The 10 Best Bike Computers (from Budget to Premium) Actually Tested (2023)

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

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

If you are new to GPS cycling computers, I will guide you through features you should consider and help you orient yourself in the bike computers market.

You will also learn how bike computers differ from bike speedometers.

Let’s dive in!

What Are the Best Bike Computers?

Skip to the comparison table…

Choosing the best bike computer for you depends on your use case. Some riders need a larger screen for easier readability. Some just need a more compact unit.

Therefore, I recommend considering mainly the screen size and its type, readability, battery life, navigation features, connectivity, and user-friendliness.

Read the buyer’s guide section to learn more before choosing a bike computer suitable for you.

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Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT v2 (Best Bike Computer Overall)

Sleek, compact, and easy to use…

ELEMNT BOLT v2 is the latest bike computer from Wahoo. It was introduced in 2021 and replaced the original BOLT (v1).

The screen has received the biggest upgrade. It’s colored (64 colors) now and still easy to read in direct sunlight. It can change the background of certain data fields based on your zones (e.g., power, HR).

BOLT v2 features full on-device navigation. This means it can retrace the route, take you to a selected point on a map, provide you with turn-by-turn directions, etc. BOLT v1 didn’t offer these features.

Wahoo cycling computers are also known for their ease of use. This is the feature I enjoy because I can set them using my smartphone (via the ELEMNT Companion app). It’s easy, fast, and effective.

The buttons also got an upgrade and are now easier to click than on BOLT v1 or ROAM.

You will also enjoy features like Strava live segments and seamless upload of your rides to Strava and other 3rd party apps.

The downsides include the non-touchscreen display (unlike Garmin Edge 830) and sometimes inaccurate GPS.

You can also read my Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT v2 review for more info.

Also available at rei.com, amazon.com, wiggle.co.uk, and wiggle.com

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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. It’s 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), etc. All this is 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 you don’t need sophisticated navigation features or a large screen, Edge 130 Plus should catch your attention.

Edge 130 Plus is also suitable for riders who plan to do structured training or climbers, thanks to the structured workout support and ClimbPro.

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

Also available at rei.com, amazon.com, wiggle.co.uk, and wiggle.com

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

A bike computer that takes things to another level…

I reviewed Edge 1040 right after its release, and I can tell it’s a huge step forward compared to its predecessor, Edge 1030 Plus.

There are multiple significant improvements over the 1030 Plus. The battery life increased from 24 to 35 and 45 hours (Solar), respectively.

The Solar option can even recharge itself while riding. Garmin claims it can add up to 42 minutes per hour of riding in battery saver mode in ideal conditions. However, unbiased, real-world testing still needs to be done.

Other improvements include a fully redesigned user interface, which is now more intuitive, clearer, and easy to use.

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

Garmin seems to be working hard to use training data better and provide helpful recommendations for improving your performance.

You can now customize it via the Garmin Connect app, and the GPS is so accurate that it can nail what side of the road you ride on.

The price is the biggest disadvantage of the Edge 1040 and Edge 1040 Solar. It’s higher than when the Edge 1030 Plus was released. But, I believe that thanks to its improvements, it’s worth the upgrade from 1030 Plus.

You can also read my Garmin Edge 1040 review or comparison of Edge 1040 vs. Edge 1030 Plus for more details.

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Garmin Edge 1030 Plus

3.5″ touchscreen beast packed with many features…

Well, where do I even start? Garmin Edge 1030 Plus has so many features that you probably won’t use them all.

I want to highlight its large touchscreen display, which is perfect for navigation purposes. It’s so big it reminds me of the first smartphones, mainly the original iPhone, which also had a 3.5″ display.

The Edge 1030 Plus is an improved version of the Edge 1030 and the predecessor of the Edge 1040.

It comes with longer battery life (20 vs. 24 hrs.), larger internal storage (16 GB + memory card slot vs. 32 GB), more processing power (e.g., it’s faster), and new features (like workout suggestions).

Of course, it includes all other features known to Garmin owners – MTB metrics, ClimbPro, Heat/Altitude Acclimation, etc.

You will probably not need or use all the features Edge 1030 Plus offers. And honestly, Edge 830 and Edge 530 offer most of them too.

But you get a large display suitable for browsing maps and good readability.

In short, if you want the 2nd best Garmin bike computer right after the Edge 1040 (Solar), Edge 1030 Plus is the one to buy.

Thanks to the introduction of the Edge 1040, you can often find the 1030 Plus discounted.

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

Also available at amazon.com, wiggle.co.uk, and wiggle.co.uk

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Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM v1 and v2

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

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

Thanks to the 2 LED strips that change color based on your power, speed, or HR, it’s unique.

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

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

ROAM offers of the most features you may need, such as structured workouts support, Strava live segments, full on-device navigation, etc.

The only thing I dislike is the buttons that are hard to press. Especially the bottom three are poorly designed.

I expect Wahoo will introduce ROAM v2 in 2022 or 2023 because the v1 was introduced already in 2019 and would deserve an upgrade. Wahoo introduced ROAM v2 in October 2022.

It offers larger storage, a USB-C charging port, and a few more features. Read this ROAM v1 vs. v2 comparison for more info.

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Garmin Edge 830

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

Garmin Edge 830 is a smaller bike computer than the Edge 1030 Plus but offers most of its features. So, if you are not a fan of the large 3.5″ screen, I recommend the Edge 830.

It’s more compact and suitable for day-to-day riding. It also comes with a touchscreen display, so you will not be deprived of it either.

Garmin Edge 830 is, by many, considered the best cycling computer out there. However, I decided to give this title to Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT v2 because of its user-friendliness.

But frankly, Garmin Edge 830 was my second choice. It offers more features and longer battery life. So, if you are already in the Garmin ecosystem, Edge 830 is a perfect choice.

If you are on a tighter budget, check out the Edge 530. It doesn’t have a touchscreen display (so it’s much harder to use) and lacks some features (address-specific navigation), but it is more affordable.

The main disadvantage I see with Garmin Edge units is the lack of ability to adjust the data fields, data screens, or other settings via smartphone.

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

Also available at rei.com, amazon.com, wiggle.co.uk, and wiggle.com

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Lezyne Super Pro GPS

Battery life champ for an affordable price…

If you are looking for a bike computer that offers basic features and some advanced ones thanks to a smartphone app, Lezyne Super Pro GPS could be the right choice.

It’s one of the best cycling computers for under 200 USD (∼160 GBP, 260 CAD, 290 AUD).

Its major benefits are the affordable price and long battery life. It can last up to 28 hours. So depending on how much you ride, it will last 2-4 weeks without recharging.

Thanks to Lezyne’s GPS Ally app, you unlock advanced navigation features. But remember, your phone needs to be connected to the head unit.

Surprisingly, Super Pro GPS features Strava live segments, so if Strava is something you are into, points for Lezyne.

The things I don’t like about the Lezyne Super Pro GPS are the design and monochrome screen. They remind me of a calculator from the last century.

Also, don’t expect as smooth a user experience as Wahoo ELEMNT bike computers. Some activities, like downloading routes using the GPS Ally app, take more time. Using the buttons also takes some time to get used to.

By the way, Lezyne also offers Mega XL GPS, which has a larger screen and more data fields.

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

Also available at trekbikes.com, amazon.com, wiggle.co.uk, and wiggle.com

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Hammerhead Karoo 2

A smartphone-like bike computer with an excellent display…

Where do I begin? I hesitated for a long time to include Karoo 2 on this list. But once I tried it, I was clear.

The Karoo 2 has the best display ever found on a bike computer. It’s very bright, so it’s easy to read, has a high resolution, and has excellent responsiveness.

Hammerhead built its system on the Android operating system, so operation is intuitive and fast. Much better than, for example, the Garmin Edge bike computers.

Even the Karoo 2 has its faults, though. The biggest downsides are short battery life (around 12 hours), occasionally buggy software, or slow startup time (55 seconds).

However, you’ll forget most of these shortcomings once you try the maps. Browsing and navigating them is almost like being on your phone.

Details like previewing data fields when setting up your device, dark mode, Climber feature, or the USB-C charging port are just icing on the cake.

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

Also available at wiggle.co.uk and wiggle.com

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Stages Dash M200

The impressive result of Giant & Stages collaboration…

The Dash M200 is a result of the collaboration between Giant and Stages. They introduced M200 and L200 in early 2022.

The only difference between them is the display size (2.2″ vs. 2.7″). These two head units are the successors of M50 and L50.

The M200 form factor is like Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM (mainly thanks to the bottom buttons). However, that’s where the similarities end.

It’s packed with so many features that you probably won’t use them all. 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 on Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT v2, for example. So, naturally, it drains the battery a lot.

However, Stages claims it can last up to 10 hours with the turned-on navigation and up to 18 hours of normal use. This is pretty decent battery life.

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

Some advanced features (turn-by-turn navigation, compatibility with electronic shifting, etc.) were not available when writing this article. However, they are planned for future firmware updates.

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Bryton Rider 750

Bryton’s one of the most popular head units…

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

Its data fields are like on Wahoo models, customizable via a smartphone app for easy setup.

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

You can also use your voice for navigation. Say the name of the destination, and it will plan the route within a few seconds. Just remember, 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. It offers 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.

I also don’t like the unnecessary long (probably due to the logo and device name or internal components) and thick form factor.

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Honorable Mentions

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My Verdict

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

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How to Choose the Best Bike Computer?

When choosing a GPS bike computer, ask yourself the following questions.

• Do you prefer a smaller (more compact form factor) or a larger screen (better for navigation)?
• Do you prefer a touchscreen display or buttons?
• Do you need full on-device navigation (e.g., the computer can recalculate your route if you deviate from the route)?
• Do you prefer setting it up directly or via a mobile phone app?
• Don’t you mind charging it more often?

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.

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Screen

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

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

The following chart shows the screen sizes of the selected cycling computers.

Larger screens like the Garmin Edge 1040 or Edge 1030 Plus are more suitable for navigation but less suitable for day-to-day riding. They are too big and not as sleek as smaller units.

The screen type means if it’s a touchscreen or not. Most bike computers have no touchscreen displays and use buttons for control. Some use a combination of the two.

Touchscreen displays are great if they are done right. If not, using them with sweaty hands, gloves, or in wet conditions is a pain. So, in the end, it boils down to your preference.

Basic cycling computers have monochromatic screens, while mid-range and higher-end units have colored displays.

The colorized displays are more suitable for navigation. You find them on mid-range and high-end units.

Battery Life

The battery life of a bike computer determines how often you will need to recharge it. Larger units usually have larger batteries to provide enough power for the larger (eventually brighter and colored) displays.

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

The following chart shows the claimed battery life of the best cycling computers.

A battery life of 10-15 hours is suitable for most use cases because it will keep the computer up and running during the entire ride.

More high-end bike computers have a battery life that exceeds 20 hours. Most notably, Garmin Edge 1040 Solar.

Navigation

The limited navigation means that the bike computer won’t be able to re-calculate your route if you deviate from the set route. They are more affordable but less suitable for those who rely on a bike computer as their primary navigation.

The full on-device navigation cycling computers can recalculate your route. They also offer features like “Take Me There” (you 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 suitable for navigation purposes but are more expensive.

Connectivity

The vast majority of today’s cycling computers feature ANT+, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.

These communication protocols allow you to pair the necessary sensors like power meters, cadence and speed sensors, HR monitors, etc.

You can also use these bike computers to control smart trainers, follow Strava live segments*, or transmit your ride data to 3rd party apps (for example, when training indoors).

*The bike computer has to offer this feature.

And last but not least, compatible bike computers can show you your gears (battery, etc.) if you use an electronic shifting like Shimano Di2 or SRAM eTap.

Brand

The bicycle computer world is dominated by two brands: Garmin and Wahoo. However, other smaller players like Lezyne, Bryton, Sigma, and Hammerhead exist.

Garmin is known for its wide bicycle computers offer (except for many other product categories like smartwatches) packed with features and customizable thanks to the 3rd party apps.

Wahoo stands out thanks to the ease of use, easy-to-read displays, user-friendliness, customization via a smartphone app, and reliable connectivity.

I wrote a fully dedicated comparison of Wahoo vs. Garmin bike computers where you can learn more.

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

And Hammerhead stirred the waters with their smartphone-like approach that changes the interaction between the rider and the bike computer.

If you don’t need fancy features, Cateye makes simple speedometers.

Other Features to Consider

Strava live segments is a feature not that not every bike computer offers. So if you want to hunt KOMs, make sure to buy a compatible head unit.

Water resistance is especially important if you live in a rainy area or are unlucky and get wet. Today, most cycling computers have an IPX7 water resistance rating (protection against immersion for 30 minutes to a depth of 1 meter).

The weight of bike computers varies from around 60 to 130g. It may be important for weight weenies.

Crash/incident detection is unique to some Garmin Edge bike computers. It automatically sends 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. While some can be ready to record your ride within 15 seconds, some can take twice or three times as long.

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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.

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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.