Updated for 2021 models. Wondering about smart trainer brands because you’re thinking about training on Zwift or one of the other online bike trainer apps? We’ve put together a list of every smart trainer brand we are aware of, so you can see all your options when you’re choosing which smart trainer you want to use.
What do we mean exactly by smart trainer? Our definition of smart trainer is a bike trainer that both broadcasts power to an app and also has resistance control so that the app can increase or decrease resistance as you ride. This allows apps like Zwift, The Sufferfest, Fulgaz, TrainerRoad, Rouvy and others to fully simulate terrain and also control wattage, for precise workouts.
Many regular trainers are also compatible with these apps, but you do not get the full smart trainer experience. So this list is intended to only include brands that are true smart trainers that can both broadcast and control power.
Did we miss any brands? Which brand do you use and what’s your favorite? Leave a comment and let us know so we can keep the list up to date and also help others know which ones they should consider.
Bkool
https://www.bkool.com/en-US/
Manufacturers several different smart trainer models.
CycleOps
https://www.cycleops.com/
USA brand under the same umbrella as the companies Powertap and Saris. An entire range of smart trainers from direct drive to fluid.
Elite
https://www.elite-it.com/
Italian manufacturer. With models like the Drivo II and Direto, Turno and others, Elite has a full line of smart trainers.
Jetblack
https://www.jetblackcycling.com/products/whisperdrive-smart-1
UK based brand that makes a smart trainer called the Whisperdrive.
Kinetic
https://www.kurtkinetic.com/trainers/
Minnesota USA based manufacturer with an entire range of smart trainer options.
Minoura
http://www.minoura.jp/english/
Japanese manufacturer. Makes a smart trainer model.
Saris
https://www.saris.com/product/h3
Makes a direct drive smart trainer model.
Stages
https://store.stagescycling.com/StagesBike
Power meter and spin bike manufacturer also makes a smart bike (no bicycle necessary to ride it).
Tacx
https://tacx.com/
Netherlands based smart trainer brand now owned by Garmin, with a lineup of varying price points for smart trainers, including the top end Neo 2.
Technogym
https://www.technogym.com/us/mycycling.html
European manufacturer that makes a smart trainer model as well as other gym equipment.
Wahoo
https://www.wahoofitness.com/
Georgia, USA based smart trainer brand with direct drive and wheel on smart trainer models and a smart bike, at varying price points.
Wattbike
https://wattbike.com/us
UK based company that makes a smart bike that requires no bicycle to ride.
Which brand do you use? Which brands did we miss that are true smart trainers? Which one do you like or dislike, and why? Leave a comment and let us know.
Can you use this with a peloton bike?