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Garmin Epix 2 Pro vs Fenix 7 Pro: Which should you choose?
Garmin gave both of its top multisport watch lines a healthy upgrade, adding Pro monikers to the most recent Epix and the newest Fenix. As Garmin watches tend not to disappoint, both devices offer a fantastic user experience. To help you choose the right fitness tracker, we compare the Garmin Epix 2 Pro vs the Fenix 7 Pro.
Garmin Epix 2 Pro vs Fenix 7 Pro: At a glance
Picking between Garmin's top multisport watch lines isn't easy. Here's a quick summary of the devices' key differences (and similarities):
- The Garmin Epix 2 Pro and Fenix 7 Pro represent the top of their respective multisport watch lines; both offer Garmin's most advanced training tools and identical heart rate sensors.
- The Garmin Epix 2 Pro features a colorful, AMOLED touchscreen display, while the Fenix 7 Pro offers an updated Memory in Pixel (MIP) touchscreen display.
- Both devices are available in 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm cases.
- Both devices feature built-in LED flashlights, but only the Epix 2 Pro offers users Red Shift Mode.
- While both devices offer fantastic battery life, only the Fenix 7 Pro offers solar charging capabilities.
Garmin Epix 2 Pro vs Fenix 7 Pro specs
| Garmin Epix 2 Pro series | Garmin Fenix 7 Pro series | |
|---|---|---|
Display | Garmin Epix 2 Pro series 42mm: 1.2-inch AMOLED 390 x 390 47mm: 1.3-inch AMOLED 416 x 416 51 mm: 1.4-inch AMOLED 454 x 454 | Garmin Fenix 7 Pro series Fenix 7S Pro: 1.2-inch sunlight-visible MIP 240 x 240 resolution Fenix 7 Pro: 1.3-inch sunlight-visible MIP 260 x 260 resolution Fenix 7X Pro: 1.4-inch sunlight-visible MIP 280 x 280 resolution |
IP rating | Garmin Epix 2 Pro series 10ATM | Garmin Fenix 7 Pro series 10ATM |
Dimensions and weight | Garmin Epix 2 Pro series 42mm: 42 x 42x 14.2mm Standard model: 63g (with band) Sapphire model stainless steel: 63g (with band) Sapphire model titanium: 58g (with band) 47mm: 47 x 47 x 14.6mm Standard model: 78g (with band) Sapphire model: 70g (with band) 51 mm: 51 x 51 x 15.0mm Standard model: 98g (with band) Sapphire model: 88g(with band) | Garmin Fenix 7 Pro series Fenix 7S Pro: 42 x 42 x 14.2mm Base Solar models: 63g (with band) Sapphire Solar model Titanium version: 58g Sapphire Solar model Stainless Steel version: 65g Fenix 7 Pro: 47 x 47 x 14.5mm Base Solar models: 79g (with band) Sapphire Solar model: 73g (with band) Fenix 7X Pro: 51 x 51 x 14.9mm Base Solar models: 96g (with band) Sapphire Solar model: 86g (with band) |
Compatibility | Garmin Epix 2 Pro series Android, iOS | Garmin Fenix 7 Pro series Android, iOS |
Storage | Garmin Epix 2 Pro series 32GB | Garmin Fenix 7 Pro series 32GB |
Lens material | Garmin Epix 2 Pro series Standard model: Corning Gorilla Glass Sapphire model: Sapphire crystal | Garmin Fenix 7 Pro series Base Solar model: Power Glass Sapphire Solar model: Sapphire crystal |
Build materials | Garmin Epix 2 Pro series Bezel Standard model: Stainless steel Sapphire model: Stainless steel or titanium Case Standard model: Fiber-reinforced polymer with steel rear cover Sapphire model: Fiber-reinforced polymer with steel rear cover | Garmin Fenix 7 Pro series Bezel Base Solar models: Stainless steel Sapphire Solar model: Titanium Case Base Solar models: Fiber-reinforced polymer with steel rear cover Sapphire Solar model: Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover |
Connectivity | Garmin Epix 2 Pro series Bluetooth ANT+ Wi-Fi | Garmin Fenix 7 Pro series Bluetooth Smart ANT+ Wi-Fi |
Smartwatch features | Garmin Epix 2 Pro series Connect IQ-compatible Smartphone notifications Text response/reject phone call with text (Android only) Controls smartphone music Plays and controls smartwatch music Find my phone/find my watch Incident Detection LiveTrack | Garmin Fenix 7 Pro series Connect IQ-compatible Smartphone notifications Text response/reject phone call with text (Android only) Controls smartphone music Plays and controls smartwatch music Find my phone/find my watch Incident Detection LiveTrack |
Input | Garmin Epix 2 Pro series Five face buttons Touchscreen | Garmin Fenix 7 Pro series Five face buttons Touchscreen |
Sensors | Garmin Epix 2 Pro series Garmin Elevate heart rate sensor (Gen 5) GPS GLONASS Galileo Beidou Multi-band GNSS Barometric altimeter Compass Gyroscope Accelerometer Thermometer Ambient light sensor Pulse ox blood oxygen saturation monitor | Garmin Fenix 7 Pro series Garmin Elevate heart rate sensor (Gen 5) GPS QZSS GLONASS Galileo Beidou Multi-band GNSS Barometric altimeter Compass Gyroscope Accelerometer Thermometer Pulse ox blood oxygen saturation monitor |
Battery | Garmin Epix 2 Pro series 42mm: Battery saver smartwatch mode: Up to 10 days (4 days always-on) Smartwatch mode: Up to 14 days GPS only: Up to 28 hours (20 hours always-on) All satellite systems: Up to 21 hours (16 hours always-on) All satellite systems + multi-band: Up to 13 hours (10 hours always-on) All satellite systems + music: Up to 6 hours Max battery GPS: Up to 49 hours Expedition GPS: Up to 9 days 47mm: Smartwatch mode: Up to 16 days (6 days always-on) Battery saver smartwatch mode: Up to 21 days GPS only: Up to 42 hours (30 hours always-on) All satellite systems: Up to 32 hours (24 hours always-on) All satellite systems + multi-band: Up to 20 hours (15 hours always-on) All satellite systems + music: Up to 10 hours Max battery GPS: Up to 75 hours Expedition GPS: Up to 14 days 51mm: Smartwatch mode: Up to 31 days (11 days always-on) Battery saver smartwatch mode: Up to 41 days GPS only: Up to 82 hours (58 hours always-on) All satellite systems: Up to 62 hours (48 hours always-on) All satellite systems + multi-band: Up to 38 hours (17 hours always-on) All satellite systems + music: Up to 17 hours Max battery GPS: Up to 145 hours Expedition GPS: Up to 27 days | Garmin Fenix 7 Pro series Fenix 7S Pro: Smartwatch mode: Up to 11 days / 14 days with solar Smartwatch mode (w/ battery saver): Up to 38 days / 87 days with solar GPS only: Up to 37 hours / 46 hours with solar All satellite systems: Up to 26 hours / 30 hours with solar All satellite systems + Multi-band: Up to 15 hours/16 hours with solar All satellite systems + music: Up to 7 hours Max battery GPS: Up to 90 hours / 162 hours with solar Expedition GPS: Up to 26 days / 43 days with solar Fenix 7 Pro: Smartwatch mode: Up to 18 days / 22 days with solar Smartwatch mode (w/ battery saver): Up to 57 days / 173 days with solar GPS only: Up to 57 hours / 73 hours with solar All satellite systems: Up to 40 hours / 48 hours with solar All satelite sytems + Multi-band: Up to 23 hours/26 hours with solar All satelite systems + music: Up to 10 hours Max battery GPS: Up to 136 hours / 289 hours with solar Expedition GPS: Up to 40 days / 74 days with solar Fenix 7X Pro: Smartwatch mode: Up to 28 days / 37 days with solar Smartwatch mode (w/ battery saver): Up to 90 days / 1+ year with solar GPS only: Up to 89 hours / 122 hours with solar All satellite systems: Up to 63 hours / 77 hours with solar All satelite system + Multi-band: Up to 36 hours/41 hours with solar All satellite systems + music: Up to 16 hours Max battery GPS: Up to 213 hours / 578 hours with solar Expedition GPS: Up to 62 days / 139 days with solar |
Garmin Pay | Garmin Epix 2 Pro series Yes | Garmin Fenix 7 Pro series Yes |
Garmin Epix 2 Pro vs Fenix 7 Pro: Features
A quick comparison of the Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) vs the Fenix 7 Pro shows a lot of crossover. Regarding fitness tracking experiences, both top-tier devices provide identical features and tools. Each utilizes Garmin’s Gen 5 Elevate heart rate sensor for accurate heart rate tracking, VO2 max, sleep tracking, and more, plus two advanced running metrics: hill and endurance scores. Both also provide multiband GNSS. The Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro also both pack 32GB of storage for listening to music on your long-distance runs.
Garmin's two top multisport watches offer almost identical features, including accurate heart rate tracking, multiband GNSS, 32GB of storage, and advanced training tools.
Of course, if running isn’t your thing, Garmin added 30 activity profiles to both lines, including team sports and niche activities like motocross and whitewater rafting. Each device offers detailed mapping features with weather overlays for precipitation, temperature, wind, and clouds, so you’re always prepared for wherever you’re headed.
Garmin’s built-in LED flashlight is one of our favorite features on both lineups. With a powerful beam, the flashlight is extremely useful for everything from midnight trips to the restroom to finding your camp after dark. Red Shift Mode, another useful tool after dark, is only found on the Epix Pro 2. This feature turns every screen on the device into red-only hues to help preserve night vision when using the watch in dim lighting. During our Epix Pro 2 review, we found Red Shift Mode especially helpful when winding down for bed.
Red Shift Mode, which helps users maintain night vision, is only available on the Garmin Epix Pro.
Unfortunately, neither device offers a particularly robust smartwatch experience. Users will find staples like Garmin Pay and music storage but no phone call support. That said, the better experience is had on the Epix Pro given its display.
Meanwhile, both watches also offer fantastic battery life to power your usage day and night. The Fenix 7 Pro claims up to 22 days in smartwatch mode and 73 hours in GPS mode. With the always-on display disabled, the standard 47mm Epix Pro lasts 16 days in smartwatch mode and 42 hours in GPS mode. Both sets of specs are impressive. However, the Fenix 7 Pro pulls ahead with solar charging capabilities. In addition to its Memory in Pixel (MIP) display, the device features built-in solar panels to offer nearly limitless battery life.
Garmin Epix 2 Pro vs Fenix 7 Pro: Design
Design is where the Epix Pro and Fenix 7 grow apart, but not significantly until you turn them on. They share similar build materials, each in three case sizes: 42mm, 45mm, and 47mm. They feature the same sensor packages and five-button input. Though each line’s colorways vary, their general aesthetics are very alike.
In a side-by-side comparison, the devices’ displays are the most obvious design differences. As mentioned, the Epix Pro features a vibrant, colorful, AMOLED touchscreen display. Resolutions measure 390×390 pixels (42mm), 416×416 pixels (47mm), and 454×454 pixels (51mm). All three models are easy to read and align with the market’s most popular smartwatches, such as those from Apple or Samsung.
The Fenix 7 Pro features an MIP display. Though the screen has been updated for clarity and readability in lowlight settings, it’s not as attractive. It is, however, a great choice in terms of power consumption. Given the Fenix 7 Pro also supports solar charging, it’s a fantastic design for endurance athletes.
Garmin Epix 2 Pro vs Fenix 7 Pro: Price and colors
- Garmin Epix 2 Pro: Starts at $899
- Garmin Fenix 7 Pro: Starts $799
Garmin launched the Epix Pro (Gen 2) and Fenix 7 Pro simultaneously on May 31, 2023. Pricing for the smallest Epix Pro starts at $899 with a $100 premium for a Sapphire model. Device colorways are as follows:
Epix Pro Standard
- 42mm: Silver with Whitestone band
- 45mm, 47mm: Slate Gray with Black band
Epix Pro Sapphire
- 42mm: Soft Gold with Light Sand band
- 45mm, 47mm: Carbon Gray DLC with Black band
Pricing for the Fenix 7 Pro starts at $799 for the smallest model. Sapphire Fenix 7 Pro models run for $100 more. Available colorways are as follows:
Fenix 7 Pro Standard
- 42mm: Silver with Graphite band
- 45mm, 47mm: Slate Gray with Black band
Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire
- 42mm: Soft Gold with Light Sand band, Carbon Gray with Black band
- 45mm, 47mm: Carbon Gray DLC Titanium with Black band, Titanium with Fog Grey/Ember Orange band
Garmin Epix 2 Pro vs Fenix 7 Pro: Which should you buy?
As is often the case when comparing Garmin products, choosing between an Epix Pro or Fenix 7 Pro is a win-win. Both devices pack outstanding fitness tracking tools, highly accurate sensors, multiband GNSS, and great builds. The Epix 2 Pro is about $100 more than the Fenix, but at this price point, we doubt many people will choose based on that difference.
In our opinion, the choice between an Epix Pro or Fenix 7 Pro comes down to display preference.
Instead, the biggest question is which type of display you want and what you are willing to sacrifice. The AMOLED-touting Epix Pro feels as expensive as it is, and the onscreen user experience is delightful. Red Shift Mode is very useful. However, the display does drain the battery, so you’ll likely need to charge up weekly.
The MIP display of the Fenix 7 Pro might look out of place among the smartwatch-wearing wrists, but the device’s battery life is unbeatable. Endurance athletes should prioritize the Fenix 7 Pro’s impressive battery specs and solar charging capabilities.
That’s it for our Epix Pro (Gen 2) vs Fenix 7 Pro comparison. Which do you prefer? Let us know in the poll below.
Do you prefer the Garmin Epix 2 Pro or Garmin Fenix 7 Pro?
FAQs
Both the Epix 2 Pro and Fenix 7 Pro feature a water resistance rating of 10ATM, making them safe for showering and swimming to depths up to 100 meters.
Both the Epix 2 Pro and Fenix 7 Pro track sleep and provide sleep scores.
Yes, the Epix 2 Pro and Fenix 7 Pro both work with iPhones as well as Android phones.
Neither the Garmin Epix 2 Pro nor the Fenix 7 Pro play music, so you cannot play audio content directly from either device. However, you can listen to stored music via Bluetooth headphones.
Neither the Garmin Epix 2 Pro nor the Fenix 7 Pro can complete a phone call from the wrist. Users can only receive and accept incoming calls and then use their phones to talk.
Yes! Both the Garmin Epix 2 Pro and Fenix 7 Pro feature detailed mapping, including useful weather overlays.