Garmin Edge 500 vs Edge 520 Comparison
First of all I want to make clear that my impression on the Edge 520 is taken from the many reviews out there, I am not lucky enough for Garmin to send me one to review, and, of course, my Edge 500 was bought with my money, I am not a renowned person in the bike world to get one for free as some do, I am just a biking enthusiast and this is just my impression of a product as a humble biker.
Looking for modern alternatives? Check out our latest comparisons of the Edge 530 vs 540 or explore budget-friendly options like the iGPSPORT BSC300T.
I want to share my point of view of how theEdge 520 does not impress much on over the Edge 500 owner and the reasons why *I will stay with my *Edge 500 *for the time being**. A device like this is perfect for not using your phone as a tracker, which probably has already a _GPS_,and also is a valid option, but as you may know its height accuracy is pretty bad. On the other hand the *Edgeseries have a barometric altimeter which is perfect for this kind of tracking. Using an external GPS tracker is perfect for not overusing the battery of your phone and save it for emergencies.
Here you can check the current prices and offers of the best Garmin GPS for bikers, the Edge 500 (mine), the Edge 510, the new Edge 520, the Edge 810 and the Edge 1000 which are the top models from Garmin.
Size
The size I think it is the most important point on why I will stay with mine, the Edge 500 is pretty much smaller than the Edge 520, which is almost as big as the Edge 800. The Edge 500 is compact and has the perfect size for enough fields to check at riding time. I even use it as a hiking GPS, I put it on the outer mesh pockets to get enough GPS signal reception and works just fine. The weight of the Edge 520 has increased to 80g. when the Edge 500’s is just 58g.
Edge 500: 10
Edge 520: 5
Winner: Edge 500
**
**
Screen
The touch screen seems nice and it is clearly more user friendly, counting it works good with gloves as they state. I don’t know if it really has any real usefulness, here I lack enough information but I am really doubtful on how this can improve the manipulation of the device and over all on riding conditions. The buttons on the Edge 500 works exactly as they should, they offer enough tactile information to know if you really pressed the buttons, and being on the side offer you the ability to keep your balance manipulating the device while you are on movement.
The color screen in the Edge 520 is a nice touch but I don’t think it is really needed, if they assure me it does not use more battery then it’s okay, if not they should have stayed with the black and white one.
The Edge 500 has a small reflection when found in direct sunlight but is not enough to not see the fields on the device, also the light is good for riding on dark situations. Also is recommendable to use a cheap cover to avoid wear on the unit.
Edge 500: 7
Edge 520: 8
Winner: Edge 520 for small gap
**
**
Connectivity
Of course connectivity possibilities have been much more improved, now being able to share through your mobile your ride information, with current social network addiction, many of us like to share our rides online as soon as possible. Until now, the Edge 500’s integration with services is good enough, due to these services improving and trying to make as easy as possible the user’s experience, Strava for example let you upload your ride in a couple of clicks, also you can use Garmin’s service, Garmin Connect, and also you should check our comparison of Strava vs Garmin Connect. It’s not instant but good enough for me. The connectivity with sensors and power meter remains the same, which was good enough. Perfect for use at home with your trainer, check our Minoura B-60r review, during winter.
Edge 500: 7
Edge 520: 8
Winner: Edge 520 for small gap
**
**
Software
The software is where the Edge 520 should improve more over the Edge 500, as I have not tested the Edge 520 I only can assume that it will improve the Edge 500 capabilities. It has many new options Strava integration being the most expected, weather integration, fields depending on the profile, etc. Many users have always been critic with the courses functionality on the Edge 500, maybe I am the only lucky one that got an Edge 500 that worked more or less okay with courses, some minor error drawing in big courses but apart from that it was even useful, as I stated before I also use it for hiking courses. Another typical problem is the lack of refresh on some stats or the battery gauge hanged on 99%, but minor problems really that can be easily fixed.
The Edge 520 probably will have bugs on its first weeks of life, but Garmin has enough time to improve the software on their device and introduce new features which we would love to see.
Edge 500: 6
Edge 520: 8
Winner: Edge 520
**
**
Battery life
The Garmin Edge 500 has an official battery duration of 18 hours, according to Garmin, I never experienced with the battery, so I would have to believe it as true. On the other hand the Edge 520 has a duration of 20 hours, it seems the battery may have increased and probably the device is more battery efficient, but the two options are more than enough for a good ride.
Edge 500: 8
Edge 520: 9
Winner: Edge 520 for small gap
**
**
Price
I bought mine for around 200€ (around $240) at amazon in 2012, which was the complete package, with HRM strap and cadence sensor. The Edge 520 has a price of $330 for the basic package. The increased price on the Edge 520 may cause some entry level enthusiasts to opt for other brands or the old model at a reduced price, and of course to use the Strava integration you will need to pay the premium features which rise the price on 60€ per year.
Edge 500: 7
Edge 520: 4
Winner: Edge 500
**
**
Conclusions
With price:
Edge 500: 7.5
Edge 520: 7
Without considering the price:
Edge 500: 7.6
Edge 520: 7.6
So, taking into account the price, it is really hard to beat the Edge 500, the Edge 520’s improvements have its drawbacks, it really don’t make it advance the Edge 500.
The idea of this post was to give enough reasons to stay with our Edge 500 or, if you have not any of the two devices, to get a small idea of the changes between the two generations.
But don’t get me wrong, the Edge 520 is a great device, so, my recommendations depend on your situation:
- If you are happy with your Edge 500: stick with it for a couple of years, at least, wait for other options and wait for how the 520 evolves or the new. Or the newest Garmin 530. Or even the new and pricier Garmin Edge 540
- If you have it but you want to improve your experience: get an Edge 800 or the Edge 810 vs the new Edge 1000.
- If you don’t have any of them: with my points at hand, decide which can be better for you. Look for offers on the *Edge 500 *or price reductions if it gets below 180€ or $200 for the complete package can be a good deal. If you want the Edge 520 it may be a good option too even considering the increased price tag, or you can check for other GPS devices of other brands, which I am preparing a new post to do a small comparison of some of them.
Understanding GPS Accuracy in Cycling Computers
Barometric Altimeter vs. GPS Elevation
One of the Edge 500’s strongest features — shared with the Edge 520 — is the barometric altimeter. GPS-derived elevation data is notoriously inaccurate, often showing errors of fifteen to thirty meters on a single reading. The barometric altimeter measures atmospheric pressure to calculate altitude, providing accuracy within one to three meters under stable weather conditions.
The barometric approach does have a limitation: pressure changes caused by weather fronts can introduce drift during long rides. A high-pressure system moving in during a four-hour ride can shift the altimeter reading by five to ten meters over the course of the session. Both the Edge 500 and Edge 520 auto-calibrate against GPS elevation periodically to correct for this drift, but the correction is not instantaneous. For riders obsessive about elevation accuracy, manually calibrating the altimeter at a known elevation point (such as a sea-level starting location) before each ride improves precision.
For ride analysis, the barometric data produces clean elevation profiles with smooth curves that accurately represent the terrain. GPS-only elevation data produces jagged, noisy profiles with phantom climbs that add hundreds of meters to the total elevation gain. This difference matters for riders who track vertical gain as a training metric — a GPS-only device consistently overstates climbing, making ride-to-ride comparisons unreliable.
Satellite Acquisition and Track Quality
The Edge 500 uses the GPS satellite constellation exclusively, while the Edge 520 adds GLONASS (the Russian satellite system) for improved fix quality in areas with limited sky visibility — urban canyons, dense forests, and mountain valleys. In open terrain, both devices produce comparable track accuracy (within two to three meters). In obstructed terrain, the Edge 520’s dual-constellation support provides noticeably better track quality with fewer position jumps and shorter signal reacquisition times after tunnels or dense canopy.
For mountain bikers who ride in forested singletrack, the GLONASS addition on the Edge 520 is genuinely useful. For road cyclists who ride in open terrain, the difference is marginal and does not justify upgrading from the Edge 500 on its own merit.
Sensor Compatibility and the ANT+ Ecosystem
Both devices use ANT+ for wireless sensor communication, supporting heart rate monitors, cadence sensors, speed sensors, and power meters from any ANT+ compatible manufacturer. This open standard means you are not locked into Garmin-brand accessories — sensors from Wahoo, Bontrager, Stages, and other manufacturers work identically.
The Edge 520 adds Bluetooth Smart connectivity alongside ANT+, enabling direct pairing with smartphones for live tracking and data upload. The Edge 500 lacks Bluetooth, requiring a USB cable connection for data transfer. This difference is purely about convenience — the ride data itself is identical, but the Edge 520 eliminates the physical tethering step after each ride.
For riders using power meters, both devices display real-time power data (watts, power zones, normalized power) and record it for post-ride analysis. The Edge 500 supports power meter pairing and basic power fields; the Edge 520 adds advanced power metrics including Training Stress Score and Intensity Factor when paired with Strava Premium or a compatible training platform. These metrics are useful for structured training programs but irrelevant for recreational riders who do not follow periodized training plans.
Data Fields and Customization
The Edge 500 supports up to eight data fields per screen across three customizable screens. Common configurations include:
Screen 1 (Primary Riding): Speed, distance, elapsed time, heart rate Screen 2 (Performance): Cadence, power (if available), average speed, elevation Screen 3 (Navigation): Time of day, total ascent, grade, lap time
The Edge 520 increases the data field limit to ten per screen and adds smart data pages that display contextual information based on the current activity profile (road cycling versus mountain biking versus indoor training). The added screen real estate from the larger display makes the additional fields practical rather than cramped.
For most recreational riders, the Edge 500’s eight-field limit is sufficient. The four essential metrics — speed, distance, time, and heart rate — fit comfortably on a single screen, leaving the remaining screens available for secondary data that you check occasionally. Riders who track ten or more metrics simultaneously benefit from the Edge 520’s additional capacity.
Long-Term Reliability and Known Issues
The Edge 500 has been on the market since 2009, which means its hardware reliability record is well-documented. The most common failure mode is the micro-USB port developing loose connections after years of cable insertion and removal. This manifests as intermittent charging failures or the device not being recognized when connected to a computer. The fix is straightforward — a replacement USB port can be soldered by any electronics repair shop — but the issue is worth noting for units approaching ten years of age.
Battery degradation is the other age-related concern. Lithium-ion batteries lose capacity over charge cycles, and an Edge 500 that originally delivered eighteen hours may provide twelve to fourteen hours after several years of regular charging. For riders who consistently ride longer than twelve hours, this degradation eventually forces either a battery replacement or a device upgrade.
The Edge 520’s hardware is newer and has fewer documented long-term failure modes, but the touchscreen introduces a new failure point that the Edge 500’s physical buttons avoid. Touchscreen responsiveness degrades in heavy rain and with worn screen protectors. Reports of screen calibration drift after firmware updates are uncommon but not unheard of. Physical buttons, by contrast, are mechanically simple and maintain consistent function over the device’s entire lifespan.
Related Modern Comparisons:
- Garmin Edge 530 vs 540: Latest Models Compared
- Garmin Edge 530 vs iGPSPORT 630: Premium vs Budget
- iGPSPORT BSC300 vs BSC300T: Budget Alternatives
Firmware Updates and Software Support Over Time
One practical consideration that reviews rarely address is the longevity of firmware support after a product reaches end-of-life status. The Edge 500 received its last firmware update several years after its initial release, and the final firmware version is stable and functional but will never receive new features. The Edge 520 continued receiving updates for approximately three years after launch, including compatibility patches for newer sensor protocols and Strava integration improvements.
For riders evaluating whether to upgrade from the Edge 500, the firmware question is relevant in a specific scenario: compatibility with newer sensors. Modern power meters, electronic shifting systems, and radar units may require communication protocols that the Edge 500’s final firmware does not support. If your sensor ecosystem is already established and working, this is a non-issue. If you plan to add a recently released power meter or a Garmin Varia radar unit, confirming protocol compatibility with the Edge 500 before purchasing the sensor avoids wasted money.
The Edge 520 supports a wider range of modern sensor protocols thanks to its later firmware updates, but it too will eventually reach the same end-of-support status. No consumer electronics device receives updates indefinitely, and planning for eventual obsolescence is part of the ownership calculation for any GPS device.
Practical Considerations for Everyday Riding
Both the Edge 500 and Edge 520 share a common strength that deserves emphasis: they record ride data reliably without demanding attention from the rider. Unlike smartphone-based tracking that drains your phone battery and risks screen damage from rain or crashes, a dedicated GPS unit sits on the handlebars and records speed, distance, elevation, heart rate, and cadence without any interaction beyond pressing the start button at the beginning of the ride.
This reliability becomes most valuable on long rides where phone battery conservation matters. Having a dedicated GPS recording the ride means your phone stays in your jersey pocket with a full charge, available for emergencies, photos, or navigation if needed. The mental comfort of knowing you have a fully charged phone throughout a six-hour ride is worth more than any spec comparison between GPS models.
Mount compatibility is another practical detail. Both the Edge 500 and Edge 520 use Garmin’s quarter-turn mount system, which means upgrading from one to the other does not require new handlebar mounts. The extensive aftermarket for Garmin-compatible mounts — from basic stem mounts to aerobar-integrated carbon designs — works identically with both devices.
For riders who participate in organized events or group rides, the Edge 520’s live tracking capability (sharing your location with followers via Garmin Connect) provides a safety benefit that the Edge 500 cannot match. Family members or support crews can monitor your progress on long events without requiring phone calls or text messages from the rider.
Transitioning to a New Device
When the time finally comes to retire the Edge 500, the transition to any modern Garmin device is straightforward because all ride data lives in standard FIT files that transfer between devices and platforms without loss. Your historical ride data on Garmin Connect, Strava, or any other platform remains intact regardless of which device recorded it. The investment in ride history is never lost when changing hardware.
Selling or gifting a used Edge 500 is also simple — a factory reset clears personal data and sensor pairings, returning the device to a blank state for the next owner. The used market for Edge 500 units remains active precisely because the device continues to function perfectly for riders who need a basic, compact cycling GPS without the cost or complexity of modern alternatives.
You can compare easily the prices of the Garmin Edge devices on ebay and amazon with GeekNite. Big Thanks to all the readers and visitors!
Related Posts
- Garmin Edge 500 Review: The Classic Champion
- Garmin Edge 1000 vs 810: ¿El GPS definitivo o solo más marketing?
- Garmin Edge 530: 13 facts to consider before buying
- Garmin Edge 540: The Ultimate Bike Computer for Solar Power Lovers
- Garmin Edge 530 vs iGPSPORT IGS630 Comparison: Premium vs Budget Bike Computer
