Wahoo vs Garmin: Which cycling computer is best?
Explaining the difference between Wahoo and Garmin cycling computers, and how to choose the best one for your needs
When searching for the best bike computer, many riders' choice comes down to either a Garmin Edge or a Wahoo Elemnt unit.
Sure, other brands are snapping at their heels, with the Hammerhead Karoo 2 being the stand-out competitor with its smartphone-derived hardware and software, as well as Bryton, Stages, Lezyne, SRM and others being in the mix, but Wahoo and Garmin lead the charge in marketshare.
While Wahoo offers just two computers, the Elemnt Bolt and Elemnt Roam, the Garmin Edge cycling computer range is broader and includes five current models from the budget Edge 130 Plus up to the top spec Edge 1040.
Garmin's latest generation computers also offer the option of solar charging, which has the potential to add extra run time. Its higher spec computers include colour touchscreens too.
In contrast, Wahoo computers are operated by buttons alone, although they're tightly connected to the Wahoo Elemnt smartphone app, which gives you a touchscreen interface to much of its functionality. Garmin has increased its integration with its Garmin Connect phone app in the latest generation Edge computers, but it still lags behind Wahoo in this regard.
If you're trying to decide whether a Wahoo or Garmin cycling computer is the best for you, we break down the pros and cons of each below.
The Black Friday sales are currently in full swing, and we have roundups of deals covering both Wahoo and Garmin. Head to our Black Friday Wahoo roundup for deals on Elemnt computers, our Garmin Black Friday guide for deals on the Edge range, or check out our Black Friday bike deals page for a collection of the best from across our entire sport.
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Wahoo cycling computers explained
The major difference between the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt and the Wahoo Elemnt Roam is their form factor. The Bolt is a more compact unit designed for racers, weighs 68g and has a 2.2 inch display. In contrast, the Roam is larger, weighs 94g and has a 2.7 inch display. Although Garmin has some computers with larger screens than this, Wahoo's font is clear and its matt screen is easy to read in sunlight.
Wahoo integrates arrays of LEDs into the Elemnt computers' front face, two sets for the Roam and one for the Bolt. These can be configured to provide at-a-glance information such as heart rate or power, as well as turn indicators when using navigation and vehicle proximity if used with a rearview radar.
Both computers have a smoothly integrated plastic out-front mount, which Wahoo claims improves their aerodynamics, although you can also mount them to your stem if you prefer.
Both the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt and the Wahoo Elemnt Roam have been updated to Version 2 since their launches. The Roam now features dual band GNSS satellite fixes, which Wahoo claims increases accuracy when riding under tree cover or between taller buildings, while the Bolt has single band GPS.
Claimed battery life is 17 hours for the Roam and 15 hours for the Bolt.
Garmin cycling computers explained
As with Wahoo's computers, the Garmin range has had an extensive recent update, with the latest range designated Edge x40 (540, 840 or 1040).
The exception is the lowest priced Edge 130 Plus. This has a monochrome 1.8 inch screen and is button operated. It weighs just 33g and has a 12 hour battery life.
The Edge Explore 2 is geared towards leisure riders with a 3 inch colour touchscreen and 16 hour claimed battery life. It weighs 104g. The Explore 2 misses out on the training features and some other functionality of Garmin's Edge x40 units, but majors on navigation and map features including points of interest.
The Edge 540 and Edge 840 are essentially the same unit with the same functionality. They differ in the Edge 840 offering a touchscreen as well as button operation while the Edge 540 is button-operated only. Both weigh around 84g and both have a 2.6 inch colour screen.
Garmin's premium offering is the Edge 1040. It's a large unit with a 3.5 inch touchscreen and weighs 133g. It too offers much of the same functionality as the other Edge x40 units, although there's a more premium feel to its build.
All the x40 series computers have multi-band GNSS for a more precise GPS location fix.
The Edge x40 cycling computers are all available in standard form or as a Solar version. This adds solar charging using an additional thin coating over the screen.
Battery life for the Edge 540 and Edge 840 is extended from a claimed 26 hours to 32 hours with the Solar version. For the Edge 1040, the equivalent figures are 35 hours and 45 hours. It's worth noting that these numbers are based on fairly bright sunshine, and on an overcast winter's day, the solar gain would be reduced, while the solar coating does reduce screen clarity a little.
Why Wahoo is better
Wahoo and Garmin's computers now match each other very closely in the functionality they offer and their ease of use.
Although Wahoo's button-only interface may seem less sophisticated than a touchscreen, as we'll explain in more detail below, there are situations in which buttons are easier to use. The front-bottom positioning of the main buttons you'll use on the Elemnt computers makes them easier to use than the buttons on the sides of the Edge computers.
Wahoo's screens are easier to read in sunlight than Garmin's, as their matt surface is less reflective. Garmin's Solar coating option can also make data even harder to read.
Wahoo's Perfect Zoom function is useful as it allows you to prioritise the data that's most important to you and zoom in to show just a few fields in a larger font or zoom out to see more fields of data. On the map screen, it will zoom in and out on your location.
Wahoo wrongfooted Garmin with its tight connectivity between its Elemnt companion app and its computers, but with the latest generation Edge x40 units, Garmin has pretty much caught up. As with the Wahoo computers, you can perform extensive configuration in the Garmin Connect app, with your updates reflected in the Garmin computer. The older generation Edge 130 Plus still requires you to make any changes on the computer itself though, which can be fiddly.
The integrated mount of the Elemnt computers is still nicer and more streamlined-looking than Garmin's mounts as well. Both the Elemnt Bolt and Roam come pre-packaged with the out-front mount, as do the Garmin Edge x40 units, whereas its an extra cost item for the Edge 130 Plus and the Edge Explore.
Other new features on the Wahoo computers include the option to share routes directly with other Wahoo users within Bluetooth range, rather than needing to share a GPX route file via email or other means.
As opposed to the touchscreen featured on a number of Garmin cycling computers, the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt and Elemnt Roam only use buttons. Some may prefer the button navigation, and for certain types of cycling, it definitely comes out on top.
Touchscreens require a careful and precise touch on a small screen, which can easily be foiled by bumpy roads, rain, mud and winter gloves. For off-road riding, buttons are often the better choice for controlling your cycling computer.
Triathletes can benefit from the Elemnt computers' connectivity to the Elemnt Rival smartwatch, which provides seamless transitions between legs during a race. Garmin's smartwatch integration isn't as slick in this regard, but offers a significantly higher number of functions.
Wahoo also offers tight integration to its Kickr trainer range and the Wahoo Systm training environment, so you can control your smart trainer using its computers.
Why Garmin is better
Garmin has far more options than Wahoo’s two cycling computers, which means that it will cover more of the bases in its offerings. The Edge 130 Plus, for example, is a budget option which Wahoo doesn't offer, and is one of the best budget cycling computers available.
While we've denounced them for use with gloves and over rougher roads, a touchscreen display is wonderfully convenient for a lot of cyclists. In use, they are more intuitive to navigate than buttons, with easier, bi-directional scrolling between screens, while you can only scroll in one direction with Wahoo's buttons.
The touchscreen is especially useful when browsing the map screen and it can also be locked at any time to prevent accidental use. Scrolling around a map using buttons is still fiddly.
Navigation is also a strong suit of Garmin cycling computers, with a super clear map screen, rerouting capabilities, and integration with third-party routing services via the Garmin Connect IQ app, although Wahoo now matches much of this functionality. Garmin also uses its extensive data on where others ride to allow you to select the most cycle-friendly route from A to B.
Garmin cycling computers also come with an emergency/incident alert in the event of a crash, or if your bike suddenly starts moving while you're at the café. This is one of those features that you never really think of wanting, until one day when you really need it. Again, Wahoo now offers much of this functionality.
Garmin's battery life, even for its non-solar units, still surpasses that of the Wahoo computers, which can be useful for multi-day adventures. As noted above though, solar charging may not extend run time much unless you're riding somewhere sunny.
The Garmin Connect phone and web app provides an impressive array of pre-ride mapping and post-ride analysis functionality, as well as unit customisation. Wahoo's companion app is a little easier to navigate, but it doesn't match the breadth of functionality on offer.
There's not quite such tight integration to Garmin smartwatches as between the Elemnt bike computers and the Elemnt Rival smartwatch, although the extensive range of Garmin watches includes options such as the Fenix 7 which provide more functionality than the Elemnt Rival.
As with the Elemnt computers, you can control a smart trainer from your Edge computer. Garmin offers its own training and indoor workout suite via Garmin Connect, although this is not as rich as Wahoo Systm.
How to choose
Touchscreen vs buttons
Touchscreen displays are fairly polarizing in the cycling community – some love them while others hate them. It can take a bit of learning to get used to button navigation, but once you have it down, it becomes natural. Certain types of riders will prefer one over the other: fair weather riders will prefer touchscreens for their ease of use, while those riding in rain, plus mountain bike and gravel riders might prefer buttons instead.
On bumpy trails and gravel roads, or in the mud and pouring rain while wearing thick gloves, touchscreens can be difficult or even impossible to navigate. Buttons are more reliable in variable weather conditions, and when the road is less than smooth.
On the other hand, swiping between screens of data (which is probably what you'll do most of the time when out riding) is easier than hitting a button. Wahoo's top face buttons are easy to use as you ride, but you can hit the wrong one with Garmin's unit side buttons. If you stabilise the computer while pressing a side button, you can also accidentally press the wrong button with the fingers you're using to hold the unit still.
Screen size
The size and colour of the display are also important factors to many cyclists. If you’re a commuter or casual cyclist, you probably don’t need a high-resolution colour display. The same is true for racers following a pre-defined course, who are more likely to be interested in a few data fields and post-race analysis.
But if you’re bikepacking, gravel riding, or exploring, you’re going to want a map that you can easily read in the midst of a ride. Wahoo head units are known for having easy-to-read displays that are less reflective than Garmin's, but the size and clarity of the Edge 1040 screen may be the deciding factor for many.
Battery life
Battery life is one of the biggest differences between the Wahoo and Garmin cycling computers, with Garmin leading the way across most price points. And when you add in solar charging and battery saver mode, some Garmin head units can last over 100 hours in ideal conditions, making them the head unit of choice for bikepacking and ultra-endurance cycling. The Garmin Powermount allows you to extend that even further.
Conclusion
Wahoo and Garmin are the leading cycling computer manufacturers for a reason. Both offer affordable, feature-laden options for all kinds of cyclists. Some units are lightweight and aerodynamic, while others are built to be robust, with colourful displays and over 20 hours of battery life.
In the end, there is no clear winner for all cyclists, but based on where and how you ride, you will certainly have a preference. For us, Wahoo leads the way for exploration and off-road riding, while Garmin offers a number of affordable options with bright displays and easy-to-use touchscreens as well as the deluxe Edge 1040 if you want all the features and the option of solar charging.
The two brands are increasingly joined at the hip though, with both now offering on-the-fly climb profiles (as first seen on the Hammerhead Karoo 2) and computers with multi-band GNSS, for example. Wahoo's latest update to its Elemnt computers replicates the Glances view of the Garmin Edge home screen too.
Zach is a freelance writer, the head of ZNehr Coaching, and an elite-level rider in road, track, and e-racing. He writes about everything cycling-related, from buyer's guides to product reviews and feature articles to power analyses. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science at Marian University-Indianapolis, Zach discovered a passion for writing that soon turned into a full-fledged career. In between articles, Zach spends his time working with endurance athletes of all abilities and ages at ZNehr Coaching. After entering the sport at age 17, Zach went on to have a wonderful road racing career that included winning the 2017 Collegiate National Time Trial Championships and a 9th place finish at the 2019 US Pro National Time Trial Championships. Nowadays, Zach spends most of his ride time indoors with NeXT eSport.
