When it comes to multisport watches, the new Garmin Epix 2 goes head to head with the Garmin Fenix 7. This can make it difficult for users to decide whether to make the upgrade to Epix or stay with Fenix. If they don’t own either watch yet, this can also make it difficult to choose a model.
Side-by-side, the two watches look very similar, but are their functions the same as well? Not exactly. When these two watches turn on there is a stark difference between them due to their technology. Let’s dive into the similarities and differences in this battle of the Garmin Epix 2 vs. the Fenix 7.
Epix 2 Vs. Fenix 7: Price Differences
As both of these watches are brand new, you’ll pay top dollar. You will pay a slightly higher price for the new Epix Generation 2 than you will for the Fenix 7, although both came out in January of this year (2022).
Compare prices from top merchants.
| Product | Supplier | |
| Garmin Epix 2 | Amazon | View offer |
| Garmin Epix 2 | eBay | View offer |
| Garmin Epix 2 | Garmin | View offer |
| Garmin Epix 2 | Best Buy | View offer |
As you can see from the prices above, the Garmin Epix 2 starts at $899. You can upgrade to get the stainless steel option that offers better scratch resistance. Let’s see how the Fenix 7 compares.
As you can see already, the Garmin Fenix 7 starts at around $700, and you can upgrade to the 7X solar sapphire, which is over $1,100. While keeping these numbers in mind, let’s see if the Epix has features that make it worth those extra couple of hundred dollars.
Design Differences
In terms of design, the Fenix 7 has 9 different looks to choose from. Keep in mind that some of these editions include premium features like a solar panel battery and will bring the cost closer to that of an Epix watch. The Epix, on the other hand, has only three different options in terms of color and design.
Notably, one thing the Epix has that the Fenix 7 does not is the AMOLED display. Loyal Garmin fans have been waiting for this upgrade for a long time, as it finally allows them to clearly see their watch without glare while outside. The AMOLED screen boosts the brightness and picture display, making it a valuable addition to the newer Garmin offering.
Another design feature of the Epix is its touchscreen. It’s a 1.3 inch MIP that has always-on features. The Fenix 7 is the same size. Additionally, a Power Sapphire lens or Power Glass lens may be added to the 7 and 7S variants of the 7 Series, but you’ll have to fork over additional money. The sapphire crystal option provides additional protection, as well as solar benefits.
Function and Capabilities
Apart from design, these two watches have very similar performance and capabilities. Perhaps surprisingly, the Epix has a slightly lesser battery life than the Fenix (probably due to having a signigicantly brighter screen). You can expect 16 days in smart mode and 48 hours when using GPS. With the Fenix 7, you have 18 days in smart mode and 57 hours in GPS mode.
When it comes to health monitoring, the two are also very similar with the Epix having a slight edge. Let’s find out why.
Epix Vs Fenix Storage
While the Fenix and Epix are essentially the same when it comes to sports performance metrics, there is no difference between the two in terms of storage. The Fenix 7 and Epix both offer 16 GB for the base model and 32 GB for the Sapphire editions.
Again, both Epix and Fenix 7 offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Apps and Sports Features
We can keep this section short and sweet because there are no real differences between the sports features of the Epix 2 and Fenix 7. Here are some of the apps and features worth noting that are offered by both watches.
- Hydration tracking for monitoring your water intake
- Running coach in PacePro technology to keep you on-time
- Performance metrics, including VO2 max, running metrics, and recovery advisor.
- Real-time stamina monitors your current workout and what you have left in the tank
- HIIT workouts
As with many other high-end smartwatches, multisport tracking, from swimming, golf, surfing, trail running, cycling, and many others, is also available.
Is There a Clear Winner?
When it comes to the Garmin Epix 2 vs. the Garmin Fenix 7, the winner is dependent on the needs and budget of the potential buyer. With the watches being so similar, for most buyers, the two biggest factors will likely be the price and AMOLED screen (or lack thereof). So the question becomes: Is the extra cost worth being able to see your watch clearly in bright sunlight?
Since the Epix 2 does boast some upgrades over the Fenix 7, we can’t help but wonder how it compares to the Fenix 7. If you’re curious, check out our review to find out.
Last Updated on March 13, 2022
Brittany Collens is one of our top sports writers. She is also a professional tennis player which helps her authority on subjects such as health and fitness.
She has a degree in journalism and has previously written for well-established sports magazines in Massachusetts.
Brittany lives in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States.