Garmin Epix Pro vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: Tested over four months of marathon training

Рет қаралды 25,522

Күн бұрын

The Garmin Epix Pro and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are two of the best sports watches on the market, and two of Run Tester Nick’s favourites, so he wore both for his marathon training block for the London Marathon 2024. After wearing both for the last four months, Nick goes through the pros and cons he’s spotted with each watch when you’re training hard for a marathon.
The blue nylon band on the Garmin is from eBay: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/275841227603
Check out our full reviews of both watches:
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Review From 4 Runners: • Apple Watch Ultra 2 Re...
Garmin Epix Pro Review From 3 Runners: • Garmin Epix Pro Review...
JUMP STRAIGHT IN:
00:00 - Intro
00:09 - Design & Ket Stats
02:00 - The Run Test
02:58 - Battery Life
04:06 - GPS Accuracy
05:28 - HR Accuracy
06:25 - Training Analysis
08:33 - Sports Tracking
10:29 - Design
11:25 - Activity & Sleep Tracking
13;06 - Smart Features
14:26 - Navigation Features
15:36 - London Marathon 2024
13:53 - Verdict
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Пікірлер: 102

@NickJBower 17 күн бұрын

I LOVED the brief rant on data collection and customer cards! 😂

@jelyder 6 күн бұрын

Fantastic work! I’m so glad there are people like you out there who can do this work for us ❤

@TheRunTesters 6 күн бұрын

Thanks!

@antoinejacques9310 17 күн бұрын

VO2 Max 72 and endurance score over 10000, wow... With this level, aren't you getting sponsoring offers Nick?

@TheRunTesters 16 күн бұрын

I’m still a long way off the people that do it for a living :)

@ChrisAbces123456 17 күн бұрын

Great review, needed to check 2 times that the playback speed is 1,0x, it feels like at least 1,2x :D

@TheRunTesters 17 күн бұрын

Thanks and yes, sorry, I do speak too quickly especially when I get on a roll!

@Mauredo 17 күн бұрын

Apple Ultra (with the AF feature turned on for even more precise heart reading), the WorkOutDoors app, and the Athlytic app are the killer combos that make the best smartwatch into one of the best sports watches. I've used it across 3.30 hours of trail running and to do the complete training for a half-marathon, and all works perfectly. In terms of charging it, I do it when I'm taking my daily shower (no more than 15 minutes overall), and it never goes out of battery. Note: I use mine all the time, including at sleep, and I have the always-on display off. I'm only going to move to a Garmin once I get over the 50k mark on trail running, which should happen next year, and the only reason for it is safety... You don't want to go on a 7h+ running in the middle of nowhere and have any slight chance of loose the battery life (even so, it's mandatory to have your phone with you, so that might even not be an issue).

@skillsles 17 күн бұрын

😂😂😂 apple Ulta with 30 apps turned on. And a battery team. Is the golden combo. 🤦

@30mattdavies 17 күн бұрын

@@skillslesyep, sold my epix pro for an ultra 2 3 months ago and haven’t looked back. The garmin can’t even get the basics right

@Dovales1 17 күн бұрын

Agree! I also use these apps. But Apple Watch Ultra can last up to 17h on Low Power Mode, so I feel confident to use it on races where I know I would take up to 15h do complete it. Till now my longest use was on a trail running training of 9h. I finished it with a little bit more than 50% on tank.

@elfinzilla 15 күн бұрын

Really? The Athyltic app is good? I downloaded the free version once but it felt a little unfinished perhaps? Perhaps I should reinstall it and give it another go? Do you use the paid version? Does it require you to wear the watch at all times?

@lukasbohm9760 15 күн бұрын

I use the same apps and schedule and could not agree more! Workoutdoors and Athlytic turns the watch into a powerfull sportester. The same goes to battery life. Charge it for the morning cleaning routine and it never goes out of battery. 16-17 hours on GPS activity is moře than enough for me

@flitschflatsch1096 16 күн бұрын

Thank you! Nice video

@thejosef225 16 күн бұрын

Phenomenal job on this. I’ve had them both and have pretty much the same exact observations. I now use the AW at work only, and the Epix Pro for sports & sleep tracking. So far, that’s working well, but I may eventually ditch the AW.

@nigeljohnwilson4549 14 күн бұрын

Great review, Nick & much appreciated. Don't know what's more impressive, your 2h 27' 34" in the LM or how much info you packed into the 19' comparison! 👍🏻😜

@TheRunTesters 14 күн бұрын

Haha thanks!

@bamaboyburns8079 16 күн бұрын

Got a ultra 2 last month love the design of it and bright display and it’s so customizable once you change the bands and face great battery I can get about 3 days I’ve went hiking the last 3 weekends and the waypoints and backtracking are legit despite doing all that I still have all my important functions phone messages etc don’t know much about garmin watches but seems like they are on par or better in certain areas

@LarleyStairwell 17 күн бұрын

I really wish that Garmin was better at sleep tracking. I’ve noticed the same thing as you. Sometimes I’ll get up to go to the bathroom at night and the watch says I slept the whole night. Other times I feel I had a great sleep and it says I was awake half the night. For the price they should be better .

@johnl1275 17 күн бұрын

I have an Apple Watch Ultra and have noticed the same thing you are describing about the spilt pace going slow even though you are maintaining the same speed.

@TheRunTesters 17 күн бұрын

Glad I’m not the only one!

@mopoffool 17 күн бұрын

What you said about the lap/split pace on the Apple watch very much is something that would also bug me. I've only worn Garmins but have thought repeatedly about getting an Apple watch. I definitely will not get one now, though, since I want to be able to rely on my watch for pacing workouts (but not in pacer mode). That's a defeater for me, in spite of some other things being better on the Apple watch - at least until either Apple gets better or a third company (Corps?) surpasses them both. Congrats on your race!

@donalgibson317 17 күн бұрын

Spot on video. Cheers. Would love to see more training load etc metrics natively on the Apple.

@donalgibson317 17 күн бұрын

And congrats on the PB !

@TheRunTesters 17 күн бұрын

Thanks!

@WarneysWorld 16 күн бұрын

Been using the Apple Watch Ultra for a year and wouldn’t change it. Battery not an issue for me. I leave it on charge for 20mins each morning while I’m in the shower and it goes up from 40 to 80% and gets me through to the next morning for the next charge.

@WarneysWorld 16 күн бұрын

Also worth noting that is you are running in a remote location and something happens to you it can detect it and notify the emergency services.

@brianreiter5572 17 күн бұрын

Cracking marathon time for London. Well done.

@stanmakowski1985 9 күн бұрын

Great side by side. I have the Epix Pro and couldn't be happier. Did a upgrade from the fenix 6Pro and love the Amoled screen and the battery life. Happy with the garmin ecosystem and can't see leaving anytime soon. I know Apple offers a lot of metrics but battery life is the game changer for me. I do like that blue band you have for the garmin, can you post a link. Thanks

@rfezzie 17 күн бұрын

Was lucky enough to be given an Apple Watch Series 7 by my boss to start my running journey last month, and I've been trying to decide if it's worth switching over to a Garmin Forerunner 265 or save up for the Ultra 2. Comparisons like this are super helpful!

@CharlesM.-vi5bt 6 күн бұрын

What have you decided on?

@JonathanCusick 17 күн бұрын

Fantastic video and well done on your London Marathon time, that is incredible!

@TheRunTesters 17 күн бұрын

Thanks!

@simdencard 17 күн бұрын

I was thinking the same. Kudos

@Fozzee.1970 17 күн бұрын

Garmin predictor is pretty accurate for me.

@finianquinn3526 17 күн бұрын

You are 100% right on the pace on Apple Watch. I have used it for 800m and 1000m repeats and it is infuriating as you can’t get a real pace starting off. End up going too fast then too slow etc.

@finianquinn3526 17 күн бұрын

However, do love the watch. The pacing is the only bug bear for me.

@I-R0K-ZWIFT 17 күн бұрын

I have the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the epix pro gen2 51mm and I think the ultra is better for the average person. As if I stop doing workouts for two long my garmin starts to get mad at me lol I just use Athlytic with the ultra and I get most of the info I need.

@UpNorthMI 15 күн бұрын

I don’t have the Apple Watch lap pace issue. That seems like maybe it was fixed in an update? Strange.

@commonmadeholy 17 күн бұрын

Thanks Nick what a great video and detailed and helpful comparison! May I ask whether your conclusion would have been the same had it been an Epix Gen 2 as this is my current conundrum? 🤔

@TheRunTesters 17 күн бұрын

Thanks! And yep I’d have same conclusion. Loved the Epix 2 and used it most of last year

@commonmadeholy 17 күн бұрын

@@TheRunTesters thanks Nick that’s really helpful and makes my decision a bit easier 👍

@Fozzee.1970 17 күн бұрын

Definitely I only upgraded from Epox 2 to Pro for the 51mm size and flashlight.

@Fozzee.1970 17 күн бұрын

I find the Garmin sleep data pretty accurate. The new nap feature has worked too.

@commonmadeholy 17 күн бұрын

@@Fozzee.1970thanks that’s useful to know! 👍

@MrAsthenia 17 күн бұрын

Thanks for the comparison video Nick! Do you think the Forerunner 965 is a good choice for those who aren't able to justify splashing out on the Epix Pro?

@TheRunTesters 17 күн бұрын

Definitely, the 965 is brilliant, just be careful with the screen-I scratched the one I tested on a run!

@MrAsthenia 17 күн бұрын

@@TheRunTesters cool, thank you! By the way, what are your thoughts on supermarket loyalty cards and their data privacy implications?

@TheRunTesters 17 күн бұрын

Haha fuming!

@stefaniesmith7117 17 күн бұрын

I only have the AWU one, and the Garmin Fenix 6 not 7. I can’t compare some of the things, but one thing I will throw out is my Apple Watch is extremely accurate for my heart rate. I do have an arrhythmia condition that’s monitored by an EP, and the Apple Watch will be just as accurate as my garmin chest strap, or when I’m hooked up to an EKG. It was actually my Dr who recommended it. It’s interesting to know you found the Garmin more accurate. Now I wish I was ballin enough to get one and compare 😂😂 I have noticed the beginning of split paces being slower, luckily I don’t use that often enough to have it bother me. As for charging, I charge my Apple Watch each night while I’m reading in bed. 30-40 minutes each night keeps it going quite well.

@himanshunp 17 күн бұрын

What is the optimum wrist size for 51mm garmin?

@ken7795 17 күн бұрын

Thank you for the comment about the split pacing. I honestly thought that it was just me. This is one of the reasons why I’m retiring my Apple Watch for either a Corps Pace 3, Forerunner 265 or the Forerunner 965. Please help me with my decision. I’m leaning toward the 965.

@TheRunTesters 17 күн бұрын

They are all very good watches that I found great for GPS accuracy and pacing, so it’s really down to price va features. Coros great value but not AMOLED, Garmin software and training analysis I find a little better. 965 amazing but if you don’t need maps 265 better value. I like all three a lot!

@robhunt8378 16 күн бұрын

If you don't care about Amoled the 255 or 955 are much better value.

@RumbleBack-iz3tl 5 күн бұрын

AWU is my preference. Perfect for most of the sports people out there 99%

@RobertBruno 16 күн бұрын

Great video. If you train seriously then Garmin all the way. If you want a smartwatch that does some fitness stuff then AWU. I have both and I find myself using the Garmin Fenix 90% of the time.

@ericarp8879 17 күн бұрын

Nick can you post a link to the band on the Epix? I really like that color

@TheRunTesters 17 күн бұрын

Sure it’s here: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/275841227603 and i’ll add it to the description

@yangwangbrock 17 күн бұрын

@@TheRunTesterssoy yo have to take the lug pin off to put that band on? It is a pain to take off that pin. Thank you.

@TheRunTesters 17 күн бұрын

I just shoved one loop through at one end, has been fine and very secure! I can’t take the pins off mine. There’s more details in a recent monthly essential video on the channel

@rc51bigdaddy 13 күн бұрын

I have chronic failures of the elevation display with the Ultra 2 on trail runs under wide open skies and close to urban areas. My Garmin S70 works perfectly. I have done all the things Apple recommends to maximize precision but no change.

@scottsteele765 17 күн бұрын

The main reason I have made the move from Apple Watch Ultra to Fenix 7 pro is because running in the winter is a pain. If the watch face gets wet and you’re wearing long sleeve tops it will keep brushing the screen and stopping run or screen etc…. You can turn on the water lock feature but then the watch becomes useless if you actually do try to change screens.

@daveflynn1743 17 күн бұрын

You can switch screens in the Fitness app by rotating the Digital Crown when an Apple Watch is locked.

@lukasbohm9760 15 күн бұрын

Or use Workoutdoors apps and you can set buttons for changing screens and lock it aswell

@nikoscoulson 16 күн бұрын

I have the Ultra 2 and a Fenix 7 and I love both for different reasons but I’m thinking of changing the Fenix but can’t decide between the Epix and the FR965. I’d love to know your opinion of the latter vs the Epix

@TheRunTesters 16 күн бұрын

We have a multi-tester vid on that comparison :) Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Garmin Epix Pro: Which AMOLED Garmin should you get? kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qbxnh6xk2qmdfoE.html

@nikoscoulson 15 күн бұрын

That’s perfect, thank you!

@Natan9000 16 күн бұрын

Awesome comparison. Garmin more accurate hr? I’ve always seen it the other way around 😅🤓

@TheRunTesters 16 күн бұрын

I have found the smaller Series Apple Watches to be very accurate for optical HR, the Ultra not as good for me, and the Epix Pro has been better than lost Garmins! I still prefer to use a chest/arm strap myself

@pmfahey 16 күн бұрын

At this point I’m still using a Garmin for run tracking and racing, and an AW Ultra for everything else. Pros and cons to both.

@NickTrus 12 сағат бұрын

I wish I had the Epix Pro 51mm because I have the Fenix 7x and would prefer the oled screen.

@ufcfan3940 9 күн бұрын

About so sell awu 2 for epix pro thanks

@richardrankin7488 17 күн бұрын

Thank you. You convinced that the Apple Ultra is the way to go for me. Congratulations on running a great marathon!

@MD-tr1yv 17 күн бұрын

Dang 10k+ endurance??!

@jackramsay9852 17 күн бұрын

Please tell me where you got the nylon loop on the Garmin from? 😄

@TheRunTesters 17 күн бұрын

It’s a cheap one from eBay www.ebay.co.uk/itm/275841227603?var=577625315564

@petercohen7684 16 күн бұрын

@@TheRunTesters Thanks.

@andrewcollier3495 15 күн бұрын

Love my Epix Pro 51mm, would never swop over to the Apple or other brands.

@TheHutchRuns 17 күн бұрын

Great video Nick, my take on these watches is that a Garmin could be my only watch but I would need something additional to the Apple Watch, I think the Garmin is for the more serious athlete and the Apple is the better smart watch by a country mile!

@jamesnewsam 17 күн бұрын

When you comment that the garmin was more accurate in quantifying distance on your park run, how do you know?

@TheRunTesters 17 күн бұрын

Because I can see the Apple Watch cut corners and it came up surprisingly short on a course I know very well. All very marginal of course, still a good GPS watch.

@NostalgicMem0ries 14 күн бұрын

great review, but you speak so fast i had to slow down video to 0.75x :D

@BM24DK 12 күн бұрын

How did you run the marathon with an average HR of 180? 😮

@TheRunTesters 11 күн бұрын

I didn’t, that’s an incorrect reading, I think my max HR is probably 180!

@Marsubleu 17 күн бұрын

Anyway, I prefer rpund-shaped watches 😬

@nrs8043 17 күн бұрын

HR accuracy on Epix just died on the latest update 16.22. Everyone is reporting wrong figures.

@jakehardy5997 17 күн бұрын

Haven’t had any issues with mine 🧐

@faocisco 17 күн бұрын

@@jakehardy5997same.

@Fozzee.1970 17 күн бұрын

Not everyone! It affected some users. I'm on 17.14 beta no issues here.

@davidbraswell1481 17 күн бұрын

My Garmin 965 completely sucks at sleep tracking length of time and stages of sleep also the coach that tells you if you had an easy day or hard and training readiness. I have had it nearly a month and it's dropping heart rate data and battery drain complete the very next day. My Garmin also tells me I have had a hard day when I have done nothing but move about my house and tells me I had a rough day and need to rest the next....???@#$%^ wtf! needless to say I am going to send it back, I have decided I don't need an over hyped watch to tell me to get out and, move, or stay in and rest when it's almost the opposite every time how I feel. It seems to be as accurate as a Samsung watch. I'll go with the apple watch ultra X when it drops, I have had good luck with my AWU 1

@TimEris 4 күн бұрын

-Apple Watch only iPhone

@jamesnewsam 17 күн бұрын

Personal pref but the garmin looks inferior to the Apple Watch.

@Fozzee.1970 17 күн бұрын

Have you seen it in real life? It really doesn't. They are both nice in their own ways. A leather strap on the Garmin and it looks awesome.

@carloscssr 16 күн бұрын

Garmin is better by far 💪💪💪

@kophotography895 17 күн бұрын

I will never buy an 🍎🍏product again, over priced, not even in date & uses software to cover up it's flaws, anyone says anything bad about them gets shunned.Garmin on the other hand amazing, Google Amazing, Amazon Amazing.. Ok I said enough, ps I bought 2 Apple watches, 3 iPhones, iPads Max, iMac & MacBook in the past all did not pass the price tag...

@maarteneh 4 күн бұрын

I find these things disgustingly big, but the Apple watch ultra is next level ugly. What a monstrous brick it is. Even a rapper would be ashamed to wear it.

@GarethFreshwater 17 күн бұрын

I have a Fenix 6 pro and amazon has the Epix Pro gen2 for £671... I trying to find a really good reason to upgrade anyone want a 6 pro? Always insightful, great stuff.