Best power meters 2024: pedal and crank-based models reviewed and rated

The best power meters for cycling will provide important information to help your training; we run through their key features, how to use them and pick the best

A rider clipped into power meter pedals on a smart bike
(Image credit: Future)

Power meters are an indispensable tool for measuring training efforts. Historically, cycling power meters were only used by professional competitive riders. Today, power meters are becoming increasingly popular amongst casual cyclists looking to gain deeper insights into their riding.

Why?

Technological advances have made ANT+ and Bluetooth protocols more reliable and accessible—enabling power meters to connect with a range of cycling computers, apps, smartwatches and phones. This new compatibility combined with a decrease in cost has made power meters viable, approachable options for non-professional riders.

Indoor cycling has also surged in popularity, especially since the advent of the Peloton, Wahoo Kickr Core and other smart indoor trainers.

Essentially, cycling power meters for cycling are strain gauges that are incorporated into some element of the drive train, typically in the pedals, crank arm or chainset to measure the rider's output in watts. The power data, plus other metrics like cadence and perhaps left / right balance, is transmitted to a bike computer head unit for an instant readout along with ride analysis later on.

In this guide we've put a variety of power meters to the test, assessing them for factors like ease of use, accuracy and consistency.

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Anna Marie Abram
Fitness Features Editor

I’ve been hooked on bikes ever since the age of 12 and my first lap of the Hillingdon Cycle Circuit in the bright yellow kit of the Hillingdon Slipstreamers. For a time, my cycling life centred around racing road and track. 

But that’s since broadened to include multiday two-wheeled, one-sleeping-bag adventures over whatever terrain I happen to meet - with a two-week bikepacking trip from Budapest into the mountains of Slovakia being just the latest.

I still enjoy lining up on a start line, though, racing the British Gravel Championships and finding myself on the podium at the enduro-style gravel event, Gritfest in 2022.

Height: 177cm

Weight: 60–63kg

With contributions from