Is Garmin Edge 830 Still Worth Buying in 2023? (REVIEW)

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I’ve used Garmin Edge 830 for several weeks and tested bike computers from Garmin, Wahoo, and other brands.

Despite being launched in 2019, it’s still on sale and belongs among the most popular bike computers.

In this review, I will share my experience with it and how it compares to bike computers like Edge 530, Edge 1030 Plus, Edge 540, Edge 840, Edge 1040, Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT v2, and more.

Garmin Edge 830 Pros & Cons

These are the main pros & cons of Edge 830 I found during its use.

I’ve used several bike computers, including the Garmin Edge 1040, Edge 1030 Plus, Edge 520, and Edge 530, as well as Wahoo’s BOLT v1, BOLT v2, and ROAM models.

The Edge 830 features a 2.6-inch display. I consider it an ideal size for me. It’s not too big or small, but the larger 3.5-inch display of the Edge 1040 is a better choice for people with worse eyesight.

Unlike Edge 530, the 830 has a touchscreen display, which makes it much easier to use.

However, it’s not perfect. Below, I explain why.

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Unboxing

Garmin’s mount design for their bike computers is outdated and not as aerodynamic as the Wahoo aero mounts. While it may only save a few watts here and there, Garmin’s mounts could be sleeker.

On the other hand, the safety tether is handy because it can save your bike computer from crashing when the mount fails. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a tether when it happened to me, and the bike computer got scratched.

Setup

The initial setup of the Edge 830 is easy but not as straightforward as the Wahoo ELEMNT line or the Edge x40 line, which allows you to simply scan a QR code.

Additionally, you won’t be able to customize the head unit via a smartphone app. It’s unlikely that Garmin will ever implement this via firmware updates, as this feature is limited to the newer Edge x40 lineup.

The Edge 830 is less dependent on a smartphone than the Wahoo ELEMNT bike computers because you can customize the device directly. For comparison, ELEMNT bike computers don’t allow you to change data fields directly on the device. This is a disadvantage, especially if you want to edit data fields on the fly.

My Experience

Below, I share my experience with the Edge 830 and a comparison with other bike computers I have used.

Display

The Edge 830 boasts a 2.6-inch (246×322px) touchscreen display, the most significant difference between the Edge 530 and the 830. I find this size ideal for most use cases.

However, if you can’t see very well, a cycling computer with a larger display size will be better for you, as it will fit the same number of data fields but have larger digits.

The following chart shows the screen sizes of the top bike computers on the market.

For comparison, Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT v2 has only 2.2in display, ELEMNT ROAM 2.7in, and Edge 1030 Plus 3.5in.

While I didn’t have issues reading Edge 830 in direct sunlight, its display finish is glossier than that of ELEMNT computers, which are even easier to read.

It’s great that Edge bike computers have an ambient sensor to automatically adjust the brightness based on the outside light conditions because it will save battery and ensure good readability.

The Edge 830 can display up to 10 data fields simultaneously, the same as the Edge 530. However, unlike ELEMNT computers, it doesn’t allow you to zoom in and out to adjust the size of the data fields. You have to change the entire data field layout instead. This is a shame because it takes much longer than just clicking the side buttons.

If you are deciding between Edge 530 and 830, go for the Edge 830 because, thanks to the touchscreen display, it’s much easier to use. I can’t stress the benefit of the touchscreen display enough. But I will discuss this more in the Control & User Friendliness section.

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Battery Life

The Edge 830 claims a battery life of 20 hours, which is the same as the Edge 530.

During my first testing, however, I could only get 8 hours (with my HR monitor, power meter, Varia radar, and phone connected to the bike computer). This battery life seemed too low, even for a used device.

I reset the device to factory settings to see if it resolved this issue and conducted a second series of tests. Based on my first few rides, everything seems okay. But still, the battery life was only about 13 and a half hours.

Based on the experiences of others, a new Edge 830 is pretty close to the claimed 20-hour battery life. So, take my results with a grain of salt.

If your battery runs low mid-ride, you can turn on the battery-saver mode, which will still record your ride.

Unfortunately, the Edge 830 still has a MicroUSB charging port despite the USB-C standard already being available in 2019. Luckily, the Edge 840 already has USB-C.

Control & User Friendliness

To control the Edge 830, you must use its touchscreen and three physical buttons. Most of us already use smartphones, so the touchscreen feels intuitive.

However, the interface and menu complexity make the overall experience less pleasant than Wahoo ELEMNT computers. I currently use Edge 840, which combines touchscreen and control buttons and has a redesigned user interface. It’s much easier to use than 830, but also more expensive. I recommend reading my Edge 830 vs. 840 comparison if you are deciding between these two.

Changing the data fields on Edge 830 is surprisingly fast. You just have to press the data field and choose another to switch positions or browse from dozens of other fields.

Unfortunately, there is no possibility to adjust them via the smartphone app. On the other hand, this makes the Edge 830 less smartphone-dependent than Wahoo bike computers. However, if you have the “set and forget” approach, this should be a problem.

The three buttons are for turning the device on and off (or locking the screen), starting a new lap, and starting/pausing the recording. I find them easy to press and well-positioned.

So, what about the touchscreen display in non-ideal conditions, such as when wet or with full-finger gloves? It works surprisingly well in both scenarios, but you must sometimes repeat the touch. Watch the following video for an illustration.

Garmin touchscreen computers are the best in terms of reliability in wet conditions. I’ve already tested Hammerhead Karoo 2, Bryton Rider S800, Sigma ROX 12.1 EVO, and other touchscreen computers, and they usually struggle when wet.

Maps & Navigation

The Edge 830 features full on-device navigation, providing you with turn-by-turn instructions and the ability to navigate to a selected point on the map or to the starting point.

I don’t mind the smaller screen than the 1030 Plus or the smaller internal storage (16 vs. 32 GB) because I am not a frequent traveler and don’t use navigation that often.

What I do mind is the need to download maps via MicroUSB cable using the desktop app. Garmin, it’s 2022 2023 already.

The navigation works fine, calculates good routes, and is decently accurate (Edge 830 doesn’t have multi-band GNSS). However, sometimes, the recalculated routes use inappropriate roads.

For example, I don’t understand why the head unit chose the bottom road instead of the main one I was riding on.

The Edge 830 also struggles with gradient changes. Those are less accurate (delayed by a few seconds) than on Wahoo.

So, if you are looking for more reliable cycling GPS navigation, I recommend looking elsewhere (such as the Edge 1040, ROX 12.1 EVO, and Edge 840).

Extras

Garmin crushes its competitors with these features. But I would like a more user-friendly interface than features I will never use. What about you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Connectivity

Garmin Edge 830 features ANT+, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity. You can pair it with additional sensors like HR monitors, power meters, cadence and speed sensors, bike radars, etc.

Of course, Edge 830 can automatically upload your activities to third-party apps like Strava or TrainingPeaks.

Despite having Bluetooth, Edge 830 cannot be customized via a smartphone. This means that you have to download maps via the desktop app Garmin Express or adjust data fields on the device itself.

Garmin Edge 830 Alternatives

Garmin Edge 830 Technical Specifications

Here is the summary of the main features and the technical specifications of the Garmin Edge 830.

The following table compares Garmin Edge bike computers and their basic features.

My Verdict

I enjoyed using the Edge 830 more than the Edge 530 because of its touchscreen display. I understand now why it’s so popular among pros and amateur cyclists.

It provides most of the features you need, and thanks to its more affordable price, around $350, it’s still a competitive bike computer. Its display works surprisingly well even when it’s raining, or I wear full-finger gloves.

On the other hand, its ideal display size makes this bike computer more suitable for day-to-day riding or racing than the 1030 Plus. By the way, you can read my comparison of the Edge 830 and 1030 Plus here.

Considering its price and other features, I think it’s a worthy bike computer even in 2023.

But if you are a beginner or have a tighter budget, I recommend checking out its cheaper alternatives like Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT v2 or iGPSport BSC300.

I hope you find this review helpful. If you are considering the purchase of the 830, please use my links to support Cyclists Hub.

Garmin Edge 830

Despite being released in 2019, it’s still a great bike computer offering the most necessary features. It only lags behind in GPS accuracy, user-friendliness, and micro USB charging port.

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Recommended Accessories

Below, I include a few accessories worth using with the Garmin Edge 830.

Garmin Varia RTL515 Radar

Garmin Varia RCT715 Radar with Camera

Two Bolt Out Front Mount

Garmin Edge 830 FAQ