The Garmin Forerunner 265 and Coros Pace 3 target runners who want strong GPS performance, but they differ sharply in price, battery life, and weight. At $449.99, the Forerunner 265 offers a premium AMOLED experience and deeper training features, while the $229 Pace 3 counters with up to 24 days of smartwatch battery life and a very light 30g build.
| Feature | Garmin Forerunner 265 | Coros Pace 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 | $229 |
| Display | AMOLED touchscreen | AMOLED (touch) / LCD (non-touch variant) |
| Battery (Smartwatch Mode) | 13–15 days | 24 days |
| Battery (GPS Mode) | 20–24 hours (GPS-only) | 38 hours (dual-frequency GPS) |
| GPS | Multi-band GNSS | Dual-frequency GNSS |
| Weight | 47g | 30g |
💡 Pricing and specs reflect manufacturer-listed figures as of 2026-06-13 and may vary by retailer, region, or firmware updates.
Why Choose Each Watch
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)
Coros Pace 3
- Exceptional battery life for the price
- One of the lightest GPS watches at 30g
- Dual-frequency GPS at a budget-friendly price point
- Lacks ECG/blood oxygen sensors found on premium Garmins
- Smaller third-party app ecosystem than Garmin Connect IQ
Verdict
For data-focused marathon runners who want richer training guidance on the wrist, Garmin Forerunner 265 is the better pick because it adds advanced metrics like VO2 max, training readiness, and HRV status, plus an AMOLED touchscreen, music storage, and contactless payments for $449.99. For budget-conscious runners training for 5K to marathon distances, Coros Pace 3 is the better pick because it costs just $229, lasts up to 24 days in smartwatch mode and 38 hours in dual-frequency GPS, and weighs only 30g versus the Garmin's 47g.
FAQ
Is the Garmin Forerunner 265 worth the extra cost over the Coros Pace 3?
It depends on whether you value training features and smartwatch extras more than battery life and price. The Forerunner 265 costs $449.99 versus $229 for the Pace 3, but it adds advanced metrics like VO2 max, training readiness, and HRV status, along with music storage and contactless payments. If those features matter to your training and daily use, the higher price can make sense.
Which has better battery life, Garmin Forerunner 265 or Coros Pace 3?
The Coros Pace 3 clearly wins on battery life. It is rated for up to 24 days in smartwatch mode and 38 hours in dual-frequency GPS, while the Garmin Forerunner 265 is rated for about 13–15 days in smartwatch mode and 20–24 hours in GPS-only mode. That makes the Pace 3 a stronger choice for runners who want fewer charges between workouts.
Is Coros Pace 3 accurate enough for marathon training compared to Garmin Forerunner 265?
Yes, the Pace 3 is well suited to marathon training because it includes dual-frequency GNSS, while the Forerunner 265 offers multi-band GNSS. Both are built for runners who want strong GPS accuracy, but the Coros stands out by delivering that at $229 and just 30g. The Garmin may appeal more if you also want deeper recovery and training analysis like HRV status and training readiness.