Garmin Edge 540 vs. Edge 840 (Solar): Which One to Buy?

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I’ve been using Garmin Edge 540 Solar and Edge 840 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 like the Edge 530, Edge 830, Edge 1040, Wahoo ELEMNTs, and more.

Edge 540 vs. Edge 840: The Basics

Here is the summary of the main features and differences between Garmin Edge 540, Edge 840, and Edge 1040 (Solar).

Edge 540 vs. Edge 840: Features Comparison and Differences

Physical Dimensions & Weight

Garmin Edge 540 and Edge 840 have the same dimensions. However, the 840 is 5g heavier.

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 1040.

I like their compactness, and I think this size is ideal for a bike computer. However, larger units, like the Edge 1040, have an edge in readability. But more about that later.

Ease of Setup

Garmin simplified the setup process because you can now scan a QR code instead of going through multiple options.

If you have already used a Garmin Edge bike computer, 540 and 840 can import your settings to save you some time setting up the data pages and data fields.

The good news is that Garmin also implemented the possibility of setting up these bike computers via the Garmin Connect smartphone app. I find it less polished than the Wahoo ELEMNT app, but it’s a step in the right direction.

You can watch the following video for more details.

I declare Edge 840 as the winner of this area because browsing menus and changing data fields is easier and faster thanks to the touchscreen display. The Edge 540 still feels a bit like its predecessor, the Edge 530, which was awkward to use.

Winner: Edge 840 (Solar)

Display

The 2.6″ display size of the Edge 540 and 840 is the same (similar to the Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM 2.7-inch display). However, the biggest difference is the display type.

While Edge 540 (Solar) has a non-touchscreen and 7 physical buttons, 840 has a touchscreen display and also 7 buttons.

Their resolution, the number of colors and data fields they can display, readability, etc., are the same. The same goes for their quality and reliability. They offer the same experience as the larger Edge 1040 (Solar). The only difference is the size of the digits.

It’s worth noting that the Solar units have slightly dimmer displays than non-solar units. However, I have not noticed that this hurts readability.

I will discuss usability 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. Those offer better readability in direct sunlight.

Winner: It’s a draw (depending on what display type you prefer, it’s either Edge 540 or 840)

Control & User Friendliness

TLDR: The Edge 840 is easier to control, thanks to the touchscreen display, and its control buttons add enough flexibility in extreme scenarios.

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.

When the conditions are not ideal, the buttons save the day. That’s one of the biggest benefits of the Edge 840 (Solar). I can combine the touchscreen with control buttons, similar to Hammerhead Karoo 2. On the other hand, when you want to browse maps or change data fields, it is much easier to do so on the 840 than on the 540.

One of the biggest changes is that the Edge 840 models also have the same buttons as the 540, making them more tempting for those who prefer button-based computers.

My experience with the Edge 540 Solar was ‘meh.’ The system is designed for touchscreen devices, and using it with buttons is inefficient. I didn’t enjoy certain actions like browsing menus and setting up data fields. Luckily, you can now do this via the Garmin Connect app to save the hassle.

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 540 is the way to go (considering about 25% lower price than the 840). Otherwise, I strongly recommend buying the 840.

Another thing I want to point out is that you shouldn’t expect today’s smartphones’ level of responsibility. Bike computers are not as good (yet). The closest smartphone-like experience offers Karoo 2, but it struggles when wet.

Winner: Edge 840 (Solar)

Battery Life

The claimed 26-hour battery life is the same for both bike computers. The Solar models bump it up to 32 hours in ideal conditions.

This increase is relatively disappointing compared to about a 40% jump on the 1030 Plus to 1040 (Solar).

I got around 24.25 hours with Edge 840 and about 27.50 hours with Edge 540 Solar. This was in side-by-side testing, and with the same sensors connected.

Garmin claims that Solar models add about 25 minutes per hour of riding. The smaller solar panel is less effective than the panel on the Edge 1040. This makes the 540 Solar and 840 Solar a worse deal because the 1040 Solar adds 42 minutes per hour (but costs the same extra 100 USD).

The following chart shows that the solar added about 31 minutes of ride time during an about 3-and-a-half-hour long ride. Not great, not terrible.

Compared with other bike computers, the new Edges are well above average. For illustration, see the following chart that lists the best bike computers on the market.

Winner: It’s a draw (Solar models last longer)

Maps & Navigation

Edge 540 and 840 offer almost the same navigation features. These include turn-by-turn directions, recalculating routes, popularity heatmap, etc.

The 540, however, doesn’t offer address search or on-device course creation because it lacks a touchscreen. The smaller storage capacity (16 GB) also means there won’t be enough space for multiple map regions. The 840 has two regions preloaded.

One of the downsides of both bike computers is that you can’t update maps via WiFi and must connect the devices to a PC. Come on, Garmin, it’s 2023! Most other competitors can update maps via WiFi for several years already.

Thanks to the Multi-Band GNSS system, the accuracy of both head units improved. They now match Edge 1040 or ROAM v2.

Winner: Edge 840 (Solar)

Extras

Garmin Edge bike computers offer the following features I want to highlight.

Power Guide and Real-Time Stamina are features introduced on 1040 (Solar). All models of 540 and 840 get them too. I honestly don’t use these features much.

ClimbPro shows stats about the upcoming climbs. Newly, you don’t have to have a pre-planned route, and the data are more detailed. Unfortunately, the data screen offers limited customizability.

MTB Dynamics measures your jumps, grit, and flow. It’s useful mainly for mountain bikers.

Incident/crash detection detects if you crash and notifies your emergency contacts.

Winner: It’s a draw

Total score: Garmin Edge 540 (0) | Garmin Edge 840 (4) | It’s a draw (1)

My Verdict

The clear winner between Garmin Edge 540 and 840 is Edge 840 because of the touchscreen display and physical buttons.

The question is whether you should consider buying the Solar version or not. It costs $100 more, and you get an extra 25% battery life. For me, Solar on the 840 is not worth it (unlike on the Edge 1040 Solar). So, I recommend considering your riding style and preferences.

I bought the Edge 840 for myself because it offers the best value of the 4 new bike computers that Garmin introduced. If you have Edge 830, I don’t think 840 is worth upgrading, though, unless you struggle with depreciated battery life.

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 540 vs. Edge 840 FAQ