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 Gen 2 has a built-in LED flashlight for improved visibility and safety during night runs, camping, or power outages, while the Garmin Epix 2 has no integrated lighting hardware.
- Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 features multiple case size options (42 mm, 47 mm, and 51 mm) to better match wrist size and battery needs, whereas the Garmin Epix 2 uses a single 47 mm case size.
- It includes the Elevate Gen 5 heart rate sensor for more accurate heart rate tracking during high-intensity workouts and daily wear, while the Garmin Epix 2 uses the older Elevate Gen 4 sensor.
- The Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 supports ECG-capable hardware to enable advanced heart rhythm analysis, whereas the Garmin Epix 2 does not include ECG hardware.
- Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 includes skin temperature sensing for deeper sleep and recovery insights across multi-day trends, while the Garmin Epix 2 lacks skin temperature tracking hardware.
- It supports a larger 1.4-inch AMOLED display on the 51 mm model for improved map readability and data visibility, while the Garmin Epix 2 is limited to a 1.3-inch display.
- The Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 offers extended battery life for longer GPS activities and multi-day expeditions, whereas the Garmin Epix 2 is limited to a smaller battery capacity.
- Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 features a newer internal sensor layout and updated hardware platform for better support of future health and fitness features, while the Garmin Epix 2 uses an earlier-generation internal hardware design.
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 options | 1.2 / 1.3 / 1.4 in | 1.3 in |
| Display resolution options | 454×454 | 416×416 |
| Strap width options | 20 / 22 / 26 mm | 22 mm |
| Built-in flashlight | Yes | No |
| Red light mode | Yes | No |
| HR sensor generation | Elevate Gen 5 | Elevate Gen 4 |
| ECG hardware | Yes | No |
| Skin temperature sensor | Yes | No |
| Battery (smartwatch) | Higher on 51 mm; varies by size | Single 47 mm baseline |
| Battery (GPS) | Higher on 51 mm; varies by size | Single 47 mm baseline |
| Battery (All-Systems GNSS) | Higher on 51 mm; varies by size | Single 47 mm baseline |
| Battery (Multiband GNSS) | Higher on 51 mm; varies by size | Single 47 mm baseline |
| Color/trim range | Wider | Narrower |
| Rear sensor module | Newer revision | Older revision |
| Price | Check Garmin epix Pro Price | Check Garmin epix Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- AMOLED display: Both watches use a high-resolution AMOLED panel that delivers rich colors, deep contrast, and excellent readability. This makes maps, metrics, and widgets clear in both indoor and outdoor conditions.
- Touchscreen: Each model supports full touchscreen interaction alongside physical buttons. This allows faster navigation through maps, menus, and widgets while still retaining button control for workouts.
- Sapphire edition available: Both lineups include sapphire crystal variants. Sapphire improves scratch resistance and durability for users who train or adventure in rough environments.
- Always-on display option: Both watches allow an always-on AMOLED mode. This ensures time and key data remain visible without wrist gestures, which is useful during workouts and daily wear.
- Multi-band GNSS: Both support multi-band positioning for improved accuracy. This helps maintain precise tracking in challenging environments like cities, forests, and mountain terrain.
- GPS, GLONASS, Galileo: Each model supports multiple satellite systems. Using several constellations improves tracking reliability and reduces signal dropouts.
- ABC sensors (altimeter, barometer, compass): Both include altitude, pressure, and directional sensors. These are essential for elevation tracking, weather trend awareness, and navigation.
- Pulse Ox sensor: Both watches can measure blood oxygen saturation. This is useful for altitude acclimation insights and sleep-related health tracking.
- Body Battery: Each model includes Garmin’s Body Battery metric. It helps users understand energy levels by combining stress, activity, and recovery data.
- Training Readiness: Both watches evaluate recovery and readiness for training. This helps users decide whether to push hard or prioritize recovery.
- Training Status: Each device analyzes long-term training trends. This allows users to see whether their fitness is improving, maintaining, or declining.
- VO2 Max tracking: Both estimate VO2 Max for running and cycling. This provides a key indicator of cardiovascular fitness over time.
- Recovery Time Advisor: Both models suggest recovery durations after workouts. This helps reduce overtraining and optimize performance gains.
- Daily suggested workouts: Each watch generates adaptive daily workout recommendations. These suggestions adjust based on fitness level, recovery, and recent activity.
- Multi-sport activity profiles: Both support a wide range of sports and multi-sport modes. This makes them suitable for triathletes, hikers, runners, and general fitness users.
- TopoActive maps: Both come with built-in TopoActive maps. These maps support turn-by-turn navigation and outdoor exploration without needing a phone.
- SkiView maps: Each model includes SkiView ski resort maps. This allows skiers to view runs, lifts, and resort layouts directly on the watch.
- ClimbPro: Both watches support ClimbPro for ascent planning. This feature breaks climbs into segments and shows grade, distance, and elevation remaining.
- Music storage: Both allow offline music storage from supported services or local files. Users can listen with Bluetooth headphones without carrying a phone.
- Garmin Pay: Each model supports contactless payments via Garmin Pay. This adds convenience for purchases during workouts or travel.
- Wi-Fi + Bluetooth + ANT+: Both include full wireless connectivity options. This ensures compatibility with sensors, phones, networks, and accessories.
- Water resistance: Both are rated at 10 ATM. This makes them suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and high-intensity water exposure.
- Battery charging method: Both use Garmin’s proprietary charging cable. This keeps charging accessories consistent across the epix lineup.
Common Features
| Feature | Garmin epix Pro | Garmin epix |
| AMOLED display | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Sapphire edition available | Yes | Yes |
| Always-on display option | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-band GNSS | Yes | Yes |
| GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Yes | Yes |
| ABC sensors (altimeter, barometer, compass) | Yes | Yes |
| Pulse Ox sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Body Battery | Yes | Yes |
| Training Readiness | Yes | Yes |
| Training Status | Yes | Yes |
| VO2 Max tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Recovery Time Advisor | Yes | Yes |
| Daily suggested workouts | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-sport activity profiles | Yes | Yes |
| TopoActive maps | Yes | Yes |
| SkiView maps | Yes | Yes |
| ClimbPro | Yes | Yes |
| Music storage | Yes | Yes |
| Garmin Pay | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi + Bluetooth + ANT+ | Yes | Yes |
| Water resistance | 10 ATM | 10 ATM |
| Price | Check Garmin epix Pro Price | Check Garmin epix Price |
FAQ
What is the main difference between Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 and Garmin Epix 2? Do both watches use the same display technology? Are maps and navigation features the same on both models? Do Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 and Garmin Epix 2 support multi-band GPS? Is battery life similar between the two models? Do both watches support music playback without a phone? Are training and fitness metrics the same on both devices? Do Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 and Garmin Epix 2 support contactless payments? Are the watches equally suitable for swimming and water sports? Do both models support external sensors? Is ECG available on both models? Do both watches use the same charging system? Are smartwatch features like notifications and calls the same? Is durability comparable between the two models? Who should choose Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 over Garmin Epix 2? |