Cheap ANT+ USB Sticks: Windows 10 Driver Guide for Zwift & TrainerRoad

A new generation of low-cost ANT+ USB dongles — frequently sold under names like Anself, Fitcent, Mantel and other rebrands — has made indoor cycling and fitness data transfer cheap and convenient, but they also bring a mix of plug‑and‑play simplicity, intermittent driver headaches on Windows, and a few important gotchas that every Zwift, TrainerRoad and Garmin user should know before they buy. This deep dive explains how these sticks work, why Windows 10 usually handles them effortlessly (and when it doesn’t), how to install and troubleshoot drivers safely, and which setup choices minimize dropouts and security risks.

Overview​

ANT+ USB sticks act as a bridge between ANT+ sensors (heart rate straps, power meters, cadence/speed sensors and trainers) and desktop apps like Zwift, TrainerRoad, PerfPro Studio, and Garmin desktop tools. Many low-cost rebrands advertise explicit compatibility with Garmin Forerunner models (310XT / 405 / 610 and others) and indoor trainer apps; in most cases they do work, but the devil is in the drivers, placement and occasional OS quirks. Rebrands typically implement the same ANTUSB‑m hardware and firmware families used by higher‑end sticks, which is why a cheap dongle can behave the same as a branded Garmin part in many setups. (anself.com) (amazon.com)
This article covers:

• How ANT+ USB sticks present themselves to Windows and Macs, and the key vendor/product details to watch for.
• Practical, step‑by‑step driver installation for Windows 10 and what to do if Windows 10 won’t auto‑install drivers.
• Troubleshooting for dropouts, interference and device conflicts.
• Safety, signing and Secure Boot implications.
• Product selection and setup recommendations for Zwift and trainer apps.

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Background: what is ANT+ and how the USB stick fits in​

ANT+ is a lightweight, device-to-device wireless protocol widely used in the fitness world for telemetry (heart rate, cadence, power, etc.). The ANT+ USB stick is a radio bridge: it receives ANT radio packets and exposes them to host apps over USB. The official ANT/ANT+ developer pages document the common USB product identities and driver types: Garmin (Dynastream) sticks typically use Vendor ID 0x0FCF, and the ANTUSB families have discrete Product IDs depending on generation (ANTUSB1, ANTUSB2, ANTUSB‑m). The ANTUSB‑m and ANTUSB2 families use a libusb‑based Windows driver model while the older ANTUSB1 used a different driver stack. This matters when Windows needs a driver installed manually. (thisisant.com)
Key technical facts to keep in mind:

• USB1 vs USB2: older USB1 ANT sticks support up to 4 channels; USB2 (and ANTUSB‑m) support up to 8 channels, which affects how many devices the stick can handle simultaneously. Most inexpensive modern rebrands are USB2/ANTUSB‑m clones. (support.trainerroad.com)
• On macOS you usually don’t need extra drivers; on Windows, automatic driver install normally works, but manual install may be required if Windows Update does not supply the Dynastream driver. (thisisant.com, support.wahoofitness.com)

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What the cheap rebrands actually are — and what they promise​

Rebranded dongles like Anself or Fitcent are almost always physical clones of the same ANTUSB‑m hardware ecosystem. Their product pages and reseller listings typically list the same features: plug‑in USB simplicity, ANT+ compatibility with Garmin watch models and trainers, support for apps like Zwift, TrainerRoad, Tacx and others, and a typical line‑of‑sight range of a few metres. These pages are useful for quick specs, but they are retail listings — not manufacturer technical guarantees. (anself.com, amazon.com)
Practical takeaways from community testing and independent reviews:

• Several hands‑on tests have shown Anself and some other low‑cost sticks can perform at parity with branded Garmin sticks in normal single‑user scenarios — sometimes even better in particular USB placements — but results vary by PC, USB port, and nearby RF activity. This matches forum and test reports. User experience is variable; don’t assume every cheap dongle will behave identically in your setup. (zwiftinsider.com, forums.zwift.com)

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Windows 10 and the ANT+ USB stick: typical behavior​

For most Windows 10 systems the flow is simple:

• Plug the ANT+ stick into a USB port.
• Windows queries Windows Update and usually pulls a Dynastream (ANT) driver automatically.
• Your trainer app (Zwift, TrainerRoad, PerfPro, etc.) then sees the stick and can pair sensors.

When this works, it’s seamless. When it doesn’t, Windows either identifies the dongle as an unconfigured device in Device Manager or shows an exclamation mark next to it. In those situations you’ll need to manually point Device Manager to the ANT driver package — vendors like Wahoo and TrainerRoad host an ANT driver ZIP and step‑by‑step instructions to install it. (support.wahoofitness.com, support.trainerroad.com)

Why Windows sometimes fails to install the driver​

• Windows Update may not automatically deliver the ANT (Dynastream) driver, especially on machines where updates are managed by an IT policy.
• Windows 11 introduced some changes that made automatic driver provisioning less consistent for some ANT sticks; users have reported needing to install the Dynastream driver manually. The same manual process usually fixes Windows 10 cases too. (zwiftinsider.com, forums.zwift.com)

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Driver installation: a practical, safe step‑by‑step​

If your ANT+ stick shows as “Unknown” or has an error in Device Manager, follow these steps — they’re applicable to Windows 10 and are the method recommended by TrainerRoad and Wahoo.

• Download the official ANT driver ZIP (the “ant_usb2_drivers.zip”) from a known vendor:
• Wahoo Fitness provides a small driver package and clear instructions for manual install. (support.wahoofitness.com)
• TrainerRoad also provides troubleshooting guidance and their own driver links for users who prefer them. (support.trainerroad.com)
• Extract the ZIP to a folder you can find easily (Desktop or Downloads).
• Open Device Manager. Locate the ANT device (it may appear under “Other devices”, “Universal Serial Bus controllers” or “libusb-win32 devices”).
• Right‑click the device → Update driver → Browse my computer for drivers → Let me pick from a list → Have Disk… → select the extracted INF file from the driver folder and follow the prompts.
• Once the driver completes, confirm your trainer app detects the stick. If the stick still shows an error, unplug and replug into a different USB port and retry.

If the typical update flow fails, the following advanced steps can help (power users only):

• Use pnputil to add the driver package from an elevated Command Prompt:
• pnputil /add-driver "C:\path\to\drivers*.inf" /install
• If the OS blocks unsigned drivers, temporarily disabling Secure Boot in BIOS can allow installation; re‑enable Secure Boot afterwards if desired. The same guide shows how to re‑scan devices and reinstall the INF manually if necessary. These are documented advanced remediation steps in practical support notes. (support.wahoofitness.com)

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Troubleshooting: dropouts, interference and conflicts​

ANT+ dropouts are the single most common user complaint. Here are the root causes and the mitigations that actually work.

Common causes​

• USB placement and signal attenuation: the dongle’s tiny antenna can be blocked by the PC case, USB hubs, or other metal. Use a short USB extension to bring the stick into clear line‑of‑sight of sensors.
• USB power saving: laptop power‑saving settings can suspend USB ports. Turn off power saving on the specific USB hub in Device Manager.
• Other programs using the stick: only one process can “own” the ANT stick at a time. Garmin Express or ANT Agent running in the background will prevent Zwift from accessing it. Exit or disable those utilities while gaming. (zwiftinsider.com, support.trainerroad.com)
• RF interference: microwaves, Wi‑Fi equipment or adjacent ANT+ devices in large group rides can reduce reliability; placement and channel management help. (zwiftinsider.com)

Practical fixes (short list)​

• Use a shielded USB extension cable and position the stick close to the trainer (within ~1.5 m).
• Choose a USB 3.0 port when possible and ensure it provides full power.
• Confirm no background applications (Garmin Express, ANT Agent) are running.
• If you see pairing failures in crowded group rides, try moving the stick further from other ANT sources or use Bluetooth as an alternative for certain devices.

Detailed community tests have shown sometimes a cheap Anself or Fitcent dongle performs as well as — or better than — the Garmin stick depending on placement; results are case‑specific, so test on your system before assuming universal parity. (zwiftinsider.com, forums.zwift.com)

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Windows driver signing and Secure Boot: what to watch for​

A few technical and security notes:

• Some of the older ANTUSB driver packages were unsigned; Windows will warn on install. The ANTUSB‑m drivers used by most modern sticks use libusb‑based drivers and are typically signed in current distributions, but older or obscure packs may still be unsigned. This can trigger a driver installation block if Secure Boot is strict. The ANT/ThisIsANT tech FAQ documents the unsigned/signed driver situation and the differences between ANTUSB families. (thisisant.com)
• If an unsigned driver is the only option, the supported approach is to temporarily disable Secure Boot, install the driver, and re‑enable Secure Boot afterwards. This is an advanced step and should only be done if you trust the driver source (official pages from Wahoo, TrainerRoad or the ANT alliance). Practical guidance for pnputil installation and re‑scanning of PnP devices is available in community support notes and system administration writeups.

Security‑minded checklist:

• Download drivers only from official vendor support pages (Wahoo, TrainerRoad, Garmin / ANT alliance) or your trainer vendor.
• Avoid obscure third‑party driver files from random file‑host sites.
• If you must use a driver that prompts a signature warning, prefer a vendor‑signed version or contact vendor support for a signed package.

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Advanced diagnostics and recovery steps​

When simple re‑installation doesn’t work, follow this progressive checklist:

• Try the stick in a different computer and USB port to rule out a faulty stick.
• Check Device Manager and note the Vendor ID (VID) and Product ID (PID) in the device properties — official ANT sticks use VID 0x0FCF in many Garmin/Dynastream products. That helps identify whether the hardware is a recognized ANTUSB family. (thisisant.com)
• Uninstall any conflicting software (Garmin Express, Soluto, or other “manager” apps) and reboot.
• Reinstall the driver using the driver ZIP method (Device Manager → Update driver → Have Disk …) or pnputil as noted above. If Windows reports driver signature or Secure Boot issues, follow the secure‑boot temporary disable/reinstall workflow only after verifying the vendor package.
• If drivers install but the app still can’t access the stick, ensure only that one app is running and test using Garmin’s utility (if applicable) to verify the stick’s visibility. TrainerRoad and Wahoo docs both detail these verification steps. (support.trainerroad.com, support.wahoofitness.com)

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Which dongle should you buy? Recommendations and risks​

Choosing between a Garmin‑branded stick and a cheap rebrand comes down to reliability guarantees vs price.

• Garmin / OEM sticks: more expensive, generally robust, and supported directly by Garmin/ANT. They are less likely to surprise with driver quirks and are a safer bet on managed Windows machines.
• Anself / Fitcent / Mantel and other clones: often work perfectly for many users and are attractive on price. Community testing shows they can match Garmin performance in many cases, but you may run into driver or Windows 11 quirks and will need to be comfortable doing manual driver installs and troubleshooting. (zwiftinsider.com, anself.com)

Buyers should consider:

• If your PC is corporate‑managed (domain policies, restricted Windows Update), prefer a branded stick or plan for IT help to install drivers.
• If you run frequent group rides or need rock‑solid performance with multiple simultaneous devices, invest in a known‑good stick and a short USB extension to place the antenna optimally.
• Keep receipts and return options — if a cheap stick proves flaky after testing on multiple computers, return it.

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Best setup for Zwift, TrainerRoad and desktop trainers​

To minimize issues and maximize reliability:

• Use a short, shielded USB extension cable and place the ANT+ stick within ~1–1.5 metres of your trainer. This reduces line‑of‑sight problems and RF losses. (cardiosport.co.uk, zwiftinsider.com)
• Keep only one ANT+ client running while training (close Garmin Express and other ANT utilities).
• Use a powered USB hub if your PC’s ports offer limited current or you have multiple USB devices competing for power.
• For Windows 11 users, proactively check Optional Updates → Driver Updates for the Dynastream driver if the stick isn’t recognized automatically. This same path also fixes Windows 10 machines where Windows Update hasn’t yet provided the driver. (zwiftinsider.com, forums.zwift.com)

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Final verdict — strengths, weaknesses and a safe path forward​

Cheap ANT+ sticks like Anself and Fitcent deliver excellent value and, in most home setups, work as well as branded alternatives. The strengths are clear: low cost, wide compatibility with ANT+ devices, and broad support from indoor cycling software. Community tests even show the occasional clone outperforming a brand name stick depending on placement. (zwiftinsider.com, revain.org)
However, the main weaknesses are operational and administrative:

• Driver and OS friction: Windows may not always auto‑install the correct Dynastream driver, and Windows 11 created more friction for some users. Be prepared to run a manual driver install from Wahoo/TrainerRoad/ANT if needed. (support.wahoofitness.com, zwiftinsider.com)
• Unsigned driver/Secure Boot risk: older or unofficial driver packages may trigger signature warnings; don’t install unsigned drivers from untrusted sources. If you must, follow the secure process—including a BIOS change—only after validating the package’s origin and re‑enabling Secure Boot afterwards.
• Variable quality: some rebrands (notably certain CYCPLUS units in community reports) have produced repeat problems; user reviews and forum threads are helpful to screen particular sellers. (forums.zwift.com)

If you want a practical rule of thumb:

• For most home users on a personal Windows 10 machine: buy an inexpensive Anself/Fitcent dongle, be ready to install the ant_usb2 driver package if Windows doesn’t do it automatically, and use a short USB extension cable for best reception.
• For corporate laptops, Windows‑managed PCs, or users who require absolute plug‑and‑play reliability in heavily populated rides: choose a branded Garmin or other OEM‑backed stick and keep a spare.

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Quick reference: essential links and commands (copy‑ready)​

• Official ANT driver retrieval and README: see Wahoo’s “ant_usb2_drivers.zip” and step‑by‑step guide for manual install. (support.wahoofitness.com)
• If Device Manager install fails, use pnputil to add drivers from an elevated command prompt:
• pnputil /add-driver "C:\Path\To\Drivers*.inf" /install
• pnputil /scan-devices
• devcon rescan (if devcon.exe is available)
• If Secure Boot blocks an unsigned driver install, temporarily disable Secure Boot in BIOS, install the driver, then re‑enable Secure Boot. Practical notes and troubleshooting sequences for these steps are documented in technical install guides.
• If you’re troubleshooting dropouts, the top three quick fixes are:
• Move the dongle closer using a short USB extension.
• Ensure no competing background app owns the dongle.
• Try a different USB port or powered hub. (zwiftinsider.com, support.trainerroad.com)

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A few final cautions: rely on official support pages (Wahoo, TrainerRoad, Garmin/ANT) for driver downloads and only use third‑party driver files if they come directly from those vendors. Community threads and tests are invaluable for real‑world performance data, but they’re anecdotal — treat them as practical signals, not guaranteed outcomes. With the right driver install and a sensible physical setup, a low‑cost ANT+ USB dongle will give you years of trouble‑free indoor training connectivity on Windows 10.

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Source: The Michigan Review https://michiganreview.com/Stick-Ant-Dongle-For-Zwift-USB-ANT-Stick-Garmin-Forerunner-Ant-h-766977/