Best Smart Trainer For Zwift In 2023

So, winter is coming or maybe you just can’t get enough of Zwift. Either way, you’re in the market for an indoor bike trainer. With an overwhelming number of options out there, from stationary smart bikes to direct-drive and wheel-on trainers, not to mention rollers, it’s easy to get lost. To make it simple, I am only going to list my personal own top picks and I’ll break it down into four different categories:

• Best overall trainer for Zwift
• Best budget trainer for Zwift
• Best overall smart bike for Zwift
• Best overall budget bike for Zwift

With that, let’s dig into it…

Heads up, for a limited time, Zwift was kind enough to offer SmartBikeTrainers readers a 10% discount off the Zwift HUB One smart trainers. All you need to do is visit this link, and use coupon TARIQ10 at checkout. Each trainer comes with a year of Zwift membership, plus free shipping to most destinations!

BEST OVERALL TRAINER

Wahoo KICKR 6 Smart Trainer – $1,299.99

If you’re gearing up for Tour de France, Ironman, or maybe even becoming the next esports cycling world champion, the Wahoo KICKR 6 is my go-to recommendation. It offers top-notch power accuracy and ERG mode experience. The heavier flywheel makes for a realistic road feel, and its broad connectivity options are basically future-proof. We’re talking ANT+/ANT+ FE-C, three Bluetooth channels, Wi-Fi, and even a direct connection if you don’t trust wireless connection.

And let’s not forget the stats that matter: 2200-watt max resistance, a 20% simulated incline, and +/-1% accuracy. It is also compatible with the KICKR Climb if you want to take your virtual riding up a notch.

KICKR Move Smart Trainer – $1,599.99

Now, for those of you who’ve been eyeing a rocker plate but have been hesitant—maybe you’re short on space or on a tighter budget—the KICKR Move might just be your match made in cycling heaven. Imagine all the goodness of the KICKR 6, but with added dynamics that simulate real-road riding. We’re talking 8″ of forward and backward movement, plus a little side-to-side action, making those six-hour indoor sessions feel less like a chore and more like an actual ride outdoors.

In a nutshell, if you have $1,600 burning a hole in your pocket, the KICKR Move is where it’s at. It takes everything you love about the KICKR 6 and amps it up with that extra layer of realism and comfort, making it an even more compelling option for anyone looking to maximize their indoor training.

BEST OVERALL BUDGET TRAINER

ZWIFT HUB – $599

If you’re looking to jump into the world of Zwift without emptying your wallet, the Zwift HUB One has your name written all over it. From its unique features to its competitive performance specs, this is a trainer that’s playing in the big leagues without the big league price tag.

At $599, the HUB One is budget-friendly, especially when you consider that it comes with a one-year Zwift membership bundled in.

The HUB One or Hub Classic measures up with 2.5% power accuracy, peaks at 1800 watts, and can simulate inclines up to 16%. These are numbers that punch well above the HUB One’s weight class considering its affordable price point.

But the star of the show is the Zwift Cog and virtual shifting. Normally a feature reserved for high-end smart bikes, the Zwift Hub One brings this right to your existing bike setup. The Hub One comes with a 24-gear virtual drivetrain. Think of it as having a 30t chainring paired with a 40t cassette on the low end, and the high end, a monster 55x10t gear.

As of now, the virtual shifting feature is exclusive to Zwift. If you’re eyeing other platforms you’ll find yourself stuck in a single gear. In ERG mode, this limitation isn’t a big deal because the trainer automatically adjusts resistance based on your workout plan. But in sim mode, where you would ideally have the freedom to shift gears like you do on the road, the absence of this feature on other platforms could be a deal-breaker for some.

So while the Zwift HUB One offers a bunch of perks and a cost-effective entry into virtual cycling, this is one limitation you’ll want to weigh when making your decision. If you’re committed to Zwift, it’s a non-issue. But if you’re the type who likes to platform-hop, then you might want to consider the Hub One Classic instead. And by the way, you can still use virtual shifting with the Zwift Hub classic trainer with a traditional cassette as long as you have Zwift Play or Zwift Click.

BEST OVERALL SMART BIKE

KICKR BIKE V2 – $3,999,99

If you’re a competitive cyclist or triathlete looking to clone the feel of your go-to road bike for your indoor sessions, then set your sights on the KICKR Bike V2.

Let’s dive into the details. The power measurement on this beast is spot-on, with accuracy of +/- 1% and resistance that goes all the way up to 2500 watts.

What makes the KICKR Bike V2 special isn’t just its smarts but its realism. The motorized flywheel gives you the kind of road feel that’ll make you forget you’re pedaling in your basement. And connectivity—you’re covered on all fronts: ANT+/ANT+ FE-C, triple Bluetooth channels, Wi-Fi, and even a hardwired connection.

But wait, there’s more. The bike doesn’t just tweak resistance; it raises and lowers to simulate actual grades, going as steep as a 20% ascent and diving down to a -15% descent. You can tailor the KICKR Bike V2 across five key points to fit your geometry: stack, reach, setback, saddle height, and frame height. Also, customizable virtual shifting controls that play nicely with gear from popular brands like SRAM, Shimano, and Campagnolo.

So if you want the best of the best, the KICKR Bike V2 should be on your radar.

BEST BUDGET SMART BIKE

STAGES SB20 – $2,499.99

If you’re after a reliable and feature-packed stationary smart bike without going broke, the Stages SB20 has got you covered. Its standout features include a hefty 50-pound flywheel and notably quiet operation. The bike supports up to 2,200 watts of resistance within 1.5% dual-sided power precision. It can simulate up to 25% virtual gradient and maximum rider weight is 300 pounds.

The Stages SB20 offers up to 2,200 watts of resistance and is precise, coming in at 1.5% dual-sided power accuracy. It also has the ability to simulate inclines up to 25%, making it a versatile option for various types of training. When it comes to connectivity—you’re covered on all fronts: ANT+/ANT+ FE-C, and two Bluetooth channels so it can be used with Zwift and many other cycling apps.

For fit customization, the SB20 offers plenty of options, making it easier to match your outdoor bike’s geometry. All in all, if you’re looking for a reliable, feature-rich smart bike that won’t break the bank, the Stages SB20 should be on your radar.

There are a lot of other smart trainers out there, and availability/pricing might vary per location. But these trainers will take your your indoor training up to a new level for many years. Remember, the best trainer is the one that meets your training requirements and keeps you coming back for more.

Thanks for reading!