In the sports and fitness wearables market, the Coros Pace 3 and Garmin Forerunner 255 stand out as formidable contenders. Both watches offer a range of features designed to cater to the needs of athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into various aspects of these two devices, including design, sizing, durability, performance, accuracy, and smartwatch features. By the end of this comparison, you should have a clear understanding of which watch suits your specific needs and preferences. Check out the latest prices here: Coros Pace 3. and Garmin Forerunner 255.

• Full reviews:
• Coros Pace 3 Review
• Garmin Forerunner 255 Review

Design and Build:

The Coros Pace 3 maintains a familiar design while subtly upgrading its elements. It has a slightly larger case diameter compared to its predecessor but compensates by being thinner. The heart rate sensor is more flush, contributing to a sleeker appearance. The watch’s lightweight nature ensures comfort during sports activities, and its silicone or nylon bands offer both comfort and security for everyday use and sports.

The nylon band, while lighter, may retain moisture after workouts. Its nylon fiberglass blend plastic construction enhances durability, making it more rugged than the Pace 2. The watch maintains its 5 ATM water resistance rating, suitable for various water activities.

The Garmin Forerunner 255 comes in two size options: the larger 46mm and the smaller 41mm, known as the 255s. The larger model offers a 1.3-inch screen, while the 255s has a 1.1-inch display. The 46mm variant boasts slightly better battery life, lasting approximately two weeks compared to the 255s, which lasts a few days less.

Color options vary between the models, with the 255s available in powder gray and light pink, and the 255 in slate gray and tidal blue. Both models have a music version with an additional $50 price tag and limited storage capacity compared to the 955, which starts at $500.

Comparison:
The Coros Pace 3 focuses on maintaining a sleek and sporty design, with durability and water resistance being key features. On the other hand, the Garmin Forerunner 255 offers a choice of sizes and color options, catering to different preferences. The decision between these two watches in terms of design and sizing largely depends on individual style and wrist size.

Durability:

The Coros Pace 3 is built to endure rigorous activities. Its nylon fiberglass blend plastic construction enhances its durability, making it more rugged than its predecessor, the Pace 2. The watch’s 5 ATM water resistance rating ensures it can handle various water-based activities without issues.

The Garmin Forerunner 255 is designed to withstand the demands of sports and outdoor activities. Its lens is made from Corning Gorilla Glass 3.0, resistant to scratches. The plastic watch body can get scratched but these marks are typically not visible. The silicone watch band holds up well during strenuous activities like swimming, biking, and running.

Comparison:
Both watches are built to withstand the challenges of sports and outdoor adventures. The Coros Pace 3 emphasizes durability through its construction, while the Garmin Forerunner 255 focuses on scratch resistance and wear-and-tear resilience.

Performance and Accuracy:

The Pace 3 boasts an updated heart rate sensor, promising enhanced accuracy. Real-world testing across various activities shows that the watch performs well in terms of heart rate tracking. It aligns well with the Polar Verity Sense Optical heart rate sensor in most scenarios. The watch excels in steady-state activities, though occasional anomalies were observed.

The Garmin Forerunner 255 shines in terms of performance and accuracy. It utilizes multi-band GPS for enhanced accuracy, connecting to multiple types of GPS satellites simultaneously. Garmin’s Auto Select GPS mode further maintains precise tracking during runs. The optical heart rate monitor performs well, though dedicated chest straps are recommended for the most accurate heart rate data.

Comparison:
Both watches offer impressive accuracy in heart rate tracking. The Coros Pace 3 is reliable for most activities, while the Garmin Forerunner 255 excels with its multi-band GPS and Auto Select GPS mode, providing highly accurate location data. Users seeking precision in their training data may prefer the Forerunner 255.

Running Power and HRV Tracking:

The Pace 3 does not offer native running power support, relying on other sensors for power data. However, it includes heart rate variability (HRV) tracking, providing insights into readiness for intense workouts.

The Forerunner 255 introduces native running power support, eliminating the need for external sensors. This feature is a valuable tool for runners seeking to optimize their training and performance. Additionally, it includes HRV tracking, offering insights into recovery and readiness for intense workouts.

Comparison:
The addition of native running power support in the Garmin Forerunner 255 sets it apart in terms of data availability for runners. Both watches offer HRV tracking, but the Forerunner 255’s running power support is a significant advantage for serious runners. Check out the latest prices here: Coros Pace 3. and Garmin Forerunner 255.

Smartwatch Features:

The Coros Pace 3 offers useful smartwatch features, including Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi connectivity. Users can receive one-way notifications from smartphones and enjoy offline music playback using Bluetooth earbuds. The music playback feature is limited to locally stored MP3 files, catering to those who prefer phone-free workouts.

Garmin Forerunner 255 provides a range of smartwatch capabilities, including notifications, music control, and onboard music storage for the music version. It can also detect stress levels and guide users through breathing exercises to reduce stress. The watch tracks various health metrics and provides a comprehensive Morning Report, offering insights into overall health and training status.

Comparison:
Both watches offer valuable smartwatch features, catering to users’ preferences for music playback and notifications. The Garmin Forerunner 255 goes a step further with stress tracking and the informative Morning Report, making it a more holistic health and fitness companion.

Omissions and Limitations:

The Coros Pace 3 doesn’t have native running power support, which may be a drawback for some runners. It also lacks the training readiness score found in higher-end Garmin watches, which combines various data points to assess training readiness.

The Garmin Forerunner 255 offers breadcrumb-style maps without detailed information. It also lacks the training readiness score, which could have been a valuable addition.

Comparison:
Both watches have limitations, but they differ in the specific features they lack. The choice between them should consider whether native running power support or detailed mapping capabilities are more critical for your needs.

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Coros Pace 3 vs. Garmin Forerunner 255: “Pros And Cons”:

Coros Pace 3:

Pros:

• Sleek and Sporty Design: The Coros Pace 3 maintains a sleek and sporty design, making it a fashionable choice for both everyday wear and sports activities.
• Enhanced Heart Rate Accuracy: The updated heart rate sensor provides accurate tracking across various activities, ensuring reliable performance during workouts.
• Durable Build: The nylon fiberglass blend plastic construction enhances durability, making it more rugged than its predecessor and suitable for outdoor adventures.
• Lightweight and Comfortable: Despite its durable build, the Coros Pace 3 remains lightweight, ensuring comfort during extended wear.
• 5 ATM Water Resistance: The watch is water-resistant up to 5 ATM, making it suitable for various water activities, including swimming. Get it here: Coros Pace 3.

• Cons:

• Limited Smartwatch Features: While it offers essential smartwatch features, the Coros Pace 3 may have fewer advanced functions compared to other smartwatches on the market.
• No Native Running Power Support: It relies on external sensors for running power data, which may be a drawback for serious runners seeking this specific metric. Get it here: Coros Pace 3.

Garmin Forerunner 255:

• Pros:

• Customizable Size Options: The Garmin Forerunner 255 comes in two size options, catering to different wrist sizes and preferences.
• Impressive GPS Accuracy: Utilizing multi-band GPS, the Forerunner 255 offers exceptional accuracy, making it a top choice for athletes relying on precise location data.
• Native Running Power Support: The addition of native running power support is a significant advantage for serious runners seeking comprehensive training data.
• Informative Morning Report: The Morning Report provides a holistic overview of health and training status, offering valuable insights for daily training and recovery decisions.
• Smartwatch Capabilities: The Forerunner 255 offers a wide range of smartwatch features, including notifications, music control, and stress tracking, enhancing its versatility.

Cons:

• Limited Mapping Capabilities: It provides breadcrumb-style maps without detailed information, which may be a limitation for those requiring more comprehensive mapping features.
• Absence of Training Readiness Score: The lack of the training readiness score, found in higher-end Garmin watches, may be a missed opportunity to further enhance training optimization. Get it here: Garmin Forerunner 255.

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How To Make The Right Choice:

Choose the Coros Pace 3 if:

1. Simplicity and Focus on Core Features: If you prefer a straightforward sports watch that excels in core functionalities like heart rate accuracy and durability, the Coros Pace 3 is an excellent choice. It offers reliable performance without overwhelming you with advanced features.
2. Sleek and Sporty Design: The Coros Pace 3 maintains a sleek and sporty design, making it a fashionable choice for both everyday wear and sports activities. If aesthetics are a significant factor for you, this watch delivers.
3. Outdoor Durability: If you frequently engage in outdoor activities and need a watch that can withstand rugged conditions, the Coros Pace 3’s nylon fiberglass blend plastic construction and 5 ATM water resistance make it a sturdy companion.

Choose the Garmin Forerunner 255 if:

1. Customizable Size Options: The Garmin Forerunner 255 comes in two size options, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your wrist. This customization ensures a comfortable and secure fit, which can significantly enhance the overall wearability of the watch.
2. Precise GPS Tracking: For activities where precise location data is crucial, such as trail running or navigating challenging terrains, the Garmin Forerunner 255’s multi-band GPS and Auto Select GPS mode offer exceptional accuracy.
3. Dedicated Running Power Support: If you’re a serious runner seeking to optimize your training using running power data, the Forerunner 255 provides native support, eliminating the need for additional sensors and providing a more streamlined experience.
4. Comprehensive Health and Training Metrics: The Forerunner 255 offers a wide range of features beyond basic fitness tracking. The Morning Report, stress tracking, and detailed training data cater to those who want a comprehensive overview of their health and fitness journey.

Conclusion:

In summary, the choice between the Coros Pace 3 and Garmin Forerunner 255 boils down to your specific priorities and the features that matter most to you. Consider factors like design, durability, GPS accuracy, running power support, and advanced health metrics to determine which watch aligns best with your fitness goals and preferences. Check out the latest prices here: Coros Pace 3. and Garmin Forerunner 255.

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