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Which is the Best Garmin Edge Bike Computer?

March 13, 2022 by Average Joe Cyclist Leave a Comment

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Avatarwp-user-avatar wp-user-avatar-96 photo“Which is the best Garmin Edge bike computer?” That’s a question we hear a lot! In this post, we attempt to answer this important and complicated question. Our answer comes down to you: the best Garmin Edge bike computer for you, depends on what kind of cyclist you are.

What Kind of Cyclist Are You?

The key to finding the best Garmin Edge bike computer is to start by looking at your own needs. See which type of cyclist is the best match for you, and then check out our recommendations.

But first, a chart that sums it all up. If you want MUCH more detail, we also include a chart at the end of this post that compares all of the features of all of the recommended Garmin Edge bike computers.

Chart Showing Which is the Best Garmin Edge Bike Computer

Type of CyclistRecommended Garmin EdgePriceNotes
Beginner Cyclist
Garmin Edge 130 Plus
Garmin Edge 130 Plus. Button Control. Best Price on Amazon Right Now: $199.99This excellent and affordable bike computer will cover all the bases to get you started on a lifelong marathon of enjoying cycling and getting fitter
Extremely Keen Cyclist Aspiring to be Even Better
Garmin Edge 530
Garmin Edge 530. Button Control. Usually around $300. But please click here to see the Current Sale Price on AmazonPremium bike computer that will record all your rides & cycling metrics, and upload them. Much more affordable than the top-of-the-line 1030 Plus
Bike Commuter
Garmin Edge 830
Garmin Edge 830. Touch Screen. Best Price on Amazon Right Now: $399.99Premium bike computer that will record all your rides & cycling metrics, and upload them. Plus, it will help you find your way to any place
Bike Commuter with not-so-great eyesight (possibly older)
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus. Touch Screen. Usually around $600. Please click here to see the Best Price on Amazon Right NowTop-of-the-line bike computer that will do absolutely everything, AND has a much bigger screen
Bike Tourer
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus. Touch Screen. Usually around $600. Please click here to see the Best Price on Amazon Right NowThis one ships preloaded maps of North America and Europe. Plus it is a top-of-the-line bike computer that will do absolutely everything, AND has a much bigger screen
Mountain Biker
Garmin Edge 530
Garmin Edge 530. Button Control. Usually around $300. But please click here to see the Current Sale Price on AmazonShips with every possible feature a mountain biker could want, including Trailforks (130,000 trail maps preloaded). Not too big, so it will be snug and safe on your handlebars while you are flying through the air

Which is the Best Garmin Edge Bike Computer for a Beginner Cyclist?

Are you a beginner cyclist? If this is you, you ride your bike one to three times a week, mainly for fun. Perhaps you sometimes take your kids for a bike ride. You think about starting to ride to work one day. You especially think about it when you are stuck in traffic! You may have noticed that cycling is making you fitter, and you are starting to think that maybe you should cycle a bit more. Maybe you should track your rides and performance, and start to see some impressive fitness gains?

Are you a beginner cyclist, having fun on a bike, and looking forward to the health and fitness gains of cycling? Which is the Best Garmin Edge Bike Computer?
Are you a beginner cyclist, having fun on a bike, and looking forward to the health and fitness gains of cycling?


If this is you, we would recommend you check out the bottom-of-the-line Garmin Edge bike computer – which just happens to be an awesome bike computer in a small, affordable package. It does most of what the more expensive Garmin Edge bike computers do. It will be more than enough to get you really well launched into taking your cycling to the next level.

You operate this bike computer with  buttons, not a touch screen. Unlike the others in the range, the screen is black and white. However, it is crystal clear and easy to read in all ambient light conditions.

The Garmin Edge 130 Plus will do almost everything the more expensive bike computers in the Garmin Edge line-up will do. Which is the Best Garmin Edge Bike Computer?
The Garmin Edge 130 Plus will do almost everything the more expensive bike computers in the Garmin Edge line-up will do


Features of the Garmin Edge 130 Plus

The Garmin Edge 130 Plus is small, compact, and intuitively easy-to-use. The range of training options and available data on this bike computer is pretty much unbeatable at this price.

It is a great buy if you have tons of useful sensor information, user profiles, etc., on an older Garmin unit. If you are anything like me, the auto syncing to your new computer will put a big smile on your face!

Also amazing at this price, it comes with the very cool ClimbPro feature pre-loaded. Many cyclists find this a must for planning hilly bike rides.

Note: If you might want to start using a Power Meter one day, rather go for a Garmin Edge 530. The Edge 130 Plus does not support power meters.

Related Post: Garmin Edge 130 Plus vs Bryton Rider 15 Neo – Battle of the Entry-Level Giants

Are You an Extremely Keen Cyclist who Wants to Improve Further?

If this is you, you are most likely the fittest person on your block. You look great (or you are getting there), you cycle every day, and you love it. Most likely you do other exercise as well. You watch what you eat. You either have started doing bike races, or you aspire to get there. Your idea of weekend fun is a group bike ride. Or a 50-mile ride on your own.

Are you an Extremely Keen Cyclist who Wants to Improve Further? Which is the Best Garmin Edge Bike Computer?
Are you an Extremely Keen Cyclist who Wants to Improve Further?

In this case, we recommend the top choice of most bike computer reviewers – and our top choice too: the Garmin Edge 530. With almost every possible feature, this model looks like pretty much the best bike computer ever. And it is less than half the price of the top-of-the-line Garmin.

Why did we say “almost every possible feature”? Because you cannot input addresses onto the unit and have it calculate a route for you. If you want it to give you navigation advice, you have to download the route ahead of time. Or, use the Yelp app that is included.

Once you download routes, the navigation assistance is just as good as that offered by the top-of-the-line Edge 1030 Plus. You get turn-by-turn prompts, alerts if you go off course, and assistance with getting back on course.

Features built into the Garmin Edge 530. Which is the Best Garmin Edge Bike Computer?
Features built into the Garmin Edge 530


Features of the Garmin Edge 530

The Garmin Edge 530 is a premium bike computer with tons of features that will be more than enough for most cyclists. And the cherry on the top is that it is at an attractive price point, relative to the 1030 Plus and 830 ($273). This one is for you if you want absolutely premium bike training features in a small, light, affordable package, and you like the convenience of turn-by-turn directions. But you do not need your bike computer to calculate routes on the fly for you. It cannot find addresses. In practice, you are mainly limited to courses you download in advance.

The Edge 530 is suitable if you are more into button control than touchscreen control.

And if you do extremely long rides, then the Edge 530 is ideal, thanks to excellent battery life (20 hours). Plus, you have the option to plug in the extra Garmin Charge power pack to extend to more than 40 hours.


Related Post: Garmin Edge 530 vs 830: What’s the Difference?

Are You a Bike Commuter?

If this is you, you got into cycling more years ago than you can remember. And you love it! Plus, you have discovered that cycling is one of the best ways to get from A to B. You love that feeling of darting through cars that are standing still. You love how invigorated you feel when you get to work. And you love that you have never been in better shape in your life. And maybe you are looking forward to exploring all kinds of new areas and routes on your bike?

Which is the Best Garmin Edge Bike Computer? Are you a Bike Commuter?
Are you a Bike Commuter?

If this is you, we definitely recommend the Garmin Edge 830. This will record all your rides and all your cycling metrics, and upload them wherever you are. More importantly, it will help you find your way to any place you want to go. It works just like a GPS in a car. You just plug in an address, and it will direct you there. This will include turn-by-turn prompts, and also warnings when you get off route. Plus help in re-routing when required.

Unlike a car GPS, the Edge 830 has an invisible but important layer – Garmin heat maps. Basically, this is data derived from recorded rides by real cyclists, which tells Garmin which routes are most popular with cyclists. This enables the unit to calculate a route for you that is more cyclist-friendly.

You operate this one with a touch screen.

The Garmin Edge 830 on Maggie's bike. Which is the Best Garmin Edge Bike Computer?
The Garmin Edge 830 on Maggie’s bike


Features of the Garmin Edge 830 Plus

In a nutshell, the Garmin Edge 830 is for you if:

  • you want absolutely premium bike training features in a small, light, package; and
  • connectivity with every possible sensor, smart notifications, and the latest apps; and
  • you also want premium mapping and navigation features; and
  • you prefer touchscreen control.

Related Post: Garmin Edge 830 vs 820: What’s the Difference?

Are You a Bike Commuter who is Getting Older?

This could be you, if you are exactly the same as the bike commuter cyclist above, but your eyesight is not as good as it used to be.

Are you a Bike Commuter who is Getting Older? Which is the Best Garmin Edge Bike Computer?
Are you a Bike Commuter who is Getting Older?

In this case, the flagship Garmin Edge 1030 Plus could be the best Garmin Edge bike computer for you. This is because it has a substantially bigger screen, making it very easy to see in any conditions. The diagonal screen size is a whopping 3.6 inches, making it almost an inch bigger than the 830.

You operate this one with a touch screen.

This graphic shows you the relative sizes of the 530 (left), 1030 Plus (center), and 830 (right). Which is the Best Garmin Edge Bike Computer?
This graphic shows you the relative sizes of the 530 (left), 1030 Plus (center), and 830 (right)


Related Post: Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030. What’s the Difference?

Features of the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus

This bike computer is the best choice if you are a truly dedicated cyclist who wants it all – premium training and premium navigation. With a big screen to make it easy to see the maps. And free pre-loaded maps for North America and Europe.

Naturally,  the Edge 1030 Plus has true turn-by-turn navigation built into it, right out of the box. And full-feature navigation  (that is, you can input addresses into the unit while you are riding, and then navigate to them with turn-by-turn directions).

It also has awesome training features, of course. And a bunch of attractive features, such as increased storage, longer battery life, improved Live Tracking, Daily Workout guidance, etc.

Basically, this one has it all. And it has an excellent touch screen, too.

Are You a Bike Tourer?

Are you one of those brave and adventurous people who likes to explore the world on a bike? Perhaps with panniers stuffed with essentials and a tent? If so, first of all: hats off to you. Second, our recommendation would definitely be the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus.

Are you a Bike Tourer? Which is the Best Garmin Edge Bike Computer?
Are you a Bike Tourer?

This premium GPS bike computer sports a huge screen, making it easier to use the navigation system (which includes route calculation, turn-by-turn prompts, and advanced re-routing options). Plus, It ships fully loaded with free, high-quality, world maps.

The Garmin Edge 1030 Plus will help you find your way, no matter where you are going. Which is the Best Garmin Edge Bike Computer?
The Garmin Edge 1030 Plus will help you find your way, no matter where you are going


Features of the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus

This bike computer is the best choice if you are a truly dedicated bike tourer who wants it all – premium training plus premium navigation. With a big screen to make it easy to see the maps. And free pre-loaded maps for North America and Europe. Plus, you can download more maps for free.

Naturally,  the Edge 1030 Plus has true turn-by-turn navigation built into it, right out of the box. And it has full-feature navigation  (that is, you can input addresses into the unit while you are riding, and then navigate to them with turn-by-turn directions).

Basically, this one is perfect for bike tourers. And it has an excellent touch screen, too.

Related Post: 7 Great BUDGET Bikes You Can Buy on Amazon – Road, Mountain, Cruiser, Hybrid and Comfort Bikes

Are You a Mountain Biker?

Are you one of those people who likes to fearlessly explore remote trails? Or maybe even negotiate technical trails, occasionally sailing through the air on your bike? If so, first of all: respect!

Are you a Mountain Biker? Which is the Best Garmin Edge Bike Computer?
Are you a Mountain Biker?

Second, we would recommend the Garmin Edge 530. This is pretty much the best bang-for-your-buck premium bike computer on the market today. It comes preloaded with Garmin’s entire range of mountain biking features, including Trailforks (130,000 trail maps preloaded), plus mountain biking metrics (grit rating, flow rating, hang time).

At the same time, it is not excessively large, so it can fit snugly on your handlebars while you flying through the air.

Focus on the ride, NOT on hoping your bike computer will stay in place. The Garmin Edge is a powerful but compact option for mountain bikers. Which is the Best Garmin Edge Bike Computer?
Focus on the ride, NOT on hoping your bike computer will stay in place. The Garmin Edge is a powerful but compact option for mountain bikers


Features of the Garmin Edge 530 Plus

The Garmin Edge 530 is a premium bike computer with tons of features that will be more than enough for most cyclists. And the cherry on the top is that it is at an attractive price point, relative to the 1030 Plus and 830 ($273). This one is for you if you want absolutely premium bike training features in a small, light, affordable package, and you like the convenience of turn-by-turn directions. But you do not need your bike computer to calculate routes on the fly for you. It cannot find addresses. In practice, you are mainly limited to courses you download in advance.

The Edge 530 is suitable if you are more into button control than touchscreen control.

And if you are going to be out on the mountains for hours, then the Edge 530 is ideal, thanks to excellent battery life (20 hours). Plus, you have the option to plug in the extra Garmin Charge power pack to extend to more than 40 hours.


Related Post: All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared: 130 Plus vs Edge Explore vs Edge 530 vs Edge 830 vs Edge 1030 Plus

Bottom Line on Which is the Best Garmin Edge Bike Computer

Like everything else in life, it comes down to who you are, and what you need. Good luck with finding the perfect bike computer to match your own personal cycling life. If you are still uncertain, please use the chart below to compare every detail of the Garmin Edge bike computers we have recommended in this post.

Chart Comparing Garmin Edge 130 Plus vs. 530 vs. 830 vs. 1030 Plus

Garmin Edge 130 Plus
Garmin Edge 530
Garmin Edge 830
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Best Price right now on AmazonBest Price on Amazon Right Now: $199.99Usually around $300. But please click here to see the Current Sale Price on AmazonBest Price on Amazon Right Now: $399.99Usually around $600. Please click here to see the Best Price on Amazon Right Now
Best For?Cyclists who want a premium bike computer in a budget, compact unit; and who don't need much navigation help; must be OK with black & white & with button control (not touch screen)Cyclists who want nothing but the best in premium training features; must be OK with pre-downloading routes when they need navigation help, and with button control (not touch screen)Cyclists who want nothing but the best in premium training features and navigationCyclists who want nothing but the best in the very latest premium training features and navigation; and who need a bigger screen & free, high-quality maps
Size of Unit1.1" x 1.4" (27 x 36 mm); 1.8" diag (45 mm)1.9" x 3.2" x 0.8" (50 x 82 x 20 mm)1.9” x 3.2” x 0.8” (50 mm x 82 mm x 20 mm)2.28" x 4.5" x 0.8" (58 x 114 x 19 mm)
Display Resolution303 x 230 pixels246 x 322 pixels246 x 322 pixels282 x 470 pixels
Weight1.2 oz (33 g)2.7 oz (75.8 g)2.8 oz (79.1 g)4.4 oz (124 g)
Waterproof ratingIPX 7 (you can drop it in 3 ft of water for up to 30 mins, & it will still work)IPX 7IPX 7IPX 7
Screen size1.8" (45 mm) diagonal, black and white2.6" (66 mm) diagonal, color2.6" (66 mm) diagonal, color3.5" (89 mm) diagonal, color
Touchscreen or button control?Button controlButton controlTouchscreen, works wellTouchscreen, works well
Battery LifeUp to 12 hoursUp to 20 hours in GPS training modeUp to 20 hours in GPS training modeUp to 36 hours in GPS training mode, up to 48 hours with minimal sensors and backlighting
Battery Save Mode (extends battery life by up to 50% while still tracking all ride data)NoYesYesYes
Option to add Garmin Charge Power Pack (to double battery life)?NoYesYesYes
Bike alarm that connects with your phone?NoYesYesYes
Find my bike computer?NoYesYesYes
Garmin Edge 130 Plus
Garmin Edge 530
Garmin Edge 830
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Maps & Navigation
Satellite Systems:GPS/GLONASS/GalileoGPS/GLONASS/GalileoGPS/GLONASS/GalileoGPS/GLONASS/Galileo
Elevation?YesYesYesYes
Accelerometer?YesYesYesYes
Ambient Light Sensor?NoYesYesYes
BasemapNoPre-loaded Garmin Cycle Maps with Integrated TrailForks contentPre-loaded Garmin Cycle Maps with Integrated TrailForks contentPre-loaded Garmin Cycle Maps with Integrated TrailForks content
Ships pre-loaded with high-quality maps for two countries, plus can download any other countries for free?NoNoNoYes
Can you add maps?NoYesYesYes
Waypoints100200200200
How many routes can you save on the device?30100100100
How much history can you store on the device?Up to 100 hoursUp to 200 hoursUp to 200 hoursUp to 200 hours
Address search (input address and it will plot a route)? AKA On-Device Course CreatorNoNoYesYes
Popularity routing (Trendline) - shows routes used most by cyclists?NoYesYesYes
Turn-by-turn navigation?Yes, but very basic, breadcrumb-style navigation only. And only for downloaded courses, e.g. from Garmin Route CreatorYesYesYes
Recalculate route on the device?NoYesYesYes
New re-routing options?n/aNo, but will arrive in a future software updateaNo, but will arrive in a future software updateaYes. Choose from Rejoin where you left course; Skip ahead to course; or Cut across
Calculate route back to start?YesYesYesYes
Can you create a custom course on the unit (this is a sequence of waypoints or locations that leads you to your final destination)?
NoNoYesYes
Create a round-trip route on the device?NoNoYesYes
Find nearby POI (points of interest)?NoNo, but you can use the included Yelp app to find themYesYes
Garmin Edge 130 Plus
Garmin Edge 530
Garmin Edge 830
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Connected Features
How does it communicate?Bluetooth, ANT+Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-FiBluetooth, ANT+, Wi-FiBluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi
Time & date display?NoNoNoYes
Smart notifications?Yes (calls and texts only)YesYesYes
Can you respond to a phone call with text on your Android device?
NoYesYesYes
Rider to Rider messaging?NoYesYesYes
Does it display the weather?YesYesYesYes
Garmin Connect compatible? (this is an online community where you can share data, plys analyze - like Strava)YesYesYesYes
Automatically syncs your rides to the Garmin Connect™ Mobile app on your phone?YesYesYesYes
ANT+ (to connect your devices?YesYesYesYes
Bluetooth Smart (aka BLE or Bluetooth Low Energy)?YesYesYesYes
Unit to unit transfer (share your data with friends with similar units)?NoYesYesYes
LiveTrack?YesYesYesYes, new enhanced version
Group Tracking??YesYesYesYes
Incident detection (so someone is automatically notified if you have an accident)?YesYesYesYes
LEV/ebike compatibility via ANT+?Yes
YesYesYes
Compatible with heart rate monitors, plus power, speed and cadence sensors?YesYesYesYes
ANT+ shifting?NoYesYesYes
Shimano Di2 electronic shifting integration? (“Digital Integrated Intelligence” enables instant electronic shifting)NoYesYesYes
Can it download free apps and widgets from the Connect IQ™ store?YesYesYesYes
Compatible with Garmin VIRB video camera?NoYesYesYes
Compatible with Garmin inReach 2-way satellite communicator (to send your location if you need assistance and your cell phone cannot connect)? NoYesYesYes
Garmin Varia Compatible?YesYesYesYes
Can you control it with a Garmin Edge remote control?YesYesYesYes
Does it have Extended Display (so you can use your bike computer as an extended display to view data screens from a compatible Garmin mulitsport watch)?NoYesYesYes
Garmin Edge 130 Plus
Garmin Edge 530
Garmin Edge 830
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Training Features
Autostart (so your timer will start automatically once you are cycling at a custom speed)?NoYesYesYes
Can You Customize Your Data Pages?YesYesYesYes
Interval training (so you can set up exercise and rest intervals)?NoYesYesYes
Advanced workouts? (so you can create customized, goal-directed workouts)YesYes (much improved over 520 Plus)Yes (much improved over 820)Yes
Daily Workout Suggestions?NoNoNoYes
Can You Download Training Plans to It?YesYesYesYes
Virtual Partner (so you can compete against a digital cyclist)?Yes, within a courseYesYesYes
VO2 Max estimate? (the maximum amount of oxygen a person can utilize during intense exercise)YesYesYesYes
FTP tracking? (Functional Threshold Power is the average power that a rider can produce over the course of an hour)NoYesYesYes
Will it Advise You on Recovery Time?YesYesYesYes
Time in heart rate training zone?NoYesYesYes
TrainingPeaks iLevels (WKO4)NoYesYesYes
ClimpPro (new feature that shows you graphically the grades ahead)?YesYesYesYes
Power Meter Compatible?YesYesYesYes
Performance Power Curve? (tracks your power output over periods of time)NoYesYesYes
Advanced Power Analysis?No (not on device, but you can do it on your computer later)YesYesYes
Does it have Physio TrueUP (a Garmin Connect feature that keeps physiological data in sync between multiple devices)?YesYesYesYes
Does it compute calories based on heart rate?YesYesYesYes
Strava Live Segments on the unit?YesYesYesYes
Aerobic training effect?NoYesYesYes
Heat acclimation (how well are you adjusting to heat)?NoYesYesYes
Altitude acclimation (how well are you adjusting to changes in altitude)?NoYesYesYes
Water and calorie requirements (reminders based on course)?NoYesYesYes
Auto Pause (so it stops recording when you stop your bike)?YesYesYesYes
Smart Trainer Control?NoYesYesYes
Courses (so you can compete against your previous rides)?YesYesYesYes
Alerts (to alert you when you reach goals such as heart rate, calories, time, or distance)?YesYesYesYes
Activity Profiles (that's where you have different profiles for activities such as road or mountain biking)?YesYesYesYes
Garmin Edge 130 Plus
Garmin Edge 530
Garmin Edge 830
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Best Price on Amazon Right Now: $199.99Best Price on Amazon Right Now: $299.99Best Price on Amazon Right Now: $399.99Usually around $600. Please click here to see the Best Price on Amazon Right Now
Mountain Bike Metrics
Grit rating (how tough is the route)?YesYesYesYes
Flow rating (how well did you ride the route)?YesYesYesYes
Hang time (how long were you in the air when jumping, how far did you go)?YesYesYesYes
Integrated Trailforks? (130,000 trails preloaded on unit)NoYesYesYes

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