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You are here: Home / Cycling Reviews / Average Joe Cyclist Product Reviews / 6 Differences between the Garmin Edge 820 and 520 Bike Computers

6 Differences between the Garmin Edge 820 and 520 Bike Computers

February 23, 2017 by Average Joe Cyclist

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Here is a post that very clearly shows the differences between Garmin Edge 820 and 520. I start this post with a chart comparing all features of the Garmin Edge 820 and 520, and then I discuss the 9 key differences between them. Then I wrap it up with another chart that shows only the differences between the two bike computers, so you can see the key differences between the Garmin Edge 820 and 520 at a glance.

Note: this post was updated after posting. Garmin often brings in new features with a new unit update, and then later updates the other units with the spanking new features. This happened with the Garmin Edge 820 – it came with a lot of exciting new features, and many of these have now been shared with the Edge 520 via software updates. As a result, this post started its life as “9 Differences between the Garmin Edge 820 and 520 “, and is now “6 Differences between the Garmin Edge 820 and 520 “!

Chart Comparing Key Features of the Garmin Edge 820 vs 520

 Garmin Edge 820 table(2)Garmin Edge 520
Big pictureGreat for training AND navigation. Color touchscreenGreat for training but not for navigation. Buttons, not touchscreen. Color
Lowest Price on Amazon Right Now:$349.99$199.99
Unit Size1.9” x 2.9” x 0.8”
(49.0 x 73.0 x 21.0 mm)
1.9” x 2.9” x 0.8”
(49.0 x 73.0 x 21.0 mm)
Display resolution, W x H200 x 265 pixels; color200 x 265 pixels; color
Screen size2.3" (58.4 mm) diagonal, high res2.3" (58.4 mm) diagonal, high res
TouchscreenYesNo, buttons
Water ratingIPX7 (able to withstand immersion in water up to 1 m - 3.2 feet - for up to 30 mins)IPX7
Weight2.4 oz (67.7 g)2.1 oz (60 g)
Battery lifeUp to 15 hoursUp to 15 hours
Battery save mode available (powers down the screen but continues to record your ride)?YesYes
History that can be stored on unitUp to 200 hours of historyUp to 180 hours of history
Garmin Edge Remote Control supportYesyes
Round-trip routing (input a starting point and distance, and the Edge will suggest up to 3 bike ride options)YesYes
Out front mount (as well as original quarter turn)?YesYes
Is the screen responsive to level of ambient lightYesNo
CONNECTIVITY
Incident alert? (to tell your spouse if you have an accident)Yes. Can be switched off if you are uninjuredYes. Can be switched off if you are uninjured
Compatible with Garmin Varia Vision and Garmin Varia Rearview Radar Tail Light?YesYes
Unit-to-unit transfer (shares data wirelessly with similar units)YesNo
Automatic sync (automatically transfers data to your computer)YesYes
Relive and share your rides with Garmin Connect™ (online community where you can analyze, categorize and share data)YesYes
Smart phone Connected features (depends on having a Bluetooth enabled smartphone, and you may have to install the Garmin Connect mobile app on your phone)Yes - Live Tracking, Group Tracking, send/receive courses, workouts and training plans wirelessly, social media sharing, weather updates in real time, smart notifications (texts and calls)Yes - Live Tracking, send/receive courses, workouts and training plans wirelessly, social media sharing, weather updates in real time, smart notifications (texts and calls)
Automatically send your activity to Garmin Connect as soon as you finish recordingYesYes
Live tracking (allows others to follow your activities in real time, if you invite them)YesYes
Group tracking (GroupTrack is an extension of Garmin’s LiveTrack feature, where your friends or family can follow you on a computer. With GroupTrack, you can have this same visibility, but from your handlebars. The idea is that you can meet up or just keep digital track of your cycling companions)YesNo
BlueTooth to connect wirelessly to smartphone and upload data?YesYes
Accepts data cardsNo - there is no micro-SD card slot. However, it has 16 GB of internal memory, so you are unlikely to need a cardNo
Connect IQ™ compatible?YesYes
CYCLING AND TRAINING FEATURES
Advanced training featuresAdvanced performance and power analysis (if you are using a heart rate monitor and a power meter), including VO2 max, Recovery Time Advisor, FTP (Functional Threshold Power) tracking, Time in Zone, and recovery (Recovery Time advisor)Advanced performance and power analysis (if you are using a heart rate monitor and a power meter), including VO2 max, Recovery Time Advisor, FTP (Functional Threshold Power) tracking, Time in Zone, and recovery (Recovery Time advisor)
Training calendar (The calendar on your device is an extension of the training calendar or schedule you set up in Garmin Connect. After you have added a few workouts or courses to the Garmin Connect calendar, you can send them to your device)YesNo
Stress score (requires HR monitor)YesYes
Courses (compete against previous activities)Yes (compete against your previous time by entering the % you want to improve by, then race your virtual partner; or enter a shorter time that you want to achieve)Yes (compete against your previous time by entering the % you want to improve by, then race your virtual partner; or enter a shorter time that you want to achieve)
Virtual Partner® (train against a digital person)YesYes
Advanced workouts (create custom, goal-oriented workouts)YesYes
Time/distance alert (triggers alarm when you reach goal)YesYes
Interval training (set up exercise and rest intervals)YesYes
Garmin Connect Real-Time segmentsYesYes
Download Strava Real-Time segments?Yes, if you have Strava premiumYes, if you have Strava premium
Auto upload your rides to Strava?Yes, once you sync your Garmin Connect account with StravaYes, once you sync your Garmin Connect account with Strava
Heart rate-based calorie computationYesYes
Optional heart rate, speed/cadence and power meter?YesYes
Can you use it for indoor training?Yes. And you can recreate outdoor rides for the indoors, using apps such as TrainerRoad synced with your Garmin Connect accountYes. And you can recreate outdoor rides for the indoors, using apps such as TrainerRoad synced with your Garmin Connect account
CONNECTIVITY
Can add a third-party compatible ANT+ sensor as a power meter?YesYes
Can be paired with wireless ANT+ Heart Rate monitor?YesYes
Bike speed/cadence sensorYesYes
Shimano Di2 gearing informationYesYes
Activity profiles - store preferences for different cycling activities (For example, you can create a separate activity profile for training, for racing, and for mountain biking. The activity profile includes customized data pages, activity totals, alerts, training zones (such as heart rate and speed), training settings (such as Auto Pause® and Auto Lap®), and navigation settings)YesYes
Auto Scroll (cycles through data pages during workout)YesYes
MAPS AND NAVIGATION
GPS enabled? (this is the Global Positioning System, the US satellite navigation system)YesYes
GLONASS enabled? (this is the GLObal NAVigation Satellite System, the Russian satellite navigation system)YesYes
Distance, speed, ascent/descent and GPS positionYesYes
Navigation?Yes - once you pick a location, it will guide you to that locationNo, but you can upload a breadcrumbs course and then follow that. When doing that, you do get turn notifications, plus an alert if you go off course
Turn-by-turn guidance?Yes - much like a car GPS, it will warn you a turn is coming, and tell you when to turn (with text and a beep)Yes, for courses you have downloaded from your computer
Preloaded basemap?Yes, preloaded Garmin Cycle Map with bike-specific navigation so it can give you turn-by-turn navigation instructionsYes, but very basic. It's just to give you a rough idea of where you are
Ability to add maps, such as optional City Navigator® maps or Open Street maps or topographical maps?YesYes
Live trackingYesYes
Points of Interest (POIs) specifically for cyclistsRequires optional City Navigator® maps to access general points of interestNo
Plan and download new routes to follow (a route is a sequence of waypoints that leads you to your final destination)You can upload routes you create elsewhere, and follow them; plus you can also enter in an address on the computer itself and it will create a routeYes. The Edge 520 lets you upload routes you create elsewhere, and follow them, using pretty basic breadcrumb directions
Barometric altimeter (to tell you your elevation)YesYes
Temperature (displays and records temperature while you ride)YesYes

As you can see, both of these Garmin Edge bike computers have tons of features, and are in fact very similar. Both are optimized for bike training, and both are premium, rugged bike computers. Both can be paired with an impressive range of sensors. They are identical in size, although the Edge 820 is very slightly heavier. Both have color screens.

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Differences between the Garmin Edge 820 and the Garmin Edge 520

There are 9 key differences between the Garmin Edge 820 and the Garmin Edge 520. This picture shows two views of the Edge 820 on the left, and two views of the Edge 520 on the right. Both have beautiful color screens and tons of shared features, including top-of-class training features
This picture shows two views of the Edge 820 on the left, and two views of the Edge 520 on the right. Both have beautiful color screens and tons of shared features, including top-of-class training features

Physical Differences between the Garmin Edge 820 and the Garmin Edge 520

Difference #1: The Edge 520 does not have a touch screen, while the 820 does

Interestingly, the Edge 510 had a touch screen, and the Edge 520 reverted to buttons. Apart from that, the 520 was a massive upgrade on the 510. Garmin never said why it went back to the buttons on the 520. However, it is a known fact that some users have complained of problems with the touch screen when using Garmin Edge bike computers in the rain.

With this difference, it comes down to what you like. Personally, I find buttons easier to use when wearing gloves. However, many people prefer working with touch screens.

Difference #2: Maps on the Garmin Edge 820 vs. the Garmin Edge 520

This is another major difference. The Garmin Edge 820 comes preloaded with a Garmin Cycle Map with bike-specific navigation so it can help you with navigation. By contrast, the Edge 520 comes with the most basic of maps, which does little more than give you a rough idea of where you are (planet, country, city). Note however that you can add maps to both the 820 and the 520.

Difference #3: Navigation with the Garmin Edge 820 vs the Garmin Edge 520

The Edge 820 will give you turn-by-turn navigation instructions to a saved address or an address you have just requested. Or to a cycling-specific POI (point of interest). For example, it will alert you of an upcoming turn with a beep, and if you look at it, you will see text saying something like: “Turn right on Main St in 50 feet.” If you miss the turn, it will beep at you quite manically. However, if you ignore that, it will recalculate the route.

The Edge 520 cannot calculate routes. However, you can upload a breadcrumbs course and then follow that. When doing that, you do get turn notifications, plus an alert if you go off course. Also, thanks to software upgrades, the Garmin Edge 520 can now give you turn-by-turn navigation instructions on routes you have downloaded, as shown in this video:

Unique Features on the Garmin Edge 820

The Garmin Edge 820 is a newer bike computer, and was rolled out with a lot of new features. The Edge 820 introduced several brand new features that the Edge 520 did not have, including Group Track, Incident Alert, Battery Save Mode, and Stress Score. It was also rolled out with compatibility with Connect IQ. Thanks to software updates, the Edge 520 now has almost all of those features (except for Group Track and Battery Save Mode),

Take a look at my unboxing the Garmin Edge 820 video below, in which I show all that comes in the box (if you get the Edge 820 bundle), how to set it up, and the immediately obvious changes in appearance and menu options on this upgraded unit.

Difference #4: GroupTrack on the Garmin Edge 820

The Garmin Edge 820 was the first Garmin Edge bike computer to offer the GroupTrack feature. This lets you pair your device through Garmin Connect with other people’s compatible devices, so you can see where your riding buddies are, right on your bike computer screen. This could be handy if, for example, your wife leaves you in the dust and you need to try and catch up (yes, this has happened to me – thanks, Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist)!

Note that the other cyclists do not need to have an Edge 820 or Edge Explore 820 – they can make themselves visible to you if they have any connected, LiveTrack-compatible Edge or Forerunner. Here’s a video that shows you how the Garmin Edge GroupTrack feature works:

The Garmin Edge 820 (left) and the Garmin Edge 520 (right) are exactly the same size. Both of them took up very little space on my handlebars
The Garmin Edge 820 (left) and the Garmin Edge 520 (right) are exactly the same size. Both of them take up very little space on my handlebars
Here is my Garmin Edge 820 on my handlebars. Like the Garmin Edge 520, it is slim, small, and very good looking. AND both of them can alert your significant other if you have an accident. I love that ...
Here is my Garmin Edge 820 on my handlebars. Like the Garmin Edge 520, it is slim, small, and very good looking. AND both of them can alert your significant other if you have an accident. I love that …

Difference #5: Battery Save Mode on the Garmin Edge 820

To me, this was the most useful new feature on the Garmin Edge 820. If you are worried about losing battery power, just put the bike computer into battery save mode. The screen will blank out, but it will keep recording your ride. You can bring the screen back to life at any time. This extends the battery life by several hours. The Edge 520 does not have this feature.

Difference #6: Weight

The Garmin Edge 820 is slightly heavier than the Garmin Edge 520 – 2.4 oz (67.7 g) vs 2.1 oz (60 g). However, I am not sure if there is anyone in the world who could feel that difference. Ant Man, perhaps?

So, those are the 6 key differences between the Garmin Edge 820 and 520. There are other minor differences: for example, the 820 will store 200 hours of history, vs 180 hours on the Edge 520.

Here are all of the differences, handily summed up in this chart. This is basically the chart at the top of the post, edited down to only the rows that have differences.

Chart Showing the Differences between Garmin Edge 820 and 520

 Garmin Edge 820 table(2)Garmin Edge 520
Big pictureGreat for training AND navigation. Color touchscreenGreat for training but not for navigation. Buttons, not touchscreen. Color
Lowest Price on Amazon Right Now:$349.99$199.99
Display resolution, W x H200 x 265 pixels; color200 x 265 pixels; color
TouchscreenYesNo, buttons
Weight2.4 oz (67.7 g)2.1 oz (60 g)
Battery save mode available?Yes ( powers down the screen but continues to record your ride)No
History that can be stored on unitUp to 200 hours of historyUp to 180 hours of history
Is the screen responsive to level of ambient lightYesNo
CONNECTIVITY
Incident alert? (to tell your spouse if you have an accident)Yes. Can be switched off if you are uninjuredYes. Can be switched off if you are uninjured
Group tracking (GroupTrack is an extension of Garmin’s LiveTrack feature, where your friends or family can follow you on a computer. With GroupTrack, you can have this same visibility, but from your handlebars. The idea is that you can meet up or just keep digital track of your cycling companions)YesNo
Connect IQ™ compatible?YesYes
CYCLING AND TRAINING FEATURES
Stress score (requires HR monitor)YesYes
MAPS AND NAVIGATION
Navigation?Yes - once you pick a location, it will guide you to that locationNo, it cannot figure out how to get to places. However, you can upload a breadcrumbs course and then follow that. When doing that, you do get turn notifications, plus an alert if you go off course
Turn-by-turn guidance?Yes - much like a car GPS, it will warn you a turn is coming, and tell you when to turn (with text and a beep)Yes, for courses you have downloaded from your computer
Preloaded basemap?Yes, preloaded Garmin Cycle Map with bike-specific navigation so it can give you turn-by-turn navigation instructionsYes, but very basic. It's just to give you a rough idea of where you are
Ability to add maps, such as optional City Navigator® maps or Open Street maps or topographical maps?YesYes
Points of Interest (POIs) specifically for cyclistsRequires optional City Navigator® maps to access general points of interestNo
Plan and download new routes to follow (a route is a sequence of waypoints that leads you to your final destination)Yes. You can upload routes you create elsewhere, and follow them; plus you can also enter in an address on the computer itself and it will create a routeYes. The Edge 520 lets you upload routes you create elsewhere, and follow them, using pretty basic breadcrumb directions

Bottom Line on the Differences between Garmin Edge 820 and 520

Either one of these bike computers is excellent if you jut want to train smart with a premium bike computer. However, if you want great maps and route calculation and navigation then the Edge 820 is certainly the right choice.

Also, a key issue is whether you prefer button control or touch screen control. If you prefer buttons, the Edge 520 is for you. If a touchscreen is a must, you will be happier with the Edge 820.

It’s a tough choice, but someone has to make it. Good luck, and have fun!

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Average Joe CyclistWelcome to our blog! I’m Joe Goodwill, an average cyclist, and I write a blog for people like me. People who love cycling but will probably never win any races, and who don’t necessarily look good in Lycra! I also write the Electric Bikes Blog and Average Joe's RV Living Blog. To find our most popular posts, check out our Start Here page.

Mrs Average Joe Cyclist - MaggieHi! I'm Maggie Neilson (aka Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist). Joe and I have done a lot of cycling, and we share what we have learned on this blog . We also write reviews of cycling products and trails! Get to know us better HERE.

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