The Top 5 Garmin watches to buy in 2023

Number 2. Garmin Epix Pro Sapphire Edition (42mm)

 

 

The Epix Pro is the ultimate fitness companion from Garmin, boasting an exhaustive array of features that leave no fitness aspect untouched. In fact, it’s easier to list what the Epix Pro doesn’t have: EKGs and some LTE smartwatch functionalities like call-making. However, with its new sensor array, EKGs might become a possibility in the future. Other than these minor omissions, the Epix Pro offers topographical maps, turn-by-turn navigation, and an overwhelming abundance of training metrics that even a seasoned triathlete might find themselves pleasantly overwhelmed with.

One notable improvement over the standard second-gen Epix is its size-inclusivity. While the regular version only comes in a 47mm size, the Epix Pro offers more options, coming in 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm variants. This shows a commendable effort by the company to address customer feedback. The best part is that the Pro models start at the same price as the standard Epix, and you can opt for materials like titanium and sapphire crystal for an additional $100 – a similar option available for the standard version.

Comparing the Epix Pro with the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro can be challenging, as they share many features. However, one significant distinction is the Epix watches’ OLED displays, which offer enhanced readability indoors, where most of us spend the majority of our time. While the Fenix 7 series boasts memory-in-pixel displays with solar charging capabilities for extended battery life, the Epix Pro, particularly the 42mm variant, still delivers an impressive 10 days of normal usage. Moreover, Garmin’s multiple battery-saving modes ensure power isn’t a concern.

The standout feature of the Epix Pro is its hands-free flashlight, providing incredible utility in everyday life. A simple double-press of a button activates a bright flashlight that rivals smartphones, even offering a red light option for eye-friendly illumination and a strobe function for emergencies. While the Fenix 7 Pro series also includes a flashlight, the combination of the Epix Pro’s OLED display and flashlight functionality gives it a competitive edge, making it the recommended choice over the Fenix lineup.

In summary, the Epix Pro is an all-encompassing fitness watch that leaves little to be desired, making it an exceptional choice for fitness enthusiasts looking for a feature-rich, size-inclusive, and convenient wearable companion.

 

Number 3. Garmin Vivomove Sport