Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | Coros - PACE 3 | Garmin - Instinct 3 Tactical |
|---|---|---|
| GPS mode | 38 h | 70 h |
| Smartwatch mode | 17 days | 30 days |
| Multi-band GPS | true | false |
| Solar charging | false | true |
Between the PACE 3 and Instinct 3 Tactical, the PACE 3 comes out ahead in multi-band gps, while the Instinct 3 Tactical wins on gps mode / smartwatch mode. Overall, the PACE 3 scores 71.4 and the Instinct 3 Tactical scores 50.3 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The PACE 3 is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 21.1 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the PACE 3 if you care most about multi-band gps. The biggest gaps in its favor are multi-band gps. The single most decisive one: Has Multi-band GPS.
Pick the Instinct 3 Tactical if you care most about gps mode / smartwatch mode. Its strongest claims are gps mode, smartwatch mode, solar charging. The single most decisive one: GPS mode — 84.21% more. 70 h vs 38 h.
Both ship with comparable ecg, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the PACE 3 is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Which should you buy: Coros - PACE 3 or Garmin - Instinct 3 Tactical?
Coros - PACE 3 leads the current Mars Score by 21.1 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare smartwatch mode, gps mode against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose Coros - PACE 3 if…
Coros - PACE 3 has the measurable edge on has multiband gps.
Choose Garmin - Instinct 3 Tactical if…
Garmin - Instinct 3 Tactical has the measurable edge on battery gps hours, battery smartwatch days, has solar.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
Why Coros - PACE 3 wins
- ▲Has Multi-band GPS.
Why Garmin - Instinct 3 Tactical wins
- ▲GPS mode — 84.21% more. 70 h vs 38 h.
- ▲Smartwatch mode — 76.47% more. 30 days vs 17 days.
- ▲Has Solar charging.
Spec comparison
GPS & Sensors
| Spec | Coros - PACE 3 | Garmin - Instinct 3 Tactical |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-band GPS | truelead | false |
| Barometric altimeter | true | true |
| Heart rate | true | true |
| ECG | false | false |
| Pulse Ox | true | true |
Battery
| Spec | Coros - PACE 3 | Garmin - Instinct 3 Tactical |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch mode | 17 days | 30 dayslead |
| GPS mode | 38 h | 70 hlead |
| Solar charging | false | truelead |
Design
| Spec | Coros - PACE 3 | Garmin - Instinct 3 Tactical |
|---|---|---|
| Case size | 42 mm | 50 mmlead |
| Weight | 39 glead | 70 g |
| Water resistanceⓘ | 5 ATM | 10 ATMlead |