesn’t offer true map display—just a line to follow.
- Custom Workouts: Easy to set up from the watch or the Coros app. Define intervals, intensities (by pace, HR, or power), or import training plans.
- Music Player: The 4GB internal storage can hold hundreds of MP3 tracks, but no support for streaming.
Coros Pace 3 vs. Competitors
- Garmin Forerunner 255: Heavier and more expensive, no touchscreen, but offers NFC payments and better fall detection. The Pace 3’s advantage is lighter weight and longer battery at a lower price.
- Garmin Forerunner 165: AMOLED screen but shorter battery life. Lacks dual-frequency GPS and costs ~€279; you’ll pay more for onboard music storage.
- Suunto Race S: Larger, heavier, and more premium (AMOLED, 32GB storage, better cartography). Overkill for casual runners and costs significantly more.
Within Coros’s own lineup, the Pace 3 remains the entry-level champion for cost-to-performance, overshadowed only by the pricier Pace Pro with an AMOLED display or the robust Apex/Vertix lines boasting bigger batteries and full mapping.
Verdict: Why the Coros Pace 3 Shines
After two months of heavy use (200 km/month, six workouts weekly), the Coros Pace 3 excels as a well-rounded GPS sports watch, especially for runners and triathletes. Its data accuracy, comfortable design, and extensive battery life are top-notch for the price, while Virtual Pacer and custom workouts meet most training needs. The transflective screen might lack the colour pop of AMOLED, but it’s perpetually readable outdoors, and Coros’s streamlined interface is easy to navigate.
Who It’s For:
- Runners seeking a lightweight yet full-featured GPS watch
- Those prioritising battery life over flashy features
- Athletes wanting reliable data, not lifestyle apps
Potential Drawbacks:
- No NFC or streaming music
- Basic sleep tracking and stress analysis
- Less sophisticated than pricier Garmin or Suunto offerings
Bottom Line:
For €249, the Coros Pace 3 hits a sweet spot of affordability, durability, and advanced sports metrics. It’s a top pick if you value performance, battery life, and ease of use over flashy displays and smartwatch bells and whistles.
