Table of Contents
Weight: Epix 2 wins easily
31g difference. It doesn’t seem like much on paper. After 8 hours of trail running, you feel it.
The Fenix 8 remains comfortable, but the Epix 2 forgets it’s there. This is a real advantage if you run a lot or have a thin wrist.
During our mountain trail tests:
- Fenix 8: slight wrist fatigue after 6 hours
- Epix 2: no discomfort even after 10 a.m.
Features: It’s the same, almost
Both have:
- Multi-constellation GPS (Garmin, Glonass, Galileo, BeiDou)
- Barometric altimeter
- Temperature sensor
- Topographic maps
- Sleep and stress tracking
- Estimated VO2 max
The Fenix 8 has a few extra things: a slightly larger screen, a bigger battery, and that’s about it for real-world usage.
Both do trail running, running, cycling, swimming. Both save your data. Both sync with Garmin Connect.
Design: A question of taste
The Fenix 8 is more imposing. It has bigger buttons, a thicker case. It makes a “serious sports watch”.
The Epix 2 is more discreet. It passes for a classic smartwatch. You can wear it to the office without looking like a professional athlete.
If you want a watch that screams “I’m trail running,” get the Fenix 8. If you want something more go-anywhere, the Epix 2 wins.
The price: 200€ difference
Fenix 8: €799
Epix 2: €599
The question: what does this €200 buy?
- A slightly larger screen (0.1″)
- 12 extra days of battery in GPS mode
- 31g more weight
- A more aggressive design
If you do long trail running (more than 3 days in a row), the Fenix 8 is worth the €200. If you do classic running or short trail running, the Epix 2 is enough.
Verdict: Who should buy what
Take the Fenix 8 if:
- You are doing ultras or multi-day hikes
- You want the best possible battery in GPS mode
- Do you prefer a larger screen?
- You have a strong wrist (it weighs 79g)
Take the Epix 2 if:
- You do classic running or trail running (less than 3 hours per session)
- You want something light and discreet
- You are on a tight budget
- You charge your watch once a week without problem
Honestly ? If you’re hesitant, take the Epix 2. It does 95% of what the Fenix 8 does, it weighs less, it costs less. The Fenix 8 is for people who know exactly why they need it.
FAQs
Which watch is the most reliable for GPS?
Both use the same multi-constellation system. No difference in practice. We tested both in the mountains and the GPS tracks are identical.
Which one holds water best?
Both are waterproof to 10 ATM (100m). You can swim with it, snorkel too. No difference.
Which one charges faster?
Both charge in about 2 hours with Garmin’s proprietary cable. The same.
Can you use both with an iPhone?
Yes, both sync with the Garmin Connect app on iOS. No limitations.
Which one is best for running?
The Epix 2. It’s lighter, it lasts a week without charging, and it does everything you need for running. The Fenix 8 is overkill for that.
Which lasts the longest before becoming obsolete?
Both receive Garmin updates. No reason to think one would age faster than the other. Garmin supports its watches for a minimum of 5-6 years.
