Selecting the right bike computer can be challenging when comparing leading brands like Wahoo and Garmin. Both are recognized for their high-quality and rich designs. Wahoo emphasizes simplicity and user-friendliness, while Garmin is known for its performance metrics and navigation capabilities.
The best bike computer from Garmin is the Edge 830. It has safety features like a bike alarm, group messaging, and compatibility with rear-view lights for visibility. The Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt V2 is the best option from Wahoo. It is known for its smart notifications and live tracking.
Read further as I compare the top bike computer models from both brands.
Best Garmin and Wahoo Bike Computers
- Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt V2 Bike Computer (Budget Buy)
- Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM V2 GPS Bike Computer (High End)
- Garmin Edge 830 (Top Pick)
- Garmin Edge Explore 2
Compare Garmin vs Wahoo Bicycle Computers
| Product | Overall Score | Bottom Line | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt V2 | 84 |  Built-in mount and an aero design at an affordable rate | Check Out On Amazon |
 Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM V2 | 81 |  Good interface and large screen | Check Out On Amazon |
 Garmin Edge 830 | 86 |  Best 20-hour battery life | Check Out On Amazon |
 Garmin Edge Explore 2 | 80 | Best connection to a wide range of sensors | Check Out On Amazon |
Detailed Analysis of the Garmin vs Wahoo Bike Computers
As promised, in this article I will present a detailed comparison between Garmin and Wahoo bike computers, to finally settle this long-standing debate.
Continue reading to discover which option comes out on top. To kick off our Garmin vs Wahoo bike computer comparison, I’ve selected our top two picks from each manufacturer.
1. Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt V2 Bike Computer
Overall Score: 84
The Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2 is a bike computer that blends aerodynamic design with essential performance features.
It has an enhanced color display, great navigation tools, and a user-friendly app making it a top contender in the bike computer market.
Display
The bike computer has an aerodynamic & integrated front mount. It has an integrated mount locking screw, a gorilla glass lens, and ambient light sensors.
It comes with a USB-C rechargeable battery. The model also has customizable Quicklook LED indicators and perfect view zoom buttons.
The 2.2-inch color screen is an upgrade from the original monochrome display that provides clear and crisp visuals.
The display is easy to read in various lighting conditions, and the customizable data fields allow you to view exactly what you need during a ride.
Navigation
The device offers automatic route downloads and workout uploads.
When synced with compatible accounts like Strava, Ride With GPS, Best Bike Split, etc, your saved routes will be automatically & wirelessly downloaded to the ELEMNT Bolt.
Completed rides will automatically upload to all authorized third-party accounts.
Further, it excels in navigation, offering turn-by-turn directions, route syncing, and real-time route planning via the Wahoo app.
Battery Life
The ELEMNT Bolt V2 has up to 15 hours of battery life. While this is slightly less than some competitors, it’s sufficient for most rides, and power-saving features can help extend its use further.
Connectivity
The BOLT V2 offers connectivity with ANT+ and Bluetooth devices, allowing easy pairing with heart rate monitors, power meters, and other sensors.
It is compatible with iOS and Android and has dual-band Bluetooth.
Price
This product is affordable and does not burn a hole in your pocket. It is priced the lowest of the models being compared in this article, and I recommend it as a ‘budget buy’ bike computer.
Advantages
- It comes with a built-in mount and an Aero design.
- Offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ANT+.
- You can easily set routes using the easy-to-use buttons.
- It’s compatible with iOS and Android systems and devices.
Disadvantages
- You need to pair it with a smartphone in order to operate this computer.
- Slightly weak battery life.
2. Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM V2 GPS Bike Computer
Overall Score: 81
The Wahoo ELEMNT Roam V2 is a great choice for those who value intuitive operation and reliable navigation.
This model is rather simplistic but at the same time packed with advanced features and solid durability.
Its dual-band GPS provides enhanced accuracy in challenging environments where signals are obstructed by thick forests and urban density.
Display
The ELEMNT Roam V2 is weather resistant due to its robust Gorilla Glass display which ensures durability, It has a sleek design with a 2.7-inch color screen that is easy to read in all lighting conditions.
It has a dustproof rating (IPX7) meaning it can handle tough weather conditions. The button layout is user-friendly for quick operation even with gloves.
Navigation
The supported satellites of the Roam V2 are GPS, GLONASS, BEIDOU Galileo, QZSS, SBAS, and NavIC.
It also has on-device smart navigation, turn-by-turn directions, and re-routing features and is designed to keep you on track. The preloaded maps for multiple regions and global coverage make it convenient.
Battery Life
The Wahoo ELEMNT Roam V2 has a battery life of up to 17 hours, making it perfect for long rides or multi-day trips. The USB-C port provides faster charging.
Connectivity
The Roam V2 uses connectivity technology like Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi, and multi-satellite support like GPS, GLONASS, BEIDOU, Galileo, QZSS, SBAS, and NavIC.
It also supports sensor integration, allowing cyclists to connect heart rate monitors, cadence sensors, and power meters for real-time performance data.
Price
The only drawback is that this model lies at the higher price end. But, it justifies the cost with its solid build, advanced features, and ease of use
Advantages
- Improved battery life.
- Easy to install and use.
- Large screen and good interface.
- Decent connection with other biking apps.
Disadvantages
- Complaints of poor connection with your device.
- Less durability.
3. Garmin Edge 830
Overall Score: 86
The Garmin Edge 830 is a powerful and feature-rich GPS bike computer designed for performance-focused cyclists. It offers a blend of advanced tracking, navigation, and training tools.
The dynamic performance monitoring offers valuable insights into your VO2 max, recovery time, training load focus, heat, and altitude acclimation, as well as nutrition and hydration levels when used with compatible sensors.
Display
The Edge 830 features a 2.6-inch color touchscreen that is responsive and easy to use, even with gloves or in wet conditions.
The device also has a record mode that displays everything across four screens; one for current elevation, burnt calories, time, distance traveled, average speed, and current speed.
Navigation
The Garmin Edge 830 includes a routable Garmin Cycle Map with popular routing. The device supports both on-road and off-road navigation, offering preloaded maps with route suggestions.
The ClimbPro feature shows upcoming climbs, breaking them down into segments, which is useful for planning efforts during challenging ascents.
Battery Life
The battery life of the Edge 830 is up to 20 hours with GPS. It works with a Garmin Charge power pack for up to 40 hours of additional battery life.
Connectivity
The Edge 830 offers integration with a wide range of sensors via ANT+ and Bluetooth, including heart rate monitors, power meters, cadence sensors, and smart trainers.
Other features include group messaging and incident detection, which notify emergency contacts in case of an accident. Wi-Fi connectivity allows for quick syncing of data and automatic software updates.
Price
It comes at a price point of around $350 to $400, the Garmin Edge 830 is positioned in the high-end segment of bike computers.
However, it may be a significant investment due to advanced navigation and other features.
Advantages
- It lets you know if the roads on your route have experienced any incidents recently.
- It doubles as a bike alarm.
- It’s Bluetooth compatible.
- Comes with a variety of regulatory features.
- 20-hour battery life.
Disadvantages
- It’s not as rugged as we expected and requires a little bit more care.
4. Garmin Edge Explore 2
Overall Score: 80
The Garmin Edge Explore 2 is a feature-packed GPS bike computer designed for cyclists who prioritize ease of use, reliable navigation, and connectivity without needing advanced training metrics.
Display
The Edge Explore has a 3” high-resolution, glove- and rain-friendly touchscreen that is visible even in direct sunlight. This makes the bike computer suitable for all weathers.
The interface allows you to easily switch between screens or access functions while riding.
Navigation
On this device, you can see high-traffic roads directly on the map to help you stay aware as you ride and make informed choices for your route.
It also comes preloaded with Garmin Cycle Maps, offering turn-by-turn directions and on-the-fly route recalculations.
Battery Life
It offers up to 16 hours of battery life on a single charge and can be extended to 24 hours in battery saver mode.
Connectivity
The Edge Explore 2 can be paired with your smartphone.
By doing so, you can stay connected with the LiveTrack and GroupTrack features, and avail of smart notifications, rider-to-rider messaging, and built-in incident detection.
Price
At a price point of $300, the Garmin Edge Explore 2 offers great value for cyclists looking for a reliable GPS device without needing advanced performance metrics.
Advantages
- The device is waterproof.
- It allows you to keep records of your progress.
- You can connect a wide range of sensors to it.
- It will last you for a long time.
- 3-inch display.
Disadvantages
- Not a durable device.
- It takes a while to connect with your phone.
The Garmin Edge 830 Offers Real-Time Route Planning and Recalculations That Keep You on Track…
To wrap up our comparison between Wahoo and Yakima bike racks, I recommend the Garmin Edge 830 as the top choice among the options discussed.
It’s well-made, user-friendly, and comes with advanced performance tracking, including metrics like VO2 max, recovery time, training load, detailed navigation, and mapping capabilities.
Wahoo and Garmin have been rivals for quite some time in many product categories.
Be sure to check out my article, “Garmin Tacx Neo 2T vs Wahoo Kickr,” which offers a detailed comparison of bike trainers from both brands.