Garmin Edge 530 vs. 830: Which One Should You Buy?

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I’ve been using the Garmin Edge 530 and Edge 830 for a few weeks, and in this comparison, I will try to help you decide which one to buy.

You will learn about their differences, pros, and cons, and I will also compare them with other bike computers, such as the Edge 540, Edge 840, Edge 1040, Wahoo ELEMNTs, and more.

I will also discuss whether these two bike computers are still competitive and worth buying.

Edge 530 vs. Edge 830: The Basics

Here is the summary of the main features and differences between Garmin Edge 530 vs. Edge 830.

As you can see from the table, these two bike computers have the same display size and resolution, claimed battery life, maps, connectivity, and many other features. So, where do they differ?

Edge 530 vs. Edge 830: Features Comparison and Differences

Below, I compare the essential features of Edge 530 and 830. 

Physical Dimensions & Weight

Garmin Edge 530 and Edge 830 have the same dimensions. However, the 830 is 3g heavier. The bigger difference is the lack of 4 control buttons on the 830. Unlike the newer Edge 840, the 830 does not yet combine a touchscreen and control buttons for complete control.

Both are among the mid-size bike computers suitable for daily use, including bikepacking trips.

They fit between smaller head units like Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT v2 and larger ones like the Edge 1030 Plus.

I like their compactness, and I think this size is ideal for a bike computer. However, larger units, like the Edge 1030 Plus, have an edge in readability. But more about that later.

Ease of Setup

Setting up both these bike computers is the same (and, yes, less user-friendly than Wahoo ELEMNT computers). 

You have to pair them with the Garmin Connect smartphone app, follow the setup guide, and pair them with sensors.

However, if you have already used a Garmin Edge computer, 530 and 830 can import your settings to save you some time.

This process was simplified with the upcoming generation, firstly with the Edge 1040 and then with the Edge 540 and 840, where you just scan a QR code like on competing bike computers.

My problem is with the 530. Due to the lack of a touchscreen, everything takes much longer. The complexity of the menus and control buttons leads to a frustrating set-up experience. That’s why I declare Edge 830 the winner in this area: The touchscreen display makes browsing menus and changing data fields easier and faster.

Winner: Edge 830

Display

The display size (2.6″) of Edge 530 and 830 is the same (similar to the Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM 2.7-inch display). 

While the Edge 530 has a non-touchscreen and 7 physical buttons, the 830 has a touchscreen display and 3 buttons.

Their resolution, the number of colors and data fields they can display, readability, etc., are basically identical. The same goes for their quality and reliability.

I will discuss usability further later, but the last thing I want to mention is that Garmin Edge bike computers have a glossier display finish than Wahoo ELEMNT bike computers. These offer better readability in direct sunlight.

Winner: It’s a draw (depending on what display type you prefer, it’s either Edge 530 or 830)

Control & User Friendliness

TLDR: The 830 is easier to control, thanks to the touchscreen display. The 530 is a pain to use (especially when browsing maps).

I consider Edge touchscreens the most reliable on the market. However, when it starts raining, sweat drips from your nose onto the display, or you wear full-finger gloves, you sometimes have to move your finger multiple times because the display is not 100% reliable. Watch the following video for illustration.

You will sometimes need to repeatedly move your finger, which is annoying, or wipe off the screen when it’s too wet. And unlike the Edge 840, where buttons can save the day, the Edge 830 mainly relies on the touchscreen.

When browsing maps or changing data fields, it’s much easier to do it on the 830 than on the 530. On the other hand, it’s sometimes tricky to control a touchscreen bike computer on trails and terrain, where buttons are a more reliable solution.

So, before making your final call, consider the features you plan to use and your riding style. For example, if you set the data fields once and leave them as they are and won’t use navigation or maps too often, the 530 is the way to go (considering about 25% lower price than the 830). Otherwise, get the 830.

Also, remember that Edge 830 and 530 don’t offer the possibility to be set up via a smartphone app. Another thing I want to point out is that you shouldn’t expect the level of responsiveness of today’s smartphones. Bike computers are not as good (yet), maybe, except for Hammerhead Karoo 2.

For me, Edge 830 is a clear winner in ease of use. But sometimes, a button-based computer is a better choice.

Winner: Edge 830

Battery Life

The claimed 20-hour battery life is the same for the 530 and 830, and the solar options are unavailable (unlike the upcoming generation).

I got about 16 hours and 14 minutes with a connected radar, HR sensor, and power meter on the Edge 530 and about 13 hours and 22 minutes on the Edge 830.

I tested the real battery life by using the same brightness, connecting the same sensors, and using the same features. Remember that both these bike computers were more than one year old, so their real battery life when they were new was longer.

Remember, I tested them during winter in temperatures lower than 5°C (41°F). These factors could also influence the resulting battery life.

Given the many other factors and the not-so-even conditions, let’s trust Garmin’s specs and call this one a draw.

Winner: It’s a draw

Maps & Navigation

One of the few differences between Edge 530 and 830 is the on-device course creator on 830. The touchscreen display allows you to type specific addresses, and the computer calculates the route. 

This feature is not available on Edge 530. All other features, like turn-by-turn directions, recalculating routes, etc., are the same.

Both head units use the same cycling maps. You can pay for more detailed TOPO maps and load them into the head unit. But unless you are a cartophile, you probably won’t need them. 

It’s a shame the download doesn’t work wirelessly over the Garmin Connect smartphone app. You have to plug the head unit into a computer via MicroUSB. This is one of those areas I don’t understand. Most competitors allow you to download maps wirelessly.

I hoped the Edge 840 and 540 could introduce this functionality, but they didn’t. Maybe we have to wait until the x50 gen.

Winner: Edge 830

Extras

Winner: It’s a draw

Total score: Garmin Edge 530 (0) | Garmin Edge 830 (3) | It’s a draw (3)

My Verdict

The clear winner between Garmin Edge 530 and 830 is Edge 830 because of its touchscreen display, which is much easier to use than the buttons on the Edge 530.

I don’t recommend the Edge 530. It might be worth it only to mountain bikers who appreciate the control buttons, those who “set and forget” their bike computer, or those looking for a more budget option.

Considering their age, these two head units are still capable and provide a good price-value ratio. They miss some modern features, like the multi-band GNSS or revamped user interface, but if you are not so demanding and don’t need the latest and greatest, the Edge 830 will serve you well.

Anyway, I hope this comparison will help you decide. If you plan to buy one of these bike computers, please consider using the links below. It won’t cost you anything extra, and you support this website. Thank you!

Edge 530 vs. Edge 830 FAQ