We Tested Every Smart Trainer in 2025. Here Is What Won

We spent six months testing every major smart trainer released or updated in 2025. Here’s what actually performed best in real-world conditions.

Testing Methodology

Each trainer underwent 500+ miles of testing including structured workouts, Zwift races, and casual riding. We measured power accuracy against calibrated reference meters, tested road feel across varied terrain simulations, and tracked noise levels in decibels.

Trainers were tested by riders ranging from 55kg climbers to 90kg sprinters. Road feel matters differently at 150 watts versus 800 watts, and we evaluated across that spectrum.

Best Overall: Wahoo KICKR V6

The KICKR V6 wins because it excels at everything without meaningful weakness. Power accuracy measured +/- 0.8% against our reference Quarq, slightly better than claimed specs. Road feel improvements over the V5 are subtle but noticeable—resistance changes feel more gradual and natural.

WiFi connectivity eliminates the Bluetooth congestion that plagued earlier models in gym environments. Setup takes under a minute. Software updates happen automatically without manual intervention.

The $1,199 price remains steep but represents genuine value given the performance delivered.

Best Value: Wahoo KICKR Core

At $699, the Core delivers roughly 85% of the full KICKR experience. Power accuracy is identical. The main differences: lighter flywheel (5.4kg vs 7.3kg) creating slightly less realistic inertia, and no WiFi—Bluetooth only.

For most riders doing structured workouts, these differences are academic. The Core handles ERG mode beautifully and creates enough resistance for sprint efforts up to 1,800 watts.

Quietest: Tacx Neo 2T

The Neo 2T remains the quietest trainer available. At 150 watts, measured noise was just 52 dB—quieter than a normal conversation. This matters if you train in apartments or during sleeping hours.

Power accuracy matched the KICKR at +/- 0.9%. Road surface simulation adds a gimmick some riders love and others ignore. Notably, no calibration is ever required—the Neo 2T uses direct force measurement.

The $1,399 price reflects premium positioning. Worth it specifically for noise-sensitive situations.

Best Budget: Elite Suito-T

Elite’s Suito-T impressed us at $699 with included 11-speed cassette. Power accuracy measured +/- 2.2%—not reference-grade but acceptable for training. Road feel is basic but functional.

The real value comes from zero additional purchase requirements. Remove your wheel, install the bike, start riding. This simplicity plus reasonable performance makes it ideal for indoor cycling beginners.

Biggest Disappointment: Saris H4

We had high hopes for the H4 at $899. Power accuracy was fine at +/- 1.5%. But connection reliability was poor—random dropouts mid-workout, inconsistent behavior across apps, and firmware updates that seemed to create more problems than they solved.

Saris has quality hardware let down by software execution. Until they address stability issues, we can’t recommend over established alternatives.

The Bottom Line

Buy the Wahoo KICKR V6 if budget allows and you want the best overall experience. Get the KICKR Core if you want excellent performance at a reasonable price. Choose the Tacx Neo 2T specifically for noise-sensitive environments. Start with the Elite Suito-T if you’re new to indoor cycling and want low friction entry.

All four of these trainers will serve serious training for years. The differences matter at the margins—pick based on your specific priorities rather than chasing marginal improvements.

Where to Buy

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