Coros Pace 3

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Coros Pace 3: Review

“A lightweight GPS watch with dual-frequency accuracy for dedicated runners.”

Overview


The Coros Pace 3 is a GPS running watch designed to offer a balance of performance and affordability. This watch is known for its lightweight design and extensive battery life, making it a practical choice for runners.

Key Features:

  • Dual-frequency GPS: Provides enhanced accuracy for tracking runs in challenging environments.
  • Optical heart rate and SpO2 sensors: Monitors heart rate and blood oxygen levels for comprehensive health tracking.
  • Transreflective touchscreen: Ensures clear visibility in various lighting conditions.

The Coros Pace 3 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize accurate tracking and long battery life for extended training sessions. Its lightweight design offers comfort, making it suitable for daily wear.

Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the cheapest 20% of running watches today.

Verdict

The consensus on the Coros Pace 3


The Coros Pace 3 is widely regarded as a strong contender in the affordable GPS watch market. It excels in providing accurate GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring, making it a reliable choice for runners. The watch's battery life is impressive, offering up to 38 hours in GPS mode, which is a significant advantage for long-distance runners. However, the plastic construction and limited software features, such as music playback only via MP3, may not appeal to those seeking a more premium experience. The Pace 3's simplicity and focus on core functionalities make it a great option for those who prefer minimal distractions. While it lacks some advanced features found in higher-end models, its performance and value for money are commendable. Overall, the Coros Pace 3 is a solid choice for runners looking for a dependable and budget-friendly GPS watch.

Updates to Coros Pace 3


The Coros Pace 3 introduces several updates over its predecessor, the Coros Pace 2. Notable enhancements include the addition of dual-frequency GPS for improved accuracy and a new optical heart rate sensor. The Pace 3 also features a touchscreen interface and increased battery life, offering up to 38 hours in GPS mode. These updates make the Pace 3 a more versatile and reliable option for runners, building on the strengths of the Coros Pace family.

Comparable Watches


The Garmin Forerunner 255 is a good alternative for those seeking more advanced features and smartphone integration. While the Coros Pace 3 offers excellent GPS accuracy and battery life, the Forerunner 255 provides additional functionalities like music streaming and contactless payments. However, the Garmin model comes at a higher price point, which may not be ideal for budget-conscious runners.



The Polar Pacer Pro is another option for runners who value detailed training metrics and advanced features. While the Coros Pace 3 excels in GPS accuracy and battery life, the Polar Pacer Pro offers more comprehensive health tracking and training analysis. However, the Polar model is typically priced higher, which may not suit all budgets.

6 Coros Pace 3 Pros & Cons


3 Pros

Excellent GPS accuracy with dual-frequency system.
Impressive battery life, up to 38 hours in GPS mode.
Lightweight and comfortable design for daily wear.

3 Cons

Limited music playback options, MP3 only.
Plastic construction may not appeal to all users.
Lacks advanced smartwatch features like contactless payments.

In Depth


Battery life

The Coros Pace 3 boasts an impressive battery life, making it a standout choice for runners who need long-lasting performance. With up to 38 hours in GPS mode and 24 days in smartwatch mode, this watch is ideal for ultra-endurance athletes. The extended battery life ensures that runners can focus on their training without worrying about frequent recharging. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who engage in long-distance running or multi-day events, where reliable battery performance is crucial.

Screen quality and brightness

The Coros Pace 3 features a transreflective touchscreen that provides excellent visibility in various lighting conditions. This type of screen is designed to reflect ambient light, making it easy to read even in direct sunlight. The always-on display ensures that runners can quickly glance at their stats without needing to activate the screen. While the backlight may not be as powerful as higher-end models, the screen's clarity and readability are well-suited for outdoor activities, enhancing the overall user experience.

Strap comfort

The Coros Pace 3 offers a comfortable wearing experience with its lightweight design and choice of silicone or nylon straps. The strap width has been increased to 22 mm, providing a more secure fit for runners. This design change addresses previous concerns about the strap's thinness, ensuring that the watch stays in place during vigorous activities. The tool-less strap design allows for easy customization, catering to individual preferences and enhancing overall comfort during long training sessions.

Heart-rate monitor accuracy

The Coros Pace 3 is equipped with an optical heart rate sensor that provides reliable heart rate monitoring for runners. This feature is essential for tracking workout intensity and ensuring optimal training performance. The heart rate monitor is designed to deliver accurate readings, even during high-intensity activities. While some users may experience occasional discrepancies, the overall accuracy of the heart rate sensor is commendable, making it a valuable tool for runners focused on heart rate-based training.

GPS accuracy

The Coros Pace 3 excels in GPS accuracy, thanks to its dual-frequency GPS system. This feature enhances the watch's ability to track runs accurately, even in challenging environments such as urban areas or dense forests. The improved GPS performance is a significant advantage for runners who require precise distance and pace measurements. The watch's ability to maintain strong GPS signals ensures that runners can rely on accurate data for their training sessions, making it a top choice for those who prioritize GPS accuracy.

Sleep tracking

The Coros Pace 3 includes sleep tracking capabilities, allowing runners to monitor their sleep patterns and quality. This feature provides insights into sleep duration and stages, helping users understand their recovery and overall well-being. While the sleep tracking function is generally accurate, it may occasionally miss brief wake-ups or naps. Despite these minor limitations, the sleep tracking feature is a useful addition for runners who want to optimize their recovery and performance.

Virtual coach and recovery

The Coros Pace 3 offers virtual coaching features that assist runners in optimizing their training and recovery. These features include training load analysis and recovery time recommendations, helping users balance their workouts and avoid overtraining. While the virtual coach provides valuable insights, some users may find the recovery time suggestions to be overly conservative. Nevertheless, the virtual coaching capabilities are beneficial for runners seeking guidance in their training regimen.

Who should buy the Coros Pace 3?


The Coros Pace 3 is an excellent choice for runners who value GPS accuracy and long battery life. It's particularly suitable for those who engage in multi-sport activities and require a watch that can handle various environments. Runners who prefer a lightweight and comfortable design will appreciate the Pace 3's minimalistic approach. This watch is ideal for athletes who prioritize core functionalities over advanced smartwatch features.

Who should not buy the Coros Pace 3?


The Coros Pace 3 may not be the best fit for runners who seek advanced smartwatch features like music streaming or contactless payments. Those who prefer a more premium build with metal materials might find the plastic construction less appealing. If smartphone integration and a wide range of apps are important, alternatives like the Apple Watch or Garmin models could be more suitable. Runners who need extensive health metrics beyond basic tracking might also consider other options.

Coros Pace 3: What's it good for?


The Coros Pace 3 is well-suited for running and multi-sport activities, offering reliable performance in various environments. Its GPS accuracy makes it ideal for trail running and urban settings where precise tracking is essential. The watch's long battery life supports ultra-endurance events, allowing athletes to focus on their performance without frequent recharging. Additionally, the Pace 3's lightweight design is perfect for daily wear, ensuring comfort during extended use.

5 Coros Pace 3 FAQs


How accurate is the GPS on the Coros Pace 3?

The Coros Pace 3 features dual-frequency GPS, which enhances its accuracy in various environments. This makes it a reliable choice for runners who need precise tracking in urban areas or dense forests.

What is the battery life of the Coros Pace 3?

The Coros Pace 3 offers up to 38 hours of battery life in GPS mode and 24 days in smartwatch mode, making it ideal for long-distance running and multi-day events.

Does the Coros Pace 3 support music streaming?

The Coros Pace 3 supports music playback via MP3 files, but it does not offer streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music.

Is the Coros Pace 3 suitable for swimming?

Yes, the Coros Pace 3 is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.

Can the Coros Pace 3 track heart rate continuously?

Yes, the Coros Pace 3 features an optical heart rate sensor that can monitor heart rate continuously, providing valuable data for training and recovery.

Coros Pace 3 alternatives



Coros Pace 3
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Coros Pace 3
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priceBand
Price band
released
Released
Feb 2022
Nov 2018Sep 2019Aug 2021Nov 2022Nov 2022
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Expert Review Score












Battery life
Battery life
576 hours
480 hours
720 hours
1440 hours
408 hours
720 hours
Battery life – GPS mode
Battery life – GPS mode
38 hours
30 hours
40 hours
140 hours
48 hours
75 hours
Screen size
Screen size
30 mm
30 mm
30 mm
36 mm
30 mm
33 mm
Weight
Weight
39 g
29 g
59 g
89 g
42 g
53 g
Height
Height
42 mm
42 mm
47 mm
50 mm
43 mm
46 mm
Resolution
Resolution
240 x 240 px
240 x 240 px
240 x 240 px
280 x 280 px
240 x 240 px
260 x 260 px
Waterproof depth
Waterproof depth
50 m
50 m
100 m
100 m
50 m
50 m
Pixel density
Pixel density
283 ppi
283 ppi
283 ppi
283 ppi
282 ppi
229 ppi
Charging time
Charging time
2 hours
2 hours
2 hours
2 hours
2 hours
2 hours
Battery power
Battery power
310 mAh
Internal storage
Internal storage
0 GB
0 GB
4 GB
32 GB
8 GB
32 GB
Activity Tracking Features
Activity Tracking Features
Activity detectionActivity taggingCoachingDistance trackingElevation trackingGoal settingPace measurementSteps trackingSwim stroke counterTrackback mode
Activity detectionActivity taggingCoachingDistance trackingElevation trackingGoal settingPace measurementSteps trackingSwim stroke counterSwim stroke recognitionTrackback modeActivity detectionActivity taggingCoachingDistance trackingElevation trackingGoal settingLive trackingPace measurementSteps trackingSwim stroke counterTrackback modeActivity detectionActivity taggingCoachingDistance trackingElevation trackingGoal settingPace measurementSteps trackingSwim stroke counterSwim stroke recognitionTrackback modeActivity detectionActivity taggingDistance trackingElevation trackingExercise taggingPace measurementSteps trackingTrackback modeActivity detectionActivity taggingDistance trackingElevation trackingExercise taggingPace measurementSteps trackingSwim stroke counterTrackback mode
Health tracking features
Health tracking features
Calorie burn trackingSleep trackingTemperature tracking
Calorie burn trackingSleep trackingTemperature trackingCalorie burn trackingSleep trackingTemperature trackingWeight trackingCalorie burn trackingSleep trackingTemperature tracking
Connectivity Types
Connectivity Types
ANT+Wi-Fi
ANT+Automatic syncingCloud syncingEmail exportingWireless syncingANT+Automatic syncingCloud syncingEmail exportingWireless syncingANT+Automatic syncingCloud syncingEmail exportingWi-FiWireless syncingAutomatic syncingMac OS X compatibleWi-FiWireless syncingAutomatic syncingMac OS X compatibleWi-FiWireless syncing
Sensors
Sensors
AccelerometerBarometerBlood oxygenation monitorBody temperature sensorCadence sensorCompassFast GPS lockGalileoGPSGyroscopeHeart rate monitor
AccelerometerBarometerCadence sensorCompassGalileoGPSGyroscopeHeart rate monitorAccelerometerBarometerBlood oxygenation monitorBody temperature sensorCadence sensorCompassFast GPS lockGalileoGPSGyroscopeHeart rate monitor3D compassAccelerometerBarometerBlood oxygenation monitorBody temperature sensorCompassFast GPS lockGalileoGPSGyroscopeHeart rate monitor3D compassAccelerometerBarometerBlood oxygenation monitorBody temperature sensorCompassGPSGyroscopeHeart rate monitor3D compassAccelerometerBarometerBlood oxygenation monitorBody temperature sensorCompassGPSGyroscopeHeart rate monitor
Alerts
Alerts
Silent alarmVibrating alerts
Silent alarmVibrating alertsSilent alarmSmart alarmThunderstorm warningsVibrating alertsIrregular heart rate warningsSilent alarmThunderstorm warningsVibrating alerts
Supported peripherals
Supported peripherals
Compatible heart monitor
Compatible heart monitorCompatible heart monitorCompatible heart monitor
Screen features
Screen features
Always-on displayDamage resistant glass
Always-on displayDamage resistant glassAlways-on displaySapphire glassTouch screenAlways-on displaySapphire glassTouch screenAlways-on displaySapphire glassTouch screenAlways-on displaySapphire glassTouch screen
Battery features
Battery features
Rechargeable battery
Battery level indicatorRechargeable batteryBattery level indicatorRechargeable batteryBattery level indicatorRechargeable batteryBattery level indicatorRechargeable batteryBattery level indicatorRechargeable battery
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Coros Pace 3: what the experts say (2 reviews)

Coros Pace 3: 13 Expert video reviews

Coros Pace 3: 7 Manufacturer videos

Coros Pace 3 characteristics and specifications

Specificationsvs Average
Model
3
Released
Feb 2022
Battery
Charging time
2 hours
Battery life – GPS mode
38 hours
Battery life
576 hours
System
Internal storage
0 GB
Measurements
Volume
21 cm³
Strap width
22 mm
Width
42 mm
Height
42 mm
Thickness
12 mm
Weight
39 g
Temperature
Min. temperature
-20 °C
Max. temperature
50 °C
Waterproofing
Waterproof depth
50 m
Screen
Pixel density
283 ppi
Resolution
240 x 240 px
Screen size
30 mm

Evolution of the Coros Pace product family

  • Feb 2022
    Thumbnail image of Coros Pace 3
    Pace 3
    Latest model
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  • Nov 2018
    Thumbnail image of Coros Pace 2
  • Oct 2024
    Thumbnail image of Coros Pace
AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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Tom Green
December 18, 2024 at 9:55 AM
Gunnersbury parkrun #230 (my #3️⃣4️⃣)
📊 Stats by geerly 👟 🕒 Official time: 00:22:45 | Course PB 🚨 🏁 Overall position: 35/549 🚹 Gender position: 21/299 🎯 Age grade: 61%