Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Garmin Epix Pro: Which AMOLED Garmin should you get?

[@Ligerpride]

At this point I just think the sheer choice has become a bad thing. It's difficult to make a decision in some ways.

[@TessGames]

Just wanted to say thanks for including a woman's opinion, especially considering the smaller size epix vs the larger 965! This was super helpful!

[@Fozzee.1970]

Would never get a non sapphire watch again after my non sapphire Epix screen cracked from a small blow on a door handle.

[@P.I.D.27]

Use 2 dollar screen protector . I have some with sapphire and some with non sapphire and never had problem . Non sapphire screen on Garmin is easy to read and put some glass protection on it . I have problem with bezel witch scratches easy 😂

[@fendermon]

@@P.I.D.27 Yes, even in this video the display on the 965 is visibly clearer. I have a non-sapphire Epix and the screen couldn't be any better, no glare issues either. I have never owned a sapphire watch so I've been trying to sort out the pros and cons.

[@cedric182]

@@P.I.D.27screen protectors do nothing. A plastic thin film will not deter a scratch from something that would damage the screen. Try putting plastic over your car and see if a bump with another car doesn’t scratch it.

[@travisharrisphotography]

The only thing that I keep hearing and needs to be corrected.. is that the quickfit straps ARE compatible on the 955 / 965. You just need to pop the spring bar out once, and remove the stock strap and then pop the bar back in and you can use any of the 22mm quickfit straps ;-)

[@SmithK95]

Some things in life are no longer common sense. :)

[@revenantel]

Thanks for putting up such consistent content to not only help with decision making but also entertain. Keep it up, thanks.

[@JasonRaneses]

Appreciate the review and comparison. One piece of feedback, in the narrative there is a lot of usage of the phrase “kind of” to describe features, e.g. the 965 kind of has a titanium bezel surrounding the screen. It does. Suggest being more conscious of these descriptions as it can be confusing. Keep up the great work!

[@flowsonice]

agreed, he is using "kind of" as a filler, but it is confusing when talking about specifics.

[@Thatsmantas]

I owned the 965 but sold it and bought the titanium Epix with sapphire glass. I have to agree with you because, even though it's not as premium, it felt better somehow. When I first picked up the 965, I didn't like the curved screen, the fact that it was not sapphire, and the plastic back felt cheap for the price. I really liked the UI and everything else, and I thought I wanted a more premium watch. But now, I kinda regret it. Don't get me wrong, the Epix is an amazing watch, but somehow the 965 feels good, light, and the user experience is better.

[@baldipata]

The Epix looks classier.

[@Motoring333]

Just bought a 965 and it is just awesome l, super light and touch is very nice !!!

[@aleksandrmatyka3118]

What can you say after a year of using it? Do you regret getting it?

[@eingast7798]

Most people that buy Epix/Fenix/Enduro want a heavy big watch. I want a slim small light watch to wear 24/7 for all my sports (swim bike run). So imho it is essential that it must be slim and light. I therefore stay wirh my 245 maybe sometimes upgrade to the 265S

[@marekhlina74]

thanks for saving me 400euro guys...dinner is on me

[@theghostofpcs2391]

When you compare the 965 to the regular Epix gen 2 (non sapphire), the difference where I am is less than 50 euro.

[@lvalday]

If the difference would be just 100 usd (as it's right now in the US), would you still recomend the Forerunner?

[@brum293]

I upgraded from a Fenix 6 Pro Sapphire to Forerunner 965. Really like it so far. I tried Epix Pro 47 mm and 51 mm because I like the Sapphire screen durability. But it felt way too bulky and heavy compared to the FR965. I put a TPU screen protector on the FR965 and don’t even think about it.

[@brigitteboulais5474]

would you pretty please send a link to the screan protector you bought ? thanks 😃

[@brum293]

@@brigitteboulais5474 I got it from a shop in the country I live in. Just a cheap no name brand. Nothing special. Just google “forerunner 965 tpu screen protector” and pick one seller in your country. I think they are probably all more or less the same. :)

[@bobwood4304]

And does it not affect the touchscreen function?

[@brum293]

@@bobwood4304 I put on the screen protector from the start so I can’t compare. But from my experience I don’t have any problems with touch.

[@vpnconsult]

The best or nothing. Epix 2 Pro is the one for me.

[@RichardMcMahon-b6f]

while I agree 100% with everything you said ... there is one more key point you did NOT make, which might lead other runners (like me) to choose Epix Pro over the 965. Garmin's metrics for recovery, body battery, training readiness, etc . aren't perfect BUT they are absolutely good enough to help me plan today's workout accordingly. This only works if I wear the watch 24x7. And although the 965 is (for all the reasons you stated) a better choice WHILE RUNNING, for me the 965 simply does not work as a 24x7 timepiece ... too much plastic, too cheap looking, the watch faces are absolutely cartoonish. Again this is all subjective, but BECAUSE the training metrics demand 24x7 wear, the Epix Pro now beats 965. With a fancy band and analog watch face, my Epix Pro looks (almost) just like a MARQ.

[@alexkhan2000]

I fully agree. I was going to get the 965 and then decided to go all-out and get the Epix Pro 51mm Sapphire and I have no regrets. It looks premium and isn't as heavy and clunky as it looks. It actually feels more comfortable to wear than the AWU and I don't notice that much of a difference in how it feels on my wrist compared to the 745 the Epix Pro replaced. And, yes, this is a watch to wear 24x7 for all the things you mention, including sleep tracking. The battery life is amazing. I have it on always-on mode and I easily get 11 days. And I personally like the traditional dial watch face over digital readouts. It really is a watch I can wear for all occasions.

[@RachelSchloer]

That's kind of the tipping point between the both because the epix looks much better day to day. However as it needs to be worn 24/7 I'm not sure if the bigger heft to the epix will be more uncomfortable over time or whether I would get used to it especially during sleeping

[@suranperera4620]

Thank you! Was waiting on this comparison.

[@babsschloss]

I find the 'funky' interface design of the 965 really ugly.

[@Maxjoan]

I ve gone back and forth between the two (screwed myself over buying one of each on sale). I keep trying to bring myself to prefer the 965, as it s more runner specific, and the weight / bulk of the epix pro ends up hindering annoying over time, but the faces of the latter are SO MUCH nicer- the 965 s really dont come close. Even prefer the look of my older 255. Have t decided yet which to sell - still trying to bring myself to tolerate the looks of the 965

[@charlielimena3536]

why you need a puny flashlight? i bet you always run with your phone. you need light, turn on your phone torch.

[@minesadab]

The point of having maps and certainly music on these devices is that you don't need to carry your phone.

[@mzman88]

Who makes the blue strap you had on the Epix?

[@RigiLiquid945]

As a Canadian hiker, hunter, mountain biker, and ATV explorer. After a bunch of research the Foreigner 965 and Enduro 2 are my top choices to replace my basic Instinct so I can have the mapping. I can't decide if I want the light weight and Amoled of the FR 965 for my aging eyes, or the the huge battery and all the extra features of the E2 which is on sale here. Epix is just too expensive.

[@pquirke]

I would love an answer if I do NOT want to wear a sport or smartwatch all day but use it to track my runs/walks/hikes which sports device should I get? I do not want to spend £400+ just for something I am only using wearing once or twice a day.

[@SuperKimjong]

Forerunner 245 for £150 is great... use it to track all my runs/walks

[@Pendactarum]

Forerunner 265

[@brigitteboulais5474]

I have been saying it's been harder to choose a Garmin than any houses I ever bought😂! But finally thanks to your video: Forerunner 965 !! yipppeeee!!!

[@kaizensoul_channel]

Lol😂

[@TOXIN543]

It seems at 3:00 the touch on the Forerunner 965 isn't as responsive as the epix. Is it an issue, especially while navigating with maps ?

[@TheRunTesters]

It’s just as responsive so I prob just messed up in the video!

[@ianfreelance6284]

I had the Epix and sold it to buy the 965 and still had money over. Epix was very good, but the 965 is better for the reasons mentioned. I think Garmin shot themselves in the foot, because the 965 has made the Epix pro more of a niche watch.

[@ianfreelance6284]

To answer your question. The touch response of the 965 is on par with the Epix

[@TamonYanagimoto]

Went from a 6pro to the 965. Price was a big selling point. At first I didn’t like the lighter feeling of the watch but now I love it.

[@cedric182]

@@ianfreelance6284but doesn’t feel as cheap as the 965.

[@Acconda]

965 screen looks way better to me, just thinking about getting one.

[@MATIvmr]

965 is no brainer in that case 👌

[@FoxBox72]

How about 965 Vs Epix 2 ? Because the Epix 2 is not that different to the Pro, and is now falling in price, so it's tempting.

[@_Don_P]

Just make your own decision my god.

[@cedric182]

@@_Don_Pyet here you are watching a comparison video.

[@markhill8590]

Epix pro is still near 900 pound

[@pauldaniel2527]

Great video as always, I went for the 965 after having the Fenix 6. Just a note, the 965 does have golf courses, range and scoring function. Also it's very easy to put a quick fit band on the 965.

[@ricos_thrifts]

I went with the 965 after having the fenix 6x.

[@vishalkolapkar8325]

Thank you for this comparison. 🎉

[@bobwood4304]

Yeah Mike please try to reduce the amount of kind ofs😅🎉❤.

[@commonmadeholy]

Great video thanks! May I ask what your current respective daily drivers are please?

[@lowballa]

After seeing the 2 side by side outdoors, the glare on the epix is horrendous. The 965 display is so much more legible because of it.

[@cedric182]

That’s because of the sapphire glass. Yet it’ll last longer than the 965.

[@orborbea9844]

So happy i got the 965 (for 2 weeks now) . Still discovering settings and whatnot :D

[@dudenjunge]

Fantastic review!

[@CorbuloCDN1]

Anyone have the 965 and use a chest HR monitor? Wouldn't the HR monitor built into the watch sufficient?

[@mikefj2004]

I have the 965 and the HRM-Pro. For a number of reasons, as a cyclist, I use both simultaneously. I have found the 965 to be absolutely as accurate as the HRM. There may be a data delay of about 1 second but both HRMs are absolutely accurate.

[@CorbuloCDN1]

Thanks for the info! I have the Edge 520 for cycling and I'll use it with that when summer arrives. I did buy the HRM-Pro and I have run with it a few times. It's good, but I think using the HR monitor on the watch is good enough for the regular Joe's like me.

[@viktorask]

You comparing something completely different league. Including materials watch made of. Epix pro for me.

[@smothyism]

There is a middle ground if you can't decide on the look between the epix and the 965. The 955 fills that space with the mip screen. Same features.

[@Aldinequeen]

I have both. Got the Epix Pro on sale over Christmas. The sapphire version is nice.

[@DOLeao_]

What's better?

[@aleksandrmatyka3118]

@@DOLeao_ That seems to be the fun of garmin that everyone finds an advantage in their own version, they can't make a super watch where everything will be in 1, they make you constantly doubt.

[@willramirez75]

Wait, did she say it got “a little bit rapey” coming out of canary wharf?

[@RachelSchloer]

Ropey, basically meaning not that great

[@aminsultan7340]

Agreed 👍

[@hotsky83]

Awesome video. Makes me want to get the 965 again😢 I returned it because i was pretty scared of getting it scratched up at a gym or around the house (I wear watches 24/7 and taking it off only when i shower) ended up getting Instinct 2x solar since my old instinct still looked new after 2 years i knew the 2x should have similar durability, and while it has been great (battery life is insanely good - today after 6hr bike ride the battery went down only 5% haha!! But i do miss the beautiful display of the 965. And have been considering the 47mm epix.

[@smothyism]

Get a screen protector there's whole KZbin videos on the best one for the 965

[@hotsky83]

@@smothyism you know what I went back to 965 - just got one yesterday. Tpu screen protector installed so hopefully it will hold up.

[@justinward1580]

My biggest complaint with the Epix pro vs the 965 is the Epix clunky UI compared to the Epix.

[@cedric182]

Clunky?

[@justinward1580]

@@cedric182 Yes, Clunky: solid, heavy, and outdated.

[@thepatternforms859]

Garmin enduro 2 beats them all

[@ignacio2763]

Depends what you’re looking for

[@thepatternforms859]

@@ignacio2763 the watch with the best battery, best features, and best capability….