Skip to main content
Watch Match
Head-to-head · sportwatch

Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) 47mm vs Garmin Forerunner 970

Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) 47mm (2023, listed at $899) and Garmin Forerunner 970 (2025, listed at $749) are both sport watches, so the choice comes down to specifics.

Specs last updated · prices are list prices

Leads on raw specs: Garmin Forerunner 970(2–3)
Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) 47mm
sportwatch

Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) 47mm

AMOLED multisport flagship — built-in LED flashlight, full TopoActive maps, 16-day battery.

$899list price
Check price on AmazonOr buy direct from Garmin
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Full specs
Garmin Forerunner 970
sportwatch

Garmin Forerunner 970

Garmin's flagship runner — built-in LED flashlight, ECG, running tolerance and projected race time.

$749list price
Check price on AmazonOr buy direct from Garmin
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Full specs

The verdict

On the numbers we track, Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) 47mm wins on battery life (16 days vs 15 days) and water rating (10ATM vs 5ATM); Garmin Forerunner 970 wins on weight (56 g vs 70 g), price ($749 vs $899) and tracked features (8 vs 7).

Bottom line: on raw specs the Garmin Forerunner 970 leads 3 to 2, but five spec categories are only a starting point. Match it to your phone, your main sport and your budget before you decide, or run the free quiz to see how each ranks for your answers.

Spec by spec

Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) 47mm and Garmin Forerunner 970 specifications
SpecGarmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) 47mmGarmin Forerunner 970
Battery (rated)16 days15 days
Weight70 g56 g
List price$899$749
Water rating10ATM5ATM
Tracked features78
Case size47 mm47 mm
DisplayAMOLEDAMOLED
Works withboth iPhone and Androidboth iPhone and Android
Listed best formultisport and triathlon, outdoor adventure and runningrunning and multisport and triathlon
Released20232025

Trophy marks the better value on the five measurable specs. Battery is the manufacturer's rating, not our test. How we score is on the methodology page.

Feature overlap

Both have (7)

  • built-in GPS
  • blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
  • on-device music
  • contactless payments
  • AMOLED display
  • offline maps
  • swim tracking

Only Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) 47mm (0)

Nothing unique.

Only Garmin Forerunner 970 (1)

  • ECG

Which one should you pick?

Pick the Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) 47mm if…

  • You want fewer charges: about 16 days per charge vs 15 days.
  • Your main use is outdoor adventure: it is listed for that and the Garmin Forerunner 970 is not.
  • You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin Forerunner 970 only works with Android.
  • You swim or paddle: 10ATM vs 5ATM.

Skip it if…

  • • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 47 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).
  • • You want something light enough to sleep in — it weighs 70 g.
  • • You are watching your budget — the list price is $899.

Pick the Garmin Forerunner 970 if…

  • You want to spend less: it lists for $150 less.
  • You want a lighter watch: 56 g vs 70 g.
  • You need ECG, which the Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) 47mm does not list.
  • You might switch phones: it works with both iPhone and Android, the Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) 47mm only works with Android.
  • You want the newer model (2025 vs 2023).

Skip it if…

  • • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 47 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).
  • • You are watching your budget — the list price is $749.

Frequently asked questions

Which has better battery life, the Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) 47mm or the Garmin Forerunner 970?

The Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) 47mm has the longer rated battery life: about 16 days per charge against 15 days. These are manufacturer ratings; heavy GPS, always-on display and cellular use will cut both.

Which is cheaper, the Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) 47mm or the Garmin Forerunner 970?

The Garmin Forerunner 970 has the lower list price: $749 against $899 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.

Do the Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) 47mm and Garmin Forerunner 970 work with iPhone and Android?

Yes, they have the same phone support: both iPhone and Android.

Which is better for swimming, the Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) 47mm or the Garmin Forerunner 970?

Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) 47mm: 10ATM is suitable for swimming and surface water sports. It is not a dive rating unless the maker says so. Garmin Forerunner 970: 5ATM is suitable for showering and pool swimming, but not for high-speed water sports or diving.

Not sure either is right for you?

Nine questions about your phone, sport, wrist and budget, scored against all of our watches with the reasoning shown.

Take the free quiz

Where each one ranks #1 in our quiz

Related comparisons