Apple Watch Series 9 vs Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2
Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.
Quick Verdict
Apple Watch Series 9 excels as an iPhone-centric fitness companion with its responsive S9 processor, Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display, and comprehensive health suite including ECG functionality. Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 targets serious athletes with titanium construction, exceptional 16-day smartwatch battery life, and 42-hour GPS endurance for extended outdoor activities. Display quality strongly favors Apple's higher pixel density and refresh rate technology, while Garmin's durability and multi-week battery fundamentally reshape daily charging habits. Health tracking is comparable between both—Apple includes ECG capability while Garmin omits it but delivers superior sports-specific metrics. For iPhone users prioritizing responsive performance and seamless ecosystem integration, Apple wins decisively. However, outdoor enthusiasts and athletes needing multi-week autonomy without daily charging should choose Garmin. Apple Watch Series 9 is the better all-rounder for mainstream users.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Apple Watch Series 9 | Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 10 | Garmin OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 38.7 g (aluminum) | 63 g |
| Case material | Aluminum or stainless steel | Titanium |
| Water resistance | WR50 / EN13319 | 10 ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hrs, up to 36 hrs Low Power Mode | Up to 16 days smartwatch mode, 42 hrs GPS |
| Display | ||
| Size | 45 mm | 1.4 inch |
| Type | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED | AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 484 x 396 | 454 x 454 |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 1 GB | — |
| Chipset | Apple S9 SiP | Garmin proprietary |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple Watch Series 9
Pros
- S9 chip enables on-device Siri and the new Double Tap gesture
- Comprehensive health suite: ECG, SpO2, temperature, crash detection
- Brightest Apple Watch display at up to 2000 nits
- Seamless deep integration with iPhone and Apple ecosystem
- Wide variety of bands and cases for personalization
Cons
- 18-hour battery life requires daily charging
- Only useful if you own an iPhone — no Android support
- Cellular model adds significant ongoing carrier cost
- Incremental upgrade over Series 8 for existing owners
Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2
Pros
- Built-in LED flashlight is a genuinely useful safety feature for night runs
- Titanium case with sapphire lens for maximum durability
- Comprehensive multi-sport tracking with advanced running and cycling metrics
- Bright AMOLED display is readable in all lighting conditions
- Extensive multi-band GPS accuracy for trail and expedition use
Cons
- Very expensive at $899 — hard to justify over the Forerunner 965
- No ECG or cellular connectivity despite the premium price
- Heavy at 63 g for prolonged daily smartwatch wear
- Garmin OS limits third-party app options
Related Comparisons
Explore more in smartwatches, see all Apple products or all Garmin products. View full details for the Apple Watch Series 9 or the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2.