If you’re comparing the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 with the Garmin Venu 3 or Venu 3S, you’re likely deciding between two of Garmin’s most popular AMOLED smartwatches.
Both deliver crisp displays, deep fitness tracking, and smartwatch features, but they target very different users. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences in display, battery life, fitness features, strap sizes, and overall performance, so you can choose the model that’s right for your lifestyle. Plus, we’ll link to compatible Quick Release and QuickFit straps from The Time Club to help you customise your watch.
At a Glance
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Epix Pro Gen 2: Premium multisport watch with AMOLED display, high-end training tools, flashlight, rugged design, and longer battery life.
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Venu 3 / 3S: Stylish lifestyle-first smartwatch with strong health features, great battery life, built-in speaker/mic for calls, and lighter design for everyday wear.
Display & Design
| Feature | Epix Pro Gen 2 | Venu 3 | Venu 3S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display Type | AMOLED (Always-On capable) | AMOLED (Always-On capable) | AMOLED (Always-On capable) |
| Case Sizes | 42mm / 47mm / 51mm | 45mm | 41mm |
| Resolution | 416–454 px (size dependent) | 454 × 454 px | 390 × 390 px |
| Touchscreen | Yes + 5 buttons | Yes | Yes |
| Flashlight | Yes (built-in LED) | No | No |
| Materials | Titanium/Steel/Sapphire options | Aluminium/Silicone | Aluminium/Silicone |
The Epix Pro is clearly the more rugged, feature-packed model, while the Venu 3/3S feels like a daily smartwatch with fitness features baked in.
Battery Life
| Mode | Epix Pro Gen 2 (47mm) | Venu 3 | Venu 3S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch Mode | Up to 16 days | Up to 14 days | Up to 10 days |
| Always-On Display | ~6 days | ~5 days | ~4 days |
| GPS Mode (no music) | Up to 42 hours | Up to 26 hours | Up to 21 hours |
Note: Larger Epix Pro models (51mm) can exceed 31 days of smartwatch use and 82 hours GPS.
Fitness & Smart Features
| Feature | Epix Pro Gen 2 | Venu 3 / 3S |
|---|---|---|
| Multisport Modes | Advanced (triathlon, trail, HIIT, skiing, etc.) | General fitness & wellness |
| Training Readiness | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Recovery Time | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| ECG (coming via update) | ✅ Likely | ❌ No |
| Sleep Tracking + Nap Detect | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Garmin Pay / Music Storage | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Built-in Speaker/Mic | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Flashlight | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
The Venu 3 series focuses more on wellness and lifestyle: heart rate, stress, sleep coaching, and new wheelchair mode support. The Epix Pro, by contrast, delivers training metrics for performance-driven users.
Strap Sizes & Customisation
Each watch is compatible with specific Garmin straps, and you can upgrade your look easily using The Time Club’s QuickFit or Quick Release strap collections.
If you're unsure on the differences between QuickFit and Quick Release, we have released an article on this.
You can also find the quickfit/quick release differences documented with Garmin themselves
| Watch Model | Strap Type | Strap Width | Link to Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epix Pro Gen 2 (42mm) | QuickFit | 20mm | 20mm QuickFit |
| Epix Pro Gen 2 (47mm) | QuickFit | 22mm | 22mm QuickFit |
| Epix Pro Gen 2 (51mm) | QuickFit | 26mm | 26mm QuickFit |
| Venu 3 | Quick Release | 22mm | 22mm Quick Release |
| Venu 3S | Quick Release | 18mm | 18mm Quick Release |
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
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Choose the Epix Pro Gen 2 if you’re an athlete, trail runner, triathlete, or outdoor explorer who wants elite performance metrics, extreme battery life, and advanced tools like Training Readiness, Recovery Time, and a built-in flashlight.
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Choose the Venu 3 or 3S if you’re looking for a stylish smartwatch with excellent health tracking, longer-than-average battery life, and lifestyle features like Bluetooth calling, nap tracking, and lightweight design.
Venu 3 = everyday wellness. Epix Pro = elite performance.
Summary Table
| Feature | Epix Pro Gen 2 | Venu 3 | Venu 3S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sizes Available | 42mm / 47mm / 51mm | 45mm | 41mm |
| Display | AMOLED | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Battery (Smartwatch) | Up to 31 days (51mm) | Up to 14 days | Up to 10 days |
| Flashlight | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Training Readiness | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Strap Size | 20 / 22 / 26mm QuickFit | 22mm Quick Release | 18mm Quick Release |
| Strap Shop | Shop All Straps | 22mm | 18mm |
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