A smart trainer is a piece of equipment you connect to your bike to keep you from losing your mind when riding inside. But with the added benefit of cycling apps such as Zwift. It allows the resistance and other parameters to be controlled. Now ‘smart’ means two-way communication on speed power and often cadence between apps on your phone, computer or tablet and the smart trainer. Most importantly, it means that apps can control the resistance of the trainer so when you come to a virtual hill or the start of a hard workout, the trainer adjusts automatically making it more difficult to pedal.
So these are the top budget smart trainers that will make your training more fun and realistic than ever before.
1. Elite Suito-T
Technical Specifications:
- Resistance Type: Direct drive, electromagnetic
- Max Power Output: 1900W at 40 km/h
- Max Simulated Gradient: 15%
- Flywheel Weight: 3.5 kg
The Elite Suito-T is a well-balanced, mid-range direct-drive trainer that delivers solid performance straight out of the box. It comes pre-assembled with a cassette-free design, making it easy to set up. With a 3.5 kg flywheel and electromagnetic resistance, the Suito-T offers a smooth and realistic road feel, though it doesn’t match the premium responsiveness of high-end models. The trainer is compatible with major cycling apps like Zwift and TrainerRoad, ensuring seamless connectivity via Bluetooth and ANT+.
While the Suito-T is quieter than some budget wheel-on trainers, it isn’t completely silent, particularly during high-intensity sprints. The resistance accuracy is within ±2.5%, which is respectable but slightly less precise than top-tier trainers. However, for its price point, the Suito-T delivers an engaging indoor riding experience with enough resistance to challenge most cyclists. If you’re looking for a good balance between affordability and performance, this trainer is a strong contender.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
✔️ Ready to use out of the box (minimal assembly)
✔️ Compatible with all major training apps
✔️ Decent power and gradient simulation for the price
✔️ Compact and foldable design for easy storage
Cons:
❌ Cassette not included
❌ Not as quiet as premium trainers
❌ Accuracy slightly lower than high-end competitors
❌ Flywheel could be heavier for better road feel
2. Wahoo Fitness KICKR CORE
Technical Specifications:
- Resistance Type: Direct drive, electromagnetic
- Max Power Output: 1800W at 40 km/h
- Max Simulated Gradient: 16%
- Flywheel Weight: 5.4 kg
The Wahoo KICKR CORE is a popular mid-range smart trainer that provides a near-premium experience at a lower cost. With a 5.4 kg flywheel, it delivers a smooth and natural ride feel, closely mimicking outdoor cycling. The electromagnetic resistance is responsive and accurate within ±2%, making it a solid choice for both structured workouts and virtual racing. Connectivity is strong, with Bluetooth, ANT+, and FE-C support, allowing seamless integration with Zwift, Wahoo SYSTM, and other training apps.
One downside is that the KICKR CORE doesn’t come with a cassette, requiring additional setup. While quieter than older Wahoo models, it isn’t completely silent, especially under heavy loads. Its stable frame and solid construction make it reliable for long-term use, though it lacks the built-in carrying handle found on the premium KICKR V6. For those seeking a powerful, reliable smart trainer without the top-tier price tag, the KICKR CORE is an excellent option.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
✔️ Realistic ride feel with a heavy flywheel
✔️ Strong connectivity with all major apps
✔️ High resistance for tough workouts
✔️ Stable and well-built
Cons:
❌ Cassette not included
❌ Lacks built-in handle for portability
❌ Not completely silent under high power
❌ No built-in power meter like premium models
3. Elite Novo Force
Technical Specifications:
- Resistance Type: Magnetic, wheel-on
- Max Resistance Levels: 8
- Flywheel Weight: 1.7 kg
- Compatibility: Fits 24” to 29” wheels
The Elite Novo Force is an entry-level and cheap magnetic wheel-on trainer designed for budget-conscious riders. With eight resistance levels adjusted via a handlebar-mounted lever, it provides a decent range for basic indoor training. The 1.7 kg flywheel offers smooth resistance, though it lacks the inertia of direct-drive models. Setup is straightforward, and it accommodates various wheel sizes, making it a versatile option.
However, as a wheel-on trainer, it has limitations. Tire wear and noise levels are higher than those of direct-drive trainers, and the resistance isn’t as precise. It’s best suited for casual riders or those looking for an affordable way to stay active indoors. While it lacks smart features, it’s a solid choice for those who just need a basic, no-frills trainer.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
✔️ Affordable and easy to set up
✔️ Compact and lightweight for storage
✔️ Multiple resistance levels for varied workouts
✔️ Compatible with different wheel sizes
Cons:
❌ No smart connectivity
❌ Can be noisy at higher speeds
❌ Tire wear is a concern
❌ Resistance isn’t as smooth as direct-drive trainers
4. TacX Neo 2T
Technical Specifications:
- Resistance Type: Direct drive, electromagnetic
- Max Power Output: 2200W at 40 km/h
- Max Simulated Gradient: 25%
- Flywheel Equivalent: 32 kg virtual flywheel effect
The TacX Neo 2T is one of the most advanced smart trainers available, delivering near-silent operation and exceptional power accuracy of ±1%. Its unique virtual flywheel creates an incredibly realistic ride feel, even replicating road surfaces like cobblestones when used with compatible apps. With a max gradient simulation of 25%, it’s perfect for high-intensity hill training.
Unlike most trainers, the Neo 2T doesn’t require an external power source for basic operation, making it more versatile. However, its premium price might not suit casual users. While it offers cutting-edge technology, the bulky frame isn’t the most portable. Serious cyclists seeking top-tier performance and realism will find the Neo 2T hard to beat.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
✔️ Incredibly quiet operation
✔️ Highly accurate power measurement
✔️ Realistic road feel simulation
✔️ Can run without external power
Cons:
❌ Expensive
❌ Bulky and heavy
❌ No cassette included
❌ Some users report slight lag in ERG mode
5. Wahoo Fitness KICKR V6
Technical Specifications:
- Resistance Type: Direct drive, electromagnetic
- Max Power Output: 2200W at 40 km/h
- Max Simulated Gradient: 20%
- Accuracy: ±1%
The Wahoo KICKR V6 is a top-tier smart trainer designed for serious cyclists. With a powerful 2200W resistance and 20% gradient simulation, it’s built for high-intensity training. The direct-drive design offers smooth, quiet performance, and its ±1% power accuracy makes it ideal for structured workouts. One standout feature is WiFi connectivity, which ensures a stable, low-latency connection to apps like Zwift.
The KICKR V6 improves on previous models with auto-calibration and a new Race Mode for ultra-fast response times. However, it’s expensive, and like most premium trainers, it doesn’t include a cassette. If you want a pro-level experience, the KICKR V6 is one of the best options available.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
✔️ Extremely accurate power measurement
✔️ WiFi connectivity for seamless performance
✔️ Auto-calibration for hassle-free use
✔️ Excellent road feel
Cons:
❌ High price
❌ Cassette not included
❌ Large footprint for storage
❌ Needs external power for full features
6. Elite Direto XR-T
Technical Specifications:
- Resistance Type: Direct drive, electromagnetic
- Max Power Output: 2300W at 40 km/h
- Max Simulated Gradient: 24%
- Accuracy: ±1.5%
The Elite Direto XR-T is a high-end smart trainer that delivers excellent performance for the price. With 2300W max power and 24% gradient simulation, it’s one of the most capable trainers in its class. The built-in power meter ensures accuracy, making it a great choice for serious cyclists.
It’s relatively quiet but not as silent as the TacX Neo 2T. The foldable design makes it easier to store, and setup is simple, though it doesn’t include a cassette. For those who want premium features at a lower price than the top-tier models, the Direto XR-T is a solid option.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
✔️ High power and gradient simulation
✔️ Integrated power meter for accuracy
✔️ Foldable for easy storage
✔️ Good value for performance level
Cons:
❌ No cassette included
❌ Slightly louder than top models
❌ Can feel less refined under sudden power changes
❌ Requires calibration for best accuracy
7. Elite Turno
- Compatible with wheel size 20″ – 29″
- 5.1 kg flywheel
- 650 W (at 40 km/h) braking performance
- Comes with 12-month My E-Training access
- Integrated Misuro B+ sensor
Elite Turno is a budget-friendly direct drive trainer that is super quiet. The slipping rear wheel is excluded to save power. Elite Turno has a 5.1 kg flywheel that uses fluid technology, which makes pedalling as you are riding on the road outside. There is an integrated Elite Misuro B+ sensor so you can connect your trainer with a smartphone or tablet. It is also compatible with a variety of bike computers. The fluid brakes have a self-adapting progressive resistance, which increases braking power at higher speeds. This progressive resistance also offers optimum conditions for training pedalling cadence, power, and sprinting.
The construction is sturdy, well-built, and the frame is foldable for easy transport. It is suitable for wheel size 20 to 29 inches. It supports both 130 and 135 mm hub widths for quick-release (5 mm) and with 142 x 12 mm thru-axle. Elite Turno comes with a free 12-month subscription to the Elite App My E-Training. This trainer is also compatible with all popular software like Zwift, TrainerRoad, Kinomap Trainer, and others. The data is transmitted via Bluetooth and ANT+. If you are in the market for an entry-level smart trainer, the Elite Turno is a great option to consider.
Pros: Inexpensive, feels realistic, can be used inside an apartment without disturbing neighbours
Cons: Little information is available regarding the initialisation of the included Misuro B+ device.
8. Tacx Flow
- Max Power: 800 Watt
- ANT+ Connectivity, Bluetooth
- Max Incline: 6%
- Accuracy: less-than 5%
- Magnets: 6
Flow Smart Trainer is an entry-level and budget trainer because you’ve got things like the Flux and the Neo that have come along and improved that premium experience indoors. Although this unit was out in 2017, it still supports everything that’s popular today like ANT+ Bluetooth, reporting power, speed and cadence. The trainer goes up to 800 Watts for a few seconds in the sprint at about 40 kilometres an hour. It’ll pack a punch of 750 Watts for a minute if you can hold that and a 6% grade simulation as well. It’s kind of packing a punch mid-range when it comes to the hills. You’re not going to get those steep pinches, but it’s enough for a good training session.
The flywheel weight of this unit is 1.6 kilos with an effective flywheel weight of 11 kilos. Power-wise, the specification is less than 10%. Well, that means within 10% accuracy of a true calibrated and certified power meter. It also comes with a nice steel skewer. I highly recommend using those. Save the super-light race skewers for race day. But for training and just generally riding around on your bike, stick with the steel skewer. They won’t bend or break.
Pros: Reliable power measurement, interactive resistance works with Zwift and other apps
Cons: Wattage reads a little high, louder than direct-drive
9. Kinetic Rock and Roll Smart
- Compatible with Kinetic Fit, Zwift, TrainerRoad
- Pairs with devices using ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart
- Compatible with ANT+ FE-C and Bluetooth FTMS communication standards
- Frame fits 22-inch to 29-inch wheels
- Large diameter roller for reduced tire wear
Kinetic Rock and Roll Smart comes pretty much preassembled. You just need to take it out of the box, put it on both legs, tighten those down, and mount the bike with the supplied skewer. If you find the unit sways to the left or to the right, you can re-centre the bike. Now turn on the knob, once it’s touching the tyre and three full rotations should give you enough resistance. For optimal performance, use the Tacx tyre at 100 psi. The assembly manual that comes with it is the best I have ever seen for an indoor trainer. It is full of glossy and clear instructions to get you up and running straight away.
Rock and Roll Smart is essentially like other fixed wheel trainers but adds a novel suspension mechanism that gives the rider some freedom of movement in all directions. The trainer has a very large base to account for the extra instability introduced by this mechanism. The big footprint works well, and the trainer is quite stable but it will require a little more room than your standard trainer so be aware of that. There is an elastomer sandwiched between metal plates, which is then secured with some big carriage bolts. This mechanism allows the resistance unit and your bike to float to some degree. The amount of float you get is determined by how tight you set those carriage bolts, which means that it’s user tunable. If you want the unit a little stiffer just tighten the bolts and vice versa.
Pros: Smooth and sustained 3d realism with smart upgrade capability
Cons: Bulky and heavy, not compatible with Pro Flywheel accessory
A Guide to Budget Smart Turbo Trainers
You worked hard for your fitness over the summer and it’s a fall now and you’re still riding. But winter is coming and it’s going to be time to move indoor soon. The best way to maintain your fitness over the winter or to get a head start on your fitness towards the spring is to use an indoor trainer. Now an indoor trainer is a device that’s the axis of a tripod. It’s going to attach to the rear wheel of your bicycle. That’s going to lift the rear wheel off the ground just a little bit and it’s going to press a resistance unit against the tyre. That will give you a smooth and consistent resistance so that you can pedal and train indoors just like you would outside.
There are three basic types of indoor trainers. You’ve got magnetic, fluid and an interactive or trainer. I’m going to walk you through each one a little bit and just give you some idea of which one might be the right trainer for you.
Magnetic Trainers
The most basic type of trainer is going to be the magnetic resistance unit. It uses opposing magnets to create the resistance that’s pressed against your rear tyre and makes it harder to ride. A magnetic resistance unit provides a nice consistent linear resistance that can be adjustable. Many magnetic trainers come with a handlebar-mounted remote that gives you multiple different levels of resistance. If you wanted to do interval training, you have that option.
Fluid Trainers
A fluid trainer uses a fluid resistance unit. It means that there’s basically a fan that is sitting inside a heavy viscous fluid. When you turn the wheel, your bike spins that fan and the fluid creates the resistance. The main benefit of a fluid trainer is that you get progressive resistance. It means is that the faster your rear wheel turns the more resistance you get. You can essentially vary the level of resistance simply by shifting gears on your bike or by pedalling harder or softer.
There are three types of fluid resistance trainers. One uses a gravity stand and all you have to do is lock the rear wheel of your bike into the trainer. The weight of the bike and rider against the resistance unit puts the right amount of contact between the resistance unit and the tyre. On the other hand, there are also fluid trainers where you can manually adjust the level of resistance that is being put against your rear tyre.
If you like the idea of a fluid trainer and you’re looking to step up to the next level, you could consider a fluid trainer like the CycleOps Fluid2. The first thing you’ll notice about it is that the fluid resistance unit is much larger. There are a bigger fan and cooling vents. It allows for a much steeper power curve. If you’re looking to do workouts that you know can be more challenging, the CycleOps Fluid2 would be a great choice for you.
The last type of fluid trainer that I want to address is the adjustable fluid. If you are a rider who loves precision and you’ve got specific workouts that you like to do and you want just a little bit more control than a standard fluid trainer. You can get a fluid trainer that has an adjustable resistance unit. This particular trainer gives you five different levels of resistance so that you can be much more precise with your indoor training.
Smart Trainers
The ultimate in indoor training is the smart trainer. This trainer uses a computer-controlled resistance unit that connects to a computer either a laptop or a desktop. A lot of people will then hook the computer up to a television. So you get not only the maximum level of control over the amount of resistance that you have but you can do extremely specific workouts. You can download and record all of the data from your ride. You can even ride simulated courses. Most smart trainers will come with and allow you to purchase additional video courses.
Additional Accessories
So now I have addressed the major types of trainers and you’ve got some idea of which trainer is going to be the best trainer for you. There are a couple of accessories that you ought to consider as well.
Now as I mentioned earlier the trainer is going to lift the rear wheel of your bike just an inch or two off the ground. It’s pretty important to get a front riser block to lift your front wheel about the same amount that levels everything out.
Another nice accessory to have is the mat that the whole bike and trainer sits on. The trainer mat absorbs some of the sounds that a trainer makes especially if there’s going to be anybody on floors beneath you when you’re riding. A trainer mat is nice to have and it also keeps your floor clean of any sweat.
Most bikes will have a sweat net to keep the sweat under control. It looks like a pretty small thing but when you’re sitting still, this does capture most of the sweat that you’re going to drop. It protects your bike and your bike hardware from your sweat.
