Coros Pace 3 vs Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Garmin Forerunner 265
Coros Pace 3, Garmin Forerunner 165 or Garmin Forerunner 265? We compare GPS battery, weight, maps and multi-band on all three and tell you which to choose for what you need.
Pick by what you need
- If you need maps and navigation on your wrist → Coros Pace 3View on Amazon(opens in a new tab)
- If you run ultras or very long outings (38 h of GPS) → Coros Pace 3
- If you want to save without giving up the essentials → Coros Pace 3
The classic triangle for anyone buying their first serious GPS watch. The Forerunner 165 and the Coros Pace 3 weigh the same (39 g) and sit in the entry segment; the 265 moves up to the mid range at 47 g. The Pace 3 wins on battery (38 h of GPS versus 19 h for the 165 and 20 h for the 265) and is the only one of the three with GPX-track navigation and multi-band GPS in this price band, in exchange for a MIP screen and no music. The 165 brings an AMOLED screen and the Garmin ecosystem for the smallest outlay. The 265 adds AMOLED, multi-band and onboard music: the most rounded balance if your budget allows. For trail and races over 6 h, the Pace 3; for road and daily training in the Garmin ecosystem, the 165; for a single watch that does it all without maps, the 265.
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Spec | Coros Pace 3 | Garmin Forerunner 165 | Garmin Forerunner 265 |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPS battery | 38 h | 19 h | 20 h |
| Multi-band battery | 15 h | – | 14 h |
| Smartwatch | 24 days | 11 days | 13 days |
| Weight | 39 g | 39 g | 47 g |
| Maps | ✓ | – | – |
| Multi-band | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| Music | – | – | ✓ |
| Display | MIP | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Price | Entry | Entry | Mid-range |
| Where to buy | View on Amazon(opens in a new tab) | 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.
Review: Coros Pace 3
Trail 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.
Strengths
- 38 h battery life in full GPS mode
- Only 39 g: lightest in its class
- GPX track navigation with off-course alerts
- Accurate barometric altimeter
Weaknesses
- No touchscreen (buttons only)
- No built-in music
Review: Garmin Forerunner 165
Entry-level running watch with a 1.2" AMOLED display, 19 h GPS battery and just 39 g. Training metrics, adaptive plans and accurate multi-GNSS GPS for training and racing marathons. Garmin's gateway watch for runners who don't need maps or multi-band.
Strengths
- Sharp AMOLED display at an entry-level price
- Only 39 g, comfortable for sleep tracking
- Garmin training metrics and adaptive plans
- Up to 11 days in smartwatch mode
Weaknesses
- No multi-band GPS (less accurate in canyons and dense forest)
- No onboard maps
- GPS battery tight for long ultras
Review: Garmin Forerunner 265
Running watch with AMOLED display, dual-frequency multi-band GPS and onboard music. 20 h in GPS mode (14 h multi-band) and 13 days in smartwatch mode, at 47 g. The perfect balance of accuracy, advanced metrics and price for training and racing from 10K to marathon.
Strengths
- Highly accurate dual-frequency multi-band GPS
- Bright AMOLED touchscreen
- Onboard music (Spotify, Amazon Music)
- Full metrics: Training Readiness and load
Weaknesses
- No onboard topo maps
- Shorter battery life than a Forerunner 965 or a Fenix