As the seasons change and thoughts turn to next year's goals, many riders will dust off their smart trainers and start adding more indoor sessions to their riding. This year could be different, however, as cyclists find themselves with a dilemma; stay loyal to familiar platforms like Zwift or Rouvy, or look for alternatives that could better suit their training goals.
While gamified cycling apps have dominated the indoor training space in previous years, there’s a growing appetite among ambitious riders for something more precise, data-driven, and, more importantly, affordable. Enter icTrainer: a feature-packed platform designed for data driven cyclists.
With an annual subscription of just £24.99 / $29.99 around £2 / $2.50 a month, icTrainer is arguably the best value indoor training software available today. But this isn’t a stripped-back budget option; it’s a professional-level training tool that puts performance first.
A focus on performance, not play
Unlike virtual platforms built around racing avatars, icTrainer strips things back to what matters most: your data, your goals, your training.
IcTrainer's data driven display gives the rider a more in-depth look at their performance
At its core, icTrainer offers an extraordinary range of live metrics. Beyond your usual data points like power, cadence, and heart rate, you can now track left/right pedal balance whilst also viewing core body temperature, muscle oxygen saturation and much more.
So much live data is rarely available on cycling apps, especially at this price point. For athletes who work with a coach, or simply like to geek out on numbers, this level of insight can be transformative to your training.
It's this structured approach to training that is central to icTrainer’s appeal. Riders can choose from heart rate or power-based workouts, preset training plans, and measure their progress with FTP tests. Or, as many riders do, create their own interval sessions with the app’s custom workout builder. The software’s precision-driven approach makes it ideal for athletes preparing for all types of cycling disciplines.
Real routes, real focus
Instead of building a cartoon world, icTrainer gives riders something arguably more valuable: hundreds of real-world videos, with the option to upload GPX files and scout your own routes in ‘Street View’ mode.
This makes icTrainer a practical tool for event preparation, helping athletes train to the specific demands of an upcoming course without leaving home. It’s a subtle but significant shift in how we think about indoor training: less about escapism, more about purpose.
icTrainer real world view lets you ride anywhere
Entertainment without distraction
Of course, no one wants to spend hours staring at raw data. icTrainer strikes a smart balance between focus and fun. Its integrated web browser allows you to watch Netflix, YouTube, or even race footage alongside your workout metrics on the same screen so no need to juggle multiple devices.
There are also music playlists that automatically match your cadence, creating a natural rhythm for intervals and endurance sessions. If you miss the social side of indoor training, icTrainer has integrated video chat, making it easy to ride with friends, teammates, or even your coach. Two users can even train on one device, making it a versatile option for couples or families.
Compatibility That Covers Everything
One of icTrainer’s biggest strengths is its breadth of compatibility and not just for cyclists: the platform supports rowing machines, kayaks, swim ergometers, treadmills, and even ski trainers, making it a multi-sport powerhouse. It connects seamlessly with many leading services and tools, such as TrainingPeaks, Garmin Connect, Strava, and Final Surge, to name but a few, making it easy to export data and share.
In terms of hardware compatibility, it works with Wahoo, Tacx, Elite, Wattbike, and a whole host of other hardware options.
As icTrainer works on PC, Mac, Android, Apple, and Amazon Fire devices, it’s one of the few platforms that runs almost anywhere, even offline, so no issues if your pain cave is in the garden shed.
Honest About Limits
Where icTrainer really earns its trust is in its transparency. The developers openly acknowledge that this isn’t a gamified platform. If you’re looking for races against strangers, you won’t find that here. What you will find is a platform built for serious training rather than spectacle.
The sheer number of features can feel overwhelming at first, but comprehensive YouTube tutorials and fast customer support make onboarding straightforward. The app is optimised for tablets and desktops, though a remote smartphone control app is available to make things easier mid-ride.
Affordable, Accessible, and Athlete-First
At £24.99 / $29.99 a year (less than the price of a single month on many other platforms) icTrainer makes high-level indoor training accessible to every cyclist. This isn’t about being flashy; it’s about giving riders the tools they need to improve, without the noise.
You can join now and download the icTrainer app for a one month free trial with no automatic renewal – head to www.ictrainer.com
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