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.
