| Manufacturer | Garmin |
|---|---|
| Type | Premium multisport GPS smartwatch |
| Series | Fenix Series |
| Released | 27 August 2024 (announced 27 August 2024) |
| Price at launch | $799.99 / £689.99 |
| Predecessor | Epix Gen 2 |
| Successor | See Release Radar |
| Sizes | 47mm (medium) |
| Colours | Stainless Steel with Black Silicone Band; Slate Grey Steel with Black Silicone Band |
Specifications and features as at launch.
Expert opinion | What’s new | Specifications | Battery life | Features | Activity profiles | Quick answers | Further reading
Expert opinion
Fenix E is the compromise model that strips away too many critical capabilities for its price point. Losing multi-band dual-frequency GPS severely impacts tracking accuracy in challenging environments like heavy tree cover or urban canyons. It is an awkward middle ground that is difficult to justify when older flagship Garmins offer better value.
The Fenix E runs the full Fenix 8 software platform on hardware that sits closer to the Epix Gen 2. It has a 47mm AMOLED display at 416×416 resolution, the Elevate Gen 5 heart rate sensor, and the complete training and health feature set. What it does not have is the multi-band dual-frequency GNSS with SatIQ that the Fenix 8 carries, nor an LED flashlight, speaker, microphone, ECG app, depth sensor, or leakproof inductive buttons. Storage is 16GB rather than 32GB. The result is a watch that delivers the Garmin software experience at a lower price but concedes the hardware distinctions that define the Fenix 8 over older Epix hardware.
Garmin Fenix E
GPS adventure watch
What’s new versus the Epix Gen 2
Hardware
- Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor (up from Gen 4)
- Skin temperature sensor added
- Ambient light sensor added
- Thermometer added
Software
- Redesigned user interface with activity-first menu structure and pinned sport modes
- Focus Modes for sleep and activity contexts
- Morning Report and Evening Report
- Dynamic round-trip routing
- Voice Control (via paired smartphone assistant)
- Settings Backup and Restore
- Sleep Alignment and Sleep Coach updated
- Nap Detection
- Breathing Variations
- Jet Lag Adviser
- Health Status monitoring
- Lifestyle Logging
- Running Tolerance
- Running Economy (with HRM 600)
- Step Speed Loss (with HRM 600)
- Endurance Score
- Hill Score
- Course Planner
- Visual Race Predictor
- Garmin Trails integration (with Garmin Connect+ subscription)
Specifications
| Specification | Fenix E (47mm) |
|---|---|
| Display | |
| Display type | AMOLED, always-on option |
| Display size | 33mm (1.3″) |
| Resolution | 416 x 416 pixels |
| Lens | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Physical | |
| Case size | 47mm (medium) |
| Dimensions | 47 x 47 x 14.5mm |
| Weight | 76g (case only: 53g) |
| Case material | Fibre-reinforced polymer with metal rear cover |
| Bezel material | Stainless steel |
| Band width | 22mm QuickFit |
| Water rating | 10 ATM |
| Military standard | MIL-STD-810 |
| Sensors and positioning | |
| GNSS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou (single-frequency multi-GNSS; no multi-band) |
| Heart rate | Garmin Elevate Gen 5, continuous |
| Pulse Ox | Yes |
| Barometric altimeter | Yes |
| Compass | 3-axis electronic |
| Gyroscope | Yes |
| Accelerometer | Yes |
| Thermometer | Yes |
| Ambient light sensor | Yes |
| Skin temperature | Yes |
| Depth sensor | No |
| ECG | No |
| Connectivity and storage | |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi |
| NFC (Garmin Pay) | Yes |
| Storage | 16GB |
| Speaker / microphone | No |
| LED flashlight | No |
| Inductive buttons | No |
Battery life
| Mode | Fenix E (47mm) |
|---|---|
| Smartwatch | Up to 16 days (6 days always-on) |
| Battery saver watch | Up to 21 days |
| GPS Only | Up to 42 hours (30 hours always-on) |
| All Satellite Systems | Up to 32 hours (24 hours always-on) |
| All Satellite Systems + Music | Up to 10 hours |
| Max Battery GPS | Up to 75 hours |
| Expedition GPS | Up to 14 days |
The Fenix E does not support multi-band GNSS or SatIQ, so there is no All Satellite Systems + Multi-band mode. Figures assume typical use per Garmin’s published specification.
Features
A full breakdown of Garmin platform features is available at Garmin features explained.
Plan
- Daily Suggested Workouts (running and cycling, adapts after every session)
- Garmin Coach plans: running, cycling, strength
- Garmin Triathlon Coach
- Multisport and cardio, strength, HIIT, yoga, pilates workouts
- On-screen workout animations with muscle map
- Downloadable training plans
- Race Widget with personalised training tips
- Course Planner (cut-off times, aid stations, checkpoints)
- Morning Report and Evening Report
Prepare
- Training Readiness score
- Training Status and Training Load
- Recovery Time
- HRV Status (measured during sleep)
- Body Battery energy monitoring
- Sleep Coach with sleep score and stages
- Sleep Alignment, Breathing Variations, Nap Detection
- Stress tracking (all-day)
- Health Snapshot (2-minute session)
- Health Status monitoring
- Skin temperature (sleep-based)
- Jet Lag Adviser
- Heat and Altitude Acclimation
- Respiration Rate (24/7 and during exercise)
- Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation
- Women’s Health tracking (cycle and pregnancy)
- Lifestyle Logging (caffeine, alcohol)
- Hydration tracking
- Fitness Age
Perform
- VO2 Max (running and trail running)
- Endurance Score
- Hill Score
- Real-time Stamina
- Running Dynamics: cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation and ratio, ground contact time and balance (with compatible accessory)
- Running Economy, Running Tolerance, Step Speed Loss (with HRM 600)
- Running Power, Grade-Adjusted Pace, Performance Condition, Lactate Threshold (with compatible accessory)
- PacePro GPS-based pacing
- Visual Race Predictor and Projected Race Time
- ClimbPro Ascent Planner
- Dynamic Round-Trip Routing
- TopoActive maps (downloadable via Wi-Fi)
- Preloaded ski resort maps (SkiView)
- 43,000 preloaded golf course maps
- Virtual Caddie, full golf feature set including AutoShot, PlaysLike distance, Green Contours
- MTB Grit and Flow metrics
- Surf Activity with Surfline Sessions
- Backcountry Ski and Snowboard auto ascent/descent tracking
- XC Ski Power (with HRM-Pro Plus)
- Rucking Activity with pack weight entry
- NextFork map navigation
- Up Ahead for race aid stations and POI
- FTP, power curve and Advanced Cycling Dynamics (with compatible power meter)
- Garmin Varia radar and lights compatible
- Open Water and Pool swim metrics, stroke detection, critical swim speed
- Multisport auto transition
- Strava Live Segments and Garmin Live Segments
- Trendline Popularity Routing
Connect
- Smart notifications (calls, texts, social media)
- Garmin Pay contactless payments (NFC)
- Music: Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music, YouTube Music (subscription required)
- Garmin Messenger two-way text messaging (paired smartphone required)
- Works with WhatsApp (Connect IQ app)
- Incident Detection and Assistance with live location alert
- LiveTrack real-time location sharing
- Live Event Sharing
- Garmin Share (locations, courses, workouts)
- Find My Phone and Find My Garmin
- Connect IQ Store on device (via Wi-Fi)
- Calendar sync, weather forecasts, stocks tracker
- Smart trainer control
- Sports scores (15 leagues, paired smartphone)
- Red Shift mode
Activity profiles
| Category | Profiles |
|---|---|
| Running | Running, Outdoor Track Running, Trail Running, Ultra Running, Obstacle Racing, Treadmill Running, Indoor Track Running, Virtual running |
| Cycling | Biking, Road biking, Mountain Biking, Gravel biking, Bike commuting, Bike touring, eBiking, eMountain Biking, Indoor Biking, Cyclocross, BMX |
| Swimming | Pool Swimming, Open Water Swimming |
| Multisport | Swimming/Running, Triathlon |
| Gym and fitness | Strength, HIIT, Cardio, Elliptical Training, Stair Stepping, Floor Climbing, Indoor rowing, Jump Roping, Indoor Climbing, Boxing, Mixed martial arts, Walking, Indoor Walking, Pilates, Yoga, Mobility |
| Outdoor | Hiking, Rucking, Bouldering, Mountaineering, Hunting, Horseback Riding, Golfing, Disc Golf, Archery, Inline Skating |
| Other | Winter sports: Skiing, Snowboarding, Backcountry Snowboarding, XC Classic Skiing, XC Skate Skiing, Backcountry Skiing, Ice Skating, Snowshoeing | Water sports: Stand Up Paddleboarding, Rowing, Kayaking, Surfing, Kiteboarding, Windsurfing, Fishing, Boating, Sailing, Water Skiing, Wakeboarding, Wakesurfing, Tubing, Snorkeling, Whitewater | Team sports: Basketball, Volleyball, Field Hockey, Ice Hockey, Football, American Football, Lacrosse, Rugby, Ultimate Disc, Cricket, Softball, Baseball | Racket sports: Tennis, Pickleball, Badminton, Squash, Table Tennis, Padel, Platform Tennis, Racquetball | Motorsports: Motorcycling, Overlanding, Motocrossing, ATVing, Snowmobiling |
Garmin Fenix E
GPS adventure watch
Quick answers
When was the Garmin Fenix E released?
Garmin released the Fenix E on 27 August 2024. It runs the Fenix 8 software platform on simpler hardware.
Is the Fenix E waterproof?
Fenix E has a water rating of 10 ATM and meets the MIL-STD-810 military standard. It has no depth sensor, so it does not support diving.
Does the Fenix E have multi-band GPS?
No. Fenix E uses single-frequency multi-GNSS covering GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS and BeiDou, with no multi-band mode or SatIQ.
Does the Fenix E have maps?
Yes, Fenix E has TopoActive maps downloadable over Wi-Fi. It also supports ClimbPro, NextFork map navigation and dynamic round-trip routing.
Does the Fenix E have a flashlight?
No. Fenix E has no LED flashlight, and it also lacks the speaker, microphone, ECG app and inductive buttons of the Fenix 8.
What size and weight is the Fenix E?
Fenix E comes in a single 47mm case measuring 47 x 47 x 14.5mm and weighs 76g, or 53g for the case alone. It takes a 22mm QuickFit band and has a 1.3 inch 416 x 416 AMOLED display.
Further reading
- Garmin Fenix E: First Thoughts Review
- Garmin watch specifications database
- Release Radar: latest Garmin updates
- Official Garmin Fenix E product page
Related watches
Predecessor: Garmin Epix Gen 2, the hardware foundation the Fenix E most closely resembles, now available at significantly reduced prices.
Also consider: Suunto Vertical, a comparable price-point alternative with strong multi-day battery credentials and a MIP display option.
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin from any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafe stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Beet It Sport nitrate shots: Beetroot shots I take in the days before a race. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable insoles that are good. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: I’ve just bought one.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home. I use it.
Health, recovery and sleep
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
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