Having the best apps for cycling at our fingertips is really helpful especially when you’re riding somewhere new or planning your next route 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. These include tools for understanding conditions, researching routes and staying connected to cycling even when you’re off the bike.
Here are 16 of the best cycling apps to make sure you can get the info you need while on the move!
(Update note for 2026: app features and pricing change often and may vary by country.)
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.
Want to connect with Clare? Find her over on LinkedIn.
Best cycling apps (free and paid upgrade)
Best apps for planning routes
1. 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
- Strong integration with cycling devices such as Garmin and Wahoo
Things to be aware of
- Navigation and offline features require a subscription
- Customer support experiences vary. It is worth checking recent reviews before committing to a paid plan
Alternatives
maps.me (great for offline navigation, especially in areas with limited signal and with extensive user-generated points of interest)
More info
- Platform: iOS, Android
- Cost: Starter free; Basic $5.00/month billed annually or Premium $6.67/month billed annually. Convert currency here.
- Trial period: 30 days
- Read on: Find out more with our ultimate guide to cycle route planning.
2. Komoot
What it does
Komoot is one of the most widely used cycling route planning apps, particularly useful when riding in a new destination. You can plan routes based on distance, elevation and surface type, then follow them using turn-by-turn navigation.
It also includes a large library of routes created by other cyclists, helping you find well-used and reliable roads.
Why it’s great
- Easy to plan and customise routes
- Strong route discovery from other cyclists
- Turn-by-turn navigation available
- Offline maps useful when travelling
Things to be aware of
- Full map access requires payment
- Route quality depends on user data
Alternatives
- ridewithgps.com
- mapmyride.com
More info
- Platform: iOS, Android
- Cost: Free basic version; map bundles from around $3.99 or global unlock approx. $29.99 one-off. Convert currency here.
- Trial period: No standard trial (free tier available)
3. OS Maps
What it does
OS Maps provides detailed mapping that is particularly useful for cyclists riding quieter roads, gravel routes or mixed terrain. It gives a clearer view of elevation and terrain than many standard cycling apps.
Why it’s great
- Highly detailed mapping
- Good for gravel and quieter routes
- Helps you understand terrain before riding
Things to be aware of
- Less cycling-specific than some apps
- Subscription required for full features
Alternatives
- komoot.com
- ridewithgps.com
More info
- Platform: iOS, Android
- Cost: £34.99 per year (£2.92/month). Convert currency here.
- Trial period: 14-day free trial
Best app for seeing what your mates are riding
4. 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 to record your activity (and, with a subscription, you can also get route tools like offline maps and route planning) and is social-media friendly for sharing info. The heatmaps are particularly useful when you’re somewhere new and want to follow proven cycling routes rather than guessing where to ride.
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
- Heatmaps help you find popular cycling routes quickly
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 prices vary by country (Strava displays pricing in local currency). In the US, it lists $11.99/month or $79.99/year (plus taxes). Convert currency here.
- Trial period: 30 days
Best for indoor training
5. 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’s a useful way to maintain cycling fitness when you can’t ride outdoors or want structured workouts.
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: Premium $19.99/month plus applicable tax or $199.99/year (save 2 months) plus applicable tax. Convert currency here.
- Trial period: Monthly membership includes a 14-day free trial for new subscribers; annual membership does not include a free trial.
- 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 structured training and performance
6. TrainingPeaks
What it does
TrainingPeaks is designed for cyclists who want a structured approach to improving their riding. It allows you to follow training plans, track performance data and prepare for events or multi-day cycling trips.
It integrates with power meters, heart rate monitors and GPS devices to give deeper insight into your training.
Why it’s great
- Structured training plans
- Detailed performance tracking
- Useful for event preparation
Things to be aware of
- Best suited to more committed riders
- Full features require subscription
Alternatives
- trainerroad.com
- zwift.com
More info
- Platform: iOS, Android
- Cost: Free basic version; Premium approx. $19.95/month or approx. $134.99/year. Convert currency here.
- Trial period: 14 days
Best for cycling inspiration and education
7. YouTube
What it does
YouTube is a valuable tool for cyclists researching routes before a trip. You can watch riders who have already ridden the same routes, helping you understand gradients, road conditions and what to expect.
It also offers bike maintenance tutorials, repair guides and training advice, making it useful both before and during a cycling trip. You can also watch cycling content in the evenings while you’re away.
Why it’s great
- Watch routes before riding them
- Learn maintenance and repair skills
- Huge range of cycling content
Things to be aware of
- Quality varies between creators
- Can be time-consuming
Alternatives
gcn.eu
More info
- Platform: iOS, Android, web
- Cost: Free; Premium approx. $13.99/month for Individual; $22.99 /month for Family; $7.99 /month for Student (varies by country). Convert currency here.
- Trial period: Typically 1 month
Best for planning, research and on-the-go advice
8. ChatGPT
What it does
ChatGPT is an AI-powered assistant that can help cyclists plan routes, prepare for trips and solve problems on the go. You can use it to research cycling destinations, build route ideas, check what to pack or get quick answers while travelling.
It’s particularly useful before a trip, where you can ask for suggested routes, climbing highlights or advice on when to ride in a specific region. During a trip, it can help with things like troubleshooting minor mechanical issues, understanding local cycling etiquette or finding nearby services.
It can also be used for training support, helping you structure rides, understand recovery strategies or break down a training plan in simple terms.
Why it’s great
- Helps you plan routes and trips quickly
- Useful for researching destinations and climbs
- Can provide quick answers while travelling
- Supports training, maintenance and general cycling questions
Things to be aware of
- Requires an internet connection for full functionality
- Advice should be sense-checked, especially for safety-critical situations
- Not a substitute for navigation or specialist tools
Alternatives
- Google Search
- Perplexity AI
More info
- Platform: iOS, Android, web
- Cost: Free plan available; Plus $20/month, Pro $200/month, Business from approx. $25/user/month. Convert currency here.
- Trial period: No standard free trial
Best for watching cycling
9. HBO Max (TNT Sports)
What it does
HBO Max is now the streaming home of TNT Sports in the UK and Ireland, bringing live cycling and other major sporting events into a single platform alongside films and TV.
Through TNT Sports, you can watch professional cycling races including Grand Tours, Classics and other major events, making it a useful app if your trip overlaps with the race calendar. You can stream live coverage or catch up on highlights, helping you stay connected to the sport while travelling.
It also allows you to watch cycling content in the evenings after a ride, adding context to the climbs, routes and regions you may be riding yourself.
Why it’s great
- Watch live professional cycling races
- Stay engaged with the sport while travelling
- Adds context and motivation to your own riding
Things to be aware of
- Subscription required
- Streaming quality depends on your connection
- Cycling coverage depends on broadcast rights
Alternatives
eurosport.com
More info
- Platform: iOS, Android, web
- Cost: HBO Max plans from £4.99–£14.99/month (entertainment only); TNT Sports add-on approx. £30.99/month; saver plan approx. £25.99/month with 12-month commitment. Convert currency here.
- Trial period: No free trial currently offered (as of 2026)
Best travel apps for cyclists (free)
Best for luggage transfer
10. 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. It has both iOS and Android apps, with features like shipment tracking, push notifications, and uploading customs documents using your phone camera.
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
11. Google Translate
What it does
Google Translate is 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
- Typed translation supports 108 languages
- Offline mode supports 59 languages
- Instant camera translation supports 94 languages
- Conversation mode supports 70 languages
- 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 general cycling apps (free)
Best for knowing riding conditions
12. MyWindSock
What it does
MyWindSock is a cycling-specific weather tool that focuses on wind conditions along your planned route. Instead of giving general forecasts, it overlays wind direction, speed and gusts directly onto your ride.
You can upload a route from platforms like Strava or RWGPS and see exactly where you’ll face headwinds, tailwinds or crosswinds, helping you plan when to ride and which direction to take.
It’s particularly useful for exposed routes, coastal roads and mountainous areas where wind can have a major impact on effort and speed.
Why it’s great
- Route-specific wind forecasts (not just general weather)
- Helps you plan direction and timing of rides
- Useful for pacing and effort management
Things to be aware of
- Requires a route to get full value
- Forecast accuracy depends on weather models
Alternatives
- Windfinder.com (reliable wind forecasts to help plan your rides around conditions)
- Epicrideweather.com (weather forecasts tailored to your planned routes)
- Airvisual.com (useful for checking air quality before and during rides)
More info
- Platform: Web-based (works on mobile browsers; integrates with Strava and other platforms)
- Cost: Free plan available; Power plan $24.99/year (about $2.08/month) or Unlimited plan $29.99/year (about $2.50/month). Convert currency here.
- Trial period: No formal trial (free version available)
Best for first aid
13. St John Ambulance (or American Red Cross) ‘First Aid FAST’
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
- St John Ambulance’s current app is “First Aid FAST” and access may require a course reference (it’s designed for people on select SJA courses and community first aiders)
Alternatives
- redcross.org.uk
- ifrc.org
More info
- Platform: iOS, Android
- Cost: Free
- Trial period: N/A
Best for improving your next ride
14. 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 hole 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
- Fill That Hole is now a web app (progressive web app / PWA) you can save to your phone’s home screen, not necessarily a standalone iOS/Android app download
Alternatives
- fixmystreet.com
- potholereporter.com
More info
- Platform: iOS, Android, or via your browser
- Cost: Free
- Trial period: N/A
Best for finding toilets
15. Flush Toilet Finder
What it does
Flush Toilet Finder is a global app that helps you locate nearby public toilets, wherever you’re riding. It’s particularly useful on long rides or in unfamiliar destinations where facilities aren’t always obvious.
For cyclists, it solves a very real problem. If you’re wearing bib shorts, quick access to facilities can make a big difference to comfort on a long day out.
Why it’s great
- Worldwide coverage
- Simple map-based interface
- Very practical for long-distance rides and travel
Things to be aware of
- Information depends on user contributions
- Opening hours and access can vary
Alternatives
toilettespubliques.com (France-focused)
More info
- Platform: iOS, Android
- Cost: Free
- Trial period: N/A
Best for finding drinking water
16. WeTap
What it does
WeTap helps you find public drinking water sources, including fountains and refill points. It’s especially useful when riding in hot weather or on longer routes where planning water stops is important.
Instead of relying on shops or cafés, you can quickly locate refill points and keep your ride moving.
Why it’s great
- Easy way to find water stops on the go
- Encourages refill over buying bottled water
- Useful for route planning in warmer destinations
Things to be aware of
- Coverage varies by region
- Not all water points are guaranteed to be working
Alternatives
wetap.app (similar functionality with a community-driven database of refill points)
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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Got a question for Clare?
Fill out this form and we will send it to Clare. We aim to get you an answer within 24 hours where possible!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.
Want to connect with Clare? Find her over on LinkedIn.
Last Reviewed: 08 April 2026
First Published: 05 September 2024
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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.