When it comes to serious running watches, three names dominate the market: Garmin, Coros, and Polar. Each brand has carved out its own loyal following, offering unique strengths in GPS accuracy, training metrics, recovery tracking, and battery life.
If you’re wondering which running watch is the best choice in 2025, this guide breaks down the differences — and at the end, you’ll find a link to a more detailed deep dive.
Why These Three Brands?
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Garmin has long been the industry leader, with a vast ecosystem and advanced features for all types of athletes.
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Coros has emerged as a disruptor, focusing on ultra-long battery life and lightweight designs.
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Polar is best known for its science-driven recovery insights and heart-rate tracking accuracy.
Each has something to offer, but the right watch depends on your priorities as a runner.
🏆 Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Garmin Forerunner 965 | Coros Pace 3 | Polar Vantage V3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.4″ AMOLED | Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) | AMOLED |
| Battery Life | Up to 23 days (Smart) / 31 hrs GPS | Up to 38 hrs GPS / 24 days Smart | Up to 8 days (Smart) / 61 hrs GPS |
| GPS Accuracy | Multi-band GNSS | Dual-frequency GPS | Multi-band GNSS |
| Training Tools | Advanced workouts, VO₂ Max, maps | Strength & endurance metrics, EvoLab | Recovery Pro, Training Load Pro |
| Best For | All-around runners & triathletes | Marathoners & ultrarunners | Recovery-focused athletes |
| Price Range | $$$ Premium | $$ Mid-range | $$ Mid-range/Premium |
👉 Want a deeper breakdown? Check out the full head-to-head guide here:
Garmin vs. Coros vs. Polar: Which Running Watch is Best?
Strengths & Weaknesses
Garmin Forerunner 965
✅ Gorgeous AMOLED display
✅ Full-color maps & navigation
✅ Advanced workout & triathlon support
❌ Higher price point
Coros Pace 3
✅ Excellent battery life for long races
✅ Lightweight and comfortable
✅ Budget-friendly compared to Garmin
❌ App ecosystem not as polished
Polar Vantage V3
✅ Best-in-class recovery tracking
✅ Accurate heart-rate monitoring
✅ Great choice for structured training plans
❌ Shorter smartwatch battery life compared to Coros
Which Should You Choose?
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Choose Garmin if you want the most features, maps, and a rich training ecosystem.
- Garmin Forerunner 965 → https://fitnessrebates.com/products/garmin-forerunner-965-running-smartwatch-amoled-display
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Choose Coros if battery life and affordability matter most.
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Choose Polar if recovery insights and training balance are your top priorities.
❓ FAQs
Q: Is Coros better than Garmin for marathon training?
Coros is excellent for marathons thanks to its battery life, but Garmin offers more detailed training tools and maps for long-distance planning.
Q: Which Polar watch is best for serious runners?
The Polar Vantage V3 is designed for athletes who prioritize heart-rate accuracy and recovery metrics.
Q: Which running watch has the longest battery life?
Coros Pace 3 typically outlasts Garmin and Polar when it comes to continuous GPS usage.
Q: Are Garmin watches worth the higher price?
If you want the richest feature set, advanced navigation, and an ecosystem that syncs with nearly every fitness platform, Garmin is worth the investment.
Final Thoughts
All three brands — Garmin, Coros, and Polar — are excellent choices in 2025. The best one for you depends on whether you value features, battery life, or recovery tracking most.