Zwift connects wirelessly to your devices (smart trainer, HR monitor, cadence sensor, etc) via ANT+ or Bluetooth. While iOS, AppleTV, and Android users use Bluetooth, ANT+ is the most common method among Windows PC users.
ANT+ USB sticks (sometimes called “dongles”) plug into your computer, allowing it to talk to your devices. Here are the top two we use and recommend:
Suunto Movestick Mini
~$30
A premium solution from a reputable fitness company, the Suunto is priced below the overpriced Garmin but above the bargain Anself.
Anself USB ANT+ Stick
~$13
Works just as well as other dongles, for a fraction of the price. Ships with no documentation, but all you do is plug it in anyway!
Note: Garmin’s ANT+ dongle is also reliable and reputable. Problem is, it costs $40 with no measurable improvement over the more affordable dongles above.
While you’re at it, get a USB extension cable. They’re cheap, and allow you to move your ANT+ stick as close to your trainer for the strongest possible signal. The AmazonBasics cables work well and only cost ~$7. If your cable needs to be more than 3 meters long, get an active USB extension cable.
Getting Dropouts?
Problems getting your ANT+ stick to work properly with Zwift? Check out the “ANT+ Dropout Troubleshooting” post.
[…] wollte diese Mal auch ganz bewusst keinen chinesischen Billiganbieter auswählen, obwohl Zwift selbst den Anself USB ANT+ Stick empfiehlt neben dem Suunto Movestick Mini. Anself ANT+ USB Stick Adapter für Garmin Forerunner 310XT 405 […]
Hi Eric, hope your keeping safe. Is it possible to connect a basic level elite turbo trainer (not smart) to swift by adding sensors
Thanks for your help
Sure, see https://zwiftinsider.com/virtual-power/
Hi Eric, I’m a Zwift newbie and a technopobe!! I have a problem i’m not sure how to solve. I’m using a basic (non smart) trainer paired with a PM. I have Zwift downloaded on my phone and am going to tether it to a monitor. My problem is that my PM is ANt+. Is there any way of pairing it or is it a case of having to buy a computer which will then take an Ant+ stick. I’m presuming the monitor will not receive Ant+ even if you plug a dongle in? Many Thanks
Hi Eddie,
Your best option may be to buy a 4iiii Viiiiva HR monitor, which can “consume” an ANT+ signal, then output it in Bluetooth. It’s a “bridge” and would let you use your PM on Zwift on your iPhone.
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3ceYgNm
Thanks buddy, great stuff 🙂
Hello,I hope everyone is safe and healthy. I’m planning to connect an interactive trainer (elite rampa to be precise) with an old Mac Pro via an Ant+ stick, will Zwift automatically control trainer difficulty or should I pick ant+ stick specifically. If so which feature should I look for ? Thanks 🙂