Kinetic trainers are awesome for indoor cycling, but they're only as good as the apps you use with them! Want to ride with friends, crush your personal bests, or just escape the weather for a while? We've got you covered with this list of the 8 best apps for kinetic trainers on Android and iPhone. You'll find something for every rider, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro.
Want a super realistic virtual world with tons of other riders? Zwift is the king of immersive training. Looking for a simple app with tons of workout options? Wahoo SYSTM has you covered. If you want to control your Zwift experience from your phone, the Zwift Companion app is a must-have. No matter what kind of rider you are, you'll find the perfect app to take your indoor cycling to the next level!
| App | Logo | Available On | Reviews | Downloads | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Zwift |  | Android, iOS | 4.5/5 | 2M+ | Virtual 3D worlds, Seamless connectivity, Immersive experiences |
| 2. Wahoo |  | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 | 2M+ | GPS tracking for outdoor activities, Visualize and manage training zones |
| 3. Zwift Companion |  | Android, iOS | 4.7/5 | 1M+ | Aktivitäten vorplanen, Events und Gruppen finden, Während der Fahrt steuern |
| 4. Kinomap |  | Android, iOS | 4.5/5 | 1M+ | Größte geolokalisierte Videoplattform, Automatische Anpassung des Widerstands |
| 5. Tacx Training™ |  | Android, iOS | 4.5/5 | 775K+ | Große Auswahl an Trainingsvideos, Erstellung eigener Workouts |
| 6. TrainerDay |  | Android, iOS | 4.8/5 | 32K+ | 20,000+ workouts and training plans, Virtual Coach creates plans |
| 7. Kinomap TV | | Android, iOS | 4.4/5 | 23K+ | Largest geolocated video sharing platform, Automatic resistance/incline adjustment |
1. Zwift
Immersive virtual worlds, Social group rides, Structured training plans
Download:
Application information
| Category | Health & Fitness |
| Downloads | Over 1.8 million downloads |
| Features | Zwift is a virtual cycling app that allows you to ride with others, participate in races, train with structured plans, and explore immersive 3D worlds. |
| Who It’s For | Zwift is an app for kinetic trainer users who want to make their indoor cycling sessions more engaging and motivating. |
- Tags:
- Virtual Cycling Worlds
- Immersive 3D Graphics
- Structured Training Plans
Zwift is an app designed to bring the fun and camaraderie of cycling to your living room, transforming your kinetic trainer into a gateway to virtual worlds. While the app boasts a sleek interface and immersive landscapes, it’s important to be aware of its limitations, particularly for Android users. While the app shines with its courses and social features, connectivity issues with Android devices are a common complaint, with users experiencing frequent Bluetooth drops and difficulty establishing stable connections to their trainers. While Zwift is a promising app for kinetic trainer enthusiasts, the lack of consistent Android support may leave some users feeling frustrated.
Pros & Cons
- Well designed game interface
- Emphasis on riding & social features
- Well laid out cycling courses
- Good app experience overall
- Android app feels underdeveloped
- Bluetooth connection drops frequently
- Limited tablet support
Why we chose it?
Zwift is my go-to app for my kinetic trainer because it's so much fun! It's like riding with a group of friends, even if you're just in your living room. I love that you can compete in races and group rides with people from all over the world, and the immersive graphics and realistic gameplay really make you feel like you're out on the open road.
✨ Read more: app hiking
2. Wahoo
Interactive indoor cycling experience, Real-time resistance control
Download:
Application information
| Category | Health & Fitness |
| Downloads | Over 1.5 million downloads |
| Features | The Wahoo app connects to your Wahoo Kinetic smart trainer and other Bluetooth sensors, enabling you to track, analyze, and improve your indoor workouts with detailed metrics and interactive training programs. |
| Who It’s For | Cyclists who want to improve their performance and fitness through indoor training with a smart trainer |
- Tags:
- Tracks workouts (running, cycling, swimming)
- Manages training zones (power, heart rate)
- Analyzes activity history
The Wahoo app, designed for kinetic trainers, has undergone a significant redesign, leaving some users feeling frustrated with the changes. While the app boasts a sleek new aesthetic, users lament the loss of customization options, particularly the ability to choose workout screens and the clear visual representation of power zones. The previous version provided motivating features like zone names ("fat burn," "aerobic") and visual indicators of the next zone, which helped users push harder. While the help desk is lauded for its patience and knowledge, many users, echoing the sentiment of "Please bring back the legacy app!," are longing for the functionality and motivational elements of the previous iteration.
Pros & Cons
- Tracks workout data
- Connects to sensors
- User-friendly interface
- Provides workout insights
- Difficult to set up
- Bluetooth connection issues
- Limited customization options
- Heart rate zone screen lacks motivation
Why we chose it?
Wahoo is my go-to app for my kinetic trainer because it's incredibly user-friendly and packed with features. I love that I can track my power, cadence, and heart rate all in one place, plus it integrates seamlessly with my other Wahoo devices. I especially appreciate the structured workouts, which have helped me improve my fitness and achieve my goals.
✨ Read more: app for bike riding
3. Zwift Companion
Ride planning & event discovery, Social interaction & club finding
Download:
Application information
| Category | Health & Fitness |
| Downloads | Over 1.4 million downloads |
| Features | Control your Zwift experience, plan your rides, join group events, track your progress, and connect with other Zwifters. |
| Who It’s For | Zwift users with a kinetic trainer or smart trainer who want to enhance their Zwift experience. |
- Tags:
- Event Discovery
- Club communication
- Personalized recommendations
Zwift Companion is an essential app for any kinetic trainer enthusiast, offering a portal to the immersive virtual world of Zwift. It allows you to control your rides, track your progress, and connect with fellow cyclists, all from the convenience of your mobile device. However, users have reported frustrating connectivity issues, with sensors dropping out mid-ride and the app itself encountering glitches. While these inconsistencies can be disheartening, many users agree that when the app functions properly, it delivers a seamless and engaging experience.
Pros & Cons
- Control Zwift workouts easily
- Track ride data effectively
- Offers social features for riders
- Conveniently manages Zwift settings
- Unstable connection issues occur
- Data syncing often unreliable
- Troubleshoot issues are difficult
- Requires frequent re-pairing
Why we chose it?
Zwift Companion is my go-to app for my kinetic trainer because it seamlessly integrates with Zwift, providing a rich social experience and gamified workouts. I love the ability to join group rides and events, adding a fun and competitive element to my training. Plus, it's super easy to track my progress and see how I stack up against others, which keeps me motivated!
✨ Read more: app for running
4. Kinomap
Real-world routes, resistance control, Virtual challenges, social features
Cost:
Free (Free), Premium ($12.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Health & Fitness |
| Downloads | Over a million downloads |
| Features | Kinomap is a comprehensive app offering thousands of geolocated video routes for cycling, running, walking, and rowing, automatically adjusting your trainer's resistance or incline for a realistic experience. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone looking to make their kinetic trainer workouts more engaging and interactive through immersive real-world video routes. |
- Tags:
- Interactive indoor training
- Geolocated video sharing platform
- Automatic resistance adjustment
Kinomap is a fantastic app for kinetic trainers, allowing you to experience the thrill of cycling, running, or rowing virtually, even when the weather outside is less than ideal. It's a great way to stay in shape year-round, particularly in places like Minnesota where winter months limit outdoor riding. The app's unique feature is its ability to automatically adjust your trainer's resistance based on the terrain of the virtual route, making for a truly immersive experience. While the connection to some trainers can be a bit fickle, the app's intuitive design and ability to compete with others online make it a highly engaging option for fitness enthusiasts.
Pros & Cons
- Great for indoor training
- Easy to use interface
- Offers diverse workout options
- Supports multiple equipment brands
- Connection issues with trainers
- Limited TV connectivity options
- Requires good internet connection
Why we chose it?
I'm a big fan of Kinomap for my kinetic trainer! It's got the largest library of real-world routes, which keeps things interesting and helps me feel like I'm actually out there riding. Plus, it automatically adjusts the resistance of my trainer based on the terrain, so it feels super realistic. And if you're looking for a bit of competition, the virtual challenges and the ability to ride with friends online make it extra fun.
✨ Read more: app for tracking workouts
5. Tacx Training™
Virtual cycling world experience, High-quality training films library
Download:
Application information
| Category | Health & Fitness |
| Downloads | Over 774,000 downloads |
| Features | This app allows users to connect their Tacx Smart Trainer to experience a virtual cycling world with high-quality training films, create custom workouts, and track their progress. |
| Who It’s For | Cyclists who want to train indoors with a kinetic trainer, providing a realistic and engaging virtual cycling experience. |
- Tags:
- Virtual cycling experience
- Controllable workouts
- Performance tracking
The Tacx Training™ app is a powerful tool for cyclists looking to take their indoor training to the next level, especially those using a Tacx kinetic trainer. This app boasts a wide selection of high-quality training films, allowing users to virtually explore iconic cycling routes from around the world. While the app offers a plethora of features, users have expressed some frustrations with its user interface and connectivity issues. While some have praised the Android version, others have reported crashes and difficulties connecting with their Tacx trainer on the Windows version. Despite these challenges, the app's potential is undeniable and with continued refinement, it could truly elevate the indoor cycling experience for Tacx kinetic trainer users.
Pros & Cons
- Offers indoor cycling workouts
- Connects to kinetic trainers
- Provides virtual cycling experiences
- Tracks performance metrics
- Unreliable connection to trainers
- Frequent app crashes
- Limited workout customization
Why we chose it?
I'm a huge fan of Tacx Training! It's got a massive library of high-quality training films and workouts, making it feel like you're actually out on the road. Plus, it seamlessly connects to my smart trainer, so my resistance automatically adjusts to match the terrain in the video. And the best part? You can create custom workouts, so you can tailor your training to your specific goals.
✨ Read more: app for tracking mileage
6. TrainerDay
Virtual coach creates training plans, Huge workout and plan library
Cost:
Free (Free), TrainerDay Premium ($14.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Health & Fitness |
| Downloads | Over 30,000 downloads |
| Features | TrainerDay offers structured workouts, training plans, performance tracking, and integration with popular kinetic trainers and devices. |
| Who It’s For | Performance cyclists looking to improve their indoor training experience |
TrainerDay is a fantastic app for kinetic trainers, offering a simple and effective way to get your indoor cycling workouts in. With a clean and intuitive interface, users praise its ease of use and lack of unnecessary clutter. The developer is highly responsive to feedback, making it a valuable tool for both athletes and coaches alike. Whether you're looking for structured training plans or simply want to ride freely, TrainerDay provides a reliable and affordable alternative to other popular apps, making indoor cycling a more enjoyable experience.
Pros & Cons
- Simple to use interface
- Open to user suggestions
- Affordable and reliable
- Easy to load workouts
- Lack of confirmation for ending workout
- Limited usability improvements
- Could use more features
Why we chose it?
TrainerDay is the perfect app for anyone with a kinetic trainer, especially if you love variety! You'll find thousands of workouts created by other cyclists, and even get personalized training plans from our virtual coach, Jack. Plus, it's super easy to use, so you can get started in seconds and focus on crushing your goals!
7. Kinomap TV
Real-world routes, resistance control, Virtual challenges, community engagement
Download:
Application information
| Category | Health & Fitness |
| Downloads | Over 23,000 |
| Features | Kinomap is an interactive indoor training app that connects your kinetic trainer to thousands of real-world routes, adjusting resistance automatically for a realistic experience. |
| Who It’s For | Cyclists, runners, and rowers who want to train indoors with a realistic and engaging experience. |
- Tags:
- Geolocated videos
- Automatic resistance control
- Fun and motivating
Kinomap TV is an immersive app for kinetic trainers that transforms your indoor cycling sessions into a global adventure. With thousands of geolocated video routes, you can virtually ride through stunning landscapes and bustling city streets, experiencing the thrill of real-world cycling from the comfort of your home. This app goes beyond simply replicating the motion of cycling by adjusting the resistance of your trainer in sync with the terrain of the video, offering a truly realistic and engaging experience. Whether you're seeking to explore the rolling hills of Tuscany or the bustling streets of Paris, Kinomap brings the world to your living room, making indoor cycling feel anything but mundane.
Pros & Cons
- Immersive and realistic cycling experience
- Ride in various locations and terrains
- Enjoy nature and culture while training
- Effective calorie burning during workouts
- Occasional video loading issues
- Multiple attempts needed to start rides
- Limited features for kinetic trainers
Why we chose it?
Kinomap is a game-changer for anyone with a kinetic trainer! It lets you experience the thrill of real-world rides and runs from the comfort of your home. The app seamlessly controls your trainer's resistance based on the terrain in the video, making it feel like you're actually out there. And with a massive library of routes from around the globe, you'll never get bored.
8. Kinetic
Personalized workout and nutrition plans, Track progress and receive feedback
Download:
Application information
| Category | Health & Fitness |
| Downloads | Over 3,400 downloads |
| Features | Kinetic is a powerful app that allows trainers to create custom workouts, track client progress, and communicate with clients through a dedicated messaging system. |
| Who It’s For | Kinetic is an app designed specifically for kinetic trainers and their clients. |
- Tags:
- Personalized workouts
- Meal Tracking
- Progress measurement
Kinetic is an app specifically designed for kinetic trainers to help them manage their clients and their fitness journeys. While it boasts features for tracking workouts, meals, and measuring results, some users have expressed frustration with the setup process, particularly with email verification. The app's user interface, designed with kinetic trainers in mind, aims to streamline the experience for both trainers and their clients. Although some have encountered issues with initial setup, the app's potential for managing client progress is undeniable.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to use interface
- Comprehensive workout planning tools
- Client progress tracking features
- Integration with other fitness devices
- Email registration issues
- Time and date setup difficulties
- Limited customer support options
Why we chose it?
Kinetic is hands down the best app for kinetic trainers! It's packed with features that make managing clients a breeze, from personalized workout and nutrition plans to seamless progress tracking. I love that it's super user-friendly and allows me to stay connected with my clients in real-time, boosting engagement and results. If you're looking for a powerful and supportive app to take your training business to the next level, Kinetic is the clear winner!