The Top 11 Tracking & Training Apps for Cycling

If you’re a cyclist, there are dozens of tracking and training apps available that can help take your riding to the next level. Here, we’ll discuss the top 11, so you can figure out which one’s right for you.

About Cycling Tracking & Training Apps

“Can my iPhone track my bike ride?”

“Can I use my phone as a cycle computer?”

If you’re asking questions like these, it’s time for you to explore the world of cycling training and tracking apps. Simply download them to your phone, sync with your device, and head out the door.

From there, these apps—which include some of the biggest names in the industry—track metrics like your mileage, heart rate, power output, and nutrition. Some apps can even help you plan your route for your next cycling tour, complete with turn-by-turn directions.

With so many training and tracking apps available for cyclists, though, it can be tricky figuring out which ones you should try. 

Here, we’ve listed the top 11 options in order of popularity, defined by the number of downloads between Google Play and iTunes. We’ll explore their key features, what other cyclists say about them, and whom they’re best for.

Taking a Closer Look at the Top-Rated Cycling Training & Tracking Apps

1. Endomondo

Pricing: Free–$49.99/yr

Main Features: Under Armour’s Endomondo app works for 60+ distance sports like cycling, running, and walking and integrates with a wide variety of watches, sensors, and apps such as:

• MyFitnessPal
• Garmin Connect
• Polar Flow
• TomTom MySports
• Fitbit
• Samsung Gear
• Android Wear
• Heart rate monitors and speed and cadence sensors (Bluetooth or BTLE)

Using these integrations, Endomondo can track comprehensive workout data, including heart rate stats, time, distance, pace/speed, and calories burned, all to help you reach your fitness goals. You can also connect with friends for motivation and encouragement.

Upgrading to a Premium Endomondo account allows you to create personal training plans, receive audio feedback regarding distance and pace/speed for every mile, add pictures and share your workouts, set daily and weekly goals, and enjoy an ad-free experience.

What Riders Say: The majority of online cyclists report that the Endomondo app represents an easy way to track and visualize your stats and to help improve your fitness.

However, many complain that the app lacks support for specific devices, that its GPS tracking is inaccurate, and that it often freezes, crashes, or stops tracking mid-ride.

Best For: Endomondo has been around a very long time and has amassed millions of users (not all cyclists, obviously), thanks to their basic, bare-bones approach to tracking. They might represent an excellent place to begin if you’re starting out.

2. Strava

Pricing: Free–$59.99/yr

Main Features: Strava is undeniably one of the most popular cycling and running tracking apps available, and is the originator of Segments. The app is also compatible with dozens of additional sports like swimming, skiing, kayaking, Crossfit, surfing, rock climbing, and yoga, to name just a few.

Related: Long-Term Strava Review

Using Strava in combination with just about any device that utilizes GPS, you can map your routes with “the world’s largest trail network,” while recording distance, pace, speed, elevation gain, and calories burned.

You can compare your performances over time, share your progress, follow friends and comment on their performances, include photos, and join challenges and clubs/communities.

If you decide to upgrade to a Strava Summit membership, you’ll have the ability to set your own goals, custom training plans, and “get live feedback to help you train safer & perform better.” Their Beacon feature can also help contacts know where you are at all times.

What Riders Say: Strava has hundreds of thousands of combined online athlete reviews, most of which report that it’s easy to use, combines a lot of features in a single app, and works with a wide range of devices and third-party apps. Multiple reviewers note it’s their go-to tracking and training app, with many explicitly calling it the “best” cycling app available.

Some, however, complain of bugginess (crashing, mostly), inaccurate tracking, and tracking that randomly stops mid-ride. I’ve experienced the latter on many occasions.

Best For: Strava is one of the original fitness tracking apps, comes with robust features (even the free version), and seems to meet most cyclists’ needs. If you’re intent on only downloading one cycling app, Strava might be the one for you.

3. MapMyRide by Under Armour

Pricing: Free–$29.99/yr

Main Features: MapMyRide is part of the MyFitnessPal brand of apps, which is owned by Under Armour and billed as “the world’s largest fitness community,” with more than 60 million members.

The app is compatible with iOS and Android devices, as well as more than 400 apps and wearables from Garmin, Suunto, Polar, Fitbit, Google Fit, Android Wear, and Jawbone.

First, you can use the app to find local routes or build your own. During each ride, MapMyRide uses GPS to track your distance, speed, calorie burn, and elevation, and breaks down your performance afterward into easy-to-read charts and graphs.

Then, you can post rides to your activity feed (or to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), where your friends and family can view them. You can also join challenges with friends to stay motivated and win prizes.

Premium MapMyRide membership includes live tracking, personalized training plans and coaching tips, customizable intensity based on heart rate zones, and audio coaching for metrics like pace, cadence, distance, duration, and calories.

What Riders Say: Most riders report that the MapMyRide app is fun and easy—and free!—to use, presents data well, offers a vast database of routes, and is a great way to track fitness using a wide range of third-party apps and devices.

However, many complain that its tracking can be finicky, the social aspect leaves something to be desired, support is less-than-stellar, and that subscriptions could be considered expensive, depending on how much you’ll use the added features.

Best For: Based on the sheer number of downloads and online rider feedback, MapMyRide seems to be an extraordinarily popular option for those just entering the field and looking to get their bearings among cycling apps.

4. Fitzeee.com Bike Computer GPS Tracker

Pricing: Free

Main Features: Like much of the competition, the Bike Computer GPS Tracker from Fitzee.com tracks your movements and displays metrics like current speed, average speed, distance, elapsed time, altitude, elevation, heart rate, and calories.

It also overlays your route onto Google Maps, allows you to export GPX and KML files of your courses, and features full Strava integration.

The company claims that “battery consumption is one of our most important considerations,” so GPS Tracker “operates 12% more efficiently than any other mobile fit tracker on the market.”

The app also allows you to configure your display with a graphic speedometer and power meter, a dark theme that can help you see better at night and further save battery power, and Keep Me Safe™ that automatically notifies your emergency contacts in the event of an accident.

What Riders Say: Most cyclists appreciate GPS Tracker’s ease of use, accuracy, and the ability to access previously tracked rides. Multiple note this is the best cycling app available, even after testing the competition.

On the other hand, some complain that tracking can lag when starting and auto-pausing, that the app will sometimes stop tracking mid-ride, and that you can’t share rides socially.

Best For: If you’re looking for a full-featured app that doesn’t require you to upgrade, Fitzeee.com’s Bike Computer GPS Tracker could be for you. There’s no iOS version, though, nor any training plans or coaching.

5. TrainingPeaks

Pricing: $99 start-up fee, $119–$299/mo after that

Main Features: Whether you’re a beginner or professional, TrainingPeaks offers a vast library of personalized training plans that promise to help you reach your cycling goals.

The TrainingPeaks app starts by pulling data from more than 100 different fitness apps and devices, including those from Garmin, Fitbit, Polar, Wahoo, Suunto, and Zwift, to name just a few.

Following each workout, the program uploads this data to the TrainingPeaks system, where you can receive feedback from accredited coaches and track your progress along the way.

What Riders Say: Most riders seem to appreciate TrainingPeaks’ user interface, the metrics it tracks (with data automatically synced with devices), and that you can plan an entire training season in advance.

However, many emphasize that the app might not deliver value if you don’t plan to dig deep into your data. Some note this is what your coach will likely use if you decide to seek professional expertise.

Best For: If you’re looking for top-level, goal-focused training (and can afford it), want to dig into your data, and need access to professional, pre-made training, but don’t necessarily want to connect with a local coach, TrainingPeaks should be at the top of your list.

But, you must be willing to take the time and dive into your data to achieve value with the program.

6. TrainerRoad

Pricing: $19.95/mo, or $189/yr

Main Features: TrainerRoad promises to represent “your total training system,” since membership includes access to more than 1,000 expertly designed interval workouts, along with 100+ comprehensive, science-backed cycling and triathlon training plans and a workout builder.

TrainerRoad’s performance analysis tools work on iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac devices, sync directly with many head units from Garmin and Wahoo, and are compatible with a variety of speed sensors, power meters, and smart trainers.

Compared to the competition, the company advertises that TrainerRoad’s workouts automatically scale to your personal level of fitness. And all of your workouts, races, and other activities automatically track to your calendar.

What Riders Say: Most online cyclists seem to appreciate TrainerRoad’s intuitive interface, broad compatibility, the multiple plans available (depending on your goals), and its two-way integration with other platforms like Strava, Garmin Connect, and so forth.

However, TrainerRoad focuses almost exclusively on indoor cycling, so it shouldn’t be your first choice for outdoor cycling.

Best For: The TrainerRoad app is best for those who want to take their indoor cycling training to the next level, but who don’t necessarily want a platform-specific product (e.g., Zwift, Peloton, etc.).

The TrainerRoad app seems to be most popular (both in the number of downloads, as well as average user review) among iOS users.

7. Ride With GPS

Pricing: Free–$10/mo, or $80/yr

Main Features: The Ride With GPS app and website features a world-class route library in every area that allows you to plan your rides in advance, create an unlimited number of routes, and share them with others, whether on social media or within the community.

When the time comes, you can then download routes for offline use and receive turn-by-turn navigation complete with voice prompts and cue sheets.

While you ride, RWGPS Supports a variety of Bluetooth Smart (Bluetooth 4/BTE/BTLE) sensors from Wahoo, Stages, Polar, Zephyr, Jary, Topeak, Runtastic, and Powertap, which allow you to monitor and track distance traveled, ride duration, cadence, and heart rate and power metrics. It also works standalone, in conjunction with a third-party bike computer, as well as when riding indoors.

When you’re finished, Ride With GPS automatically geotags photos taken during your ride and associates them with your route, and allows you to export FIT, TCX, GPX, or KML files. And all of this while remaining easy on your phone’s battery life.

Related: Ride With GPS App Review

What Riders Say: Most cyclists gush over Ride With GPS’s fantastic route building engine, its turn-by-turn navigation, and its accuracy and ease of use. Many also note they appreciate there are app and desktop versions, and that it’s the best cycling platform they’ve used.

The relatively few complaints often relate to directions errors (typically caused by incorrect user-generated cue sheets), inaccurate road detection when creating routes, and that there’s no recalculating if you go off-route during navigation.

Best For: If you’re focused on creating and sharing routes, or if you travel frequently and need to find good local routes, Ride With GPS is all about quickly planning, navigating, and sharing your rides. However, compared with some of the competition above, there’s much less focus on training and achieving your fitness goals.

8. The Sufferfest Training System

Pricing: $12.99/mo, or $99/yr

Main Features: The Sufferfest Training System offers interval workouts designed by elite coaches, which target cyclists of all disciplines, including road, triathlon, cyclocross, XC mountain biking, and so forth.

This is the case whether you want to climb better, get faster, boost endurance and efficiency, or compete in a time trial, and whether you use a Mac, Windows, or iOS operating system.

Compared to competitors, the Sufferfest System integrates a combination of structured cycling workouts, full-body yoga sessions, strength training, and mental toughness exercises that “make you strong, flexible, focused, and mentally tough.”

Instead of the functional threshold power (FTP) used by other programs, Sufferfest also implements their own 4DP™ measurement, which they say “uses four distinct metrics to reveal who you are as a cyclist and personalize every target in your workouts to match your unique profile.”

They also overlay your activities onto official professional race footage to help keep things interesting while riding indoors.

What Riders Say: Online cyclists like The Sufferfest’s variety of unique training options (yoga, mental, etc.), as well as the ability to adjust workout intensity on the fly. Some also note the  4DP training system could make data available to amateurs that were once only accessible by coaches and other professionals.

On the other hand, there’s no Android compatibility or interaction with other users, such as Zwift. Some also note the high-quality videos can become repetitive over time.

Best For: If you’re an iOS user and want an indoor cycling app that’s focused on intervals—along with a video element to keep things interesting, The Sufferfest System seems uniquely equipped.

9. Abvio Cyclemeter

Pricing: Free–$59.99/yr

Main Features: Abvio advertises that Cyclemeter is “the most advanced application for cyclists ever designed for an [iOS or Android] mobile device.” It records an unlimited number of workouts—you can use an included one or design your own from scratch—and tracks metrics like heart rate, speed, cadence, power, and split and interval times, and even automatically records the weather.

While you’re working out, Cyclemeter offers more than 120 configurable audio announcements to let you know what’s happening, including distance, time, speed, elevation, heart rate, and social media comments from friends.

Once finished, Cyclemeter analyzes your data and visualizes it via configurable stats, maps, and graphs, which you can then export to GPX, TCX, FIT or KML files.

What Riders Say: Online cyclists frequently talk positively about Cyclemeter’s unique audio feedback, custom activities, great support, and the fact that it works with a variety of third-party devices.

On the other hand, many don’t appreciate the app’s limited functionality unless you upgrade, inaccuracy, and less-than-stellar functionality with some devices.

Best For: Cyclemeter targets those looking for a single app that turns their “phone into a powerful fitness computer” across multiple activities (cycling, running, walking, skating, skiing, etc.), as well as those who place a lot of emphasis on the customizable audio cues.

Cyclemeter is another app that’s much more popular among iOS users, as related to the number of downloads, as well as average cyclist review.

10. Map My Tracks

Pricing: Free–$2.99/mo, or $28.99/yr

Main Features: Map My Tracks advertise they have more than one million members that use their iOS and Android app not just for cycling, but also for running and walking.

Simply press the “Go” button, and the app will record your distance, speed, pace, heart rate, calories burned, duration, and elevation gain and loss. Afterward, the app will sync your activity to MapMyTracks.com, where you can view a “detailed analysis of your performance,” post photos, and see how your stats stack up against other members.

The Map My Tracks app also uniquely uses augmented reality, in combination with your phone’s camera, to help you “identify nearby peaks, places, and others tracking live.”

Upgrading to a Pro Map My Tracks membership allows you to enjoy the app without advertisements, as well as track your rides live so others can follow your progress online.

What Riders Say: Most online cyclists find that the Map My Tracks app’s basic features provide everything they need, with ease of use and excellent compatibility as some of the top compliments.

Common complaints indicate that the app may sometimes stop recording mid-ride, as well as track incorrect data. Some also complain about the app’s limited functionality compared to competitors.

Note: iOS users seem to rate the Map My Tracks app meaningfully higher than those with Android devices.

Best For: If you’re looking for a bare-bones cycling tracker with limited functionality and no route building or fitness aspects, Map My Tracks could be a great place to start. And although its augmented reality aspect seems cool, it’s not necessarily aimed at improving your cycling performance.

11. Wattson Blue

Pricing: Free–$37/mo

Main Features: Available for Android and iOS devices, the Wattson Blue app tracks metrics like resting heart rate, heart rate variability, sleep, and stress, whether directly through the app, or from Apple Health, Strava, or even your Oura Ring.

Then, the app analyzes the data and tracks training and performance indicators such as training stress, intensity, and power curves, along with long-term fitness and fatigue measurements.

Together, the company advertises Wattson Blue as a “holistic approach to training and recovery” that can help you balance stress, maximize long-term performance, and learn when you can push yourself and when you need to hold back.

Simply answer a few questions about your sleep and wellbeing each morning, record your heart rate variability using the camera on your phone, sync activity from your device, and Wattson Blue will provide small recommendations that can make a big difference in your long-term improvement.

What Riders Say: Outside of general bugginess, most Wattson Blue users report that the app is a great way to assess your training readiness and improve your fitness/race results, and a unique way to receive training feedback.

Many note it works with a variety of third-party devices and apps, and they appreciate the subjective metrics it features, which aren’t used by other cycling training apps.

Best For: Wattson Blue is an ideal app if you’re looking to optimize your cycling readiness, make sure you’re not overtraining, and gain access to subjective training parameters not utilized by third-party cycling apps.

However, there isn’t much online cyclist feedback, if this is an essential aspect to you.

What’s the Bottom Line About Cycling Training & Tracking Apps?

With your more precise understanding of the top cycling tracking and training apps available, the next step is for you to choose the “right” one and download it to your device.

And choosing the “best” option is all about where you place your emphasis, based on your unique combination of needs and preferences.

For example, the Bike Computer GPS Tracker offers full access to their app at no charge, whereas TrainingPeaks is the most expensive by a wide margin. However, the latter also focuses heavily on improving your cycling performance using professional insight, whereas GPS Tracker is mostly about logging mileage, heart rate, and related data.

Turn-by-turn navigation and a powerful route building engine are two of Ride With GPS’s most attractive aspects, whereas Cyclemeter is the only app in the list that offers audio training cues.

From a popularity perspective, Endomondo and Strava have the lion’s share of online rider feedback, which is always helpful when making a decision.

At the other end of the spectrum, Wattson Blue comes with very little online cyclist feedback, but they’re also unique in that they factor metrics like stress and sleep into your training readiness.

Are there any popular apps missing from the list above? Do you have first-hand experience you’d like to share? Leave a comment below!

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