Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) vs. Garmin Fenix 7 Pro: Comparing the premium sports watches

The Epix Pro (Gen 2) and Fenix 7 Pro sit at the peak of Garmin's sports watch range, which makes picking between them a tricky task.

With these Garmin watches sharing most of their design and software features, there are very few differences to zero in on. 

However, after performing long-term testing of both the Epix Pro and Fenix 7 Pro, we believe there are some definite considerations to keep in mind when picking between them - and not just their differing display types.

Below, discover everything you need to know when choosing between these two watch series' - and our recommendation of which might be best for your wrist.

• Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) in-depth review
• Garmin Fenix 7 Pro review
• What we know about the Garmin Fenix 8 and Epix 3

Shared features

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We value our sanity and your time too much to list all the similarities of these watches, but suffice it to say that they are effectively identical in 99% of cases.

From sports tracking modes and training insights to GNSS modes to storage space, it's very difficult to find any differences in the menus, data, or general capabilities of the pair.  

Even an area like the watch faces are effectively the same, save for the 'Epix Pro' and 'Fenix Pro' branding.

It's not just software, either, with these similarities carrying over to the hardware. Both feature Garmin's latest Elevate V5 optical heart rate sensor, a flashlight as standard, touchscreens, and the same general design language. 

With that covered, let's dive into the differences.

Prices and versions

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As with any Epix or Fenix generation, there's a wild amount of variations to pick from.

However, we should say that choosing between this pair is less complex than picking between the Fenix 7 Pro and Fenix 7 - or the Epix Pro (Gen 2) and Epix (Gen 2) - due to Garmin broadening the case sizes. 

For example, the Epix Pro is available in 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm variants - just like the Fenix 7 Pro. It's a welcome change, but what's the difference to be aware of here? 

Well, despite case sizes now being the same, the prices are very different:

• Garmin Epix Pro, 42mm - from $899.99 / £789.99
• Garmin Epix Pro, 47mm - from $899.99 / £789.99
• Garmin Epix Pro, 51mm - from $999.99 / £869.99
• Garmin Fenix 7S Pro, 42mm - from $799.99 / £699.99
• Garmin Fenix 7 Pro, 47mm - from $799.99 / £699.99
• Garmin Fenix 7X Pro, 51mm - from $899.99 / £789.99

Then there are the different editions - and this is where it gets fun. Once you've narrowed down which case size you're willing to shell out for, you'll have to decide on the type.

The Fenix 7 Pro is available in a standard glass/solar/steel edition or a sapphire/solar/titanium edition, where you'll find roughly a $150/£150 price jump no matter the case size, and the Epix Pro is also offered in a standard/steel and sapphire/titanium version. 

It's a simple enough consideration if you're just sticking to comparing one case size between the Epix and Fenix range, but Garmin ladders its pricing for different very cleverly for the Epix Pro and Fenix 7 Pro.

This can mean you might end up choosing between the standard version of the 47mm Epix Pro and the sapphire/solar version of the 47mm Fenix Pro because they both retail for the same price.

In short, it's super complicated - and there are tons of variables here.

Displays: AMOLED vs. MIP

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To look at these two devices side-by-side, the major difference is in the display types. 

While the Epix Pro range all feature a brighter, more colorful AMOLED display, the Fenix 7 Pro sticks to the more power-efficient transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) panel.

It ensures that the Epix Pro feels much more like a smartwatch in daily use and workout tracking than the Fenix, which instead will be very familiar for those used to classic sports watches. 

We've been on the record about how we much prefer the clarity and detail in the Epix Pro's display, though we do also know there are plenty of people who prefer the more subdued look on the wrist provided by the Fenix. Like all things in design, it's subjective. 

Battery life

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Due to the sheer amount of versions detailed above, the already-variable nature of battery life is something that also differs greatly between the Epix Pro and Fenix 7 Pro versions.

Garmin helpfully offers up battery life estimations for its different tracking modes, which allows you to compare specific scenarios, but, below, we'll highlight the standard 'smartwatch mode' estimations. 

• Garmin Epix Pro, 42mm - Up to 10 days (4 days always-on)
• Garmin Epix Pro, 47mm - Up to 16 days (6 days always-on)
• Garmin Epix Pro, 51mm - Up to 31 days (11 days always-on)
• Garmin Fenix 7S Pro, 42mm - Up to 11 days
• Garmin Fenix 7 Pro, 47mm - Up to 18 days
• Garmin Fenix 7X Pro, 51mm - Up to 28 days 

This shows us that while the display type difference is certainly a factor in the battery life between the Epix Pro and Fenix 7 Pro, the differences in case sizes (and the battery unit Garmin can fit in) are just as important. 

For example, the standard 42mm Fenix 7 Pro lasts the same amount as the standard 51mm Epix Pro with the always-on display enabled - 11 days.

We should note here, as well, that it's important to think about exactly how you'll use either of these devices. It's easy to get sucked into picking the watch with the biggest battery here, but there's generally a balance to strike.

For example, we use the 47mm Epix Pro as our main wearable for testing and get six days of heavy workout tracking/music streaming with the always-on display mode enabled. At least in our case, this is still plenty of staying power - and enough to keep up from being tempted by the 47mm Fenix 7 Pro or a 51mm Epix Pro.

Charging times

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Garmin doesn't explicitly mention expected charging times in the same way as it lists battery estimations, but our testing shows a considerable difference between these two.

In our side-by-side comparison of the 47mm Epix Pro and 47mm Fenix 7 Pro, the former gains juice much faster, despite using the same charging method. 

We always charge from around 10% with both devices and keep an eye on things until they reach around 80-90%. After this point, as you'll find with most watches, slower charging kicks in to preserve battery health.

We've found the Epix Pro can jump from 10% to roughly 90% in around an hour, whereas this takes the Fenix 7 Pro around two. And while the Fenix 7 Pro's slower speeds may not affect you every time you charge, it is still crucial for when you want a quick boost before a weekend away or a long run. 

For example, we also find that the Epix Pro can get around 30-40% from a 20-minute charge, while the Fenix 7 Pro struggles to get to around 20%. 

Solar charging

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We neglected to talk about solar charging too much in the sections above, because - to put it plainly - we just don't think it's a feature that makes a difference for most users. 

In our experience when testing it out, you have to be outside pretty much all day and every day to really notice the jump in battery life. Battery life is also hardly a problem with the Fenix 7 Pro as it is, and those who really crave the maximum in this regard can look at the Garmin Enduro 2. 

It is true, though, that it is a feature available only on the Fenix 7 Pro models. And, unlike the Fenix 7 / Fenix 7S / Fenix 7X, it now comes as standard whether you pick the standard or sapphire glass edition. 

Given the logistics of applying a solar charging panel to the perimeter of a display, we don't expect this feature to be combined with an Epix AMOLED panel any time soon.

Red Shift

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Like the presence of solar charging, this is another pretty minor feature - though this time it's the Epix Pro lineup that benefits. 

Essentially, Red Shift is a display mode that users can apply during certain periods - after sunset, for example - to make the screen easier on the eyes.

Confusingly, while it's also called Red Shift, it can be used to apply a green, orange, or red filter. 

It's a nice-to-have for those who suspect they might struggle with the vibrancy of the Epix Pro's display full-time, and, by virtue of its duller display, it's not necessarily required on the Fenix 7 Pro range.