Best smart turbo trainers: Top Zwift compatible indoor trainers

Cyclist
Best smart turbo trainers: Top Zwift compatible indoor trainers

It used to be that the turbo trainer was only resorted to in the direst winter conditions or for pre-race warm-ups. Nowadays, whether lured by the virtual world of Zwift or by the many benefits of indoor training, they’re increasingly a year-round companion for many riders.

While turbo trainers have drastically improved in recent years, the fundamental concept remains the same. You bolt your bike onto the device with either a roller on the wheel or the now more common direct-drive system recreating the resistance you’d feel when riding on the road.

Happily, the features and ride-feel offered by a modern smart turbo trainer are much improved on models from just a few years ago. Among these developments is their ability to cooperate with training software, allowing you to compete in virtual races and automatically vary their resistance, to cover virtual courses or complete set workouts.

Even better, they are no longer the preserve of the extremely well-heeled, and a few hundred pounds will secure you a perfectly serviceable entry-level model. In our round-up, we’ve looked at turbos that deliver all the bells and whistles, along with options to get you on Zwift – or any other indoor training app, without costing the earth.

The best smart turbo trainers at a glance

1. Wahoo Kickr Core: RRP £699.99 – Buy now from Tredz (£449)
2. Tacx Neo 2: RRP £1,199.99 – Buy now from Wiggle (£649.99)
3. Elite Direto OTS: RRP £769 – Buy now from Halfords (£499)
4. Saris M2 Wheel-on: RRP £499 – Buy now from Evans Cycles (£349)
5. Saris H3: RRP £749.99 – Buy now from Evans Cycles (£449)
6. Stages SB20 Smart: RRP £2,799 – Buy now from BikeInn (£1,945)
7. Wahoo Kickr V6: RRP £1,099.99 – Buy now from Condor Cycles (£999)
8. Elite Suito-T: RRP £639.99 – Buy now from Wiggle (£511)
9. Tacx Flux 2: RRP £699.99 – Buy now from Tredz (£599)
10. Wahoo Kickr Move: RRP £1,399.99 – Buy now from Tredz (£1,199)
11. Garmin Tacx Neo 3M: RRP 1,749.99 – Buy now from Tredz (£1,749.99)
12. Zwift Hub One: RRP £549 – Buy now from Zwift (£549)
13. Wahoo Kickr Bike Shift: RRP £2,699.99 – Buy now from Tredz (£2.598)
14. Tacx Neo Bike Plus: RRP £3,499.99 – Buy now from Wiggle (£2,990.99)

1. Wahoo Kickr Core turbo trainer: Best all-around trainer

£449 (RRP £699.99) | View offer

The Wahoo Kickr Core is the little brother to the regular Kickr (see below) but trades in a few of its more advanced features for a substantial cost reduction.

That isn’t to say the trainer is in any way compromised, though – its specs are more than sufficient to cope with any kind of typical session you may want to complete. Maximum resistance is 1,800 watts (which is world-class track sprinter-levels of power), which Wahoo claims can be accurately measured to within +/-2 % and the Kickr Core can simulate gradients up to 16%.

The Kickr Core’s fixed footprint is less packable than the top-level Kickr, which has fold-away legs, but the base should be just as stable. Remember to buy a cassette though, as the Kickr Core doesn’t ship with one as standard.

It might not have the level of features compared to other designs at this price point, but you are buying a Wahoo product, meaning the construction quality and durability of the trainer are likely to be excellent.

Key specs: Max Resistance 1,800 watts; Max Gradient 16%; Connectivity Bluetooth, ANT+; Claimed Power accuracy +/-2 %

2. Tacx Neo 2 Smart turbo trainer: Best for a natural road feel

£649.99 (RRP £1,199.99) | View offer

Looking like something straight out of Star Wars, the Neo is one of the latest ‘direct drive’ trainers where the bike is attached directly to a cassette on the trainer and secured with a quick-release skewer or thru-axle.

By removing the rear wheel, wear and tear on the tyre is no longer an issue. This trainer doesn’t just look impressive, though; the technology it contains is also applause-worthy.

Through its powerful motor, it is able to apply a resistance of 2,200W and simulate slopes of up to 25% – which is surely more than anybody could ever want – and it can even simulate a descent of -5%.

It also communicates via Bluetooth Smart and ANT+, which means it can be connected to Tacx’s excellent training apps on your phone, laptop, tablet, or other training platforms such as Zwift. It’s also all but silent to use, unlike a lot of the cheaper models, which can be quite noisy.

So no chance of disturbing the family or neighbours when bashing out a quick 100km then! 

Key specs: Max Resistance 2,200 watts; Max Gradient 25%; Connectivity Bluetooth, ANT+; Claimed Power accuracy +/-1% Other Measurement of left and right power distribution

• Read our Tacx Neo 2T review

3. Elite Direto XR turbo trainer: Best for pedalling style analysis 

£499 (RRP £769) | View offer

The Direto is Elite’s most accessible trainer that caters to all the latest trends in the indoor training market. It uses either ANT+ or Bluetooth to interact with a multitude of apps and devices, while its direct-drive design uses an integrated optical torque sensor to measure power to within +/- 1.5% accuracy and plot an analysis of pedalling action.

It can also simulate gradients up to 18% and can cope with peak power outputs of 2,100 watts. That is quite a feature list considering the Direto is several hundred pounds cheaper than some interactive trainers, making it probably the best in its area of the market in terms of value for money.

Key specs: Max Resistance 2,300 watts; Max Gradient 24%; Connectivity Bluetooth, ANT+; Claimed Power accuracy +/- 1.5%; Other Cadence sensor

• Read our Elite Direto XR review
• Buy now from Halfords (£499)

4. Saris M2 Wheel-on trainer: Best value variable-resistance smart turbo trainer 

£349 (RRP £499.99) | View offer

The rear wheel-powered Saris M2 is fairly cheap for a smart turbo trainer and capable of competing with some of its more expensive competitors. The electromagnetic resistance offers power readings to +/- 5% accuracy that can fire up to 1,500W and simulate a 15% gradient which prevents from overheating with an internal cooling system that flows cool air onto the rollers as you ride.

Compatible with ANT+ and Bluetooth for Zwift use, you can link the Saris M2 straight to your phone, tablet or laptop for easy use, too.

Key specs: Max Resistance 1,500 watts; Max Gradient 15%; Connectivity Bluetooth, ANT+, FE-C; Claimed Power accuracy +/- 5%

5. Saris H3 turbo trainer: The best for natural feeling balance 

£449 (RRP £749.99) | View offer

The Saris H3 is right up there among the top-end smart trainers, being compatible with the big online platforms like Zwift and TrainerRoad, boasting +/-2% power accuracy, making very little noise (a claimed 59dB at 20mph) and replicating up to 20% gradients.

Key specs: Max Resistance 2,000 watts; Max Gradient 20%; Connectivity Bluetooth, ANT+; Claimed Power accuracy +/-2 %; Other: 59dB (at 20mph)

• Read our Saris H3 review
• Buy now from Evans Cycles (£449)

6. Stages SB20 Smart indoor trainer bike: Best gym-style bike trainer 

£1,945 | View offer

Saving you the hassle of setting the turbo trainer up for every ride, the Stages Smart indoor trainer bike replicates all the benefits of a smart turbo, building it into what is effectively an incredibly realistic and accurate exercise bike. Obviously, this is far more advanced than your gym exercise bike, integrating Stages’ Gen 3 dual-sided power meter into a system that can offer 3,000W of resistance at 120rpm while replicating 25% gradients – perfect when pairing to third-party apps like Zwift.

What’s more, with adjustable crank lengths and the ability to change handlebar and saddle, you can replicate the position and feel of your road bike to ensure a seamless transition between riding in and outdoors.

There’s also a tablet and phone stand and bottle cages, all you need for a perfect indoor session.

Key specs: Max Resistance 2,200 watts; Connectivity Bluetooth, ANT+; Claimed Power accuracy +/-1.5 %; Other Cadence sensor, electronic shifting, adjustable crank length

• Read our Stages SB20 smart bike review
• Buy now from BikeInn (£1,945)

7. Wahoo Kickr Smart turbo trainer: Best for feature-hungry virtual cyclists

£999 (RRP £1,099.99) | View offer

The Wahoo Kickr is one of the more minimal designs here, with a few touches that make it really stand out. You’ll notice there is no front wheel riser; that’s because the Kickr axle sits at rear wheel height and is adjustable. It gives a buttery smooth pedalling sensation that feels both realistic and comfortable. What’s more, being part of Wahoo means you can also use the Wahoo eco-system of Headwind fan and Climb simulator.

V6 of the Kickr incorporates Wi-Fi, so there’s faster connectivity to training apps and faster response to resistance changes. It also includes EasyRamp, which makes getting started again mid-session easier.

Key specs: Max Resistance 2,200 watts; Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ANT+; Claimed Power accuracy +/-1%; Other Cadence sensor, 5 degrees of side-to-side motion

• Read our Wahoo Kickr review

8. Elite Suito-T turbo trainer: Best for full-size performance in a bite-size package

£511 (RRP £639.99) | View offer

Despite being just 15cm wide, the Suito-T will provide a stable base and simulate slopes of up to 15%, along with resistance of up to 1,900 watts at 40kmh. Pairing via ANT+ or BLE, it measures power to within +/-2.5% accuracy and can detect cadence without a sensor. Easily paired with an app like Zwift, once synced up, it’ll rapidly tailor resistance to match your virtual riding environment.

Perhaps a decibel or two louder than other trainers in its category, its comparatively low price means it remains an excellent choice.

Key specs: Max Resistance 1,900 watts; Max Gradient 15%; Connectivity Bluetooth, ANT+; Claimed Power accuracy +/-2.5%; Other Compact size 

9. Tacx Flux 2: Best for dedicated training spaces

£599 (RRP £699.99) | View offer

The Tacx Flux 2’s mix of features, connectivity and looks make it hard to beat. In appearance, the Flux 2 is very much the little brother to the Tacx Neo (see above), carrying over the Star Wars spaceship-esque aesthetic, but in performance terms, there isn’t much to separate the two trainers apart from a sizeable chunk of cash.

High-end Tacx trainers are known for their quietness, and the Flux 2 is no different, claiming to possess a near-silent flywheel. And the 7.6kg flywheel weight should create a decent ride feel to boot. One niggle is that the Flux 2’s legs don’t fold away, but provided you have some dedicated space to store it, those legs should create a very stable platform from which to train.

This is the second iteration of the Flux’s design, in which Tacx has bumped up the trainer’s capabilities in nearly every area. Accuracy is a claimed +/-2.5%, gradients can be simulated up to 16%, and the trainer has a maximum output of 2,000 watts.

Key specs: Max Resistance 2,000 watts; Max Gradient 16%; Connectivity Bluetooth, ANT+; Claimed Power accuracy +/-2.5 %; Other Cadence sensor

10. Wahoo Kickr Move: Best for natural ride feel

£1,199 (RRP £1,399.99) | View offer

While the original Kickr can move from side to side as you ride, Wahoo’s newest trainer adds eight inches of forward and backward motion too. Wahoo says that this ups the realism and ride comfort, as the trainer will react to accelerations and decelerations more naturally. An adapter can be bought so that the Kickr Move will work with the Kickr Climb gradient simulator.

The Kickr Move shares its other stats with the Wahoo Kickr, with the same 2,200 watt maximum resistance, ability to simulate 20 per cent gradients and Wi-Fi connectivity for fast data transmission and resistance changes, as well as background firmware updates.

Key specs: Max Resistance 2,200 watts; Max Gradient 20%; Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ANT+; Claimed Power accuracy +/-1%; Other Cadence sensor, side-to-side and fore/aft movement

11. Tacx Neo 3M: Best for mixed surface simulation

£1,749.99 | View offer

Another top spec trainer option which builds fore and aft and side to side motion into its repertoire is the Tacx Neo 3M. While the Wahoo Kickr Move keeps you on smooth roads though, the Tacx Neo 3M can simulate different surfaces too: gravel, cobbles, cattle grids.

Tacx says that the trainer is more accurate over a greater range of power output and cadence than its Neo 2T and that there’s quicker response in ERG mode. While the Kickr requires an external power source, the Tacx 3M can work autonomously if needed. It’s designed to fold and be portable too.

Key specs: Max Resistance 2,200 watts; Max Gradient 25%; Connectivity Bluetooth, ANT+; Claimed Power accuracy +/-1%; Other Cadence sensor, side-to-side and fore/aft movement

12. Zwift Hub One: Best for easy setup

£549 | View offer

Zwift has gone from offering the default indoor training app to selling the hardware to ride indoors too with the Zwift Hub. This provides a direct drive trainer with a power meter built in at a price that undercuts much of the competition.

Its latest innovation is the Zwift Hub One, which, rather than using your derailleurs, gives you a single rear sprocket with 24-speed virtual shifting controlled by a device which you attach to your bars. ERG mode means that you don’t need to use this, if you prefer.

Key specs: Max Resistance 1,800 watts; Max Gradient 16%; Connectivity Bluetooth, ANT+; Claimed Power accuracy +/-2.5%; Other Virtual shifting, bridging to an HRM

• Read our full review of the Zwift Hub One
• Buy now from Zwift (£549)

13. Wahoo Kickr Bike Shift: Best smart bike for easy adjustment

£2,580 (RRP £2,699.99) | View offer

The Wahoo Kickr Bike Shift is designed to offer the all-in-one design of the original Kickr Bike in a more affordable package. To that end, it hasn’t got the tilting mechanism of the top spec Kickr Bike, but uses a new, quieter resistance unit.

The top tube is also narrower, so there’s less chance of your legs rubbing as you ride and the five point position adjustment has been made easier. As with the full strength Kickr Bike, there’s Wi-Fi connectivity built in for fast resistance changes and automatic firmware updates.

Key specs: Max Resistance 2,200 watts; Max Gradient 20%; Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ANT+; Claimed Power accuracy +/-1%; Other Easy adjustability, virtual shifting

• Read our full Wahoo Kickr Bike Shift review

14. Tacx Neo Bike Plus: Best smart bike for features

£2,990.99 (RRP £3,499.99) | View offer

Another de luxe option if you have a dedicated indoor training space and don’t want to have to link up your bike to a trainer is the Tacx Neo Bike Plus. It shares much of the tech of Tacx’s trainers and its shifters can be programmed to operate like Shimano, SRAM or Campagnolo, with the ride feel mimicking the sensation of the chain shifting.

There’s wide adjustability to match your outdoor ride position and you can set the cranks up with lengths between 165mm and 175mm. The Neo Bike Plus is designed for quiet operation and includes built-in fans that can adjust their output based on your heart rate or power output.

Key specs: Max Resistance 2,200 watts; Max Gradient 25%; Connectivity Bluetooth, ANT+; Claimed Power accuracy +/-1%; Other In-built fans, surface simulation

How to get the most from your turbo trainer…

Whether your goal is to use long, steady sessions to preserve your base fitness or build top-end power through intense intervals, a cycling turbo trainer can provide a simple, low-maintenance solution to keep you competitive (or at least mildly fit).

Many manufacturers now employ a ‘trickle-down’ strategy. The high-quality but expensive fluid and magnetic resistance know-how of a few years ago are now available at great-value prices, making it a great time to buy a trainer on a tight budget.

After getting your turbo trainer, you will want to put some sort of plan in place. There’s nothing worse than flogging yourself sporadically for an hour without much in the way of structure or purpose, especially as it will not really improve you as a cyclist.

Alternatively, you can sign up to apps like TrainerRoad or Zwift. These will cost you a monthly subscription but come preset with a host of training programmes and workouts that you can follow depending on your goals and available time.

Read our guide to the best bike rollers and everything you need to know about the FTP test.

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