Is Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 3) Worth It? Honest Review (2026)

High Price: $899–$1,099+ For Most Configurations

The Epix Pro starts at $899.99 for the 42mm with a stainless steel bezel and jumps to $1,099.99 for the 51mm with titanium. That's significantly more than the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro (which starts at $799) or the Apple Watch Ultra 2 ($799). For that extra money, you get the AMOLED display and slightly longer battery life, but the core training features are similar. If you don't need AMOLED, the Fenix offers better battery life at a lower cost.

No LTE/Cellular Connectivity

Unlike the Apple Watch Ultra 2 (which has cellular) and some Fenix models (Fenix 7X Pro with LTE), the Epix Pro (Gen 3) does not offer an LTE option. This means you must carry your phone for calls, texts, or emergency communication during runs. For safety-conscious users or those who want to leave their phone behind, this is a significant limitation. The lack of LTE also means no music streaming without a phone connection for the first time (unless you download playlists via Wi-Fi beforehand).

Thick and Heavy on Smaller Wrists

Even the smallest 42mm model is 14.1mm thick, which is noticeable compared to typical lifestyle smartwatches. The 51mm version is 16.4mm thick and weighs about 97g with the band — it's a chunky device that may feel cumbersome for all-day wear, especially during sleep. Those with smaller wrists might find it uncomfortable or disproportionate. The 47mm is a good middle ground, but still thick.

Smartwatch Features Are Basic

While the Epix Pro can show notifications, it has no cellular (as noted), no on-watch keyboard, and limited app support. You cannot reply to messages except with canned responses (Android) or not at all (iPhone). The touchscreen is responsive but sometimes lags compared to a Wear OS watch. Garmin Pay works with limited banks. For users who want a true smartwatch experience (apps, voice assistants, seamless messaging), the Apple Watch or a Wear OS device is better.

Charging Cable is Proprietary and Slow

Garmin uses a proprietary charging clip that connects to four pins on the back. It charges via USB-A and takes about 1.5 hours to full charge (which is reasonable). However, if you forget the cable, you cannot use a standard wireless charger. The connector can also be finicky if not aligned properly, and the pins may corrode over time if exposed to sweat. Several third-party charging docks exist, but they add cost.

Complex User Interface and App

Garmin Connect is a powerful app but has a steep learning curve. Settings are scattered across the watch menu and the app. First-time users often report frustration with setting up data fields, configuring sport profiles, or understanding metrics like Training Load and Status. The watch itself has many buttons (five) and multiple menus, which can be overwhelming. Dedicated athletes will appreciate the depth, but casual users may find it unnecessarily complicated.

Screen Size and Resolution Could Be Higher

At 454x454 pixels for the 47mm, the display is sharp but not class-leading. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a bigger, brighter screen (502x410 at 1.92 inches) with a more responsive touch. The Epix Pro's display also has a lower refresh rate (60Hz vs 60Hz is fine, but animations are less smooth). For map viewing, the Fenix's MIP screen is actually easier to read in direct sunlight, though colors are duller. The AMOLED is better indoors and at night, but the resolution isn't ideal for reading small map details.

No Speaker or Microphone for Calls

Unlike most smartwatches, the Epix Pro cannot make or take phone calls from the wrist (except using the Garmin speakerphone feature? Actually, it does not have a speaker for calls — you get vibrations and notifications only). There is a speaker for alarms and tones, but not for calls. This is a deliberate design choice to maintain battery life and water resistance, but it means you cannot quickly answer a call without pulling out your phone.