Coros Apex 2 Pro vs Pace 3
Quick verdict
Choose the Coros Apex 2 Pro if…
- You run long ultras and want 66 h of GPS and a titanium case with sapphire
- You use offline maps with terrain relief and onboard music on every outing
Choose the Coros Pace 3 if…
- You want multi-band GPS and onboard maps at the lowest possible price
- You prioritise a very light watch (39 g) for training and racing
For maximum autonomy on long ultras, Coros Apex 2 Pro lasts longer in GPS mode. If you want the lightest watch on your wrist, go for Coros Pace 3. On budget, Coros Pace 3 is the more affordable option.
Coros Apex 2 Pro or Coros Pace 3? GPS battery (66 h vs 38 h), weight (53 g vs 39 g), maps and multi-band, with a clear verdict and a check of whether each lasts your whole race.
Pick by what you need
- If you run ultras or very long outings (66 h of GPS) → Coros Apex 2 Pro
- If you want the lightest (39 g) → Coros Pace 3
- If you want to save without giving up the essentials → Coros Pace 3
Radar: where each watch wins
Absolute 0–100 scale, no exaggerated gaps: a tie stays a tie. Coros Apex 2 Pro leads on 3 of 6 axes.
| Axis | Coros Apex 2 Pro | Coros Pace 3 |
|---|---|---|
| GPS battery | 55/100 | 32/100 |
| Everyday battery | 70/100 | 80/100 |
| Lightness | 70/100 | 93/100 |
| Maps | 100/100 | 100/100 |
| Multi-band GPS | 43/100 | 25/100 |
| Display & extras | 50/100 | 0/100 |
GPS: 120 h = 100 · Weight: 35 g = 100, 95 g = 0 · Multi-band: by its battery (60 h = 100) · Display: AMOLED + music.
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Spec | Coros Apex 2 Pro | Coros Pace 3 |
|---|---|---|
| GPS battery | 66 h | 38 h |
| Multi-band battery | 26 h | 15 h |
| Smartwatch | 21 days | 24 days |
| Weight | 53 g | 39 g |
| Maps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-band | ✓ | ✓ |
| Music | ✓ | – |
| Display | MIP | MIP |
| Price | High-end | Entry |
| Where to buy | View on Amazon(opens in a new tab) | View on Amazon(opens in a new tab) |
GPS battery = each manufacturer's standard GPS mode; multi-band = dual-frequency (maximum accuracy). On Suunto, Polar Grit and Amazfit T-Rex the GPS figure already corresponds to dual-band mode. Figures verified against the manufacturer.
CorosCoros Apex 2 ProMountain watch with outstanding battery life: 66 h in full GPS, 26 h in dual-frequency and up to 21 days in daily use, at just 53 g. Free offline maps, multi-band GPS, MP3 music and touchscreen. The light, long-lasting alternative to Garmin for ultras and crossings.
View on Amazon(opens in a new tab)CorosCoros Pace 3Trail running GPS watch with track navigation, barometric altimeter and up to 38 h battery life in GPS mode. Lightweight (39 g), accurate and with offline maps. Best value for mountain navigation.
View on Amazon(opens in a new tab)Will it last your race? Real battery across 300 races
We estimated a mid-pack runner's finish time for every race in our calendar (distance, elevation and terrain) and added a 25% safety margin. Here's the result:
Coros Apex 2 Pro lasts 298 of 300 races
Coros Pace 3 lasts 276 of 300 races
We couldn't find that race in our calendar. Try another name or the town.
| Race | Battery needed | Coros Apex 2 Pro | Coros Pace 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lavaredo Ultra Trail120 km · 5800 m+ | 37 h | Lasts | Lasts |
| Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB125 km · 5700 m+ | 37 h | Lasts | Lasts |
| SaintéLyon160 km · 4200 m+ | 40 h | Lasts | Dies |
| Restonica Trail by UTMB110 km · 7200 m+ | 42 h | Lasts | Dies |
| Las 100 Millas de Boñar – Noche Roja161 km · 4560 m+ | 43 h | Lasts | Dies |
| UltraMediterrània162 km · 8050 m+ | 53 h | Lasts | Dies |
| UTMB Mont-Blanc174 km · 10000 m+ | 60 h | Lasts | Dies |
| Ultra Tour des 4 Massifs176 km · 11590 m+ | 71 h | Dies | Dies |
Estimate for a mid-pack runner on the longest distance, standard GPS on ultras and multi-band on races under 12 h. Tap a race to see the watches we recommend for it.
Verdict
For maximum autonomy on long ultras, Coros Apex 2 Pro lasts longer in GPS mode. If you want the lightest watch on your wrist, go for Coros Pace 3. On budget, Coros Pace 3 is the more affordable option.
Analysis: where they really differ
The two most sought-after Coros watches for trail, one at each end of the range. The Pace 3 is the entry model that changed everything: multi-band GPS, onboard navigation maps, 38 h of GPS and just 39 g, at a bargain price. The Apex 2 Pro steps up to a titanium case with sapphire glass, 66 h of GPS (26 h multi-band), 21 days of smartwatch use, onboard music, full offline maps with terrain relief and finer barometric altimeter sensors. Both share the same app and the same transflective MIP display. For training, following a plan and running trail up to mid-long distance, the Pace 3 does 90% of the job. The Apex 2 Pro is paid for with ultra battery life, titanium ruggedness and proper map navigation.
Choose the Coros Apex 2 Pro if…
- You run long ultras and want 66 h of GPS and a titanium case with sapphire
- You use offline maps with terrain relief and onboard music on every outing
- You want the toughest Coros for years of mountain use
Choose the Coros Pace 3 if…
- You want multi-band GPS and onboard maps at the lowest possible price
- You prioritise a very light watch (39 g) for training and racing
- 38 h of GPS covers your longest races