The 11 Best Bike Computers (from Budget to Premium) Actually Tested (2023)

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These are the best bike computers you can buy. I’ve tested some in-depth, and I’ve been using others for months or even years. The remaining models in this selection are popular among riders worldwide.

I focused on ease of use, battery life, GPS accuracy, readability, and more during my testing.

If you’re new to GPS cycling computers, I’ll guide you through the essential features you should consider and help you navigate the bike computer market.

You’ll also learn how bike computers differ from bike speedometers.

Let’s dive in!

What Are the Best Bike Computers?

Best Budget

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Best Overall

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Best High-End

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Skip to the comparison table…

When choosing the best bike computer, consider your specific use case. Some riders may require a larger screen for better readability, while others may prioritize a more compact unit.

In general, it’s important to focus on the screen size and type, readability, battery life, navigation features, connectivity, and user-friendliness. These factors can help you determine which bike computer is best suited for your needs.

Read the buyer’s guide section to learn more about bike computer features.

Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT v2 (Best Bike Computer Overall)

Sleek, compact, and easy to use…

The Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT v2, released in 2021, replaced the original BOLT (v1). The most significant upgrade is the colored screen (64 colors), which is still easy to read in direct sunlight.

The background of certain data fields can change based on your zones, such as power or heart rate.

BOLT v2 features on-device navigation, including retracing routes, turn-by-turn directions, and selecting points on a map. These features were not available on the BOLT v1.

Wahoo cycling computers are user-friendly, and you can easily set them up using the ELEMNT Companion app on your smartphone.

The buttons on the BOLT v2 have also been improved, making them easier to click than on BOLT v1 or ROAM v1.

Additional features include Strava live segments and seamless ride upload to Strava and other third-party apps.

However, the display is not a touchscreen like the Garmin Edge 830, and the GPS can sometimes be inaccurate.

Still, I love BOLT for its compactness and ease of use.

Also available at competitivecyclist.com and amazon.com

Garmin Edge 130 Plus (Best Budget Bike Computer)

The ideal choice for riders who like a small form factor…

The Garmin Edge 130 Plus is the upgraded version of the older Edge 130 and is the most affordable of all Garmin models.

However, it has many new features, such as ClimbPro, structured workout support, crash detection, MTB metrics (flow, jump, and grit details), and more, all for around 200 USD (∼160 GBP, 260 CAD, 290 AUD).

In other words, if you are looking for a basic bike computer that is compact and does not require sophisticated navigation features or a large screen, the Edge 130 Plus is worth considering.

It is also suitable for riders who plan to do structured training or climbing, thanks to its structured workout support and ClimbPro.

The downside of the Edge 130 Plus is its small monochrome screen and the lack of full on-device navigation. For instance, it cannot reroute you or take you to a selected point on a map.

So, what can we expect from the upcoming generation? Check out my Edge 140 predictions for more info.

Also available at competitivecyclist.com, amazon.com, and wiggle.com

Garmin Edge 1040 & 1040 Solar (Best High-End Bike Computer)

A bike computer that takes things to another level…

I reviewed the Edge 1040 immediately after its release and found a significant improvement over its predecessor, the Edge 1030 Plus (which I also reviewed here).

There are several notable upgrades from the 1030 Plus, including an increased battery life of up to 35 and 45 hours for the Solar version.

According to Garmin, the Solar option can even charge itself while riding, adding up to 42 minutes per hour of riding in battery saver mode under ideal conditions. However, it cannot recharge itself this way. It can only extend the battery life.

Additionally, Garmin redesigned the user interface to be more intuitive, clearer, and easier to use. It’s fine, but compared to Wahoo ELEMNTs, it is still a little overwhelming.

The Edge 1040 includes nearly all of the features of the 1030 Plus, except for support for some older sensors, and adds new features like Real-Time Stamina and Power Guide.

Garmin appears to be working hard to use training data more effectively and provide helpful recommendations for improving performance.

You can customize the Edge 1040 via the Garmin Connect app, and the GPS is so accurate that it can detect which side of the road you’re on.

However, the biggest disadvantage of the Edge 1040 and Edge 1040 Solar is their price, which is higher than that of the Edge 1030 Plus upon release.

Nonetheless, I believe that the improvements make it worth the upgrade from the 1030 Plus. You can also read my comparison of Edge 1040 vs. Edge 1030 Plus for more details.

Garmin Edge 1030 Plus

3.5″ touchscreen beast packed with many features…

The Garmin Edge 1030 Plus has so many features that it would be overwhelming to describe them all.

One of its standout features is its large touchscreen display, perfect for navigation and browsing maps. It’s comparable in size to the original iPhone’s 3.5″ display.

As an upgraded version of the Edge 1030 and predecessor to the Edge 1040, the Edge 1030 Plus boasts longer battery life (24 vs. 20 hrs), larger internal storage (32 GB vs. 16 GB + memory card slot), more processing power, and new features such as workout suggestions.

It also includes all the other features known to Garmin owners, like MTB metrics, ClimbPro, and Heat/Altitude Acclimation.

While not all the features may be necessary or useful, the Edge 1030 Plus offers a large display that is perfect for browsing maps and is easy to read.

It’s a great option if you want a high-quality Garmin bike computer but don’t want to spend as much as the Edge 1040 (Solar). It’s often discounted due to the introduction of the Edge 1040.

You can read my Garmin Edge 1030 Plus review for more info.

Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM v1 and v2

A cycling computer with the largest screen in the ELEMNT lineup…

I used the Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM v1 for about 2 years, and I loved it, except for a few details (more about them later).

The 2 LED strips that change color based on your power, speed, or heart rate make it unique.

The top strip also shows you directions (flashing from left to right or right to left) if navigation is turned on.

I don’t actively look at them but perceive them subconsciously, especially when the light turns red.

I like the ease of use of the ROAM, the large, easy-to-read display, and the possibility of setting it up via a smartphone with the ELEMNT Companion app. This method is more effective than setting it up directly on the device using a few buttons.

The ROAM offers most features you may need, such as structured workout support, Strava live segments, and full on-device navigation.

The only thing I dislike is the buttons, which are hard to press, especially the bottom three.

Wahoo introduced the ROAM v2 in October 2022, which offers larger storage, a USB-C charging port, and a few more features. Read this ROAM v1 vs. v2 comparison for more info.

Garmin Edge 840 (Solar)

Just like the Edge 1040 but packed in a smaller body…

Garmin Edge 840 is the successor of the Edge 830 (read this article comparing Edge 830 and 840 for more info). And except for a few features, it’s almost the same as the Edge 540.

The main difference between these two is the touchscreen display and larger storage (read this 540 vs. 840 comparison for more differences).

Another new feature is that the 840 has the same physical buttons as the Edge 540. This makes it suitable for both those who prefer a touchscreen and those who prefer buttons.

Additionally, it inherited many features from the Edge 1040 flagship, such as the new user interface, Real-Time Stamina and Power Guide features, and improved ClimbPro.

The reason I recommend 840 and not 540 is the user-friendliness. I enjoyed using the new system much more with the touchscreen than the buttons. And those who prefer buttons can use them as well.

You can also skip the Solar because it has about half the effectivity as the 1040 Solar, but you pay a similar extra price.

The main disadvantage of the 840 is the outdated design (wide bezels), worse user-friendliness compared to Wahoo bike computers, and higher price.

You can read my Garmin Edge 840 review for more info.

Garmin Edge 830

More affordable version of the 1030 Plus, just with a smaller screen…

The Garmin Edge 830 is a smaller bike computer than the Edge 1030 Plus but offers most of its features. If you prefer a more compact device for everyday riding, I recommend the Edge 830. It also comes with a touchscreen display.

While the Garmin Edge 830 is widely considered one of the best cycling computers on the market, I believe the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT v2 is more user-friendly and should be considered the best.

However, the Edge 830 offers more features and longer battery life, making it a great choice for those already in the Garmin ecosystem.

For those on a tighter budget, the Edge 530 is worth considering. It’s more affordable but lacks some features, such as address-specific navigation, and doesn’t have a touchscreen display, making it harder to use.

One disadvantage of Garmin Edge units is the inability to adjust data fields, data screens, or other settings via smartphone.

You can read my Garmin Edge 830 review for more info.

Also available at competitivecyclist.com and wiggle.com

Lezyne Super Pro GPS

Battery life champ for an affordable price…

If you’re looking for a bike computer with basic and advanced features through a smartphone app, the Lezyne Super Pro GPS could be a good choice.

It’s one of the best cycling computers for under $200 and has a long battery life of up to 28 hours.

You can unlock advanced navigation features using Lezyne’s GPS Ally app. The Super Pro GPS also features Strava live segments, which is a plus for Strava users.

However, the design and monochrome screen of the Super Pro GPS are not visually appealing, and the user experience is not as smooth as Wahoo ELEMNT bike computers.

Downloading routes using the GPS Ally app takes more time, and using the buttons takes some time to get used to.

Lezyne also offers the Mega XL GPS, which has a larger screen and more data fields if that’s what you’re looking for.

You can read my Lezyne Super Pro GPS review for more info.

Hammerhead Karoo 2

A smartphone-like bike computer with an excellent display, but many ‘buts’…

The Hammerhead Karoo 2 is an impressive bike computer with an exceptional display. The bright, high-resolution screen is easy to read and very responsive.

The system is built on Android, so it’s intuitive and fast to operate, surpassing the Garmin Edge bike computers.

However, the Karoo 2 has some downsides. The battery life is short. It lasts only around 12 hours, and the software can occasionally be buggy, with a slow startup time of 55 seconds.

The screen also doesn’t work as well as Garmin touchscreen displays when whet.

Despite these faults, the maps are a standout feature of the Karoo 2. Browsing and navigating them feels like using your phone.

Additional features such as previewing data fields when setting up the device, dark mode, the Climber feature, and the USB-C charging port are just the icing on the cake.

You can read my Hammerhead Karoo 2 review for more info.

Also available at competitivecyclist.com and wiggle.com

Stages Dash M200

The impressive result of Giant & Stages collaboration…

The Dash M200 resulted from the collaboration between Giant and Stages, and they launched it together with the L200 in early 2022.

The only difference between these two bike computers is the display size, 2.2″ and 2.7″, respectively. M200 and L200 are the successors of M50 and L50.

M200’s form factor resembles the Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM, mainly thanks to the bottom buttons. But that’s where the similarities end.

It’s packed with many features that you may not use. What’s great about Dash M200 is that it can automatically build data fields depending on the sensors you connect.

The screen of the M200 is brighter than the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT v2, for example, but it drains the battery a lot.

However, Stages claims that the battery can last up to 10 hours with the turned-on navigation and up to 18 hours of normal use, which is a pretty average battery life.

Like Lezyne Super Pro GPS, you can use M200 in either a vertical or horizontal position, depending on your preference.

Some advanced features like turn-by-turn navigation and compatibility with electronic shifting were not available when writing this article, but they are planned for future firmware updates.

Bryton Rider 750

Bryton’s one of the most popular head units…

Bryton Rider 750 was Bryton’s flagship until the release of the S800. It’s available as a solo unit (750E) or a bundle (750T).

The data fields on Bryton Rider 750 are customizable, just like on Wahoo models, via a smartphone app for easy setup.

Bryton Rider 750 offers smooth compatibility with apps like Strava, allowing for effortless sync of your rides.

You can also use your voice for navigation by saying the name of the destination, and it will plan the route within a few seconds. However, like the Lezyne Super Pro GPS, you have to have your phone connected.

One of the main selling points of Rider 750 is the price, offering most features as high-end units but in a more affordable package.

Unfortunately, the user experience of the Bryton Rider 750 is not as pleasant as with Garmin or Wahoo bike computers. For example, it doesn’t show the battery percentage.

Additionally, the device has an unnecessarily long and thick form factor, which is likely due to the logo, device name, or internal components.

Honorable Mentions

The following GPS bike computers didn’t make it to the list above but deserve to be also mentioned.

• Sigma Sport Rox 2.0 is highly affordable and offers turn-by-turn navigation but misses full on-device navigation, Strava live segments, etc. It’s also more suitable for e-bikes because of its compatibility with them.
• Garmin Edge 530 is a better version of the iconic Edge 520. It has longer battery life, more functionalities, and a slightly redesigned look. It looks the same as the Edge 530. Unfortunately, it’s much harder to use due to the absence of a touch-screen display. Learn more in my Edge 530 review.

• Garmin Edge 540 is the improved version of the 530. It has almost the functionalities as the 840. It’s also available as Solar. Unfortunately, it’s not as user friendly due to the lack of the touchscreen display. Learn more in my Edge 540 review.

Why Can You Trust Cyclists Hub?

As the founder of Cyclists Hub and a professional reviewer, I am driven by my passion for cycling. I immerse myself in the industry to stay updated on the latest developments in bike computers.

I tested most of the bike computers in this article. I evaluated their accuracy, battery life, ease of use, navigation, price value, and more. Those I have not tested yet are included based on the positive experiences of riders worldwide.

Remember, affiliate commissions never influence my verdicts. Objectivity, your trust and satisfaction are my top priority.

My Verdict

Read my buyer’s guide below if you are new to cycling computers.

How to Choose the Best Bike Computer?

You should consider the individual features I explain below based on your answers. This guide is a shortened version of my fully dedicated article on how to choose a bike computer.

Screen

The screen is one of the most crucial features of a bike computer. It is important to consider its size, resolution, type, colors, and readability, similar to a smartphone.

Bike computer screen size ranges from around 1.8″ to 3.5″. The higher the resolution, the sharper the data displayed.

The chart below displays the screen sizes of the selected cycling computers.

A larger screen, such as those found on the Garmin Edge 1040 or Edge 1030 Plus, is more appropriate for navigation but may be less practical for daily use due to their size.

The screen type refers to whether or not the display is touch-sensitive. While most bike computers use buttons for control, some models feature a combination of both.

When done well, touchscreens are convenient, but they can be difficult to operate with sweaty hands, gloves, or in wet conditions. Ultimately, the choice between touchscreen or button controls depends on personal preference.

Basic cycling computers typically have monochrome screens, while mid-range and high-end models typically feature color displays better suited for navigation.

Battery Life

Battery life is an important factor to consider when buying a bike computer. Larger units typically have larger batteries to provide enough power for their bigger and brighter displays.

Cycling computers with many features or simultaneous connections to other sensors typically don’t last as long as low-end units that can only record a few basic metrics.

The chart below displays the claimed battery life of the best cycling computers:

A battery life of 10-15 hours is sufficient for most use cases, as it will keep the computer running throughout the entire ride.

Some higher-end bike computers have a battery life that exceeds 20 hours, most notably the Garmin Edge 1040 Solar.

Navigation

The limited navigation bike computers lack the ability to re-calculate your route if you deviate from the set route. While they are more affordable, they are less suitable for those who rely on bike computer navigation.

Full on-device navigation cycling computers can recalculate your route and offer features like “Take Me There” (select a point on the map, and the computer will find the route). Higher-end units can also navigate you to a “Point of Interest.” These bike computers are more expensive but more suitable for navigation purposes.

Connectivity

Most cycling computers nowadays support communication protocols such as ANT+, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.

They enable you to connect your bike computer with sensors like power meters, cadence and speed sensors, HR monitors, and more.

Additionally, you can control smart trainers, follow Strava live segments (if supported), or transmit your ride data to third-party apps for indoor training.

It’s worth noting that not all cycling computers have the Strava live segments feature.

Furthermore, if you use an electronic shifting like Shimano Di2 or SRAM eTap, some compatible bike computers can show you your gears and battery information.

Brand

The bicycle computer market is dominated by two major brands: Garmin and Wahoo, although smaller players like Lezyne, Bryton, Sigma, and Hammerhead also exist.

Garmin is known for its vast selection of bike computers and other products like smartwatches, offering a wide range of features and customization options via third-party apps.

On the other hand, Wahoo is renowned for its user-friendly designs, easy-to-read displays, and simple customization through a smartphone app, providing reliable connectivity.

For further information, I have written a comprehensive comparison between Wahoo and Garmin bike computers that you may find helpful.

Lezyne, Bryton, and Sigma GPS computers are affordable alternatives to the two major brands mentioned above while still offering similar features.

On the other hand, Hammerhead takes a smartphone-like approach that changes the interaction between the rider and the bike computer, making it a unique option in the market.

If you’re not interested in fancy features, Cateye offers simple speedometers as well.

Other Features to Consider

Strava live segments is a feature that not every bike computer offers, so if you want to compete for KOMs, make sure to buy a compatible head unit (and pay for Strava Premium).

Water resistance is especially important if you live in a rainy area or are unlucky and get caught in the rain. Most cycling computers today have an IPX7 water resistance rating, which provides protection against immersion for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter.

The weight of bike computers varies from 60 to 130g, which may be important for weight-conscious riders.

Crash/incident detection is unique to some Garmin Edge bike computers, automatically sending a message with your location to your emergency contact if you fail to respond within a given time period (30 seconds) to a pop-up on the head unit.

Start-up time also varies greatly between bike computers, with some ready to record your ride within 15 seconds, while others can take twice or three times as long.

Bike Computers FAQ

What Bike Computer Do Pro Cyclists Use?

Pro cyclists use mainly Garmin and Wahoo bike computers in the 2023 season. However, there are a few other bike computer brands that some teams use.

This post is regularly updated to provide the most up-to-date product tips. If you find a product that is not up to date, please, contact me.