CyclistsHub is supported by its readers. We may receive a commission if you buy products using our links (learn more).
These are the best free and paid indoor cycling apps. I tried & tested them all, so you don’t have to. Plus, I’ll help you choose the one that suits your goals.
These apps can take your indoor training to the next level by keeping you motivated and engaged. You can significantly increase your fitness level with a little self-discipline and effort.
Some of them even allow you to visit beautiful places worldwide virtually.
Ready to learn more? Let’s get started.
KEY TAKEAWAY:
- The best free indoor cycling app is Wahoo RGT. It offers several free routes and has more realistic physics than Zwift.
- The best indoor cycling app overall is Zwift due to its sophisticated motivation system, huge user base and community, and many events held daily.
- The best indoor cycling app for improving performance is TrainerRoad. It uses sophisticated algorithms to create and adjust individualized training plans.
What Are the Best Indoor Cycling Apps?
The best indoor cycling apps are those that offer a free trial, allowing you to test them without any commitment. These apps should be available on major platforms like Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Apple TV.
In addition to being easily accessible, these apps should help you achieve your fitness goals and provide enjoyable virtual experiences such as visiting beautiful locations around the world.
I’ve personally tested and selected the following apps based on these criteria, so you don’t have to try them all. You can skip to the comparison table to see how they stack up against each other.
Let’s get started!
Zwift
Game-inspired cycling app that makes indoor cycling fun…
- Ideal for: People who like playing games or look for social interactivity, competitiveness, racing, and fun
- Price: 14.99 USD / month
- Free trial: 7 days (limited to 25 km)
- Connectivity: ANT+ FE-C, Bluetooth, BLE FTMS
- OS Compatibility: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Apple TV
Eric Min revealed in an interview with Forbes that Zwift is currently the most popular indoor cycling app, with approximately 3 million subscribers.
Zwift offers a virtual world and avatars representing individual riders, creating a game-like experience for cyclists, triathletes, and runners.
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.
The app’s continuous improvement is impressive, with added worlds and features, though the in-app physics aren’t as advanced as Wahoo RGT.
Zwift also offers many gamification elements, such as gaining experience and drops for riding, unlocking levels, and buying equipment for your “dream setup.” There are also various challenges and achievements for added enjoyment.
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. As a result, apps like ROUVY or FulGaz, which offer real-world routes, make great Zwift alternatives.
Paradoxically, the main disadvantage of Zwift is the virtual world. After discussions with fellow cyclists, I found that it reminds them of children’s games. It’s too cartoonish. Additionally, the number of worlds/routes is limited.
Therefore, apps with real-world routes like ROUVY or FulGaz are great Zwift alternatives.
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.
You may also want to check out these cycling apps. My article features a selection of the best apps for first aid, weather, training, and more, all tailored to the needs of cyclists.
ROUVY
Thousands of beautiful routes from around the globe…
- 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: 14 days
- Connectivity: ANT+ FE-C, Bluetooth
- OS Compatibility: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Apple TV
ROUVY was founded by two Czech brothers who then partnered with the Saris Group in 2011 (known as the CycleOps back then).
ROUVY has become one of the most popular indoor cycling training apps, with hundreds of thousands of registered users in its ‘g’rouvy’ing community.
These days, ROUVY belongs to one of the most popular indoor cycling training apps out there. According to the company, the g’rouvy’ing community counts hundreds of thousands of registered users.
ROUVY sets itself apart from other apps 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.
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 also allows runners to use the app, which works on the same principle as cycling. Additionally, you can create your own rides and invite friends to join you on a group ride. 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 leads to the fact you will often ride alone.
Another new feature in 2022 is OmniMode, which allows you to change camera views, including rear and panoramic views. The ROUVY team had to record the routes using 360° cameras to make this feature possible.
Another feature introduced in 2022 is the OmniMode. It allows you to change camera views (rear and panoramic views). ROUVY team had to record the routes using 360° cameras to make this happen.
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 recommend ROUVY for every rider.
…or read my in-depth ROUVY review.
TrainerRoad
One of the best apps for improving your performance…
- Ideal for: Serious and dedicated athletes who want to push their limits and improve performance
- Price: 19.95 USD / month or 189 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
TrainerRoad is a unique indoor cycling app that prioritizes performance improvement over visual appeal.
It’s perfect for dedicated cyclists who want to elevate their performance and maybe even win some races.
The app’s main focus is on structured workouts, with the ability to create personalized training plans based on your goals.
Their library includes many options, and you can also upload your workouts. 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 accordingly based on your fatigue and fitness level. This is especially useful if you combine indoor and outdoor training.
TrainerRoad’s web app includes helpful analytics tools that allow you to scrutinize your training and learn from it.
The app’s reliability and connectivity are also 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.
And, if TrainerRoad doesn’t satisfy your needs, you can take advantage of their 30-day money-back guarantee.
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.
Wahoo SYSTM (formerly known as The Sufferfest)
Comprehensive training platform for a wide range of (endurance) athletes…
- Ideal for: People who appreciate a versatile approach to their training and endurance athletes
- Price: 14.99 USD / month or 129 USD / year – you can subscribe to Wahoo X to get access to Wahoo SYSTM and Wahoo RGT at the same price
- Free trial: 14 days
- Connectivity: ANT+ FE-C, BLE FTMS
- OS Compatibility: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Apple TV
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.
SYSTM is different from Zwift in that it doesn’t provide a social element. It focuses solely on the individual (you).
The workouts come with recordings and ride data, but there are no virtual avatars (it’s an FPV).
Thanks to its many disciplines, you don’t even need a bike trainer to use the app. You can strengthen your core muscles, for example, by following their structured videos.
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.
I spoke with SYSTM’s head of marketing, Dylan Robbins, who told me they plan to release many features and expand their libraries. Let’s see how successful they are.
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.
…or read my in-depth Wahoo SYTM review.
Wahoo RGT (formerly RGT Cycling) – The Best Free Indoor Cycling App
Virtual cycling with real-life-like physics…
- Ideal for: People who want to try virtual cycling on a budget
- Price: Free or 14.99 USD / month, 129 USD / year – you can subscribe to Wahoo X to get access to Wahoo RGT and Wahoo SYSTM at the same price
- Free trial: 14 days
- Connectivity: ANT+ FE-C, BLE FTMS
- OS Compatibility: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Apple TV
Wahoo RGT, formerly known as RGT Cycling, is a unique indoor cycling app, as it offers both a free plan and a premium subscription.
The free plan doesn’t include access to structured workouts, the workouts library, or the ability to create events.
However, it’s a good option if you want to try the app before subscribing to Wahoo X, which provides access to Wahoo RGT and Wahoo SYSTM.
Compared to Zwift, Wahoo RGT boasts more realistic graphics and physics. The virtual world is inspired by actual roads from around the world.
One of the main advantages of Wahoo RGT is that you can control the app directly through your phone, making it user-friendly and convenient.
You can easily select the starting point of your training and the avatar’s movement is more realistic, especially during descents where it automatically slows down before corners and hairpins.
The number of available roads is pretty limited, though, so they may get repetitive over time.
However, the number of available roads is limited, which may lead to repetitive use over time. You can submit a route in your area, and the RGT team will create a ‘magic road’ with the same profile and a pre-prepared world.
The lack of a social aspect and gamification elements may lead to lower motivation for long-term use. However, this may change after the recent acquisition by Wahoo.
Overall, Wahoo RGT is a good alternative to Zwift, especially for those who prefer virtual roads inspired by the real world and don’t need as much external motivation.
…or read my in-depth Wahoo RGT (RGT Cycling) review.
Don’t you have a bike trainer yet? Browse the best bike trainers on the market.
Kinomap
An underestimated training platform not only for cyclists…
- 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 269.99 EUR / lifetime
- Free trial: 14 days
- Connectivity: ANT+ FE-C, BLE FTMS
- OS Compatibility: Android, iOS (screen mirroring available)
Kinomap is a training platform for cyclists, runners, and rowers. It offers structured free rides, training plans, and coaching plans.
Unlike ROUVY, Kinomap only plays video without augmenting it, like 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.
Social interactivity is limited, with leaderboards available but no chatting or racing with others.
Kinomap offers a variety of routes and workouts to suit different users, but the motivation must come internally, as there are no gamification elements to drive long-term use.
…or read my in-depth Kinomap review.
FulGaz
A comprehensive routes video library played without distractions and in the best possible quality…
- 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
FulGaz is an application that stands out for its attention to detail and user-friendliness. Setting up and pairing with smart trainers is straightforward, and the app is easy to navigate.
FulGaz’s main selling point is its high-quality video footage, up to 4K, which can transport you to various locations around the world, such as the summer Alps, and make you forget about the winter outside.
Thanks to the cycling community’s contributions worldwide, FulGaz’s routes library is extensive.
You can ride solo or organize group rides in FulGaz. 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 (as seen on Zwift) may be a significant disadvantage. However, it may not be an issue for everyone.
When asked about their future 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 comfortable with the lack of social interaction.
…or read my in-depth FulGaz review.
| App | Price | Free Trial | World | Multiplayer | Connectivity | Platform Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zwift | 14.99 USD / month | 7 days | Virtual | Yes | ANT+ FE-C, Bluetooth, BLE FTMS | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Apple TV |
| ROUVY | 15 USD / month 144 USD / year | 14 days | Real | Yes | ANT+ FE-C, Bluetooth | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Apple TV |
| TrainerRoad | 19.95 USD / month 189 USD / year | n/a² | n/a | No | ANT+ FE-C, Bluetooth, BLE FTMS | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS |
| Wahoo SYSTM (formerly The Sufferfest)¹ | 14.99 USD / month 149 USD / year | 14 days | Real | No | ANT+ FE-C, BLE FTMS | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS |
| Wahoo RGT (formerly RGT Cycling)¹ | Free or 14.99 USD / month 149 USD / year | 14 days | Virtual | Yes | ANT+ FE-C, BLE FTMS | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Apple TV Android, iOS (remote) |
| Kinomap | 11.99 EUR / month 89.99 EUR / year 429 EUR / lifetime | 14 days | Real | No | ANT+ FE-C, BLE FTMS | Android, iOS (screen mirroring available) |
| FulGaz | 12.99 USD / month 108.99 USD / year | 14 days | Real | Yes | ANT+ FE-C, BLE FTMS | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Apple TV |
Updated on the 12th of September, 2023.
¹You can only subscribe to the Wahoo X subscription and get access to Wahoo SYSTM and Wahoo RGT.
²30-day money-back guarantee
What Are the Best FREE Indoor Cycling Apps?
The best free indoor cycling apps are:
- CycleGo is one of the best free indoor cycling apps out there (in-app purchases available). It’s available for Android and iOS. It’s particularly beneficial for novices and casual riders who want to cycle indoors from time to time. However, one significant drawback is that it doesn’t communicate with devices like bike trainers and sensors. So, you must adjust the resistance on your trainer or switch gears and follow the instructions from the app. Additionally, CycleGo doesn’t support Windows or macOS devices. You can learn more in my CycleGo review.
- Wahoo RGT (described above) has superior graphics and is available on more platforms, but the number of free routes is limited.
- Trainer Day is like TrainerRoad. It’s ideal for structured training but has limited functionality in the free plan (only your ride data is visible). However, their premium subscription is reasonably priced and unlocks additional features, such as personalized cycling plans.
- Veloreality is similar to FulGaz or ROUVY. It allows you to play videos in 720p definition in their free plan. However, it’s only accessible to Windows users.
Honorable Mentions
Here are a few apps that did not make it into the list but are also worth trying:
- Tacx Training is a cycling app that operates similarly to FulGaz and SYSTM. You select a pre-recorded real-world route, and the app adds your ride data. Tacx Training can be used on Android, iOS, and Windows. However, it’s only compatible with Tacx trainers when connected via Bluetooth Smart. You can read more about it in my Tacx Training app review.
- My E-Training is an app similar to Tacx Training. It’s only compatible with Elite trainers and is great for structured training plans, riding real courses, and analyzing your rides afterward.
- BKOOL is a decent app when it works, but many users report connectivity and accuracy issues. Additionally, the graphics and video quality are poor. The app is available on Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. You can learn more in my BKOOL review.
How Did I Choose the Best Indoor Cycling Apps?
When selecting indoor cycling apps for this list, I evaluated criteria such as price, connectivity, compatibility, and more.
Below, you can learn about these features and what to expect from indoor cycling apps available in app stores.
Price
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 any obligation, so I recommend taking advantage of it.
Remember that the trial period may be limited by the number of 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
Free apps are of worse quality because they have low resources for development. They are usually only monetized with in-app ads.
Device Connectivity
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).
Operating System Compatibility
It’s essential to keep in mind 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
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 or Wahoo RGT. 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.
For this list, I excluded apps with an average rating below 2.5 stars on Google Play and the App Store.
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
Based on my testing, experience, and evaluating user reviews, I selected the following apps as the best:
- Zwift is the most popular, sophisticated, social, and e-racing-friendly.
- ROUVY is the best-augmented reality app.
- TrainerRoad is the best TRAINING app.
- Wahoo SYSTM is the most comprehensive training platform.
- Wahoo RGT is the best ‘free’ indoor cycling app.
- Kinomap is the best indoor cycling app for cyclists who also run or row.
- FulGaz has the highest footage quality of routes worldwide.
I hope you found this list of the best indoor cycling apps helpful.
Which one 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
Explore More From Indoor Cycling Content
Apps
Best Indoor Cycling Apps
Zwift Review
ROUVY Review
TrainerRoad Review
Wahoo SYSTM Review
Wahoo RGT (RGT Cycling) Review
FulGaz Review
Kinomap Review
Bike Trainers & Rollers
Best Bike Trainers
Best Smart Bike Trainers
Best Budget Bike Trainers
Best Bike Trainers for Zwift
Best Bike Rollers
Best Bike Trainer Brands
Best Fluid Bike Trainers
Really interesting post!
Thank you!
– Petr
the least expensive ‘good’ simulation of cycling worlds would be grand theft auto – after you buy the game, you can ride thereafter for free.
Haha :-D… True!
– Petr
You forgot Kinomap, better than Bkool, and it supports 400+ devices which is huge! Even devices from Decathlon.
icTrainer is a cheap alternative at 3$ with real world videos and training.
😊👍
Hello Jimmy,
I have the Kinomap review written and ready for publication. 🙂 Stay tuned.
Thanks for your suggestion, though. 🙂
– Petr
I use Kinomap, I’m not interested in game aspects and I love that I can submit videos, which extends my subscription and also publicises our area for cycling. I use an iPad & iPhone for it.
Nice! Have you ever tried different indoor cycling apps?
– Petr
Any indoor cycling app with family packages? Additional users on a single account at additional cost.
Hi Luther,
check out Kinomap. They have some family options. 🙂
– Petr
Nice overview! Suggest a couple additional items to add:
1. Kudo Coach. Similar to TrainerRoad, but much more affordable ($4 a month or so?), and it also automatically -imports- any rides posted to Strava and/or Garmin and adjusts your upcoming workouts accordingly. In other words, if I do some unstructured fun outdoor riding with friends, Kudo Coach will automatically adjust my workout plan for the week accordingly to hit plan zone times and TSS scores. Can do workouts outdoors with either a power meter or heart monitor. Nice user interface. Free trial available.
2. Xert. Similar to Kudo Coach, in that it imports your other activities and automatically adjusts your workouts, but I found it more expensive and more confusing/unnecessarily complicated than Kudo Coach for my needs. Free trial available.
3. Using your existing head unit (eg Garmin, Wahoo ELEMNT). If structured workouts are your thing (either indoors on an erg smart trainer or outdoors), both Garmin and Wahoo head units do a nice job for free. Couple it with free workouts and downloadable training plans from TrainerDay for a pretty decent free solution. Garmin and Wahoo also allow you to re-ride any outdoor ride indoors (by showing you a map and adjusting resistance automatically), although the Wahoo ELEMNT requires a Wahoo trainer to do this; Garmin works with any smart trainer supporting FE-C standard (practically all of them these days).
Hi Todd,
Thanks a lot for your comment. I will research these options and consider adding them.
– Petr
I use OneLap software from Magene with Elite Suito T. It’s 5$ /month now.
Hi Radovan,
Thanks for the tip.
– Petr
I use icTrainer is a cheap alternative (free version with 30 minutes per day and full version only 1,96€ / month). Less gamification, but many connections to other training platforms.
Hi, Nicolas,
I have nothing against brands doing self-promotion in comments. But your comments should be useful to readers – for example, explaining how your app is different and better.
– Petr
Thanks for a great article. This year I was deciding on what app to choose for the winter time and felt like staying connected with the “real-world” riding would be the best for me. It has been while that I am riding ROUVY and I am so satisfied with the user experience and the great selection of routes from all around the world.