The Garmin 520 plus and the Garmin 530 are two of the recent cycling computers that have been launched into the cycling market. The Garmin 520 Plus is an upgrade to the previous Garmin 520 with added features like proper mapping and turn-to-turn navigation. On the other hand, the Garmin 530 is much more advanced than the Garmin 520 Plus with numerous various new additions. New additions such as smart Bluetooth sensor pairing, WiFi Connectivity, bike alarm feature, and various mountain biking features make it an ideal cycling computer. In this article, we will discuss, analyze and compare these two wonderful cycling devices.
Garmin 520 Vs Garmin 530 Comparison Table
Garmin 520 plus vs 530 – A Discussion and Comparison of Specification
Garmin Edge 520 Plus
The Garmin Edge 520 Plus is an upgrade to the Garmin Edge 520. Unlike the Garmin 520, the Garmin 520 Plus comes with proper mapping that gives turn warnings. This feature alone makes navigating with the Garmin 520 plus in an unknown area an easy task.
The Garmin 520 Plus will auto reroute if you go off track and it comes preloaded Garmin Track for Europe and the United Kingdom. There is also a new rider alert feature embedded in this 520 plus cycling computer.
The Garmin 520 is equipped with a heart-rate strap. The heart-rate strap gives the users access to various physiological data like VO2 max and recovery plans. This device is highly customizable with different free apps, data fields, and widgets. Furthermore, the Strava Live Segments keeps track of your finishing time, so you can always compete against yourself for performance.
Garmin Edge 530
The Garmin 530 advanced cycle computer was launched in the market keeping cycling enthusiasts in mind regardless of the terrain they use. This is a button-pressing performance cycling computer which is an upgrade to the Garmin 520plus. It is enriched with various modern-day cycling computer features such as dynamic performance monitoring, cycling safety features, and routable Garmin maps.
The Garmin 530 also comes with some new additional features such as dynamic jump count, the distance of jumps, and hang time measurement. You can also get an idea of the descent, the track’s smoothness, and ride difficulty from different options in this device. The most notable upgrades in Garmin 530 are the increased battery life of up to 40 hours with the Garmin Charge Power Pack and the inclusion of Wi-Fi.
Comparison of Specification Between Garmin 520 Plus and Garmin 530
| Parameters | Garmin 520 plus | Garmin 530 |
| Screen | 2.3 inches or 5.84cm | 2.6 inches or 6.6 cm |
| Resolution | 200×265 px | 246×322 px |
| Weight | 62.5 gm | 75.8 gm |
| Dimensions
(LxWxH) |
2.9 x 0.8 x 1.9 inches | 3.2 x 0.8 x 1.9 inches |
| Battery | 15 hours | 20 hours |
| Screen Type | Color Screen | Color TFT |
# Garmin Edge 520 Plus
Key Features
1. Mapping and Routing
The Edge 520 plus comes with a preloaded Garmin Map for Cycling. There is also a navigation feature for each turn. Add to that, the Garmin Map in 520 plus has the ability to reroute any given second if you lose track by any chance.
Garmin and Strava have brought the feature where you will get alerts for segment starting and finishing. You will also be able to compete against your own record and Strava friends’ records. Moreover, with the Strava Routes Connect IQ app, routes can also be sent wirelessly.
With the Trailforks app, you can download trail maps to use offline when you go for a ride. Featuring trails from more than 80 countries,
Another key attraction is the Trailforks app. In this app, trail maps from 80+ countries can be downloaded for offline use.
2. Rider to Rider Communication Facility
With a compatible smartphone, there is a rider-to-rider messaging option in Garmin 520. Besides that, if you befall any inconveniences, you can text your fellow riders that are paired with GroupTrack.
3. Modern Performance Monitoring
The ANT+ technology sensors can give information such as heart rate, speed, etc. The 520 Plus is compatible with ANT+ power meters which can provide even more detailed performance data. Cycling dynamics such as how and where the power is applied on the pedal and so on can be analyzed with these power meters
The additional heart-rate strap provides various physiological data. Your cycling-specific VO2 max and recovery planner etc are some of the physiological information provided.
4. Safety
This device is compatible with various awareness devices for cycling. Rearview and smart bike lights are some of the compatible devices. You can also track your live location and share them with the use of LiveTRACK.
Pros
- Better battery life than Garmin Edge 520.
- Simple to use
- Very clear and precise mapping and routing facility.
- Guidance for each turn
Cons
- More expensive than its predecessors.
- No Wi-Fi Connectivity
- No battery saver mode
# Garmin Edge 530
Key Features
1. Mapping and Routing
The Garmin Edge 530 is also loaded with the Garmin Cycling Map beforehand. This map provides you turn by turn navigation. Along with the re-routing facility, you can also check the popularity given to a route by your fellow travelers. The route calculation is approximately 2 times faster in Garmin 530 than in previous models.
The free TrailForks app will provide you with maps for cycling routes of more than 80 countries. Also, trail conditions, heatmaps, and more can be found in this app.
2. Rider to Rider Communication Facility
The Edge 530 has built-in group messaging and tracking options. So, keeping in touch while riding has become very convenient when you have paired to a compatible smartphone.
3. Modern Performance Monitoring
There are loads of performance monitoring facilities in Edge 530. Dynamic insight on performance such as how your body deals with different environments with different temperatures and altitudes can be accessed. Garmin 530 will provide timely reminders for eating and hydrating while you are riding. Comparisons with your previous rides, power curve, etc are also available.
4. Train with Proper Planning with TrainingPeaks
Necessary insights into how your body is coping with your training can be found in Edge 530. Information such as training load and its focus, recovery time, VO2 max, and so on can be tracked.
Training effectiveness can also be evaluated using your recent exercise history and performance indicators. You can also sync your workout plans from TrainingPeaks and Garmin Connect with the help of your device.
5. Safety Features
Garmin Edge 530 edges out its predecessors by some distance with its unique safety features. Apart from group tracking and messaging, it also has incident detection ability. A message and your live locations are sent to your close ones by the incident detection automatically.
Further, it has a bike alarm that is pin-protected. The alarm will go off every time it detects suspicious movements while you are away.
6. Mountain Biking, ClimbPro, and Shimano Steps eBike System
The Garmin 530 can detect different exciting details of mountain biking. Hang time, jump distance, jump counts, and other details when you are riding a mountain can be seen in the Edge 530. Moreover, the ClimbPro feature would enable you to know about the count of ascents that are remaining and grades.
The 530 can also be paired with a compatible Shemano Steps eBike System. This system will give you a fully dedicated status screen with various status and warning messages.
Pros
- Huge range of features
- Compact package.
- Great battery life
- Bike alarm and other security features.
Cons
- The menu structure is a bit messy
- The map interface is average and sometimes frustrating
Garmin 520 Plus vs Garmin 530( Comparison Chart)
| Comparison Parameter | Garmin Edge 520 Plus | Garmin Edge 530 |
| Display Size | 2.3 inches | 2.6 inches |
| Battery Life | 15 hours | 20 hours |
| Battery Saver Mode | Not available | Available |
| Processor Speed | Average | Increased processor speed |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+ | Bluetooth, ANT+, WiFi |
| ClimbPro | Not available | Available |
| Mountain Biking Measurements | Not available | Available |
| ForkSight | Not available | Available |
| Nutrition and Hydration Tracking | Not available | Available |
| Nutrition and Hydration Notifications | Not available | Available |
| Edge Battery Pack Support | Not available | Available |
| Bluetooth Smart Sensors | Not available | Available |
| Bike Alarm Feature | Not available | Available |
| Heat and Altitude Acclimation | Not available | Available |
| API Support for Training Plan | Not available | Available |
| Performance Power Curve | Not added | Added |
Garmin 520 Plus vs Garmin 530 – The Breakdown
Display Size
The display size in Edge 520 Plus is 2.3 inches. Whereas in the Garmin Edge 530 the display is 2.6 inches. The comparatively bigger display allows for better menu and map navigation in Edge 530 than 520 plus.
Battery Life
Another metric that the Edge 530 beats the Garmin 520 Plus is the battery life. The battery life for the Garmin 520 Plus is 15 hours. On the other hand, the battery life of the Garmin 530 is 20 hours.
Battery Saver Mode
Along with the longer battery life in Garmin Edge 530, it also has a battery saver mode. The battery saver mode increases the battery life in 530 up to 48 hours. On the contrary, the Garmin 520 Plus, unfortunately, doesn’t have any such battery saver mode.
Processor Speed
The Garmin 530 has a significantly faster processor speed than the Garmin 520 plus. This results in much faster route calculation and rerouting in Garmin 530.
Connectivity
Another big difference between devices is in connectivity. The Garmin 520 Plus supported only Bluetooth and ANT+. But, there was no WiFi connectivity. On the other hand, the Garmin 530 comes with built-in Bluetooth, ANT+, and WiFi connectivity. This is a massive plus on the side of the Garmin Edge 530.
ClimbPro
The Garmin 530 has Ci]limbPro feature. This feature enables you to see how many ascents and grades you have remaining on the trail. On the other hand, the 520 Plus does not have any such feature enabled.
Mountain Biking Measurements
With the use of unit and Garmin connect, The Garmin 530 can show mountain biking trail details. Measures such as grit, flow, jump details, jump count, hang time, and so on can be displayed on the Garmin Edge 530. On the contrary, no such features are available in the Garmin 520 Plus devices.
ForkSight
The new ForkSight mode in the Garmin 530 shows you available mountain bike trail options. The next or upcoming forks in the trail are also displayed in this mode. This feature gives the rider an idea about his whereabouts in the context of the specific trail. However, the Garmin 520 Plus has no such options in it.
Nutrition and Hydration Tracking
Another great feature added to the Garmin 530 is the inclusion of nutrition and hydration tracking. You can also keep this nutrition and hydration data of your rides in Garmin Connect. On the other hand, the Garmin 520 offers no such luxury.
Nutrition and Hydration Notifications
When you set out on a specific route, the Garmin 530 will automatically calculate the number of calories and the amount of water you need to take in your body. You will also get smart notifications every time your body needs water or calories. In contrast, the Garmin Edge 520 Plus has no feature of this sort.
Edge Battery Pack Support
The Garmin 530 allows you to attach the integrated battery pack of Garmin to the Edge. In contrast, the Garmin 520 Plus gives you no such option to add an integrated battery pack.
Bluetooth Smart Sensors
In your Garmin Edge 530 you can pair smart Bluetooth sensors such as heart rates, cadence, and so on. On the contrary, The Garmin 520 Plus cannot be paired to such smart Bluetooth sensors.
Bike Alarm Feature
There’s a bike alarm feature in Garmin 530 that is pin protected. This alarm will go off anytime it senses unusual movements of your cycle when you’re away. This feature helps keep your cycle safe from thieves. On the other hand, the 520 Plus does not come with such alarm features.
Heat and Altitude Acclimation
The Garmin 530 comes with heat and altitude acclimation. It will change your performance metrics or recovery time with the temperature of the area and the altitude that you are at. However, the Garmin 520 Plus does not come with such heat and altitude adaptation ability.
API Support for Training Plan
The training plan in the Garmin 530 has been redesigned to have a new execution page for workouts. On the other hand, the 520 Plus does not boost any such API support for training plans.
Performance Power Curve
This shows you your mean maximal power over different durations/timeframes.
The performance power curve in the Garmin Edge 530 shows your mean maximal power during various timeframes. Therefore, you can measure your performance more accurately. On the other hand, the Garmin 520 Plus has no options to display a performance power curve.
Price
The final metric I am going to talk about is the price. The Garmin 520 Plus is the comparatively cheaper one between these two cycling computers. On average, A Garmin 530 would cost you at least 50 to 60 US dollars more in the market.
Conclusion
All in all, it can be said that the Garmin Edge 530 is a considerable upgrade to the Garmin Edge 520 Plus. Apart from price, there are not any metrics or features where the Garmin 520 Plus outperforms the Garmin 530. The Garmin 530 will enable you with loads of new performance, mapping, security, connectivity, and mountain biking features. The 530 is also compatible with various smart sensors and devices. Therefore, if the difference of 50 to 60 US Dollars is not an issue for you, then you should definitely go for the much more premium-looking Garmin Edge 530.
Can the Edge 530 show the gear you are in if you’re using a wireless AXS system?
It would be nice if it has music controls on your phone as well.