Best cycling computers 2023 — on-bike devices for navigation, ride data and training features

If we're talking about how accurate basic measurements like time and distance are, then you'll be glad to know that almost all cycling computers with GPS (Global Positioning System) functionality will have very similar levels of accuracy. In terms of how much distance your computer will record compared to the actual distance, this will depend mostly on the satellite strength in the area you're riding in. Luckily most areas of the world are pretty well covered nowadays, and there are increasingly few places where you can expect significant GPS dropouts once you've locked on. 

While early GPS receivers were slow to get a positional fix and struggled to pick up the signals from satellites if there was anything in the way, like tree cover or buildings, advances in electronics have improved performance dramatically. Modern GPS units can even pick up indoors, and some use other satellites like the Russian GLONASS system, as well as the American GPS satellites, improving speed and accuracy even further.

If you want the ultimate in accuracy and reliability then choose a high-end cycling computer that picks up at least GPS and GLONASS; however, if you just want to record the time and distance of your ride in a developed country like the UK or US and that route isn't really remote with loads of tunnels, our very cheapest GPS computer in this guide will probably record almost exactly the same as our most expensive. 

As we've already mentioned, Garmin is the biggest name in bike computers, so it makes sense that more pro cyclists use them than any other device; in fact, Garmin sponsored no fewer than 15 pro cycling teams and hundreds more influencers and individual pro cyclists in 2022. Of course, this doesn't mean that the sponsored riders wouldn't use other devices if they didn't have obligations, and they will only be able to use sponsor-friendly equipment when under contract for a pro team. 

Wahoo sponsors lots of pro teams too, including Bora-Hansgrohe, Team DSM and Le Col Wahoo at the time of writing. Bryton, Sigma and SRM also sponsor pro teams, with the latter being one of the first to offer high-end power meters and GPS units to the peloton over two decades ago. 

Standard computer functions

Like any conventional non-GPS computer, a GPS unit will tell you your current speed, distance, ride distance, average speed, maximum speed and so on.

Since there’s a fairly powerful little processor sitting in most GPS units, designers tend to include just about every speed/distance/time function you can think of.

For example, some of Garmin’s GPS units have a feature called ‘virtual training partner’ which pits you against an electronic competitor who’s doing a set average speed, or against yourself the last time you rode a course.

Heart rate functions
Many GPS units come with a heart rate strap, or will work with one, usually using the ANT+ protocol. 

Power functions
If you have a power meter, many GPS units will work with it to record your power data along with your ride and heart rate data, and display a range of measurements and averages so you can confirm that the reason you feel like you’re working your arse off is that you’re working your arse off. 

Training functions
With a programmed workout sequence, many GPS units can do the brain work of counting intervals or timing efforts for you, feeing you up to concentrate on the effort itself. Some also have in-built fitness tests or can monitor your training effort and load so you don’t overdo it.

Geographical functions
These include both navigation and route recording, functions that are unique to GPS units. If you simply want to get somewhere, almost all mapping GPS units let you put in a destination as a postcode, name of a village or point of interest and will then give you directions to it, usually with turn-by-turn warnings as you approach junctions. However, even when you use a setting like ‘avoid major roads’ GPS map data often doesn’t differentiate between a quiet minor road and a dual carriageway A road, which can lead to some interesting route choices.

A better idea is to plan your route in advance using either the GPS maker’s own tools, such as Garmin Connect, or one of the many route-planning websites out there. Transfer the route to your GPS and you can then follow it exactly.

Recording a route lets you follow it exactly on a future ride — handy if you’re being guided — and has opened the door to competing against friends and strangers online through Strava. If you’re following a planned route, then the unit can tell you how far it is to your destination or to the next landmark. It can usually also work out how long you’ll take to get there based on your speed so far.

If you’re happy to really roll the dice on where your ride takes you, some GPS units can generate a random route of a specified length, an entertaining gimmick that can be useful for exploring new areas. Routing GPS units will still give you turn-by-turn directions so you can follow a pre-loaded route. The display in these situations is usually a line showing you the upcoming turn.

Time functions
As well as the obvious — time of day, ride time, stopwatch and so on — GPS units often have extra time functions that depend on satellite data. These include sunset and sunrise times and automatic lap time functions based on detecting the spot where you started.

Altitude functions
GPS units can work out your altitude from satellite data, but this doesn’t tend to be very accurate. Altitude data usually comes from a barometric altimeter, which uses atmospheric pressure to determine your height above sea level.

Barometric altimeters are susceptible to errors caused by changes in the weather, but if you upload your ride data to a ride-sharing site you will often be able to correct the elevation readings. Having an altimeter lets you see extra information like how fast you’re climbing and the gradient so you can confirm that killer hill really is insanely steep. Or that you're just hideously unfit.

Wireless communication functions
It’s common for GPS units to have the ability to communicate wirelessly with other devices or sensors, using low-power wireless communication protocols such as Bluetooth and ANT+. This is usually how GPS units communicate with cadence sensors, heart rate monitor straps, power meters, phones and even other GPS units. Some GPS units are able to use your home wi-fi to upload your ride, and will do so automatically for you. If you have electronic gears many GPS units can get data from them and tell you which gear you're in too.

The advent of Bluetooth Smart means many units are in constant contact with your phone, and can display text and call alerts.