Comparison

Virtual Cycling Trainer vs Shiftrs

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Virtual Cycling Trainer

Features
Read full description

Virtual Cycling Trainer is a focused workout companion for Bluetooth FTMS smart trainers. No virtual worlds. No avatars. No sign-ups. Just your ride metrics and full trainer control—nothing more, nothing less. Connect your FTMS trainer and ride. Control ERG mode for target power, set a fixed resistance level, or simulate hills with slope mode. Real-time stats keep you informed: power, cadence, speed, heart rate, distance, and energy. That's it. - Pure workout tracking—no 3D games or virtual courses - Full trainer control: ERG, Resistance, and Slope modes - Mode and target shortcuts for quick changes mid-ride - Set mode, watts, resistance, or slope with Siri, hands free mid-ride - Live metrics: power, cadence, speed, heart rate, distance, energy - Heart rate zones and power zones with optional notifications - Mark a ride as a race, then filter your history to races - Heart rate from Bluetooth HR straps, AirPods, or Apple Watch — your choice - Live Activities and widgets for quick access - Metric or imperial units - Privacy-first: no accounts, no sign-ups, no tracking - Customizable workout layouts on iPhone and iPad: choose and arrange the stats you want to see - Body temperature, skin temperature, and heat strain for heat training, with compatible Bluetooth sensors Built for riders who want a clean, distraction-free indoor cycling experience. Connect your trainer, start your workout, and focus on the ride. The app and all in-app purchases are licensed under Apple standard terms: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula

About

Shiftrs

Features
Read full description

Shiftrs is a streamlined app designed for indoor cyclists who want simple control over their smart trainer. Set your target wattage and ride. No complicated workout builders, no subscriptions, no distractions. Works with any smart trainer that supports Bluetooth FTMS (Fitness Machine Service). Compatible with trainers from Elite, Saris, Tacx, Wahoo, and more. Key Features • Quick device scanning and connection • Automatic reconnection if signal drops • Precise ERG mode power targeting • Real-time power, cadence, and speed display Perfect For • Simple endurance rides at steady power • Testing trainer calibration • Warming up before virtual races No account required. No internet connection needed. Just connect and ride.

Screenshots

Virtual Cycling Trainer4 screens
Shiftrs4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Shiftrs at none against Virtual Cycling Trainer's 3. Shiftrs also leads on iOS requirement (14.0 vs 26.0). Virtual Cycling Trainer's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Virtual Cycling Trainer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Shiftrs asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Virtual Cycling Trainer ships an update every 9 days, Shiftrs every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and September 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 3 level
Virtual Cycling Trainer versus Shiftrs: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVirtual Cycling TrainerShiftrs
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 9 days — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS26.014.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size54 MB8 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperVsevolod KlementjevJacob Hayes

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Virtual Cycling Trainer

Subscriptions2
  • Training Pass - Monthly7 Days trial$1.991 Month
  • Training Pass - Annual1 Year trial$14.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime$59.99
None

Shiftrs

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Virtual Cycling Trainer free?
Virtual Cycling Trainer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Shiftrs free?
Shiftrs is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Virtual Cycling Trainer or Shiftrs have ads?
Neither Virtual Cycling Trainer nor Shiftrs shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Virtual Cycling Trainer or Shiftrs?
Virtual Cycling Trainer ships an update every 9 days, and Shiftrs every 3 weeks. Most recently, Virtual Cycling Trainer was updated on September 15, 2026 and Shiftrs on September 5, 2026.

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