COROS PACE 2 vs. 3: I Tried Both (In-Depth Comparison)
The PACE 2 and 3 are from COROS’ popular, entry-level watch line. Since COROS made a lot of software updates to the older PACE 2 as recently as December 2023, it makes it harder to differentiate the two watches (side note: it’s pretty cool that a tech company continues to update older watches with significant new features).
This post will go over the differences between the two models so you can make the best decision for you. I’ve had loaners of both models over at least a couple months, so this comparison is from my first-hand experience.
As more context, I’m a distance runner who mostly trains for half and full marathons, but I’ve also dabbled in triathlons and trail running. I’ve been testing running watches since 2018, and I write a lot of GPS watch comparisons to help you pick the best watch for your needs.
This post contains affiliate links and discount codes, meaning that I earn a small commission on any purchases through those links/codes, at no extra cost to you. Your support allows me to keep writing reviews like this one 🙂
Things in Common: PACE 2 and 3
Before I go over the differences between the PACE 2 and 3, here are the specs they have in common, so you know what baseline features you’re getting.
Fitness tracking for common activities: Both watches have a variety of outdoor and indoor tracking profiles. You can also create interval workouts and use breadcrumb navigation (navigation was added to the PACE 2 in spring 2023).
| Category | Activity Profiles |
| Running | Run, Indoor Run, Track Run, Trail Run* |
| Biking | Bike, Indoor Bike |
| Swimming | Pool Swim, Open Water Swim |
| Multisport | Triathlon, Multisport |
| Outdoors | Walk, Hike*, Ski*, Snowboard*, XC Ski*, Flatwater, Rowing, Cardio with GPS |
| Gym | Strength, Cardio, Indoor Rowing |
Fitness stats: steps, heart rate, sleep, VO2 max (aerobic performance capacity), HRV Index (variance between sequences of consecutive heartbeats).
Advanced training metrics: training load (whether your training is a smart amount), training status (whether your training is effective), race predictor, recovery time, wrist-based running power.
Basic smartwatch features: calendar, message, and call notifications.
Now let’s get into the reasons to pick one watch over the other!
Reasons to Pick the PACE 2
When it was released in August 2020, the PACE 2 was among the best value out there, if not the best. In 2024, it’s still an awesome watch, but it is less premium than the newer PACE 3, so this section will naturally be shorter. That said, it could still be a better fit for you.
1. Cheaper price
The PACE 2 now retails for $180 instead of its original $200, while the PACE 3 is $230. If you buy used, you may be able to save even more money. My brother got a PACE 2 for $150 in early 2023 and I’ve seen them go for cheaper now that the PACE 3 is out.
Surprisingly, I don’t see a ton of PACE 2s on the used market, but I think it potentially goes to show that people are still hanging onto them (and I can totally see why since the 2023 updates have moved the watch into an entirely different tier). You can always check out the COROS open box watches, as there are PACE 2s for $159.
Basically, if you’re looking to save some money and don’t need the extra PACE 3 features, then you may prefer the PACE 2.
2. Ability to pair via ANT+
If you use any accessories that pair ANT+ only (certain HR straps, bike power meters, speed sensors, etc.), you’ll want to go with the PACE 2. All current-generation COROS models, including the PACE 3, only support Bluetooth pairing.
Reasons to Pick the PACE 3
The PACE 3 was released in August 2023 and has some big improvements—in some ways, it’s even better than the more premium APEX 2. Here are the reasons you might want to choose the PACE 3 over the PACE 2.
1. Easier watch navigation with the touchscreen
The PACE 3 is the first COROS watch to have a full touchscreen (the other current-gen COROS watches only have touchscreen functionality for scrolling between data screens in workout mode or for using navigation).
The full touchscreen can make scrolling through your daily fitness data a little easier, as you’d otherwise have to use the dial. The scrolling movement itself is also improved, as the PACE 2 can be a little laggy. The PACE 3 is still a bit laggy (compared to your phone or a full-on smartwatch), but there’s a noticeable improvement.
If you don’t like the touchscreen, you can disable it totally, or enable it only during activities or navigation.
2. All Systems On and Dual Frequency Tracking
Current-generation COROS watches have 3 types of tracking:
- GPS mode: connects to GPS and QZSS (satellite systems)
- All Systems On: connects to 5 satellite systems at the same time
- Dual Frequency: connects to 5 satellite systems in two frequencies at the same time
The PACE 2 only has GPS mode, which is still accurate, but if you train in cities with tall buildings and remote areas with poorer signal, you may want to consider the PACE 3 for the more accurate All Systems and Dual Frequency modes.
3. ~20% better battery life
The PACE 2 has 20 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and 30 in GPS mode, while the PACE 3 has 24 days in smartwatch mode and 38 hours in GPS mode.
Here’s a table of the battery life in other modes for the PACE 3:
| PACE 3 | PACE 2 | |
| Daily Use | 24 days | 20 days |
| GPS Mode | 38 hours | 30 hours |
| All Systems On | 25 hours | N/A |
| Dual Frequency | 15 hours | N/A |
| GPS Mode with Music | 10.5 hours | N/A |
This extra battery life may make a difference if you plan to do ultras, but otherwise, the PACE 2 battery life is still pretty fantastic.
Keep in mind that with regular use and activity tracking combined, your watch won’t last as long as it would in just smartwatch mode. Using All Systems tracking for about 6.5-7 hours/week, I’m able to get 15-16 days of battery on the PACE 3, and I estimate you’d get a couple days less on the PACE 2.
4. Sync activities + get updates over Wi-Fi
Because the PACE 3 can connect to Wi-Fi, you can sync your activities and get updates faster. Syncing activities via Bluetooth can be a little slow on COROS watches and can take a few app screen refreshes to work.
5. Ability to track SpO2
Blood oxygen saturation, or SpO2, can be helpful while tracking sleep or adjusting to higher elevation. On the PACE 3, there’s even an altitude mode that will take regular SpO2 readings once you’re above 2500m.
6. Download and play mp3 files
The PACE 3, like other current-gen COROS watches, lets you download MP3 files onto your watch and play them through Bluetooth headphones.
There is unfortunately no connection with apps like Spotify, and I’m not sure this will ever come given that you have to be a huge brand to get a contract with them. But, if you already own mp3 files or don’t mind buying them to support artists, you can listen to music through your watch.
7. Newer heart rate sensor (but it has some issues)
The PACE 3 has the updated heart rate sensor, which has a larger optical surface area. This, in theory, should be more accurate than the PACE 2’s sensor.
However, now that I actually pay more attention to my heart rate during training, I initially had some trouble getting accurate readings on the PACE 3 (I even tried two loaner units since I thought the first watch was defective). There were multiple runs where the heart rate was consistently a totally unreasonable value, like 170bpm on an easy run (while the Garmin I’m wearing on another wrist was giving an expected value).
I ended up trying some of the HR accuracy fixes suggested by COROS (moving the watch higher on the wrist and tightening the band), and that helped significantly, though I sometimes do have to adjust it mid-run.
When I used the PACE 2, I didn’t notice as many issues, but I wasn’t paying attention to HR as much. Looking at old data, HR seems to be more consistent and less jumpy, but slower to pick up changes in intensity.
Optical heart rate isn’t totally accurate in general, so if you do want better readings, you may want to get an external strap. The COROS HR monitor is a good option; I was sent a PR unit and like that it’s an arm band instead of a chest band, and I’ve found the HR readings very responsive and reasonable. I won’t link it here so you don’t think I’m pointing out the HR issues to try to sell you a HR monitor, but I’ll update with a link to my review when I’ve written it.
Neutral Differences Between the PACE 2 and 3
There are some small differences between the two watches that could be positive for some people and negative for others, so I wanted to share them in this section.
1. Watch band design
This is a negligible difference, but the PACE 2 nylon band is slightly less wide than the PACE 3’s (20mm vs. 22mm). The actual band material feels sturdier though, as it’s a tad thicker and more textured.
The PACE 3 band feels like a bracelet since it’s thinner; it’s more like a lifestyle band and less like a sports watch band.
2. Display contrast and fonts
This is another tiny difference that I wouldn’t have picked up unless I had the two watches in front of me, but the display contrast on the PACE 2 is slightly better than that on the PACE 3. The black background of the screen is just darker on the PACE 2, while it’s a tiny bit lighter and more blue on the PACE 3.
On the flip side, I find the fonts on the PACE 3 nicer to look at and easier to read, as the digits are wider.
The Bottom Line
The PACE 2 is a very different watch from when it was first released. Now that it has trail running, hiking, navigation, and other outdoor sports tracking/features, the value is even better than before. If you can get the watch for under $150, it’s really a steal.
That said, the PACE 3 does have additional features that may be worth the extra money. In particular, just the touchscreen and more accurate tracking modes are probably worth more than the $50 extra for a lot of people.
The PACE 2 is also an older model and may stop receiving updates at some point, but I’m very impressed with how COROS has continued to upgrade the watch even 3 years later. If it does what you need now and you don’t expect to need more features, then it may still be worth it.
Where to Buy the COROS PACE 2 or 3
If this review helped you, it would mean a ton if you purchased through my affiliate links or codes. I also want to encourage you to buy secondhand or from small, local running stores if you can. You should also check out the COROS open box watches, as there are PACE 2s for $159.
I don’t get affiliate income for these options, so if you still want to show your appreciation financially, you’re welcome to buy me a virtual coffee.
Directly from COROS
Use code COROS-Lily to get a free, extra watch band or any other accessory, minus gift cards and the explorer pack. Just add both the accessory and the watch to your cart before applying the code at checkout. Please do not share this code on public forums.
Amazon
Other retailers
Swappa (used electronics)
REI
eBay
Let us know what you ultimately end up picking, and feel free to leave any questions in the comments! You may also want to check out these comparisons:
COROS PACE 3 vs. APEX 2
COROS PACE 3 vs. Garmin Forerunner 55
COROS PACE 3 vs. Garmin Forerunner 255
