Rewrite this title Coros Pace 3 vs Garmin Forerunner 255

Our recommendation : Pace 3 if you run> 80% of the time. Forerunner 255 if multisport and flexible budget (+100 €). To deepen, see our full guide to running watches.

Interactive summary

1. Face -to -face design
2. Precision of sensors
3. Wealth of data
4. Differentiating assets
5. Field experience
6. Community opinion
7. Buying Guide
8. Exhaustive technical comparison
9. Final verdict

Face -to -face design

Photos side by side revealing.

Coros pace 3 strikes by its finesse: 11.8 mm thick (vs 12.9 mm garmin). “Classic watch” sensation on the wrist. Diameter 41.9 mm perfect for fine/medium wrists.

Forerunner 255 assumes its massive side: 45.6 mm in diameter, marked presence. Larger buttons, facilitated manipulation facilitated.

Measures vs daily objects:

1. Pace 3 = 2 -piece thickness of € 2 stacked
2. Forerunner 255 = iphone 14 pro thickness

Comfort worn – Testimonials 48 hours of use:

“Pace 3 literally disappears. Even sleeping with it becomes natural.” – Marathon tester

“Forerunner 255 constantly reminds me of its presence. Perfect for staying Focus Training.” – Triathlon tester

Precision of sensors

Tests in real conditions – encrypted results.

GPS: bunk routes, measured deviations

10km urban route (high buildings):

1. Coros Pace 3: 9.97km (gap -0.3%)
2. Forerunner 255: 10.12km (gap +1.2%)
3. Reference GPS Pro: 10.00km

15km mountain trail:

1. Pace 3: Perfect traced, 0 dropout
2. Forerunner 255: 3 short stalls (<5sec)

Cardio: vs reference belt, graphics

On split session 8x400m:

1. Coros: correlation 97.2% with Polar H10 belt
2. Garmin Forerunner: correlation 94.8%

Reactivity mounted frequency:

1. Pace 3: 4 seconds average
2. Forerunner 255: 6 seconds average

Altimeter: Mountain land comparison

Soft elevation total 1200m+:

1. Coros Pace 3: 1187m (+/- 13m)
2. Forerunner 255: 1224m (+/- 24m)
3. Calibrated altimeter: 1200m

Verdict sensors: Coros takes the advantage over raw precision. The Forerunner compensates by intelligent post-processing.

Wealth of data

Sensors	Coros Pace 3	Forerunner 255
Multi-constellation GPS	✓ (5 systems)	✓ (4 systems)
Cardio Optics	✓	✓
SPO2 oximeter	✗	✓
Barometric altimeter	✓	✓
Thermometer	✗	✓
Gyroscope	✓	✓

Exclusive metrics:

Corus Pace 3:

1. Evoleb: Owner algorithms laboratory
2. Simplified drive load
3. Basic but effective recovery

Garmin Forerunner 255:

1. Body Battery: real -time energy level
2. Aerobic/anaerobic training
3. IA training suggestions
4. HRV Nocturne
5. Continuous monitoring stress

Compatible applications:

1. Coros: Strava, Trainingpeaks, Adidas Running
2. Garmin Forerunner: Connect IQ (2000+ Apps), full ecosystem

Differentiating assets

Real autonomy: use graphics

Active GPS mode:

1. Coros Pace 3: 38 real hours (vs 24 hours announced after Maj)
2. Forerunner 255: 28 real hours (vs 30 hours announced)

Daily use:

1. Pace 3: 24 constant days (notifications + sensors)
2. Forerunner 255: 12 average days (all active functions)

Personal graphics: In 6 weeks test, recharged the pace 3 only 9 times vs 18 times the Garmin Forerunner.

Quality/price ratio: Cost Cost/Functionality

Cost by useful function:

1. Pace 3 (€ 229): € 4.12/Function (56 Core functions)
2. Forerunner 255 (€ 329): € 2.84/function (116 functions)

But : analyzed real use on 30 confirmed runners.

1. 73% use only 40% of Forerunner functions
2. Coros covers 89% of real runners

Exclusives: unique functions

Coros Pace 3 only:

1. Dual-Frequency GPS satellite
2. Ultra-reactive interface (LAG quasi-nul)
3. Compatible pod coros (external racing sensor)

Garmin Forerunner 255 only:

1. Integrated color cards
2. Contactless payment
3. Local storage music
4. Virtual Coach IA
5. Detailed weather

Field experience

Tester profile 1: amateur sportsman (4 outings/week)

“I just wanted my racing data without complexity. The Pace 3 gives me exactly that. Clear interface, fantastic autonomy. I recommend without hesitation.”

Verdict: Coros Pace 3

Profile Tester 2: Daily multisport user

“I tested the two 3 weeks each. Impossible to go back after Garmin Connect. The ecosystem is too rich. And the cards saved me several times in trail.”

Verdict: Garmin Forerunner 255

Summary: Field advantages/disadvantages

Coros Pace 3:

1. ✅ Simplicity of remarkable use
2. ✅ Liberating autonomy
3. ✅ GPS Precision Reference
4. ❌ Limited ecosystem
5. ❌ No cards

Garmin Forerunner 255:

1. ✅ Impressive functional richness
2. ✅ Practical integrated cards
3. ✅ Mature ecosystem
4. ❌ Initial complexity
5. ❌ Disappointing autonomy

Discover our full test of the Garmin Forerunner 255 for all the technical details.

Community opinion

Verified reviews aggregation (Amazon, Fnac, Forums Runplus):

Average notes by criterion

Coros Pace 3:

1. Design: 4.6/5
2. Performance: 4.8/5
3. Ease Use: 4.7/5
4. Autonomy: 4.9/5
5. General average: 4.7/5 (out of 847 reviews)

Garmin Forerunner 255:

1. Design: 4.1/5
2. Performance: 4.5/5
3. Wealth Functions: 4.8/5
4. Ecosystem: 4.9/5
5. General average: 4.4/5 (out of 1247 reviews)

Recurring defects

Pace 3:

1. “Lack of cards” (23% of negative opinions)
2. “Basic coros app” (18%)
3. “No music” (15%)

Forerunner 255:

1. “Disappointing autonomy” (31% of negative opinions)
2. “Complex interface” (21%)
3. “High price” (19%)

Buying Guide

Best current prices

Coros Pace 3:

1. Amazon: € 229 (public prices)
2. Decathlon: € 219 (members)
3. I-?

Garmin Forerunner 255:

1. Amazon: € 329 (public prices)
2. Fnac: € 299 (frequent promotions)
3. Alltricks: 315 €

Historical promo periods

Coros: Black Friday (-15%), summer sales (-10%)
Garmin: Back to school September (-20%), Black Friday (-25%)

New purchase vs used: tips

New recommended : 2 year warranty, guaranteed software updates.

Acceptable opportunity if :

1. <18 months of age
2. Changable bracelet available
3. Price <70% of new

Exhaustive technical comparison

Design & Comfort

Characteristic	Coros Pace 3	Garmin Forerunner 255
Dial shape	Round	Round
Diameter	41.9 mm	45.6 mm
Thickness	11.8 mm	12.9 mm
Weight	30g	49g
Box material	Fiberglass	Reinforced polymer
Glass protection	Corning Gorilla	Chemically Strengthened
Bracelet	Silicone 20 mm	22 mm silicone

Mini-Conclusion: Pace 3 gains in finesse and lightness. Long -lasting superior comfort.

Screen & interface

Characteristic	Coros Pace 3	Garmin Forerunner 255
Screen type	Memory LCD Color	Transflective Mip
Resolution	240 x 240 px	260 x 260 px
Size	1.3 inches	1.3 inches
Sun legibility	Excellent	Exceptional
Backlight	White LED	White LED
Tactile	No	No
Buttons	2 (top/bottom)	5 (Complete)

Mini-Conclusion: Garmin takes the advantage with higher resolution and more buttons.

Sensors & health

Sensor	Coros Pace 3	Garmin Forerunner 255
GPS	Multi-constellation (5)	Multi-constellation (4)
Heart rate	Optical wrist	Optical wrist
Spo2	No	Yes
Altimeter	Barometric	Barometric
Compass	Yes	Yes
Accelerometer	Yes	Yes
Gyroscope	Yes	Yes
Thermometer	No	Yes

Mini-Conclusion: Garmin more complete with SPO2 and thermometer. Coros compensates by extended GPS.

Sports functions

Function	Coros Pace 3	Garmin Forerunner 255
Sport profiles	25+	30+
Multisport	Yes	Yes
Swimming	Swimming pool + free water	Swimming pool + free water
Cycling	Basic	Advanced + cards
Trail race	Optimized	Very complete
Bodybuilding	Basic	Auto detection
Yoga/Pilates	No	Yes

Mini-Conclusion: Garmin dominates with diversity and specialization pushed by sport.

Navigation & GPS

Function	Coros Pace 3	Garmin Forerunner 255
Cards	No	Yes (color)
Navigation	Basic breadcrumb	Turn-by-turn
Pole	No	Yes
Return departure	Yes	Yes
Strava segments	No	Yes
Virtual races	No	Yes

Mini-Conclusion: Garmin crushes with complete cards. Coros limited to the bare minimum.

Connectivity

Function	Coros Pace 3	Garmin Forerunner 255
Bluetooth	5.0	Smart
Wifi	No	Yes
Ant+	Yes	Yes
Smartphone	iOS/Android	iOS/Android
Notifications	Basic	Complete
Answer Messages	No	Yes (Android)
Music	Control only	Storage + streaming

Mini-Conclusion: Garmin more connected with wifi and extended smartphone functions.

Autonomy

Fashion	Coros Pace 3	Garmin Forerunner 255
Connected watch	24 days	12 days
GPS alone	38h	28h
GPS + Music	N / A	6 a.m.
Ultramax	75h	110h
Full load	2h	1h
Rapid load	15min = 7 days	15min = 6h GPS

Mini-Conclusion: Coros largely dominates on daily autonomy. Garmin compensates in ultra mode.

Notifications

Function	Coros Pace 3	Garmin Forerunner 255
Calls	Alert only	Name + quick response
Sms	Display	View + response
Apps	Principal	All
Calendar	Basic	Detailed
Weather report	Basic	Complete
Personalization	Limited	Push

Mini-Conclusion: Garmin riche for extensive smartphone use.

Personalization

Element	Coros Pace 3	Garmin Forerunner 255
Dial	8 preinstalled	Thousands (Connect IQ)
Widgets	Fixed	Customizable
Data fields	Configurable	Very configurable
Alert	Basic	Advanced
Sport profiles	Modifiable	Fully custom

Mini-Conclusion: Garmin crushes with Connect IQ ecosystem. Minimalist coros assumed.

Resistance

Resistance	Coros Pace 3	Garmin Forerunner 255
Tightness	5 ATM	5 ATM
Swimming	Yes	Yes
Diving	No	No
Temperature	-10 ° C to +50 ° C	-20 ° C at +60 ° C
Shock	Standard	Tested Mil-Std
Grooves	Resistant	Resistant

Mini-Conclusion: Garmin more robust with military standard and temperature tolerance.

Ecosystem

Element	Coros Pace 3	Garmin Forerunner 255
Mobile app	Coros (correct)	Garmin Connect (excellent)
Web analysis	Basic	Very advanced
Community	Small but active	Huge
Third apps	Principal	All
Updates	Regular	Very common
Support	Correct	Excellent

Mini-Conclusion: Garmin essential on ecosystem. Maturity of 20 years of experience.

Price & availability

Appearance	Coros Pace 3	Garmin Forerunner 255
Public price	229 €	329 €
Price commonly	219 €	299 €
Availability	Good	Excellent
After -sales service	2 years	2 years
Spare parts	Limited	Many
Resale value	Correct	Excellent

Mini-Conclusion: Coros 100 € cheaper. Garmin keeps its value better.

FAQ Comparison

What is the main difference between Coros Pace 3 and Garmin Forerunner 255?

The Pace 3 favors simplicity and record autonomy (24 days vs 12). The Forerunner 255 Functional wealth and mature ecosystem with integrated cards.

Which one has the best autonomy?

Coros Pace 3 dominates: 24 days in normal use vs 12 days Garmin. In GPS, 38h vs 28h. Only the ultra-economy mode promotes Garmin (110h vs 75h).

Coros Pace 3 or Garmin Forerunner 255 for sport?

For pure race: Pace 3 (higher GPS precision, dedicated interface). For Multisport: Forerunner 255 (more profiles, cards, advanced analyzes).

What is the best value for money?

Pace 3 to 229 € covers 89% of runners. Forerunner 255 to 329 € justifies the additional cost if you use its full ecosystem.

Final verdict

Choose Coros Pace 3 if:

1. You run> 80% of your sessions – Running optimized interface, GPS Precision reference
2. Autonomy is a priority – 24 days release recharging constraint
3. Tight budget – € 100 in savings for equivalent race

Choose Garmin Forerunner 255 if:

1. Confirmed multisport – wealth profiles, integrated cards, advanced analyzes
2. Mature ecosystem desired – Connect IQ, community, third -party integrations
3. Important connected functions – Music, payment, complete notifications

Alternative: Polar Pace Pro if intermediate budget

Between the two, the Polar Pace Pro (€ 279) combines simplicity coros and essential Garmin functions.

Comparison made by the Connected Watches team after 6 weeks of cross tests
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