Best Bike for Your Buck: The Best Peloton Alternatives

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Indoor cycling for cardio has been around for some time, but the at-home studio experience wasn’t really popular before Peloton came around. Now, this bike (and its classes) have a nearly cult-like following. But what about those of us who don’t want to drop $3,000 on an indoor exercise bike, want to watch something else while we ride or want more features? We’ve created a list of the best Peloton alternatives so you can have the at-home cycling experience you want.

Among the bikes on this list are those with no displays that allow you to still follow along on Peloton classes should you please, bikes with incline and decline options, budget-friendly models, bikes that allow you to stream movies and shows, bikes with no frills and bikes with extensive features. The wide variety of choices gives you plenty of options to choose from so you can best determine which exercise bike belongs in your home gym as a cardio option.

• Best Overall – NordicTrack S22i
• Best Big Screen – MYX II Connected
• Best Peloton App Compatible Bike – Echelon Smart Connect EX5
• Best No-Subscription Bike – Bowflex VeloCore
• Best for Beginners – Schwinn IC4
• Best Value – SoulCycle At-Home Bike
• Best Budget Peloton Alternative – Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Bike
• Best for Small Spaces – ProForm Studio Bike Pro

One of the most-loved aspects of the Peloton experience is the interactive programming that allows users to compete, follow along and set and crush goals as they use the bike. The NordicTrack S22i is our choice as the best overall Peloton alternative due to its excellent interactive programming via iFit and the incredible features this exercise bike comes with. iFit, compatible with the NordicTrack, offers over 17,000 classes in cycling, strength training, running, yoga, meditation, stretching and more classes with a variety of instructors. A swiveling 22” HD touchscreen and included dumbbells allow users to take their workouts off-bike for more comprehensive and full-body fitness. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to use your wireless headphones to avoid disturbing your housemates while you workout. Unlike the Peloton, the NordicTrack S22i boasts an incline ranging from -10% to 20% for immersive simulated rides. While the Peloton has automatic resistance adjustment, the NordicTrack offers that plus automatic incline adjustments for a more immersive experience. You can even create custom workouts and rides through Google Maps. There’s no need for special shoes, either, this exercise bike has cage pedals that allow users to wear any shoes they want while riding. With tons of features and a great app with thousands of classes, you won’t regret climbing aboard the NordicTrack S22i.

With a sturdy design, a heart rate monitor, live and interactive classes and a large swiveling screen, the MYX II is a tough competitor in the Peloton alternative race. Two different monthly subscription services are available, each offering something slightly different. Beachbody On Demand Interactive (BODi) gives users access to hundreds of studio classes, both live and on-demand. The bike is also compatible with OpenFit, MYX’s proprietary class platform, which also gives access to tons of studio and live classes. According to reviewers, the BODi subscription seems to have more off-bike and structured home workout plans, while OpenFit has more live and on-demand cycling classes. Users have the option to use one or both subscriptions. The swiveling screen allows users to participate in floor classes, such as strength training, yoga, meditation, HIIT, barre, Pilates, kickboxing and bootcamp. The pedals can be used with SPD cleats or regular sneakers to control your flywheel depending on which side they’re turned to, giving users lots of flexibility in how they want to ride. The adjustable seat and handlebars give users of all sizes the ability to find a comfortable setting.

If you really enjoy the energy and feel of Peloton’s classes but can’t bring yourself to spend a ton of money on the actual bike, the Echelon EX-5 is a great substitute. The lack of built-in display may seem like an inconvenience to some, but it allows users to employ a variety of different programs for their workouts, including Peloton’s classes, through their own tablets. This gives users more flexibility in the type of workouts and classes they want to take, whether they want to cycle along with a Peloton instructor or check out Echelon’s class arsenal, the EX-5 delivers tons of ways to ride at a fraction of the cost of a Peloton bike. The dual-sided pedals are SPD-cleat compatible and have toe cages for normal sneakers, too. Electro-magnetic resistance on your flywheel is quiet and provides smooth increasing or decreasing, similar to Peloton. Adjustable handlebars and seat make it easy to find the perfect fit for your ride; the Echelon is a great exercise bike to share with a partner or family members for this reason.

In terms of design, the differences between the Bowflex VeloCore and the Peloton Bike+ aren’t very significant: Both boast large displays, sturdy bike frames with electro-magnetic resistance and the competition-style seats. The Bowflex is also in the same price range, so what’s the point of choosing this bike over a Peloton? We’ll keep the answer concise: The Bowflex has leaning mode and the ability to stream shows and movies while you ride. Unlike the Peloton, the Bowflex VeloCore’s leaning mode that feels like you’re really taking the curves in the road as you ride, helping to engage your core and work additional muscles as you exercise. The Bowflex display offers the ability to stream Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime in addition to the optional JRNY monthly subscription content, so if you just want to cycle as you watch your morning television or after-work shows, you can get in some exercise while you unwind. Bluetooth connectivity allows users to keep their workouts quiet, which is useful for those with partners, kids or roommates. The JRNY platform includes instructor-led rides and scenic routes, giving users plenty of options for how they’d like to use their exercise bike.

If you’re new to the indoor cycling world and aren’t quite sure what type of bike is best-suited for your needs, the Schwinn IC4 is the perfect beginner’s bike. Not only does this budget-friendly bike ring in at less than $1,000, but it’s also compatible with practically every interactive programming app on the market for cycling, including Peloton, JRNY, Rouvy, TrainerRoad, Tacx, Zwift and more. The only non-compatible app is iFit. This means you can test out different programming options to find the app and type of home workout that you prefer without spending a ton of money on a bike that only allows one app’s workouts. A lack of built-in screen may be inconvenient for some, but allows users to place their own tablet (and thus, their own preferred content) in the device holder for more customizable workouts. The bike is able to track distance, heart rate, speed, power and RPM across apps, though the metrics may differ depending on the program. An included heart rate monitor armband makes it easy to track and record your heart rate during rides. With 100 levels of electro-magnetic resistance on your flywheel, you get a similar ride experience as using an actual Peloton bike, and the dual-sided pedals mean you can opt for normal sneakers or SPD cleats depending on preference. In terms of a beginner bike, it’s tough to beat the Schwinn IC4.

If you love the studio cycle class atmosphere and energy but don’t love the metrics-focused approach that Peloton takes, the SoulCycle At-Home Bike is your new best friend. With a design and screen that look and function just like the Peloton Bike+, the SoulCycle At-Home Bike has a different approach to cycling, and there’s a lot more dancing involved. Rather than pitting you against other cyclists, SoulCycle encourages you to leave it all (be it stress, anger, frustration or something else) on the bike as you cycle, dance, workout and jam out. Though it’s priced similarly to the Bike+, the SoulCycle bike gives users the option to access streaming services and watch television as they ride, or take a scenic ride on days when they don’t feel up to much choreography. Just like Peloton, Equinox+ (the interactive programming on this bike) offers tons of on-demand and live classes with different music genres, intensity levels, instructors and times. A lot of users claim they prefer the SoulCycle experience to Peloton, claiming that it feels more meditative and enjoyable to dance along with the beat instead of competing for metrics. If you have the dough to spend on a seriously nice bike and want something that does it all, the SoulCycle At-Home Bike is the best value for money option out there.

The idea of an in-home cycling studio appeals to many of us, but the cost is something that can deter even the most dedicated of cyclists. Buying a Peloton bike up front, including shoes and membership charges, can cost up to $3,000, which can be daunting for many. The Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Indoor Cycling Bike is a reliable, no-frills alternative that costs a fraction of the price and still delivers the same performance. A device holder lets users follow along with on-demand classes or other fitness apps on their iPad, which means you can subscribe to the Peloton app ($20 monthly) and enjoy Peloton classes without the associated costs. Magnetic resistance on the flywheel and a sturdy frame provide a smooth and stable ride even when you’re out of the saddle, and the adjustable floor stabilizers keep the bike wiggle-free. If you’re new to the world of cycling or want to save a large chunk of change, this bike is a great way to achieve that heart-pumping studio-like workout experience without necessarily needing the Peloton name brand bike.

Creating a home gym in a limited space can be difficult, but the ProForm Studio Pro Bike is a great fit for small spaces. Its compact footprint makes it suitable for apartments, garages, guest rooms or even the corner of the home office, and the quiet design means you won’t disturb your neighbors, kids or partner as you ride. Using iFit programming, this bike offers a huge array of on-demand classes and scenic routes to take, and you’ll receive a three-year membership when you purchase the bike. Live resistance control automatically adjusts resistance during iFit rides (similar to the Peloton Bike+) for a hassle-free ride. A 10” HD touchscreen might not be as large as other bikes, but still gives users a screen to follow along with. The screen swivels for complementary workouts off the bike, such as iFit strength or yoga classes. If you’re on a limited budget and working with limited space, the ProForm Studio Pro Bike is the best option.

How to Choose the Best Peloton Alternative

Before choosing a Peloton alternative bike, realizing what aspects of the Peloton you enjoy the most can help you make the right choice. Do you enjoy the follow-along on-demand classes, and do you specifically want Peloton’s app? Are you mainly interested in the cycling aspect, or do you want other class options too? How much space do you have? Identifying these factors is a key step before selecting your new indoor exercise bike.

Which Is the Best Indoor Cycling Bike for You?

We’ve outlined some of the important considerations to make when selecting an exercise bike. Identify which of these is important to you before making your decision.

Interactive Programming

Different bikes are compatible with different fitness apps for interactive programming. Some use only one type of interactive programming, such as Equinox or iFit, while others are compatible with a variety of fitness apps. Determining which of these apps (and which types of workouts you’re interested in) can make the decision easier.

Display

If you want more variety while you cycle, we recommend a display that allows you to access streaming services or getting a spin bike with a device holder so you can use your own personal tablet. Some bikes have a large display but are only able to show their exclusive content (such as a Peloton bike), which can be unappealing for some users.

Space/Footprint

The amount of space you have in your home gym or apartment can determine which indoor cycling bike is the best fit. While they all have somewhat similar footprints, some are more compact than others and might fit better in your space.

Noise

If you live in an apartment or have a partner or roommates, getting an exercise bike that is on the quieter side can make a big difference. Bikes with electro-magnetic resistance tend to be quieter than those that use friction.

Cost

Cost is almost always a factor to consider, especially when investing in a big piece of equipment that you’ll have for years to come. The bikes on this list range in price from a fraction of a Peloton Bike to around the same price.

Compatibility

If you already have a membership to the Peloton app or another fitness or home workout app, getting  a bike that’s compatible with that app can be useful. Additionally, some bikes can connect with smart watches or other apps for a more immersive experience. Be sure to check out the compatibility of a bike before purchasing.