Garmin Edge 840 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM 3: Which One to Buy?

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In this Garmin Edge 840 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM 3 comparison, you will learn about their differences, pros, and cons. I’ve been using them for several weeks, and I also have experience with the BOLT 2, BOLT 3, Edge 830, Edge 1040, Edge 1050, and other bike computers. So below, I share everything I learned to help you decide which one to buy.

Edge 840 vs. ELEMNT ROAM 3: The Basics

Here is a summary of the main features and differences between the Edge 840 and the ELEMNT ROAM 3.

Edge 840 vs. ELEMNT ROAM 3: Features Comparison and Differences

Physical Dimensions & Weight

Edge 840 and ELEMNT ROAM 3 have similar dimensions, but the Edge 840 is wider and shorter. The weight is almost the same and varies by less than 5 grams.

Both are among the small to mid-size bike computers. For me, the ROAM 3 has the ideal size. Models like the Edge 1040 or Edge 1050, or even ELEMNT ACE, are too big for casual riding.

Ease of Setup

To set up both of these bike computers, all you have to do is scan a QR code. If you have already been using a Garmin Edge bike computer, its settings, such as the data pages, data fields, or sensors, will download from the cloud. Leaving you with a ready-to-go unit. You can also adjust most settings directly on the Edge 840, and eventually, via the Garmin Connect smartphone app.

On ROAM 3, you have the data pages and data fields synchronized as well, but you have to pair the sensors. Additionally, many settings are not available on the head unit, and you must use the Wahoo smartphone app. These include changing the data pages and data fields, and a few more.

I declare the Edge 840 the winner, but it was a close call.

Winner: Edge 840 (Solar)

Display

The 2.8″ display size of the ROAM 3 is 0.2″ larger than that of the Edge 840 (2.6″), but it doesn’t seem to be that large because it’s much narrower. Both are touchscreen and are supplemented by physical control buttons. Their resolution differs, though. ROAM 3 offers twice as many pixels per inch (PPI) as the Edge 840 (309 vs. 155 PPI), making it appear sharper in close-ups.

But what about readability? In real life, I find the Edge 840 to be more readable, especially in direct sunlight. However, the differences are minimal in most other scenarios. You can check the gallery below.

It’s also worth noting that the Edge 840 Solar has a slightly dimmer display than the non-solar version units. However, you will probably only notice this in side-by-side comparisons.

Both displays are almost identical in terms of readability, but Edge is easier to read in direct sunlight.

Winner: Edge 840 (Solar)

Control & User Friendliness

The ELEMNT ROAM 3 is easier to control, thanks to fewer features and simpler menus. However, it offers fewer on-device settings, requiring you to carry a smartphone in case you need to change data fields, for example.

I honestly don’t have any preference regarding the buttons’ placement. I’m fine with both approaches – having them below the display like on ROAM 3, or at the bottom side of the unit, like the Edge 840. The buttons on both devices feel tactile and easy to press.

I’ve been using the Edge 840 as my main computer for several months. Thanks to the touchscreen, it’s much easier to use than the button-based Edge 540, as its user interface is specifically designed for touchscreen devices. Using it just with buttons is simply not efficient. So, for example, you can change a data field by long-pressing and then browsing the menu.

ROAM 3 has the same UI as the BOLT 3 and ACE. It is more smartphone-dependent. So, for example, you can’t change data fields directly on the device. It’s a shame Wahoo didn’t implement this because with the touchscreen, it would be pretty easy. However, you must use the Wahoo app.

Wahoo ELEMNT bike computers still remain a bit easier to use than Garmin Edge, but to be fair, this applies only to the more complicated actions. The day-to-day use (starting an activity/a new lap, and saving it) is basically the same.

In summary, you can perform more actions and adjust more settings directly on the E840. ROAM 3 is more limited and more smartphone-dependent, but also simpler. So I’m calling this a draw.

Winner: It’s a draw

Battery Life

The Edge 840 has a claimed battery life of 26 hours for the non-solar version and up to 32 hours for the Solar version. The tested Edge 840 lasted around 24.2 hours. The ROAM 3 results were more surprising. While the claimed battery life is 25 hours, it lasted 28 hours in total, surpassing the claimed duration by 3 hours.

I used both bike computers on auto brightness settings (yes, both have ambient sensors for adjusting the brightness) and had the same set of sensors connected. Below, you can see a comparison of the claimed battery lives with some of the best bike computers. The Edge bike computers are well above average in terms of battery life.

Let’s talk about the Solar for a second. 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 Solar. 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).

I’m calling this one a draw, though, because it’s likely that Edge 840 Solar would last a bit longer in ideal conditions.

Winner: It’s a draw

Maps & Navigation

This is an area where Edge 840 has the edge. It also offers more navigation options and features. I also find the selected routes when navigating more appropriate. ROAM 3 sometimes tries to take me via side roads that are not the shortest way home, instead of taking the shortest route, which is relatively free of traffic.

The problem with the Edge 840 is that you can’t update maps over Wi-Fi; instead, you must connect it to a computer. That’s just ridiculous. We’ve been able to update maps wirelessly on Wahoo for years! Luckily, at least browsing maps is much easier with a touchscreen than on the E540.

Wahoo maps look nicer, but in some scenarios, they are a bit harder to follow. However, ROAM 3 has an in-built speaker, so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road. Edge 840 doesn’t have this hack.

Winner: Edge 840 (Solar)

Accuracy

Thanks to the Multi-Band GNSS system, which enables the reception of satellite signals on multiple frequency bands and from multiple global systems simultaneously, both models are more accurate than their predecessors. However, this technology alone can’t guarantee the same level of accuracy between two competing devices. So, how was the reality?

I always test bike computers on my favorite forest segment. When you take a look at the following screenshots, you can see that the accuracy is almost identical. However, I must point out that for a completely comparable test, I would have to test both bike computers on the same day. It makes a difference if it is sunny or cloudy.

Winner: It’s a draw

Extras

Both bike computers can display information about upcoming climbs. These features are called ClimbPro (Garmin) and Free Summit (Wahoo) and are some of my favorites. They don’t require a planned route, so I can pace myself more effectively on climbs that I’m not familiar with. I did a comprehensive comparison of these two and Hammerhead’s Climber. In summary, the ClimbPro data page is less customizable than the Free Summit one, so keep this in mind.

Winner: Edge 840 (Solar)

Total score: Garmin Edge 840 (4) | Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM 3 (0) | It’s a draw (3)

My Verdict

Let me put it this way — you can’t go wrong with either of these two bike computers. Both are similar in setup, screen readability, and battery life. However, the Garmin Edge 840 has the edge (no pun intended!) when it comes to navigation and advanced features.

I prefer the ROAM 3, even though it offers fewer features, and it didn’t win in any of the categories. I prefer its simplicity over the complexity of the Edge 840. And, as silly as it may sound, I find the electronic bell useful, especially on bike paths. So, I’m willing to overlook some of its flaws, like weaker navigation, the lack of crash detection, or the absence of alternatives to Power Guide, Real-Time Stamina, or Road Hazards.

I also don’t use Garmin Connect as my main app for logging rides. That said, Garmin really stands out here. Its ecosystem is unmatched. While I didn’t factor it into the overall score, it’s a big plus if you prefer not to rely on third-party apps like Strava.

Prices for both models are nearly the same, especially in the US. The Edge 840 Solar costs a bit more. Is it worth the extra money? In my opinion, not really. The Solar upgrade makes more sense on the Edge 1040 because of its larger surface area. Still, your choice should depend on your riding style and what matters most to you. If you value simplicity, the ROAM 3 could be the better pick.

I hope this comparison helps you decide. If you’re planning to buy one of these bike computers, please consider using the links below. It won’t cost you anything extra, and it’s the best way to support me and CyclistsHub. Thank you!

Edge 840 vs. ELEMNT ROAM 3 FAQ