Comparison

RideByHeart vs Shiftrs

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

Head to head
About

RideByHeart

This app offers indoor cycling training without a subscription. It connects to FTMS-compatible smart trainers and heart rate monitors for professional-grade workouts. Enjoy structured training, real-time metrics, and workout export features.

Highlights
  • FTMS-compatible smart trainer connection
  • Bluetooth heart rate monitor support
  • Structured workouts
  • FTP-based power training
  • Heart rate zone training with automatic resistance
  • Real-time metrics (power, cadence, speed, HR, calories)
  • Workout recording and TCX export
Features
Read full description

Indoor cycling training without the subscription. RideByHeart connects to any FTMS-compatible smart trainer and Bluetooth heart rate monitor for professional-grade workouts. TRAIN YOUR WAY No subscriptions. No accounts. No forced updates. Free during the introductory testing phase. (In future ... if free app is unsustainable we might ask for a one time pay, train forever) SMART TRAINER SUPPORT • Tested and verified: Wahoo KICKR • Should work with any FTMS-compatible trainer: - Tacx Neo, Flux, and Flow - Elite Direto, Suito, and Justo - Saris H3 and M2 - Other Bluetooth FTMS trainers Note: App uses the standard FTMS protocol. While tested on KICKR, it should work with all FTMS-compatible trainers. Feedback welcome! FEATURES • Structured workouts • FTP-based power training • Heart rate zone workouts with automatic resistance (You choose an HR zone to train and the trainer resistance will adjust to keep your heart-rate in that zone) • Real-time metrics: power, cadence, speed, heart rate and calories • Workout recording and TCX export for Strava • BIAS control for mid-workout adjustments • Import custom workouts via .zwo files • Direct Strava upload for completed workouts • Expanded structured workout library

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

RideByHeart1 screens
Shiftrs4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: RideByHeart at weekly against Shiftrs's every 3 weeks. Shiftrs's advantage is iOS requirement (14.0 vs 18.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

RideByHeart ships an update weekly, Shiftrs every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on August 23, 2026 and September 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
RideByHeart versus Shiftrs: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRideByHeartShiftrs
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (5 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings5 — better—
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS18.614.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB8 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerjithu josephJacob Hayes

In-app purchases

None

RideByHeart

No in-app purchases

None

Shiftrs

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is RideByHeart free?
RideByHeart is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Shiftrs free?
Shiftrs is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do RideByHeart or Shiftrs have ads?
Neither RideByHeart nor Shiftrs shows ads.
Which is updated more often, RideByHeart or Shiftrs?
RideByHeart ships an update weekly, and Shiftrs every 3 weeks. Most recently, RideByHeart was updated on August 23, 2026 and Shiftrs on September 5, 2026.

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