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Coros Pace Pro vs Pace 3: Which GPS Sport Watch Should You Buy in 2025?
The Rise of Coros in the Wearable Tech Market
In a world dominated by fitness-focused wearables, Coros has steadily carved out a niche among athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and tech-savvy fitness lovers. With the launch of the Coros Pace Pro and Pace 3, the brand takes performance tracking to new heights. But which one is right for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive into everything from display specs to satellite precision, ensuring you invest in the GPS sport watch that truly matches your lifestyle and goals.
Design & Display
AMOLED Brilliance vs Lightweight Minimalism
The Coros Pace Pro impresses with a 1.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen display boasting a stunning 1500 nits brightness, delivering ultra-clear visibility even under direct sunlight. Built with an athlete-first mindset, it features an adjustable sport-fit design and a prominent digital dial for easy control on the move. Meanwhile, the Coros Pace 3 opts for a simpler Always-On Memory LCD display to maximize battery efficiency and minimize weight, making it ideal for runners who prefer a more understated look and feel.
If brilliant visuals and next-gen ergonomics top your list, the Pace Pro wins this round. But for those prioritizing featherlight design and simplicity, the Pace 3 still shines.
Performance & Processing Power
Apollo510 Takes the Lead
One of the most defining differences lies in processing speed and map rendering. The Pace Pro features the cutting-edge Ambiq Apollo510 processor, offering 2x faster performance than the Pace 3 and a 30x faster rendering speed than the Apex 2 Pro. This makes navigating maps and switching between data-rich apps incredibly fluid, especially with turn-by-turn navigation supported across global terrain maps.
The Coros Pace Pro was clearly built for peak performance—ideal for triathletes and mountain runners. The Pace 3, while capable, doesn't match the same intensity in raw hardware firepower.
Battery Life & Charging
Endurance Meets Efficiency
Battery life can make or break a long-distance training session, and both watches offer impressive numbers. The Coros Pace 3 delivers up to 38 hours of full GPS tracking and an outstanding 24 days of daily use—a major leap from earlier models. On the other hand, the Coros Pace Pro provides 38 hours of GPS battery life with a powerful AMOLED display, proving that high-performance visuals don’t have to come at the cost of longevity.
Additionally, both models support fast charging via magnetic USB cables, making top-ups quick and efficient. However, the enhanced power optimization of the Pace 3 may appeal more to minimalist runners and daily users who want to worry less about recharging.
GPS & Navigation
Dual-Frequency Accuracy Unleashed
Navigation and satellite tracking are where both models excel, thanks to dual-frequency GPS systems. The Pace 3 and Pace Pro both support All Systems GNSS and are capable of tracking in the most complex environments—from dense urban jungles to forest trails. However, the Pace Pro adds full-color maps with offline routing and turn-by-turn navigation, providing an edge for trail runners and adventurers navigating unfamiliar paths.
Whether you're training for a city marathon or scaling a new peak, the Pace Pro’s mapping capabilities give it the upper hand for location precision and route planning.
Training & Coaching Tools
AI Insights and Recovery Metrics
Both the Pace 3 and Pace Pro are loaded with features to enhance your training: heart rate monitoring, VO2 max, sleep tracking, and structured workout modes. But where the Pace Pro truly shines is its integration of AI Trainer technology that offers dynamic, adaptive training recommendations based on your fatigue and recovery levels.
It also includes Recovery Time Analysis, a Race Predictor, and Running Power metrics—tools that are invaluable for serious athletes looking to optimize performance and avoid overtraining. The Pace 3, while more straightforward, still provides accurate feedback for most recreational runners.
Build Quality & Display
Rugged or Refined?
The Coros Pace 3 emphasizes lightweight functionality with a 1.2” LCD screen, Gorilla Glass, and a durable plastic casing, weighing just 30g with the nylon strap. It’s built for comfort during long runs and daily wear. Meanwhile, the Coros Pace Pro steps things up with a Grade 5 titanium bezel, sapphire glass, and an AMOLED always-on display for vibrant visuals and enhanced durability, making it ideal for rugged adventures.
Both models come with multiple strap options (nylon and silicone), but the Pro’s premium materials give it a more high-end, resilient feel—something endurance athletes and trail runners will appreciate during demanding use.
Multisport Support
Beyond Just Running
While both models are optimized for runners, they also offer robust multisport functionality. The Coros Pace 3 supports running, cycling, swimming, strength training, and even gym cardio workouts, making it a solid all-around training tool. The Pace Pro expands this by offering trail running modes, ski modes, triathlon support, and more in-depth analytics across different sport profiles.
If your training spans across disciplines, especially with outdoor adventures in mind, the Pro version provides a wider set of tools to track and optimize your performance holistically.
Price & Value
Budget-Friendly vs Premium Investment
When it comes to price, the Coros Pace 3 is clearly the more budget-conscious option, currently available at North Sports for an accessible price point that delivers outstanding value for beginner and intermediate athletes alike. The Pace Pro, priced higher at North Sports, justifies the extra investment with a suite of advanced features, premium build quality, and expanded sport support.
Ultimately, the price-to-performance ratio is strong in both models—but your choice will depend on how advanced your training goals are and whether premium features justify the additional cost.
Battery Life
How Long Can You Go?
Battery life is a crucial factor for runners and endurance athletes, and both watches perform well in this regard. The Coros Pace 3 offers up to 38 hours in full GPS mode and an impressive 24 days in smartwatch mode. This is a big leap over its predecessor and provides ample time for long training sessions and races.
The Coros Pace Pro edges slightly ahead with a 30-hour GPS battery life, but its battery efficiency shines during ultra-distance and multiday events thanks to its optimized power-saving features and performance mode customization. For everyday runners, both will easily cover a full week of activities without needing a charge.
Navigation & Mapping
Staying on Track
Where the Pace Pro truly distances itself is in its navigation capabilities. It supports breadcrumb navigation, route planning, and real-time elevation profiles. These features are vital for trail runners, hikers, and ultra-athletes who venture into unknown terrain.
In contrast, the Coros Pace 3 includes basic breadcrumb trail support but lacks advanced topo maps and real-time route guidance. For road runners or urban users, this may be sufficient. But if you're navigating complex trails or mountainous routes, the Pro's advanced mapping features are a game-changer.
Training Metrics & Analysis
Going Beyond the Basics
Both watches deliver a robust suite of metrics such as heart rate monitoring, VO2 max, and training load. However, the Coros Pace Pro pulls ahead with running power metrics, recovery time suggestions, altitude acclimation, and a built-in AI Trainer that adjusts your training based on performance data.
The Pace 3 is no slouch—it offers sleep tracking, basic training load insights, and activity profiles for runners, swimmers, and cyclists—but it's designed more for those at the start or intermediate stage of their fitness journey. The Pro model appeals to those who want detailed data and coaching to fine-tune their performance.
Smart Features & Connectivity
Everyday Usability
Beyond training, modern runners appreciate smart functionality. The Coros Pace 3 includes music controls, a barometric altimeter, compass, and SpO2 monitoring. It also features dual-frequency GPS for improved accuracy in dense environments—perfect for city runners.
The Pace Pro, while slightly more advanced in build, includes fewer smartwatch-style enhancements. It’s optimized for performance rather than lifestyle, focusing on precise tracking and analytics. If you want an everyday watch that blends training and lifestyle, the Pace 3 offers more casual utility.
Price & Value
Making the Right Investment
For runners on a budget or those just beginning their journey, the Coros Pace 3 delivers incredible value. With advanced features packed into a lightweight design, it's priced competitively and punches far above its weight class.
Meanwhile, the Pace Pro commands a higher price due to its premium materials, enhanced navigation, and training features. It’s ideal for dedicated athletes or trail runners who demand elite-level data and rugged design.
Compare the two directly on North Sports:
The Bottom Line
Coros Pace 3 vs Pace Pro
Both the Coros Pace 3 and Pace Pro stand out in the world of GPS running watches. The Pace 3 is perfect for new or intermediate runners seeking powerful features at an accessible price. Its lightweight build, improved battery life, and new sensors make it a fantastic
