Quick Answer: Peloton excels at instructor-led classes with a polished, motivating experience. Zwift excels at structured training, virtual cycling worlds, and competitive racing. The good news? With FitSwitch, you don't have to choose—you can use both on your Peloton Bike or Bike+.
Table of Contents
- Overview: Two Different Approaches
- Feature Comparison
- Which is Better For...
- Using Both: The Best of Both Worlds
- FAQ
Overview: Two Different Approaches
Peloton's Philosophy
Peloton is a fitness entertainment platform: - Live and on-demand classes with instructors - Music-driven, motivating workouts - Community through leaderboards - Subscription content model - Designed for their hardware
Zwift's Philosophy
Zwift is a virtual cycling training platform: - Animated virtual worlds (Watopia, London, etc.) - Structured workouts with ERG mode - Competitive racing and group rides - Training plan integration - Works with any smart trainer
The Fundamental Difference
- Peloton: You follow an instructor's energy and cues
- Zwift: You ride through virtual worlds, optionally with structured power targets
Neither is "better"—they serve different needs.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Peloton | Zwift |
|---|---|---|
| Content Type | Instructor-led classes | Virtual worlds + workouts |
| Visual Style | Instructor video + metrics | Animated 3D environments |
| Music | Curated playlists per class | Your own music or Zwift's |
| Structured Training | Power Zone classes | Full ERG mode workouts |
| Racing | Leaderboard comparisons | Live competitive races |
| Social | High-fives, leaderboard | Group rides, races, chat |
| Training Plans | Programs and collections | Zwift Training Plans |
| Third-Party Plans | No | Yes (TrainingPeaks, etc.) |
| ERG Mode | No (but FitSwitch adds it on Bike+) | Yes, standard feature |
| Hardware Required | Peloton bike | Any smart trainer |
| Price | $44/month All-Access | $14.99/month |
| Free Trial | Sometimes available | Free 25km per month |
Which is Better For...
Motivation and Consistency
Peloton wins if you: - Need instructor energy to push through workouts - Enjoy the class format with clear start/end - Like variety (cycling, strength, yoga, etc.) - Thrive with social features (leaderboard)
Zwift wins if you: - Self-motivate with goals and achievements - Enjoy exploring virtual environments - Like gamification (levels, badges, bikes) - Want open-ended riding options
Structured Training
Peloton offers: - Power Zone classes (structured around FTP) - Programs with progressive difficulty - Instructor-guided intervals
Zwift offers: - Full ERG mode workouts - Training plans (Build Me Up, FTP Builder, etc.) - Integration with coaching platforms - Precise power targets
Winner: Zwift for serious structured training. ERG mode is a significant advantage for executing workouts precisely.
Racing and Competition
Peloton offers: - Leaderboard rankings during classes - Personal records and achievements - Comparison to past performances
Zwift offers: - Live races against real people - Race categories (A, B, C, D by ability) - Organized events and series - Team racing
Winner: Zwift for competitive cyclists. Real-time racing is a different experience than leaderboard comparisons.
Variety of Content
Peloton offers: - Cycling classes (many styles) - Running, walking, rowing - Strength training - Yoga, stretching - Meditation - Outdoor audio workouts
Zwift offers: - Cycling in virtual worlds - Running (Zwift Run) - Workouts and free rides - Routes to explore
Winner: Peloton for variety. It's a full fitness platform beyond cycling.
Cost
- Peloton All-Access: $44/month
- Zwift: $14.99/month
Winner: Zwift on pure price. But consider: - Peloton includes non-cycling content - Peloton's bike is a complete package - Zwift requires a smart trainer
Getting Faster
For cycling performance improvement: - Zwift's structured training and ERG mode - Precise power targets and workout execution - Racing pushes you competitively
Winner: Zwift for pure cycling performance. Structured training with ERG is the most effective way to improve.
Using Both: The Best of Both Worlds
Why Choose When You Can Have Both?
FitSwitch enables Zwift on your Peloton, so you can: - Take Peloton classes when you want instructor energy - Ride Zwift when you want structured training - Race on Zwift when you're competitive - Use Peloton for non-cycling workouts
The FitSwitch Integration
With FitSwitch on your Peloton: - Install Zwift from the FitSwitch app store - Use FitSwitch Bridge app on your iPhone/Mac for FTMS connectivity - ERG mode works on Bike+ (automatic resistance) - Power and cadence broadcast to Zwift - Switch freely between Peloton and Zwift
Sample Weekly Schedule
| Day | Platform | Workout |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Peloton | Recovery ride with instructor |
| Tuesday | Zwift | ERG mode interval workout |
| Wednesday | Peloton | Power Zone Endurance |
| Thursday | Zwift | Group ride or race |
| Friday | Peloton | Low Impact ride |
| Saturday | Zwift | Long Zwift route exploration |
| Sunday | Peloton | Yoga and stretching |
Best of both worlds.
Cost Analysis: Both Platforms
Peloton Only
- Peloton All-Access: $44/month
- Annual cost: $528
Zwift Only (Need Smart Trainer)
- Zwift: $14.99/month
- Smart trainer: $300-$1,000+
- Annual cost: $180 (plus trainer)
Both via FitSwitch
- Peloton All-Access: $44/month (optional—can cancel)
- Zwift: $14.99/month
- FitSwitch: $199 one-time
- Annual cost: $180-$708 (depending on Peloton subscription)
The Value Calculation
If you cancel Peloton and use only Zwift: - Save $44/month on Peloton subscription - Pay $14.99/month for Zwift - Net savings: $29/month - FitSwitch pays for itself in ~7 months
You can also keep Peloton for variety—it's your choice.
Making the Decision
Choose Peloton If:
- Instructor motivation is essential for you
- You value variety (yoga, strength, running)
- Leaderboard competition is sufficient
- You prefer a polished, simple experience
- Music and production quality matter most
Choose Zwift If:
- Structured training is your priority
- You want to race competitively
- ERG mode workouts are important
- You enjoy virtual world exploration
- You want lower monthly cost
Choose Both If:
- You want instructor motivation AND structured training
- You'd like racing options AND variety
- You're serious about cycling improvement
- You already own a Peloton
- You want maximum flexibility
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Zwift on any Peloton?
Yes, with FitSwitch. But: - Bike+: Full ERG mode with auto-resistance - Original Bike: Power/cadence broadcast, manual resistance
Do I still need a Peloton subscription for Zwift?
No. Once Zwift is installed via FitSwitch, it works independently. You can cancel Peloton and use only Zwift if desired.
Can I do Peloton classes while Zwift is installed?
Yes. Both apps coexist. Switch between them freely.
Is Zwift harder than Peloton classes?
Different, not inherently harder. Zwift workouts have precise targets; Peloton classes have instructor guidance. Both can be as hard as you make them.
What about TrainerRoad?
TrainerRoad is another option—even more focused on structured training than Zwift. FitSwitch supports TrainerRoad too.
Do my Zwift and Peloton rides sync anywhere?
Both can sync to Strava: - Peloton: Direct integration - Zwift: Direct integration
Your complete training history in one place.
Is the Peloton screen good for Zwift?
Yes. The 22" (Bike) or 24" (Bike+) screen is excellent for Zwift's virtual worlds.
Can I join Zwift group rides with friends?
Yes. Zwift's social features work normally. You can ride with anyone on Zwift, regardless of their trainer brand.
What if I prefer minimal technology?
Peloton's interface is simpler. Zwift has more options and settings. If simplicity is priority, Peloton is more straightforward.
The Bottom Line
Peloton: Best for instructor-led, motivating workouts with variety Zwift: Best for structured training, racing, and performance improvement
With FitSwitch, your Peloton becomes both—use each platform for what it does best.
Get FitSwitch — Peloton and Zwift on one bike.
Last updated: January 2025