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I’ve used Garmin Edge 530 for several weeks, so I will share my experience with it in this review. I will also compare it to bike computers like Edge 830, Edge 1030 Plus, Edge 540, Edge 840, Edge 1040, Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT v2, and others I tested.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Garmin Edge 530 is affordable but not user-friendly. Due to its many features and button-based interface, it’s more difficult to use than Wahoo bike computers or the Edge 830 with a touchscreen display. To upgrade maps, you have to plug it into a computer via cable. It’s also not customizable via a smartphone app. Therefore, I don’t recommend buying it anymore. If I haven’t put you off it yet, continue reading to learn more. Alternatively, you can buy Edge 530 here.
My Edge 530 rating at a glance:
Battery Life 4/5 | Ease of Setup 3/5 | Display 2/5 | Ease of Use 3/5 | GPS Accuracy 4/5 | Maps & Navigation 2/5 | Price 3/5 | OVERALL 3.0/5
More about this bike computer scoring.
Garmin Edge 530 Pros & Cons
These are the main pros & cons of Edge 530 I found during its use.
Pros
- Ideal display size for most use cases
- Long battery life
- Features rich
- Relatively quick start-up time (about 17 seconds)
- Downloadable data fields from Connect IQ store
- Full on-device navigation
- Easy-to-press buttons
- The internal memory of 16 GB
Cons
- The lack of a touchscreen display makes it hard to use
- Not customizable via a smartphone app
- Downloading maps requires a wired connection with a PC
- MicroUSB charging port
- No multi-band GNSS
I’ve used several bike computers from Garmin, including the Garmin Edge 1040, Edge 1030 Plus, Edge 840, Edge 540, and Edge 830, as well as Wahoo’s BOLT v1, BOLT v2, ROAM models, and many others.
I praise Edge 530 2.6-inch display size. It sits in the sweet spot (BOLTs are too small, and 1030 Plus and 1040 are too big).
However, there are some things I don’t like about 530. So, let’s get into them.
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Unboxing
I borrowed the Edge 530 from a friend, so I didn’t have the original box. However, it includes the following:
- Garmin Edge 530
- Out front mount + stem mount
- MicroUSB charging cable
- Tether
- Manual
Unlike Wahoo, Garmin supplies its bike computers with an outdated mount design that’s not aero. So, although we probably talk about minor watts, they still count.
Setup
The initial setup of Edge computers, including 530, is pretty easy to understand but not as straightforward as the Wahoo ELEMNT line, where you just scan a QR code.
Additionally, there is currently no way to customize data fields and other settings via a smartphone app. This possibility first came with the Edge 1040 and then the x40 lineup.
On the other hand, the Edge 530 is less dependent on a smartphone than Wahoo ELEMNT bike computers, for example, because you can’t set them up without a smartphone.
My Experience
Below, I share my experience using Edge 530 and a comparison with other bike computers I have used.
Display
The 2.6-inch (246×322px) display of the Edge 530 is non-touchscreen. For me, it is an ideal size because the head unit is not too small or not too big. I will discuss the usability of the 530 later.
The following chart shows the screen sizes of the top bike computers on the market.
For comparison, Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT v2 has only a 2.2″ display, ELEMNT ROAM 2.7″, and Edge 1030 Plus 3.5″.
While I didn’t have issues reading Edge 530 in direct sunlight, its display finish is glossier than that of ELEMNT computers, which are even easier to read.
Additionally, it has an ambient sensor to adjust the brightness automatically. It saves battery life and ensures optimal readability.
Edge 530 can fit up to 10 data fields (same as Edge 830). However, unlike ELEMNT computers, there is no way to zoom in and out to make the data fields larger or smaller. Instead, you must change the data field layout, which takes longer than clicking the side buttons, especially without the touchscreen display.
Adjusting data fields and browsing menus using buttons is less user-friendly than the touch-screen display on Edge 830. But I talk more about this in the Control & User Friendliness section.
TIP: You might also be interested in this Edge 830 vs. 530 comparison.
Battery Life
The claimed battery life of Edge 530 is 20 hours (same as Edge 830).
I tested the real battery life by connecting a power meter, HR monitor, Varia RTL515 radar, and my phone to the bike computer and using it during training.
A one-year-old device’s real battery life was around 16 hours and 15 minutes. Please note that I used different screens and sometimes even navigation. I set the brightness to auto.
This battery life is comparable with Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM. But ROAM doesn’t have a battery-saver mode like Edge computers, which can extend the battery life even further.
For comparison, you can see the claimed battery life of the selected bike computers below.
Unfortunately, the Edge 530 still has a MicroUSB charging port despite the USB-C standard already being available in 2019. Luckily, the Edge 540 already has USB-C.
Control & User Friendliness
To control Edge 530, you must use one of the 7 buttons. They honestly don’t feel as intuitive as buttons on Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT v2, for example.
Changing the data fields feels outdated. This means you must go through many menus and can’t simply adjust them via a smartphone app. Unfortunately, this feature is available only from the Edge x40 line.
On the other hand, I like the buttons more in some situations (when it’s raining or wearing full-finger gloves) than the touchscreen display of the Edge 830. But to be fair, it works better than touchscreen bike computers of other brands.
It’s great that the head unit is not smartphone-dependent because you can set almost everything on the go.
The Edge 830 is much easier to use than the 530, and currently, there are more user-friendly alternatives, like the BOLT v2 or iGPSport BSC300.
Maps & Navigation
The Edge 530 features full on-device navigation. It can provide turn-by-turn instructions, navigate you to the starting point, to a selected point on the map, and more.
It will recalculate a route if you deviate from the planned one, take you to a selected point on a map, and provide turn-by-turn instructions.
Thanks to the colored display, it’s also easier to read the map, but the Edge 1030 Plus or Edge 1040 are on another level. The 16GB internal storage will allow you to download more maps than the limited storage (2.78GB) of BOLT v1 or ROAM, so I am sure you will appreciate it if you are a frequent traveler.
Unfortunately, browsing the map using the buttons is painful. It was so frustrating that I tested my patience more than the device itself.
I noticed that 530 shows gradients with a few-second delay (in other words, it’s not as accurate as my ROAM or BOLTs). The head unit also sometimes chooses unexpected or unlogical routes.
Therefore, I recommend getting Hammerhead Karoo 2, ROX 12.1 EVO, or Edge 1040 Plus for a better mapping experience.
Extras
Edge 530 comes with new features (compared to Edge 520 Plus) like:
- ClimbPro shows stats about the upcoming climbs based on a pre-planned route. I like this feature because I can better pace myself. However, the ClimbPro page is not well-designed. Some fields could be larger. You can learn more in this article, where I compared ClimbPro-like features.
- MTB Dynamics measures your jumps, grit, and flow. It’s useful mainly for mountain bikers. I don’t use it.
- Incident/crash detection detects if you crash and notifies your emergency contacts. Unfortunately, it sometimes triggers randomly. I scared my mom the other day.
- Virtual Partner that you can use for pacing yourself.
- Trailforks compatibility, and many others…
You will probably not use all features daily. But Garmin has an Edge here over Wahoo. Paradoxically, Garmin bike computers are harder to use due to the number of features.
Connectivity
Garmin Edge 530 features ANT+, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
This means it will allow you to pair additional sensors like HR monitors, power meters, cadence and speed sensors, bicycle radars, etc.
Of course, Edge 530 can automatically upload your activities to 3rd party apps like Strava or TrainingPeaks.
The main issue I have with Edge 530 (and other Edge computers) is the impossibility of performing certain actions wirelessly using a smartphone app.
For example, you have to download maps via a cable using a desktop app, Garmin Express, or adjust data fields on the device. Garmin is far behind Wahoo in this aspect.
Garmin Edge 530 Alternatives
Here are some of the Garmin Edge 530 alternatives worth considering.
- Garmin Edge 830 is the touchscreen version of the 530 that offers a few more features. It’s much easier to use but more expensive. Read my in-depth Garmin Edge 830 review for more info.
- Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT v2 is a more compact and easier-to-use button-based bike computer. Read my in-depth Wahoo BOLT v2 review for more info.
- Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM is like BOLT v2 but has a larger screen size. Read my in-depth Wahoo ROAM review for more info.
- iGPSport BSC300 is a bike computer inspired by Edge 530. However, it’s more affordable and easier to use. On the other hand, it doesn’t offer as many features. Read my in-depth iGPSport BSC300 review for more info.
Garmin Edge 530 Technical Specifications
Here is the summary of the main features and the technical specifications of the Garmin Edge 530.
Technical Specifications
- Battery life: 20 hours (MicroUSB charging)
- Screen size: 2.6in / 66mm
- Touchscreen: No
- Weight: 78g
- Strava live segments: Yes
- Smart trainers control: Yes
- Smart navigation (rerouting): Yes
- Connectivity: ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Waterproofing: IPX7
- Internal memory: 16GB
The following table compares Garmin Edge bike computers and their basic features.
| Bike Computer | Edge 1050 | Edge 1040 Solar | Edge 1040 | Edge 840 Solar | Edge 840 | Edge 540 Solar | Edge 540 | Edge 1030 Plus | Edge Explore | Edge Explore 2 | Edge 830 | Edge 530 | Edge 130 Plus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | 20 hrs | 45 hrs | 35 hrs | 26 hrs | 26 hrs | 26 hrs | 26 hrs | 24 hrs | 12 hrs | 16 hrs | 20 hrs | 20 hrs | 12 hrs |
| Screen Size | 3.5in | 3.5in | 3.5in | 2.6in | 2.6in | 2.6in | 2.6in | 3.5in | 3.0in | 3.0in | 2.6in | 2.6in | 1.8in |
| Display | Colored | Colored | Colored | Colored | Colored | Colored | Colored | Colored | Colored | Colored | Colored | Colored | Monochromatic |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| On-Device Navigation* | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Live Segments | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ClimbPro | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Waterproofing | IPX7 | IPX7 | IPX7 | IPX7 | IPX7 | IPX7 | IPX7 | IPX7 | IPX7 | IPX7 | IPX7 | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Weight | 161g | 133g | 133g | 90g | 85g | 85g | 80g | 123g | 114g | 104g | 78g | 76g | 33g |
| Memory | 64GB | 64GB | 64GB | 32GB | 32GB | 16GB | 16GB | 32GB | 16GB | 16GB | 16GB | 16GB | n/a |
| More info | Edge 1050 review | Edge 1040 Solar review | Edge 1040 review | Edge 840 review | Edge 840 review | Edge 540 review | Edge 540 review | Edge 1030 Plus review | n/a | n/a | Edge 830 review | Edge 530 review | n/a |
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*On-Device Navigation means that the device can recalculate the route when you are off-course.
My Verdict
Garmin Edge 530 was a worthy upgrade over its previous generation Edge 520 Plus back in 2019.
It brought an improved and larger display, faster operation, better battery life, and more.
Unfortunately, I find it hard to use due to many features and poorly designed menus. Yes, the buttons are reliable in all conditions, but changing data fields is a nightmare.
Because many new bike computers are on the market now, I recommend either buying the Edge 830, which has a touchscreen, or cheaper but capable alternatives like iGPSport BSC300 or ELEMNT BOLT v2.
I hope you find this review helpful. If you are considering purchasing the 530, please use my links to support Cyclists Hub. I would also love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
After its launch in 2019, the Edge 530 became pretty popular. However, it’s now outdated, and there are better alternatives that are easier to use. However, if you are not too demanding and find it discounted, feel free to buy it.
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Recommended Accessories
Below, I include a few accessories worth using with the Garmin Edge 530.
Garmin Varia RTL515 Radar
Garmin Varia RCT715 Radar with Camera
Two Bolt Out Front Mount
The teaser states that some setup on the 530 can be done on the Wahoo app. But I have read this review 3 times, and nowhere do you mention anything like that at all.
And, not only do you ramble, but you need some help proof reading your stuff.
Hi Jeff,
Do you mean the Garmin Connect app? Because it makes 0 sense to set up a Garmin device with the Wahoo app.
The setup via Garmin Connect is not available for the 530 but for the newer 540.
I am not a native speaker, but I do my best with Grammarly and other software to make my texts grammatically correct. Can you tell me the wrong sections? I will fix them.
Thank you.
– Petr
I completely agree! I’ve been using the Garmin Edge 530 for a few years now, and it’s still going strong. The battery life is awesome, and the GPS accuracy is top-notch. I’ve used it for both road cycling and mountain biking, and it’s performed flawlessly. I’m definitely considering upgrading to the Edge 830 when it’s time to Replace my current device. Great review!
Thank you, Chandler. I recommend waiting for discounts, eventually, going for the E840.
– Petr
I was watching Tour De France. They had some footage where you can see the rider trying to interact with the Garmin computers. It isn’t pleasant and looks like it can cause a crash. I’m sick of my Wahoo because they haven’t fixed important features that I need, but I really have no other choice.
Yeah, doing something in menus with the E530 is dangerous when riding. With the touchscreen units, it’s easier. But imagine being able to replace a data field by saying: “Replace my 3s watts data field with 5s watts”. That could be a game changer.
– Petr
I’ve been using the edge 530 for almost 3 years now. It’s pretty good, better than most other models. Good hardware, highly adjustable, but steep learning curve.
I like the buttons as they always work, also with greasy fingers, in wet etc. I would like them to be more responsive, eg give a positive click with a real microswitch or so. Also you have to squeeze the device to press the buttons and then it’s too easy to press the button on the other side.
Battery life for me is about 8 hours, with full brightness and energy save so that the display only turns on when you reach a crossing etc.
display is very good, high max brightness, size just large enough to show what I need
The menus are a pain indeed. Some menus even look identical but are for slightly different purposes, some menus can be reached in various ways. And there are a LOT of menus, submenus etc etc. After 3 years I can find the things relevant for normal navigation by heart but for the tricky things I need to check my self-made flow-chart of menus…
It’s great that you can easily connect this to a computer and then upload routes and maps. Free maps can be downloaded from several sites, with different looks. And it gets even better, you can even generate your own maps from openstreetmap format (not trivial though). Exactly what I needed because I wanted a grayscale map and leave the colors for the important things (my route etc).
I would still buy this today, the 540 is heavier, much more expensive and does not offer anything I need compared to the 530.
Hi, thanks for sharing your extensive experience. 🙂 What about trying some alternatives, like Karoo 3, Magene C606, or iGPSport BSC300?
– Petr
My Garmin 530 has disappointed recently. It doesn’t seem to upload the Garmin Coach ‘improve fitness’ training programme from Garmin connect. Seems I’ll have to upgrade to a newer model to get this feature. Apart from this the 530 has been great for the price.