Garmin Edge 540 review - a step up in performance but also price

A compact head unit that packs in more training tools than one really needs

Garmin Edge 540 mounted on a road bike
(Image credit: Future)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

A brilliant button-only head unit that makes navigation a breeze and can help a rider become fitter and faster. As with all Garmin Edge head units, they are guaranteed to last a long time, too.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Phenomenal battery life

  • +

    ClimbPro is a fantastic tool

  • +

    Reliable and durable

  • +

    Loads and loads of screen options

  • +

    Excellent connectivity

  • +

    Improves performance

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Problems with gradient stats

  • -

    No touchscreen

  • -

    More expensive than rivals

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.

Garmin’s most popular cycling computer model, the Edge 500 series, has received its first update in more than four years - and the product is an upgrade on what’s come before.

Launched concurrently with the Garmin Edge 840, both models have near-identical software, features and functionality; the only real difference is that the 840 is touchscreen enabled, while the 540 can only be operated by buttons. 

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DevicePriceSolar model (if applicable
Garmin Edge 1040$599.99 | £519.99$749.99 | £629.99
Garmin Edge 840$499.00 | £449.99$599.00 | £519.99
Garmin Edge 540$349.00 | £349.99$499.00 | £449.99
Hammerhead Karoo 2$399.00 | £359.00X
Wahoo Elemnt Roam V2$399.99 | £349.99X
Wahoo Elemnt Bolt V2$299.99 | £264.99X

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