Garmin Edge Explore vs. Garmin Edge Explore 2 – What are the differences?

Within outdoor sports, one of the ones we like the most is cycling. The feeling of freedom and contact with nature is essential to escape routine and problems, but also to improve our physical activity and our performance. For this reason, it is very useful for us to use tools such as cycle computers, which allow us to make the most of their full potential. Today we show you a comparison between two models that, despite being from the same range, have notable differences: Garmin Edge Explore and Garmin Edge Explore 2.

It is important to note that both are from Garmin, one of the leading brands in the sports technology market, and this is already a guarantee by itself. However, we recognize that, at first, we thought they would be much more similar than they really are. And we are not talking about aesthetic issues, because physically they are very similar, but about technology and functionalities.

A clear example is the battery life, which is 25% higher in the Garmin Edge Explore 2. Or, for example, the possibilities of physical monitoring, which are more interesting in the Explore 2. This model can measure intensity minutes, has a control of the training roller and has the ClimbPro function, unlike the Garmin Edge Explore. However, is it worth switching to the new model if we have the old one? Let’s see it!

Garmin Edge Explore vs Garmin Edge Explore 2 – Comparison Table

In this table, you can consult the technical characteristics of the two cycle computers. This will allow you to have an idea about their differences, although we detail them below:

They are different? It does not seem

At least physically. The line of sight of the two cycle computers is really similar, there are no big differences between them. in fact, both the dimensions and the weight are very similar, and both are designed in the color white in contrast to the black screen. In addition, the Garmin logo is present at the bottom, to give it a more corporate touch. In fact, the screen is the same size in both cases, 3 inches, and they also share a resolution. Likewise, it is tactile and in color in both models, so that, at first glance, it is very difficult to distinguish them.

Waterproof

It is convenient to make sure the degree of resistance that the cyclocomputers have to water, because it depends on whether they can be used, or not, in the rain. In this case, both have an IPX7 level. And, to contextualize the data, you should know that the maximum level that the water tolerance indicator can reach, the last digit, is 8, which ensures that both have good water resistance.

Battery life: improvement on model 2

As we have advanced, one of the aspects in which we notice a clear improvement is in the battery life, which is 25% higher in the Garmin Edge Explore 2. Thus, this cycle computer can last about 16 hours, compared to the 12 hours that the standard model lasts. Even so, we have to say that the real autonomy of the Explore is somewhat smaller than it indicates; Get used to the idea that it lasts about 9-10 hours.

We also liked to verify that both have the possibility of activating the energy saving mode, which allows you to optimize autonomy to the maximum in both cases.

Big difference in sensors

Continuing with the differential aspects between both cyclocomputers, we cannot fail to emphasize the difference in terms of sensors. In fact, we have been somewhat negatively surprised that the Garmin Edge Explore only has a GPS sensor and accelerometer, because today it is very easy to find at least one more sensor in this type of highly specific device. What’s more, the Garmin Edge Explore 2 does include, in addition to GPS and accelerometer, a barometric altimeter, and Glonass and Galileo sensors.

On the other hand, we must admit that we expected both cycle computers to be compatible with Garmin smartwatches, but only the Explore 2 includes this option naturally. Instead, both are compatible with both Android and iPhone smartphones.

Cycling Specific Features

Let’s go to what really matters, and that is that a cycling computer must have a series of specific features to develop cycling activity. Both models include cycling-specific maps, showing the most interesting and less traveled routes and trails. In addition, they have turn-by-turn directions so you don’t get lost. They are also compatible with Varia accessories, which are specific signaling devices for cyclists. On the other hand, both have 100 routes available in total.

The Garmin Edge Explore 2 is the only one of the two devices that has the ClimbPro function, with which you can visualize what you have left to climb a slope to reach the marked objective. This way, you can calculate how much time you have left to finish. In addition, the Garmin Edge Explore 2 is compatible with eBikes, being able to connect and synchronize to view the same data.

More smart features

In addition to the cycling functions, it should be noted that, despite the fact that both cycle computers have a calorie burned counter, only the Explore 2 is capable of measuring the minutes of training intensity. Along the same lines, both models can receive notifications and weather alerts, incident detection, Livetrack and functions such as Auto Lap and Auto Pause.

Garmin Edge Explore vs Garmin Edge Explore 2: Which is the most interesting cycling computer?

Now that we know all the differences between the two cycle computers, it’s time to decide which one to stay with. A decision before which it is essential to know the price of both models. And, as it is easy to intuit , the Garmin Edge Explore 2 has a higher price than the standard, although, in our opinion, the difference is smaller than we expected considering that the Explore 2 has more features than the standard .

We especially like the ClimbPro function, the greater autonomy it has and the possibility of measuring the intensity time. And, as we have mentioned before, we are surprised by the small number of sensors that the standard model has, with special emphasis on the absence of a barometric altimeter. In addition, there are no differences in terms of design, so the value for money that the Garmin Edge Explore 2 has is more interesting and allows you to optimize cycling training much better.

Actually, compared to other Garmin cycling computers, such as the Connect range, the Edge Explore are perfect models to start cycling training. They have enough features for the result to be satisfactory, but they do not reach as advanced a level as other models. Therefore, if we had to settle on one, our choice would be the Garmin Edge Explore 2, a more advanced cycling computer with which you can take your training a level further.