Discover the top 7 free and 7 paid cycling apps that will transform your riding experience. From route planning to performance tracking, these essential apps help cyclists of all levels maximize their potential.
Cycling technology has evolved tremendously in recent years, with mobile apps transforming how we plan routes, track performance, and connect with other riders. Whether you're a commuter, a casual weekend rider, or a dedicated athlete, the right apps can enhance your cycling experience significantly.
Read on for a rundown of the best free and paid cycling apps available, as well as why you should (or shouldn't) them.
Top 7 Free Cycling Apps
1. Strava
Strava has become the social network for athletes, particularly cyclists. Its free version offers route tracking, segment competition, and community features that connect you with fellow riders.
- Key Features: GPS tracking, segment leaderboards, activity feed, challenge participation, heat maps
- Why you shouldn't use it: If you're a commuter cyclist with no interest in tracking your commute, the free tier of Strava will have little to offer
2. Komoot
Perfect for adventure cyclists, Komoot excels at route planning with its intelligent navigation features.
- Key Features: Turn-by-turn navigation, surface-specific routing, offline maps (first region free)
- Why you shouldn't use it: It's free version only offers one regional map (unlocked by moving to the paid version), so if you're switching areas a lot, you won't find much value in the app
3. MapMyRide
Originally part of the Under Armour umbrella and now a part of Outside, MapMyRide provides solid tracking capabilities and an extensive route database.
- Key Features: Route discovery, workout tracking, nutrition logging
- Why you shouldn't use it: MapMyRide is now a part of MapMyFitness by Outside, and if you're looking for something that is purely geared towards cycling, this app may no longer be for you
4. Cyclers
A community-focused app that specializes in urban cycling and commuting.
- Key Features: Bicycle-friendly navigation, hazard reporting, community insights
- Why you shouldn't use it: If you're looking for a race-focussed or training intensive app, Cyclers is not the one for you
5. Ride with GPS
Offers excellent route planning capabilities with its free tier. It's a very popular option for route-planning and sharing in recreational cycling groups.
- Key Features: Route creation, cue sheets, elevation profiles
6. MyWhoosh
A newer entrant to the virtual cycling space that offers its platform completely free, with high-quality graphics and competitive racing.
- Key Features: Virtual environments, structured workouts, racing events, training plans
- Why you shouldn't use this: This Zwift-alternative is still in its early stages. However it does require an indoor trainer with a power meter in order to use properly
7. Wahoo Fitness
A straightforward tracking app that works well with multiple sensors.
- Key Features: Sensor compatibility, clean interface, workout history
- Why you shouldn't use this: If you're looking for route-planning, in-depth training plans, you will need to use one of Wahoo's paid options or a different app.
Top 7 Paid Cycling Apps
1. TrainingPeaks ($19.95/month or $119/year)
One of the most popular apps for structured training and analytics, especially if you have a coach.
- Key Features: Training plans, workout builder, performance analytics, coach connectivity
- Why you shouldn't use this: If you're not looking to become a competitive cyclist, it may be overkill with free or cheaper training alternatives available.
2. Zwift ($14.99/month)
The leading virtual cycling platform that's revolutionized indoor training.
- Key Features: Virtual worlds, structured workouts, social rides, racing
- Why you shouldn't use this: If you're not interested in gamified training, or graphics that look like they're from the early 2000s, Zwift will not be for you
3. TrainerRoad ($19.95/month)
Focused on structured training with science-backed workout plans. When the BadCyclist team first started riding, this was the recommended go-to training app.
- Key Features: Machine learning training plans, workout library, performance analytics
- Why you shouldn't use it: TrainerRoad is the most training focussed option here with few additional bells and whistles. It's also the most expensive option. Unless you're a very serious cyclist, you may not get the full value of it
4. Rouvy ($12/month)
Virtual riding on real-world routes with augmented reality elements.
- Key Features: Video routes, structured workouts, virtual racing
- Why you shouldn't use it: If you're looking to be where the crowds are, Zwift is likely the more popular option
5. Cyclemeter Elite ($9.99/year)
A data-rich training app with extensive customization options.
- Key Features: Detailed performance metrics, interval training, announcements
- Why you shouldn't use it: If you have a good bike computer, then this app is mostly superfluous
6. The Sufferfest/SYSTM ($14.99/month)
Known for its tough workouts and comprehensive training approach.
- Key Features: 4DP fitness testing, mental training, yoga for cyclists
- Why you shouldn't use it: With Wahoo closing down RGT Cycling and letting go of their Sports Science team, the future of The Sufferfest/Wahoo SYSTM is unclear
7. Bkool ($9.99/month)
A comprehensive indoor cycling platform offering realistic simulations with video routes from around the world.
- Key Features: High-quality video routes, 3D virtual worlds, structured workouts, fitness tests, multiplayer competitions, cheaper than alternatives
- Why you shouldn't use it: Bkool is less popular than its competitors Rouvy and Zwift meaning fewer people to ride with.
Why every cyclist should use these apps
These apps serve different needs depending on your cycling goals, and as such not every app is going to be for every person. As respects the best free cycling apps, we regularly use Strava and MapMyRide. From the best paid cycling apps, we're typically subscribed to Zwift and The Sufferfest/Wahoo SYSTM, but find that our hardcore cyclist friends swear by TrainerRoad and TrainingPeaks.
But now it's your turn. What are your favorite cycling apps? Comment below and let us know.
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