Garmin Edge Explore 2 review
Ethics statement: Within the article, there are affiliate links. If you buy something after clicking the link, I will receive a small commission. To know more about our terms of service, you can visit the link at the bottom of the page. Thank you!
© Images by Hiatus.Design
Cost
★★★★☆
Performance
★★★★☆
Overall Score
★★★★☆
Overall Score ★★★★☆
Verdict: Aimed squarely at bikepackers, adventure riders and those who want powerful navigation without getting bogged down in overly technical performance data, the Garmin Edge Explore 2 is a pretty well priced GPS cycling computer and navigational aid.
With preloaded maps, intuitive routing, and long battery life, it sits in Garmin’s Edge line-up as a more user-friendly, navigation-focused alternative to the race-driven units like the Edge 840 or 1040.
At the heart of the device is a bright, 3-inch colour touchscreen that’s glove- and rain-friendly, offering clear visibility in all conditions. It comes preloaded with Garmin’s cycle-specific maps, which include routing based on popular roads and trails, plus points of interest like bike shops and cafes. You can plug in a destination, or just follow your nose and let the Edge reroute if you go off-track. There’s also turn-by-turn navigation with clear alerts, and “Up Ahead” info to let you know what’s coming, be it climbs, turns, or stops.
Battery life is a standout feature: up to 16 hours in standard GPS mode, and up to 24 hours in battery saver mode, which makes it a solid option for long-distance riding, gravel touring or bikepacking. It’s also compatible with Garmin’s external Charge Power Pack if you’re planning multi-day rides and need to extend runtime.
While it doesn’t have the high-end training tools or performance metrics of Garmin’s flagship models, the Edge Explore 2 still tracks your ride stats like speed, distance, elevation, and heart rate if you connect a monitor. It supports ANT+ and Bluetooth, so you can sync with sensors, smart lights, and even e-bike systems (notably Garmin has added eBike routing and data support, which is great if you're riding a Bosch-powered bike).
The Edge Explore 2 also connects to your phone for smart notifications, incident detection, and LiveTrack, letting others follow your ride in real-time, great for safety or just letting your mates know how far behind you are. Post-ride, it syncs with Garmin Connect or third-party apps like Strava or Komoot.
You might also like:
