Garmin Edge 1000 vs Edge 1030 – May 2020 Comparison

Looking for the perfect GPS tracker can be hectic and frustrating. Herein, Garmin Ltd keeps surprising us, bikers, every now and then.

Garmin has revamped its Edge 1000 flagship GPS navigation device with a new edition after more than three years; the Edge 1030. However, both of the devices have exciting features.

This Garmin Edge 1030 vs. 1000 article will give you everything you need to know before proceeding to purchase them.

Garmin Edge 1000 vs. 1030 Comparison 2020

Model	Edge 1000	Edge 1030
TOUCHSCREEN	Yes	Yes
COLOR DISPLAY	Yes	Yes
DISPLAY SIZE	1.5″ x 2.6″	3.5″ (88.9 mm) diagonal
DISPLAY RESOLUTION	240 x 400 pixels	282 x 470 pixels
WEIGHT	114.5 g	123 g
BATTERY LIFE	up to 15 hours	up to 20 hours
ABILITY TO ADD MAPS	Yes	Yes
EXTERNAL MEMORY STORAGE	Yes	Internal plus microSD™ slot
ACCELEROMETER	No	Yes
WEATHER	No	Yes
RACE AN ACTIVITY	No	Yes
ADVANCED WORKOUTS	Yes	Yes
Price	Check Price	Check Price

Garmin Edge 1030

The new large-screen design model offers a longer battery life, along with a new option for an external battery pack.

Not just that, it provides FirstBeat Training, Bluetooth Smart Sensor Support, and Rider to Rider messaging.

But the question is – is the cost worth the latest Edge 1030? And above all, how well all these new features have been implemented?

Let us consider diving right into what’s new on the Edge 1030.

In many instances, you will see that this is not a revolutionary breakthrough but an evolutionary update.

That isn’t bad to say – it is really good in many ways since the number of problems you see at the beginning is reduced.

However, we are here with a bulleted list:

Screen Size: 3.5″ with high resolution.
New External Battery Pack Option: A secondary battery pack can now be installed to the bottom via a locking mechanism.
Longer Battery Life: Claimed by the manufacturer for up to 20 hours, and you can stack the battery pack for another 24 hours.
Trendline Popularity Routing: Garmin Connect app data is used to find the best cycling routes on the road, mountain, and gravel groups, where most of the people ride.
Bluetooth Smart Sensors: You can now easily pair to Bluetooth Smart heart rate straps, speed, cadence, and power meter sensors.
Garmin Connect Mobile Course Creator: Allows easier route creation using the Garmin Connect Mobile (GCM).
Garmin Connect Mobile Workout Creator: You can now create organized workouts.
Rider to Rider Messaging: you can exchange canned messages to other users of Edge 1030.
Real-time Strava Segment Listings: It will now use your phone to show you actual Strava segments as you ride along close by, along with real-time segments.
New Strava Routes Connect IQ App: With this app, you can pull your saved Strava routes directly on your device.
Protected MicroSD Card Slot: Even though it is pre-loaded with maps, you can install more maps. This new slot design is much more waterproof.
Incident Detection: This feature detects if you had an accident and will notify your family and friends.
Out-front Mount: You can now place the device with handlebars instead of placing it above them.

The features are all new and exciting, but how well are they implemented? Let us look at the pros and cons of Edge 1030.

Related Guide: Garmin Edge 520 VS 810 comparison

Pros

It has the most responsive touchscreen.
The panel with updated dashboards also has a lower degree of lagging.
The larger screen allows the screen an excellent level of clarity.
With the new software and layout, the usage is significantly smooth.

Cons

The software isn’t flawless, but it is fixable with updates. All in all, it’s a well-enhanced set.
Navigation on the fly is unpleasant compared to Google Maps on your phone.
Screen responsiveness could be better.
Inconsistent glove efficiency.

Even though 1030 is an upgrade, let us look at the features of Garmin Edge 1000.

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Garmin Edge 1000

The Garmin Edge 1000 is a highly powerful device. Thanks to the highly detailed maps, navigation aids easy to follow, with a comprehensive driving guide and three forms of wireless connectivity.

Its GPS and GLONASS positioning systems are easy to integrate and takes one or two seconds to lock the signals on to the satellite.

Without further ado, let’s break down the features

Screen Size: 1.5 x 2.6 inches
Connectivity: Measures distance, speed, descent, and ascent. With ANT+TM device, you can track heart rate, cadence, and power.
Garmin Connect Segments: Enables you to ride and see real-time results on your Edge and share your experience with anyone you want.
Display Lighting Adjustments: The user-friendly color touchscreen display is perfectly suited to bright light and unexpected down streams, and even shadier areas, such as tunnels or tree-lined routes.
Garmin Cycling Map: You can track your trips, including round trip navigation, via either pre-loaded or router maps, which helps you to map your own path on your app directly.
Route Planner: You can save your current location for turn by turn navigation.
Live Tracking: Enables you to share your ride with your friends and family.

Compatibility of Edge 1000 with ANT+TM Sensors, Shimano Di2, and Wi-Fi provides valuable riding stats and access to your favorite workout software, messaging, text notifications, and more.

Related Guide: Garmin Edge 810 vs Garmin Edge 820

Pros

Automatically uploads completed rides when it is paired with a smartphone.
Detailed map view.

Cons

Short battery life.
Battery drains quickly when navigation is used.
Its software lacks the social elements of Strava and the full analysis of TrainingPeaks.

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Garmin Edge 1000 vs Garmin Edge 1030: Comparison

comparison between Garmin Edge 1000 and 1030

The 1030 and 1000 are both luxury devices that send you virtually every detail that you can imagine. Both bike computers have the following characteristics;

Customizable screens
Large display with colored touchscreen
Real-time weather alerts
Automatic Wi-Fi upload to Garmin connect/ Strava
Access to GPS and GLONASS for a top-class GPS signal
Training metrics
High-quality maps and navigation system
Connectivity via ANT+
Live Tracking: invite others to view your live data
Group tracking
Incident detection

As for the dissimilarities, the chart below shows the difference between Garmin edge 1030 and 1000.

Features	Garmin Edge 1000	Garmin Edge 1030
Screen	76mm (3.0”)	88.9mm (3.5”)
Depth	20mm	19mm
Battery life	Rechargeable up to 15 hours	Rechargeable up to 20 hours
Weight	114.5g	123g
Ergonomic Button Location	Absent	Present
SD Card Port	Absent	Present

Related Review: Garmin Edge 820 vs 830 buying guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth upgrading to Garmin Edge 1030 from 1000?

If you want a better and larger touchscreen and better battery life, it’s worth upgrading. It’s also cheaper than the Edge 1000.

Is the Garmin Edge 1030 waterproof?

Yes, on top of solid build quality, the Edge 1030 also has an IPX 7 waterproof rating.

Final Verdict

When it comes to functionality, there is little to choose between Garmin Edge 1030 vs 1000.

Both of them record comprehensive performance data and features pre-installed maps and turn by turn navigation.

It, therefore, comes down to a personal choice on criteria such as cost and screen size.

However, our verdict is, the Edge 1030 just pips the opposition due to its superior battery life and enhanced screen sensitivity. If money is no object, Edge 1030 is our winner.