# TrainerRoad vs TruTrainer SmartLoad

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: TruTrainer SmartLoad at none against TrainerRoad's 2. TruTrainer SmartLoad also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 16.0). TrainerRoad's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 9 months) and ratings volume (21K vs 1). On price, rating, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. TrainerRoad sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $21.99 per month. TruTrainer SmartLoad asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for TrainerRoad against 5.0 for TruTrainer SmartLoad. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: TrainerRoad has 21K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

TrainerRoad ships an update weekly, TruTrainer SmartLoad every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and September 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | TrainerRoad | TruTrainer SmartLoad |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (21K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trainerroad/id934224107/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trutrainer-smartload/id1428536391/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **21K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 81.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 9 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free** |
| Size | 95 MB | 30 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Trainer Road, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/934224106) | [Ross Belloni](https://appshunter.io/developer/1428536390) |

## What reviewers say

### TrainerRoad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trainerroad/id934224107)

This app offers intelligent cycling and triathlon training plans that adapt to your performance, schedule, and goals. It provides daily workout recommendations, instant analysis, and over 3,000 structured workouts to help you become a faster cyclist.

**Highlights:** Adaptive Training plans, Daily workout recommendations, Progression Levels, 100+ training plans, 3,000+ structured workouts, Interactive Training Calendar, Indoor/outdoor training

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TrainerRoad Standard | $21.99 | per month |
| TrainerRoad Standard | $209.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Makes Training Dead Simple
- 🚀 Continual Improvement
- 🚀 Excellent Training Platform
- 🚀 Transformational and Uplifting
- 🚀 Brilliant to Manage Burnout

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Horrible App, Constantly Crashing
- 🐛 App is Always Slow and Buggy
- 🔋 Expensive Compared to Alternatives

**Reported bugs**

- Devices not always picked up
- Power spikes to twice FTP

**Requested features**

- Apple TV support
- Better integration with Apple Health


### TruTrainer SmartLoad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trutrainer-smartload/id1428536391)

Control your bicycle trainer with three distinct modes: manual load, target power, or simulated wind and grade. Customize parameters for your bike and environment, and calibrate the system for accurate resistance. The app also allows for device firmware updates.

**Highlights:** Manual load percentage control, Target power (wattage) control, Wind and grade simulation, Bike and environmental parameter customization, Calibration routine, Device firmware updates

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TrainerRoad free?

TrainerRoad is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is TruTrainer SmartLoad free?

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

### Which has better reviews, TrainerRoad or TruTrainer SmartLoad?

TruTrainer SmartLoad is rated higher. TrainerRoad averages 4.9 out of 5 from 21K ratings, while TruTrainer SmartLoad averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do TrainerRoad or TruTrainer SmartLoad have ads?

Neither TrainerRoad nor TruTrainer SmartLoad shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, TrainerRoad or TruTrainer SmartLoad?

TrainerRoad ships an update weekly, and TruTrainer SmartLoad every 9 months. Most recently, TrainerRoad was updated on September 27, 2026 and TruTrainer SmartLoad on September 14, 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.*