Having the best apps for cycling at our fingertips is really helpful especially when you’re away from home.
This article shares our pick of the best apps for cyclists, including the apps we love to use ourselves. Whether you want a general overview of free cycling apps to try out, to find cycling training apps that will help you get ready for a major challenge or the best bike ride tracking app for discovering new routes, we hope this subjective selection of the best cycling apps will assist.
While you may already have your view on the best cycling app for route planning or training, we’ve tried to include a few wild cards in here that you might not have thought of. Such as the best bike app for booking a hotel, buying a part or even delivering first aid on the move.
Here’s a baker’s dozen of the best cycling apps to make sure you can get the info you need while on the move!
This article includes details of products and/or services that we have used ourselves or which we would consider using. Some are paid features or include affiliate links where if you click on a link and make a booking or buy something, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please read our disclosure policy for further information.
Best cycling apps (free and paid upgrade)
Best app for planning routes
RWGPS (Ride With GPS)
What it does
We think Ride with GPS is the best free cycling app out there. The app allows you to plan, analyse and share your rides. If you get on with it and want to upgrade, live tracking, offline mapping and navigation are available with a paid plan.
RWGPS allows you to discover and customise routes you may not have known about. You can then record your ride as you progress, before creating a shareable Ride Report if you want to. Wahoo and Garmin device integration is enabled.
Why it’s great
- Free plan available
- Intuitive and easy to use
- Customise your routes
- Route tracking features available
- Shareable ride reports
Things to be aware of
- Some features require a paid upgrade
- Poor customer service (according to TrustPilot reviews)
Alternatives
- mapmyride.com
- komoot.com
More info
- Platform: iOS, Android
- Cost: Starter free; Premium $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year (convert currency) open in new page, follow link
- Trial period: 30 days
- Read on: Find out more with our ultimate guide to cycle route planning.
Best app for seeing what your mates are riding
Strava
What it does
Strava is another of the essential bike ride apps you need in your life. But, unless you’re brand new to sport or have been under a rock for the last ten years, this won’t come as a surprise. It’s often voted one of the best cycling apps for your Apple watch or other devices. Strava is mainly used as a cycling tracker app. It uses GPS for navigation, and is social media friendly for sharing info.
This is one of the free Apple and Android cycling apps that is also popular among hikers, runners and other outdoor exercise fans.
Why it’s great
- Social media friendly
- Good for lots of sorts of exercise
- Great for discovering others’ recommendations
- We love the heat maps
Things to be aware of
- Premium is a little on the pricey side
- Not solely aimed at cyclists
Alternatives
- bikemap.net
- velohero.com
More info
- Platform: iOS, Android
- Cost: Starter free; Premium $11.99 per month or $79.99 per year (convert currency)
- Trial period: 30 days
Best for indoor training
Zwift
What it does
If it’s the best indoor cycling apps you’re looking for, Zwift is still the go-to for a platform where cyclists can ride and compete within a virtual world.
It has a confident spot among the top cycling apps for iPhone and Android and connects riders from all over the planet. It suits all skill levels, allows you to set and smash goals, and offers structured training programmes.
Why it’s great
- Connects riders all over the world
- Structured training programmes
- Suitable for all skill levels
- Good to keep your motivation up when you can’t ride outside
Things to be aware of
- Based on the virtual rather than outdoor world
- Cycling on Zwift can be much harder than riding outside
Alternatives
- wahoofitness.com/systm
- onepeloton.co.uk
More info
- Platform: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
- Cost: Starter free; Premium £17.99 per month (convert currency)
- Trial period: 14 days
- Read on: Discover whether to rent a turbo to Zwift on with our guide to turbo trainer hire. You might also be interested in our complete cycling power meters guide and our tips for training for long distance cycling.
Best for watching a film while abroad
Netflix
What it does
Again, you’d have to have been living as a hermit not to have heard of Netflix. But we mention it here because it’s a great app to have when you’re travelling and want something good to watch in the evening.
Netflix is different from the other cycling apps for Android and Apple on this list, as of course it’s not specifically for cyclists. Rather, this is an app to download when you want to watch movies while you’re away on a cycling trip. You can watch what you want on TVs, consoles, smartphones, tablets, laptops and more.
Why it’s great
- Compatible with many devices
- Unlimited film and TV streaming service
- Watch online when you pay for an ad-free plan
- Can download TV and films to watch offline
Things to be aware of
- Cheapest plans include ads
- You’ll need a decent WiFi signal for live streaming
- Worth downloading films before your cycling holiday in case your hotel wifi isn’t up to streaming
Alternatives
- primevideo.com
- disneyplus.com
More info
- Platform: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
- Cost: £4.99 to £15.00 per month (convert currency)
- Trial period: None
- Read on: Explore the top cycling documentaries or best cycling-themed movies you can watch while away from home.
Best travel apps for cyclists (free)
Best for finding somewhere to stay on your route
Booking.com
What it does
The booking.com app is a must for cyclists that travel frequently. If you get stuck somewhere in the Alps and need to stay overnight – or like heading off on impromptu trips – this app will help you book a place for you and your ride.
The map is particularly user-friendly, and you can use the availability function to find out what’s available tonight in the area.
Why it’s great
- Ideal for frequent travellers
- Covers all sorts of accommodation
- The date search and map functionality are very practical
- Useful for impromptu trips and changes of plan
Things to be aware of
- Accommodation descriptions can be vague and usually don’t mention facilities for cyclists
- Room type options are sometimes confusing
Alternatives
- agoda.com
- expedia.com
More info
- Platform: iOS, Android
- Cost: Free
- Trial period: N/A
Best for DIY cyclists looking to easily organise their cycling trip details
TripIt
What it does
For anyone looking to plan all aspects of their cycling holiday, TripIt gives you a place to store your essential travel details, including flight information and hotels. All you need to do is take care of the bookings and once sorted, you either sync your emails, or send them to the app. TripIt then creates a comprehensive itinerary for each trip.
Why its great
- The free version enables you to make an itinerary
- With the paid version, they send you updates on any flight changes
- Helps you easily organise your journeys and keep your travel plans in one place
Things to be aware of
- Best to double check flight info/ alerts provided directly with your airline
- Some elements of adding to the itinerary can be clunky e.g. places of interest.
More info
- Platform: IOS, Android
- Cost: Free basic package, $49 dollars for a TripIt Pro yearly subscription
- Trial period: N/a
Best for ordering something you forgot to bring with you
Amazon
What it does
Again, this is not a cycling app as such and of course you will be aware of it. We include it here because the Amazon app is ideal for on-the-go cyclists who may need to order something while away from home. Whether that’s a more secure bike lock, extra clothing or a non-cycling-related item.
Why it’s great
- Familiar to most people
- Super quick ordering including one click
- Lots of choice regarding items and sellers
Things to be aware of
- Not a specialist cycling retailer
- Prices aren’t always the lowest available
- Make sure you change your delivery address if you’re ordering away from home!
Alternatives
- ebay.com
- onbuy.com
More info
- Platform: iOS, Android
- Cost: Free
- Trial period: N/A
Best for luggage transfer
Send my Bag
What it does
Send My Bag is an app that offers travelling cyclists a genuinely useful service. Via this app, you can send your bike, some luggage or a parcel in just a few clicks. It’s safe, great value and reliable, and the company offers good customer service.
Why it’s great
- Bike shipping app
- Send all sorts of other items
- Save money, time and stress
Things to be aware of
- It’s always worth shopping around
- Not a specialist bike shipping company
Alternatives
More info
- Platform: iOS, Android
- Cost: Free
- Trial period: N/A
- Read on: Check out our comprehensive guide to shipping a bike.
Best for reading signposts and menus in foreign languages
Google Translate
What it does
Another app that’s not just for cyclists but which is really useful when you’re away from home! You can even use the camera function to translate the text on images. Whether you need to work out how to explain you’ve got a mechanical, make an inquiry or order from a menu, this app is a godsend to cyclists on the move.
Why it’s great
- Instant translation
- 100+ languages as well as English
- Can translate text on images from your phone
Things to be aware of
- Stylised text translations may not work
- Overall accuracy is way below 100%
Alternatives
- translator.microsoft.com
- itranslate.com
More info
- Platform: iOS, Android
- Cost: Free
- Trial period: N/A
Best for making your friends jealous of your latest trip
What it does
Again not an obvious cycling app but one which cyclists love to use: Instagram. How else are you going to remember to send your photos to us, for starters?! Insta is great for upping your photography game, plus connecting with friends, family and the cycling community.
Why it’s great
- Connect with cyclists everywhere
- Useful for finding local services and recommendations
Things to be aware of
- It can become very addictive and time-consuming
- Finding what you’re looking for can be tricky!
Alternatives
- tiktok.com
- twitter.com
More info
- Platform: iOS, Android
- Cost: Free
- Trial period: N/A
- Read on: Read our guide to the best road cycling Instagram accounts to follow.
Best general cycling apps (free)
Best for knowing what to wear
www.bbc.com/weather
What it does
If you need to know what the weather is going to be like for the day, then the BBC weather app could be a surprise contender for best cycling app for iPhone and Android. It will give you the pointers you need about what to the weather has in store and so what you need to wear on the road.
Why it’s great
- Reliable source of weather info wherever you’re cycling
Things to be aware of
- Not a cycling-specific app
- Not always accurate!
Alternatives
- news.sky.com
- apps.apple.com
More info
- Platform: iOS, Android
- Cost: Free
- Trial period: N/A
- Read on: For more advice on when to ride where, read this.
Best for first aid
St John Ambulance (or American Red Cross)
What it does
You can have the best cycling navigation app in the world – but could it save your life? Downloading the St John Ambulance app (or the American Red Cross app in the US) could do just that if you get into a sticky situation. This is a particularly important one if you’re heading out off-road, for example on a gravel bike tour.
Why it’s great
- Life-saving potential
- Updated with the latest advice
- Includes audio instructions and visual guides
Things to be aware of
- Next page sometimes scrolls to bottom
- Not a substitute for formal training
Alternatives
- redcross.org.uk
- ifrc.org
More info
- Platform: iOS, Android
- Cost: Free
- Trial period: N/A
Best for improving your next ride
Fill That Hole
What it does
Fill That Hole is an app that can warn you of the sort of potholes with the potential to unseat a fast-moving rider. You can check out the map before riding somewhere new, or report a hold to save another cyclist.
Fill That Hole comes from Cycling UK, who have the power to get something done about such menaces!
Why it’s great
- Check for hazards before leaving home
- Interactive hazard map
- Report potholes
Things to be aware of
- Different local councils are responsible for taking action
- Cycling UK only have the power to influence
Alternatives
- fixmystreet.com
- potholereporter.com
More info
- Platform: iOS, Android
- Cost: Free
- Trial period: N/A
What’s your favourite cycling app in the UK (or elsewhere)?
Which ones have we missed? Share your favourite cycling apps below!
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Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels – and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they’re there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.
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Booking is great. We use it a lot. But we use Google Maps then type “accommodations” to find all the possible places to stay.
Best for indoor training – I would definitely add Rouvy to your selection. It is number one app in offering the augmented reality and an endless selection of routes from the real world.
Your writing is not only informative but also entertaining. It’s a rare combination that keeps me coming back for more.