What Are MyWhoosh and Zwift?
Zwift launched in 2014 and quickly became the gold standard in virtual cycling. With colorful worlds, group rides, structured workouts, and gamified features like power-ups, it’s a community favorite. You can ride solo, race others, or follow a training plan, all while watching your avatar pedal through stunning landscapes.
MyWhoosh is a newer contender, developed with backing from the UAE and aiming to be a premium (and free) alternative. It offers structured training programs, detailed performance metrics, and high-fidelity world designs, with a strong emphasis on UCI-level competition and pro athlete accessibility.
Both platforms connect to smart trainers and sensors, but their features, feel, and focus differ. Let’s break it down.
Visuals and Immersion: Which Feels More Real?
Zwift’s aesthetic is stylized and playful. Think bright, slightly cartoonish graphics with rich colors and whimsical scenery. It’s not trying to look like real life and that’s part of its charm.
MyWhoosh, on the other hand, leans heavily into realism. Its world builds – especially the UAE and AlUla maps, feel like actual places. The textures, lighting, and terrain are closer to what you’d find in a high-end video game.
If you love fantasy cycling (think volcanoes and underwater tunnels), Zwift wins. If you crave realism and high-detail environments, MyWhoosh delivers.
When I first loaded into MyWhoosh’s AlUla route, I actually stopped pedaling just to take in the landscape. It felt like a postcard come to life,
Workout Structure and Training Programs
Zwift offers dozens of built-in plans, individual workouts, and event-based training camps. Plans are progressive, structured, and designed by certified coaches. You can also build custom workouts or import from TrainingPeaks.
MyWhoosh rivals this with its deep training library, focused heavily on science-based endurance plans. It offers testing protocols, progressive programs, and even pro-level prep blocks.
The biggest difference? MyWhoosh lets you access all features for free, while Zwift requires a monthly subscription.
If you’re just starting out or following a free plan, MyWhoosh might be your go-to. But Zwift’s training plan community is massive, and that accountability can be a game-changer.
Community and Social Features: Where Do You Belong?
Zwift shines here. Its platform is packed with group rides, races, pace partners, and in-game chat. You can follow other riders, join teams, and even earn jerseys. Events happen 24/7.
MyWhoosh is still catching up in this area. It offers races and group rides, but fewer options and less activity overall. However, the MyWhoosh Championship Series is pushing the envelope for elite-level e-racing.
If you love the energy of a virtual peloton and bumping elbows (virtually) with thousands of riders, Zwift is your playground. If you’re more into focused solo sessions or structured racing, MyWhoosh works.
Device Compatibility and Setup
Pricing: Free vs Subscription
Here’s the big difference:
Zwift: $14.99/month after a free trial
MyWhoosh: Free (currently 100%)
That’s right – MyWhoosh offers all its features, including workouts and races, completely free. It’s backed by a government initiative to promote global cycling.
For budget-conscious cyclists, this is a huge draw. Zwift offers more polish and features, but the price tag is a factor.
For a detailed breakdown of how MyWhoosh and Zwift compare in terms of features and value, check out this comprehensive comparison by Cyclists Hub.
Performance Metrics and Data Tracking
Both platforms support detailed ride analysis, FTP testing, and power zones. Zwift integrates with third-party apps like Strava, TrainingPeaks, and Garmin Connect.
MyWhoosh takes a slightly more analytical approach. It provides deeper performance dashboards, structured test protocols, and pro-style breakdowns. You get a more data-driven experience from day one.
MyWhoosh takes a slightly more analytical approach. It provides deeper performance dashboards, structured test protocols, and pro-style breakdowns. Curious how your numbers stack up? This guide on average FTP by age breaks down what’s typical for different age groups. So you can better interpret your Zwift or MyWhoosh results.
If you geek out on numbers or are training for a specific event, MyWhoosh offers powerful insights. If you’re focused on boosting FTP and power output, this cycling threshold training plan pairs well with the analytics provided by both Zwift and MyWhoosh.
How Do the Races Compare?
Zwift Racing League, community crits, and weekend fondo-style events are legendary. The drafting mechanics, category rankings, and sheer participation level make racing addictive.
MyWhoosh is newer to racing but serious about it. The MyWhoosh Championship offers real prize money and has attracted some of the world’s strongest riders.
That said, Zwift has the edge in community-level races, whereas MyWhoosh feels more elite and structured. If you want to race weekly with your local team, Zwift is better. If you’re aiming to compete at a high level with serious oversight, MyWhoosh could be your next step.
Which Platform Helps You Stay More Consistent?
This might come down to motivation style. Do you thrive in a crowd? Zwift’s gamification and social aspect will keep you riding.
Prefer focused sessions with pro-level structure? MyWhoosh brings the discipline.
Personally, when I was training for my first gran fondo, I leaned on Zwift to make early morning rides more fun. But when I transitioned into base building for triathlon, MyWhoosh’s interval structure and free access kept me locked in.
If you’re training for a milestone ride like a century, check out this 100km cycling training plan to structure your workouts for long-distance success. Whether you’re using MyWhoosh or Zwift.
| Feature | Zwift | MyWhoosh |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $14.99/month | Free |
| Training Plans | Large library | Pro-level focus |
| Graphics | Stylized, fun | Realistic, high-detail |
| Community | Huge, social | Smaller, focused |
| Racing | Frequent, grassroots | Elite-level, growing |
| Setup | Easy on most devices | May require newer devices |
| Compatibility | iOS, Android, PC, Mac, Apple TV | iOS, Android, PC, Mac |
FAQ: MyWhoosh vs Zwift
Which is better for beginners?
Can I race for free on MyWhoosh?
Which is more realistic?
Is Zwift worth the subscription?
Can I use both?
Final Thoughts: Choosing What Works for You
Both MyWhoosh and Zwift are incredible tools for indoor cyclists. If you’re on a budget, love data, or want pro-level prep, MyWhoosh is hard to beat. If you thrive on community, crave fun visuals, and want a social training vibe, Zwift delivers every time.
The best choice is the one that gets you riding more often. You don’t need to commit forever. Try both and see which motivates you to hop on the saddle more consistently.
Indoor training doesn’t have to be boring. With the right app, it might just become the best part of your d
