How accurate are budget power meters compared to high-end options?

[yamahafx1]

What's with the assumption that high-end power meters are the gold standard of accuracy? Have you actually crunched the numbers and compared the data from budget and high-end options? I've seen studies that suggest the differences in accuracy are minimal, and it's more about the quality of the installation and calibration than the price tag. And what about the notion that "lower-grade strain gauges" automatically mean less accurate readings? Can you prove that?

 

[berzins]

"The debate boils down to: are minor accuracy trade-offs acceptable for significant cost savings? Data suggests budget power meters can still provide reliable estimates, but it's crucial to understand their limitations and potential sources of error."