Best Mid-Range Running Watches: Forerunner 265 vs Coros Pace Pro vs Suunto Race S vs Vantage M3

[@davidwarren32]

Got the 265 few weeks ago , brilliant so far 👌👌

[@scherry2900]

Use the 265 since release. Great watch 👌

[@lhzsdgsfbvv]

Nice that there is so much choice in this segment.

[@Yannerson]

I was buying in this price bracket recently and ended up with a Garmin Epix from H. Samuel @ £325. Proper routed mapping rather than the breadcrumb-over-image of these and the Garmin ecosystem won the day. Suunto was very close though.

[@Relt88]

Imagine Garmin drops an update that brings maps to the 265 along with it’s current price drop, it would cut through the competition here and be the clear winner.

[@brum293]

@@Relt88 It’s a nice dream. But if they bring that to 265 it will basically make the 965 obsolete.

[@sebastiento9695]

They'll never do it though, ever

[@davidwarren32]

​@@brum293True 👍

[@lordstalker93]

In your dream

[@bambaklats2891]

Coros is all you need.

[@valzohra3107]

I'm hesitant between Coros Pace Pro and Suunto Race S. Any recommendations? I'm more into running and hiking only.

[@christopherorman5769]

I've been using Coros (Pace 2, Pace 3, and Pace Pro) for a while now. I just switched to a Suunto Race S. My thoughts are: the Coros Pace Pro is great, but the visuals, the data, the user experience, and the Coros app are clunky. There are things that happen with updates on the Coros that I cannot stand. And, frankly, the HR monitor on the Pace Pro wrist is worthless -- I have to use an arm band for HR training. Lastly, the GPS and navigation where I am (Alaska) is poor. The Suunto has much, much better build quality, the HR is more accurate, and navigation/maps/GPS is superior to me. I want to be clear, that the Coros line of watches treated me really well and were a big part of my training journey. But in 2025, with my running goals, I would buy the Suunto Race S. If I was someone just getting into running and wanting to learn about HR, mileage, and training, then the Coros Pace 3 (not the Pro) is what I would recommend -- as I don't think anything can compete with it at that price. But once you reach a point where you need maps and have big mileage goals/training, then I think the Suunto Race S is better for that purpose over the Pace Pro. Again, just my thoughts.

[@JasonRaneses]

The Coros Pace Pro is awesome with the new processor onboard. It does though feel a bit cheap in terms of build quality, including the band. Functionality though, it’s very good.

[@kevinvankemenade4393]

Hi Run Testers! I have a question related to the fit. Which of these great watches is best for small wrists? Polar is 44mm in diameter but how is this compared to the other watches?

[@bartlomiejpazderski1946]

Avoiding the discussion around amoled display and maps, which is better 265 or 955?

[@philnichols4680]

Amazfit T Rex 3 should be included in this group. Price, features, accuracy compares well to all of these

[@kaffenoizen]

Indeed!

[@massimovida]

At the same price would you prefer these or the Garmin Forrunner 955?

[@brum293]

It boils down to MIP vs Amoled and if you need maps. Amoled is so worth it in my opinion and would pick FR265. The breadcrumb navigation on 265 is good enough for following preloaded routes.

[@torfors]

I chose between 955 and 265 at basiclly the same price. Went with the 955, same metrics + maps. Like the idea of having maps and enjoy MIP-screens. Very happy so far!😃

[@jamess566]

Have you guys had any issues with the screen cracking on any of these watches with gorilla glass or do you use a TPU screen protector?

[@brum293]

I’ve used Forerunner 965 now for more than a year. I use a TPU film (IQshield) and no scratches. Definitely recommend TPU film!

[@movdqa]

I've never had a problem but you will see examples of people cracking them on forums.

[@DC-dl6sm]

I tested out an a Suunto race s. Great watch except you can’t have less than 3 data fields which means the text is a bit small for my eyes specially while running . Do any of these allow for just one big data field??

[@frankniethardt1813]

The Garmin should do so. One if the pages in a walking activity has only the time...

[@RicardGomes76]

Huawei gt5 pro could be on this list, I guess

[@gavinbruce-thegreyrunner5581]

What happened to the first video?

[@flex_nyc9885]

I don’t really care much for smartwatch features. If you’re looking for that I would just invest in an Apple Watch Ultra 2 which is on sale right now. Between accurate pace, distance, calories and the app which is better between the 265 or Pace Pro?

[@theAlainVincent]

😂, calling the SUUNTO Race S a mid-range watch 😂… I just did a 80km trail run with it, full features on and still have more than 50% battery left passing the line… not sure how long you see mid range runners running for? 😢

[@TheRunTesters]

Mid range means the price puts it in the middle of their range

[@caleballen8862]

I just can’t do another COROS after my watch crapped on me. Run with people that have like 7 year old garmin watches going strong. Leaning that way. Was hoping you guys would pick your favorite at the end.

[@JuniorDoug1982]

You read it as distance? They meant price range.

[@christopherorman5769]

@@caleballen8862 Coros have lots of features, but crummy build quality and really crappy, inaccurate GPS (even with the Pro). For me, Suunto Race S is the best "fit" for what I want: build quality, features, and performance. I just could not justify spending more for a Garmin, given what the Suunto offers.