Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 vs Garmin Forerunner 955
The Verdict
Garmin's premium Epix Pro Gen 2 and value-focused Forerunner 955 serve different athletic priorities. Epix Pro Gen 2 excels with its stunning 454x454 AMOLED display, titanium construction, and skin temperature monitoring, delivering superior visual clarity for training metrics and smartwatch versatility. Forerunner 955 counters with multi-band GPS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo) for superior accuracy, lighter 53g weight, and exceptional value at $499,nearly half the Epix's price. Both offer 15-16 day battery in smartwatch mode and 42+ hour GPS performance. Epix Pro Gen 2's titanium build and AMOLED screen justify premium positioning, but Forerunner 955's multi-band positioning and solar charging option make it the smarter choice for serious endurance athletes prioritizing navigation accuracy and price efficiency. Choose Epix Pro Gen 2 if you want the best display and all-day smartwatch capability; select Forerunner 955 if training precision and value matter most.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 if…
- →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
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 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
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 Pro Gen 2 | Garmin Forerunner 955 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Garmin OS | Garmin OS (Connect IQ) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 63 g | 53 g |
| Case material | Titanium | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Water resistance | 10 ATM | 5ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 16 days smartwatch mode, 42 hrs GPS | Up to 15 days (smartwatch), 42 hrs GPS (Solar: 20 days / 49 hrs) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 1.4 inch | 46.5mm (1.3 inches) |
| Type | AMOLED | MIP (memory-in-pixel) transflective |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 454 x 454 | 260 x 260 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Garmin proprietary | 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.
Explore more in smartwatches, see all Garmin products or all Garmin products. View full details for the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 or the Garmin Forerunner 955.