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

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This is my comparison of Garmin Edge 530 vs. Edge 830.

I have experience with both bike computers (and many others), so I summarized their pros, cons, and differences in this article. 

The main difference between Garmin Edge 530 and 830 is that the 830 has a touchscreen display and three control buttons, while Edge 530 is button-based. Additionally, 830 offers an on-device course creator, but Edge 530 does not. Other features, like screen size, battery life, etc., are the same. However, the Edge 830 is more expensive than the 530.

My winner is the Edge 830 because is much easier to use thanks to its touchscreen display. But I recommend reading the entire article for more info.

Edge 530 vs. Edge 830 The Basics

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

Edge 530 vs. Edge 830 What’s the Same?

They are both used by pro cyclists and will do everything you expect from a quality bike computer. 

These features include turn-by-turn navigation, Strava live segments, auto-sync with 3rd party apps, compatibility with 3rd party sensors, etc.

Edge 530 and 830 are also available in bundles that include additional sensors.

Edge 530 vs. Edge 830 Features Comparison

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

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 bike computer, 530 and 830 can import your settings to save you some time.

Then, you can set up the data fields and other details. I declare Edge 830 as the winner of this area because browsing menus and changing data fields is easier and faster thanks to the touchscreen display.

Winner: Edge 830

Display

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

The biggest difference is the display type.

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

Their resolution, the number of colors and data fields they can display, readability, etc., are the same. 

To learn more about their usability, continue reading the following section.

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

Control & User Friendliness

The 830 is easier to control, thanks to the touchscreen display.

However, this only applies to ideal conditions. Once it starts raining, sweat drips from your nose onto the display, or you wear full-finger gloves, the story is different. 

The display of Edge 830 still works surprisingly well, but not 100% of the time. You will sometimes need to repeatedly move your finger, which is annoying, or wipe off the screen.

On the other hand, when you want to browse maps or change data fields, it’s much easier to do it on the 830 than on the 530.

But it’s sometimes tricky to control a touch-screen bike computer on trails and terrain, where buttons are a more reliable solution.

So, before you make your final call, think about 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.

Another thing I want to point out – you shouldn’t expect today’s smartphones’ level of responsivity. 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 both bike computers.

I tested the real battery life by using the same brightness, connecting the same sensors, and using the same features.

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 am not sure if the age of the Edge 830 caused such a big difference, but in theory, both should last the same. And the Edge 530 was not new, either.

Still, the Edge 830 battery life was underwhelming, and I expected more.

Remember, I tested them during winter in temperatures lower than 5°C (41°F). So the resulting battery life could be influenced by these factors.

Winner: Edge 530

Maps & Navigation

One of the few differences between Edge 530 and 830 is the on-device course creator on 830. The touchscreen display will allow you to type specific addresses, and the computer will calculate 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, and you have to plug the head unit into a computer via MicroUSB.

Hopefully, Edge 540 and 840 will introduce this functionality. Anyway, the winner here is, again, the Edge 830.

Winner: Edge 830

Extras

Winner: It’s a draw

Total score: Garmin Edge 530 (1) | Garmin Edge 830 (3) | It’s a draw (2)

Edge 530 vs. Edge 830 FAQ

My Verdict

The clear winner between Garmin Edge 530 and 830 is Edge 830.

Edge 530 is a sure bet because you can always rely on the button-based interface. However, browsing maps and menus or changing data fields is a pain.

I recommend Edge 530 to more conservative riders, mountain bikers, and people on a tight budget.

However, if you are used to interacting with the bike computer often, eventually, you will want to browse maps, pay a little bit more for Edge 830. 

Its touchscreen display is ideal for these purposes, and using the bike computer is much faster.

Overall, I enjoyed using Edge 830 much more than 530.