Between the epix Pro (Gen 2) and Forerunner 965, the epix Pro (Gen 2) comes out ahead in gps mode and ecg, while the Forerunner 965 wins on smartwatch mode. Overall, the epix Pro (Gen 2) scores 49.8 and the Forerunner 965 scores 49.7 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
These two are nearly even on the Mars Score (49.8 vs 49.7). The decision isn't about overall quality — both clear the bar — it's about which specific trade-offs fit your use.
Pick the epix Pro (Gen 2) if you care most about gps mode and ecg. The biggest gaps in its favor are gps mode, ecg.
Pick the Forerunner 965 if you care most about smartwatch mode. Its strongest claims are smartwatch mode.
Both ship with comparable multi-band gps, solar charging, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: there is no wrong answer here — match the spec advantages to how you actually use the product. The Mars Score parity tells you both are well-rounded; the differences are about trade-offs, not quality.
Why Garmin - epix Pro (Gen 2) wins
- ▲GPS mode — 164.52% more. 82 h vs 31 h.
- ▲Has ECG.
Why Garmin - Forerunner 965 wins
- ▲Smartwatch mode — 43.75% more. 23 days vs 16 days.
Spec comparison
GPS & Sensors
| Spec | Garmin - epix Pro (Gen 2) | Garmin - Forerunner 965 |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-band GPS | true | true |
| Barometric altimeter | true | true |
| Heart rate | true | true |
| ECG | truelead | false |
| Pulse Ox | true | true |
Battery
| Spec | Garmin - epix Pro (Gen 2) | Garmin - Forerunner 965 |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch mode | 16 days | 23 dayslead |
| GPS mode | 82 hlead | 31 h |
| Solar charging | false | false |
Design
| Spec | Garmin - epix Pro (Gen 2) | Garmin - Forerunner 965 |
|---|---|---|
| Case size | 47 mm | 47 mm |
| Weight | 76 g | 53 glead |
| Water resistanceⓘ | 10 ATMlead | 5 ATM |
Frequently asked
Spec-level deep dives
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