This article has been updated as of November 2024.
If they’re serious about their goals, every triathlete or cyclist will eventually find themselves riding indoors. Thankfully, there are now many apps that make your time on the trainer more productive and entertaining.
Here is a list of common indoor cycling apps, and a description of how they function, to help you decide which is best for you. Every app on this list can be synced with TrainingPeaks so you (or your coach) can analyze your workouts. Many are also compatible with structured workouts exported from your TrainingPeaks account.
TrainingPeaks Virtual
TrainingPeaks Virtual, formerly known as indieVelo, is an indoor cycling platform created to serve the needs of athletes, coaches and event organizers. With community-friendly features, realistic racing physics, and a focus on credibility, TrainingPeaks Virtual takes indoor cycling to the next level.
You can log in to TrainingPeaks Virtual with your TrainingPeaks athlete login credentials (or create a new TrainingPeaks account), and connect your TrainingPeaks account for a seamless experience. TrainingPeaks Virtual is currently free for everyone. After March 2025, TrainingPeaks Virtual will be part of TrainingPeaks Premium.
Similar to other indoor cycling platforms, TrainingPeaks Virtual allows athletes from around the globe to ride together in rich, 3D-generated worlds, simply by connecting a trainer or power meter.
TrainingPeaks Virtual offers hundreds of miles of virtual roads and multiple different ride modes, including Pace mode where you can select a pacebot to ride with through the virtual world. TrainingPeaks Virtual Pace mode provides a wattage range for each route that is unique to you and your listed FTP and rider weight. TrainingPeaks Virtual also hosts two new Challenges each month, where you can track your own progress on the “Challenges” tab in the main menu and see how you stack up against other riders throughout the month.
Another unique aspect of TrainingPeaks Virtual is that a rider’s watts per kilogram are not displayed. Just like in real-world riding, there is more to indoor cycling than pure watts. Group dynamics and tactics along with power determine where you end up in a group ride or race. Try it out, and you may be pleasantly surprised by how nice it is to not be constantly comparing yourself to the watts per kilo riding by.
TrainingPeaks Virtual is ideal if you are looking for a seamless indoor training experience within the TrainingPeaks ecosystem, are interested in realistic races and ready to not obsess over other riders’ watts per kilo. For coaches and event organizers looking to easily create events or group workouts, TrainingPeaks Virtual is for you.
Zwift
From friendly competition to casual group rides and structured training programs, Zwift has a community of like-minded athletes united in the pursuit of an immersive indoor cycling or running experience. Athletes can ride together in 3D-generated worlds by connecting their existing devices (e.g. trainers, power meters, heart rate monitors, treadmills etc).
In addition to open free riding, Zwift has races, group rides and group structured workouts. This social aspect is a defining advantage of using Zwift, and a great way to preserve a sense of camaraderie when the weather or conditions aren’t conducive to group riding.
Zwift offers a free trial and has multiple subscription options after the trial period. It is also one of the only major indoor training apps that works for indoor running. All of the community, social, racing, training and gaming features available for cyclists are also available for runners.
Zwift is best if you are looking to compete against your friends in real-time on virtual group rides or races, and you still want basic structured workout features. It is one of the few options currently available for indoor running.
Wahoo SYSTM
Wahoo SYSTM is part of the Wahoo X membership program that offers a training solution for cyclists and triathletes. You get unlimited streaming (and offline access) to a library of structured workouts; more than 40 ‘Yoga for Cyclists videos, a 10-week mental training program, and a wealth of strength training resources for all ability levels.
SYSTM offers individually-optimized workouts through its exclusive Four-Dimensional Power (4DP™) platform, which measures how you produce power across a range of efforts to personalize power targets. The app also includes access to a full suite of training plans for road, mountain, triathlon, and cyclocross, with the option of adding complementary strength and yoga plans. Connection to smart trainers and other fitness devices allows you to train to specific targets, analyze performance data, and share instantly to TrainingPeaks. SYSTM offers a 14-day free trial and is available for iOS, macOS, and Windows.
SYSTM is best for those who want personalized workouts and additional cross-training options like strength and yoga to train both body and mind. It is one of the few options currently available for indoor running.
TrainerRoad
TrainerRoad creates cycling training plans based on your fitness, goals and training approach. TrainerRoad connects to your ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart devices to measure your power, speed and other metrics—then uses that data to customize workouts to your personal fitness level. The on-screen graphics in TrainerRoad present your intervals and workout metrics, but don’t put you into a virtual world or show any video during the workout.
TrainerRoad features include Outdoor Training, a custom Plan Builder and Group Workouts. TrainerRoad includes AI features that automatically detect your FTP and assign rest days or adjust your training. TrainerRoad features a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with their product. TrainingPeaks workouts will sync to TrainerRoad, and activities completed in TrainingRoad will appear in your TrainingPeaks account. TrainerRoad is available for iOS, Mac, Android and PC.
TrainerRoad is best if you are looking to perform structured interval workouts and want a complete pre-made plan. TrainerRoad also works best if you like to bring your own entertainment and watch movies or listen to your own music during your workouts.
Rouvy
Using Rouvy you can ride real routes from all over the world as the app tracks your training data. You can also pre-program your interval workouts and Rouvy will automatically control the resistance on your smart trainer. Rouvy offers new users a seven-day free trial and multiple subscription options after the trial period. Once you are finished working out, Rouvy can automatically sync your training data to your TrainingPeaks account. Rouvy will also import structured workouts directly from your TrainingPeaks calendar so you can make the most of your training time. Rouvy is compatible with virtually every smart and non-smart trainer. And is available for iOS, Android, and PC.
Rouvy is best if you prefer video of real life roads over virtual worlds. Rouvy also gives you the flexibility to ride virtual routes or perform structured interval training on any of the scenic routes.
Bkool
When you hear Bkool, think options. Choose from endless amounts of routes including 3D world routes, video routes, and velodromes; or participate in structured workouts and cycling classes. Can’t find one you like? Create your own! Compete in live sessions with multiple riders, or eliminate distractions and make your workout sessions private. Sync your Strava or Garmin account, and any ride you did outdoors can now be ridden indoors. Bkool is compatible with iOS, Android, Mac and PC platforms; and it pairs with most brands of trainers and transmitters using ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart. Bkool can automatically sync your training data to Training Peaks and can import workouts from your calendar.
BKOOL is best if you’re looking for variety in your indoor training: virtual worlds, structured interval training, cycling classes and video routes are just some of the available options.
Mywhoosh
Mywhoosh combines realistic cycling routes with the social aspects also found in Zwift. Each week Mywhoosh hosts a variety of group rides, including community rides, social rides, races and coach-led workouts.
The most unique thing about Mywhoosh is that it is free! As of October 2024, there is no subscription fee or cost associated with Mywhoosh.
Explore routes in five different Mywhoosh worlds based on real-life locations from across the world. Mywhoosh also recently launch a running mode called Mywhoosh Run, compatible with smart treadmills, foot pods and heart rate monitors. Any modern trainer or smart trainer is compatible with Mywhoosh, and the app is available for iOS, Android and PC.
Mywhoosh is best for those looking for realistic looking routes and if you’re looking for a free option.
ErgVideo
ErgVideo is a video-based power-training application that syncs the power profile of the riders in the video to your smart trainer. ErgVideo software is designed for ease-of-use, so you can be up and riding each day in as few as two clicks. Multi-rider mode supports up to 24 riders from a single PC, and records all ANT+ device data using a single ANT+ USB stick. The free version of ErgVideo can be used without the purchase of additional videos and can import structured workouts from your TrainingPeaks account. When you are done with your workout, ErgVideo can automatically sync your training data back to your TrainingPeaks account.
ErgVideo is best if you are looking to combine focused power-training sessions with action-packed, high quality, and real-road real-life visuals to keep you completely engaged and motivated.
Kinomap
Kinomap features hundreds of GPS videos generated by Kinomap members and lets you ride routes from all over the world, you can also upload your own video. A multiplayer mode is also available for up to 10 players, so you can challenge your friends or anyone else online.
Uniquely, Kinomap has multiple sport types including rowing, running and elliptical. When you are finished with your workout Kinomap can automatically sync your training data to your TrainingPeaks account. Kinomap is available on iOS and Android, and is compatible with a variety of trainers, treadmills and rowing machines.
Kinomap is the best choice for virtual rides up the cols and cotes of Europe and for those looking for sport types outside of running and cycling. The Alpe d’Huez video is one of our favorites.
PerfPro Studio
PerfPRO Studio is a PC based training application that supports up to three riders with the Home version and unlimited riders with the Studio version. PerfPRO Studio is compatible with nearly every smart and non-smart trainer, treadmills, and rowing machines. The software can connect to your power meter, heart rate monitor, and other ANT+ devices using a USB ANT+ Stick. When using an ANT+ speed sensor with a fluid/mag trainer, PerfPRO Studio can estimate your power output. PerfPRO Studio supports ERG mode, course mode, and its own proprietary “MixMode” where segments can be ridden in both ERG and course mode during the same workout. Using a GPS bike computer and a video camera, users can also create their own virtual ride videos for year-round playback. ERG and MRC files exported from your TrainingPeaks account can be imported into PerfPro.
PerfPRO is the best choice when you need a studio solution to connect multiple bikes, power meters and smart trainers to the same PC.
Use these apps to get in a great workout when the weather isn’t cooperating, or you just need to get it done. View the complete list of indoor training apps that are compatible with TrainingPeaks.
