The Coros Pace Pro and Garmin Forerunner 265 are both AMOLED GPS running watches, but they target slightly different priorities. At $299, the Coros undercuts the $449.99 Garmin while also offering up to 20 days of smartwatch battery life and 38 hours of GPS use in a lighter 37g body.
| Feature | Coros Pace Pro | Garmin Forerunner 265 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $449.99 |
| Display | AMOLED touchscreen with offline maps | AMOLED touchscreen |
| Battery (Smartwatch Mode) | 20 days | 13–15 days |
| Battery (GPS Mode) | 38 hours (GPS mode) | 20–24 hours (GPS-only) |
| GPS | Dual-frequency GNSS | Multi-band GNSS |
| Weight | 37g | 47g |
💡 Pricing and specs reflect manufacturer-listed figures as of 2026-06-16 and may vary by retailer, region, or firmware updates.
Why Choose Each Watch
Coros Pace Pro
- Offline maps at a mid-range price point
- Strong 38-hour GPS battery life
- Lightweight at 37g despite the larger display
- Heavier and pricier than the Pace 3
- Smaller display than premium Garmin/Apple options
Garmin Forerunner 265
- Vibrant always-on AMOLED display
- Advanced training metrics: VO2 max, training readiness, HRV status
- Music storage and contactless payments
- Shorter battery life than Coros equivalents
- No onboard maps (route line only)
Verdict
For trail runners or marathon and ultra trainees who want longer battery life and onboard navigation, Coros Pace Pro is the better pick because it costs $299, includes offline maps, and stretches to 38 hours in GPS mode versus 20–24 hours on the Garmin. For road runners who care more about training insights and smartwatch extras, Garmin Forerunner 265 is the better pick because it adds advanced metrics like VO2 max, training readiness, and HRV status, plus music storage and contactless payments, even though it costs $449.99 and weighs 47g.
FAQ
Which has better battery life, Coros Pace Pro or Garmin Forerunner 265?
The Coros Pace Pro has the stronger battery on paper. It is rated for 20 days in smartwatch mode and 38 hours in GPS mode, while the Garmin Forerunner 265 is rated for 13–15 days in smartwatch mode and 20–24 hours in GPS-only mode.
Does the Coros Pace Pro have maps, and does the Garmin Forerunner 265?
Yes, the Coros Pace Pro includes offline maps, which is a major advantage for trail runners and anyone navigating unfamiliar routes. The Garmin Forerunner 265 does not have onboard maps and instead offers route line navigation only.
Is the Garmin Forerunner 265 worth the extra money over the Coros Pace Pro?
It depends on what you value most. The Garmin Forerunner 265 costs $449.99 versus $299 for the Coros Pace Pro, and that premium gets you advanced training metrics like VO2 max, training readiness, and HRV status, plus music storage and contactless payments. If you care more about battery life, lower weight, and offline maps, the 37g Coros with 38-hour GPS battery is the stronger value.