Find the right Garmin for your riding and budget

 

A good GPS bike computer should make your rides easier, whether that means navigating unfamiliar lanes, following a training session or finding your way to the next café. Garmin’s latest releases offer three different approaches, with UK launch prices ranging from £349.99 to £699.99.

Announced on 20 October 2026, the Garmin Edge 1060, Edge Explore 3 and Edge Explore 3 Plus bring updated navigation features, while two introduce voice control. But which features are worth paying for? This guide compares the announced specifications rather than hands-on testing.

Garmin Edge 1060 vs Explore 3: Prices at a glance

Model	UK launch price	Voice control	Best suited to
Garmin Edge 1060	£699.99	Yes	Performance cyclists wanting extensive training and navigation features
Garmin Edge Explore 3	£349.99	No	Leisure riders, commuters and cyclists prioritising navigation
Garmin Edge Explore 3 Plus	£429.99	Yes	Riders wanting navigation and voice features at a lower price

These are launch prices, rather than confirmed discounted offers. Check individual retailers for current prices, stock and delivery estimates.

Why choose the Garmin Edge 1060?

The Garmin Edge 1060 makes most sense if your computer is both a navigation tool and a training companion.

Its built-in microphone enables voice commands for accessing ride information, requesting routes and reporting hazards. The speaker delivers navigation and workout prompts, while voice messaging works through Garmin Messenger with a connected smartphone. For riders who frequently change screens or check information, this could be a useful convenience.

Navigation improvements include alternative route suggestions, route previews and points of interest. Updated GroupRide features and more flexible screen layouts add further appeal for cyclists who enjoy organised rides or detailed training.

Garmin claims up to 20 hours of battery life in demanding use, extending to 60 hours in battery saver mode. Those are manufacturer figures, so actual endurance will depend on settings and use.

The buying question is whether you will regularly use its performance features. If your main requirement is following a weekend route, the Explore models deserve a closer look.

Who is the Garmin Edge Explore 3 for?

The Garmin Edge Explore 3 looks particularly appealing for recreational riders, commuters and cyclists discovering new routes.

Its emphasis is on mapping, navigation and essential ride information, rather than the flagship’s extensive performance toolkit. At £349.99, it costs exactly half as much as the Edge 1060.

Both Explore models offer touchscreen operation, turn-by-turn navigation and updated routing tools. They retain useful fitness functionality, so choosing an Explore does not mean giving up every training feature. The difference is their more accessible, navigation-led approach.

For someone moving from phone navigation to a dedicated cycling computer, the standard Explore 3 could be the most sensible starting point.

Is the Explore 3 Plus worth the extra £80?

The Garmin Edge Explore 3 Plus adds a microphone and speaker, bringing voice commands and messaging to a more affordable model.

That makes it an interesting middle ground. You can access voice features without paying for the full flagship package, although connected messaging requires a compatible smartphone and app setup.

Our buying view is straightforward: spend the extra £80 if spoken navigation and voice interaction are features you expect to use regularly. Otherwise, the standard Explore 3 leaves more money for other cycling essentials.

What about the Edge 1050 and Edge 850?

The Garmin Edge 1050 remains worth comparing, especially if retailers offer a substantial discount. It already provides advanced navigation, performance features and a 3.5-inch colour touchscreen. Its claimed battery figures are also 20 hours in demanding use and 60 hours in battery saver mode, so battery life alone is not a reason to upgrade.

The Garmin Edge 850 offers another route for performance-minded cyclists who prefer a smaller device. Its 2.7-inch touchscreen suits a more compact cockpit, with claimed battery life of 12 hours in demanding use or 36 hours in battery saver mode. Compare its current price against the Explore 3 Plus before deciding whether training functionality or voice features matter more.

Which Garmin should you buy?

For navigation and everyday riding, our pick on paper is the Edge Explore 3. Choose the Explore 3 Plus if voice control is a priority, or the Edge 1060 if you want Garmin’s latest flagship features alongside extensive performance tools.

Already own a capable Edge? Consider what your current computer is missing before upgrading.

Browse Garmin Edge 1060 deals and Garmin Edge Explore 3 deals on Velostrive to compare retailer offers as listings become available. For a smaller budget, explore our Best Bike Computers Under £100 guide.

Velostrive may earn a commission when you buy through affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.

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