Garmin Epix 2 smartwatch review - superb functionality, brilliant display, changed my life

All of the features of the top Fenix and Forerunner watches but with an enhanced AMOLED display - which makes it more expensive, but it's worth it

The Garmin Epix 2 smartwatch being worn by the reviewer
(Image credit: Simon Smythe)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

This is a high-end sportswatch/smartwatch that's like a second brain. Once it's given you the stats from your ride or run it keeps track of your training status, gives you a number for your acute load, load focus, VO2max, recovery time and training readiness. There’s also HRV, sleep score, body battery, step counting plus all the usual wearable data... and much more. The GPS navigation is incredibly detailed and you'll never get lost. Having access to all the data from my physical life is more motivating than I'd imagined - but not only that, the Epix's AMOLED screen is beautiful to look at and makes it worth the extra that it costs compared to the Fenix 7 and Forerunner 955. I'd be lost without it.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    All your training and recovery data

  • +

    Super accurate GPS mapping and navigation

  • +

    Trouble-free syncing with Strava

  • +

    Reliable HRM (for the optical type)

  • +

    Long battery life

  • +

    Beautiful display

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Expensive (but worth it)

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

I’ve worn the Garmin Epix every day for a year and have clocked 271 activities on it as I write. I like to think that’s longer than most reviewers have given it - and I’ll freely admit that this is because it has become such an important part of my life that I’ve almost been reluctant to write this review and send it back to Garmin. When I do, I will be bereft, honestly. 

I included the Epix in my ‘gear of the year’ for 2022 and said it was like a second brain on my wrist that’s much more effective than the one in my skull, and I stand by that. 

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