With technology transforming all aspects of out lives, we now live in the age of the app and whether it's planning the perfect scenic route or creating a customized training plan that tracks our progress, it's completely changed the way we ride forever.
The amount of new and existing available apps out there can be mind-blowing, making it hard to know which apps are actually worth your time (as well as your your money). So to do the hard work for you, we’re diving into a look at the best cycling apps of 2025. We’ve combed through the latest reviews, test-ridden a ton of different platforms, and tapped into expert insights to bring you a comprehensive guide to the best cycling apps available right now.
Whether you’re looking for route planning apps, indoor cycling apps, or tools that help you with training, navigation, or just staying connected to a like-minded cycling community, this article will steer you in the right direction. First we’ll lay the groundwork by exploring why cycling apps are more relevant than ever and then look at what makes a great one.
Let’s go!
The Best Cycling Apps and Their Growing Importance in 2025
Cycling isn’t just about getting from point A to point B anymore. It’s a lifestyle, a fitness regimen, and -let’s be fully honest - a bit of a tech-head playground. As we move through 2025, apps have become essential tools in the modern cyclist’s kit. They’re shaping the way we train, track our progress, plan routes, and even socialize with other riders locally and around the globe.
This boom in tech-enhanced cycling isn’t just a perceived trend - it’s backed by numbers. A recent market study by Straits Research reported that the global cycling wearables and fitness tech market is projected to hit $8.2 billion by 2027, driven largely by increased demand for app-integrated experiences.¹ From elite racers to fitness-first commuters, people are actively embracing digital platforms to fine-tune their performance, stay motivated, and keep things interesting.
And let’s not forget the rise of indoor cycling. Thanks to smart trainers and immersive virtual platforms, more cyclists than ever are spending quality saddle time indoors - as concerns like weather, safety and time management become more important to cyclists. According to 220Triathlon, indoor cycling apps have surged in popularity due to their improved ability to simulate real-world conditions and offer structured workouts, making them ideal for goal-driven athletes and casual riders alike.²
All this means that cycling apps are no simply longer a “nice-to-have” option. They’re an integral part of the ride, but with so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the best one.
How technology enhances the cycling experience
Cycling used to be simple. You grabbed your bike, maybe glanced at a paper map, and off you went. Today? Cyclists can tap into GPS-based route planning, real-time power data, virtual group rides, and AI-driven training plans - all from their phones or cycling computers.
Apps allow riders to:
Track performance in detail, including speed, cadence, heart rate, power output, and recovery time.
Plan safer and more scenic routes using real-time traffic data, elevation profiles, and crowd-sourced recommendations.
Train smarter with structured workouts, fitness testing, and adaptive coaching features. Apps have evolved to become all-inclusive training platforms
Ride indoors with simulated road conditions, 3D environments, and gamified elements that can make training more fun.
Connect with a community of like-minded riders through leaderboards, group events, and social sharing.
Features like real-life routes and augmented reality keep users entertained during their rides.
As Cyclist.co.uk correctly points out, today’s apps are more than just tools - they’re ecosystems that blend technology, fitness, and community.³ And for beginners just getting into cycling, these apps can offer instant motivation, accountability, and education that might otherwise take years to acquire.
Criteria for selecting the best cycling apps
Now that we’ve established why cycling apps are a big deal in 2025, let’s talk about how we’re choosing the best of the best. Because let’s face it - not all apps are created equal. Some look pretty but lack substance. Others are packed with features but are clunky and confusing to use. To separate the winners from the wannabes, we’ve focused on several key criteria.
One key feature to look for in a cycling app is built-in workouts, as they offer structured training plans that enhance the training experience.
User interface and experience
Let’s start with the basics: how the app looks and feels. A top-tier cycling app should be intuitive and enjoyable to use. That means clean design, smooth navigation, and easy access to core features like tracking, planning, or syncing devices. Whether you’re mid-ride or mid-sweat during an indoor session, you don’t want to be fiddling around trying to find the pause button.
According to CyclistsHub.com, the best cycling apps for beginners prioritize user experience to ensure riders stay engaged without being overwhelmed by too much data or clutter.⁴ For more experienced cyclists, customization and advanced display options become more important, but clarity should never be sacrificed.
Features and functionality
This is where the rubber meets the road. The best cycling apps in 2025 are those that strike a progressive balance between innovation and usability. Features like offline maps, suggested routes, turn-by-turn navigation, training plans, indoor ride simulations, and performance analysis are becoming the standard and not the exception these days.
But more isn’t always better. Ultimately it’s about meaningful features that serve your goals. A great training app should offer adaptive workouts based on your progress. A quality cycling navigation app should give real-time rerouting and terrain insights. And indoor cycling apps? They should keep things interesting with diverse ride options, live events, and solid integration with smart trainers.
As BarBend notes in its recent review, it’s also important to consider how well an app handles the "little things" - like syncing with your smartwatch, exporting GPX files, or offering voice cues mid-ride.⁵ Those details can make or break the overall experience with enhancements that take it to the next level.
Compatibility with devices and platforms
No one wants to deal with compatibility headaches. That’s why we’ve prioritized apps that reliably work smoothly across platforms—whether you’re an Android diehard, an iOS fan, or someone using a cycling computer like a Wahoo or Garmin. Integration with fitness wearables, heart rate monitors, and smart trainers is also key, especially for serious riders tracking metrics and cycling performance across multiple tools.
Apps that offer seamless syncing with third party services earn extra points. Because if you're investing time in data, it should work for you - not the other way around.
User reviews and ratings
Finally, we listened to the word on the street and factored in what real cyclists are saying. App store ratings, Reddit discussions, cycling forums, and expert buyer’s guides all help paint a fuller picture. The best cycling apps consistently get high marks not just for features, but also for reliability, updates, and customer support. And before you part with your hard earned cash, we strongly recommend you do some extra on-line research of own or talk to a helpful expert at a bricks-and-mortar cycling store so you have all the facts you need.
We’ve cross-referenced guides from respected sources like BikeRadar and Cyclist.co.uk to double-check that the apps we’re highlighting are proven performers - not just flavour-of-the-month downloads.⁶
Now we’ll break down the best cycling apps of 2025, app by app - covering key categories like best indoor cycling apps, cycling route planning apps, tracking and training apps, and even the best free cycling apps and community-focused platforms.
Top cycling apps for planning routes and navigation
Choosing the right cycling route can make or break your ride. Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure or just trying to avoid traffic, these cycling apps have come a long way. The best cycling apps offer extensive archives of planned routes and tools for planning routes based on various metrics like distance and elevation. In 2025, the most popular platforms offer dynamic features like offline navigation, elevation profiling, and community-sourced routes that are designed with cyclists in mind.
Komoot
Features: Turn-by-turn navigation, offline maps, tailored routes based on ride type and surface preference.
Komoot continues to dominate the adventure cycling scene - and for good reason. It lets you create custom routes with surface and elevation filters - ideal for gravel rides, MTB trails, or multi-day tours. You can download maps for offline use (a lifesaver when riding off-grid) and access detailed route previews that include terrain type, elevation changes, and estimated fitness level needed.
Pros:
Great for discovering those off-the-beaten-path routes
Offline functionality for remote riding
Customizable route suggestions
Cons:
Some features are behind a paywall (like multi-region access)
Interface might feel overwhelming at first
Best suited for: Adventure cyclists, gravel riders, bike-packers, and touring enthusiasts who crave exploration and need reliable offline navigation.
Note: As we write this, the news has broken that Komoot has been acquired by tech firm Bending Spoons. Whether this is good or bad news for cyclists remains to be seen but for now, Komoot's future plans are unclear.
Ride with GPS
Features: Advanced route planning, elevation profiles, turn-by-turn voice navigation, and public/shared routes from the cycling community.
Ride with GPS has risen up the ranks to become a favoured go-to platform for road cyclists and event organizers thanks to its ultra-detailed route planning tools. With rich elevation data, heatmaps showing popular local routes, and voice navigation, it’s a strong all-rounder to make the most of existing routes. Event features let riders plan and share routes with groups, making it super-popular among clubs and race organizers.
Pros:
Exceptional route detail and customization
Strong community and route library
Ideal for event planning and group rides
Cons:
Voice navigation and offline maps require a premium plan
UI isn’t as sleek as some of its competitors
Best suited for: Road cyclists, group riders, and event organizers looking for comprehensive planning and sharing tools.
Honorable mentions:
Google Maps
Bikemap
MapMyRide
Top cycling tracking apps for performance insights and social motivation
For many cyclists, it’s not just about reaching the destination - it’s about improving yourself and sharing your journey with others. These live tracking apps not only help log every kilometre but also bring riders together through leaderboards, social feeds, and performance analytics.
Additionally, these apps allow users to participate in community activities and challenges, such as monthly contests and races, enhancing the user experience by promoting social interactions and competitive elements.
Strava
Features: Activity tracking, performance analytics, social sharing, segments, challenges, and heatmaps
Strava is way more than a simple GPS tracker - it’s become a global social network for athletes. We've even witnessed romantic relationships that have blossomed thanks to Strava! With millions of users worldwide, it’s the undisputed leader when it comes to mixing performance tracking and community engagement. Segments and leaderboards tap into your competitive side, while monthly challenges and club features keep motivation levels healthily high.
Pros:
Huge community of cyclists
Seamless device integration
Excellent social and motivational features
Cons:
Some features (like detailed segment analysis) require a subscription
Privacy settings need careful tweaking
Best suited for: Competitive cyclists, social riders, and anyone who enjoys tracking their progress while connecting with others.
Garmin Connect
Features: Deep data analytics, training plans, device syncing, and health metrics
If you ride with a Garmin device, this app is essential. Garmin Connect delivers some of the most detailed post-ride data out there - from cadence and VO₂ max to stress levels and sleep tracking. The platform also offers structured training plans and connects with third-party apps like Strava, TrainingPeaks, and MyFitnessPal.
Pros:
Extremely detailed health and fitness data
Syncs effortlessly with Garmin devices
Free to use with full features
Cons:
Best experienced with the Garmin ecosystem
Steeper learning curve for beginners
Best suited for: Data-driven cyclists, endurance athletes, and anyone already using Garmin gear.
The best indoor cycling apps
Indoor cycling continues to grow in popularity, and 2025’s most popular indoor cycling apps offer a blend of immersive worlds, structured workouts, and advanced ride simulations. These apps make indoor training more effective - and way more fun.
ROUVY
Features: Real-world video routes, augmented reality (AR), structured workouts, power-based training
If you are looking for realism in your ride, ROUVY stands out from the pack with its use of real video footage combined with AR, making you feel like you’re actually riding iconic routes around the world. It offers an extensive library of over 1500 routes and structured workouts and syncs with most smart trainers. If you prefer realistic routes over gamified landscapes, this one’s for you. ROUVY is partners with IRONMAN and is the only app to let cyclists train on IRONMAN bike courses, making it ideal for triathletes getting race-ready for their upcoming event. The Fulgaz app is also part of the ROUVY group with a similar video experience but without the AR - so ideal for cycling purists.
Pros:
Realistic ride simulations with real-world footage
Excellent workout library and progression tools
Easy setup and trainer compatibility
Cons:
Graphics aren’t as flashy as virtual worlds like Zwift
Routes are less busy than on platforms like Zwift (though that's a pro for some people)
Best suited for: Cyclists looking for immersive, real-world indoor rides and structured training programs.
Zwift
Features: Gamified virtual worlds, races, social group rides, and dynamic training plans
Zwift is the indoor cycling app with the most online users and takes a gamiied approach to cycling with a visual world that feels like you're in a video game. It turns your pain cave into a vibrant virtual universe where you can race, ride socially, or follow a training plan. With regular events, badges, and new route updates, it keeps indoor training fresh. Its dynamic group rides are especially popular, creating a sense of community and friendly competition. If you prefer riding with other online cyclists, you'll always be able to find someone to share the road with you.
Pros:
Highly interactive and engaging
Massive global user base and community
Wide variety of events
Cons:
Requires a monthly subscription
May feel a bit game-like for cyclists looking for authenticity
Best suited for: Gamified training enthusiasts, social indoor riders, and competitive cyclists who thrive in a virtual pack.
MyWhoosh
Features: Free virtual cycling platform, structured workouts, races, and power-based training
MyWhoosh has positioned itself as a quality, no-cost alternative to other indoor cycling apps. It offers everything from guided workouts to races in immersive 3D worlds - all very similar to Zwift but without a subscription fee. Supported by ongoing investment and sponsored global events, it’s quickly rising in popularity. It should be pointed out that although technically the app is free, you need to pay if you want to ride a better virtual bike or to get more rewards. It's a classic free-to-play model.
Pros:
Completely free
Offers many features found in premium apps
Good for structured indoor training and racing
Cons:
Smaller user base than Zwift or ROUVY
Occasional performance or stability hiccups
Best suited for: Budget-conscious cyclists looking for a solid indoor training experience without the cost.
Honorable Mentions:
Wahoo X
Bkool
Peloton is also leading platform for indoor cycling, offering a variety of classes and a strong sense of community.
Specialized cycling apps
Not all cyclists need bells and whistles. Sometimes, the best app is the one that simply helps you train smart and get stronger. These specialized cycling training apps are focused on structured workouts, power analysis, and long-term progression.
TrainerRoad
Features: Power-based training plans, FTP testing, adaptive training, deep analytics
TrainerRoad is all about structure. It's a stats and workout-only training platform - that focuses on AI recommendation and data-driven training plans and is geared toward cyclists training with power meters or smart trainers who want results-driven programs. Their Adaptive Training feature adjusts your plan based on recent performance and fatigue - so no guesswork is needed.
Pros:
Science-based training structure
Excellent analytics and progress tracking
Adaptive workouts based on user data
Cons:
No social features or virtual riding environments
Requires a subscription
Best suited for: Cyclists focused on performance, structured training, and FTP improvement.
TrainingPeaks
Features: Structured training plans, detailed performance metrics, coach integration, workout analysis
TrainingPeaks has long been a favourite among serious cyclists, triathletes, and endurance athletes who want to bring structure, precision, and accountability to their training. The app is built around the science of periodization and long-term performance development. It offers powerful tools like the Performance Management Chart (PMC), Training Stress Score (TSS), and Fitness/Fatigue scores—making it ideal for cyclists who really like a deep dive into their data.
One of its standout features is the ability to sync with a personal coach. Many professional coaches use TrainingPeaks to deliver custom workout plans directly to their athletes, with real-time feedback and adjustments based on performance.
TrainingPeaks acquired the IndieVelo app in late 2024 to create TrainingPeaks Virtual - which offers cyclists a 2-D graphic world (like Zwift) as part of of the TrainingPeaks premium subscription. You can import your workouts into TrainingPeaks Virtual.
Pros:
Comprehensive training and performance analytics
Seamless integration with coaches and custom plans
Compatible with various devices and platforms
Ideal for long-term training and goal setting
Cons:
Steep learning curve for beginners
Premium features require a subscription
Less focus on social and community aspects
Best suited for: Cyclists working with a coach, endurance athletes training for specific events, and data-focused riders aiming for long-term progression.
Wahoo SYSTM offers a comprehensive training program with unique features like the Four Dimensional Power (4DP) test, making it ideal for dedicated athletes.
Free vs. paid cycling apps
Overview of free cycling apps
Plenty of excellent cycling apps are available at no cost, especially for beginners. Free cycling apps often include route tracking, basic navigation, and even some training tools. Platforms like Strava (basic), Komoot (single region), and MyWhoosh give you access to core features without requiring a subscription payment.
Benefits of premium features in paid apps
As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. Paid versions unlock deeper analytics, adaptive training, offline maps, and social tools like leaderboards and challenges. These features are particularly valuable for goal-oriented cyclists and anyone seeking a fully immersive experience - especially with indoor cycling apps or structured performance training tools.
How to choose the right cycling app for your needs
Assessing personal cycling goals
Ask yourself 'Why do I ride?' Is your goal to complete a century ride, stay fit during winter or simply to enjoy a great ride through the countryside? Your primary goal should guide your choice of app. If you’re data-obsessed and training for an event, TrainerRoad or Garmin Connect might be perfect. Want to explore nature? Komoot or Ride with GPS could be the answer. Some of the best cycling apps are created and managed by experienced racers, ensuring well-curated and maintained content. Ultimately the more serious you take your cycling, the more likely you are to use an app, or combination of apps, to enhance your experience.
Compatibility with existing equipment
Check whether the app syncs with your bike computer, smart trainer, or wearable tech. Most of the best cycling apps in 2025 integrate with Garmin, Wahoo, Apple Watch, and ANT+/Bluetooth sensors. Also don’t forget to check whether the app is compatible with your OS. The breakneck speed at which technology is changing means you should always check to see the latest specifications.
Attaching smartphones to handlebars enhances the cycling experience by providing easy access to data and customization options.
Community and social features
If you thrive on social interaction, competition, or group training, Strava and Zwift are hard to beat. They help maintain motivation by connecting you with friends and other riders around the world. But many cyclists are not social creatures and prefer the solitude of cycling alone on the open road, so this isn't such a concern.
Budget considerations
Free cycling apps can take you far, especially when you're starting out. But if you want advanced metrics, structured plans, or immersive training experiences, investing in a paid app may be well worth it. Many offer free trials—so always try before you buy and find the app that feels right for you.
Future trends in cycling apps
Integration with wearable technology
Expect deeper integration with smartwatches, heart rate monitors, and even smart glasses. Real-time biometrics and voice feedback are becoming more refined, helping cyclists optimize their performance on the go.
Advancements in virtual and augmented reality
Platforms like ROUVY and Zwift are pushing the limits of AR and VR in indoor cycling. Expect even more lifelike simulations, dynamic environments, and interactive rides in the near future. The blurring of the line between indoor and outdoor riding increases every year.
Personalized training and AI coaching
AI is beginning to play a bigger role in fitness and it's likely to only grow. Adaptive training plans that respond to your performance and fatigue levels are just the beginning. Soon, we’ll see apps that tailor entire ride experiences - from weather-based route suggestions to post-ride recovery protocols.
Why cycling apps will improve your experience in 2025
From e-bikes to smart technology to improved bike design and materials, technology has radically changed cycling in the last decade. So embrace the change and find the right app to enhance your riding experience. There are plenty to choose from but deciding on the best cycling app in 2025 depends on your goals, riding style, and what motivates you most. Here’s a quick recap of the top picks by category:
Best for route planning: Komoot (exploration), Ride with GPS (detail and group rides)
Best for performance and community: Strava (social tracking), Garmin Connect (deep data)
Best for indoor cycling: ROUVY (real-world realism), Zwift (gamified training)
Best specialized apps: TrainerRoad (structured training), MyWhoosh (free virtual platform)
Whether you’re riding for fitness, competition, or pure joy, there’s almost definitely an app out there that can elevate your ride. Try a few, discover what fits your style, and enjoy the ride - both on the road and on the screen.
Sources:
- Straits Research Global Cycling Wearables Market Report 2024
- 220Triathlon, Best Indoor Cycling Apps
- Cyclist.co.uk The Best Cycling Apps for Route Planning and Navigation
- CyclistsHub.com, Best Apps for Cyclists
- BarBend, Best Cycling Apps
- BikeRadar, Best Cycling Apps 2025
