Use Bluetooth unless you have a reason not to. Zwift says virtual shifting is not supported when the trainer is connected through ANT+, and the Zwift Click, Play and Ride controllers themselves connect over Bluetooth. Every trainer in the table offers Bluetooth, so you rarely need ANT+ except to feed a PC with a dongle or a bike computer. On Apple TV, which allows at most three Bluetooth connections including its remote, use a trainer bridge or the Zwift Companion app.
What each trainer offers
Connection types are manufacturer claims from our trainer database, read 29 September 2026. “Bluetooth or Wi-Fi” means Zwift’s virtual shifting is possible over a non-ANT+ link; it still needs a trainer on Zwift’s Cog or Ready list.
| Trainer | Connections listed | Non-ANT+ route for virtual shifting |
|---|---|---|
| KICKR CORE 2 | ANT+, ANT+ FE-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| KICKR (2022) | ANT+, ANT+ FE-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Direct Connect | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Tacx NEO 2T | ANT+, Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| Tacx NEO 3M | ANT+, dual Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| Elite Justo 2 | ANT+, Bluetooth, Ethernet, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet (needs Elite’s optional wired dongle) |
| Elite Avanti | ANT+, Bluetooth, Ethernet, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet (needs Elite’s optional wired dongle) |
| Elite Rivo | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Elite Tuo | ANT+, Bluetooth | Bluetooth (not on Zwift’s Cog lists) |
| JetBlack Victory | Bluetooth FTMS, ANT+ FE-C | Bluetooth |
| Saris H3 Plus | ANT+ FE-C, Bluetooth FTMS | Bluetooth (not on Zwift’s Cog lists) |
| KICKR BIKE SHIFT and PRO | ANT+, ANT+ FE-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Direct Connect | not applicable: Zwift says the KICKR BIKE’s own electronic shifting is not integrated with Zwift virtual shifting, and its virtual gears do not appear in the HUD |
Zwift’s FAQ adds that supported trainer connection methods vary and may include Bluetooth, the Zwift Companion bridge, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB or ANT+. Which of these your particular trainer supports for shifting is listed by Zwift model by model, not by our table.
If a trainer keeps dropping out, use the disconnecting fix order.
Choosing a connection
| Your setup | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Phone, tablet or Mac, one trainer | Direct Bluetooth | Every trainer above offers it |
| Zwift with Click, Play or Ride controls | Bluetooth (or Wi-Fi where listed) | ANT+ does not carry virtual shifting |
| Apple TV with trainer, heart rate and controls | Trainer bridge (CORE 2, Victory) or Companion app | Apple TV allows three Bluetooth connections including its remote |
| PC across the room | Wi-Fi if your trainer lists it, otherwise move the dongle or adapter near the trainer | Shorter radio path |
| Bike computer or other ANT+ receiver | ANT+ FE-C alongside Bluetooth | Extra listeners; not for shifting |
The Apple TV limit
Zwift’s support page states Apple TV supports a maximum of three BLE connections at the same time, including the Apple TV remote. A trainer, a heart-rate strap and a controller already fill that. Zwift lists the JetBlack Victory and Wahoo KICKR CORE 2 as trainers that can act as a bridge for Zwift Click V2, Zwift Play, Zwift Ride controllers and heart-rate monitors. If your trainer is not on that list, Zwift says you can use the Companion app to create a bridge.
Fixing a dropout, one variable at a time
- Say what fails: watts, resistance, shifting or heart rate. They are different links.
- Pair only the trainer in the app, with every other phone, tablet and app closed, so nothing else owns the trainer’s Bluetooth connection.
- If shifting fails but power works, check the trainer is paired under Resistance over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, not ANT+.
- Move the host or receiver closer and away from routers and USB 3 hardware, then add sensors back one at a time.
- Do not use two apps that can set resistance at once. In a workout, Zwift allows virtual shifting only during free ride segments, not while ERG mode sets the resistance.
Common questions
Does Wi-Fi make a trainer more accurate? No. It changes how data travels, not how power is measured; see power accuracy.
Why does my trainer show power but not change resistance? The app has it paired as a power source but not as the controllable device, or another app already controls it.
Where do I set the trainer up? Direct-drive setup and spindown calibration cover the first pairing.
How this page was researched
Zwift statements are from its support pages read on 29 September 2026; trainer connection lists are manufacturer claims from the pages under Sources. The dropout steps are ordinary troubleshooting order, not a tested procedure. Garmin, JetBlack and Saris pages were read for the database on the same date where accessible.