Both the Garmin Forerunner 965 and Epix (Gen 2) are currently on sale for $499, so if you’re deciding between them, you’re likely weighing the differences carefully. While they share almost identical functionality, the key differences you need to consider are the materials and design.
Showing design differences of the Forerunner 965 (right) vs. Epix (Gen 2) (right)
Similarities:
- Core Features: Both watches are packed with the same Garmin staples—multi-band GPS, Pulse Ox sensors, barometer, altimeter, and the Elevate Gen 4 heart rate sensor. These shared features make them virtually the same when it comes to health and activity tracking.
- Battery Life: Although there are subtle differences, both watches perform similarly in terms of battery life:
- Forerunner 965: Slightly better with up to 23 days in smartwatch mode (7 days with AOD) and 19 hours in all systems + multi-band mode (14 hours with AOD).
- Epix (Gen 2): Up to 16 days in smartwatch mode (6 days with Always-On Display) and 20 hours in all systems + multi-band mode (15 hours with AOD).
Key Differences:
- Design:
- Size & Display: Both watches measure 47mm, but the Forerunner 965 has a larger 1.4″ AMOLED display compared to the Epix’s 1.3″ screen due to a slimmer bezel.
- Thickness: The Forerunner 965 is slimmer at 13.2mm, while the Epix comes in at 14.5mm.
- Materials: The Epix (Gen 2) stands out with a sapphire crystal lens, offering greater durability than the Forerunner 965’s Gorilla Glass. Both, however, feature titanium bezels.
- Water Rating: The Epix (Gen 2) boasts a higher water resistance of 10 ATM (100 meters) compared to the Forerunner’s 5 ATM (50 meters). However, this difference is unlikely to matter for most users unless they frequently dive to greater depths.
- Software and UI: The software experience is virtually the same across both devices, though there are slight differences in UI design. One notable exception is the golf features—the Epix offers Virtual Caddie and PlaysLike Distance, which are absent on the Forerunner 965.
Showing slight variations in the design of the UI for the Forerunner 965 (left) and Epix (Gen 2) (right)
Conclusion:
If golf-specific features or water resistance depth aren’t essential for you, the decision largely comes down to your design preference. The Epix (Gen 2), with its sapphire crystal lens and higher water resistance, provides a more rugged, durable option, while the Forerunner 965 boasts a sleeker look with a larger display and a slimmer profile. Both are excellent choices at the same price point—it all depends on which aesthetic and feature set best suits your style.
