The 7 Best Free & Paid Indoor Cycling Apps to Keep You Motivated When Training at Home

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These are the best free and paid indoor cycling apps. I tried and tested them all, so you don’t have to. Plus, I’ll help you choose the one that suits your goals. They will take your indoor training to the next level by keeping you motivated and engaged. With some self-discipline and effort, you can significantly increase your fitness level, visit beautiful places worldwide virtually, or meet new people from around the globe.

Ready to learn more? Let’s get started.

What Are the Best Indoor Cycling Apps?

I’ve tried and tested the following apps and scored them based on these criteria, so you don’t have to try them all. You can skip to the comparison table to see how they compare.

1. Zwift

Game-inspired cycling app that makes indoor cycling fun…

My Zwift rating at a glance:
Ease of Setup 5/5 | Engagement 5/5 | Community 5/5 | Routes 3/5 | Training 4/5 | UX 3/5 | Platforms Availability 5/5 | Price 3/5 | OVERALL 4.1/5
More about this indoor cycling apps scoring.

• Ideal for: People who like playing games or look for social interactivity, competitiveness, racing, and fun
• Price: 19.99 USD / month or 199.99 USD / year
• Free trial: 14 days
• Connectivity: ANT+ FE-C, Bluetooth, BLE FTMS
• OS Compatibility: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Apple TV
• Virtual shifting support: Yes

Zwift is a virtual world full of avatars representing individual riders, creating a game-like experience for cyclists, triathletes, runners…, and simply anybody who wants to exercise from the comfort of their homes.

One of its main features is the social aspect, allowing you to ride with friends or people from around the globe. The Zwift Companion app enables chat functionality, browsing events, and more.

Zwift’s continuous improvement is impressive. They add new worlds, features, and events, so you always have something to look forward to.

Thanks to many gamification elements, such as gaining experience and drops for riding, unlocking levels, and buying equipment for your “dream setup,” Zwift keeps you motivated to keep returning and continue building your “avatar.” Additionally, you can collect or participate in challenges.

While its popularity has led to a wealth of tips and tricks content online (Zwift Hub, Zwift Insider, or What’s on Zwift, and more), some cyclists find Zwift’s cartoonish virtual world reminiscent of children’s games, so they don’t like it. The number of available worlds/routes is also limited. So, when we compare ROUVY vs. Zwift, we find out that ROUVY offers many more (real-world) routes and will probably appeal more to different types of riders.

Nevertheless, Zwift is a pioneer among indoor cycling apps and is still the most popular. If you’re looking for the best zwifting experience, check out my selection of the best bike trainers for Zwift.

…or read my in-depth Zwift review.

2. ROUVY

Thousands of beautiful routes from around the globe…

My ROUVY rating at a glance:
Ease of Setup 5/5 | Engagement 4/5 | Community 3/5 | Routes 5/5 | Training 4/5 | UX 3/5 | Platforms Availability 5/5 | Price 4/5 | OVERALL 4.1/5
More about this indoor cycling apps scoring.

• Ideal for: People who want to visit beautiful places worldwide, do structured workouts, or race
• Price: 15 USD / month or 144 USD / year
• Free trial: 7 days
• Connectivity: ANT+ FE-C, Bluetooth
• OS Compatibility: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Apple TV
• Virtual shifting support: Yes (Zwift Click only)

ROUVY belongs to one of the most popular indoor cycling training apps. It differentiates itself from others by offering real-world recordings of famous climbs and routes, augmented with virtual avatars and ride data from your bike trainer or third-party sensors like power meters.

With more than 10,000 video routes in its database, ROUVY allows you to explore beautiful locations worldwide from the comfort of your home.

One unique feature of ROUVY is the ability to ride official routes from races like the Vuelta a España, IRONMAN, and Tour de Suisse and compare your performance with elite athletes from the World Tour and triathlon. You can even compare your times against Strava KOMs.

ROUVY is also suitable for runners. It works on the same principle as cycling. Additionally, you can create your own rides and invite friends to join you. Or, if you have a favorite route in your area, simply take a video of it, upload it to the app, and start riding.

In early 2022, ROUVY introduced a new Career feature to keep users motivated and engaged, although it is not as sophisticated as in Zwift. However, with a database of over 10,000 routes, there is plenty of workout diversity. Unfortunately, this often leads to riding alone, as users are scattered along the different routes.

If you don’t like the virtual world of Zwift and want to enjoy the beautiful scenery of famous routes in Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and other countries, I can recommend ROUVY. It helps you relive memories of the places you visited or discover areas for future holidays.

…or read my in-depth ROUVY review.

3. TrainerRoad

One of the best apps for improving your performance…

My TrainerRoad rating at a glance:
Ease of Setup 5/5 | Engagement 2/5 | Community 3/5 | Training 5/5 | UX 5/5 | Platforms Availability 4/5 | Price 2/5 | OVERALL 3.7/5
More about this indoor cycling apps scoring.

• Ideal for: Serious and dedicated athletes who want to push their limits and improve performance
• Price: 21.99 USD / month or 209.99 USD / year
• Free trial: n/a (30-day money-back guarantee)
• Connectivity: ANT+ FE-C, Bluetooth, BLE FTMS
• OS Compatibility: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Apple TV
• Virtual shifting support: No

TrainerRoad is a unique indoor cycling app that prioritizes performance improvement over visual appeal because it only shows your ride data and intervals:

It’s perfect for dedicated cyclists who want to elevate their performance and maybe even win some races. Its main focus is on structured workouts, with the ability to create personalized training plans based on your goals.

TrainerRoad’s library includes many workouts, or you can upload your own. The app’s Plan Builder is a handy tool for creating custom plans.

TrainerRoad’s developers have even implemented artificial intelligence to adjust your workouts based on your data and the latest coaching principles. This feature, called Adaptive Training, helps you make the most of your training and is constantly being improved (as I have been told by Jonathan Lee, TrainerRoad’s communications director).

The app can also incorporate your outdoor workouts into your training plan and adjust it based on your fatigue and fitness level. This is especially useful if you combine indoor and outdoor training. Then, you can dig into your data using the analytics tools and adjust your future strategy.

The app’s reliability and connectivity are top-notch, making it the best-rated indoor cycling app on Google Play and Apple Store. For the best TrainerRoad experience, I recommend using it with ERG mode smart trainers. But you can also use a budget wheel-on trainer with a power meter, for example.

In summary, TrainerRoad is a great choice for cyclists who are serious about improving their performance and want to take advantage of personalized training plans and cutting-edge technology.

…or read my in-depth TrainerRoad review.

4. Wahoo SYSTM

Comprehensive training platform for a wide range of (endurance) athletes…

My Wahoo SYSTM rating at a glance:
Ease of Setup 5/5 | Engagement 4/5 | Community 2/5 | Routes 3/5 | Training 5/5 | UX 5/5 | Platforms Availability 5/5 | Price 4/5 | OVERALL 4.0/5
More about this indoor cycling apps scoring.

• Ideal for: People who appreciate a versatile approach to their training and endurance athletes
• Price: 14.99 USD / month or 129 USD / year
• Free trial: 14 days
• Connectivity: ANT+ FE-C, BLE FTMS
• OS Compatibility: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Apple TV
• Virtual shifting support: No

Wahoo SYSTM (formerly known as The Sufferfest) is an app designed for cyclists, swimmers, yogis, and anyone looking to improve their mental and physical health. This makes it unique and suitable for a wide range of athletes.

One of its advantages is that you can download the training library and use the app offline. It differs from Zwift in focusing solely on the individual (you). If you are looking for social interactivity, Zwift is the better option.

The workouts include recordings and ride data, but unlike ROUVY, they don’t feature virtual avatars or objects. Thanks to its many disciplines, you don’t even need a bike trainer to use the app. Just take advantage of the guided workouts and strengthen your core, for example.

The SYSTM workout library is extensive and well-designed. The workouts were created by Neal Henderson, an acclaimed coach whose athletes have won over 47 titles in various disciplines, Grand Tour stage wins, and Olympic medals.

SYSTM uses a unique approach to determine your fitness level called 4-dimensional power. This test is more comprehensive than just determining your FTP, allowing you to target the exact watts you need for sprint intervals, for example.

The main disadvantage of SYSTM is the lack of a social element. However, it’s great for riders who take their training seriously and want to learn more about their strengths and weaknesses. I really appreciate the variety of activities so that winter training is not so routine.

…or read my in-depth Wahoo SYTM review.

5. MyWhoosh (The Best Free Indoor Cycling App)

A free virtual cycling app that surprises with its comprehensiveness…

My MyWhoosh rating at a glance:
Ease of Setup 5/5 | Engagement 4/5 | Community 3/5 | Routes 3/5 | Training 3/5 | UX 4/5 | Platforms Availability 5/5 | Price 5/5 | OVERALL 4.0/5
More about this indoor cycling apps scoring.

• Ideal for: People who want to try virtual cycling and training without paying a subscription
• Price: Free
• Free trial: n/a
• Connectivity: ANT+ FE-C, BLE FTMS
• OS Compatibility: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Apple TV
• Virtual shifting support: No

MyWhoosh offers a pleasant user experience and graphics. It is not as cartoonish and detailed as Zwift, but sufficient. It offers several worlds, like Colombia, Belgium, Alula, Arabia, Australia, and more. Each world has several routes. They are open based on a schedule (similar to Zwift).

I was pleasantly surprised by the number and comprehensiveness of structured workouts and plans. And if they are insufficient for you, you can create your own! Unfortunately, unlike TrainerRoad or SYSTM, they are not built based on your goals.

Are there any “buts” then? Well, not many, to be honest. They improved the app over the past months. It now includes a comprehensive motivation system (challenges, bonuses, awards), more routes, etc. So, the main disadvantage is a smaller user base. But once they reach the breaking point, they will fiercely compete with Zwift.

After the Wahoo RGT shut down, I believe MyWhoosh is the best free indoor cycling app currently available.

…or read my in-depth MyWhoosh review.

Don’t you have a bike trainer yet? Browse the best bike trainers on the market.

6. Kinomap

An underestimated training platform not only for cyclists…

My Kinomap rating at a glance:
Ease of Setup 4/5 | Engagement 3/5 | Community 2/5 | Routes 5/5 | Training 4/5 | UX 5/5 | Platforms Availability 2/5 | Price 4/5 | OVERALL 3.6/5
More about this indoor cycling apps scoring.

• Ideal for: Cyclists, runners, or rowers who need to train in all weather conditions…
• Price: 11.99 EUR / month or 89.99 EUR / year or 429 EUR / lifetime
• Free trial: 14 days
• Connectivity: ANT+ FE-C, BLE FTMS
• OS Compatibility: Android, iOS (screen mirroring available)
• Virtual shifting support: No

Kinomap is a training platform for cyclists, runners, and rowers. It offers structured free rides, training plans, and coaching plans. Unlike ROUVY, it only plays video without augmenting it, similar to FulGaz. The Kinomap community contributes to the extensive route library, providing countless possibilities.

The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, and the video footage quality is impressive. Some routes are better than others, but overall, it’s a great experience.

One disadvantage is that there are no dedicated Windows or macOS apps, but the video can be mirrored to these devices via a browser with minimal latency. It works surprisingly well. Social interactivity is also limited because you can’t chat or race with others.

Kinomap offers a variety of routes and workouts to suit different users, but your motivation must come internally, as there are no gamification elements to drive long-term use.

…or read my in-depth Kinomap review.

7. FulGaz

A comprehensive routes video library played without distractions and in the best possible quality…

My FulGaz rating at a glance:
Ease of Setup 5/5 | Engagement 3/5 | Community 1/5 | Routes 5/5 | Training 3/5 | UX 2/5 | Platforms Availability 5/5 | Price 4/5 | OVERALL 3.5/5
More about this indoor cycling apps scoring.

• Ideal for: People who want to explore distraction-free footage from thousands of places worldwide
• Price: 12.99 USD / month or 108.99 USD / year
• Free trial: 14 days
• Connectivity: ANT+ FE-C, BLE FTMS
• OS Compatibility: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Apple TV
• Virtual shifting support: No

FulGaz’s main selling point is its high-quality video footage, up to 4K, which can transport you to various locations worldwide and make you forget about the winter outside. Thanks to the cycling community’s contributions, FulGaz’s routes library is extensive.

You can ride solo or organize group rides. However, there is no drafting, so it’s up to you and your fitness to keep up with others. For some riders, the lack of social interaction (like in Zwift) may be a significant disadvantage. However, it may not be an issue for everyone.

When asked about their plans, the FulGaz team stated that they aim to host more events and bring the cycling community closer together, which is a positive sign for the future.

Overall, FulGaz is a suitable alternative to ROUVY and other apps that use real-world footage, especially for users who are comfortable with the lack of social interaction.

…or read my in-depth FulGaz review.

What Are the Best FREE Indoor Cycling Apps?

Honorable Mentions

How Did I Choose the Best Indoor Cycling Apps?

I have developed an indoor cycling app scoring system to keep my evaluation consistent across apps. I focus on features such as compatibility, ease of use, engagement, diversity of routes, and more. Below, you can learn about these and other features and what to expect from indoor cycling apps.

The best indoor cycling apps should offer a free trial, allowing you to test them without commitment. They should also be available on major platforms like Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, or Apple TV.

In addition to being easily accessible, these apps should help you achieve your fitness goals and provide an enjoyable experience by allowing you to visit beautiful locations, participate in races, meet others, etc.

Price: Take Advantage of Free Trials!

Most indoor training applications are paid, with monthly or yearly subscription options. Yearly subscriptions are usually about 30% cheaper on average. Subscription prices range from around $10 to $20 per month or $100 to $200 per year.

All apps on this list offer free trials for a week, two weeks, or an entire month. It’s a great way to try out an app without obligation, so I recommend taking advantage of it.

Remember that the trial period may be limited by miles or kilometers. This can vary from app to app, so be sure to read the FAQ of the app you’re interested in. Here’s an example from the Zwift website:

Free apps are of worse quality (with the exception of MyWhoosh) because they have low resources for development. They are usually only monetized with in-app ads.

Device Connectivity: ANT+, Bluetooth, WiFi, Ethernet?

Connectivity is important because if an app doesn’t offer connectivity with your smart trainer or sensors, you can’t use it. Luckily, all selected apps support ANT+, ANT+ FE-C, Bluetooth, or Bluetooth Low Energy Fitness Machine Service (BLE FTMS) protocols.

If you want to use the app on your Windows or macOS computer, you will need an ANT+ dongle that ensures compatibility (learn more about ANT+ and how bike trainers communicate). This doesn’t apply to laptops which have built-in Bluetooth.

Some apps support WiFi connection or direct connection via Ethernet. They provide better connection stability and are more reliable than the two methods above. However, remember that the smart trainer has to support these features.

Operating System Compatibility: PC, Mac, or even Apple TV?

It’s essential to consider the app’s operating system (OS) compatibility, depending on the device you intend to use it with. Most indoor cycling apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. However, if you want to use it on Apple TV, ensure the Apple TV app is available.

Fortunately, developers strive to provide support for additional operating systems, so even if an app doesn’t currently support your OS, it may be supported in the future. Some apps, such as Kinomap, don’t offer a desktop version but can mirror the screen from a mobile device to a computer or TV.

App Design: Real, Virtual, or Augmented?

There are three basic types of indoor cycling apps in terms of design.

1. Apps that feature recordings of real-world routes with or without virtual avatars
These are popular because they allow you to experience famous climbs as if you were there. Apps like ROUVY, FulGaz, SYSTM, and Kinomap let you relive memories from your vacation by riding the real-world route within the app.

2. Apps that offer complete virtual worlds and avatars
The best examples of these are Zwift, TrainingPeaks Virtual, and MyWhoosh. They include virtual worlds and artificial routes inspired by the real world.

3. Apps with a training plan and ride data only
TrainerRoad is the best example of this type of app. It only displays your workout structure and ride data, such as power, heart rate, cadence, etc.

User Reviews

Reviews from other users can help us decide whether or not to try an app. Though dozens of indoor cycling apps are available, only a few are worth using. Sometimes, an app receives bad reviews due to one unsuccessful update, which can be fixed later. However, consistently receiving bad reviews is not a good sign.

Conclusion

I hope you find this list helpful. Which app is your favorite? Have you tried an app that you didn’t like? Or is there an app that I should include? Let me know in the comments below.

Best Indoor Cycling Apps FAQ