Finding the best wearable is no mean feat, but when you invest in a Garmin device, you can be pretty confident that you are getting quality as well as the latest technology. So, we’ve done a Garmin comparison and looked at the Forerunner 955, the Fenix 7, and the Epix 2 to see which stands out as the best – check out our main findings now. For a full Garmin model comparison see here.
Which Has the Best Spec?
At first glance, the Forerunner 955, Fenix 7, and Epix 2 all fit the modern Garmin design – round, similar design, and five-button navigation. However, a closer look at these devices shows that there is definitely more than meets the eye.
The Fenix 7 and Epix 2 have been built with high-spec materials and come in both titanium and stainless-steel designs, making them highly robust and exceptionally well made. This doesn’t mean that the Forerunner 955 is not well-built, just that it is simpler and is cased in a lighter fiber polymer, which helps to keep the weight and the price down.
The Forerunner 955 is also smaller than the Fenix 7 and Epix 2, but only by around .5mm, meaning that you are unlikely to notice the difference unless you compare the devices side by side. The Fenix 7 does come in different size options, with the Fenix 7s giving people with smaller wrists access to a quality device that won’t drown their arm out!
All three watches offer water resistance, making them suitable for swimming, but the depths vary, with the Forerunner 955 coming in at 5ATM while the other two at 10ATM. In addition, the Forerunner 955 and Fenix 7 have a solar option, whereas the Epix 2 comes with an always-on display, giving you the options you need to pick the right device for you.
Garmin Comparison – What Functions Are on Offer?
When it comes to the running of your new watch, you will find that the sensors are all pretty much the same, with the Epix 2 offering an additional ambient light sensor. However, if you think this means the Forerunner 955 and Fenix 7 are missing a trick, you’d be wrong. They do not need an ambient light sensor because their display doesn’t require it.
All three devices can offer Garmin Pay, which is great when you are on the move. Plus, they each can house up to 2000 songs, ready for you to playback when you are out and about on your fitness journey.
Each device also offers the GPS/GLONASS/Galileo triad. Still, the Forerunner 955 uses this differently, offering dual and multi-frequency navigation and providing a superior positioning service that gives a better understanding of terrain and location.
If you invest in the Sapphire version of the Epix 2 or Fenix 7, you will also get access to multi-frequency positioning, but still not to the same capabilities as the Forerunner 955.
If you decide to opt for one of the sapphire Fenix 7s or Epix 2s, you will also be able to enjoy 32Gb of storage, as opposed to 16GB in the standard models. They also come with global topographical maps instead of region-specific topographical maps on standard versions. The Forerunner 955 also offers 32Gb of storage and global topographical maps as standard, giving you plenty of options to choose from.
What Does the New Firmware Add to the Forerunner 955?
When a new device is launched, you often find that it has plenty of enviable features that entice you to buy. This is absolutely the case with the Garmin Forerunner 955! From adding climbing and bouldering to the activity list to offering onscreen maps that show your muscle workouts, you can be sure that you are getting access to the latest and best items on offer.
The watch also has an improved training status feature and offers you a morning report on your progress, training readiness support, and an HRV status overview. In short, Garmin is making it easier than ever to be as fit and healthy as possible.
With all these great features, you may think that the Forerunner 955 is the out-and-out winner, but Garmin is set to offer a firmware update that will also provide all these great new features to the Fenix 7 and Epix 2 as well – making your choice as tough as ever!
Which Has the Best Battery Life?
Battery life is one of the most important considerations according to consumers, with more people looking for longer battery life in order to make life simpler. Garmin works hard to stretch their device batteries to the absolute limit, giving us better options every time. Look at the Garmin comparison table for battery life below to see which of the three devices will work best for your needs.
| Forerunner 955 | Fenix 7 | Epix 2 | |
| Smartwatch Mode | 15 days | 18 days | 16 days |
| GPS Mode | 42 hours | 57 hours | 42 hours |
| Always On Mode | N/A | N/A | 6 days |
| Music Mode | 8.5 hours | 11 hours | 8.5 hours |
| Multi-Satellite Mode | N/A | 40 hours | 32 hours |
| Solar Panel Mode | 20 days | 22 days | N/A |
It’s worth remembering that with watches like these, many different variations will affect the overall battery life. From the always-on display that decreases the battery on the Epix 2 to the solar boost that the Forerunner 955 and Fenix 7 offer. It’s also important to note that the Fenix 7 and Epix 2 come with Power Mode, which helps you to stretch the battery life further when you need it the most.
Garmin Comparison Table
| Forerunner 955 | Fenix 7 | Epix 2 | |
| Screen | Gorilla Glass DX | Gorilla Glass DX | Gorilla Glass DX (Sapphire version has sapphire crystal) |
| Strap | 22mm silicone | 22mm silicone | 22mm silicone |
| Size | 46.5 x 46.5 x14.4mm | 47 x 47 x 14.5mm | 47 x 47 x 14.5mm |
| Display | 1.3-inch | 1.3-inch | 1.3-inch |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 52g | 59g | 76g (70g for Sapphire) |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters | 100 meters | 100 meters |
| Garmin Pay | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Music Storage | 2000 songs | 2000 songs | 2000 songs |
| Battery | Up to 15 days | Up to 18 days | Up to 16 days |
| Solar Models | Yes | Yes | No |
| Connectivity | ANT+, Bluetooth, WiFi | ANT+, Bluetooth, WiFi | ANT+, Bluetooth, WiFi |
| Sensors | ABC, heart rate, gyroscope thermometer, SP02 & accelerometer | ABC, heart rate, gyroscope thermometer, SP02 & accelerometer | ABC, heart rate, gyroscope thermometer, SP02, ambient light & accelerometer |
| Morning Reports | Yes | Awaiting Update | Awaiting Update |
| Running Power | Yes | Awaiting Update | Awaiting Update |
| LED Flashlight | No | Yes | No |
| Golf Options | No | Yes | Yes |
| Topographical Maps | Yes | Yes | Only Sapphire Edition |
Should I Choose the Garmin Forerunner 955, Fenix 7, or Epix 2?
Even with this Garmin comparison, choosing the best watch continues to be a complex process, especially when providers like Garmin offer lots of great options that are continually being updated and upgraded. Plus, as Garmin has resisted becoming a subscription service, all their models are cheap to run once you’ve paid the initial outlay.
- The Fenix 7 is the premium outdoor adventure model with a high price tag but also offers many excellent features and a range of different models within the 7 bracket for you to choose from.
- The Forerunner 955 is cheaper than the Fenix 7 and has more performance tracking capabilities. However, we are sure that both the Fenix 7 and the Epix 2 will soon be offering firmware updates that will close the feature gap once more.
- The Epix 2 boasts an AMOLED screen that looks great but does come at a higher price. In reality, this device is marketed as a premium option, but it is also robust and looks fantastic on the wrist, making it a stylish choice too.
Ultimately, the decision between the three comes down to your personal preferences and individual needs.
If you want something that is good value and feature-packed, then the Forerunner 955 is perfect. Something that comes in different sizes? Go for the Fenix 7 or something robust, then the Fenix 7 or the Epix 2.
The bottom line is that whichever device suits your needs best will serve you well.
If you’re still not sure after reading this Garmin comparison, why not check out the Garmin Forerunner 255?
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Last Updated on December 11, 2022
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