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
| Feature | Garmin epix Pro | Garmin epix |
| Display size | 1.4″ | 1.3″ |
| Display resolution | 454×454 | 416×416 |
| Bezel material | Stainless steel or titanium | Stainless steel or titanium |
| Lens material | Gorilla Glass DX or Sapphire | Gorilla Glass DX or Sapphire |
| LED flashlight | Yes | No |
| HR sensor | Elevate Gen 5 | Elevate Gen 4 |
| ECG hardware | Yes | No |
| Skin temperature sensor | Yes | No |
| Battery (smartwatch mode) | Up to 31d | Up to 16d |
| Battery (GPS only) | Higher | Lower |
| Battery (All-Systems GNSS) | Higher | Lower |
| Battery (All-Systems + Multi-band) | Higher | Lower |
| Battery (AOD) | Higher | Lower |
| Price | Check Garmin epix Pro Price | Check 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
| Feature | Garmin epix Pro | Garmin epix |
| AMOLED display | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen + buttons | Yes | Yes |
| Sapphire edition available | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-band GNSS | Yes | Yes |
| GPS / GLONASS / Galileo | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in maps | Yes | Yes |
| TopoActive maps | Yes | Yes |
| Music storage | Yes | Yes |
| Garmin Pay | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| ANT+ support | Yes | Yes |
| Pulse Ox sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Barometric altimeter | Yes | Yes |
| Compass | Yes | Yes |
| Gyroscope | Yes | Yes |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| Body Battery | Yes | Yes |
| Training readiness | Yes | Yes |
| VO2 Max | Yes | Yes |
| Recovery time advisor | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes |
| 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? Are maps and navigation features the same on both models? Do Garmin epix Pro and epix Gen 2 support multi-band GPS? Can both watches store and play music without a phone? Is Garmin Pay available on both models? Do both watches support advanced training metrics? Are health tracking features similar between the two watches? Can both models be used for swimming and water sports? Do both watches support external sensors? Is battery life comparable between the two watches? Are sapphire glass editions available for both models? Do both models support smart notifications from a phone? Can both watches be used for everyday smartwatch functions? Which users should consider Garmin epix Pro versus epix Gen 2? |