Garmin’s Epix Pro (Gen 2) 51mm Smartwatch is a Quiet Contender Against the Apple Watch Ultra 2

Apple certainly raised the bar with the Watch Ultra, which combines a rugged construction with seamless smartphone integration. However, Garmin adopted a different route with the Epix Pro (Gen 2) in its largest 51mm size, priced at $499.99 (was $999.99), focusing on athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who demand a device that can withstand long sessions without needing to be recharged on a regular basis.

The battery life is particularly notable, lasting up to 31 days of normal use or 11 days if the display is turned on constantly. GPS tracking will endure for 82 hours in the most basic mode or 38 hours with full accuracy. The real-world results are even more impressive, or weeks between charges, even with daily exercises, which far outperforms the competition.

The screen on the face is a brilliant 1.4-inch AMOLED display that’s a pleasure to look at, not just because of the sharp colors and clarity, but also because it’s simple to read in strong sunlight or shade. The maps are vibrant, data glances are swift, and unique watch faces are easy to read. With a scratch-resistant sapphire lens and a titanium bezel on the pricier models, it feels ready to take a hammering on the trail or for everyday wear.

When it comes to navigation tools, hiking and running aficionados will like the preloaded TopoActive maps, which cover the entire planet and can be downloaded. The turn-by-turn directions, climb profiles, and weather overlays all work together to make confident route planning simple. The multi-band GNSS, along with SatIQ technology, does an outstanding job of latching onto your position, even in dense woodlands or urban canyons, and the best part is that it optimizes its power usage to deliver the longest battery life possible.

The improved heart rate sensor accurately tracks your heartbeat regardless of whether you’re running slowly or completing intervals. It will not only measure your exercises, but also your sleep, stress levels, and recovery, providing you with a much more comprehensive view of your overall health. New indicators, such as the Hill Score, show how your climbing strength has improved over time, and the Endurance Score indicates how well you’re doing with sustained effort.

Just when you thought it was all about the serious athletes, the built-in LED flashlight comes in handy, with adjustable brightness, night vision, and strobe modes. Runners will appreciate it for early morning or late evening training sessions; having a light without having to rummage for your phone is an added bonus.

The Epix Pro also includes training advice, which is based on a vast library of activity profiles ranging from trail running to cycling, swimming, and strength workouts. It’s not just set routines, as the daily ideas are tailored to your previous efforts and recovery, ensuring you don’t overdo it. During extended events, stamina estimations will provide you with a real-time estimate of how much fuel you have left.