If you are anything like us, you don’t like to take unnecessary risks hoping it will increase the thrill of an adventure;
in which case, perhaps you would agree that a GPS device is a must-have for any passionate biker.
It helps keep track of your biking stats, gives you accurate route details, and most importantly, keeps you safe.
Garmin is one of the biggest manufacturers of biker GPS thanks to the reliability and features of their products, two of which are Garmin Edge 520 plus and 530.
These devices are similar and yet quite different from one another.
So, to find out which side of the Garmin 520 Plus vs. Edge 530 debate you lean towards, keep calm, and read on.
In this article, we are going to help you decide between the two. We will try to give you a thorough understanding of the computers and compare some characteristics of the two.
From this, you should be able to comprehend which GPS comes with everything you are looking for; Garmin 520 plus or 530.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table
| Model | Edge 520 Plus | Edge 530 |
|---|---|---|
| Bike Alarm | No | Yes |
| Race an Activity | No | Yes |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | up to 15 hours | up to 20 hours |
| Display Size | 2.3″ (58.4 mm) diagonal | 2.6″ (66 mm) diagonal |
| Display Resulation | 200 x 265 pixels | 246 x 322 pixels |
| Ambient Light Sensor | No | Yes |
| Basemap | Yes | Yes |
| Group Live track | Yes | Yes |
| In reach Compatible | No | Yes |
| Training Effect | No | Yes |
| Physio Trueup | Yes | Yes |
| MTB Dynamics | No | Yes |
| History | up to 200 hours | up to 200 hours |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Before buying a product, you need to know all about it so that you can verify if it complies with your requirements.
So, it is only fair that we provide you with an analysis of each aspect for both GPSs. The next section will let you know about these.
It will also shed light on the differences between Garmin Edge 520 Plus and 530 so that you be able to compare between the two and help ensure if your choice is justified.
Garmin Edge 520 Plus
Key Features
Related guide: Garmin bike computer comparison
Garmin 520 Plus Navigation
Because this device provides preloaded Garmin Cycle Map, you will be aware of each turn you take and also be alerted for sharp turns.
When you go off-course, you need not worry either; because it can get you to the route again or the start.
Garmin 520 Plus Trails
It lets you use trail maps online with the Trailforks app, containing trails of at least 80 countries.
So, wherever you go, you can see topographic info, heatmaps, points of interest, and condition of a trail.
The app also lets you find new trails and thus prepare for the best ride.
Garmin 520 Plus Training
Thanks to TrainingPeaks, chances of actually completing or upgrading your daily workout are greatly increased.
This app only requires a free account to direct you live while training along with recess periods and intensity targets.
You can sync your data in it for analyzing and gauging improvement after each session.
Garmin 520 Plus Cycling Safety
Along with advanced navigation, Garmin Edge 520 Plus makes mountain biking secure with a bunch of cool features.
Pairing it with rearview radar and smart bike lights, you will get notifications of approaching vehicles and be visible to others.
Also, you can provide your real-time location to your riding buddies and loved ones.
Garmin 520 Plus Customization
One of the best things about this device is its customization features.
You can use a myriad of apps to know about weather conditions before riding and whether you are going beyond maximum available power.
The product can be tailored to display your preferred stats.
| Color | Batteries? | Screen Size | Item Dimensions | Map Type |
| Black | Yes | 2.3 Inches | 2.9 x 0.8 x 1.9 in | Worldwide |
Read Now: Garmin Edge 520 Plus Review
Garmin Edge 530
Key Features
Garmin 530 Navigation
This is able to give you turn by turn navigation and get you to the destination early if you like.
It gives you an edge by letting you know the ‘popularity routing’ so that you can ride like a local. Its route computation has a dashing speed.
Garmin 530 Trails
This one has the benefits of Trailforks too. Edge 530 shows forks that come in a trail utilizing the Foresight mode.
It provides various mountain biking metrics, including Grit or the difficulty of a ride and flow or your level of smoothness descending a trail.
Garmin 530 Training
This device provides an excellent analysis of your workout to help you achieve your goals, so detailed that you can see how you are adjusting to a setting with altitude adaptation and heat when connected with sensors.
Using TrainingPeaks, you’ll know about your progress according to your selected workout module.
Related article: 520 VS 810 comparison.
Garmin 530 Cycling Safety
This computer assures safety by keeping you connected. You can set up emergency contacts so that they can be informed of your location when the device detects an incident.
Moreover, when making a pit stop, if your bike’s location changes, you will be notified.
Garmin 530 Customization
With the Connect IQ Store, Garmin Edge 530 bundle lets you customize the device by utilizing its free elements.
You can download various apps, data fields, and widgets to give it a personal touch for ease of use.
| Color | Batteries? | Screen Size | Item Dimensions | Map Type |
| Black | Yes | 2.6 Inches | 3.2 x 0.8 x 1.9 in | Worldwide, North America |
You may also check the Garmin Edge 1000 vs 1030 Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
Which one is worth buying? The Garmin Edge 520 Plus or the Edge 530?
The new Garmin Edge 530 includes a host of valuable new features and also addressed the shortcomings of the 520 and the 520 plus. The screen is larger, and the processor is also faster. They have also improved the battery life.
What’s new in the Garmin Edge 530?
The 530 now sports Wi-Fi support as well as Bluetooth Smart sensor support. There are also other new features like Heat Acclimation, Altitude Acclimation, ClimbPro, Bike Alarm Feature, and Hydration & Nutrition Alerts.
Final Thoughts
Garmin ensures quality with all of its products, making it one of the most recommended brands in the world of mountain biking.
If you have gone through this narrative of Garmin 520 plus vs. 530 so far, we hope that we were able to highlight the facts that unite and distinguish these two products. Say hello to adventure with whichever of the two you choose!