The Epix (Gen 2) Pro is one of Garmin's most advanced sports watches to date, with a new Elevate heart rate monitor for more 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.
For
- New heart rate sensor
- Available in three sizes
- ECG app for users in US
- Built-in flashlight
Against
- 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 7 lacks the wow factor you're looking for, this is the watch for you.
For
- Stunning AMOLED display
- Advanced fitness tracking
- Excellent maps and navigation
Against
- Only available in one size
- No flashlight
After Garmin first unveiled the chunky Epix to a mixed reception in 2015, its been biding its time to bring the series back into the light. Seven years later in 2022, the Epix rose again, like a phoenix (or should that be Fenix, being Garmin) from the flames. The Pro emerged in May 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 to 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?
We asked our qualified run leader and tech expert Cat Ellis to compare the two, detailing what makes people go for the Pro and considering whether you should go Pro too.
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.
Meet the reviewer
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
The Garmin Epix (Gen 2) launched last year with a list price of $899.99 for the standard edition, and $999.99 for the Sapphire edition. It remained at full price for a long time after launch, but since the launch of the Epix (Gen 2) Pro, Garmin has reduced both prices by $200 to make them more tempting.
The Garmin Epix (Gen 2) Pro has a list price of $899.99 for the standard 42mm or 47mm editions, or $999.99 for the standard 51mm version. The Sapphire edition is $999.99 if you want the 42mm or 47mm case, or $1,099.99 if you want the king-sized 51mm version.
The Epix (Gen 2) Pro is still very new at the time of writing, so we've yet to see any discounts on it. It's possible that it may be included in this year's Amazon Prime Day Garmin deals, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
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, which should 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 new 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,
