Is Zwift Free?

Zwift pricing has gotten complicated with all the subscription debates flying around. As someone who’s used Zwift for several winter seasons and compared it to every alternative, I learned everything there is to know about what the platform actually costs versus what you get. Today, I will share it all with you.

That’s what makes Zwift endearing to us indoor cyclists — it transforms boring trainer sessions into something almost fun. Whether that’s worth the monthly fee depends on your situation.

The Short Answer

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. No, Zwift is not free. It costs $14.99 per month after a 7-day free trial. There’s no free tier, no permanent free option, no way to use it without paying eventually.

What You Need Beyond the Subscription

The subscription is just the start. To actually use Zwift, you need:

• A bike: Your existing bike works fine
• A trainer: Smart trainers ($300-1200) work best. Basic trainers with a speed sensor ($20) work but with less immersion
• A device: Computer, tablet, Apple TV, or phone to run the app
• Heart rate monitor: Optional but recommended

The hardware costs add up. A decent smart trainer runs $500-800. If you already own this equipment, the subscription is your only ongoing cost. If you’re starting from scratch, budget $400-1000 for a reasonable setup.

What the Subscription Gets You

For $15 monthly:

• Virtual worlds to ride through — Watopia, London, New York, and others
• Group rides and races happening constantly
• Structured training plans designed by coaches
• Community features and social riding
• Progress tracking and achievements

The content and features update regularly. New routes, events, and functionality appear throughout the year.

Is It Worth the Cost?

Depends entirely on how you’ll use it:

Worth it if: You ride indoors regularly (2+ times per week), you enjoy the social or competitive aspects, you get bored easily on a static trainer, you live somewhere with long winters.

Maybe not worth it if: You rarely ride indoors, you’re fine with just music or Netflix while pedaling, you only need basic training features, money is tight.

Alternatives to Consider

Free or cheaper options exist:

• TrainerRoad: Slightly cheaper, focused on structured training without virtual worlds
• Rouvy: Real-world video routes, similar pricing
• YouTube/Netflix: Free entertainment while you pedal (no interactive features)
• Just riding: Stare at the wall and suffer — it builds character

The Free Trial Strategy

Use the 7-day trial wisely. Actually ride multiple times during it. Try the features that interest you. Do a group ride or race. If it doesn’t click during the trial, you probably won’t use it enough to justify the cost.

Pausing Your Subscription

Zwift lets you pause during off-seasons. If you ride outdoors all summer, pause from May through September. Only pay for months you’ll actually use it. This brings the real annual cost way down.

Zwift isn’t free, but the value equation depends on individual usage. High-frequency indoor riders generally find it worthwhile. Occasional users might not. The trial period exists specifically to help you figure out which camp you’re in.