Indoor Training with Zwift

Zwift is a popular training method for cyclists, designed along the lines of a multi-player online game, to take home training to another level. As you pedal your training bike, so too does your in-game avatar. The game lets you explore a vast array of digital cycle paths with hundreds of other players, all from the comfort of your home!

Getting started with Zwift is simple, thanks to its intuitive interface, and it’s available on smartphones, tablets and desktop computers. However, in order for the game’s immersive potential to truly shine, I recommend making use of a TV to expand the game’s incredible sense of scope and enjoy higher resolutions with every ride.

What Size TV Is Best For Zwift?

The Zwift app uses highly-detailed digital cycle paths to create a sense of onward motion even as you cycle from the comfort of your living room. In order to really appreciate the detail packed into these paths, I recommend opting for a slightly larger display, such as a 55 inch TV, but a smaller 43-inch or larger 65-inch tv would work just as well, it’s obviously personal preference.

Not only will a larger view help to improve your immersion, but it will also help to improve your performance in-game. A larger screen can give you a much clearer view of all on-screen data, so you’ll easily know when you’ve pulled into pole position ahead of other players!

Just make sure to consider the amount of space you have available in your living room, as you’ll be fitting your TV alongside a dedicated training bike! You don’t want to find that your brand-new TV doesn’t fit!

You should also make sure you have a comfortable view of the screen. In my experience, I’ve found that it’s most comfortable when the screen is at eye level. This allows you to maintain a good posture as you cycle, as you won’t have to move your head to see the screen. Make sure there’s a good distance between you and the screen itself. You don’t want to sit too close and risk tiring your eyes. Instead, place the TV far enough away that you can make out the full image without having to move.

What TV Features Should You Look Out For?

Zwift works at its best when you’re fully immersed in its digital trails. As such, you’ll want to look for features that increase immersion.

I highly recommend looking for a TV with low rates of input latency. In simple terms, input latency refers to the length of time that passes between pressing a button on your TV remote and seeing the appropriate reaction on-screen. Minimal input latency when using Zwift ensures optimal immersion. Every time you push down on the pedals in real life, you’ll see your in-game avatar rocket forward!

It’s also worth considering your TV’s display technology. Though similarly named, LED, OLED, and QLED TVs are very different. OLED TVs make use of self-illuminating pixels to create high-contrast images. QLED TVs use special quantum technology to create true-to-life colour. LED displays, on the other hand, have a focus on brightness.

I recommend opting for an OLED or QLED model, as these offer improved views that can help to heighten your immersion!

In order to display Zwift on your TV, you’ll need to connect an external device. As such, I recommend looking out for a TV with built-in support for casting platforms like Google Chromecast or Apple AirPlay. These platforms let you mirror content from external devices like smartphones without needing a wired connection. So you can start exercising instantly.

Do You Need A Smart TV For Zwift?

You can still access Zwift even without a smart TV. However, unlike with a smart TV, you will need a wired connection to display Zwift on a non-smart TV.

How To Connect Zwift To Your TV

There are two main ways to connect Zwift to your TV. One makes use of a manual connection, while the other makes use of a wireless connection.

Manual Connection

In order to manually connect Zwift to your TV, you’ll first need to grab an appropriate cable for your external device. For instance, if you’re looking to connect via an iPhone, you will need a USB-C to HDMI connection cable. If you want to connect a desktop to your TV, you can simply use an HDMI cable.

Plug one end of your chosen cable into the external device, and the other into the TV. From here, all you need to do is head to the appropriate HDMI source on the TV, and your device’s display should be mirrored!

Manual connections are beneficial because of their low latency. If your home internet connection isn’t the strongest, this is a great option, as there’s no risk of a bad connection creating interminable input latency. However, you will need to ensure you manage your cables to prevent tripping hazards.

Wireless Connection

This is my preferred method, precisely because of how snappy it is. Without needing to hook up a lengthy cable between your TV and your external device, you can get right to cycling in no time. However, in order for a wireless connection to work, there are a few things you’ll need to check.

First, you’ll want to make sure you have a stable internet connection. This ensures that there are no technical hiccups that might ruin your immersion.

You’ll also want to make sure your TV supports your chosen connection method. For instance, if you’re looking to display the game from your iPhone, you should make sure your TV supports the Apple AirPlay platform. If AirPlay isn’t built into your TV, don’t worry, you can also purchase an external Apple TV device, which connects directly to your TV’s HDMI input!

In fact, if you have an Apple TV 3rd generation model, you can actually download a dedicated version of the Zwift app, so you won’t even have to connect an external device!

Zwift

The Best TVs To Use With Zwift

Here are some of my favourite smart TV picks that work well with the Zwift app.

TCL 65C745K

The TCL 65C745K stands ahead of the competition thanks to its full support for both Google Chromecast and Apple AirPlay. These platforms enable wireless connection from your external devices, so you can get started in no time.

The TV is also equipped with a colourful QLED screen and an immense 144Hz refresh rate that allows Zwift (and other games) to run at immense frame rates. There’s also a Low Latency Mode, which reduces input latency to just 6 milliseconds, so you’ll feel in total control.

LG OLED65C46LA

With the LG OLED65C46LA tv, you’ll be able to enjoy total immersion in the Zwift experience. It boasts a stunning 4K OLED screen, capable of delivering immense contrast with every image so you can notice every last detail as you ride.

It’s also equipped with a plethora of input ports, and full support for Apple AirPlay, so you can play from a whole host of devices. It’s also incredibly skinny, so it takes up minimal space even in the smallest of rooms. Perfect if space is at a premium.

Samsung QE65QN85D

Equipped with a stunning Neo QLED screen, the Samsung QE65QN85D makes Zwift’s various cycle paths come to life with vibrant colour. It’s also compatible with Apple AirPlay, so casting directly from your phone is incredibly simple.

The Tizen Smart TV operating system built into this TV makes control incredibly simple. It’s easy to navigate, and lets you get cycling within seconds!