Garmin Fenix 7 vs Epix // One Year Later...If I had to choose JUST ONE 

Runners with their flashing red/white Fenix 7 lights are super appreciated when cycling, especially on an evening commute after dark. Any runner with a light, however, having one built into a watch is just one of those small touches that have probably avoided more near accidents that can be measured.

I love the flashlight on the Fenix 7x. I can't believe how often I use it. Just more convenient to use than always pulling out my phone. Thanks for the review

Enduro 2 owner here. The battery and flashlight have become indispensable for my watch usage now. I work on construction sites over night occasionally and the flashlight is incredible! Not worrying about battery life while running is amazing as well.

I barely do any aoutdoor sports except for walking or hiking from time to time and I got the Enduro 2... I love the battery and the flashlight is just incredibly useful, can't live without it now. Plus, I got the Enduro 2 over the Fenix 7 x because a reviewer mentioned that the Enduro's flashlight was twice as bright as the Fenix. So yes, the flashlight got me.. Peace and love to all

Jumped from Fenix3 to Epix2. The satisfaction was huge! Love it so much!

Great summaries- organised and concise. One thing not discussed much by anyone is batteries. Yep, BATTERIES. How many electronic devices have failed due to battery death,?, I ‘ve lost count. Now there is no major phone that does not have an inbuilt battery. Remember when most phones had a removable battery? All these watches have inbuilt rechargeable batteries and there is one truth about batteries that you cant escape. All batteries have a lifespan and that is often summarised by maximum number of charges before a battery reaches 80% of original fully charged capacity. Most people begin to think of replacement at this point For e bike(500 charging cycles) and car (1000+? cycles ) batteries the charging cycles are very large. I am not an electrical engineer but I would bet $100 that smartwatch batteries are less than 150 - 200 charging cycles before their performance degrades. For example my newest BOSCH 500 Wh battery is at 95% of new status after 55 charging cycles. The less you have to charge a battery the longer it will last. Solar charging is great as it will decrease the number of times the watch will have to be recharged over the life of the watch. Instead the watch slowly trickle charges on solar greatly reducing the time spent on a fast charger = greater battery health. This is a VERY important consideration, and is enough to sway me to buy a solar watch of any model. I did have a Garmin 3 from 2006, it was a brick at the time - it never lost its gps ! and its battery lasted 3x longer than my later forerunner (cant remember its model - piece of junk). As a consequence my old Garmin still works , while my newer Garmin is already dead and buried - its battery died - overcharging, it battery life was terrible ? The recent Fenix 7 pro is the way to go for me, the new sensors ( which may be used for ECG , BP monitoring , etc with regulatory approval) and the LED light plus normal Fenix 7 features does it.

Thank for a great video, straight to the point and no fuzz. I love my Epix 2. Never had problem reading the display outdoor. I gave away my Fenix 6X to a friend, since I completely stoped using it after getting the Epix watch a year ago.

Very nice, detailed thoughts. You provided a ton of value here for deciding. Very interested to see how they bundle features in the next versions.

Thanks for this timely update! I had actually just wondered whether the stream of Fenix vs Epix videos had dried up ;o) Good reasoning, and hugely credible after your long-term use of both devices. I am still in the Fenix 7 camp, but the day that Garmin issues an Epic 8x, they’ll win me over.

7X happy owner here! I do occasionally miss the OLED display of my previous 3 smartwatches, only when indoor. Outdoor the 7X visibility is much better, even when the backlight is off. I never use the touchscreen. When navigating, I am either on my bike, using the larger screen of the Edge. Or use my phone. I LOVE the torch, I use it every week. But I love the battery life the most. I charge my watch when taking a shower. This keeps the battery between 30-70%. And I never leave the watch out of my wrist.

I love my Epix, upgraded from a 945lte and a Apple Watch before that. I was missing amoled while using the 945, it felt a little outdated without. I use the Epix as a daily driver, for running and golf. Des’ review last year was great and helped me making the right purchase. Keep up the great work👍

DesFit I've only recently seen your reviews and appreciate the in depth detail you put into them. Keep it up....your review of these two watches helped me decide on buying the Epix 2.

I have an Epix after owning many Fenix models. When my girlfriend and I are outdoors together, I always prefer her Fenix 7 MIP display, but the EPIX is great for cloudy conditions, forests, and as a daily watch. I may end up with an Enduro 2 to have a MIP watch around with amazing battery life, and of course that flashlight!

Your last two videos were 10/10 for me. TYSM!

I ended up with the Quatix 7 Sapphire over Epix 2. I've been wearing Marq Explorer for several years (it was 1/2 off at Costco) and I am happy with the upgrade and ALOMED display.

I want both because when I'm wearing one I miss the other lol. They almost compliment each other perfectly. Can't really go wrong either way and again another fantastic video!

Hey des, I've been thinking about this for so long now and before i just kept watching your full reviews about the two. good to see there is a comparison video from you now

EPIX2, absolutely love it and I use the screen flashlight daily. Your video inspired me to finally update some of the settings and data screens I've been meaning to do since I picked it up about a year ago.

I've had the Epix, and now I have the F7X Sapphire Solar Titanium. The Epix, to me, felt to Apple Watch like. My opinion mind. I've had the F7X for a while now and I can't take it off. Battery life, size, outdoor visibility and torch are a few of the things that make this the better pick up than the Epix, for me. Good video mate.

This video helped me make my decision to move from Fenix to Epix. Love it

Have used Galaxy Watches since the Gear S2. I upgraded yearly and began to become frustrated with the poor battery life. I was eyeing the Fenix line up but that screen was the hold up. Enter..... Epix Gen 2. Incredible watch. Owned mine now for 11 months. Getting 10 to 11 days battery life in my set up. I occasionally use my Galaxy Watch 4 Classic since it has e-Sim connectivity with LTE service. I wish a future Epix release could have a true LTE connection with a carrier. That would be the perfect watch.

Great comparison, thank you!

Took me a long time to convince myself to spend so much on a Fenix 7X, but I haven’t regretted it one day. Thanks for your great reviews and opinion pieces.

Great breakdown. Thanks!

Great review about your Garmin watches

I went from the Epix to the the Fenix 7X to the Enduro 2 which I'm currently using. I agree the flashlight has become my go to feature. I really wish they could add the flashlight to some AMOLED displays. Maybe the new 965...

I had a Fenix 3hr, and now have the 6X Pro Solar. Im wanting the Epix Pro now. For me the deciding factor is the red shift mode of the Epix Pro. I really like that feature for night time. Hoping to get one soon.

I have the fenix 7X. I average a bit over 2 hours daily activity. I love not having to manage the battery anymore. I also really appreciate the safety strobe for evening and night running. It gives my wife peace of mind that I am visible. I am happy with my choice. If I were to make the purchase today, I would get the Enduro 2 and have the extra battery range. It isn’t necessary but you cannot have too much.

Great comparison video! Once I used to wear a Huawei watch with an amoled display. Since I switched to the Garmin Forerunner series I never missed that amoled display. So MIP is just fine for me.

I had the Epix Gen 2, great watch but went back to the Instinct 2 Solar. I love the lightweight easy to read and massive battery life of the instinct 2.

I went from the Fenix 5 to the Epix Gen 2. I went back and forth trying to decide between the Epix Gen 2 and the Fenix 7. I do like the display look the Epix Gen 2. I considered the Apple Watch Ultra, but ultimately I'm used to the battery life of Garmin watches. Nice video to let people know that may be on the fence about the Fenix 7 and Epix Gen 2.

Had a Tactix Delta, switched to the Tactix 7 a year ago, both in Solar and Ballistics mainly because of the touch feature when scrolling the map. The Tactix 7 is a beast of a watch. The way I'm using it in general (No music, limited use of bluetooth/wifi, HR always on, HRV at night, and 0,75-2h a day of outdoor running with highest GPS settings, etc.) gives me around 3-4 weeks of battery life. I was looking forward to the Tactix 8, but now I'm not so sure anymore as the main reason was the screen... Well let's see with what they will come up.🤞

Same. All around. Daily driver is enduro 2 bc of flashlight! I do like the 1.4" screen and longgg battery life, but the flashlight is so damn useful!

I switched my old Fenix 6 for Enduro 2 and I couldn't be more happy with it. When deciding, flashlight was just a gimmick for me and now I am very surprised by how often I use it. And thank you for your all reviews, it helped me to choose the right ones.

Well done!…thanks for the great info!

1st watch was a Fénix 6X Pro Solar that I bought on sale over a yr ago around 600ish(going to sale maybe on ebay) and scored this year an Enduro 2 for 600! I like the amoled on the other watch but went with the Enduro v2! Battery and flashlight is what sold me and made this watch a winner! 🥇

Objective no-nonsense video!👍🏼

Absolutely love the Epix. Had the Fenix 6 Pro, then briefly the Apple Watch Ultra. But the capability of the Garmin with the beauty of that screen and touch control is an absolute winner for me.

Great and timely review. I’ve struggled for a while choosing between the two - battery life vs. Clarity/resolution. Ultimately I chose the Epix as the screen is awesome in all conditions, maps are far better, and I find the flashlight supper handy at nighttime. Night mode is great in terms of being in obtrusive. For the length of activities I do - xcountry, 2 to 3 day hikes, the battery life of 6 days is more than sufficient. Maps and GPS for hiking is why I bought this and it saved my butt in the Adirondacks on a poorly marked trail and the mapping resolution was really important. My criticism for both watches is the menu system is overly complex and can be unintuitive. All in all, you can’t go wrong. It’s all about how you value the trade offs based on your needs.

Thank you for the review, this actually helped me make a decision for the Epix Pro. The added 51mm size increases battery life and it now does have the same flashlight as the Fenix :).

Very good video, with a lot of good info. I chose the Tactix 7 Pro (solar version), because I like the looks, and I love having a long battery life. What I didn’t count on, was how much I like having the led flashlight in the watch. I use that flashlight every day, and it’s awesome. My number one activity is hiking/climbing in the mountains. And not having the ability to properly charge my watch for a week at a time, except for maybe using a battery bank, kind of excludes the Epix a bit. The Epix display is gorgeous, but I love the long battery life more. The Tactix 7 is the best watch I’ve had up till now, and I enjoy it every day.

I’m looking forward to seeing a comparison between the new Forerunner 965 and Epix2

I was very close to getting the Epix but the much longer battery life of the Fenix 7 Solar Sapphire won me over in the end. No doubt the display is so much brighter on the Epix but being perfectly honest I have never regretted my choice, I have never had trouble reading the Fenix display, and I would go for the Fenix again if I had to make the decision over again today.

Thanks, spot on video, it was my challenge as well. Coming from Fenix 6 pro, I found screen of Fenix 7 (especially sapphire) less contrast, more reflective and more difficult to read. I was really disappointed and then moved to epix2. It's a bit annoying to recharge every 5 days. But overall I came to the same conclusion and kept epix. However, ideally I'd prefer all new functionality in Fenix 6 case and screen (no touch screen, no solar)

yep, i went from fenix 6x to an epix and do not regret that one bit... would be very very difficult for me to go back to a transflective display which for me was really all about extending that battery life, if the epix was a 2 day at best watch like an apple watch it would be a no brainer and fenix every time but at 6 days and 16 days if you forget AOD its more than enough, im still charging the watch at worst once a week.

@desfit great review as usual 👏 any info on the 965?

Terrific review. Subscribed

I get 5-7 days with the Fenix 7SS during winter with similar settings you have on the Epix. I only got the watch a month ago, so can't wait to see what the battery life turns out to be in the summer with nightless night 😊

Next month it'll be 965 vs epix 2. I'll be interested to see that review.

100% agree here. I want it all. I want the flashlight on an Epix with mega battery life. 😆 Great comparison and great video Des!

I have the Epix Gen2 and really happy with my choice. The screen brightness tipped it for me. I have no problem charging it once a week with the always on display.

I choose a slightly different route dealing with the battery life on the Epix. I turn it to battery saving mode quite often. In the battery saving mode settings I pretty much enabled everything so I wouldn't miss any health tracking. I find that if I needed to interact with the watch, it's not a big deal to tap a button. With this and SPO² turned off, I regularly reach at least 10 days. That includes about an hour's worth of GPS activity a day and usually listening to music via Bluetooth.

Thanks for the thoughts. With a right settings, my epix lasts 19-21 days, with a daily 30-60 minute workouts (50% indoors). Used f7x, f7 and frankly speaking can't switch to them back, mainly because of the display. Also the size and slicker design of the Epix makes its job. Solar also doesn't makes a sense, if you are not working in the field all day long. I'm just missing a strobe flashlight during early morning runs, and nothing else)) So, looking forward seeing Epix X with 51mm amoled and a flashlight ;)

I have the epix, and I never had any issues with visibility outside. I feel like it is a choice between "great" and "more great". For me, the battery life is good also as I don't do any extreme endurance events, thus charging the device once per week is not a big deal compared to once a month. I like to take the watch out of my hand every now and then anyway. So, I'm happy with my epix and thanks to DesFit as it was his review that I checked before buying :)

Hi Des Love your videos

The reason I personally went with the Epix over the Fenix7 was for triathlon and open water swimming, where the Epix is much more readable underwater or at a quick glance. I also have tiny wrists so the 7x was never in question for me, wish they were able to cram a (smaller) flashlight into the regular sized case

Great video. I wish the 955 had more pixels like the epix. I want the pretty amoled display. I'm skeptical about a possible new amoled display maybe coming out that maybe had leaked photos I thought didn't look as good as the epix.

Hey Des, yo keep crushing things. Keep at it. Might recommend you do your ask for the like/subscribe earlier in the video to catch more people sooner, the way Ray does it about 1/3 of the way in when things are warming up. Just a thought. Love the content.

So, I went to the shop to exchange my fenix 6 because of your video:) I spent one day with the fenix 7 and found that the watch is much larger for the same 147 line and did not like the sapphire reflection or the backlight at night. I returned the watch. There is a lot going on inside but the watch does not look as good as the previous generation

I have the epix but I would like to use the Marq series instead, they are a bit more pretty if you want to use the watch as a daily driver. I would love if Garmin buys Oura ring or similar so you can still get 360 fitness parameters but in another format and then use a dedicated sport watch for the workouts.

I went for the fenix 7 from apple watch 7. What nobody talks about is the long term affect of an amoled display that discharges the battery so rapidly. I'm assuming the battery of the epix and fenix have the same size. So after two years you will have triple the charging cycles on the amoled watch and the epix's battery is going to drain much faster, while the fenix will still work for some more years just fine. I also hate these gestures for the amoled display. It happened all the time with my apple watch, that I'd get a vobration on the watch for a notification and I happen to have my hands (possibly resting) in a position where I can see the screen, but it doesn't prlvide the information until I start making awkward movements with my wrist. No amoled for me!

I got a Fenix 7 solar on Black Friday. I do admit that the screen is not as pretty. I work outside, so the transflective display is the way to go. With solar, I get around 3 weeks per charge. I'm thinking that number will go up when we get more sunny days in summer, though.

I came back to Fenix from Epix. Epix was basicly to birght for me on everyday use... even aod with lowest bright possible. and flashlight! Genius solution on my X :) ... battery life incredible also

I had Epix 2 for 2 months, but "went back" to Fenix 7X (had 6X before) mainly for the following reasons: - the Epix display seemed too sharp and bright for my eyes mainly at night even with the lowest brightness set and I did not like the fact that in always-on mode, the display showed only very limited information - larger display on 7X - FLASHLIGHT!!! - Yes, absolutely amazing feature of 7X which I use many times EVERY day! - lower visibility of Epix 2 in the direct sunlight - especially when used as "cycling computer" on the handle bar (another reasons for larger 7X)... I ride only with Fenix 7X on my handle bar and do not have any dedicated cycling computer. - battery life... although I could live with 5 days battery on Epix, 10 days on 7X give me much more comfort I have never regretted my switching back to 7X... However, if Garmin came up with Epix 3 of the same size as 7X and with the flashlight, ...assuming that the battery would probably be also better (maybe could use the same elevated housing of Enduro 2) and would last 7-8 days, I would consider going with "Epix 3 despite the sometime hurting brightness of the amoled display and lower visibility at direct sunlight. Note: I have 19.5 cm wrist and I am 196 cm tall (6′ 5") so Fenix 7X looks just right on my wrist

Love the battery life on the 7x. I rarely use the flashlight, though... Thanks again Des.

I currently have a Fenix 6S and really happy with it for about 2 years now. Wanting to upgrade and still on the fence between these 2.

Great video sir. Let me ask what is your opinion on a watch for working out with weights and running? To help my son improve maybe his running times? And other benefits? Thanks

Love the Epix Gen2 AMOLED Display! bright vibrant screen is my choice. Now waiting for garmin to have an Enduro or Fenix with AMOLED display 😁

Got my venu 2 plus . Love it. But still trying to figure out how to get my own workouts on it lol .theres alot i need to learn but still love it. Especially the battery life compared to my old galaxy watch

I too was deciding between the Fenix 7 and Epix Gen 2. For me it came down to the display and me deprioritizing Solar and longer battery usage. I feel from a display prospective I might be stepping down in my current likes with my Apple Ultra display.

I had the Epix 2. I sent it back and got the Enduro 2. It’s huge on my wrist but love the flashlight, battery life, and large display for my eyes. I also received the Apple Watch Ultra for Valentine’s Day. While Garmin is my preferred running watch, I’ve been impressed with the Apple Watch Ultra.

with the Epix I also end up charging every 5 to 6 days, very similar settings to yours. I love the look of the Epix.....

I’m an oled snob and thought I would choose the Epix over the Fenix 7x. I loved the flashlight so much, that I got an Enduro 2 (brighter flashlight) and haven’t looked back. Blown away by how functional it is for everyday life.

Great content, as always! I use the Marq Athlete Gen 2 and wouldn’t trade it for anything.

I have the 7x. I can't live without the flashlight. Absolute game changer

Great review although I have to listen fast at your delivery pace! Epix2 here after moving on from my old Vivoactive HR. That Vivoactive hr was a great watch but I was sick of trying to read the display in low light. While the Fenix 7 seems much improved over that old VHR, the epix2 amoled display was exactly what I was looking for. I get an easy 16 days of battery life with gestures enabled, pulse ox in manual mode, satellites in auto select, sleep mode scheduled from 1230-0600am, etc. it’s my daily driver and I play tennis and cycle (indoors right now) several times weekly. My only regret is the epix2 doesn’t support the ekg function. And Garmin support is without peer. Fortunately I haven’t needed it on my epix2 yet. But Garmin replaced my old Vivoactive hr years out of warranty when a lug broke.

i like the testing of the display's when you are going to bed or waking up. it seems the fenix 7 is just overall more practical. Yet the Epix has just such beatiful colors.

I bought the 955 solar over the fenix 7 for features to feature and price to, I lost out on something but it works for me coming from a old instinct tactical, I have been looking at the tactix 7 & solar to 10:34

I’m a long time user of Polar since the S710 model that I had unique infrared connection to my PC it’s Polar Training software CD and it was not in the cloud yet but your training files could be saved and shared via email. My current Polar Vantage V2 is great,but isn’t part of the Garmin “ECO” system so my advanced recovery and fitness test features are not displayed on my Garmin Connect and their great customized desktop dashboard. I feel I will eventually get a full featured Garmin watch and would also love to see videos on how experts like you and others put together their dashboards to gather and track all their data for analysis and motivation.

MIP all the way. Had it in vivo4 and F6 and so on. Never problem with display clarity or readability, excellent battery compared to brighter displays. Frankly, I don't need "phone" type watch display.

Also went with the Fenix 7x Solar Pro for the flashlight - bonus is that it can also be changed to red. I really like the AMOLED screen on the Epix, but I have an iPhone that is nearly always with me so I wanted something with a longer battery life - too many gadgets which need charging regularly weekly or even daily.

Team Epix. I had a F7X SS for a while, but the resolution and contrast of the amoled display has no competition. I don't think I'll ever go back to a MIP screen.

Had the Fenix 5X and loved it. Bought the Fenix 7X pro solar sapphire titanium and love it even more. I'm used to the mip display of the Fenix series and with the solar helping to reduce the discharging the 7X pro batterylife is almost endless. 😉

I love the flashlight on the Fenix 7x. I used it almost daily.

I went from AMOLED Huawei watch GT2 to MIP Forerunner 255. And the only time I miss the amoled is during evenings outside, when there is only little light, but I guess it is because I am so amazed by all new features that I do not even think abou the display 😆.

I appreciate your thoughts on the Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar. I bought it, and I honestly can't stand the display. It seems hard to read, and wish I had just stuck with my Instinct Solar Surf. I have gone past the time I can return it - so I will try to make it work with your thoughts on the display while outside. Thank you for your review!

Had my Epix for a year. Coming from the Fenix 5X. With daily activity use and wearing 24/7 battery life is better than my 5X was so no issues there. The flashlight was more a gimmick to me. I hardly ever use one. Size wise the 5X was large but with a smaller screen area than the Epix. The better fit of the Epix I like and since the map is so bright and detailed, I really don't need a big watch face.

Since you asked, I went from the fenix 6X pro to the Epix 2, and I’ll never look back. I went from 95% Apple Watch (4 or 6) / 5% fenix 6X to more like 60% Apple Watch Ultra / 40% Epix 2. Still prefer the Apple Watch (especially Ultra) but Epix 2 really closed the gap for me. Feels way better on the wrist than fenix did too. Thanks for the content… always love it.

I tried Epix but constant dimming drove me nuts. I don't use a watch like this to read essays, I want that truly always on MIP display available all the time and readable outside without funny gestures or pressing light button. Epix is great if you use it indoors as a smartwatch but for outdoors it's Fenix all the way. Hopefully Garmin won't go all AMOLED on Forerunners...

Epix 2 for me. After many Apple watches and Garmin Instinct 2 experiment I finally ended my search with Epix 2. I am getting two weeks in gesture mode.

Hi Desfit, I am a UK viewer of this video, which is so good that you make it more difficult to choose. I am an 84 year old man, with old sports injuries preventing real activities. I have a Fenix 6X sapphire, which has been great. I like bright, easy to read displays, 51mm size cases, and just like playing with the watch features, which you may think is an expensive hobby for a Garmin user. I am considering a Fenix 7X Pro solar. What would be your recommendation based on my comments and the two watches you have just reviewed? Many thanks Terry Davis

Just the video I wanted to see.

I choose neither because they cost too much. I do like to just watch the videos though. Lol

With a 165mm wrist. I bought the Enduro 2 but had to trade it for an Epix shortly after cause it just didnt fit my wrist right... Too big! Thanks again for the comparison. Love my Epix! :D

Spot on! :) Was a major fan of the Epix when it came out, but after a while i did return to my Fenix. On Ultra now as i don´t need all data but if i only could pick one Garmin it for sure would be Tactix 7 Pro or Fenix 7x if you not like the tactix design. :)

I love having the higher pixel density of the Epix, and I like the better color in general. I think it is worth the slightly higher price. Both are very nice though, so it really does come down to budget and display features that you want. And of course battery life, but that is not an issue for me as long as it has a minimum that is acceptable. Which the Epix does have now, so I dig it.

I just purchased the Epix. I wanted the AMOLED display and couldn’t be happier with the choice. This is my first smart watch or sports watch and I don’t have anything to compare it to but seeing friends and family with the Apple Watch I did want something with a similar screen. Solar charging while interesting didn’t seem like it would contribute all that much to my overall battery life so that wasn’t really something I chose to factor in.

Thank you for the review. Forerunner 965 has come close to Fenix 7. What is the difference in functionality? Curious if you will be doing this kind of review

After 4y with Garmin vivoactive devices i decided to buy proper amoled screen one:) not regret at all love the Epix2 in any way. Perfect watch for me. ( did my own watchface with family photo at the background thats just perfect)

Still on fenix 5 because it’s good enough. I hope Fenix 8 brings something worthy of upgrading to.