After twelve months of daily use, a technology writer has declared a decisive shift in his smartwatch loyalty, stating he is unlikely to return to the Apple Watch after his experience with the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2.
A Year of Disconnection and Dependable Battery
Christopher Harper, a technology affiliates writer, spent 2025 deliberately reducing his reliance on a constantly connected smartphone. He found the Garmin Epix Pro, which he has used to track running, health, and fitness, perfectly aligned with this goal. The most significant advantage he highlights is the device's exceptional battery life, a common pain point for many modern smartwatches.
He contrasted this with his previous experience using an Apple Watch Ultra, which suffered from rapid battery drain. With the Garmin, Harper reports enjoying weeks of battery life, a feature he describes as "brilliant" for anyone tired of frequent charging. By turning off the always-on display, he easily achieves around three weeks of use on a single charge.
Robust Build and Standout Features
The Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2, available in 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm sizes, boasts a premium construction. Harper opted for the 51mm model for its slightly enhanced battery. The watch features a bright always-on AMOLED display, a robust sapphire lens, and a titanium bezel.
Beyond standard fitness metrics, it includes advanced health tracking for Heart Rate Variability (HRV), sleep, and performance scores, alongside multi-band GPS. However, one feature Harper didn't expect to value so highly was the built-in LED flashlight. He found it indispensable for navigating his home at night, locating lost items, and enabling safe night-time runs without a headlamp.
Fitness Powerhouse with Minor Quirks
For fitness tracking, the Epix Pro proved to be a "brilliant companion." Harper praised its seamless integration with popular services, allowing him to download running routes from Strava and playlists from Spotify directly to the watch. The GPS tracking for runs was extremely accurate throughout his testing period.
Nevertheless, the experience wasn't without flaws. Harper notes the user interface feels somewhat dated and can be difficult to navigate, though he grew accustomed to it over time. He also encountered a single significant software crash during an 11km run, where saving the data failed. The data eventually synced to Strava and Garmin Connect after a frustratingly slow recovery process.
Final Verdict: A Fitness-First Champion
After a full year, Harper concludes that the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 has been an "absolute workhorse." He positions it less as a full smartwatch and more as a superior fitness and health tracking tool with occasional smart features.
He acknowledges the watch can be expensive, but points out it is currently cheaper than ever. At the time of writing, H Samuel is selling the 47mm version for £369.99, a significant reduction from its £739.99 RRP. For users deeply invested in Apple's ecosystem, he suggests considering the Apple Watch SE or Ultra 3, but for those prioritising battery longevity and comprehensive fitness analytics, the Garmin Epix Pro presents a compelling case.
