Garmin Fenix 8 Review: The Best Golf Watch You Probably Shouldn’t Buy

Alright, one thing to get out of the way right up front: The Garmin Fenix 8 is an insanely good golf watch.

Like, when I started wearing this watch and realizing how incredible it was on and off the golf course, I was completely sold. Only after discovering the unmatched screen quality of Garmin’s new Venu X1 did I even consider a different golf watch than the Fenix 8.

So why then would I say that I don’t think most people should buy it?

Well, let me explain. See, it’s not so much about anything the Fenix 8 gets wrong. It’s more about all of the other options the Garmin golf watch lineup presents. I’ll explain as we go.

I’ll break down everything the Fenix 8 offers for golf. I’ll share my on-course experience, how it stacks up to the Garmin Epix lineup, touch on comparisons to the new Venu X1, and tell you how the Fenix 8 holds up against the S70, Garmin’s dedicated golf watch.

If you’re in the market for a Garmin golf watch, and you’re not sure which model is right for you, I think you’re going to get some value out of this one.

First, the Obvious Reasons the Fenix 8 Might Not Be Right For You

Before we dive head-first into all the ways in which the Fenix 8 could literally be the perfect watch, let’s identify who definitely does not need to spend $1,100 on a golf watch.

If you’re looking for a golf-first-and-foremost watch — something you’ll wear mostly on the course and not day-to-day — the Fenix 8 is definitely not the one. Don’t get this watch.

You’re better off grabbing the Garmin Approach S70. It starts at $649, and when it comes to golf, it does everything the Fenix 8 does. The S70 is lighter, cheaper, and purpose-built for golf. It’s the most full-featured dedicated golf watch Garmin makes, and unless you’re dead set on something more versatile, it’s a better value.

Or you can consider something like the Voice Caddie T11 Pro, which is about half the price of an S70 and has many of the same useful features.

And if all you want is GPS yardages and a digital scorecard, you don’t even need to spend that much.

The Garmin S12 and new S44 are both excellent, lower-cost options that are limited to mostly golf use.

Most people don’t need to spend $1,100 on a golf watch.

But here’s the thing: Golf is just one piece of the Fenix 8 puzzle.

If you’re buying this watch, it’s not just for your time on the course. It’s for everything else, too.

So let’s get into the details. What I love, what I don’t, how it performs for golf, and whether you should go for the Fenix 8, the S70, the new Venu X1, or maybe even the older Epix Gen 2, which does about 90 percent of what the Fenix does at about half the price.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The unboxing experience is exactly what you’d expect from Garmin. Gray box. Watch front and center. No frills. Nothing fancy. If you’ve ever unboxed another Garmin product, this is the exact same packaging design.

So, about the Fenix 8 and what it actually is…

Garmin’s sunsetting their Epix line, and the Fenix 8 is essentially what would have been the Garmin Epix Gen 3.

Before trying out the Fenix 8, I had been wearing the Epix Gen 2 for the previous year-and-a-half.

Physically, the Fenix 8 is nearly identical to the older Epix models. Slightly smaller bezel, slightly larger screen. And compared to my Epix Gen 2, I will say the screen on this Fenix looks just a touch sharper. It’s on par with the Epix Pro. So if you’ve used that, you know what to expect.

One of the first things you’ll notice with the Fenix 8 is a revamped user interface. It’s cleaner. More modern. And once you get the hang of it, it actually looks really good. If you’re coming from an older Epix, this feels like a nice upgrade without being jarring.

The Fenix 8 also introduced waterproof inductive buttons, which have a different feel to older models. It can be a little odd at first, but I’ve grown to really like this style.

Now, one thing I’ve always found frustrating about Garmin watches is their default watch faces. Coming from an Apple Watch, I missed the easy customization and being able to swipe through different layouts depending on what I was doing. With Garmin, that functionality is really clunky.

But with the Fenix 8 user interface, there are two meaningful improvements:

1. The new default face, called “Iron Grit,” is the best stock option I’ve seen from Garmin.
2. Customization is easier — both in terms of the data fields and the color schemes.

It took me just a couple of minutes to dial in a watch face that shows exactly what I want day-to-day.

So yeah, it’s not perfect, but it’s a lot better. And if you’re already familiar with Garmin’s UI, these tweaks won’t throw you off. The learning curve here is pretty minimal.

I recently tried Garmin’s new Venu X1. And its square, touchscreen-heavy design really leans into the Apple Watch vibe. Brilliant 2-inch display, super responsive. If sharpness and modern interaction matter to you, that’s worth noting.

Comparing the Fenix 8 and S70

As I’ve said, if you’re just looking for a golf watch, the Fenix 8 isn’t for you. This review is really for the small subset of people who want both a premium golf watch and a full-time fitness and smartwatch. And that’s exactly where this thing shines.

When it comes to golf-specific functionality, the Fenix 8 has everything the S70 does. PlaysLike distances, shot-tracking, club recommendations, compatibility with Garmin’s CT10 sensors, Z30 rangefinder integration — the Fenix 8 can do all of that.

Ok, almost all of it. It is not currently compatible with the new CT1 sensors. Those only work with the S70, S44 and S50.

But there are a few subtle differences that might matter to serious players:

• Buttons vs. Touchscreen: The S70 has three buttons and leans heavily on touchscreen navigation. The Fenix 8 has five buttons and gives you more control without relying on swipes or taps. If you prefer physical buttons, the Fenix layout is far superior.
• 1-18 Hole Bezel: One unique visual feature of the S70 that I really like is the bezel around the watch face, numbered 1-18. During a round, it visually tracks your performance hole-by-hole, something the Fenix doesn’t do.
• UI Tweaks: Entering stats on the S70 includes visual cues like arrows for fairways hit or missed. The Fenix skips that and leans more text-based. Minor detail, but some may prefer the S70’s cleaner, golf-forward design.
• Strap Design: The S70 features an integrated bracelet, which gives it a sleeker look but won’t lay flat. The Fenix 8 uses a traditional QuickFit band, which is easier to swap and lays flat when charging or sitting on a desk.
• Fitness Tracking: This is where the Fenix 8 leaves the S70 in its dust. The fitness suite is more robust than the S70. If you’re someone who works out, hikes, skis, or trains regularly, the Fenix gives you deeper insight and motivation.

So yes, for golf alone, these watches are nearly identical. But if you want more than just golf — if you want a full-featured multisport tool that also happens to be excellent for golf — the Fenix 8 becomes a lot more compelling.

And one more point — price. The S70 starts at $699. The Fenix 8 is $999 and up. That’s a hefty gap. But for the right user, the extra features and versatility might be worth it.

On the Course with the Fenix 8

The Fenix 8 is everything I expected it to be on the golf course. You get full-color maps, fast satellite lock, and GPS distances that are spot-on.

Tap the number on your screen and it toggles between raw yardages and enhanced PlaysLike distances.

Swipe up, and it shows you exactly what’s being factored into those calculations like slope, wind, temperature, and altitude.

That’s a level of nuance you used to only see in the S70. Now it’s baked into the Fenix 8, and it’s outstanding.

You also get smart visuals that help with club selection. On tee shots, you’ll see a projected landing line based on your average drive distance. On approach shots, the map displays a shaded landing zone to help you visualize where your ball is likely to end up.

Built-in shot tracking is here, and I can say it’s more reliable than it was on my older Epix Gen 2. It’s about on par with what I experienced on the S70. Which is to say, excellent.

And once you log five rounds, you unlock Garmin’s Virtual Caddie. This isn’t some generic club suggestion engine. This thing’s smart.

Say it knows you’re a disaster out of the bunkers. It’ll factor that into its suggestions, nudging you toward a club that avoids trouble. That kind of nuance? No other system I’ve tested does it quite like Garmin.

The watch does a great job of prompting for score entry and knows when you’ve moved to the next hole. And on the rare occasions when it gets confused, the menu makes it easy to switch holes manually.

Really, that’s where Garmin continues to shine. Menus are intuitive. Score adjustments, stat views, hole changes — they’re all really simple.

It’s the little things that separate Garmin from the pack. The Voice Caddie T11 Pro, for example, technically does most of what an S70 can do golf-wise, for less than half the price. But using it feels clunky by comparison. With Garmin, it just works.

If you’re someone who’s already in the Garmin ecosystem and using or interested in the Z30 rangefinder, the Fenix 8 pairs perfectly with that. You shoot the pin, and the Fenix 8 drops that flag position into your green view, which is super cool.

Now, let’s tie a bow on the golf stuff.

If you already own the Garmin S70 or the Epix Gen 2 and are eyeing the Fenix 8 strictly as a golf upgrade, you can save your money. There are some UI upgrades here, yes. Slight visual polish, more button navigation, a little extra zip. But golf-feature-wise? You’re not really gaining anything.

In fact, you’re losing one of my favorite things about the S70, which is the cool bezel that shows you what hole you’re on and how you’ve done on all of the previous holes. The ring of numbers from 1 to 18 is color-coded to reflect your score relative to par on each hole.

It’s a great at-a-glance way to track your round. Especially if you play Stableford or other alt formats.

The Fenix line doesn’t have that bezel feature, and neither did the Epix.

So here’s the decision tree:

• Just want GPS yardages and a scorecard? Save some cash. Get something like the Garmin S12 or S44.
• Want all the bells and whistles but are mostly focused on golf features? The S70 is the better value.
• Want elite golf functionality plus full-time smartwatch and fitness tracking That’s where the Fenix 8 earns its keep.

Fenix 8 vs. Epix Gen 2: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Alright, so let’s say you’ve checked all the boxes. You want something high-end. You want all the golf features. You want fitness tracking. You want it to look good on your wrist every day and maybe even some smartwatch things.

Great. You’re now down to a few legit options.

Option one is the Fenix 8. It starts at $999. The version I’ve been testing — the 47mm Sapphire model — is $1,099.

Option two is the older Epix Gen 2. That’s the watch I wore for more than a year. It’s possible to find one for around $600. And if you can, I’ll be honest with you, I think that might be a pretty smart buy.

The differences between the Fenix 8 and Epix Gen 2 are not quite as dramatic as I expected.

Yes, the Fenix 8 is better. It’s faster. The UI is more polished. The display’s a bit sharper. The golf experience has been refined. All great stuff, for sure.

But from a day-to-day standpoint? How I actually use the watch — mostly for golf, fitness tracking, and some basic smartwatch features — it’s not wildly different from the Epix Gen 2.

Here’s what the Fenix 8 adds:

• A new heart rate sensor that’s more accurate and responsive
• Built-in microphone (so you can take calls or use the assistant) (Also, Garmin’s latest Venu X1 gets this too, but with an even more Apple-like interface)
• Dive capability (yes, you can literally scuba dive with it)

Yes, those are real updates. And all the little stuff does add up to make the Fenix 8 and objectively better watch. But is it $400 to $500 better? That depends.

If you’re deep into Garmin’s ecosystem and want the best of everything, the Fenix 8 absolutely delivers. But if you’re looking to save a few bucks and still want a powerful, full-featured golf-and-fitness watch, the Epix Gen 2 is a steal if you can find one at the right price.

One quick note: There’s also the Epix Gen 2 Pro. That’s a newer model with some upgrades over the base Gen 2. I have seen it drop down to around $750 on PlayBetter.com, but I very rarely see the Pro models get all the way down into that $500 to $600 range. Basically the Gen 2 Pro is one generation old, and the Epix Gen 2 is 2 generations old.

So, for the higher price that you’ll find with the Epix Gen 2 Pro, I’d recommend just springing for the Fenix 8.

The Everyday Fenix 8 Experience

Let’s talk day-to-day with the Fenix 8.

Because yes, it’s a killer golf watch. But if you’re spending $1,000 on a wearable, you probably care about more than just your yardages.

So here’s a rundown of what it’s actually been like to live with this thing on my wrist every day.

First up is the matter of stability. Before launch, I saw a handful of threads and forum posts complaining about buggy software with the Fenix 8. That made me nervous.

But, honestly, I’ve had almost zero issues. There have been a couple of software updates, and the only hiccup I noticed came during a run where I raced a previous time. A few metrics got weird. But aside from that very niche scenario, no crashes, no lag. It’s been rock solid.

Battery life has been insane. After a full charge, I went eight straight days before topping it off. That included two rounds of golf, sleep tracking every night, at least one workout a day, and generally being on the watch a lot as I got to know it better.

That extended battery life is hands-down one of the biggest quality-of-life upgrades over switching from an Apple Watch.

Then there are the little wins. Those UX touches that make a watch like this fun to wear.

I’ve got a daily goal for both steps and floors climbed, and with the new AMOLED screen, it’s super easy to see my progress. When you double your target, the watch gives you a little celebration graphic. A small thing, but satisfying.

Where Apple Watch stops at “feels good,” Garmin keeps going. The Fenix 8 gives you actual health and fitness depth. Acute load. Body battery. Recovery time. HRV status. Training readiness. All the things that help me not just track activity but optimize it.

It’s how well Garmin does the fitness and wellness stuff that got me off the Apple Watch to begin with. And the Fenix 8 nails the balance between engagement and insight. It’s fun, it’s motivating, and it doesn’t dumb anything down.

So if you’re the type of person who geeks out on data and genuinely wants to use your watch to become a healthier, more dialed-in version of yourself, the Fenix 8 is absolutely worth your serious consideration.

But…

For the last month, I’ve personally switched from the Fenix 8 to the X1, and honestly? I think it’s going to be a permanent move.

You get nearly everything the Fenix has, plus a bigger, better display, and super thin form factor.

The downsides? Battery life isn’t as good. It doesn’t have multiband GPS. And it doesn’t have an EKG built in.

I also don’t love that it only has 2 buttons, but using the touch screen has been more enjoyable on this watch than any other Garmin I’ve used.

One Big Frustration (and a Small One)

As much as I’ve enjoyed using the Fenix 8, it’s not without its quirks.

Let’s start with the big one: Heart rate accuracy. Or, more specifically, early-run heart rate accuracy.

This was a problem I had with the Epix 2, and unfortunately, it hasn’t gone away. At the beginning of nearly every run, my heart rate data just lags. It’ll climb to 120-125 bpm and then just stall there, even as I’m ramping up effort. And then, suddenly, it’ll spike to 165-170 bpm, where it should’ve been the whole time.

That delay can skew your training metrics and mess with things like load and recovery suggestions. It’s frustrating. I’ve tried adjusting the fit. I’ve tried repositioning. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn’t.

And while it seems like this issue is isolated to the early minutes of running, it’s still something I hoped this newer model would fix. So far, it hasn’t.

Now, a smaller gripe: screenshots and voice memos.

Yes, you can now take both directly from the watch. Cool feature in theory. But actually getting them off the watch hasn’t been a smooth process at all. If you’re using a PC, it’s not too bad. But on a Mac? Good luck. You’ll need third-party software just to get the watch recognized as a drive.

It’s the kind of thing that should be solvable with a Garmin Connect app update. Ideally, you’d just open the app and have access to your voice memos and screenshots right there. But until that happens, it’s a neat feature with some friction.

None of this is deal-breaking. But at this price point and given how polished the rest of the watch is, these are the types of small things you notice.

Why This Watch Works for Me

At the end of the day, I think the biggest thing I’ve taken away from my time with the Fenix 8 isn’t just about the watch itself. It’s how much I’ve enjoyed continuing to use the Garmin ecosystem.

Garmin Connect, the app that brings it all together, got a big refresh this past year. And it shows. It’s cleaner, more customizable, and frankly just more fun to use. All of your data is right there. Easy to access. Easy to understand. And really helpful when you’re trying to make informed decisions about your health and fitness.

I’ve gone all in. I’ve added the Garmin Index S2 scale. The blood pressure monitor. Everything syncs seamlessly. And for the first time, I feel like I’m getting a full picture of where I’m at, day to day, in a way that’s really insightful.

The Fenix 8 takes everything I loved about the Epix Gen 2 and just makes it better. Not dramatically better. But subtly, meaningfully better. The screen is a little sharper. The UI is a little more polished. The whole experience feels a little more refined.

As someone who uses a smartwatch for golf, for fitness, for daily productivity — and who genuinely enjoys geeking out over performance data, this is the best smartwatch I’ve ever used.

Now, if you’re upgrading from an Epix 2, don’t expect a transformational leap. The day-to-day difference isn’t huge. But if you’re like me and your watch has become your second brain, your personal trainer, your wellness dashboard, then this upgrade will absolutely feel worthwhile.

Final Thoughts: Is the Fenix 8 Worth It?

So… should you spend $1,100 on a golf watch?

Probably not.

Not unless you’re looking for more than just a golf watch.

If your only concern is yardages and scorekeeping, there are great options like Garmin’s own S12 or S44, or even the T11 Pro from Voice Caddie. Those watches cost a fraction of this and still get those more limited jobs of basic tracking done beautifully.

But if you’re like me — if you’re serious about your health, if you want one device that seamlessly tracks your fitness, your sleep, your stress, your golf rounds, and your overall performance — then yeah.

I mean, really, the Fenix 8 is kind of mind-blowing. It’s the most complete package I’ve ever used in a smartwatch. And the fact that it also happens to be one of the best golf watches on the market, is just a really nice bonus.

If you’re willing to pay a premium for all of that in one sleek, powerful, durable package, I 100 percent recommend it.

If $1,100 feels like a stretch, I’d point you to the Epix Gen 2. It’s not the shiny new toy anymore, but it’s still exceptional. It does 90 percent of what the Fenix 8 does, for almost half the price. Assuming you can find one for the price you want.

If you want a built-in golf map, a bright screen, a modern touchscreen feel and can live without multiband GPS or long battery cycles, Garmin’s new Venu X1 might be the sweet spot. It’s not quite as feature-rich as the Fenix 8, but it’s sleeker, visually stunning, and still a top-tier Garmin golf watch.

And if you just want a world-class watch that puts golf front and center while still doing an impressive job with somewhat advanced fitness and smartwatch features, grab the Garmin S70. It’s still the gold standard for dedicated golf wearables.

So, the Fenix 8 certainly isn’t for everyone. But if it’s for you, you’re going to love it.

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If you want elite golf performance and serious fitness tracking in one device, the Fenix 8 delivers. Just know there are other options that might fit you better.

9.2 Excellent

The Fenix 8 gives you everything you could want in a golf watch. But it does so much more than that. Which is why, it's not a good choice for those looking for a golf-first-and-foremost watch. There's no need to spend this much money. But if you're looking for it all? Yeah, you want to pay attention to this one.

The Good

1. Full S70-level golf feature set with better button layout
2. Industry-best multisport and health tracking
3. Massive battery life - 8+ days even with daily use
4. Gorgeous AMOLED screen, sharper than Epix Gen 2
5. Integrates seamlessly with Garmin's expanding ecosystem

The Bad

1. Expensive, especially compared to older Epix models
2. Heart rate still lags early in runs
3. Transferring screenshots and voice memos is clunky
4. Lacks the visual golf-tracking bezel of the S70

• Presentation 9
• Performance 9
• Quality and Features 10
• Price 8
• Personal Affinity 10