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I spent cash on Edge 550 and BOLT 3, so that you don’t should. I in contrast them in depth that will help you resolve whether or not they’re value it or should you ought to contemplate a few of their options.
KEY TAKEAWAY
The principle variations between the Edge 550 and Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT v3 are show readability, battery life, and options. The Edge 550 has a vivid, smartphone-like display screen that’s straightforward to learn however affords solely about half the battery lifetime of the BOLT v3. It additionally contains extra superior options, making it a stronger coaching companion. Each head models have built-in audio system for voice navigation, alerts, and an digital bike bell.
If the Edge 550 had the BOLT v3’s battery life, it will be a simple suggestion. Nevertheless, since I dislike frequent charging, I might in all probability purchase the older Edge 840. Except for battery life, although, the Edge 550 outperforms the BOLT v3 total, making it the winner of my comparability. Purchase it right here (additionally accessible on amazon.com) or decide the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT v3 (additionally accessible on amazon.com), or proceed studying for more information.
Edge 550 vs. BOLT v3: The Fundamentals
The desk beneath compares the technical specs of the Garmin Edge 550 and ELEMNT BOLT v3.
FeatureGarmin Edge 550Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3
Display screen dimension (decision)2.7″ (420×600px)271 PPI2.3″ (480×720px)376 PPI
TouchscreenNoNo
ButtonsEasy to pressEasy to press
Claimed battery lifeTested battery life12 hours10.3 hours20 hours26.7 hours
Dimensions54.6×92.2×16.8 mm 2.15×3.63×0.66 in83.5×47.2×24 mm3.3×1.9×0.9 in
Weight110g84g
Storage32 GB32 GB
Begin-up time∼27s∼33s
ChargingUSB-CUSB-C
Mounts within the boxOut entrance mountStem mountOut entrance aero mountStem mount
Handle SearchOn-Machine Course CreationNoNo
Sensible navigation (rerouting)YesYes
Multi-band GNSSYesYes
Crash/incident detectionYesNo
ConnectivityANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-FiANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
RRP$449$349.99
Extra infoEdge 550 reviewWahoo ELEMNT BOLT v3 Evaluate
BuyBUYAlso accessible at rei.comBUYAlso accessible at rei.com
This desk compares the principle options of Garmin Edge 550 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3.
Edge 550 vs. ELEMNT BOLT 3: Options Comparability and Variations
Under, I examine the important thing variations between the Edge 550 and the ELEMNT BOLT 3.
BOLT 3 reaches twice the battery life
Edge 550 has a 0.4″ bigger show (2.7 vs. 2.3″)
Edge 550 affords a lot better readability in most situations
Edge 550 affords extra options (Actual-Time Stamina, Energy Information, Street Hazards, Climate Overlay…)
Edge 550 options extra subtle navigation
Edge 550 is simpler to restore
Edge 550 is dearer than BOLT 3 ($499 vs. $349.99)
Bodily Dimensions & Weight
The Edge 550 and ELEMNT BOLT 3 have related dimensions, however the Edge 550 is wider and heavier by about 36g. I’m not saying this can make a distinction between profitable or dropping a race, however if you’re a weight weenie, you must learn about this!
They’re small to mid-size head models, perfect for many situations, and my most well-liked dimension. I discover the Edge 1050, Wahoo ELEMNT ACE, and related bike computer systems too large for informal using. Alternatively, when you have poor eyesight, you would possibly profit from the bigger head models.
Ease of Setup
To arrange each of those bike computer systems, all it’s a must to do is scan a QR code. If in case you have already been utilizing a Garmin Edge bike laptop, its settings, comparable to the information pages, information fields, and sensors, can be downloaded from the cloud. Leaving you with a ready-to-go unit. You may also alter most settings immediately on the Edge 550, and ultimately, through the Garmin Join smartphone app.
On BOLT 3, the information pages and information fields are synchronized as properly, however you continue to should pair the sensors. Moreover, some settings are usually not accessible on the top unit, and it’s essential to use the Wahoo smartphone app. These embody altering the information pages and information fields, and some extra.
I declare the Edge 550 the winner, however it’s fairly shut right here.
Winner: Edge 550
Show
The two.7″ show dimension of the Edge 550 is 0.4″ bigger than that of the BOLT 3 (2.3″). Does it make a distinction? Effectively, a bit, sure. The fonts on the Edge 550 are barely bigger and simpler to learn. The decision is greater on BOLT 3, nevertheless it doesn’t make a lot distinction, to be sincere.
Each head models are button-based. That is nice for controllability in moist or winter situations, however extra on that later. Essentially the most important distinction is in readability and brightness. Actually, the BOLT 3’s show sucks in comparison with the Edge 550. See the next gallery.
The Edge 550 is a transparent winner right here. BOLT 3 is solely not vivid sufficient. Whereas it’s readable, it’s tougher to learn in most situations in comparison with the E550.
Winner: Edge 550
Management & Person Friendliness
The ELEMNT BOLT 3 is simpler to manage, because of fewer options and easier menus. Nevertheless, it affords fewer on-device settings, making it extra smartphone-dependent in case it’s worthwhile to change information fields, for instance.
I don’t have any desire concerning the buttons’ placement. I’m tremendous with each approaches: having them beneath the show, as on BOLT 3, or on the backside of the unit, as on the Edge 550. Nevertheless, when you have a brief bike laptop mount, you might need bother accessing the Edge buttons. However that is often the case with the Edge 10×0 line. The buttons on each gadgets really feel tactile and straightforward to press.
Garmin Edge bike computer systems would possibly really feel a bit clunky and overwhelming, particularly the primary time you utilize them. They’ve a steeper studying curve as a result of there are such a lot of options and choices. With ELEMNT bike computer systems, it’s a lot easier as a result of they’ve fewer options. Nevertheless, the UI on the third era feels a bit clunkier than that on the 2nd.
In abstract, you may carry out extra actions and alter extra settings immediately on the E550, nevertheless it takes some time to be taught the place all of the choices are. BOLT 3 is extra restricted and extra smartphone-dependent, but in addition easier. So I’m calling this a draw.
Winner: It’s a draw
Battery Life
The Edge 550 has a claimed battery lifetime of 12 hours. My E550 lasted 10.3 hours in real-world testing. This isn’t sufficient in 2025 and past. Additionally, keep in mind that, in contrast to the E840, the E550 shouldn’t be accessible in Photo voltaic possibility.
The BOLT 3 outcomes had been extra shocking. Whereas the claimed battery life is 25 hours, my BOLT 3 lasted 28 hours, so virtually the identical because the Edge 840 Photo voltaic.
These outcomes imply that you’ll have to recharge the E550 not less than twice as usually because the BOLT 3.
I used each bike computer systems with auto-brightness settings (sure, each have ambient sensors to regulate brightness) and saved the identical set of sensors related to each. Under is a comparability of the claimed battery life with a few of the greatest bike computer systems. The Edge x40 line was properly above common for battery life, however the x50 is beneath it.
There was a difficulty displaying the chart. Please edit the chart within the admin space for extra particulars.
Winner: BOLT 3
Maps & Navigation
That is one other space the place the Edge 550 has an edge. Its navigation is solely extra detailed and supplies extra granular directions than BOLT 3. Neither head unit is good for navigation, as they don’t have a touchscreen, so shopping maps is a ache. Though Garmin is in a league of its personal for navigation, what bothers me is the scale of the map areas. Downloading gigabytes of information to replace maps for a selected nation is unlucky. Wahoo lets you choose nations with the intention to full the replace in minutes, for instance, earlier than your subsequent trip.
Winner: Edge 550
Accuracy
Because of the Multi-Band GNSS system, which permits simultaneous reception of satellite tv for pc indicators throughout a number of frequency bands and world programs, each head models are extra correct. That is very true for BOLT 3, as its predecessors didn’t have this function. Nevertheless, this know-how alone can’t assure the identical degree of accuracy between two competing gadgets. So, how was the truth?
I all the time check bike computer systems on my favourite forest section. Whenever you check out the next screenshots, you may see that the accuracy is sort of an identical. Nevertheless, I need to level out that for a very comparable check, I must check each bike computer systems on the identical day. It makes a distinction whether it is sunny or cloudy.
Winner: It’s a draw
Extras
The Garmin Edge 550 affords options not accessible on the BOLT 3. These embody:
Energy Information helps you tempo your self by offering real-time energy targets primarily based on the course profile, your health degree, and desired effort degree, optimizing efficiency throughout a route.
Actual-Time Stamina estimates how a lot vitality you might have left throughout a trip by analyzing coronary heart fee, energy, and health information, serving to you handle effort and keep away from burnout.
MTB Dynamics measures your jumps, grit, and movement. It’s helpful primarily for mountain bikers.
Incident/crash detection detects should you crash and notifies your emergency contacts.
Street Hazards permits you to report highway hazards, comparable to potholes, whereas using. They then seem on the map for different riders, and the top unit supplies audible and on-screen warnings as you method them.
Sensible Fueling provides you alerts on ingesting and consuming primarily based on energy burned.
Climate Overlay supplies real-time information about climate overlayed over the map.
And plenty of extra…
Each bike computer systems can show details about upcoming climbs. These options are referred to as ClimbPro (Garmin) and Free Summit (Wahoo) and are a few of my favorites. They don’t require a deliberate route, so I can tempo myself extra successfully on climbs that I’m not conversant in. I did a complete comparability of those two and Hammerhead’s Climber. In abstract, the ClimbPro information web page is much less customizable than the Free Summit one, so hold this in thoughts.
Winner: Edge 550
Whole rating: Garmin Edge 550 (4) | Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3 (1) | It’s a draw (2)
Garmin Edge 550 and BOLT 3 Alternate options
In the event you don’t desire a Garmin 550 or BOLT 3, contemplate these options:
Hammerhead Karoo 3 affords related battery life to Edge 550 however encompasses a totally different, extra trendy person interface and a good brighter show.
Garmin Edge 840 is good if you need an extended battery life. Nevertheless, it lacks a vivid show and has a bit extra restricted function set (e.g., it doesn’t have an in-built speaker).
Garmin Edge 1050 is bigger than Edge 550 and affords the identical function set, nevertheless it’s additionally dearer.
Abstract
After evaluating a number of classes, Edge 550 beats BOLT 3 in most of them, together with a few of the most important, comparable to show readability. It solely loses out in battery life, which is a disgrace as a result of that’s additionally its largest draw back. The Edge 550 requires frequent charging and should not final for whole-day journeys.
The worth distinction between these two head models is important. The Edge 550 prices $499 whereas the BOLT 3 “solely” $349. Is the $150 distinction value it? I imagine so. E550 affords a lot greater than BOLT. BOLT would possibly surpass the Edge in simplicity, however at the price of a restricted function set.
Earlier than pulling the set off, contemplate whether or not you’re okay with earlier generations, such because the Edge 840, which lasts twice so long as the Edge 550. Sure, it doesn’t have as many options, nevertheless it does a lot of the issues properly.
Anyway, I hope you’ll find this comparability useful. In the event you do, please click on the hyperlinks beneath. It’s one of the best ways to assist me and my web site with out further prices. Thanks very a lot prematurely!
Really helpful Equipment
Under are some beneficial equipment for the Garmin Edge 550 and Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3.
