// WEARABLES
Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Coros Pace 3: Premium vs Budget Running Watch Comparison
The Garmin Forerunner 965 and Coros Pace 3 represent two different philosophies in running watch design. The Forerunner 965 is Garmin's premium multisport flagship, featuring a vibrant AMOLED display, comprehensive smartwatch capabilities, and advanced training metrics. At $599, it targets serious athletes who want a complete ecosystem of features including contactless payments, music streaming, and detailed navigation tools. The Coros Pace 3, priced at just $229, takes a focused approach, delivering exceptional running performance with outstanding battery life in an ultra-lightweight design. Despite its budget-friendly price, it offers many of the core features that serious runners need, including dual-band GPS, comprehensive training metrics, and remarkable 38-hour GPS battery life. This comparison examines whether the premium features of the Forerunner 965 justify the $370 price difference, or if the Pace 3's focused approach delivers better value for dedicated runners.
Coros Pace 3
by Coros
$229
[FEATURE COMPARISON]
| Feature | Garmin Forerunner 965 | Coros Pace 3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Display Quality Screen technology, size, and resolution affecting visibility and user experience |
1.4" AMOLED, 454x454px, Gorilla Glass DX | 1.2" LCD, 240x240px, mineral glass |
|
Battery Life (GPS Mode) Hours of continuous GPS tracking on a single charge |
31 hours (dual-band), 19 hours (AMOLED always-on) | 38 hours (all-systems GPS), 31 hours (dual-band) |
|
Weight Total weight including standard silicone band affecting comfort during long activities |
53g | 39g (26% lighter) |
|
Smart Features Connectivity, payment options, and smartphone integration capabilities |
NFC payments, Spotify/music streaming, full app store, ANT+ | Basic notifications, music storage only, Bluetooth only |
|
Navigation Mapping capabilities and route guidance features |
Preloaded topographic maps, ClimbPro, routable navigation | Downloadable maps, basic route overlay, breadcrumb trails |
|
Training Metrics Advanced analysis tools for performance optimization |
Training Status, Load Focus, Recovery Advisor, heat acclimation | Training Load, Recovery insights, running power metrics |
|
Build Quality Materials and durability construction |
Polymer case with titanium bezel, premium finish | Fiber-reinforced polymer, lightweight construction |
[PROS & CONS]
Garmin Forerunner 965
Pros
- Stunning 1.4-inch AMOLED display with excellent visibility
- Comprehensive smartwatch features including NFC payments and music streaming
- Advanced navigation with preloaded maps and ClimbPro
- Premium titanium bezel construction
- Extensive training analysis and recovery insights
Cons
- Significantly more expensive at $599
- Shorter GPS battery life than Coros competitor
- Heavier at 53g affecting comfort during long activities
Coros Pace 3
Pros
- Outstanding 38-hour GPS battery life for ultra-distance events
- Ultra-lightweight 39g design for superior comfort
- Exceptional value at $229 price point
- Highly accurate dual-band GPS tracking
- Fast satellite acquisition and reliable performance
Cons
- Basic LCD display lacks vibrancy of AMOLED screens
- Limited smart features with no NFC payments or app store
- No music streaming service integration
[OUR VERDICT]
The Coros Pace 3 offers better value for dedicated runners, while the Garmin Forerunner 965 justifies its premium price for users wanting comprehensive smartwatch features.
The choice between the Garmin Forerunner 965 and Coros Pace 3 fundamentally depends on whether you prioritize comprehensive smartwatch functionality or focused running performance with exceptional value. The Forerunner 965 justifies its premium price through superior display quality, extensive smart features, and more sophisticated navigation tools. Its AMOLED screen is significantly more vibrant and detailed than the Pace 3's LCD, making it excellent for viewing maps and data in various lighting conditions. The comprehensive ecosystem includes features like Garmin Pay, Spotify integration, and a full app store that make it genuinely useful as an everyday smartwatch. However, the Coros Pace 3 delivers remarkable value for dedicated runners who prioritize core performance metrics over smart features. Its 38-hour GPS battery life significantly outperforms the Forerunner 965, making it ideal for ultra-marathons and multi-day adventures. At 39 grams, it's 26% lighter than the Garmin, providing superior comfort during long training sessions. The GPS accuracy is equally impressive on both watches, with users reporting similar precision in real-world testing. For serious runners focused purely on training optimization, the Pace 3's detailed running metrics and exceptional battery life at less than half the price make it incredibly compelling. The Forerunner 965 wins for users who want a premium all-in-one device that excels as both a smartwatch and sports tracker, while the Pace 3 is the clear winner for budget-conscious athletes who prioritize running performance and battery life over smart features.
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