Is Zwift Free? Trial, Membership, and Equipment Costs

Zwift is not permanently free for cycling. Creating an account costs nothing, but riding in Zwift’s cycling worlds requires a membership after any eligible trial ends. As of August 2026, eligible new users who choose a monthly membership receive a 14-day free trial with unlimited distance. The annual membership does not include that trial.

There is one important exception: Zwift currently says its running experience is free. This guide focuses primarily on cycling and explains what the trial includes, when billing starts, what equipment you need, and how to avoid an unexpected renewal.

Is Zwift free?

For cyclists, the short answer is no. Zwift lets you create an account for free, but account creation alone does not provide ongoing access to cycling. A qualifying first-time monthly membership begins with a 14-day trial. Zwift requires a payment method when that membership is started, and it automatically becomes a paid monthly subscription after the trial unless you cancel beforehand.

That distinction matters because “free account” and “free trial” are not the same thing:

• Account: Free to create.
• Cycling trial: 14 days for eligible new monthly members, with unlimited distance.
• Monthly cycling membership: Starts automatically when the trial ends unless canceled.
• Annual cycling membership: No free trial. Zwift says first-time subscribers may cancel within 30 days for a refund, subject to its current terms.
• Running: Currently free, although advanced treadmill features can have separate requirements.

Because pricing varies by country and can change, check Zwift’s current pricing page rather than relying on an old dollar amount in a review.

How the 14-day Zwift free trial works

1. Create a Zwift account and install the app on a compatible phone, tablet, computer, or streaming device.
2. Select the monthly membership option. The annual plan does not include the free trial.
3. Add the payment information requested by Zwift.
4. Pair a compatible trainer, power meter, or speed sensor and complete your first ride.
5. Cancel before the trial expires if you do not want it to convert to a paid monthly membership.

Zwift’s official free-trial FAQ says the current trial has no distance limit. Older articles may mention a seven-day trial, a limited number of kilometers, or no payment method; those descriptions no longer match the current offer.

Does Zwift require a credit card for the trial?

Zwift’s current account instructions say payment details are required to start a membership. The trial itself is not charged during the free period, but billing begins after the trial unless the membership is canceled. Depending on your device and signup method, payment may be managed directly through Zwift or through an app-store account.

Before completing signup, read the price, billing date, renewal interval, and cancellation terms displayed for your region. Those checkout details are more reliable than a price quoted in an older blog post.

What equipment do you need for Zwift cycling?

The subscription is only one part of the cost. You also need a bicycle setup that can send usable ride data to the Zwift app. Zwift’s device-connection guidance describes several common arrangements:

• Smart trainer or smart bike: Usually the simplest option. It reports power and can change resistance to reflect terrain or workout targets.
• Power meter: A power meter on your bicycle can transmit power while you use a compatible indoor trainer.
• Classic trainer and speed sensor: Some supported trainer-and-sensor combinations let Zwift estimate power from wheel speed.

You also need a compatible device to run Zwift and a supported wireless connection, generally Bluetooth or ANT+ depending on the equipment and device. Compatibility matters more than buying the most expensive setup, so verify every trainer and sensor before purchasing it solely for Zwift.

Can you use Zwift without a smart trainer?

Yes. A smart trainer is convenient but not mandatory. A compatible power meter can supply the required ride data, and some classic trainers work with an approved speed sensor. The tradeoff is that a basic trainer normally cannot change resistance automatically when the virtual road gets steeper.

If you already own an indoor trainer, start by checking Zwift’s supported-hardware information. A sensor may be all you need for the trial. If you are buying a new trainer, confirm both compatibility and the wireless protocol used by the device on which you will run the app.

Is Zwift running free?

Yes, Zwift’s current running FAQ says Zwift Running is free. A compatible treadmill plus a way to transmit speed or pace is still required. Zwift notes that certain advanced integrations, including automatic incline control on supported equipment, may require a paid membership or active trial.

This running exception does not make Zwift cycling free. The two activities have different access rules, so cyclists should follow the cycling trial and membership terms shown during checkout.

How to cancel before the trial renews

Cancel through the same billing channel used to begin the membership. A membership purchased directly from Zwift is managed in the Zwift account; one purchased through Apple or Google may need to be managed in that store’s subscription settings. Do not simply delete the app, because removing an app does not necessarily cancel its subscription.

After canceling, keep the confirmation and check the account’s membership status. Zwift’s terms of service govern renewal and refunds, so consult them if the displayed billing terms differ from an older help article.

Is the Zwift trial worth using?

The trial is useful when you treat it as a compatibility and experience test. Use it to answer concrete questions:

• Does your trainer or sensor pair consistently?
• Can your phone, tablet, computer, or TV device run Zwift smoothly?
• Do group rides, workouts, routes, or races motivate you to ride more often?
• Is the monthly price displayed for your country worthwhile for the months you will actually ride indoors?

Set up the equipment before starting the trial if possible. That preserves more of the 14 days for riding instead of troubleshooting. Try several ride types and verify that your power, cadence, heart-rate, and resistance data behave as expected.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Zwift free trial?

Zwift currently offers eligible new monthly members a 14-day cycling trial with unlimited distance. Promotions and terms can change, so confirm the offer shown at signup.

Can I use Zwift cycling for free forever?

No permanent free cycling tier is currently advertised. Cycling requires a membership after the trial. Zwift Running is currently free under separate rules.

Does the annual Zwift plan include a free trial?

No. Zwift’s current FAQ says the annual plan does not include the 14-day trial. It separately describes a 30-day refund option for first-time subscribers, subject to current terms.

Will Zwift charge me automatically?

A monthly membership automatically becomes paid after the trial unless canceled. Review the billing date at checkout and cancel through the original billing provider if you do not want renewal.

Can I pause Zwift during outdoor riding season?

Membership options and account controls can change. Check the choices available in your Zwift account rather than assuming a pause feature is available under your billing method.

Bottom line

Zwift account creation is free, but Zwift cycling is a paid service after an eligible 14-day monthly-membership trial. The annual plan has no trial, payment information is required when starting membership, and the monthly plan renews automatically unless canceled. Verify the live regional price and terms, confirm your equipment works, and use the trial to decide whether the platform earns a place in your training routine.