Zwift: Honest Review from a Real User

Indoor cycling can be repetitive. Zwift is a virtual training platform built to change that for cyclists and runners. This article looks at what Zwift offers, how it is priced and who it suits, based on Zwift’s published information. We have not tested it ourselves.

It covers the features, pricing, hardware you need and who should look elsewhere.

Last updated: October 2026  |  Based on Zwift’s published information; not hands-on tested

What Is Zwift?

Zwift is a virtual training platform designed for indoor cyclists and runners. Rather than grinding through a static turbo session alone, Zwift drops you into a fully rendered 3D world – complete with other riders, race events, group rides and gamified progression, controlled by your power output on a smart trainer or your pace on a treadmill.

Zwift is a California-based company. Check Zwift’s site for the devices it currently supports and the trainer or sensor setup you need.

If you already track your fitness with Garmin Connect, check Zwift’s list of supported integrations.

Key Features

Immersive Virtual Worlds

Zwift offers several virtual worlds to ride and run in, from the fictional Watopia island to real-world locations such as London and New York. Routes include climbs such as the Alpe du Zwift, which is modelled on Alpe d’Huez. Check Zwift’s site for the current list of worlds.

Structured Training Plans and Workouts

Zwift offers structured workouts, many built around ERG mode (where a smart trainer automatically adjusts resistance to hit a target power), and multi-week training plans. Check Zwift’s site for the current workout and plan library.

Multiplayer Racing and Group Rides

Zwift promotes itself as the home of community racing. Races and group rides run on the platform, and third-party tools such as ZwiftPower are widely used alongside it. Ability categories and pace partners vary by event; check Zwift’s events listings.

Run Mode

Zwift isn’t just for cyclists. It supports running with a compatible treadmill or footpod. Check Zwift’s Running support pages for the equipment it supports.

Things to Compare Before You Subscribe

• Smart trainer or sensor requirements for your setup.
• Monthly versus annual membership (annual memberships have no free trial, per Zwift).
• Whether you want racing and social rides, or a data-led training plan. TrainerRoad and Rouvy are alternatives that publish their own pricing and features.
• Running support, if you also want to use a treadmill.

Pros and Cons

• ✅ Multiplayer community – Zwift promotes live races and group rides on the platform
• ✅ ERG mode with compatible smart trainers adjusts resistance automatically for interval sessions
• ✅ Structured workouts and training plans for a range of abilities
• ✅ Gamification – levels, unlockable kit and achievements are built in to encourage regular riding
• ✅ Multi-sport support – cyclists and runners can both use the platform
• ✅ No proprietary hardware needed for the app – check Zwift’s site for supported devices
• ✅ Ongoing updates – Zwift adds new content over time

• ❌ Smart trainer needed for full functionality – trainers are a significant extra cost, so check current prices
• ❌ Not a console-style game – the focus is training and social riding, not visuals
• ❌ Subscription on top of hardware – the membership is an ongoing cost on top of your trainer
• ❌ Cycling first – if running is your main sport, compare dedicated running apps
• ❌ Racing can be competitive – check the category rules before entering events

Pricing

Zwift’s UK pricing page lists both annual and monthly memberships, and says either option gives access to everything Zwift offers. We have not verified the current price, so check Zwift’s pricing page.

Zwift’s pricing page is titled as offering a 14-day free trial. Zwift says annual memberships do not come with a free trial, but first-time subscribers can cancel within 30 days for a refund.

Factor in the full cost of entry: you will usually need a smart trainer or compatible sensors as well as the membership, so compare trainer prices before committing.

For current UK pricing and any promotional offers, always check directly:

Check Current Price at Zwift UK →

Who Is Zwift Best For?

Perfect For:

• Dedicated indoor cyclists who want structured training without the monotony of solo turbo sessions
• Competitive amateur cyclists looking for organised online racing
• Cyclists who struggle with motivation – the gamification, leaderboards and social rides are designed to encourage regular riding
• Dual-sport athletes who run and cycle indoors and want a single platform subscription to cover both
• Data-conscious riders who want FTP-based training plans – if you’re already using Garmin Connect, check Zwift’s supported integrations

Not Ideal For:

• Complete beginners without a smart trainer – the upfront hardware cost is a significant investment before you’ve committed to the sport
• Runners primarily – if running is your main discipline, compare dedicated running apps
• Pure data athletes – if training analytics and periodisation matter more than immersion, compare TrainerRoad’s planning tools
• Casual once-a-week riders – a monthly subscription is harder to justify if you’re only riding occasionally

Our Verdict

On the published feature set, Zwift combines live multiplayer riding, a structured workout library and gamified progression, which makes it more than a virtual cycling simulator. We have not tested it ourselves, and the scores below are an editorial assessment of the published offering, not test results.

The hardware dependency and subscription cost are real barriers. If you are on the fence, use the free trial before choosing a monthly or annual plan.

View Zwift Memberships at Zwift UK →

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a smart trainer for Zwift?

Check Zwift’s support pages for compatible trainers and sensors; a basic trainer with sensors may work but without ERG mode or automatic resistance changes. For the full Zwift experience, a smart trainer is recommended. Check current trainer prices before you buy.

How much does Zwift cost in the UK?

Zwift lists both monthly and annual memberships in the UK, with a 14-day free trial on its pricing page (annual memberships have no free trial). Check Zwift’s pricing page for the latest figures before subscribing.

Is Zwift good for beginners?

Zwift offers structured training plans and group rides at different paces, so beginners can use it. New cyclists should be aware of the hardware cost involved.

Can you use Zwift for running as well as cycling?

Yes. Zwift supports running with compatible footpods or treadmills. Check Zwift’s Running support pages for supported equipment.

How does Zwift compare to TrainerRoad?

TrainerRoad is the better choice if your priority is pure training science, periodisation, and data analytics. Zwift is built around immersion, social features and racing. Some cyclists use both. If you can only afford one subscription, your choice depends on whether motivation or data drives your training more.