Best Power Meters 2026
Pedal, crank, and spider power meters compared for road, gravel, and MTB
Our Top Picks
TL;DR: Our Verdict
The Favero Assioma Duo ($749) is the best power meter for most cyclists. Pedal-based design makes installation trivial, accuracy rivals units twice the price, and batteries are replaceable (no sending in for service). For gravel/MTB with SPD cleats, Garmin Rally XC200 ($1,199) is the only good option.
Power Meter Types Explained
Pedal-Based
Strain gauges in pedal spindle
- ✓ Easy to install/swap bikes
- ✓ No compatibility issues
- ✗ Adds stack height
- ✗ Cleat system dependent
Crank-Based
Strain gauges on crank arm
- ✓ Clean look/aero
- ✓ Use any pedals
- ✗ BB compatibility issues
- ✗ Harder to swap bikes
Spider-Based
Strain gauges on chainring spider
- ✓ Most accurate
- ✓ Any pedals/cranks
- ✗ Most expensive
- ✗ Compatibility limited
Favero Assioma Duo
The Assioma Duo dominates the power meter market for good reason. Exceptional accuracy (±1%), rechargeable batteries lasting 50+ hours, and dead-simple installation. Works with Look Keo cleats. This is what most cyclists should buy.
- ✓ ±1% accuracy (dual-sided)
- ✓ Rechargeable via USB
- ✓ 50+ hour battery life
- ✓ ANT+ and Bluetooth
- ✓ IPX7 waterproof
- ✓ Instant auto-zero
Garmin Rally XC200
The only high-quality pedal power meter for SPD cleats (mountain/gravel). Dual-sided measurement, Garmin ecosystem integration, and cycling dynamics. Expensive but no real competition for off-road power.
- ✓ ±1% accuracy (dual-sided)
- ✓ Shimano SPD compatible
- ✓ Cycling dynamics
- ✓ Replaceable batteries (LR44)
- ✓ ANT+ and Bluetooth
- ✓ Garmin Connect integration
Quarq DZero DUB Spider
The Quarq DZero is a spider-based power meter—strain gauges mounted on the chainring spider. Excellent accuracy (±1.5%) and reliability. Requires SRAM DUB crankset but gives you freedom to use any pedals.
- ✓ ±1.5% accuracy
- ✓ Use any pedals
- ✓ Clean, aero integration
- ✓ 400+ hour battery (CR2032)
- ✓ ANT+ and Bluetooth
- ✗ SRAM DUB crankset required
Favero Assioma Uno
Single-sided version of the Assioma Duo. Measures left leg and doubles it. Great entry point into power training—you can upgrade to Duo later by buying the right pedal separately.
- ✓ ±2% accuracy (single-sided)
- ✓ Same build quality as Duo
- ✓ Upgradeable to dual-sided
- ✓ 50+ hour battery life
- ✓ ANT+ and Bluetooth
Power Meter Comparison
| Power Meter | Price | Type | Accuracy | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Favero Assioma Duo | $749 | Pedal (Look) | ±1% | Most road cyclists |
| Garmin Rally XC200 | $1,199 | Pedal (SPD) | ±1% | MTB, Gravel |
| Quarq DZero | $699 | Spider | ±1.5% | SRAM cranks, any pedals |
| Favero Assioma Uno | $469 | Pedal (Look) | ±2% | Budget, upgradeable |
Which Power Meter Should You Buy?
Road cyclist, Look Keo cleats
Choose: Favero Assioma Duo ($749) — Best value, excellent accuracy
Gravel or mountain biker, SPD cleats
Choose: Garmin Rally XC200 ($1,199) — Only quality SPD option
Road cyclist, SPD-SL cleats
Choose: Garmin Rally RS200 ($1,099) — Shimano compatibility
Budget-conscious, want to try power
Choose: Favero Assioma Uno ($469) — Single-sided, upgradeable
SRAM crankset, want any pedals
Choose: Quarq DZero ($699) — Spider-based, clean integration
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best power meter for 2026?
The Favero Assioma Duo is the best power meter for most cyclists. At $749, it offers dual-sided power measurement, excellent accuracy (±1%), easy installation, and simple battery swaps.
Pedal vs crank vs spider power meter: which is best?
Pedal power meters are easiest to install and swap between bikes. Crank-based are more aerodynamic. Spider-based are most accurate but expensive. For most cyclists, pedal-based offers the best combination of convenience and value.
Do I need dual-sided power?
Single-sided doubles your left leg's power to estimate total. This works for most training. Dual-sided measures both legs independently—useful for identifying imbalances. The price difference has shrunk, making dual worth it.
Are power meters worth the money?
Yes, if you train seriously. Power enables precise zones, race pacing, fitness tracking, and structured workouts. Heart rate lags and is affected by many factors. Power is instant and objective.
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