Garmin Forerunner 255 vs. COROS Pace 3 // A Comprehensive Head-to-Head Comparison

In today’s fast-evolving world of wearable technology, choosing the right running watch can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a serious triathlete, a weekend runner, or simply looking to stay active, understanding the differences between top contenders like the Garmin Forerunner 255 and the COROS Pace 3 is key to making an informed decision. In this article, we’ll dive deep into every aspect—from pricing and design to features, battery life, GPS accuracy, and ecosystem integration—to help you decide which watch best meets your needs.

Current Prices:
COROS Pace 3: $229.00
Garmin Forerunner 255 (non-music edition): $239.97 (on sale; regular price $349.99)

1. Price & Value: Getting the Best Bang for Your Buck

When it comes to running watches, price is often the first filter many consumers apply. With budgets varying widely, it’s important to consider not only the upfront cost but also the value each device provides.

Price Comparison

The COROS Pace 3 undercuts the Forerunner 255 by over $100 at retail price, making it a very attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. Yet, when on sale, the Forerunner 255’s price becomes more competitive. Beyond the sticker price, both watches require no subscriptions for their core features, which means you’re not locked into recurring fees.

Value Considerations

• For the Forerunner 255:
  The investment goes toward a mature ecosystem with comprehensive training analytics, including heart rate variability (HRV), recovery advice, and advanced safety features such as LiveTrack. These features are invaluable for athletes who need precise data and robust support during rigorous training sessions.
• For the COROS Pace 3:
  The watch excels in simplicity and lightweight design, making it a great choice for ultrarunners or those prioritizing extended battery life and ease of use. The touchscreen interface and modern route planning capabilities also enhance its value for everyday fitness tracking.

Ultimately, your decision may hinge on whether you value a more refined ecosystem and detailed analytics (Garmin) or a simpler, cost-effective approach with excellent battery life and ease of use (COROS).

2. Design & Comfort: Wearability in the Real World

The design of a running watch isn’t just about aesthetics—it directly impacts comfort, usability, and performance during activities. Both the Forerunner 255 and COROS Pace 3 have their unique design philosophies that cater to different user preferences.

Weight & Materials

• Garmin Forerunner 255:
  Offers a slightly heftier build that some users associate with durability and quality. The option of a smaller 42mm case (weighing 39g) provides flexibility for those with smaller wrists.
• COROS Pace 3:
  Emphasizes a lightweight design that many runners appreciate, especially during long runs or ultra-endurance events. The choice of materials (nylon or silicone bands) caters to different comfort preferences and style aesthetics.

Display & Interface

• Garmin Forerunner 255:
  Sports a larger display that improves readability during workouts. The combination of button navigation with touchscreen elements ensures that users can quickly toggle between modes even in adverse weather conditions.
• COROS Pace 3:
  With its dedicated touchscreen interface, the Pace 3 emphasizes a modern, intuitive user experience. The slightly smaller display is still bright and easy to read, though some users may prefer the larger screen size on the Forerunner for data-rich displays.

Water Resistance & Durability

Both watches are designed with active users in mind and are rated for water resistance up to 5 ATM. This means they’re well-suited for swimming, rain, and sweaty runs. The robust build quality of fiber-reinforced polymers in both devices ensures longevity even under the stress of regular outdoor use.

3. Core Features: Training Metrics and Beyond

At the heart of any modern running watch lies its suite of features that help you train smarter, track progress, and navigate your routes effectively. Let’s compare the core functionalities of the Forerunner 255 and the COROS Pace 3.

Training Metrics & Performance Tracking

• Garmin Forerunner 255:
  Excels in providing granular insights into your training regime. Features like heart rate variability (HRV) and training readiness offer a window into how your body is coping with stress and recovery. Additionally, safety features like LiveTrack ensure that your loved ones can track your progress during long or isolated workouts.
• COROS Pace 3:
  While offering a slightly smaller selection of sports modes, the Pace 3 stands out for its training load and race prediction capabilities. These metrics help you understand how your training is progressing over time and can offer guidance on when to push harder or ease up.

Navigation & Route Planning

• Garmin Forerunner 255:
  Offers breadcrumb-style navigation that lets you see your trail history and plan courses on the Garmin Connect platform. The inclusion of ANT+ connectivity makes it compatible with a wide range of sensors and accessories.
• COROS Pace 3:
  Leverages a newer interface for navigation, offering turn-by-turn directions that many users find more intuitive, especially when exploring new routes. However, the COROS ecosystem is more limited in terms of third-party integrations compared to Garmin’s established network.

Health & Wellness Tracking

Beyond just tracking your runs, both watches offer a range of wellness metrics:

• Forerunner 255:
  Delivers insights into sleep quality, recovery times, and overall stress levels. The inclusion of Garmin Pay also allows for quick transactions—a handy feature for those who want to minimize what they carry during runs.
• COROS Pace 3:
  Provides similar health tracking metrics, though it may not be as detailed in areas like HRV tracking. However, it offers free training plans and a simplified interface that can appeal to users who prefer a less cluttered approach to data.

4. Battery Life: Keeping Up With Your Training

A watch’s battery life is crucial, especially during long training sessions, races, or multi-day events. Both the Forerunner 255 and COROS Pace 3 have been engineered to meet the demands of endurance athletes, but they each bring something unique to the table.

Battery Life Comparison

• Forerunner 255:
  When it comes to power-intensive activities, such as using dual-frequency GPS, the Forerunner 255 has a slight edge. Its battery is optimized for sessions that demand precision tracking and detailed analytics.
• COROS Pace 3:
  In everyday smartwatch mode and during prolonged GPS usage, the Pace 3 clearly stands out with longer battery life. This makes it an excellent option for ultrarunners or multi-day events where recharging isn’t feasible.

Real-World Considerations

For runners who often train for extended periods or participate in events where every extra hour of battery life counts, the COROS Pace 3’s endurance is a major selling point. On the other hand, if your training involves frequent high-intensity sessions that rely on advanced tracking features, you might prefer the Forerunner 255’s optimization in dual-frequency mode—even if that means sacrificing a bit of overall battery longevity.

5. GPS Accuracy: Precision When It Matters Most

Accurate GPS tracking is fundamental for any athlete who needs to measure distance, pace, and route. Both the Forerunner 255 and COROS Pace 3 employ dual-frequency GPS (utilizing both L1 and L5 signals) along with multi-GNSS support to provide reliable data.

How They Stack Up

• Garmin Forerunner 255:
  Independent tests have shown that the Forerunner 255 achieves approximately ±1% distance accuracy in urban areas, where signal interference can be challenging. This level of precision is critical for runners who rely on consistent data to adjust training loads.
• COROS Pace 3:
  Although often compared to premium watches, the Pace 3 performs exceptionally well on open trails. Its accuracy is comparable to high-end models, ensuring that even when venturing off the beaten path, your metrics remain trustworthy.

Why GPS Accuracy Matters

For performance-focused athletes, even slight discrepancies in distance or pace measurements can impact training decisions. Whether you’re following interval sessions or monitoring recovery runs, knowing that your device offers pinpoint accuracy provides peace of mind and confidence in your workout data. Both devices excel in this area, but your specific training environment (urban vs. trail) might sway your preference.

6. Software & Ecosystem: Beyond the Hardware

A device is only as good as the ecosystem that supports it. Software platforms not only affect how you interact with your watch but also determine the extent to which you can integrate third-party apps and services.

Garmin’s Ecosystem

• Garmin Connect:
  This mature platform has been refined over years, offering detailed analytics, community challenges, and seamless integration with popular services like Strava and TrainingPeaks.
• Third-Party Integrations:
  Garmin supports a wide array of third-party apps, ensuring that athletes have access to custom workouts, nutrition tracking, and even incident detection for safety.
• Additional Features:
  Daily workout suggestions, incident detection, and a long-established user community make the Forerunner 255 an attractive option for those who want a comprehensive training experience.

COROS’ Approach

• Simplified Interface:
  The COROS ecosystem centers on a streamlined experience with a focus on essential training metrics and free training plans. This can be particularly appealing to those who want straightforward guidance without the complexity of too many options.
• Limitations:
  While COROS EvoLab and its Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connectivity offer a modern take on wearable technology, the ecosystem isn’t as expansive as Garmin’s. Fewer third-party integrations and the absence of an app store may be a drawback for users who depend on a highly customizable platform.

The Takeaway

If you’re a data enthusiast who thrives on detailed performance analytics, the Garmin ecosystem’s maturity and depth might be worth the extra investment. However, if you prefer a minimalist, easy-to-navigate interface that still delivers essential training data and extended battery life, the COROS Pace 3 has you covered.

7. User Profiles: Who Should Buy Which?

Choosing between the Garmin Forerunner 255 and COROS Pace 3 ultimately depends on your training style, budget, and what you value most in a watch. Here’s a quick guide to help you determine which model might be the best fit:

Choose the Garmin Forerunner 255 if:

• Detailed Health Metrics Matter:
  You rely on advanced analytics like HRV, training readiness, and recovery advice.
• Safety Features are a Priority:
  LiveTrack and incident detection are essential, particularly for solo runners or those training in remote areas.
• Ecosystem Integration is Key:
  You already use or plan to integrate with platforms like Strava, TrainingPeaks, or other third-party apps.
• High-Intensity Training:
  Your workouts demand the precision and performance optimizations offered by dual-frequency GPS, even if that comes at the cost of slightly reduced battery life.

Choose the COROS Pace 3 if:

• Budget is a Major Factor:
  You’re looking for a cost-effective solution without compromising on essential features.
• Ultra-Lightweight and Endurance:
  Extended battery life and a lightweight design are critical, especially for ultra-endurance events.
• Simplicity and Ease-of-Use:
  You prefer an intuitive touchscreen interface and straightforward training metrics without the complexity of too many options.
• Everyday Versatility:
  Your training isn’t just about the numbers—you also value modern navigation features and a sleek, comfortable design for daily wear.

8. Diving Deeper: Additional Considerations

Beyond the core features, several other factors may influence your decision. Here are a few more points to consider:

Build Quality & Durability

• Garmin Forerunner 255:
  Known for its robust build quality, the Forerunner 255 has been field-tested by a large user base. Its construction feels solid and dependable, which is particularly important for athletes who put their gear through rigorous training.
• COROS Pace 3:
  While also built to last, the Pace 3 emphasizes a lightweight design. Its materials are engineered to withstand the elements, making it an excellent choice for trail runners and ultra-athletes.

User Interface & Customization

• Garmin’s Customization:
  The Forerunner 255 allows for extensive customization of data fields and watch faces. If you’re the type who likes to tweak settings for maximum efficiency, this level of control can make a big difference.
• COROS’ Streamlined Experience:
  Conversely, COROS opts for a more streamlined user interface. This simplicity can be a strength for users who prefer a “set it and forget it” approach without the need to navigate a maze of options.

Software Updates & Community Feedback

• Garmin’s Longevity:
  Garmin’s long history in the market means regular firmware updates and a dedicated support community. This not only improves the device over time but also fosters an ecosystem where users share tips, workouts, and troubleshooting advice.
• COROS’ Evolving Platform:
  As a newer competitor in the market, COROS is rapidly iterating on its software. While this can mean occasional growing pains, the brand is committed to improving its offerings based on user feedback.

Warranty & Customer Service

• After-Sales Support:
  Both companies offer warranties and customer service, but Garmin’s long-standing reputation might provide additional peace of mind for those who value a well-established support network. However, many users report positive experiences with COROS customer service as well.

9. Final Verdict: Making the Right Choice for You

Both the Garmin Forerunner 255 and the COROS Pace 3 are compelling choices for athletes, each with its own set of advantages tailored to different user profiles. Your choice will ultimately come down to what aspects of performance, design, and ecosystem integration matter most to you.

• For athletes who thrive on detailed analytics, robust third-party integrations, and advanced safety features, the Garmin Forerunner 255 is a clear winner.
  Its comprehensive suite of tools is ideal for serious runners and multi-sport athletes who need granular feedback on every workout.
• For those who prioritize affordability, an ultra-lightweight design, and impressive battery life—especially in prolonged outdoor events—the COROS Pace 3 offers exceptional value.
  Its streamlined interface and modern navigation tools provide all the essentials without overwhelming the user with data.

In my personal opinion, while the COROS Pace 3 offers tremendous value—particularly for casual runners or those new to wearable fitness technology—I lean toward the Forerunner 255 for its superior training ecosystem and reliability. The advanced features like HRV tracking, Garmin Connect integration, and dynamic daily workout suggestions justify its slightly higher price tag for athletes who demand more from their device.

Conclusion

Choosing between the Garmin Forerunner 255 and COROS Pace 3 is not a one-size-fits-all decision. It depends on your training needs, personal style, and budget. By examining key factors like price, design, core features, battery life, and ecosystem integration, you can make an informed decision that best suits your athletic lifestyle.

Whether you opt for the robust analytics and integrated safety features of the Forerunner 255 or the lightweight, budget-friendly, long-lasting design of the COROS Pace 3, both watches represent the cutting edge of wearable technology. They empower you to track your progress, refine your training, and ultimately achieve your fitness goals.

Take the time to consider how each watch fits into your daily routine and training regimen. After all, the best watch is the one that motivates you to push further, train harder, and celebrate every mile along the journey.

Happy running!