Garmin Epix 2 Review After 8 Months | Fenix 7, Forerunner 955, Enduro 2 & Apple Watch 7 Comparisons

We were very taken with the Garmin Epix 2 from the moment we turned it on and got a look at its bright AMOLED screen, which is considerable upgrade on the displays on Garmin’s other top watches like the Fenix 7 and Forerunner 955.

Since our original review in early January, the Garmin Epix 2 has becomes Nick's main running watch, and in this video he gives his long-term verdict on the watch, discusses the new features that have arrived on it since launch, and compares it to four of its top competitors.

JUMP STRAIGHT IN:
00:00​​​​ - Intro
00:50 - Design & Key Features
04:54 - Key Features At Launch
05:31 - New Features
07:35 - Battery Life
09:49 - GPS & HR Accuracy
12:50 - Maps & Navigation
13:48 - Smart Features
14:54 - Garmin Epix 2 vs Garmin Fenix 7
16:19 - Garmin Epix 2 vs Garmin Forerunner 955
17:33 - Garmin Epix 2 vs Garmin Enduro 2
18:41 - Garmin Epix 2 vs Apple Watch 7
20:39 - Verdict

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[mikephillips]

My favorite part of the review was the subtle flex near the end to show off that 72 VO2 max. ;)

[Ghimlioak]

As I’m a trail runner beginning to run 60 and soon 80k my Watch choice is the Fenix 7x Solar.
I had the previous model and I was satisfied.

[davidrogers]

Got the epix 2 about 2 months ago coming from an Apple Watch. I absolutely love it and can’t wait for the training readiness and morning report to be officially released to make it even better … great review 👍

[arnarn]

Probably the best Epix 2 review I've seen 👍 comprehensive and nice to see honest take on the practical differences of the different watches. Most reviews I've seen are very vague on the differences.

[markhollidge]

Just wanted to thank you for taking the time to provide such an in-depth review. I'm more likely to eat a marathon than run one, but I really appreciated all the comparisons. 👏👏👏

[steveb]

Fantastic review largely down to the presenter who has a great screen persona and comes across as an honest and humble dude unlike a lot of presenters who either try an impress/confuse you with their tech knowledge and/or slipping in how the watch performed on their 'relaxing' three continent run before breakfast! This dude just told it as it is in layman's terms and gave his honest opinion. Not sure what his job is but he's so trustworthy that I think he'd be able to sell snow to eskimos. Great job on the review!

[milanpintar]

I wear both the apple watch 7 and epix 2 at the same time day and night, I use the ECG for the apple watch but otherwise, the epix 2 has everything else covered. A velcro strap on the epix 2 has made it even more comfortable and made the HR more accurate.

[marcorenk]

Fantastic review. The best I've seen so far. Especially the outdoor screen comparison, the GPS comparison and the real runner battery life is unparalleled on any other channel. Keep up the good work. Thumbs up for that!

[RickRobinsonDonnellan]

Thanks for this review. I've just bought the Epix 2 for my runner wife based on this review. It is currently 40% off in Australia (Garmin website) so I saved $700 AUD, which brought it right in the absolute bargain territory. Don't tell the missus, I wanna let her think she's worth more haha (she is, but a bargain is a bargain!)

[eljeffe]

Viewing this video with my Enduro 2 on. Brightness set to 90%. I really love the watch. Epix 2 is tempting but will stay as I am.

[peakproofuk]

Great thorough review Nick. One thing I think needs calling out is how bad Garmin Pay is - basically neglected by Garmin for years - it’s only ever supported Santander (and a few small banks). If you are with any other major bank, you’re out of luck.

[movdqa]

Trying to decide between Epix 2, Forerunner 965, Fenix 7 from a Fenix 5+. I do not like the lower screen lip on the 965. I have not looked at the Epix 2 before but the brighter screen is really attractive as you have a choice of battery life vs readability. I always have to use the backlight on my Fenix. It sounds like you prefer the Epix 2 over all of the other options.

[nokrome]

Great analysis. Really answered a lot of questions I had. I’m balancing between the 955 and the Epix 2, but might choose the prior and wait for the battery management to get better in a future Epix release in a few years.

[supo_sk]

Question is - how do you use your watch - for checking time, having all healthy stats and for tracking workouts (outside), then display of Fenixes make much more sense. If you wanna use it as smart watch, then yeah - Epix 2 or event much more smart Apple Watch is your choice.

[eulogyforadream]

Nice review as always. The screen on the Epix looks beautiful. I really don't get the allure of long battery life. I charge my watch when I take a shower. I've never had an issue with my watch battery dying on my Forerunner 245. It seems like the only people should care about a "super battery" is if you run ultras.

[dom_leary]

I’m literally waiting for a 955 non-solar to be delivered in the next hour. I did really umm and ahh over these two but ultimately an extra £420 for a better screen but slightly compromised battery didn’t seem good value. I have to say I was surprised at how light the Epix feels in hand but I’m not sure it’s as elegant as people suggest - it’s still a plastic body sandwiched between titanium. I also had a feeling I might miss some of the black on white displays which I think are changed to white on black on the epix to save power (fewer lit pixels) - like everything has to be in ‘dark mode’ on PC/Phone.

[rob_langer]

Just got the enduro 2, I love doing long through hikes and do Ironman and I worry about the epix 2 not being able to make it. Plus most of the time when done don’t want to worry about charging my watch like an Apple Watch haha

[zselatyne]

Nice review. I bought a fenix 7s (after fenix 3), because I wanted to wear it all the time and it is easier when you have a smaller and lighter watch. On the other hand it looks good and it costs as the FR955 (which was introduced later). This 42mm size is optimal for running and with a nylon strap it is elegant.

[nealprice]

I love the videos, it's fun to geek out on the new gear. That being said, for years I used Garmin. It works, it's good but way too expensive. Coros is all I use now, everything that Garmin has, Coros already has and from my experience is the best watch on the market, best battery, best functions and best value, hands down.

[mike-snapitnc-clegg]

Great video, very well explained, do you know if you have to pay for the golf app on the gen 2 as my new one arrives today 👍