The Epix (Gen 2) Pro remains one of Garmin's most advanced sports watches to date, with an Elevate rate monitor for accurate biometrics plus an ECG sensor. It's also available in three sizes compared to just one for the original Epix, giving it much broader appeal.
Pros
- New heart rate sensor
- Available in three sizes
- ECG app for users in US
- Built-in flashlight
Cons
- More expensive
- No improvement in battery life
The Epix (Gen 2) takes some of Garmin's best training tools and packs them into a rugged 47mm case topped off with a stunning AMOLED touchscreen. If the Fenix 8 lacks the wow factor you're looking for, this is the watch for you.
Pros
- Stunning AMOLED display
- Advanced fitness tracking
- Excellent maps and navigation
Cons
- Only available in one size
- No flashlight
If you're into running, hiking, or any other outdoor pursuit, chances are you've considered investing in a high-tech Garmin sports watch. From the Forerunner to the Fenix, Garmin's wearable fitness devices boast a stellar reputation for accurate GPS tracking, detailed health monitoring, and effective training modes.
Among Garmin's large range of well-rated watches are the super-smart Epix and Epix Pro models, which we compare today.
The chunky Epix watch made its public debut to mixed reception in 2015. This super-smart device had plenty of cool sports features and reliable GPS, but divided Garmin lovers with its sizable design.
The Epix lay dormant for seven years, until 2022, when the Epix rose again, like a phoenix (or should that be Fenix, being Garmin) from the flames. The Epix Pro emerged in 2023, immediately knocking hundreds of dollars (or pounds if you're on the European side of the Pond) off the standard version's price.
So, if you're looking for a high-end GPS watch, and you want one with a bright OLED display, the Garmin Epix (Gen 2) and Epix (Gen 2) Pro both deserve a place on your shortlist. But how do you know which is the right one for you?
Let's get into it.
The verdict
If price is your main concern, then the Epix (Gen 2) is the less expensive of the pair. It's certainly not a cheap GPS watch, but Garmin knocked $200 off the price when it launched the Epix (Gen 2) Pro.
If you want a particularly large or small watch, the Epix (Gen 2) Pro is the one for you. It comes in three sizes, and to make them even more appealing, all three have an LED flashlight built into the top of the case (something you don't get with its predecessor, lovely though it is).
The Epix (Gen 2) Pro also has an upgraded heart rate sensor, which should deliver more accurate results. It has some extra training tools too, such as a hill training feature, but those will be coming the the older watch with a future firmware update so they shouldn't be a deciding factor.
If you've made up your mind, we've found the best deals on both watches for you above. Otherwise, keep reading for the full details of both watches to help you make an informed choice, or check out our selection of all the best Garmin watches.
Comparison table
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Garmin Epix (Gen 2) Pro | Garmin Epix (Gen 2) |
Models | Available in three sizes: 42mm, 47mm and 51mm with standard and sapphire editions. | Only available with a 47mm case with standard and sapphire editions. |
Price | More expensive, with the largest Pro model the most expensive. | Cheaper, with substantial cost taken off when the Pro was released. |
Fitness Tracking | Improved heart rate sensor and new sports tracking modes. | Heart rate sensor not as accurate. |
Flashlight | Has an effective LED flashlight. | Has flashlight app that turns screen white but not as effective as the Pro's LED. |
What's the deal with 'Gen 2'?
In case you're wondering why both these watches are named Gen 2, there's a simple explanation. The company launched the original Epix watch back in 2015 – a chunky beast with color maps and a square display. It was ahead of its time and received a lukewarm reception (mostly because it was so huge), so Garmin parked the idea until 2022, when it revealed the Epix (Gen 2).
Models
- Garmin Epix (Gen 2) only available with 47mm case
- Epix (Gen 2) Pro available in 42mm, 47mmm and 51mm
- All watches available in standard and Sapphire editions
The Epix (Gen 2) comes in just one size: 47mm. This is fairly large, but shouldn't be overbearing on most wrists. The standard edition has a stainless steel bezel and Gorilla Glass lens, while the Sapphire edition has a titanium case and sapphire crystal lens.
The Epix (Gen 2) Pro comes in three sizes: 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm. All three are available in standard and Sapphire editions.
None of the Epix watches have solar charging. Garmin has patented a manufacturing process that will allow it to place photovoltaic cells in between the subpixels that make up an OLED display, but the tech seemingly isn't ready for production yet.
Price
- Garmin Epix (Gen 2) cheaper than Epix (Gen 2) Pro
- Epix (Gen 2) sometimes available for a discount
- Largest Pro model cost more than smaller ones
Both watches sit at the upper end of Garmin's price range. The older Epix (Gen 2) is no longer available on the Garmin US website, but there are plenty of deals on third-party sites like Amazon and Walmart that price it at around $600.
You can find the Epix (Gen 2) Pro in its standard 42mm size for $899.99 on the Garmin website. The larger Sapphire edition costs $100 more in its 47mm size, and a further $100 more in its 51mm size.
You can also find plenty of great Epix (Gen 2) Pro deals online to save yourself a couple of hundred dollars.
Both models are unavailable to UK customers via the Garmin website, but can be found on plenty of third-party retailers.
Fitness tracking
- Garmin Epix (Gen 2) Pro has improved heart rate sensor
- New training tools will be rolled out to Epix (Gen 2) soon
The Garmin Epix (Gen 2) Pro has an upgraded heart rate sensor and algorithm, designed to deliver much more accurate readings than the Epix (Gen 2)
All sports watches use optical heart rate sensors that shine a green LED on your skin, and analyze the properties of the light that's reflected back. They can use changes in the light to detect your pulse and estimate your blood oxygen saturation (SpO2). The Epix (Gen 2) Pro has twice as many LEDs as the Epix (Gen 2), spread over a larger area.
The Epix (Gen 2) Pro also has some extra training tools, but these will also be coming to the older watch with a firmware update in the next few months. These include a new hill score, which measures your strength running up steep hills, and your stamina on sustained ascents. You'll get a score based on your performance over time, which you can work to improve through targeted training.
You'll also get an endurance score, which tells you about your ability to sustain prolonged efforts. It factors in data from all activities, not just running.
There are lots of sports tracking modes as well, including some that you might have expected to exist already, such as basketball, cricket, baseball, and ice skating.
Flashlight
- All Garmin Epix (Gen 2) Pro watches have an LED flashlight
- Garmin Epix (Gen 2) only has an app that turns the screen white
The Garmin Epix (Gen 2) doesn't have an LED flashlight, but all versions of the Epix (Gen 2) Pro do. The light is activated by double-pressing the backlight button at the top left of the case, and can be set to different modes, including a strobe mode that matches your cadence when you're running.
It's handy for making you more visible outdoors, and for everyday situations like finding your sleeping bag zipper at night or running down a dark mile-long tunnel.
The Epix (Gen 2) has a flashlight app that turns the screen white, providing a little light to see by. It's nowhere near as effective, though,
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