Epix2 vs Apple Watch 7, is it worth the extra cost?

I’ll bite.

You can buy 2 AW’s for the price of one Epix.  The only significant gains for the Epix, other’s will disagree, are battery life, ruggedness, and maybe, just barely, the fitness metrics, but I think Strava will cover some of that and WorkOutDoors is pretty damn good.  I’d just buy another if I broke one.

Battery life is sort of on the edge, if you listen to music or podcasts.  The default workout app will do 8 hours, without music, although Apple doesn’t say that so I would test it in the Apple return window just to be sure.  I think I could do it.

The only negatives with the AW at this point, with the right apps, are a) having to recharge the battery daily b) sometimes the touch screen triggers accidentally and c) the screen, while manageable, can be tough outdoors in really bright light.  

On the other hand there are also bugs with the Garmin products especially with headphones, oHR is not as good as the AW, GPS seems OK from reports now, and some of the apps (weather, strength) are kind of garbage.

I really want to own a Epix but I just don’t think it’s there at the moment.

Thanks, confirms my thoughts. I thought about the 7s but I thought the display would be frustrating indoors and when outdoors in the shade and hiking through forests etc.

This is something I battled with. I had the Fenix 3 through to 6 but took the plunge and moved to the Apple Watch (mostly for the screen) and felt it could to everything my Fenix 6 offered. I documented the first 30 days of ownership and managed to cover all the aspects I used on my Fenix. https://www.flixelpix.com/30-days-with-the-apple-watch-series-7/  I managed to get used to the regular charging. There are some great apps for the Apple Watch and I needed 2-3 to cover aspects that I missed on the Fenix. 

It took six months and I was pining for the Garmin platform. a)everything in one place (sleep tracking, workouts, reports etc) b) a web interface c) long battery life, d) brilliant workout planner etc. 

When Garmin released the Epix with the upgraded screen I was really tempted. Yes, it is much more expensive but I am in for the long haul and when I upgrade my previous Fenix I was always pleased at the second hand value of the previous Fenix. I wrote a bit about the Fenix here https://www.flixelpix.com/the-garmin-epix2-review/ 

I think really the question is what do you value more... smart watch features in my opinion AW is stronger at smart features and Garmin is 90% fitness and 10% smart (if that makes sense).

I genuinely hope to keep my Epix for 3-4 years before upgrading. 

I hope the posts help, I also hope they are ok to post on the forums

DC

Thanks, I’m not super interested in the smart features but I am in the full apple ecosystem (iPad pro as primary computer and iPhone). And based on accurate gps and ohr it seemed like a good option compared to the Garmin epix.

 I hear a lot of people say that Garmin is superior on fitness but not sure what workout metrics I’d be missing over the Garmin that add value to my health and fitness. There is no body battery but that can be replaced by looking at hrv trends on the apple, if measurements are taking same time each day. idk, Maybe missing something.

Don’t get me wrong I love the look of the Garmin and multi-day battery life, it’s more the size and the cost I’m trying to justify. even at the same price, I have a 7” wrist and feel a 47mm might be too big and not give me accurate metrics or be comfortable for 24/7 wear. 

Apple Watch is terrible for correct gps distance in my opinion. Really annoying not being able to use the buttons for start stop etc too. 

in answer to the question is it worth the extra cost. Probably not but I still bought one and love it. Sold the 6xpro and my Apple Watch. 

Nice blog post btw!

Yes, there are some great apps and Training Today is a great app. I too am well embedded in the Apple system and used the Apple fitness platform for treadmill runs etc. The structured work outs on Garmin are great. You can set up your work outs and follow them on the watch. Work Outdoors does this on Apple Watch but I find it all so much easier on Garmin. 

I had trouble with the HR monitor accuracy on AW (two different watches) where it appeared to lock to cadence and I had to pause and restart each run etc. 

Both are stunning watches, sleep tracking is better on Garmin, I also love having all the data in one place.

DC

Agreed, touch screen in the rain isn't easy at times and you can have so much more data metrics accessible on a run on the EPIX. Maps are also local and don't require internet. 

We’re you able to compare ohr data? I have a chest strap which is something I would use for MTB but hoped to be able to get away with OHR for hikes etc and general readings when not active.

If you're already into the apple ecosystem...try the apple watch, test it and see if it's working for you or not.

If you're satisfied that's it.

If you're not satisfied then return it back and try the Epix 2...if it's not for you then return it and try something else.

Looks like the size is one of your main concerns and that's something that it's up to you to judge once you have it on the wrist.

In the past few years, i have learned that you will always find people complaining about something...wherever you go. And you can't 100% trust any review until you try the stuff personally.

Some people love the MIP screen...i hate it and can't handle it.

Some people love the Fitbit...i didn't like it.

Wanted to try the apple watch but i'm not in the Apple ecosystem and the battery is really short for me...i don't need 3 months of battery life but a few days are the minimum as i want some flexibility.