With Garmin releasing the Epix second generation, many users are wondering how the watch compares to Garmin’s other lines. Finding the fitness watch that best suits your needs is not easy. That’s why this guide gives you the ultimate breakdown of Garmin Venu 2 vs Epix 2.
While both watches are clearly geared for fitness and sports tracking there are some differences that will affect which one you spring for. Price, capability, and functionality are among the most important differences between the Venu 2 and Epix 2.
Let’s break down what you can expect from both watches.
Price and Models
First, let’s get price out of the way. The price of the Epix 2 will depend on what version of the watch you choose, but suffice to say that either version is significantly costlier than the Venu 2.
- The Epix 2 has a starting cost of $899. The upgraded version, called the Sapphire Collection (includes a sapphire crystal lens face, titanium case, and greater memory and battery life, among other things) will cost you $999.
- The Venu 2 is currently on sale for $349 and was originally priced at $399, less than half of the price of the Epix.
What you’re probably wondering now is, what does the Epix 2 offer that the Venu 2 does not, and is it worth it?
Design
These two Garmin watches are not vastly different looking; however, they do have some differences in appearance that are worth noting. On a basic level, the Epix 2 has a slightly chunkier, old-fashioned look that makes it reminiscent of a traditional watch, while the Venu 2 has a simpler, sleeker face and case that make it look more obviously like a smartwatch.
Both watches have a silicone band and a Gorilla Glass face, though the Epix 2 has an updated, slightly stronger face. Because the Epix comes in a Sapphire version, the bezel and case of the Epix can be upgraded from stainless steel and fiber-reinforced polymer to titanium. This puts a slightly more elegant spin on the watch.
Concerning the actual size of the watches, there is about a two-millimeter difference between the two, with the Epix coming in slightly larger and thicker.
Venu 2 Vs. Epix 2 Measurements
Epix Measurements
47 x 47 x 14.5 mm
Wrist circumference (dependent on the band):
Silicone: 125-208 mm
Leather: 132-210 mm
Fabric: 132-210 mm
Metal: 132-215 mm
Venu Measurements
45.4 x 45.4 x 12.2 mm
Wrist circumference of 135-200 mm
As you can tell, the Epix 2 offers more options in terms of fit and what bands you can use with the watch. However, the Venu 2 is a smaller watch for those with a smaller wrist or who don’t like a chunky watch.
Performance
So, how do the Venu 2 and Epix 2 stack up in terms of features and performance?
So what does the Epix have that Venu 2 does not?
- Epix Smartwatch Mode has 16 days of battery life as opposed to 11 with the Venu 2.
- While both have AMOLED screens, the Epix has a sleep mode that dims the screen and changes its interface. The Venu 2 has only a battery saver mode.
- Epix has tons of maps that can downloaded right onto the watch for skiing, hiking, or anything you need. The Epix 2 Sapphire comes with preloaded topographical and other maps. Venu 2 doesn’t have this, despite having GPS.
- The Venu 2 Plus ($449.99) has a voice assistance feature that makes use of the Venu’s speaker and microphone, while the Epix does not.
- Garmin Venu 2 Plus has just been approved for using its ECG monitoring. It is the only Garmin watch with this feature for now.
Sports Modes
While you will find trackers for all your favorite activities like golf, running, and more on both watches, there are two noticeable differences. The Epix has an open water swimming mode, which will make a difference for swim fanatics and serious athletes.
The Epix 2 also has something called multisport mode. This allows triathletes to conquer and track their Ironman marathons and other sporting competitions and training. The Venu 2 can’t do this.
You’ll find that, in general, the Epix 2 offers many more detailed and in-depth mode and tracker options. For instance, the spec list for the Epix 2 contains thirteen running features, while the spec list for the Venu 2 offers just five. The Epix 2 offers fifty-one “training, planning, and analysis” features (things like auto lap, rest timer, course guidance, and downloadable training plans), while the Venu 2 offers “just” nineteen.
Geared Towards the Nitty Gritty
So what’s our conclusion on the Garmin Venu 2 vs. Epix 2? Comparing the differences and similarities, it may be hard for some to justify paying nearly twice as much for a watch that appears to do many of the same things that the Venu 2 does.
However, it really does come down to the nitty-gritty details. With the Epix 2, you are getting extensive sports features and modes, as well as the ability to download topology maps for hiking, skiing, and other sporting activities. While it’s strange you won’t get a mic or voice assistant, on the whole, the Epix 2 is really geared for serious athletes or workout addicts who want it all and feel that the devil is in the detail.
If you are a little more casual with your workouts, and aren’t obsessed with tracking and recording every metric possible, it’s likely the Venu 2 will suit you just fine–and you’ll save a few hundred dollars while you’re at it.
Alternatively, you may opt to wait for the Venu 3 which should get a boost of features soon.
Let us know what you think about the Epix and Venu in the comments! While you’re at it, check out our review of the Epix 2 and our review of the Venu 2 here.
Last Updated on February 4, 2023
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.