Zwift now owns ROUVY—but which indoor cycling app is actually worth your subscription in 2026/27? I’ve retested Zwift and ROUVY using exactly the same Zwift Ride setup.
We’ll compare trainer compatibility, virtual shifting, routes, graphics, racing, community, companion apps and pricing before deciding which platform is best for which type of rider. The live test also demonstrates how the Zwift Ride handlebar controls and virtual shifting now work inside ROUVY, including menu navigation, changing views, Ride Ons and hiding or customising the interface.
One owner—but still two very different rides.
Which do you prefer? Let me know in the comments.
▶️ Watch my original Zwift vs ROUVY comparison: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRBiPwA_EfM
⏱️ CHAPTERS
0:00 Zwift vs ROUVY in 2026/27
0:56 What changed after the acquisition?
1:39 Trainers, setup, virtual shifting and free trials
2:59 Exploring the Zwift home screen
4:00 Exploring ROUVY: routes and recent updates
5:41 Racing, clubs and community
6:34 Live riding comparison: displays and controls
7:53 Using Zwift Ride controls in ROUVY
9:54 Zwift graphics vs ROUVY real roads
10:46 The Zwift Companion app
12:07 ROUVY’s app and cross-platform ride data
12:54 Pricing, plans and free trials
14:29 Final verdict: which should you choose?
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE Some links and codes are affiliate links. You may receive a discount or extended trial, while I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the channel.
This video is not sponsored by Zwift or ROUVY, and all opinions are my own.
————————-
Gear I use Wahoo Kickr Core 2 – Discount Links
🇬🇧 UK – https://zwiftinc.sjv.io/c/6373776/3280524/20902?subId3=yxlPMX2T
🇺🇸 US – https://zwiftinc.sjv.io/c/6373776/3280527/20902?subId3=ZwD4l5tO
🇪🇺 EU – https://zwiftinc.sjv.io/c/6373776/3280522/20902?subId3=zJX8NfRl Zwift Ride with Wahoo Kickr Core 2 – Discount Links
🇬🇧 UK – https://zwiftinc.sjv.io/c/6373776/3258789/20902?subId3=P9102lZs
🇺🇸 US – https://zwiftinc.sjv.io/c/6373776/3258787/20902?subId3=p0inUwso
🇪🇺 EU – https://zwiftinc.sjv.io/c/6373776/3258790/20902?subId3=1WqGuSfM
Zwift Ride V1 Adjustable Saddle Clamp & Seatpost
🇬🇧 UK – https://zwiftinc.sjv.io/YVYqyR
🇺🇸 US – https://zwiftinc.sjv.io/qWvEyy
🇪🇺 EU – https://zwiftinc.sjv.io/qWvEyL
Zwift Ride Adjustable Crank Arms
🇬🇧 UK – https://zwiftinc.sjv.io/en2rAj
🇺🇸 US – https://zwiftinc.sjv.io/rEyzXR
🇪🇺 EU – https://zwiftinc.sjv.io/jR4nm0
5 Week Free Trial with Rouvy (Indoor Cycling with Realistic Routes) https://rouvy.com/affiliate/chadrides Or go to https://www.rouvy.com and enter CHADRIDES at registration (select single user/monthly payment)
🏖️🏡 Stay at our AirBnB – https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/1664401203635896530
Chad Rides Merch – https://shop.vergesport.com/gb-en/my-account/teamstorelogin – password is chadrides
Smart Fan – https://www.cycplus.com/products/cycplus-high-power-smart-fitness-fan enter CHADRIDESFAN at checkout
Smart Fan – https://amzn.to/49KTS7R
Budget Fan – https://amzn.to/45YoRvO
Headphones (UK) – https://uk.shokz.com/products/openrun-pro2 (Use JAMES10 for £10 off)
Headphones – https://amzn.to/4r096wq
Carb & Electrolytes Powder – https://amzn.to/4sNmWnN
Heart Rate Monitor – https://amzn.to/4qmJrhI
Bone Conductor headphones – https://ukshokz.sjv.io/RGgkmy
Indoor cycling table – https://amzn.to/49KxkE7
Sunglasses – https://revoray.com/?ref=CHADRIDE
Main Camera – https://amzn.to/4r0Gfs4
Tiny Bike Pump Pro – https://flextail.pxf.io/4aKqYM
Insta360 Luna Ultra Camera – https://www.insta360.com/sal/luna-series?utm_source=AffiliateCenter&utm_medium=copylink&utm_term=INRIWPV
360 Camera – https://www.insta360.com/sal/x5?utm_source=AffiliateCenter&utm_medium=copylink&utm_term=INRIWPV
On Body Camera – https://www.insta360.com/sal/go-ultra?utm_source=AffiliateCenter&utm_medium=copylink&utm_term=INRIWPV
Budget 360 Camera – https://www.insta360.com/sal/x4-air?utm_source=AffiliateCenter&utm_medium=copylink&utm_term=INRIWPV
Action Camera – https://www.insta360.com/sal/ace-pro-2?utm_source=AffiliateCenter&utm_medium=copylink&utm_term=INRIWPV
Action Camera – https://amzn.to/4r0Gzag
Drone – https://amzn.to/49OElnt
Microphone – https://amzn.to/4qxqGID
Bike Insurance – https://bikmo.avln.me/c/IVZgfAiDomBL
Le Col Cycling wear – https://lecol.avln.me/c/XsEphfbhhmtE
Omnirocker rocker plates – UK only – https://omnirocker.com/
————————-
Welcome to Chad Rides — the channel dedicated to Zwift, Rouvy, MyWhoosh indoor cycling and outdoor cycling. Whether you’re racing in the Zwift Racing League (ZRL), struggling through FTP tests, cycling for weight loss or to improve your fitness and mental health, you’ll find real insight, honest reviews, and racing breakdowns to help you ride smarter and stronger. Subscribe and join me on our collective cycling journey!
Visit https://www.chadrides.com
If you like the channel please consider supporting Chad Rides https://buymeacoffee.com/chadrides
Leave a Reply