Thinking of buying a smart trainer but not sure which to choose? In this article, we review eight of the best smart turbo trainers to help you make the right choice for your budget and requirements.
Modern smart trainers allow you to tackle almost any type of training session without leaving the house, so they are great for injury recovery, avoiding bad weather, or for people who don't feel confident on roads.
Turbos are also highly versatile - especially when paired with software such as Zwift.
Whether you want to practice sprint reps, run power-focused time trials, re-build your stamina after an injury, or just go for a leisurely ride, a smart turbo trainer removes the unpredictability of outside conditions. You can also take part in interactive training sessions or race against other riders.
With a wide range of trainers on the market, however, it's not always easy to choose the "best" model for your requirements and budget. Clever marketing and inconsistency about what makes a trainer "smart" can add to the confusion.
For this reason, we've put together a list of the best smart turbo trainers on the market at the moment. The list includes trainers for a range of budgets, but all are "true" smart models with two-way interaction. This allows the app to dynamically adjust the trainer's resistance. But before we get to our top picks, why should you buy a smart trainer?
Why Buy a Smart Trainer?
Let's start with the basics.
A smart trainer can connect and be controlled by third-party apps, such as TrainerRoad and Zwift. The best models also replicate the conditions and feel of a real road, including hills and even headwinds. This allows you to get close to a real training session without leaving your home.
It's important to be clear about what we mean by "smart" though.
A true smart turbo trainer provides a two-way interface between the computer (or smartphone app) and the trainer. This means the app can control the resistance of a trainer. When you're going down a "hill," the resistance of the bike should decrease, and vice versa. When you're riding in a group of other virtual riders, the resistance should also decrease to adjust for the draft effect.
There are cheaper stationary trainers available that track metrics such as distance and time via a mobile phone or computer, but resistance needs to be adjusted manually. There's nothing wrong with these models, but we don't consider them "smart."
On a technical level, turbo trainers usually connect to a computer via Bluetooth and standard Wi-Fi signals, so they should be compatible with most modern devices. Not all laptops have Bluetooth - but most have ANT+ Wi-Fi.
Can even the most advanced smart trainer ever beat the experience of an open road?
No - at least not until virtual reality starts to catch on. But when you're stuck for time or just can't face riding through driving rain, a smart turbo trainer is an appealing alternative.
What to Look for When Buying
As with standard smart trainers, there are two types available: wheel-on and direct-drive. It's important to understand the advantages of each before you buy.
- Wheel-on smart trainers are the most common type. They are cheaper than direct-drive and easier to start using, as you don't need to remove the rear wheel or use an extra cassette. The downsides are that they provide less accurate measurements of power output and don't calibrate immediately.
- Direct-drive smart trainers aren't as easy to use, as you'll need to remove the back wheel and attach a cassette. Once the bike is attached, however, they provide more accurate power measurements and are ready to use immediately (there's little or no calibration required). The biggest downside is the cost.
Speaking of power accuracy, this is one of the most important considerations when evaluating a turbo trainer. Inaccurate or inconsistent power readings can make competing in races or other events frustrating - especially if there is a significant lag when accelerating (which can be the case with wheel-on trainers). A trainer with an accurate built-in power meter can also make your workouts more realistic.
There's always the option of using an external power meter though. This adds to the cost, but you can use the meter for Zwift's power measurement and the trainer for generating resistance.
Despite the relatively advanced technology, smart turbos don't need to cost a fortune. While the priciest options have more advanced features, the wide range of manufacturers - including TacX, Elite and Wahoo - mean there are plenty of options for most budgets.
With that said, the more you spend the better the all-round experience - especially if you're interested in accurate power measurement.
Note: This page is specifically about smart-enabled turbo trainers. If you just want a basic "non-smart" trainer, check out our page about turbo trainers without smart functions.
8 Best Zwift-Compatible Smart Turbo Trainers in the UK (Technical Specs, Comparison & Reviews)
1. Wahoo Kickr (Direct-Drive)
One of the most popular direct-drive smart turbos is the Wahoo Kickr. It arguably started the trend towards "smart" rather than "dumb" turbo trainers, mainly because it was the first open platform that was compatible with a range of apps.
The latest version of the Kickr (2018) provides a significant amount of new features, so even serious cyclists won't be short on data when training. The direct-drive unit provides accurate measures of power measurement, while the machine can simulate up to a 20% incline and 2200W of output. It's also now compatible with Wahoo's Climb simulator.
In short, the Kickr is capable of handling the demands of almost any rider. The latest version also matches the maximum power output of the Tacx Neo Smart, despite being cheaper.
It also provides a smooth and satisfying ride due to the relatively heavy 7.26kg flywheel and electromagnetic resistance. The downside is that it's hefty to carry, although this is helped by the adjustable legs and handle.
Other features include speed, distance, cadence and power functions, compatibility with almost any device (including Android and iPhone), and an 11 speed SRAM/Shimano compatible cassette.
PROS: Easy to use with most common apps, heavy flywheel provides a smooth ride, wide range of compatibility options.
CONS: There are cheaper direct-drive models available, can be awkward to carry.
2. Tacx Neo 2T Smart (Direct-Drive)
If you're looking for the most advanced smart trainer, you would be hard pressed to find one that beats the Tacx Neo 2T Smart. It's not cheap, but is a joy to ride and has features most other smart trainers don't include.
Let's start with the basics though. The Tacx can handle a maximum resistance of 2200W, which is one of the highest on the market, along with a 25% incline.
It's compatible with common software such as Zwift, can handle guided workouts and communicates via both Bluetooth and ANT+. It also has accurate cadence and power readings, along with separate measurements for both right and left leg. The left and right sensors, combined with the ANT+ Cycling dynamics, let you analyse your individual leg power with third party tools (this wasn't possible with the previous Neo 2.)
Unlike most turbo trainers, the Neo 2T Smart uses a virtual flywheel that adjusts mass inertia depending on the slope, speed and your weight. That means you can really feel changes to road feel, making it more immersive than almost any other trainer on the market.
One of the great things about the Neo 2T Smart is how quiet it is. Despite the high maximum resistance, it's one of the quietest smart trainers on the market. We also like the "descent simulation" function. This provides a small boost when you ride downhill, which feels more realistic when you start pedalling after coasting.
The biggest drawback is the price. With an RRP of £1199.00, it's the most expensive on this list. It also doesn't have a handle.
Even so, it's one of the most advanced smart turbo trainers on the market. If you can afford it, there aren't many that can match the features and realistic feel of the Neo 2T Smart.
PROS: One of the most advanced trainers on the market, high maximum resistance, smooth and realistic road feel, excellent "descent simulation" function.
CONS: Expensive, not as portable as other options.
3. Tacx Flux 2 Smart (Direct-Drive)
If you want a direct-drive turbo but the Neo Smart and Kickr are outside your budget, the Tacx Flux 2 Smart could be the perfect option. It provides a smooth ride that's relatively quiet - plus it costs several hundred pounds less than the top two models on this list.
Unlike the Neo Smart, the Flux 2 Smart is built with a traditional 7.6kg flywheel and controlled by an electro-break that minimises maintenance. It's compatible with Shimano and SRAM cassettes and tops out at 2000W. This is lower than the Neo Smart, but considerably higher than the 1500W of the original Tacx Flux. It's also rare for most riders to exceed 2000W, so the Flux 2 can provide ample challenge.
As you would expect, the Flux Smart has both Bluetooth and ANT+ communication options. It's compatible with common training software, such as TrainerRoad and Zwift.
While the cheaper price makes it an attractive option, there are some downsides compared to the more expensive Neo Smart. The fixed legs mean it's less portable than the Kickr - although they provide a stable ride. More importantly, the 16% maximum incline is a lot lower than the Neo Smart's 25%, although it can go high enough for most Zwift courses.
Despite these drawbacks, the Flux Smart provides excellent value for money if you want a direct-drive smart trainer.
PROS: Smooth and realistic ride feel, great price for a direct-drive, relatively quiet.
CONS: Non-foldable legs
4. Wahoo Kickr Snap (Wheel On)
The first wheel-on model on this list is the Kickr Snap. It's designed to provide a realistic indoor ride for a lower price than direct-drive smart trainers. It also has a 12% maximum gradient and Kickr CLIMB compatibility.
This is the new version of the Kickr Snap that was released in 2017. Wahoo has added several new features, including improved power measurement (+-3% accuracy) and LED indicator lights.
The Kickr Snap has a 4.75kg flywheel that provides excellent road feel. The improved power accuracy is noticeable compared to the previous version, while the 1500W maximum power output and 12% maximum incline are acceptable considering it's half the price of the direct-drive Kickr.
It's also a sturdy model that's built to last. The folding legs are useful for storage or moving the machine. Once folded out, the base feels sturdy and safe.
There are some drawbacks - although these are mainly due to the wheel-on design rather than anything specific to the Kickr Snap. Like all wheel-on turbos, you need to calibrate if you want accurate power readings. This requires a 10-minute tire warm-up followed by a calibration spindown.
You should also expect a slight lag in power readings when you're accelerating. This can be annoying if you're racing - although you don't lose effort, there is just a lag in the reading.
Aside from these issues, the Kickr Snap is an outstanding turbo that's available for a great price. It's also quiet even when at its maximum power output.
PROS: Brilliant road feel, easy to setup, quiet, much cheaper than direct-drive models.
CONS: Slight lag in power readings can be annoying when in races, requires calibration.
5. Elite Drivo II (Direct-Drive)
The Elite Drivo II is a direct-drive smart turbo trainer at the higher end of the market. While it's certainly an investment, the Drivo II aims to match the best when it comes to accuracy and durability - and largely succeeds.
Let's start with the basics. The Drivo II has an impressive 24% maximum incline and 2300W maximum power output, which is one of the highest on the market. It's going to take some serious athletic power to exceed these figures, so the Drivo II is great for indoor training workouts - especially as the 6kg flywheel provides a smooth and stable ride.
Arguably the best feature of the Drivo II is its excellent power accuracy. This is one of the most accurate turbos on the market (THE most accurate, according to Elite), mainly due to the redesigned OTS. It can also adjust resistance rapidly, so it feels more realistic in Zwift or Elite Real than many competing models.
Even though the Elite Drivo II is marginally cheaper than the Neo Smart, it's still an expensive model. The combination of simplicity, robust design and accurate power measurements make it an ideal choice for any rider who takes their training seriously though. The only downside is that the casing looks (and feels) cheap considering the price - but this only affects the aesthetics.
So, if you want a professional standard home training experience when it comes to accuracy, noise output and robustness, the Elite Drivo II could be a great choice.
PROS: Highly accurate power measurement, 6kg flywheel for a smooth ride, 24% maximum incline and 2300W maximum power output
CONS: Expensive, unsatisfying appearance
6. Elite Direto (Direct-Drive)
A direct competitor to the Flux Smart is the Elite Direto. It's a stripped-back version of the Italian company's top-end Drivo, yet features many of the same features including an Optimal Torque Sensor (OTS) power meter and smooth ride.
The Direto has a maximum power output of 1400W. This is slightly lower than the 1500W of the Flux Smart, although the 14% maximum incline is better suited to riding hills on Zwift or other training packages.
One of the best features of the Direto is its accurate power calibration. The OTS system provides a consistent read-out and there is little noticeable lag. The Elite's foldable legs are also handy for storing the machine but don't compromise stability when riding.
There aren't many downsides to the Direto - especially considering the low price for a direct-drive model. You'll sometimes come across inclines of more than 14% when riding mountain climbs on Zwift, but for most virtual routes a 14% incline is plenty. There's also a stutter in power if the resistance app is re-activated after coasting.
Aside from these minor issues, the Direto is an outstanding smart turbo trainer for the price.
PROS: Great performance and feel, accurate power readings, higher incline than the similarly priced Flux Smart
CONS: Short stutter in resistance when app is reactivated, 14% incline isn't enough for mountainous Zwift routes
7. Tacx Vortex (Wheel-On)
If you're looking for the cheapest smart turbo trainer that we recommend, the Tacx Vortex is the one to go for. It lacks the advanced features of more expensive models, but is easy to setup and provides a consistent power reading.
With an RRP of £400, the Vortex is less than half the price of models such as the Wahoo Kickr. It still has ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity, along with an electro break, so it can provide a true "smart" experience.
As you would expect from a cheaper turbo, the Vortex is less accurate when it comes to power reading. The good news is that it's consistent - although the data won't match your outdoor power meter.
It also provides a surprisingly smooth and realistic feel. The gradient changes are instant and it feels stable when in use.
It's important to be aware of the drawbacks of this model compared to more expensive options though. Like all wheel-on turbo trainers, it requires spin down calibration if you want reasonably accurate power ratings. It also has a maximum incline and power of 7% and 950W respectively, which is much lower than the others on this list.
Even so, if you want a cheap smart turbo trainer for Zwift or other software, the Vortex provides great value for money.
Note: An even cheaper option is the Flow Smart, which is the least expensive interactive trainer. It has a lower maximum power and incline than the Vortex though.
PROS: Great price for a smart trainer, instant gradient changes, consistent power readings
CONS: Over-estimates power output, delay in acceleration, low incline and maximum power
8. Bkool Go Smart Turbo (Wheel-On)
Another relatively cheap wheel-on smart trainer is the Bkool Go. While it doesn't have the features or performance of the pricier categories on this list, it's much less expensive and is compatible with Zwift, VirtualTraining and many others.
The Go has similar features to the Tacx Vortex - although the 800W maximum resistance is slightly lower. Bkool has included telescoping legs and a folding stand, so it's a relatively portable trainer, and it can simulate slopes of up to 8%.
Like all Smart trainers, the Go comes with both Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, so it's compatible with third-party software. It also has a quick-release skewer system that's common to most wheel-on trainers.
While the Bkool Go doesn't have many stand-out or advanced features, it's a solid smart trainer that's available for a great price.
PROS: 8% incline is higher than the Vortex, great price, easy to setup
CONS: No stand-out features, 800W power output may not be enough for serious riders
FAQ
What's the Cheapest Smart Turbo Trainer?
The cheapest smart trainer that we recommend is the Tacx Vortex. There are cheaper models on the market, such as the Elite Quibo, but the Vortex provides a great balance between performance and price.
What About Virtual Reality?
Virtual reality headsets, such as the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, could potentially enhance the realism of turbo trainers in the future. The technology isn't quite there yet though. VR headsets are bulky and aren't designed for vigorous exercise, so we recommend sticking with a laptop, tablet or computer for Zwift.
Where Can You Buy Them?
A number of retailers sell smart turbos. Amazon, Halfords, Evans Cycles and Argos are some of the most common, but there are many options. It's worth shopping around for the best deal once you know which trainer you want.
There's also the option of buying a second-hand or used smart turbo trainer. Gumtree and Ebay are good places to start your search - but be careful to check the condition of a model before you buy.
Summary
So, there you have it. The eight best smart turbo trainers on the market, including models that suit a range of budgets.
Which is the best though?
This depends on your budget and how you want to use the trainer. More expensive options are generally "better," but if you don't need the extra features or performance a cheaper model can still do a great job.
One thing is clear though: if you want accurate power measurement, you should go for a direct-drive trainer. This isn't an issue if you're using an external power meter, but for accuracy wheel-on models are noticeably inferior to direct-drive.
For those with a high budget, the two best turbo trainers are the Tacx Neo 2T Smart and Wahoo Kickr. Both are expensive, but provide excellent feel and accurate power measurement. The Neo 2T just about edges it due to the way it mimics descents and mass inertia - although the Wahoo Kickr's smooth ride is hard to beat.
If you want a cheap trainer, the Tacx Vortex is a great choice. The Elite Direto is probably the "best value" model if you're looking for a direct-drive model.
We hope this article has helped you choose the best smart trainer for Zwift or other similar software. If you have any questions, please let us know in the comments section.
