Garmin Epix Gen 2 vs Garmin Forerunner 955
The Verdict
Both watches share Garmin's trusted OS and multi-band GPS, but target different priorities. Epix Gen 2 ($899) impresses with its vibrant 416x416 AMOLED display and premium titanium option, delivering superior screen quality for navigation and daily use. Forerunner 955 ($499) counters with solar charging capability,extending battery to 20 days smartwatch/49 hours GPS,plus lighter 53g weight ideal for distance athletes. Health tracking mirrors between models (SpO2, heart rate, sleep), though Epix adds NFC for payments. The Forerunner's MIP display sacrifices visual richness but excels in sunlight legibility and battery efficiency. For runners prioritizing endurance and solar longevity, Forerunner 955 delivers exceptional value. Epix Gen 2 suits those wanting premium aesthetics and AMOLED clarity despite the $400 premium. Pick Forerunner 955 unless premium materials and display quality justify doubling your investment.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Garmin Epix Gen 2 if…
- →Fenix 7 features with a stunning AMOLED display — best of both worlds
- →16-day battery life with AMOLED is remarkable engineering
- →Multi-band GPS with full TopoActive maps for serious navigation
Buy the Garmin Forerunner 955 if…
- →Full-color TopoActive maps built-in for navigation during runs
- →Training Readiness score combines HRV, sleep, and recovery data
- →Multi-band GPS is the gold standard for running accuracy
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Garmin Epix Gen 2
Pros
- Fenix 7 features with a stunning AMOLED display — best of both worlds
- 16-day battery life with AMOLED is remarkable engineering
- Multi-band GPS with full TopoActive maps for serious navigation
- 10ATM water resistance and flashlight for extreme conditions
- Touchscreen plus 5-button interface for flexible navigation
Cons
- $899 starting price — Sapphire edition exceeds $1,000
- Heavy at 70-76 g — noticeable compared to lighter smartwatches
- 14.5mm thickness is very chunky under shirt cuffs
- No cellular or phone call capability despite the premium price
Garmin Forerunner 955
Pros
- Full-color TopoActive maps built-in for navigation during runs
- Training Readiness score combines HRV, sleep, and recovery data
- Multi-band GPS is the gold standard for running accuracy
- Solar model extends battery to 20 days — charge once or twice a month
- Music storage and playback without needing your phone
Cons
- MIP display looks dull compared to AMOLED on the Forerunner 265
- 14.4mm thick — chunky profile under dress shirt cuffs
- No touchscreen — button-only navigation
- Solar variant adds $100 for marginal battery improvement indoors
Full Specifications
| Spec | Garmin Epix Gen 2 | Garmin Forerunner 955 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 76 g (steel) / 70 g (titanium) | 53 g |
| Case material | Fiber-reinforced polymer with stainless steel / titanium bezel | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Water resistance | 10ATM | 5ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 16 days (smartwatch), 42 hrs GPS | Up to 15 days (smartwatch), 42 hrs GPS (Solar: 20 days / 49 hrs) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 47mm (1.3 inches) | 46.5mm (1.3 inches) |
| Type | AMOLED | MIP (memory-in-pixel) transflective |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 416 x 416 | 260 x 260 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Garmin custom processor | Garmin custom processor |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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