Garmin Forerunner 955 for Those Who Want It All vs. Coros Pace 3 for the Purist
Running crews are all the rage now. When I first started running in early 2020, golf was the more popular hobby. It seems like the people who used to "flex" with their golf gear have realized the practical, cost-effective appeal of running. I myself used to be a cyclist, but I switched to running because there was just too much preparation involved. With running, you just put on your clothes, strap on a watch, and slip on your running shoes. It's that simple.
This naturally leads to the question: So, which watch should you wear?
Let me give you the bottom line up front: If you want a full suite of smartwatch features combined with excellent running tracking, the Garmin Forerunner 955 is your best bet. However, if you use a primary smartwatch (like a Galaxy Watch or Apple Watch) for daily life and want a dedicated watch just for running, I recommend the Coros Pace 3. (Purely for running tracking, I found the Coros Pace 3, when paired with the COROS POD 2, to be slightly better.)
Here is my review comparing the two watches based on my personal experience.
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| Garmin 955 |
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| Coros pace 3 |
1. Fit and Feel: Does the 20g Difference Matter?
- Coros Pace 3: Approx. 30g
- Garmin Forerunner 955: Approx. 52g
On paper, the Coros Pace 3 is significantly lighter. Surprisingly, however, I didn't feel a huge difference on my wrist. Maybe it's because I was used to heavier watches like the Galaxy Watch before this. Still, it's strange, as 20 grams is not an insignificant difference.
The strap quality on both watches is excellent, so my conclusion is that there's no major difference in terms of comfort and wearability.
Visually, the Coros Pace 3 features a large digital crown, while the Garmin 955 has five physical buttons. I had read some reviews mentioning the Coros crown could be annoying by turning accidentally, but I didn't experience this at all. There's a lock feature, and the crown didn't feel as loose as some rumors suggested.
2. The Display: The Aesthetic of a True Watch
Anyone who has used an e-reader knows how easy on the eyes and visible a black-and-white display is. The color MIP (Memory-In-Pixel) display used by both these watches shares similar advantages.
However, it's true that they can seem a bit dim under direct bright light or in dark places. That's why I strongly recommend applying an anti-reflective screen protector to both. It reduces glare and allows you to fully appreciate the unique, "watch-like" quality of the MIP screen even in bright daylight. (I'm currently using a Healing Shield anti-reflective film on my Garmin 955).
Personally, I don't consider a watch without an Always-On Display (AOD) to be a real watch. And even if it has AOD, what's the point if the battery only lasts a day? That's not a watch; it's a smartphone on your wrist. A watch should let you tell the time with a simple, effortless glance from any angle.
For this reason, I much prefer the MIP display. It offers a long battery life and stays true to the essential function of a watch. Both devices conveniently light up when you raise your wrist in the dark, so they were easy to use. I had no trouble checking my pace, heart rate, and other stats while running. I truly hope Garmin continues to release flagship models with MIP displays like the 955.
3. Battery: The Coros Beast vs. The Sufficient Garmin
Of course, when you factor in GPS usage during runs, the Coros Pace 3 lasts significantly longer. Therefore, if you're training for an ultra-marathon, the Coros is the better choice.
However, since my charging routine is typically once a week, I found the Garmin 955 to be more than sufficient. Ultimately, both watches offer enough battery life to be used like a proper watch. If you want the convenience of charging only once every two weeks, the Coros Pace 3 has the edge.
4. Running Tracking (GPS): Coros's Accuracy vs. Garmin's Data
For accuracy, the Coros Pace 3 wins. However, this is under the condition that it's paired with the COROS POD 2.
I do most of my running in an area with few tall buildings, so I rarely noticed a difference in GPS between the two. The one place the difference was clear was when passing through an underpass. The Coros Pace 3, with the help of the POD 2, kept my path and speed perfectly straight. The Garmin 955, on the other hand, would sometimes show my path veering off wildly. If you are serious about your running and want the most accurate distance and route data, the Coros Pace 3 is the better choice.
Also, I've seen some comments about the Pace 3 having a speed lag, but since I used it with the POD 2, I didn't feel this at all. In fact, the Garmin 955 felt like it had more of a delay. This was a bit disappointing given the Garmin's much higher price.
However, Garmin excels in data analysis and app quality. Health metrics like 'Body Battery' and the powerful built-in 'Navigation' are definitive advantages for Garmin.
- For accuracy of fundamental running data (pace, distance): Coros Pace 3
- For diverse data analysis, app quality, and extra features: Garmin 955
(Even as I write this, it's hard to declare a clear winner. My brain is overloading; I need to go grab a snack...)
5. Smart Features: An Overwhelming Victory for Garmin
This category is, without a doubt, an overwhelming victory for Garmin. It's not on the level of an Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch, but if you're happy with the "smartness" of a nostalgic Pebble watch or an Amazfit Bip, the Garmin is more than enough.
The Coros Pace 3 felt less "smart" than I expected. A critical drawback for me was the inability to mark notifications from my GTD apps (like Reminders, To-Do) as 'Complete' directly from the watch. (Garmin allows this.)
Music is another crucial area.
- Garmin 955: Supports apps like Spotify and YouTube Music, and it automatically syncs your liked songs over Wi-Fi.
- Coros Pace 3: Requires you to manually load MP3 files onto the watch.
In the age of streaming, having to hunt down and transfer MP3 files is incredibly inconvenient. Ultimately, these two key features—notification actions and music streaming—are why I now exclusively use the Garmin 955. Running is important, but you can't ignore everyday convenience.
Personally, if a Forerunner with a cellular connection, a one-week battery life, and an MIP display were released, I'd be willing to buy it even if it cost over $1,000. Come on, Garmin!
6. Final Verdict: So, Which One Should You Buy?
✅ The 'Garmin Forerunner 955' is for you if...
- You are a data-loving runner who enjoys analyzing every metric.
- You are an adventurer who partakes in various outdoor activities like triathlons and trail running.
- You are an all-in-one user who wants to handle music, payments, and more with a single device.
- Your budget is more flexible.
✅ The 'Coros Pace 3' is for you if...
- You are a purist runner who wants to focus on the core essence of running.
- You prioritize a lightweight and comfortable fit above all else.
- You find frequent charging a hassle and want the longest possible battery life.
- You are a beginner or a value-conscious runner who wants essential running features at a reasonable price.
- You already use a primary smartwatch (like an Apple Watch) and want a dedicated running companion.
The right choice is yours to make. I chose the Garmin Forerunner 955 because I didn't have the luxury of managing both a smartwatch and a separate running watch and wanted one device to do it all.
A special note for iPhone users: Your bond with the Apple Watch is strong. Instead of making a risky switch, the 'Apple Watch + Coros Pace 3' combo might be the smartest choice. I've seen too many people regretfully sell their Apple Watch, only to be spotted scrolling through second-hand marketplaces to buy it back.
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