Best smart trainers 2024: Immersive indoor cycling for all

If you're looking to buy the best smart trainer, then in my opinion you can't go wrong with the Wahoo Kickr. In my experience, it is accurate, works consistently, offers the most reliable connection with your chosen apps and has a few nice-to-have features too. Alternatively, if you want to pare down the feature set and save some cash, I'd recommend the Kickr Core Zwift One if you want virtual shifting or the Kickr Core with cassette if you prefer to use your bike's shift levers. 

I believe most people would be very happy with those choices, but there are some considerations that might make another of the smart trainers on this list a better choice for you. 

For example, there's a trainer here that folds away much more easily; there are some that let you keep your rear wheel on your bike so you can easily swap it between indoor and outdoor use; there are some that have electronic resistance for a more realistic feeling of inertia through the pedals; and there are even some that let your bike move around beneath you in a more natural way. 

If you're unsure which smart turbo trainer is for you, then head to the bottom of this guide where you'll find a section devoted to helping you choose. There we've outlined everything you need to think about when investing in a smart trainer. 

But prior to that is a list of the best smart trainers available right now; derived from years of testing by the Cyclingnews team, myself included, to test for accuracy, consistency, ease of use and more. 

The best smart trainers available today

Best smart trainers: the list in brief

Written and tested by

Written and tested by

Josh Croxton

I've been using a smart trainer to ride and race on Zwift, TrainerRoad and others since 2018. In my time at Cyclingnews, I've used more indoor trainers than I can recall, putting them all through a series of test rides to work out their accuracy, responsiveness and how easy they are to live with. 

Contributions from

Contributions from

Josh Ross

Josh has ably assisted our indoor trainer testing for the past four years, and is regularly found riding and racing on Zwift. He's covered well in excess of 1000 hours on the platform alone, using trainers from the budget-friendly Kickr Core, through to the premium Tacx Neo 3M and plenty of smart bikes too. 

Best direct drive turbo trainers

For direct drive trainers to function, you'll need to remove your rear wheel. The trainer itself will have a cassette fitted (although it's not always included), and you'll connect your bike to it in a similar way you'd fit a rear wheel. This means your pedalling turns the flywheel directly, rather than turning a wheel and then relying on friction between your tyre and a roller. 

It's important to get a smart trainer that is compatible with the axle on your bike and ensure that the freehub body - the part that the cassette fits onto - is compatible with your groupset. You can't fit a 12-speed SRAM cassette onto an 11-speed Shimano freehub, for example. 

Almost all trainers come with an 11-speed-compatible Shimano freehub, so if you are using SRAM or Campagnolo, expect to have to spend a little more to make it fit. 

Best smart trainer overall

The Kickr V6 is my pick of the best overall because it offers the most rounded balance of high-spec performance, excellent ride feel, comprehensive connectivity and price. 

I'll tackle that last point first: the Kickr is among the more expensive smart trainers around, and if you're looking for a budget offering to get rolling indoors, then the Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One below will do that at a much lower price. But when it comes to the best smart trainers, things like pedalling inertia (from the heavier flywheel) and the amount of available resistance will improve the quality of the ride. There's also an improvement in the accuracy to which your power output is transmitted to your chosen indoor cycling app. 

The Kickr's top level specs are 2200-watt resistance, 20% gradient, 1% accuracy and five-degree left-right movement courtesy of the Axis feet, in a package that comes with a cassette included, folds down for storage and will automatically calibrate itself each time you ride. 

The Elite Justo (below) actually offers a slightly better package if we're just looking at those features, but where the Kickr stands out against that and other similarly-priced trainers is connectivity. All smart trainers will offer Bluetooth and ANT+ connections, but the Kickr offers three simultaneous Bluetooth connections (which is great for avoiding dropouts), as well as WiFi (which allows your Kickr to talk to your computer via your home WiFi network) and Direct Connect via an adaptor and an ethernet cable for a totally wired connection.

It also offers a feature called ERG EasyRamp, which allows you to restart hard intervals without the leg-sapping standing start, if ever you stop mid-effort. 

It's worth noting that the Kickr Move (below) also offers all of these features alongside even more movement. If you really want to push the boat out, that is an excellent trainer that you'll be very happy with, but the price is even higher. 

You can read more in our Wahoo Kickr 2022 review.

Runner up

The Elite Justo is a high quality smart trainer that looks great, offers excellent specs, has performed brilliantly in around a year's worth of my testing, and does the basics well. It narrowly misses out on the top spot in this guide due to the value I place on the WiFi connectivity, but if you don't think that's necessary for you, then you should save yourself some cash and buy this instead. 

The top line specs include 2,300 watts of resistance, gradients of up to 24% and power accuracy within 1%. It will also self-calibrate, fold away neatly for storage, and comes with similar Flex feet that offer side to side motion for comfort. 

Its flywheel is lighter than the Kickr at 6.2kg, meaning the total unit weight is also lighter at 17kg, but it's actually slightly harder to carry around because instead of a solid handle, it uses a leather loop. The one other downside is that it doesn't come with a cassette, so you'll have to factor in the cost of that if you don't have a spare at home. 

Those aside, I particularly like that it can be used without mains power, which makes it a viable option for raceday warmups. 

Best budget direct-drive

Wahoo and Zwift have settled their spat over patent infringement amicably, as we explain in detail in our interview with the two brands. This has resulted in Zwift discontinuing its Hub One trainer, while Wahoo now offers the Kickr Core Zwift One, which adds Zwift's single sprocket Zwift Cog and virtual 12-speed shifting to the Kickr Core.

It sits alongside the 'classic' Wahoo Kickr Core, which comes with a standard cassette with between 8 and 12 speeds, so you've got the best of both worlds, depending on your shifting preference. Both include a year's Zwift subscription.

The Kickr Core Zwift One is recommended if you want virtual shifting (this will only work in Zwift itself, not Rouvy, MyWhoosh, etc) and the Kickr Core is the one for mechanical shifting and if you want a wider choice of indoor cycling apps.

The Kickr Core features a 1,800-watt maximum resistance, 16% gradient simulation and a power accuracy of 2%. It doesn't fold away, nor does it come with a carry handle (although at ~15kg, I never had much issue moving it as the fixed feet are quite easy to grab). 

The Kickr Core is not going to trouble the likes of the Kickr or the Neo 3M on specs, but at half the price of the Kickr V6, with a year's subscription to Zwift included, its value is unmatched and the Zwift Cog virtual shifting removes one complication from your indoor training. 

Read our Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One trainer review for more details.

Best smart trainer for high specs at a lower price

In terms of specs, the Saris H3 sits roughly between the more expensive Wahoo Kickr and the more affordable Kickr Core, and it does so at a price that is competitive, especially when it's on offer (which is common). 

It offers 2% accuracy, with up to 2,000 watts of interactive resistance from any of the popular apps and can simulate gradients of up to 20%. With a substantial 9kg/20lb flywheel to drive, the Saris H3 also offers excellent inertia with electromagnetic resistance, alongside quiet operation. 

The legs fold away, and there’s and carry handle so you don’t throw out your back trying to move the 21.3kg unit. It also comes with adaptors to suit most modern bike axles (except mountain bike Super Boost). It doesn't come with a cassette, though, so bear that in mind when buying. 

It doesn't offer the flexy feet of the Kickr or the Justo though, nor does it offer multiple simulatneous Bluetooth connections or WiFi, which may sway you in favour of the more expensive options. It's still a great option if you want the higher resistance without the added features though. 

Most realistic ride

The Wahoo Kickr Move takes the Kickr V6 from above and essentially mounts it onto an eight inch rolling track that lets your bike slide forward and backwards, as well as rock side to side slightly. This means it has all the great specs and connectivity of our 'best overall' smart trainer, but with additional comfort and ride realism.

That extra functionality does come at a cost, though, so you'll have to decide whether that's something you want from your indoor setup. Bear in mind too that for less money you could pair a Kickr V6 with a budget rocker plate.

In my experience testing the Kickr Move, the extra movement meant I was engaging my core more when riding. That was slightly more tiring to begin with, but after a few rides it felt great and led to more comfort towards the end of long rides. This is more reflective of real world riding, and offers a more rounded workout, hence I've awarded it the best smart trainer for a realistic ride feel. 

Just be careful when setting up that your Kickr is perfectly level though. I found myself settling into a not-quite-upright position on the first few rides because the feet weren't level and the lateral movement, albeit minimal, is quite 'free'.

Money no object

The Neo 3M from Tacx (a subsidiary of Garmin) is the most expensive option on this list, and the most expensive direct drive trainer on the market (excluding smart exercise bikes, of course). 

On paper, its specs are similar to the not-quite-as-expensive Wahoo Kickr Move: 2,200 watts of resistance, 1% accuracy, 25% gradient simulation, feet that let it move back and forth as well as rock left and right, and Bluetooth/ANT+/WiFi connectivity.

However where it edges ahead is in the virtual flywheel, a feature originally seen on the Neo 2T (below). This adjusts the inertia based on your weight and better simulates that real-ride feel, speeding up when descending just like you would in the real world. It also means the responsiveness of ERG Mode is incredibly accurate. It even means the Neo 3M can work without mains power, so it can be taken to the car park for your next race warmup. 

Like the Neo 2T, it offers individual pedal stroke analysis, the added rumbling feature that literally shakes the trainer when you go over rough ground in Zwift, and Garmin listened to our complaints (maybe) by adding a carry handle to make it easier to move around. It does still weigh 52lbs (23.5kg) though, so try not to make it a habit. 

To summarise, the Tacx Neo 3M is definitely a 'bells-and-whistles' trainer for those who want the very best ride feel, all the added features and the most amount of 'future proofing' available, but I find it hard to justify the cost over the Neo 2T, the Kickr V6, or the largely similar Kickr Move. 

Great flywheel feel at a lower price

The Neo 2T offers a clever motorised flywheel that not only replicates a flywheel much heavier than it actually is, but also provides added features such as replicating rough roads. So if you are riding in Zwift and you cross gravel, cobbles or wooden bridges the trainer will shake in different ways to mimic the road feel. The Neo 2T and 3M are also the only trainers here that use a motor to accelerate the flywheel during descending, replicating your rear wheel in real life. 

Using electromagnetic resistance, Tacx says it can simulate up to a 125kg flywheel and offers 2,200 watts to fight against and a max incline of 25% with 1% accurate power readings. It's also compatible with 135x10, 142x12 and 148x12mm axles without the need for extra adaptors. Like the Justo, it can even be unplugged and still function meaning it's workable for your pre-race car park warm-up. 

On top of those features, there's a bit of side-to-side movement built into the design and if that's not enough you can add the aftermarket Garmin Tacx NEO Motion Plates for around 5cm of fore/aft movement as well. 

The Neo 2T also offers advanced power metrics like left/right balance and pedal stroke analysis. 

The legs do fold, but it doesn't have a carry handle, so at 21.5kg, it's quite a difficult one to move around. I found myself giving it a bear hug when trying to transport it from place to place. 

Read more in our Tacx Neo 2T review.

Best smart trainer for portability

The Elite Suito is the Italian brand's third-tier turbo trainer, sitting beneath the Direto XR and the Justo (above) in the range. The Suito comes completely assembled, with the 11-speed Shimano cassette fitted, so setup is simple for anyone using an 11-speed groupset. It's also available without a cassette, marketed as the Suito-T, which will be of use to anyone running 12-speed. 

Once ready, the Suito is adequately quiet in operation. It provides resistance up to 1,900 watts, power readings accurate to within +/-2.5%, and with simulated gradients up to 15%. 

It has foldable legs, with adjustable feet to stabilise on uneven ground, plus a carry handle. While its 3.5kg flywheel results in less inertia and a less realistic ride feel, it's still a world apart from that 'pedalling through mud' feeling from years gone by. 

It also means it's lighter, which when combined with the folding legs and carry handle, mean you're getting an excellent trainer for packing away at the end of the ride. There are many who choose to leave their smart trainer ready to go all the time but if you have to tidy up after yourself, then the Suito might make life that little bit easier. 

Want to know more? Have a look at our Elite Suito review.

Best wheel-on turbo trainers

Like direct drive trainers, wheel-on turbo trainers hold your bike aloft via the rear axle, but they differ in that you don't remove the wheel. Instead, your rear tyre is placed against a roller so that when your pedalling input spins your rear wheel, it in-turn spins the roller. The resistance is then applied to that roller, which in turn makes it harder to pedal. 

Best wheel-on trainer overall

If you're looking for a smart trainer, direct drive is the type we'd recommend you go for, but if for some reason you need to stick with a traditional wheel-on trainer option then you needn't look beyond the Wahoo Kickr Snap. 

With both ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity, Wahoo makes the unit compatible with basically every training app under the sun and the Kickr Snap plays nicely with iOS, Android, Windows and Mac.

At +/-3% accuracy, the power measurement of the V2 edges in just above much of the wheel-on competition and in the ERG mode, the Kickr Snap adjusts the resistance at the rear wheel to match what your app of choice dictates.

The frame is sturdy and doesn't feel as though you're going to tip over when the intervals get tough, but the legs are foldable for easy storage. It's pretty easy to buy no matter where in the world you live, and it's easy to find spares should you have any issues. 

Best wheel-on trainer for easy setup

The Wahoo Kickr Rollr is technically a wheel-on smart trainer but it's unlike anything else on this list. For many years a roller system was the most natural ride quality available when riding inside. The downside though was the ability to fall off. If you weren't careful, you'd find yourself on the ground. As smart trainers rose in popularity the fact that rollers lacked a hard connection to the bike meant that it was difficult to integrate resistance and power measurement. With the Wahoo Kickr Rollr, the brand thinks it's overcome these challenges.

There's no system for bolting your bike to the trainer because all you do is set the bike onto the trainer and secure the front wheel with a hoop. The rear wheel moves just like it would on traditional rollers but there's no risk of falling so it's possible to integrate resistance. Then, sidestepping power measurement issues, you'd want to bring your own option from our list of the best power meters. 

The ease of use of the system makes it ideal for those who want a natural feel and fast bike connection. If you've got multiple bikes in the household and everyone has different groupsets and tyres it's still just as easy to put the bike on and get started riding. It's also a good choice if you prefer riding outside, already have a power meter, but sometimes need another option. 

One thing to consider though is that Zipp has specifically warned against using its wheels with the Wahoo Kickr Rollr. We will keep an eye on the news as it develops but for now at least, you'll want to swap wheels if you've got something from Zipp.

Want to know more? Have a look at our Wahoo Kickr Rollr review. 

Also consider

How to choose the best turbo trainer

To the uninitiated, bike trainers (commonly known as turbo trainers, indoor trainers, or when applicable, smart trainers) can present a confusing minefield of options, but that's where we can help. 

Firstly, you'll need to decide between smart and standard. While the trend of the best bike trainers of today definitely favours smart trainers, standard options are still produced and widely popular due to their budget-friendly price. 

Smart means they can connect (usually via Bluetooth or ANT+) to your electronic device (phone, laptop, tablet and most of the best cycling computers) to offer variable resistance which is controlled by indoor cycling apps such as Zwift or workout sessions downloaded to your cycling computer from coaching software such as TrainingPeaks.

When buying, look for connectivity specs and compatibility claims. If it has Bluetooth or ANT+ mentioned, or it claims to be compatible with Zwift, then you're looking at a smart turbo trainer. 

Standard bike trainers forego this connectivity and are much cheaper. They either offer a progressive resistance curve (the harder you pedal, the more it resists), or a manual controller, which works in a similar way to dragging the brakes. Of course, if you have a power meter or speed sensor, you can pair those with your Zwift-running device, but the interactivity is lost (Zwift can't control the resistance automatically).

Within smart trainers, there are two options: wheel-on and direct drive. Just as the names suggest, wheel-on lets you keep your rear wheel on your bike, and places a roller against your tyre to provide resistance. Direct-drive trainers connect a cassette to the trainer itself, and remove the rear wheel altogether.

The most significant factor in determining which turbo trainer is best for you will be how much you're willing to spend. Direct drive turbo trainers are definitely better, but also more expensive, the wheel-on smart variety is more budget-friendly, and standard (non-smart) turbo trainers are regularly the cheapest. 

Of course, there is a trade-off. The wheel-on trainers are usually louder and don’t offer the same power-measuring accuracy as their direct drive counterparts. Tyre wear can be an issue, so you can buy a trainer-specific tyre with harder rubber.

If you are starting from scratch and are a little unsure about what other equipment you need to start riding indoors, have a look at our comprehensive guide to indoor cycling.