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There are several key differences to consider when choosing between the Edge 540 and Edge 550. Below, I summarize them and explain which one I would buy based on my experience with dozens of bike computers.
KEY TAKEAWAY
The main differences between the Edge 540 and Edge 550 are the display size and type, battery life, and features. The Edge 550 features a 0.1″ larger, 2.7″ touchscreen display with a much higher resolution (420×600px vs. 246×322px). Both models share Garmin’s latest training, racing, and connectivity features, but the Edge 550 improves some features, such as Group Ride.
The claimed battery life of the new generation is drastically lower (12 vs. 26 hours). For this reason, Edge 540 and Edge 840 remain my favorites, despite the excellent display and advanced features on the Edge 550. You can continue reading for more information, or buy the Edge 540 here and the Edge 550 here.
Garmin Edge 540 vs. Edge 550 Technical Specifications
The table below compares the technical specifications of the Garmin Edge x50 lineup.
| Feature | Garmin Edge 540 | Garmin Edge 550 |
|---|---|---|
| Interface¹ | Buttons only | Buttons only |
| Screen size (resolution) | 2.6″ (246×322px) | 2.7″ (420×600px) |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Claimed battery life | 26h (32h Solar) | 12h |
| Dimensions | 85×58×20 mm 3.35×2.28×0.79 in | 92.2×54.6×16.8 mm 3.63×2.15×0.66 in |
| Weight | 80g | 112g |
| Storage | 16 GB | 32 GB |
| Start-up time | ∼13s | ∼10s |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Mounts in the box | Out front mount Stem mount | Out front mount Stem mount |
| Speaker / Bell / Voice navigation | No | No |
| Garmin Pay | No | No |
| Address Search On-Device Course Creation | Yes | Yes |
| Smart navigation (rerouting) | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-band GNSS | Yes | Yes |
| Crash/incident detection | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| RRP | $349 | $499 |
| More info | Edge 540 Review | Edge 550 Review |
| Buy | BUY BUY at amazon.com BUY (Solar) BUY at amazon.com | BUY BUY at amazon.com |
¹How is it possible to fully control the device.
Edge 540 vs. Edge 550: What’s New?
Here is a quick overview of what’s new:
- Edge 550 has a larger, brighter, and higher-resolution 2.7” transmissive LCD, Edge 540 uses a smaller 2.6” transflective MIP display.
- Edge 550’s battery life is shorter in typical use (12 hours vs 26 claimed for 540).
- Edge 550 is heavier (112g) but slimmer; Edge 540 is lighter (80g) but thicker.
- Edge 550 has double the internal storage (32 GB vs 16 GB).
- Edge 550 uses a faster processor.
- Edge 550 features 5 Hz GPS recording for higher trail/enduro accuracy.
- Edge 550 introduces Smart Fueling (intelligent nutrition reminders) and an expanded Garmin Cycle Coach with weather and route adaptation.
- GroupRide, real-time weather on maps, and integration with SRAM AXS are available on both, but the Edge 550 integrates them more seamlessly.
- Edge 550 is significantly more expensive ($349 vs. $499).
The Edge 540 features a 2.6″ transflective TFT screen, which offers slightly worse readability than the Edge 550’s 2.7″ transmissive LCD (the same one as on the Edge 1050). Both retain the touchscreen and button-based interfaces, allowing you to choose the one that suits you best in a given scenario.
Battery life is the most significant talking point. The one on the Edge 550 was slashed to “up to 12 hours”. For comparison, the Edge 540 is expected to last up to 26 hours (depending on factors such as brightness and sensor usage) and is also available in a Solar option. The E550 is not. Therefore, if you prioritize battery life, this makes your decision easier. Due to European regulations, the E550’s design now allows easier battery replacement—thumbs up. Below, you can see the battery life of the selected Garmin Edge models.
The Edge 550 doubles the base storage from 16 GB to 32 GB, providing more space for multiple map regions. However, unlike the Edge 850, it lacks the built-in speaker that enables you to use an electronic bell, receive voice prompts, and get audible alerts.
Both models use multi-band GNSS for fast and accurate positioning, but the Edge 550 also offers a 5 Hz GPS recording for enduro and downhill ride profiles. These are new, by the way, same as the timing gates feature.
The Edge 550 can provide weather updates, but only the 550 can announce them audibly. You can set timing gates to track split times—a feature for interval and competitive training. Garmin also improved its Cycle Coach, Power Guide, and “Smart Fueling” features. They can now understand the wider context, calibrating nutrition and pacing based on route elevation, weather, and user profile.
There are also new features for group rides, additional points of interest, and improved map layers and weather widgets. These can be especially useful if you don’t carry a smartphone with you and like to explore new routes.
Garmin Edge x50 Alternatives
If you don’t want a Garmin 540 or 550, consider these alternatives:
The first is the Hammerhead Karoo 3, which offers better battery life but a more limited feature set and a different user interface.
The second is the new Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3 and ROAM 3 models, which have twice the battery life but a less bright display and fewer features. The ROAM 3 offers better value and price than the BOLT 3 for most users.
Summary
I don’t think the Edge 550 is even worth considering from the new x50 lineup. It doesn’t offer any meaningful upgrades over the Edge 540 or Edge 840, aside from a brighter display that isn’t touchscreen. For this reason, I recommend buying Edge 840 instead, and eventually the Edge 850 if you don’t mind paying more.
Garmin has a clever pricing structure that subconsciously nudges you toward the higher tiers. Why would you pay $499 for the Edge 550 when you can pay just $100 more for the Edge 850 with a speaker and touchscreen? But the E850 has a poor battery life, so why not pay even more for the Edge 1050 with a larger screen and longer battery life?
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