With the boom of indoor cycling, there are now a plethora of apps to choose from. Some will help achieve your fitness goals while others are better for keeping the boredom at bay while you train indoors. Whichever it is you need, we have recommendations for the best indoor cycling apps based on our experience. 

In this guide, we'll break down the best apps, highlight their strengths, and help you find the perfect fit, whether you are a beginner or an experienced cyclist.

1. JOIN

Best for: Adaptive training for cyclists seeking personalized workouts. Contains highly adaptable plans crafted by professional coaches, offering over 400 tailored workouts at an affordable price. 

Price: Less than $11 per month.

What is JOIN Cycling?

JOIN Cycling is a training app designed to provide cyclists with flexible and adaptive training plans. Developed by professional coaches, it offers a wide variety of workouts tailored to each rider's needs and goals.

How does JOIN Cycling work?

The app creates personalized training plans based on user input and adjusts schedules and workouts as needed. With over 400 workouts available, it adapts to changes in a cyclist's routine, ensuring that training remains effective and aligned with personal goals.

Pros

• Adaptability: The app modifies training plans based on user feedback and changing schedules. 

• Professional Coaching: Workouts are designed by professional coaches, ensuring high-quality training. 

• Extensive Workout Library: Offers over 400 workouts tailored to individual riders. 

• Affordability: Priced lower than many competitors, making it accessible to a wide range of cyclists.

Cons

• Lack of Entertainment Features: Lacks entertainment features; however, keep in mind that JOIN is focused solely on training and boosting your performance in the saddle.

What People Are Saying

Many users appreciate the app's flexibility and adaptability, noting that it adjusts plans based on their feedback and changing schedules. However, some users have mentioned that the app lacks entertainment features, focusing purely on training without interactive elements. 

Pricing

JOIN offers a free trial period so you can test it’s adaptive features before you buy. A subscription is less than $11 per month

2. Zwift

Best For: Cyclists looking for an interactive, gamified indoor training experience. Offers a virtual environment with structured workouts, group rides, and races, which boosts motivation. Requires a stable internet connection and can be resource-intensive.

Price: $14.99 per month.

What is Zwift?

Zwift is an indoor cycling app that merges structured workouts with a gamified virtual environment. You can explore various virtual worlds, participate in group rides and races, and follow tailored training plans.

How Does Zwift Work?

Users connect their smart trainers or power meters to the app, allowing it to adjust resistance based on the virtual terrain. The platform provides a variety of workouts, training plans, and events, creating an immersive and interactive training experience. 

Pros

• Interactive Environment: Offers a gamified experience with virtual worlds, enhancing motivation.

• Community Engagement: Features a large user base with multiple group rides and races. 

• Structured Training: Provides a diverse array of workouts and training plans.

Cons

• Resource-Intensive: Requires a stable internet connection and compatible hardware.

• Subscription Cost: More expensive compared to some alternatives.

What People Are Saying

Users appreciate the interactive and social aspects of Zwift, noting that it makes indoor training more engaging. However, some mention that it can be demanding on system resources and that a reliable internet connection is essential.

Pricing

Zwift is available for $14.99 per month, and it offers a 7-day free trial for new users to explore the platform before committing to a subscription.

3. TrainerRoad

Best for: Cyclists seeking structured interval training. Offers science-based, highly personalized training plans. Limited entertainment options and no virtual riding.  

Price: $19.99 per month or $189 annually.

What is TrainerRoad?  

TrainerRoad is a cycling app designed for structured interval training and performance improvement through data-driven workouts. It is ideal for cyclists who want to improve their power and endurance without distractions.

How does TrainerRoad Work?  

Users connect their smart trainers or power meters, set their goals, and receive adaptive training plans tailored to their fitness level. TrainerRoad’s AI-driven system adjusts workouts based on user progress, providing power-focused training plans rooted in scientific principles.

Pros  

• Adaptive training features dynamically tailor plans to individual performance.  

• Emphasizes evidence-based workouts designed to maximize results.  

• Integrates seamlessly with most cycling devices and platforms.  

Cons  

• No virtual rides, augmented reality, or entertainment features, which may feel monotonous for some users.  

• The price is relatively higher compared to apps offering more features.  

What People Are Saying  

Many users appreciate the app’s precision in delivering effective training plans and tracking progress. However, some struggle with the lack of interactive or entertainment features, as the workouts focus solely on training data. While some cyclists find the interface minimalistic but functional, others wish for more engaging content.  

Pricing  

TrainerRoad costs $19.99 per month or $189 annually. If you don’t like the app, you can get your money back in the first 30 days.   

4. Wahoo SYSTM

Best for: Structured training and multi-sport athletes Offers a variety of workouts, including cross-training options and entertainment features. Limited integration with non-Wahoo devices.  

Price: $14.99 per month or $129 annually  

What is Wahoo SYSTM?  

Wahoo SYSTM is a training app tailored for cyclists, triathletes, and multi-sport athletes. It provides structured workouts, comprehensive training plans, and cross-training options such as yoga and strength training.  

How does Wahoo SYSTM work?  

Users can connect their devices, such as smart trainers, to access personalized workouts and training plans. The app integrates metrics like heart rate and power to guide users through their training. Additionally, it offers immersive content, including scenic rides and insights from professional riders.  

Pros  

• A wide variety of training options, including cycling, yoga, and strength training. 

• Engaging content featuring videos and insights from professional athletes.  

Cons  

• Limited compatibility with non-Wahoo devices, which may be restrictive for some users.  

What People Are saying?  

Many users appreciate the mix of training options and multimedia features that make workouts enjoyable. However, some have expressed frustration over the limited device compatibility outside the Wahoo ecosystem.  

Pricing  

Wahoo SYSTM is available for $14.99 per month or $129 annually. New users can take a 14-day free trial.  

5. Rouvy

Best For: Virtual cycling with augmented reality. Offers immersive augmented reality routes along with structured training options. Requires high-quality hardware and a stable internet connection.  

Price: $14.99 per month  

What is Rouvy?  

Rouvy is a virtual cycling app that merges augmented reality with structured training, allowing cyclists to ride real-world routes in a virtual environment.  

How Does Rouvy Work?  

Cyclists connect their smart trainers to the app and select routes that simulate real-world terrain. The app also features structured training plans and options for group rides.  

Pros  

• Immersive augmented reality routes that replicate real-world cycling experiences.  

• Integrates virtual rides with organized training plans.  

Cons  

• Requires high-quality equipment and a reliable internet connection for the best experience.  

What People Are Saying  

Many users appreciate the realistic feel of the augmented reality routes, but they mention that maximizing the experience necessitates top-tier hardware.  

Pricing  

Rouvy is available for $14.99 per month, and a free 14-day trial is offered.

6. Bkool

Best for: Virtual rides and competitive training. Offers group rides, races, and real-world route simulations. Limited compatibility with non-Bkool trainers.  

Price: $11.99 per month or $96 annually  

What is Bkool?  

Bkool is a cycling training app that focuses on virtual rides, real-world route simulations, and competitive events, such as group rides and races.  

How does Bkool work?  

Riders connect their smart trainers to the app, choose routes, and can either compete against others or train solo. The app provides a mix of structured workouts and gamified features.  

Pros  

• Real-world route simulations and competitive group rides.

• Affordable pricing compared to some competitors.  

Cons  

• Works best with Bkool trainers, which limits compatibility with other devices.  

What People are Saying?  

Many users appreciate the options for group rides and races but express a desire for broader compatibility with non-Bkool devices.  

Pricing  

Bkool is priced at $11.99 per month or $96 annually. New users can take advantage of a 30-day free trial.  

7. TrainingPeaks

Best for: Advanced data analysis and goal tracking. Offers comprehensive tracking metrics and customization for training plans. Requires external devices for tracking and lacks entertainment features.  

Price: Free basic plan; premium starts at $19.95 per month or $119 annually.  

What is TrainingPeaks?  

TrainingPeaks is a performance-focused app designed for cyclists and other athletes. It provides tools for planning, tracking, and analyzing training progress effectively.  

How does TrainingPeaks work?  

Athletes can upload workout data from compatible devices. The app then delivers detailed metrics, insights, and training plan recommendations tailored to their specific goals.  

Pros  

• Highly detailed metrics and extensive customization options for serious athletes.  

• Compatible with a variety of devices and integrates seamlessly with other platforms.  

Cons  

• Lacks entertainment or immersive features that are available in some other apps.  

• Relies on external devices for accurate data tracking.  

What People are Saying?  

Many users appreciate the app's analytics capabilities and personalized training plans but mention that there is a steep learning curve for beginners. The absence of entertainment features is a common point of criticism as well.  

Pricing  

TrainingPeaks offers a free basic version, while premium plans start at $19.95 per month or $119 annually. Please note that there is no free trial available for the premium plan.

Choosing the Right one for You

When selecting a cycling app, consider your personal goals and priorities:  

Identify What Matters Most

For performance-focused cyclists, apps like TrainerRoad, JOIN Cycling, and TrainingPeaks offer tailored data-driven workouts. Only JOIN adapts to your availability in real-time. 

Utilize Free Trials

Take advantage of free trials to assess the app’s compatibility and features.  

• Integration: Ensure it works with your devices (smart trainers, power meters, etc.).  

• Feature Testing: Explore usability and workout variety.  

• Motivation: Check if the app keeps you engaged during workouts.  

Compare Fit and Value 

After testing, evaluate each app's alignment with your needs:  

• Goal Alignment: Does it support your main objectives?  

• Affordability: Premium options like TrainerRoad may be costly, but more budget-friendly apps like JOIN Cycling offer great value.  

• Extras: Look for additional features that enhance your experience.  

By following these steps, you’re more likely to land on the app that aligns best with your training style and maximizes your cycling journey.