# Tacx Training™ vs Specialized

The clearest difference is monetization model: Specialized at ad-supported against Tacx Training™'s freemium. Specialized also leads on review sentiment (51% vs 42%). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Tacx Training™ against 4.7 for Specialized. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 16K and 12K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 42% of Tacx Training™'s written reviews are positive against 51% of Specialized's.

Tacx Training™ ships an update every 3 weeks, Specialized fortnightly. Both last shipped on November 2, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Tacx Training™ | Specialized |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (16K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tacx-training/id892366151/reviews) | **[4.7 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/specialized/id1587051382/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **16K** | 12K |
| Positive reviews | 41.9% of reviews | **50.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 363 MB | 160 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Garmin](https://appshunter.io/developer/411046952) | [Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/627538437) |

## What reviewers say

### Tacx Training™

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tacx-training/id892366151)

Transform indoor cycling into immersive outdoor experiences. Connect to a smart trainer to simulate real-world terrain and track performance data. Enjoy virtual rides, challenges, and sync with other devices for comprehensive training.

**Highlights:** Simulate real-world climbs and descents, Real-time speed, power, and cadence data, Automatic trainer resistance adjustment, Syncs with Garmin Connect and Coach, Virtual GroupRides and challenges, Access to 500+ video routes (Premium)

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great workout software
- 🚀 Excellent video quality and variety
- 🚀 Seamless integration with Garmin
- 👍 Easy to use
- 👍 Realistic riding experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent connection issues
- 🐛 Buggy and unreliable app
- 🐛 Crashes during rides
- 🐛 Data loss and syncing problems
- 🔒 Poor customer support

**Reported bugs**

- Inconsistent power and speed readings
- Inability to resume paused rides
- Connectivity issues with Bluetooth sensors
- Calibration problems with trainers
- Compatibility issues with older devices

**Requested features**

- Ability to download videos for offline use
- More detailed performance analytics
- Integration with other fitness apps (e.g. Apple Health)
- Better customization options for data screens
- Audio cues and prompts during workouts


### Specialized

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/specialized/id1587051382)

Enhance your cycling with advanced ride tracking, performance analytics, and e-bike management. Monitor your bike's settings, battery life, and security features. Sync your rides with other fitness apps for a complete overview of your active lifestyle.

**Highlights:** Ride recording with GPS, Advanced performance analytics, Turbo e-bike management, Turbo System Auto-Lock, Smart battery management, Partner app synchronization

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Seamless bike connectivity
- 👍 Intuitive tuning interface
- 🔒 Improved security features
- 💡 Integration with Apple Health
- 👍 Customizable data screens

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent auto-unlock feature
- 🔋 Higher phone battery drain
- 🔍 Reduced map detail compared to previous app
- 🔍 Missing firmware update functionality
- 🔍 Lack of custom preset options

**Reported bugs**

- Ride recording issues causing incorrect mileage
- Connectivity problems when pairing bikes
- Tuning settings not saving properly

**Requested features**

- Add option to disable map display
- Bring back Smart Control mode
- Allow custom tuning presets
- Integrate with Apple Watch for heart rate monitoring
- Add more data fields and customization options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Tacx Training™ free?

Tacx Training™ is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Specialized free?

Specialized is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Tacx Training™ or Specialized?

Specialized is rated higher. Tacx Training™ averages 4.6 out of 5 from 16K ratings, while Specialized averages 4.7 from 12K ratings.

### Do Tacx Training™ or Specialized have ads?

Neither Tacx Training™ nor Specialized shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Tacx Training™ or Specialized?

Tacx Training™ ships an update every 3 weeks, and Specialized fortnightly. Most recently, Tacx Training™ was updated on November 2, 2026 and Specialized on November 2, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*