Garmin Epix Gen 2 vs Pro – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Garmin epix Pro & Garmin epix share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Garmin epix Pro rather than the Garmin epix.

Why Do I Recommend The Garmin epix Pro?

  • The Garmin epix Pro includes the Elevate Gen 5 heart rate sensor for more accurate heart rate tracking and improved signal reliability during high-intensity activities, while the Garmin epix Gen 2 uses the older Elevate Gen 4 sensor.
  • Garmin epix Pro comes with a built-in LED flashlight for improved visibility during night runs, early-morning workouts, and low-light navigation, while Garmin epix Gen 2 does not include a flashlight.
  • It supports ECG hardware for advanced heart rhythm analysis and deeper cardiac insights, whereas the Garmin epix Gen 2 does not support ECG functionality.
  • The Garmin epix Pro supports wrist-based skin temperature tracking to help identify overnight physiological changes and training or recovery trends, while the Garmin epix Gen 2 does not include a skin temperature sensor.
  • Garmin epix Pro supports significantly longer maximum battery life to reduce charging frequency during multi-day training and outdoor adventures, while the Garmin epix Gen 2 is limited to a single battery capacity.
  • It supports a wider range of strap and lug widths to improve band compatibility and long-term comfort across different wrist sizes, whereas the Garmin epix Gen 2 supports only a single lug width.
  • Garmin epix Pro includes newer internal hardware optimizations to support expanded health and performance features over time, whereas the Garmin epix Gen 2 relies on earlier-generation hardware with fewer upgrade paths.

Maybe the Garmin epix can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Garmin epix Pro. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureGarmin epix ProGarmin epix
Display size1.4″1.3″
Display resolution454×454416×416
Bezel materialStainless steel or titaniumStainless steel or titanium
Lens materialGorilla Glass DX or SapphireGorilla Glass DX or Sapphire
LED flashlightYesNo
HR sensorElevate Gen 5Elevate Gen 4
ECG hardwareYesNo
Skin temperature sensorYesNo
Battery (smartwatch mode)Up to 31dUp to 16d
Battery (GPS only)HigherLower
Battery (All-Systems GNSS)HigherLower
Battery (All-Systems + Multi-band)HigherLower
Battery (AOD)HigherLower
PriceCheck Garmin epix Pro PriceCheck Garmin epix Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • AMOLED display: Both watches use a high-resolution AMOLED display that delivers vivid colors and deep contrast. This makes on-wrist maps, metrics, and notifications easy to read in a wide range of lighting conditions.
  • Touchscreen + buttons: Each model combines a responsive touchscreen with physical buttons. This dual-input design allows smooth navigation in daily use and reliable control during workouts or wet conditions.
  • Sapphire edition available: Both product lines are available in Sapphire editions. Sapphire glass improves scratch resistance, which is important for durability during outdoor and endurance activities.
  • Multi-band GNSS: Both watches support multi-band satellite positioning. This improves location accuracy in challenging environments such as dense forests, urban areas, or mountainous terrain.
  • GPS / GLONASS / Galileo: Each model supports multiple global satellite systems. This ensures reliable positioning coverage regardless of geographic location.
  • Built-in maps: Both watches include full onboard mapping. Users can navigate directly from the wrist without carrying a phone.
  • TopoActive maps: Each device comes with TopoActive maps. These maps are useful for hiking, trail running, and outdoor navigation with elevation and terrain details.
  • Music storage: Both models allow music to be stored directly on the watch. This enables phone-free listening when paired with Bluetooth headphones.
  • Garmin Pay: Each watch supports Garmin Pay. This allows contactless payments directly from the wrist for convenience during workouts or travel.
  • Wi-Fi connectivity: Both watches include Wi-Fi support. Wi-Fi enables faster map updates, music syncing, and software downloads without relying solely on Bluetooth.
  • Bluetooth connectivity: Bluetooth is present on both models. This allows pairing with smartphones, headphones, sensors, and other compatible devices.
  • ANT+ support: Each watch supports ANT+. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of fitness sensors such as heart rate straps, bike sensors, and power meters.
  • Pulse Ox sensor: Both models include a Pulse Ox sensor. This allows tracking of blood oxygen saturation during sleep or altitude acclimation.
  • Barometric altimeter: Each watch uses a barometric altimeter. This improves elevation accuracy for activities like hiking, climbing, and trail running.
  • Compass: Both watches include a built-in compass. This supports navigation and orientation when using maps or back-to-start features.
  • Gyroscope: A gyroscope is present in both devices. It enhances motion tracking accuracy and supports precise activity metrics.
  • Accelerometer: Each model includes an accelerometer. This enables step counting, movement detection, and indoor activity tracking.
  • Body Battery: Both watches feature Body Battery. This metric helps users understand energy levels throughout the day based on activity, stress, and rest.
  • Training readiness: Training readiness is available on both models. It combines multiple metrics to help users decide how hard to train on a given day.
  • VO2 Max: Both devices estimate VO2 Max. This provides insight into cardiovascular fitness and long-term performance trends.
  • Recovery time advisor: Each watch includes recovery time guidance. This helps users understand how long their body may need to recover after workouts.
  • Sleep tracking: Both watches provide advanced sleep tracking. This includes sleep stages and quality metrics to support recovery and wellness.
  • Stress tracking: Stress tracking is available on both models. It helps users monitor daily stress patterns and overall well-being.
  • Water resistance: Both watches are rated at 10 ATM. This makes them suitable for swimming and water-based activities.
  • Smart notifications: Each watch supports smart notifications. Users can receive calls, messages, and app alerts directly on the wrist.

Common Features

FeatureGarmin epix ProGarmin epix
AMOLED displayYesYes
Touchscreen + buttonsYesYes
Sapphire edition availableYesYes
Multi-band GNSSYesYes
GPS / GLONASS / GalileoYesYes
Built-in mapsYesYes
TopoActive mapsYesYes
Music storageYesYes
Garmin PayYesYes
Wi-Fi connectivityYesYes
Bluetooth connectivityYesYes
ANT+ supportYesYes
Pulse Ox sensorYesYes
Barometric altimeterYesYes
CompassYesYes
GyroscopeYesYes
AccelerometerYesYes
Body BatteryYesYes
Training readinessYesYes
VO2 MaxYesYes
Recovery time advisorYesYes
Sleep trackingYesYes
Price Check Garmin epix Pro Price
Check Garmin epix Price

FAQ

Do both Garmin epix Pro and epix Gen 2 use the same display technology?
Yes, both watches use an AMOLED display, providing bright colors, deep contrast, and high visibility for maps, metrics, and smartwatch features.

Are maps and navigation features the same on both models?
Both models include full onboard maps with TopoActive mapping and turn-by-turn navigation, allowing users to navigate trails, roads, and courses directly from the watch.

Do Garmin epix Pro and epix Gen 2 support multi-band GPS?
Yes, both watches support multi-band GNSS along with GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo for improved positioning accuracy in challenging environments.

Can both watches store and play music without a phone?
Yes, both Garmin epix Pro and epix Gen 2 support onboard music storage and playback when paired with Bluetooth headphones.

Is Garmin Pay available on both models?
Garmin Pay is supported on both watches, enabling contactless payments directly from the wrist where supported.

Do both watches support advanced training metrics?
Yes, both models include advanced performance and training features such as VO2 Max, training readiness, recovery time, and performance status.

Are health tracking features similar between the two watches?
Both watches track key health metrics such as heart rate, sleep, stress, Pulse Ox, and Body Battery, providing a comprehensive view of daily wellness.

Can both models be used for swimming and water sports?
Yes, both Garmin epix Pro and epix Gen 2 are rated at 10 ATM, making them suitable for swimming and various water-based activities.

Do both watches support external sensors?
Both models support Bluetooth and ANT+, allowing connection to heart rate straps, cycling sensors, power meters, and other compatible accessories.

Is battery life comparable between the two watches?
Battery life is generally similar in equivalent sizes and usage modes, though epix Pro offers additional size options that can extend battery life compared to the single-size epix Gen 2.

Are sapphire glass editions available for both models?
Yes, both watches are available in sapphire editions, which improve scratch resistance and long-term durability.

Do both models support smart notifications from a phone?
Yes, both watches can display calls, messages, and app notifications when paired with a compatible smartphone.

Can both watches be used for everyday smartwatch functions?
Both models function as full-featured smartwatches, supporting alarms, calendars, weather, timers, and customizable watch faces.

Which users should consider Garmin epix Pro versus epix Gen 2?
Garmin epix Pro is better suited for users who want the latest sensors, flashlight, and multiple size options, while Garmin epix Gen 2 remains a strong choice for those who want the core epix experience with AMOLED display and advanced fitness features at a potentially lower cost.