The COROS PACE 3 GPS Sports Watch is here to level up your workout game. This lightweight beauty feels like a feather on your wrist, making it easy to focus solely on your performance. Whether you're hitting the ground running, cycling through the countryside, or making a splash in the pool, this watch provides accurate data to keep you motivated and engaged each step of the way.
The Lightweight Running Watch That Outlasts and Outperforms
Introduction
If you're into running, cycling, or endurance training, you want a watch that's going to support your efforts—not hold you back. The COROS PACE 3 GPS Sport Watch has quickly gained a reputation for being one of the top lightweight GPS sports watches, all without breaking the bank. Tailored for serious athletes, it serves up impressive battery life, precise GPS tracking, and robust training tools. All packed into a sleek and minimalistic design.
With a whopping 17-day battery life, in-depth heart rate tracking, offline navigation, and sleep tracking, the COROS PACE 3 competes fiercely against pricier models from brands like Garmin and Polar. So, does it live up to the hype? In this review, we'll dive into what makes this watch tick, its performance in real-world conditions, and how it compares to its competitors.
Quick Verdict
The COROS PACE 3 GPS Sport Watch stands out as an excellent value for athletes, especially for those keen on running and endurance challenges. It merges an ultra-lightweight build with unmatched battery life and highly accurate GPS tracking, delivering detailed training metrics that rival pricier options. It may lack some of the fanciest smartwatch features like music storage or contactless payments, but it excels in practical, performance-oriented tools.
If you're all about training efficiency, comfort, and reliability, the COROS PACE 3 is a solid contender. Novices will love its straightforward setup, while experienced athletes can appreciate the structured training plans and performance insights. It’s an athlete-focused watch that does away with distractions.
Key Features
The COROS PACE 3 packs a punch with features to boost your training without overwhelming you.
Lightweight and Comfortable Design
Weighing just around 30 grams, the PACE 3 is incredibly light—perfect for those long runs or races. You might even forget you’re wearing it, and its comfort is ideal for all-day use, including sleep tracking.
Impressive Battery Life
This watch shines in battery performance. Check this out:
- 17 days on standard use, which means less time worrying about charging.
- 38 hours in full GPS mode—ideal for marathon training, ultra-races, or weekend adventures without constantly reaching for a charger.
Accurate GPS and Navigation
The PACE 3 features dual-frequency GPS, giving you speedy satellite access and precise tracking, even in urban areas or thick forests. Plus, you can follow your route directly on your wrist with its breadcrumb navigation.
Heart Rate and Health Monitoring
Its built-in optical heart rate sensor tracks your heart rate continuously, whether you're working out or resting. It also covers sleep stages and overall training load, so you can see how hard you're pushing yourself.
Multi-Sport and Training Support
Choose from various modes for running, cycling, swimming, and indoor workouts. COROS even offers free structured training plans via their companion app—a great help for those looking to take their fitness to the next level.
Performance Review
When it comes to actual performance, the COROS PACE 3 truly distinguishes itself, especially where it matters for athletes.
GPS Accuracy
Expect GPS performance that even goes toe-to-toe with top-tier devices. The dual-frequency GNSS dramatically boosts accuracy, giving you reliable distance tracking and pace data. Whether you’re tackling busy city streets or rugged trails, this watch keeps you informed.
Heart Rate Monitoring
While chest straps might be the go-to for hardcore data, the optical sensor in the PACE 3 holds its own for most endurance sessions. It provides data you can feel confident in without extra gear.
Training Metrics and Insights
COROS nails it by giving you useful insights without drowning you in numbers. Some key metrics include:
- Training Load
- Recovery Time
- VO2 Max estimates
- Running efficiency and cadence
The EvoLab feature analyzes your fitness trends, helping you know when it's time to push harder and when it’s best to rest.
Battery Performance in Practice
You’ll likely find the battery life exceeds most expectations. Even with consistent workouts and GPS use, many users charge the PACE 3 just once every two weeks. That's a major perk when compared to other watches that run out of juice after just a few days.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional battery life (up to 17 days)
- Super-lightweight and comfortable
- Highly accurate GPS with dual-frequency
- Impressive value for the features offered
- Robust training metrics and insights
- Simple, user-friendly interface
Cons
- No music storage or streaming
- No contactless payment options
- Bread crumb navigation only (lacks full maps)
- Limited features compared to heavier smartwatch offerings
Comparison with Competitors
COROS PACE 3 vs Garmin Forerunner 255
The Garmin Forerunner 255 brings music and Garmin Pay to the table, but it demands a higher price and offers shorter battery life. The PACE 3, though simpler, excels in comfort and endurance-focused performance.
COROS PACE 3 vs Polar Pacer Pro
While the Polar Pacer Pro does well in running analytics, its GPS and battery life can't compete with the PACE 3, which also benefits from frequent updates.
COROS PACE 3 vs Apple Watch SE
The Apple Watch SE is a great smartwatch, but when it comes to battery life, GPS accuracy, and endurance training features, the PACE 3 is the better choice for serious athletes.
Buying Guide: Is the COROS PACE 3 Right for You?
The COROS PACE 3 is perfect if you prioritize performance and reliability over trendy smartwatch features.
Ideal For:
- Runners training for any distance
- Cyclists and multi-sport athletes
- Anyone who dreads frequent recharging
- Athletes needing advanced metrics without complexity
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking premium performance
Not Ideal For:
- Those wanting to play music from their watch
- Fans of contactless payments
- Anyone in need of full smartwatch features
What to Consider Before Buying:
- Your primary sport and how the watch meets those needs
- Whether additional smartwatch features matter to you
- Expectations for battery life
- Comfort for everyday wear and sleep tracking
At its price, the COROS PACE 3 delivers fantastic value and stands strong against pricier models while offering essential training functionalities.
Final Verdict
The COROS PACE 3 GPS Sport Watch represents a fantastic blend of innovative design and athletic prowess. It has everything serious runners and endurance athletes require—accurate GPS, long battery life, detailed insights, and top-notch comfort—without unnecessary fluff.
While it may skip on extras like music storage and payments, it’s built to excel where it counts: performance and reliability. Whether you’re gearing up for a marathon or just looking to get fitter, the PACE 3 is a reliable partner that won’t let you down. If you’re on the hunt for a lightweight, long-lasting, and cost-effective GPS sports watch, the COROS PACE 3 is a top contender.
COROS PACE 3 GPS Sports Watch - Lightweight & Smart
Stay on top of your fitness goals with this sleek watch that tracks your performance effortlessly
Product information
$229.00 $199.00
Product Review Score
4.54 out of 5 stars
224 reviews
