This comparison of FulGaz and Zwift will help you decide which app is better for you based on your personality and fitness goals. I used them both to find their pros, cons, and differences.
KEY TAKEAWAY
The main difference between FulGaz and Zwift is that Zwift’s team created a completely virtual world, while FulGaz uses real-world footage from places worldwide. FulGaz is more suitable for those who want to explore real-world locations and don’t mind riding alone. Zwift is more engaging because it’s more socially oriented and has many gamification elements that motivate you to ride more.
FulGaz and Zwift Summary
The biggest distinction between these indoor cycling apps is the environment you ride in.
Zwift’s team created a completely virtual world, while FulGaz uses real-world footage from various worldwide locations. Unlike ROUVY, it doesn’t augment it with virtual objects.
I summarized the essential features in the following table.
AppFulGazZwift
WorldRealVirtual
DraftingNoYes
MultiplayerYesYes
In-game ChatYesYes
Races & EventsYes but liimitedYes
WorkoutsYesYes
Workouts BuilderNoYes
GamificationNoYes
Power-UpsNoYes
Platforms AvailabilityAndroid, iOS, Windows, macOS, Apple TVAndroid, iOS, Windows, macOS, Apple TV
Free Trial14 days7 days
Price12.99 USD / month108.99 USD / year14.99 USD / month
In-Depth ReviewFulGaz ReviewZwift Review
Comparison of the main features of FulGaz and ZwiftUpdated on the 3nd of November, 2023.
Features Comparison
Let’s now dive deeper into the individual features.
Real or Virtual World?
For many people, graphics are one of the most crucial aspects when choosing an indoor cycling app, and I am no exception.
FulGaz offers thousands of real-life routes from famous and lesser-known places. You can filter them based on name (A-Z), date, distance, elevation, toughness, duration, etc. You’ll always find the route that suits you best because the selection is so huge. You probably won’t have time to try them all!
In contrast, Zwift has multiple virtual worlds, such as Watopia, London, Paris, Richmond, and more. However, only three worlds are available simultaneously, with Watopia permanently open and the other two rotating based on a schedule.
As a result, the number of routes available in each world is limited, and they can become repetitive. On the other hand, they are more crowded because people don’t have as many options.
The visual experience is entirely different from FulGaz. The world is cartoonish, as you can see in the following pictures.
Winner: It’s a draw (but FulGaz offers more routes)
Multiplayer and Social Interactivity
Both apps offer multiplayer, allowing you to connect with other riders and organize group rides.
Zwift routes thrive thanks to a larger community and fewer routes. You always meet somebody. Zwift also has a dedicated app called Zwift Companion, a helpful extension to the main app.
FulGaz routes are empty. You might be lucky and see the ride stats of other riders, but you will mostly ride alone. The only way to interact with others is via the in-game chat.
Winner: Zwift
CYCLISTS HUB RECOMMENDS: Buy a rocker plate to make your indoor cycling more comfortable.
Races and Events: Unsurprising Winner
Both Zwift and FulGaz allow racing and hosting events. However, Zwift races are more popular due to its larger community. Dozens of races are held daily. FulGaz hosts a few events per month, but they are less crowded.
If you are into e-racing, Zwift is the clear choice.
Winner: Zwift
Workouts: Still not Close…
Both FulGaz and Zwift are suitable apps for structured training. Still, I like Zwift more because its library is more comprehensive, and it rewards you for completing intervals and workouts with drops and experiences.
FulGaz is much more limited. It also doesn’t have many structured training plans or an in-built workout builder (you can import workouts from sites like Training Peaks, though).
Zwift has a more diverse offer of workouts and plans, and you can also create your own. In addition, you can turn on pace partners that will help you maintain a constant tempo during your workout.
Zwift is the clear winner for structured training due to its extensive selection of workouts and plans.
Winner: Zwift
Petr Minarik’s TIP: Use a fan while training indoors to stay cool and comfortable during your workouts.
Gamification: A Powerful Motivation System
One area that distinguishes Zwift from FulGaz (and basically any other indoor cycling app) is an approach to gamification.
Zwift is a game that utilizes numerous gamification elements, such as collecting drops, achieving goals, finishing routes, and building equipment. They provide extra motivation for riding. FulGaz is gamification-free, so you have to be internally motivated.
I honestly enjoy Zwift more than FulGaz, thanks to these elements. Exploring the world from the comfort of my home is cool, but unless we have virtual reality headsets, it is not even close to an in-person experience.
Winner: Zwift
User Friendliness
The user-friendliness, or how easy the apps are to use, is pretty similar, but Zwift again has an edge here. It’s more intuitive and more responsive. FulGaz is sometimes a little sluggish and buggy.
Zwift was completely redesigned in 2022, and since then, it’s easier to use and more intuitive. You can see the following comparison of the old and new dashboards.
Winner: Zwift
FulGaz TIP: Downloading FulGaz routes in advance (especially the 4K routes) if you have a slow internet connection (under 20 MBit/s) for an uninterrupted riding experience.
Platforms Availability
FulGaz and Zwift are available on all major platforms, including iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Apple TV.
Winner: It’s a draw
Total Score: FulGaz (0), Zwift (5), It’s a draw (2)
FulGaz and Zwift Alternatives
For those looking for indoor cycling apps similar to FulGaz, ROUVY is the closest alternative to FulGaz. It also uses real-world footage from different locations worldwide, but it augments it with virtual objects like avatars. It also offers more structured workouts, training plans, and races.
If you prefer an alternative to Zwift, MyWhoosh is a good option. It also offers a virtual world, but it’s free, and its graphics are less cartoonish. On the other hand, MyWhoosh doesn’t have the same level of sophisticated motivation mechanisms to keep you motivated during your rides.
FulGaz vs. Zwift: FAQ
The Winner
FulGas is cheaper and, unfortunately, it is evident in its quality. It has a lot of potential, but despite the hard efforts of the authors, it seems to be underdeveloped.
I am not saying it’s not worth it. It will find its users. You will like it if you want to ride beautiful routes worldwide and don’t mind riding alone.
Zwift is just more fun. It’s a “game” that you play with friends and challenge each other. It’s more suited to this time when we need a dose of dopamine and other stimuli.
If you are still unsure which app to choose, try both during the trial version.
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