The 9 Best Bike Trainers from Low to High-End (2025)

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These are the best bike trainers on the market. I selected them based on my tests and experience, reviews of riders worldwide, and discussions with fellow cyclists.

I included wheel-on turbos and direct-drive smart-interactive bike trainers from budget to high-end.

Overall, I considered more than 50 trainers. However, only a fraction made it to this roundup. I then scored the ones I tested based on my bike trainers scoring system.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about bike trainers and how to choose the one suitable for you.

What Are the Best Bike Trainers?

Skip to the comparison table…

There is no best bike trainer that will fit all riders. Some people are looking for affordable, wheel-on “dumb” trainers, while others are looking for interactive, direct-drive smart trainers.

If you are new to bike trainers and don’t know where to start, please skip to the How to Choose the Best Bike Trainer section. You learn what to look for when buying a bike trainer, what to expect in various price ranges, and much more.

TIP: I recommend buying a direct-drive trainer if you are looking for the best bike trainer for a mountain bike. You can also use wheel-on trainers with a mountain bike, but to avoid high noisiness caused by a knobby tire, I recommend using a smooth trainer-specific MTB tire.

Sportneer Bike Trainer (Best Budget Bike Trainer)

Cheap but surprisingly capable.

Noisiness 3/5 | Ride Feel 3/5 | Ease of Setup 5/5 | Portability 5/5 | OVERALL 4.0/5

Let’s kick off with a bike trainer for the masses. Sportneer Bike Trainer is suitable for people with a limited budget and for those who want a good bike trainer for the money. It’s also a best seller on Amazon.

I tested it, and I was pleasantly surprised. It’s easy to set up (attaching a bike takes just a few seconds or minutes, depending on your skill).

You can adjust its rubber feet if you have uneven floors to make sure the trainer won’t wobble. This is a cool feature that very few bike trainers have.

It has 6 resistance levels (you have to change them manually using a remote). The first two simulate descents and flats, the third and fourth false flats, and the last two climbs.

It is also portable, making it ideal for people living in small apartments or having limited storage space.

The packing includes a front-wheel riser to improve your riding position and comfort (so your bike will not be tilted as if you were riding downhill). The quick-release is also included, ensuring compatibility with most bikes using QR.

This trainer has a few downsides. Riding it causes vibrations, and it’s not as sturdy as Elite Novo Force, for example.

I recommend using it on a trainer floor mat and with a trainer-specific tire to reduce tire wear and noise.

Read my in-depth Sportneer bike trainer stand review for more detailed info.

NOTE: There are a lot of trainers online that are the same, just rebranded. They may cost twice the price, so be aware you will buy the right one.

Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One (Best Mid-Range Bike Trainer)

Mid-to-high-range specs for a low-end price.

The Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One is the successor of the discontinued Zwift Hub and Zwift Hub One, which became a hit almost immediately after their introduction. This was mainly thanks to their affordable price and mid-to-high-range specifications. They were both based on the Jetblack Volt trainer.

However, after the Wahoo+Zwift partnership, they decided to merge Wahoo KICKR Core and Zwift Hub trainers into one. Thanks to the Zwift Cog, you also don’t have to deal with a cassette. Plus, it makes the trainer compatible with 8–12-speed bikes.

Additionally, it has a race mode for more frequent power data updates and virtual shifting for a better riding experience.

Honestly, it’s hard to find any major flaws with this trainer. But I did find two. The first is the lack of a handle for easier carrying (for people without a permanent training area).

The second is the inability to fold it up like other trainers (like the Wahoo KICKR), making it less storable. So you’ll have to completely disassemble it after the season.

One final thought: Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One is currently compatible with third-party apps. However, its virtual shifting feature is only available in Zwift (and ROUVY using Zwift Click buttons).

Wahoo KICKR (Best High-End Bike Trainer)

High-end specs, road-like feel, reliability, and compatibility with Wahoo accessories.

Resistance and Gradient 5/5 | Accuracy 5/5 | Noisiness 4/5 | Power Consumption 4/5 | Ride Feel 4/5 | ERG Mode 4/5 | Ease of Setup 5/5 | Portability 5/5 | OVERALL 4.5/5

KICKR is Wahoo’s top smart trainer. It comes in multiple versions.

I believe the 2020 version (v5) is the best choice, as it offers great value for money. You can find more details in my Wahoo KICKR v5 review.

However, in 2022, Wahoo introduced v6, similar to v5 but includes WiFi connectivity, ERG Easy Ramp, and an odometer. (See a detailed comparison between KICKR v5 and v6.)

KICKR v5 and v6 feature AXIS legs with rubber dampeners that allow up to 5 degrees of side-to-side tilt. The idea is to reduce vibrations and friction between the saddle and your sensitive areas. However, I found that they don’t work as well as expected.

One great feature is the automatic calibration, which means you don’t have to worry about it. The accuracy has improved from ±2% in v4 to ±1% in v5 and v6.

Cyclists love the KICKR for its quiet operation, easy setup and use, and durable build with a convenient carry handle. Wahoo’s customer support is also responsive and helpful.

PRO TIP: Improve your indoor cycling comfort with a rocker plate. It will add a swing motion to your bike fixed in a trainer, so you won’t experience saddle discomfort.

Tacx NEO 2T (Best Bike Trainer for a Realistic Ride Feel)

Tarmac, cobblestones, gravel, descents, no power? No problem!

Resistance and Gradient 5/5 | Accuracy 3/5 | Noisiness 5/5 | Power Consumption 5/5 | Ride Feel 5/5 | ERG Mode 4/5 | Ease of Setup 4/5 | Portability 2/5 | OVERALL 4.1/5

NEO 2T is Tacx’s flagship direct-drive trainer. Its latest generation has improved internals, resulting in better accuracy (±1% vs. ±2.5%), lower noisiness, and better reliability.

Before I dive deeper, let me tell you who this trainer is for. Tacx NEO 2T is a trainer for the most demanding riders and enthusiasts. It gives them the most realistic ride feel possible.

This is thanks to up to 276 lb (125 kg) virtual flywheel. It is the largest on the market and has one big benefit. It can simulate different riding surfaces like cobblestones.

Although Tacx NEO 2T looks and is robust, it is also highly storable. You can easily fold its legs and store it during the season when you don’t need it.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a carry handle, so it’s unsuitable for people who need to move it before and after every workout.

To exceed its maximum resistance level of 2200W, you have to have some serious power in your legs. That’s why it is perfect not only for road cyclists but also for powerful track sprinters.

NEO 2T is accurate (±1%) and quiet (~55.5dB at 200W). Your bike’s drivetrain will make more noise than the trainer itself.

Remember that this trainer doesn’t come with a cassette, so you have to buy it separately. It would be nice to have the cassette included when the trainer is so expensive, but riders may use different groupsets (Shimano, SRAM, etc.), so not including it is understandable.

Feel free to read my in-depth Tacx NEO 2T review, which also includes accuracy tests and much more.

Also available at competitivecyclist.com, amazon.com, jensonusa.com, and tredz.co.uk

Saris H3 (Best ERG Mode Bike Trainer)

An iconic US-made trainer and the ERG mode king.

Resistance and Gradient 5/5 | Accuracy 4/5 | Noisiness 4/5 | Power Consumption 4/5 | Ride Feel 4/5 | ERG Mode 5/5 | Ease of Setup 4/5 | Portability 3/5 | OVERALL 4.1/5

Saris, formerly CycleOps, is a US-based bike trainer manufacturer producing one bike trainer that stands out.

The Saris H3 is the quietest trainer Saris offers, producing noise levels of around 59dB, which is no louder than a normal conversation. However, the high-end Wahoo KICKR and Tacx NEO 2T are even quieter.

One of the H3’s best features is its ERG mode, which is fluent, responsive, and accurate, making it the best one I’ve ever experienced.

H3 offers up to 2000W of resistance, sufficient for every amateur cyclist, even for sprint intervals.

You can connect it to your favorite training apps to control resistance. It can simulate up to 20% gradients, quickly changing resistance when climbing a steep incline.

The Saris H3 does have a few downsides. It does not come with a cassette, and some users report that its cadence sensor is not as precise as sensors in other similarly priced trainers, such as the Elite Direto XR or Elite Suito.

I also find it too sturdy, which results in some saddle discomfort. So, I recommend using it with a rocker plate.

For more details, check out my review of the Saris H3, where I conducted accuracy tests and provided additional information. You can check out my comparison of Saris H3 vs. H4.

Also available at amazon.com

Tacx Flow (Best Budget Smart Bike Trainer)

One of the most affordable interactive smart trainers on the market.

Resistance and Gradient 2/5 | Accuracy 1/5 | Noisiness 3/5 | Power Consumption 4/5 | Ride Feel 3/5 | ERG Mode 3/5 | Ease of Setup 4/5 | Portability 4/5 | OVERALL 3.0/5

Garmin’s Tacx Flow is one of the cheapest smart interactive bike trainers. It can adjust the resistance based on the virtual world of your favorite training app. This makes your riding more engaging and road-like.

While the 3.5 lb (1.6 kg) flywheel is silent, the nature of this trainer (wheel-on) means that the tire will make more noise than a direct-drive trainer. But it’s relatively quiet compared to other wheel-on trainers I tested (like the Elite Novo Force). I recommend using a trainer tire to reduce the noisiness.

The Tacx Flow is also portable and easy to set up, making it a great option for those with limited space.

Its biggest downsides are the low maximum resistance and gradient simulation compared to other trainers in this price range and lower accuracy.

Some users have also reported connectivity issues, which can be solved with an ANT+ receiver. I didn’t experience them.

Overall, if you’re looking for an entry-level smart trainer, the Tacx Flow is an excellent option.

Also available at jensonusa.com

Elite Novo Force

Italian-made wheel-on bike trainer that will outlast you.

Noisiness 3/5 | Ride Feel 3/5 | Ease of Setup 5/5 | Portability 5/5 | OVERALL 4.0/5

Elite Novo Force is one of the best wheel-on dumb trainers on the market. I have had it for years now, and it is still going strong.

It is highly durable, relatively portable, and reliable. Unlike other wheel-on trainers, it uses an elastogel roller that improves traction and reduces noise by up to 50% and tire wear by up to 20%.

Based on my experience, the tire can slip if you won’t adjust the roller well, so a trainer tire is a good investment too.

Elite produces a Misuro B+ sensor that can make Novo Force compatible with training apps. It will transmit your speed and cadence data to a mobile device or a computer to move the virtual in-app avatar.

Remember, this trainer is compatible with a 5mm quick-release skewer or 130-135 x 5 mm QR axles. In other words, with most rim brake bikes on the market. The quick release is included.

To use it with thru-axles, you have to buy an adapter (code 1020008) that ensures compatibility with 135x10mm | 135x12mm, 142X12mm, or 148x12mm​ thru-axles.

The main downside of this trainer is the price, which is higher than the Sportneer bike trainer that offers similar features.

You can also read my in-depth Elite Novo Force review for more info.

Also available at competitivecyclist.com and performancebike.com.

Elite Suito

Easy to move mid-range smart bike trainer.

Elite Suito is a highly portable direct-drive trainer with good cadence and power accuracy. Its packing includes a cassette and front-wheel block, so you don’t have to buy them separately.

The foldable legs of Elite Suito make it one of the most portable direct-drive trainers that doesn’t take up too much space.

The specs of Elite Suito correspond to its price, but the resistance, accuracy, and gradient simulation are slightly worse than Saris H3.

The road-like feel is great, and you can be sure your training will be fun using third-party apps.

Suito has a few downsides too. It’s not as quiet as other high-end direct-drive trainers (Wahoo KICKR, Saris H3), and some owners report that it can develop a knocking noise.

Also available at tredz.co.uk

Feedback Sports Omnium

Your best companion for pre-race warm-ups.

Feedback Sports Omnium rollers with a fixed front fork axle are an exception on this list. I included them because of their portability.

These rollers are perfect for people with limited space or riders who need a trainer for pre-race warm-ups. Their packing includes a travel case for convenient transportation. It easily fits in the trunk of your car.

Thanks to its construction, it is also very unique. Your bike’s front fork is fixed, while the rear wheel sits on the two rollers. Their resistance is progressive, so the more you pedal, the harder it gets.

Owners also praise super-easy setup and low noisiness. Another benefit is that the package includes adapters for quick-release and thru-axles. They make this trainer compatible with virtually any bike.

Remember that you need a power meter or speed + cadence sensors to connect it to training apps.

Also available at trekbikes.com

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Trainer	Type	Resistance	Accuracy	Gradient Simulation	Buy	Resistance and Gradient	Accuracy	Noisiness	Power Consumption	Ride Feel	ERG Mode	Ease of Setup	Portability	Overall Score
Sportneer Bike Trainer	Wheel‑on	n/a	n/a	n/a	Check Price	–	–	3	–	3	–	5	5	4.0
Wahoo KICKR Core Zwift One	Direct-drive	1800W	±2%	16%	Check Price	4	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	5	3	4.0
Wahoo KICKR v6	Direct‑drive	2200W	±1%	20%	Check Price Check Price (tredz.co.uk)	5	5	4	4	4	4	5	5	4.5
Tacx NEO 2T	Direct‑drive	2200W	±1%	25%	Check Price Check Price (amazon.com)	5	3	5	5	5	4	4	2	4.1
Saris H3	Direct‑drive	2000W	±2%	20%	Check Price Check Price (amazon.com)	5	4	4	4	4	5	4	3	4.1
Tacx Flow	Wheel‑on	800W	±5%	6%	Check Price Check Price (rei.com)	2	1	3	4	3	3	4	4	3.0
Elite Novo Force	Wheel‑on	690W	n/a	n/a	Check Price Check Price (competitivecyclist.com)	2	1	3	4	3	3	4	4	3.0
Elite Suito	Direct‑drive	1900W	±2.5%	15%	Check Price	4	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	5	3	4.0
Feedback Sports Omnium	Rollers	n/a	n/a	n/a	Check Price Check Price (trekbikes.com)	–	–	n/a	–	5	–	5	4	4.7

List of the best bike trainers (low- to high-end) with info about the type, resistance, accuracy, and gradient simulation. The trainers are scored based on this bike trainers scoring.

My Verdict

I hope you find this roundup helpful. Please use the included links if you are considering buying a bike trainer. It’s the best way to support Cyclists Hub.

If you are unsure which bike trainer is the best for you, contact me or read the How to Choose the Best Bike Trainer section to learn more.

See the full list of considered bike trainers (on request only).

How to Choose the Best Bike Trainer?

Choosing a bike trainer may seem complicated, but this guide makes it much easier. It explains the differences, benefits, and disadvantages of wheel-on and direct-drive trainers, different resistance types, and other features.

Price

Price is one of the main factors for most people considering a bike trainer. You can spend $100 or $1,000. But what do you get in return? What to expect at every price range? How do the trainers differ?

The following table shows estimated price ranges for different trainers (more about the types below).

Price range	Trainer
Up to $300	Low-end wheel-on bike trainers Rollers
$300-500	Smart wheel-on bike trainers Rollers with resistance
$500-1500	Direct-drive bike trainers
Above $2000	Bike simulators/smart bikes

The estimated price ranges for different types of bike trainers.

Don’t worry if you don’t know exactly what every feature means. I will guide you through them all below.

Type of a Bike Trainer

There are many types of indoor bike trainers. The wheel-on and direct-drive trainers are the most iconic. However, some publications include rollers and bike simulators as a type of bike trainer.

I focus mainly on wheel-on and direct-drive in this article. To learn more about rollers and bike simulators, check out my full How to choose a bike trainer article.

1. Wheel-on trainers are the simplest type of trainers. The rear wheel is set against the cylinder that provides (electro)magnetic, wind, or fluid resistance.

2. Direct-drive trainers allow you to mount your bike directly. The resistance is usually electromagnetic, and most direct-drive trainers can adjust it based on third-party apps.

To learn how to set up and use a bike trainer, read this beginner’s guide.

The following table summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of these two basic types of bike trainers.

Trainer Type	Pros	Cons	Recommended for
Wheel-on	• More affordable than direct-drive trainers • Compatible with many types of bikes • Take up less space than direct-drive trainers and are more portable	• Worse riding characteristics than direct-drive trainers • Less stable than direct-drive trainers • Low-end models may be smart but can’t adjust the resistance • Usually noisier than direct-drive trainers	Beginners, people with a limited budget
Direct-drive	• Better riding characteristics than wheel-on trainers • More stable than wheel-on trainers • Can adjust the resistance based on training apps • Very quiet	• More expensive than wheel-on trainers • Take up more space than wheel-on trainers • They require accessories like a cassette • They may not be compatible with every bike	Advanced riders, pros

Pros & Cons of wheel-on and direct-drive bike trainers, and their recommended use

3. Rollers consist of three cylinders that rotate. They are easy to set up and very universal because they fit most bikes. They act as a “floor” for your bicycle. Rollers are perfect for pre-race warm-ups or for riders who want to improve their pedaling technique.

4. Bike simulators are the most advanced bike trainers. They completely replace your bike. They are fully adjustable and have integrated power, cadence, and speed sensors. These are the ultimate simulators for the most demanding riders.

Resistance & Resistance Type

The trainer’s resistance is given in watts. It ranges from about 300W on low-end trainers to 2500W on high-end direct-on trainers.

If you are a casual cyclist or want to buy a budget trainer just to spin your legs from time to time, you don’t have to worry about it. The trainer will provide you with enough resistance.

The maximum resistance is important for training sprints. An untrained person probably won’t exceed 1000W. However, according to uci.com, elite track sprinters peak at above 2000W, putting out around 25 w/kg.

André Greipel, one of the most powerful sprinters, peaked at 1903W during his sprint at Tour Down Under in 2018. (Source)

These riders can take advantage of a high resistance level. But for most people, 1500W will be enough.

TIP: Check out this article by Cycling Analytics to compare your power output.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of individual resistance types? Check out the following summary.

Type of Resistance	Pros	Cons
Wind	• Cheapest • Progressive resistance	• Very noisy • Lack of resistance adjustability
Magnetic	• Relatively affordable • Quieter than wind trainers • Manually adjustable resistance	• Linear resistance • Maximum resistance level
Electromagnetic	• Adjustable resistance based on 3rd party apps • Very quiet	• Expensive • Require electricity
Fluid	• Progressive resistance translating into a very realistic riding feel • Quieter than wind and magnetic trainers • No maximum resistance level	• Expensive • Lack of resistance adjustability

Pros and cons of wind, magnetic, electromagnetic, and fluid bike trainers | Sources: cyclistshub.com, youtube.com, medium.com (The Pacemaker)

When buying a bike trainer, you may encounter so-called progressive resistance. It is common on bike trainers with fluid resistance. It means that the more you pedal, the higher the resistance.

The main advantage is that the riding experience is closer to real-world riding conditions because the air resistance increases exponentially.

Remember, fluid trainers can’t adjust resistance based on a third-party app. The only way to increase or decrease the resistance is by pedaling or changing gears on your bike.

Learn more about the differences between magnetic and fluid bike trainers.

Connectivity

Third-party apps added another engagement element to indoor biking in recent years. But you have to remember that not every bike trainer is compatible with them.

NOTE: If you have an ANT+ compatible power meter or cadence with a speed sensor, you can use 3rd-party apps like Zwift, ROUVY, etc., with a dumb trainer.

The connectivity is mostly ensured by ANT+, ANT+ FE-C, or Bluetooth protocols (read more).

Gradient Simulation

Gradient simulation feature is common among smart interactive trainers. It ensures that the trainer will slow your pedal stroke when you start climbing in a training app. It adds an interactivity element to your training, making it more engaging and fun.

The higher the gradient simulation, the faster the trainer slows down your pedal stroke. Low-end interactive trainers have a gradient simulation of around 5%, mid-range around 15%, and high-end up to 25%.

Shane Miller (GPLama) explains how this feature works and how the trainer needs to calculate the resistance based on your weight in the video below.

Accuracy

Trainer’s accuracy is common among mid-range and high-end (smart) bike trainers. It is the power deviation at a certain power output.

The table below shows power variances for different accuracy and power levels.

Accuracy	250W	500W	1000W	2000W
1%	247.5-252.5	495-505	990-1010	1980-2020
2%	245-255	490-510	980-1020	1960-2040
3%	242.5-257.5	485-515	970-1030	1940-2060
4%	240-260	480-520	960-1040	1920-2080
5%	237.5-262.5	475-525	950-1050	1900-2100

Bike trainer accuracy for specific accuracy rate (1%, 2%…) and power output (250W, 500W, 1000W, 2000W)

More expensive trainers have better accuracy than cheaper ones. Expect accuracy of ±1 to 2% on the high-end trainers and up to ±5% on the mid-range ones.

Noisiness

Bike trainers also have different levels of noisiness. The general rule of thumb is that wheel-on trainers are noisier than direct-drive trainers. If you live in an apartment with neighbors or your family members are often at home, you will appreciate a quiet trainer.

The quietest direct-drive trainers have a noisiness level of around 55dB. This is a level of a normal conversation (source), and usually, the most noise is created by your bike’s drivetrain, not by the trainer itself.

You might also be interested in proven tips to make your bike trainer less noisy.

Budget, wheel-on trainers can easily exceed 70dB. This is a level of city traffic (source). To reduce the noise of wheel-on trainers, I recommend using a trainer-specific tire. It will also improve traction so it won’t slip during hard efforts and reduce tire wear.

Other Features to Consider

• Bike compatibility – most bike trainers are compatible with 130-135 mm quick-release (QR) axles. Bikes that use thru-axles may require special adapters. Always double-check the trainer’s compatibility to avoid future issues.
• Flywheel – the bigger the flywheel doesn’t always mean the better road-like feel. Inexperienced riders can easily get influenced by this spec, but in the end, there are more important specs and features to look for.
• Included accessories – trainers come with different accessories like a front-wheel riser to improve your comfort and simulate climbing. The packing should also include a quick release for an easier attachment of your bike to the trainer. Direct-drive trainers may come with a cassette.
• Portability – bike trainers are cleverly designed so you can fold them when you don’t use them. However, some trainers are more portable than others due to their construction, so keep that in mind if you are space-limited.

RECOMMENDED READING: How do bike trainers work?

Bike Trainers FAQ

Here are more bike trainers FAQs answered.