Sports technology company Coros has discontinued the popular Coros Pace 3 smartwatch, a model loved by beginners, more experienced runners, and fitness addicts for its long battery life and helpful core features.
It was also one of the few models available for less than $250, making it a great option for those just starting out. Where does it leave eager buyers now?
Gone, but not forgotten
In a communication to members of the press, Coros has confirmed the Coros Pace 3 is out of stock on its website, and will not be coming back.
The Pace 3 was first released in mid 2023 and stayed around for a little longer than expected after the launch of the Coros Pace 4, which arrived in November 2025.
If you’ve been looking at the Coros Pace 3 but hadn’t got round to buying it yet, the Pace 4 is the most obvious alternative.
While general functionality is the same, the Pace 4 has a host of upgrades. For example, the screen goes from a MIP display to a higher resolution AMOLED with a glass cover, it has even longer battery life, new sensors, and new features including voice notes, and more.
The price has also increased to represent these changes, and the Pace 4 is yours for $249, up from the average $199 to $229 price for the Pace 3.
What about other smartwatches?
Coros will point you towards the Pace 4 as its alternative to the Pace 3, but what about low-cost alternatives from other manufacturers?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and Apple Watch Series 11 are both great for fitness fans, but aren’t quite as focused as the Coros range, and you won’t get either for much less than $350, making them considerably more expensive. The Apple Watch SE 3 should be considered if you own an iPhone, but it’s not as health-focused as other models.
The Pace 4 is now Coros’s cheapest running smartwatch, but if you want to spend less, you may spot the Garmin Forerunner 55, which is available for $200. Released back in 2021, it’s not as up-to-date as the Pace 4, and you’d be wise to look at the $250 Forerunner 165 from 2024 instead.
Garmin often has offers on the Vivoactive 6 too, which brings the normally $300 price down to $250, and its more stylish design makes it a better everyday-wear option than the Forerunner 165.
If you value a MIP display, which some do prefer over an AMOLED screeen on running smartwatches, the $300 Polar Pacer should be considered. Finally, the 2025 Suunto Run is a lightweight, good-looking running watch with an AMOLED screen which costs $250.
Any subscriptions to think about?
Subscriptions are common in the world of fitness wearables. Coros does not have a subscription model for its tools, services, or data, but what about its competitors?
Samsung Health and Apple Health do not require a subscription, but Fitbit, which is the fitness app for the Google Pixel Watch 4, does have a $10 per-month premium option.
Like Coros, Suunto does not offer a subscription service for its health and fitness platform. However, Garmin and Polar both now provide optional subscription plans.
Garmin’s Connect+ costs $70 per year and adds AI insights and suggestions on how to improve your health and fitness, plus access to a more detailed web-based dashboard.
Polar’s Fitness Program is $10 per month and works alongside the free Polar Flow program, providing personalized training plans which alter and evolve based on your physical condition.
The world of fitness smartwatches is very competitive, and although the Coros Pace 3 has been discontinued, there are multiple alternatives to choose from.
