Best Peloton Alternatives 2024: Get a Better, or Cheaper Studio Cycling Experience

Even though its popularity has declined in recent months, many people are still absolutely bonkers for Peloton. We don’t blame them; the company has stellar interactive programming and a trendy bike to match.

However, there are great alternatives to the infamous indoor exercise bike, whether you’re looking for a more durable bike, something a little more affordable, or want more features. We’ve tried out dozens of the best exercise bikes for home gyms in the quest to find the best Peloton alternatives.

Dozens of Exercise Bikes Tested

We may have seven Peloton alternatives on our list here, but we’ve tested far more than that in our search to find the best home gym equipment for your needs. The Garage Gym Reviews team is filled with fitness enthusiasts, certified personal trainers, and CrossFit coaches who have pedaled on dozens of exercise bikes both for research on lists like this, as well as just for fun. 

That experience allows us to know what to look for in terms of the durability of exercise bikes, the functionality of things like pedals and seats, and how certain tech features impact the workout experience. 

Oh, and if you’re curious what we think of the bike we’re comparing all these to, check out our full Peloton bike review.

7 Best Peloton Alternatives in 2024   

• Best Peloton Alternative Overall: Echelon Smart Connect EX-5 
• Best Peloton Bike+ Alternative: NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike 
• Best Adjustable Peloton Alternative: CAROL Bike
• Best Peloton Alternative for Small Spaces: YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike
• Best Budget Peloton Alternative: Sunny Health & Fitness Synergy Magnetic
• Best Peloton Alternative With Leaning Mode: Bowflex VeloCore
• Best Peloton Alternative for Studio Classes: Schwinn IC4

Best Peloton Alternative Overall: Echelon Smart Connect EX-5

Good for: Those who want a Peloton-like experience at a more affordable price 

Best Peloton Alternative

Echelon Smart Connect EX-5

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Product Highlights

• 32 levels of digital resistance
• Hybrid pedals
• Device holder turns 180 degrees
• Ventilated bicycle seat

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Costs around $850
• 32 levels of digital resistance
• Available in three colors (black, red, and white)
• Device holder turns 180 degrees
• Ventilated bicycle seat

Cons

• No built-in monitor
• Flywheel is only 28 pounds
• 12-month warranty only applies to parts and labor

Bottom Line

A high-quality exercise bike with plenty of tech features, though it lacks a built-in monitor.

Echelon’s Smart Connect Bike series has been one of the best alternatives to Peloton, and you really can’t go wrong with any model, but the Echelon Smart Connect EX-5 is our top pick. The Echelon EX-5 is the big brother of the Echelon Smart Connect EX-3; the two are very similar. GGR expert product tester Lindsay Scheele did a 20-minute workout on this bike with Michael Brown and rated her overall experience a 4 out of 5.

The EX-5 offers smooth and quiet magnetic resistance, and has great workout programming to keep you motivated to reach your fitness goals (how can something endorsed by Pitbull not want to make you move your body?). You get to choose from dozens of daily live classes, as well as more than 3,000 on-demand ones. Lindsay rated it a 4 out of 5 for programming. “The Echelon app is super user-friendly and there are many options to choose from. I like that it has a leaderboard so you can see how you stack up to other people,” says Lindsay.

One of the biggest draws of the Echelon Smart Connect Bikes is that they’re more budget-friendly than Peloton, even as the latter continues to decrease its prices. The EX-5 sells for around $1,000, but the drawback is it doesn’t have a built-in monitor. Although it is much lower in price than a Peloton and has a lot of great features, we’re only giving it a 4 out of 5 for value since it lacks the built-in monitor.

The bikes, though, have sturdy device holders capable of holding smartphones or tablets of various sizes (the EX-5 can hold devices from 5.5 inches to 12.5 inches). We found that no matter how hard we pedaled, our smartphone stayed in place for the duration of the ride (for what it’s worth, GGR product tester and fitness writer Anthony O’Reilly is one of those crazy people who has no case on his iPhone and he had no problems). 

The EX-5’s flywheel only clocks in at 28 pounds, so it wasn’t quite as smooth as Peloton’s (which has a 38-pound flywheel), but for most home gym owners we don’t think this will be a problem. The bike isn’t super light, but if you do want to move it around you should be able to without issue. Lindsay said the wheels were smooth and moved easily over the surface when she moved it, scoring it a 4 out of 5 for portability.

To see more of the differences between the two brands, check out our Echelon vs Peloton comparison.

Best Peloton Bike+ Alternative: NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike

Good for: People interested in interactive programming and adjustable incline options

Best Peloton Bike+ Alternative

NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike

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Product Highlights

• 24 digital resistance levels
• Incline and decline adjustments
• Fully rotating touchscreen

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Large 22" smart HD touchscreen
• Incline and decline ability
• Compatible with iFIT
• Adjustable seat
• Adjustable handles
• Dual-sided pedals
• Fan
• Comes with 2 3-lb dumbbells
• 24 digital resistance levels

Cons

• Expensive
• iFIT membership not necessary, but most beneficial
• Difficult to assemble
• Can’t be stored in the garage (brand states doing so will void the bike’s warranty)
• Hard to move and weighs more than 200 pounds

Bottom Line

This is the bike to get if you want an indoor cycling bike with interactive programming, incline and decline capabilities, and all the extras.

When comparing the NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike to the Peloton Bike+, you’ll see that they both have some things in common: a rotating HD touchscreen, engaging interactive programming, both come with a pair of dumbbells, and a resistance knob that can automatically adjust to follow the class you’re taking (with the option to do manual adjustments as well). 

However, there are also key differences. For starters, the S22i is about $500 less than the Bike+. NordicTrack’s also has incline and decline features (neither of Peloton’s bikes have this). Also, the S22i has cage pedals. The Peloton pedals require specific shoes you have to buy separately; with the S22i, you can throw on any old shoes you want.

Another great choice, and more affordable one as well, would be the NordicTrack S15i, which is similar to the S22i but with a smaller screen and two fewer resistance levels. The S15i still comes with incline and decline and costs around $1,300 ($600 cheaper than the Peloton Bike+) 

Although we personally like Peloton’s interactive programming the best out of any out there, iFIT (available on NordicTrack’s cardio machines) is a close second. You can take classes focused on cycling, walking, running, strength training, yoga, and more. There are a variety of instructors to choose from for each category. 

For our full thoughts on the app, check out our iFIT reviews. 

You can get a one-year family membership for $396 or a monthly membership for $39 ($5 cheaper than Peloton’s all-access membership). If you only want one profile, an individual yearly membership is $180. Compared to the cost of a gym membership, this doesn’t seem bad to me. Another plus is the recently added live class feature where you can follow along in real-time, just like Peloton. 

This bike isn’t exactly the lightest we’ve ever tried. At 203 pounds, you may need to recruit a friend or family member to help you move it. The lack of a transport handle doesn’t help the cause either. Also, the assembly is a real pain, so you might want to spring for professional assembly. However, the footprint of 63” x 22” x 60” is pretty standard and should be fine in most garage or home gyms. 

For more, check out our full NordicTrack S22i review.

Best Adjustable Peloton Alternative: CAROL Bike

Good for: Anyone who wants an indoor bike that specializes in customization  

Best Adjustable

CAROL Bike

GGR Score: 4.1

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Product Highlights

• Science-backed intervals
• Automated and highly-effective resistance system
• Many adjustments to fit bike to any body type
• Expensive

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Lots of adjustment options make this a good option for lots of different people
• Automatically applied resistance takes the guesswork out of cycling
• Belt-driven, which makes it a quieter ride
• Shows up already assembled

Cons

• Small monitor
• Extras are sold separately for an additional $400
• Doesn’t have constantly updated programming, so someone who likes new classes might have to additionally pay for something like Peloton programming separately

Bottom Line

CAROL offers a unique, indoor cycling experience to really challenge your cardiovascular system. If you have close to $2,500 to spare and like quick but intense cardio workouts, this bike will be a dream come true for you. However, I do think the AI technology was focused on so heavily that the idea of fun programming wasn’t thought as much about. I’ve found myself using the CAROL Bike nearly every weekday and it’s replaced typical workouts I would do on a rower or air bike. For all of these reasons, I’m a massive fan and highly recommend it if you have the money to spend and value both your time and health highly.

The CAROL bike’s main draw is its AI programming component, which adjusts resistance based on your efforts and your performance over time. It looks great in any room and has a design that will keep you comfortable while in the saddle. 

And, speaking of saddles, the CAROL Bike utilizes micro adjustments of the seat and handlebars, which means you can hone in on exactly the right settings to give you the most optimally comfortable ride. With the ability to adjust the bike to your own body size and auto-adjusted resistance, GGR founder Coop Mitchell gave it a 4.5-out-of-5 rating for ergonomics and adjustability. 

This bike is fairly small but not necessarily light; it weighs 120 pounds, and for reference, the Peloton weighs 135 pounds. It’s also under 50 inches long, and you’ll only need about 7 square feet of space to accommodate this bike in your home gym. If at any time you want to move it, you can pick up the back end, and move it via the two wheels at the front of the bike. Coop scored it a 4.5 out of 5 for footprint and portability. 

Like Peloton, you’ll need to pay a monthly subscription fee in order to access the programming. Fortunately, the price for the CAROL programming is only $15, which is almost $30 cheaper than a Peloton subscription. That being said, CAROL programming doesn’t offer live or on-demand classes, though it does include fitness tests and 18 pre-loaded programs. 

GGR expert product tester and CPT, Lindsay Scheele, took the 2.0 version of this bike for a spin and was shocked by how much she enjoyed it. “It felt super smooth and was super quiet,” she says. She doesn’t typically enjoy boutique-style fitness, but when she finished her first workout on the bike, she felt like she needed to have one for herself. Lindsay loved the energy of the programming so much that it made her feel like she was part of a fun in-person class.  “It’s like taking a hot yoga class, but on a bike,” she says. The dynamic programming of this bike earns a 4.5-out-of-5 rating since Lindsay and Coop both liked it so much. 

This bike can accommodate riders from 4 feet, 7 inches to 6 feet, 7 inches tall and up to 330 pounds in weight, which is great. You can even choose whether you want to use cycling shoes or cross-training shoes while riding. 

While Coop loves this bike, he doesn’t love the price for what you get. Especially since you won’t have access to a variety of workout programs. At about $2,500, it costs around $1,000 more than a Peloton. Although it has some great features, it’s definitely a big purchase. Coop gave it 3.5 out of 5 stars as far as value is concerned.

Overall, Coop had a lot of great things to say about this bike and recommends it, even though it’s pricey. He’s a big fan of the fact that it allows you to squeeze in quality cardio in a short amount of time. This is the best alternative to Peloton for those looking for those looking for the most adjustable and customizable features.

Check out our CAROL bike review for a more in-depth overview. 

Best Peloton Alternative for Small Spaces: YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike

Good for: Anyone who wants to bike indoors but doesn’t have a lot of space

Best for Small Spaces

YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike

GGR Score: 3.5

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Product Highlights

• Affordable at around $300
• The bike is compact and easily portable
• Comes with caged pedals for extra grip
• Free replacement parts for a year

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable at around $300
• Bike is compact and easily portable
• Comes with caged pedals for extra grip
• Free replacement parts for a year

Cons

• Doesn’t have built-in dynamic programming or any smart features
• A lot of parts, from the device holder to the pedals, feel flimsy
• Some reviewers claim the bike has fallen apart in a matter of weeks

Bottom Line

A budget-friendly exercise bike that provides a good ride, but lacks long-term durability.

At under 4r feet in both height and length, the YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike (YB001) is definitely considered compact exercise equipment and should be able to squeeze it into any home gym or apartment. It’s also less than 2 feet wide and only weighs 68 pounds. That’s around 65 pounds lighter than a Peloton. 

If your living or workout space tends to need rearranging, you’ll be able to move this bike with ease. It has two front-facing transport wheels so you can easily lift it from the back and wheel it to its new space. GGR performance editor and CPT Anthony O’Reilly said it was easy to move and rated it a 4 out of 5 for footprint and portability. 

Although this bike is small, it is mighty, and can accommodate a rider up to 270 pounds. It also has two-way adjustable handlebars and a four-way adjustable padded seat so you can customize the bike to your body size. Anthony also noted that you can adjust your resistance level using the small, easily accessible knob, located at the base of the handlebars. It allows for micro adjustments so you can truly customize your workout experience. The downside here is if you are sharing the bike with other people it might be hard to go back and find the resistance you like. That considered, Anthony gave the bike a rating of 3 out of 5 for customizations. 

Let’s talk about the programming of this bike. Unlike Peloton, the YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike does not have a large display screen, or even bluetooth connectivity. It does have a tray you can set your tablet or phone on, which Anthon says is a nice feature, but that’s about it. You’ll have to find your own cycling classes online (or download the Peloton app) to follow while on the bike. This bike gets a 2-out-of-5 rating for tech. “It has a basic LCD monitor that shows stats, it’s nothing fancy,” says Anthony. 

Outside of just being small in size, it also has a small price tag. You can expect to pay around $370, unless they’re on sale, then you might be able to score one for close to $240. Even though it may be lacking in tech features, we think the price reflects that fairly. Overall, we feel like this budget bike offers enough to get you by but might not last you as long as you’d hope. Anthony rated it a 2.5 out of 5 for durability. “The pedal straps come off easily and the LCD monitor is wobbly. It seems like some of the parts are ready to fall off,” says Anthony.  

Read more in our full YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike review.

Best Budget Peloton Alternative: Sunny Health & Fitness Synergy Magnetic

Good for: Those who want to start an indoor cycling routine without breaking the bank

Best Compact Peloton Alternative

Sunny Health & Fitness Synergy Magnetic Bike

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Product Highlights

• Magnetic exercise bike
• Micro-adjustable resistance
• 30-lb flywheel
• 4-way adjustable seat
• Transportation wheels

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Micro-adjustable magnetic resistance
• Feels sturdy in use
• Device holder

Cons

• No real tech capabilities
• Slightly low user weight capacity
• Made with a lot of plastic
• 30-lb flywheel

Bottom Line

If you're just looking for a solid bike at a great price, the Sunny Synergy magnetic bike could be it. While there's no fancy tech on this machine, it's a sturdy ride that utilizes micro-adjustable resistance and feels good in use.

Sunny Health & Fitness is well known for its affordable, yet good-quality products that are definitely worth looking into if you’re on the hunt for a Peloton alternative. The Sunny Health Synergy Magnetic Bike is often on sale for around $300, which is impressive considering it comes with magnetic resistance and a smooth belt drive operating system. This is the best Peloton alternative under $500 that we’ve tested.

This Sunny bike doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity. That said, there are free bike workouts that Sunny Health and Fitness provides on their website. You can follow 10-minute HIIT rides, 60-minute endurance cycling classes, and a variety of others all for no cost, just by using your own smartphone or tablet. There’s no screen, but the bike does include pulse sensors and a built-in device holder for your phone or tablet. With that, we’re only giving this 3 out of 5 stars for tech capabilities since it’s lacking in that department. 

Of course, you always have the option of downloading the Peloton app and riding along; the Sunny bike won’t sync with the app, but you can make the resistance adjustments yourself (and save a LOT of money). Speaking of resistance, our tester, GGR Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly, says it’s micro-adjustable, which he likes because it allows for a wider span of resistance settings. The seat is four-way adjustable, but the handlebars only adjust vertically, not horizontally. We’re giving this bike a 4 out of 5 for adjustability and ergonomics. 

The bike only weighs 88.2 pounds, making it very portable. “If you pick up the bike from the back of its base, it’s pretty easy to lift up and wheel around,” Anthony says. It also has wheels on the front so you can move it from one room, or area, to another with some ease. Anthony gave this bike a 5 out of 5 for portability. 

While we are pretty fond of this bike, don’t just take our word for it. With more than 600 reviews on Amazon, this bike maintains an impressive 4.4 average rating. Not that you should base your purchase on that, but it also says something that so many people had positive things to say about it. Overall, it’s a good value for what you get, so we give it a 4.5 out of 5. Check out more Sunny Health and Fitness Exercise Bike reviews to see what other bikes the company has to offer.

Best Peloton Alternative With Leaning Mode: Bowflex VeloCore

Good for: People looking for a cardio workout with added core engagement

Best Leaning Peloton Alternative

Bowflex VeloCore

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Product Highlights

• Simulates outdoor bike riding
• Easy to use
• Large monitor
• Interactive programming
• Incredibly stable and durable

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Leaning feature activates core muscles
• Large monitor with lots of information
• Durable with almost no shaking while in use
• User-friendly and simple to get started

Cons

• Difficult assembly with unclear instruction
• Limited music options with JRNY membership
• Uncomfortable seat
• Sub-par warranty

Bottom Line

We were very impressed with the Bowflex VeloCore. It’s a durable, innovative exercise bike that will appeal to a lot of people. We would consider adding it to your fitness equipment repertoire.

The Bowflex VeloCore isn’t a cheap bike; at about the same cost of a Peloton Bike+, you may be asking yourself why you should choose the VeloCore over the Peloton. Let me answer that for you: the extremely fun leaning mode. The leaning mode is easy to activate – with the push of a button, you’re able to rock side to side like you’re on a carnival ride. It sure makes cardio seem more fun and also mimics the feel of taking turns on the road.

Not only does the leaning mode make your rides enjoyable, but it also increases stability and core engagement. Certain on-demand rides offered by the JRNY interactive platform include this feature in the instructions. You can also do a manual ride and lean to your heart’s content if you prefer. I really like the adjustability and the bike and it earns a 4.5 out of 5 for for that in my book.

For all you people out there asking me if you can watch Netflix while you’re cycling, I can finally say, “Yes!” The Bowflex VeloCore allows you to download and watch the Disney+, Hulu, and Netflix apps right to your gleaming monitor (with the purchase of the JRNY interactive programming). This is not something you can do with the Peloton Bike+. I think its earns a 5 out of 5 for programming.

The JRNY platform underwhelmed me with the music selection. I do like that you can completely turn off the music if you’d like to just zone out and follow along with the instructor. The cost per month is $19.99, so pretty reasonable in the grand scheme of things. 

Although this bike is technically compatible with the Peloton app, I’m disappointed that you aren’t able to view it on the monitor. You’ll have to use your phone or other devices, which is a pain considering there is a 22” screen right in front of you. We still felt this bike deserved a 5 out of 5 rating for technology.

Take a look at our full Bowflex VeloCore review.

Best Peloton Alternative for Studio Classes: Schwinn IC4

Good for: People who want to access studio classes similar to Peloton’s without paying Peloton prices.

Best With Peloton App

Schwinn IC4

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Product Highlights

• Connects to Peloton and Zwift apps
• 100 levels of resistance
• Sturdy and doesn’t shake while exercising

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Connects to Peloton and Zwift apps
• 100 levels of resistance
• Sturdy and doesn’t shake while exercising

Cons

• LCD display is bare bones
• Android users may notice a lag in metrics shown
• Parts note clearly labeled to help with assembly

Bottom Line

For under $1,000, the Schwinn IC4 is a solid purchase and one of the best exercise bikes if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to Peloton.

Besides the Schwinn IC4 being under $1,000, the best feature this fitness bike boasts is its ability to connect with just about any interactive programming app (outside of iFIT), including Peloton, Zwift, Sufferfest, Rouvy, TrainerRoad, Fulgaz, and Tacx. Depending on the app, the bike tracks things like power, speed, RPM, distance, and heart rate. That said, the metrics can sometimes differ from app to app so there may be some inconsistencies in your ride history. It earns 4 out of 5 stars from us for dynamic programming.

The reason this bike is so affordable relative to the Peloton is that it doesn’t have a built-in monitor; instead, you’ll have to supply your own smart device to stream the above-mentioned apps. The good news is that the IC4 has a device holder for your iPad or smartphone. We appreciate all of the conveniences and rated it 4 out of 5 for those.

For the price, this exercise bike is extremely sturdy, and we were pleased that there was little to no shaking, even when riding out of the saddle. This is especially impressive considering the IC4 only weighs 104 pounds, and 40 pounds of that is the hefty flywheel. 

The IC4 has some great extras for the price – expect to see two water bottle holders, two 3-pound dumbbells and dumbbell holders, a USB charging port, and an included heart rate monitor armband. I’m a big fan of the dual pedals because you’re able to ride with regular cycling shoes or use the toe cages with sneakers. 

With a weight capacity of 330 pounds, the IC4 is hitting above the industry standard. I am also impressed with the 100 levels of magnetic resistance you can switch between with this bike. This is just like what the Peloton has to offer. As far as value is concerned, this bike earns 5 out of 5 stars, we think this bike is pretty impressive when you consider price and what you’re getting for the price.

In terms of things that aren’t our favorite, this bike was a real pain in the butt to assemble. You’re going to need some patience and probably a cup of tea to calm you down after you see how vague the instructions are. Customer service is also fairly difficult to reach, so you’re honestly better off trying to figure out whatever question you have yourself by googling it. 

Check out the full Schwinn IC4 review.

It should also be noted that the Bowflex C6 is very similar to the Schwinn IC4 — both have similar specs, cost the same, and are owned by the same parent company, Nautilus. So if one’s out of stock or unavailable in your area, you can simply go for the other and have the same experience (the Bowflex C6 also connects to multiple cycling apps). 

The Competition

There are some studio cycle bikes that we’ve heard quite a bit about, but have unfortunately not been able to get our hands on yet. And then there are others that we have tested that, while they might work for some people, just weren’t worthy of a top spot on this list. 

Echelon Smart Connect Bike EX-5s: We’re excited to test this bike out very soon. The Echelon EX-5 has a 22-inch screen to view Echelon Fitpass programming. The programming starts at $11.99 per month and has a variety of class types including yoga, weight training, and cycling. 

MYX Fitness The MYX II Plus: For $1,599, this bike boasts a 21.5” screen and includes a set of small dumbbells, a kettlebell, and an exercise mat for a complete home workout. However, we felt the overall construction of the bike was a bit underwhelming, and the resistance was very inconsistent. People have also complained that the only way to reach MYX customer service is through email. 

Bowflex C6: This bike has similar specs to the Schwinn IC4, costs the same, and is owned by the same parent company, Nautilus. It’s a great bike, but we didn’t want to name something so comparable to a bike already on this list. But really, it’s a matter of which one you can get your hands on first.  

SoulCycle At-Home Bike: This overbuilt exercise bike has a commercial-grade steel frame capable of holding up to 350 pounds, and can be adjusted for riders ranging from 4’10” to 6’10”, a high-resolution touchscreen, and online reviews claim it has one of the best speaker systems found on an exercise bike. We’ve yet to test it, but seeing as it’s partnered with Equinox we have to imagine it’s a hell of a riding experience. 

Stryde Bike: Many of the reviews of this bike say it gives you a great riding experience, but it falls short on the tech (some complained of faulty speakers and of the Stryde app crashing mid-workout). It also lacks heart rate data, and its workout library isn’t as expansive as Peloton’s, iFIT’s, or Echelon’s). 

Sunny Health And Fitness SF-B1002 Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Trainer: Another great budget option, but if you’re going for a Peloton feeling we prefer the brand’s synergy magnetic model because the ride is a little smoother.

How We Tested the Best Peloton Alternatives  

After testing the Peloton Bike and the Peloton Bike+, and its programming, we had a better idea of the type of bike we were looking for. We then tested dozens of different exercise bikes and scored each on the following categories:

• Footprint – How well does it fit in a home gym or apartment?
• Portability – Is it easy to move around?
• Delivery & setup – Did it get to us in good condition, and was it easy to assemble?
• Durability – Will it last a while?
• Customizations – Can it be personalized to our liking?
• Adjustability – Can it fit people of multiple sizes?
• Ergonomics – Does it feel good in use?
• Technology – Does it come with a screen or other tracking services?
• Programming – Does it have built-in workouts?
• Conveniences – Does it have water bottle holders and/or a media stand?
• Value – Are we getting a good bang for our buck?
• Customer Service – Does the company respond to and take action on customer complaints?
• Warranty – Is the bike cover in case of manufacturing defects?

These specifics helped the team determine what exercise bikes would make this roundup and which didn’t make the cut. 

Benefits Of Peloton Alternatives

Although the Peloton Bike is a crowd favorite, there are many reasons people might want to select an alternative for their home gym. Here are some of the benefits of picking something else:

• Cheaper price
• Better quality
• Different features
• Extended warranty 

What to Look for When Choosing the Best Peloton Alternative

Budget

Deciding what you’re looking to spend on your bike will help you hone in on options you can afford. You should also consider the monthly or yearly cost of a subscription service for interactive programming. Make sure to calculate your cost for everything before purchasing or even opt to finance your bike.

Interactive Programming

With so many options for interactive programming, it’s up to you to decide what suits you best. iFIT with NordicTrack has a variety of guided outdoor fitness classes while the Peloton app focuses on motivational studio workouts. Some bikes support a variety of different platforms while others stick to only one. Some programs, like Peloton and iFIT, give you leaderboards so you can see how you rank against other people doing the same workouts or races you do.

RELATED: Indoor vs Outdoor Cycling

Resistance Levels And Type

If you’re more of a beginner, you might not need 100 levels of micro-resistance. However, if you’re a more experienced cyclist, you might need to make sure your exercise bike can accommodate the level of resistance you need to get a great workout.

Also, consider the type of resistance: The Peloton (and the NordicTrack S22i) have both digital resistance as well as manual resistance. Digital resistance means you push a button to make a change in the resistance level; manual resistance means you turn a knob. One isn’t necessarily better than the other; it just comes down to personal preference.

Monitor

The majority of today’s exercise bikes have some type of monitor. Some are equivalent to the Peloton’s large, 22-inch color screen (like the NordicTrack) while others are more basic like the Keiser. Determining how you prefer to view your interactive programming and data from your rides will help you decide which bike to purchase. Keep in mind that the more advanced the screen is, the more money you’ll have to shell out.

Subscription Costs

Some bikes require a monthly subscription to services like iFIT or Zwift to access its full features, and while some are affordable others may cost a pretty penny. You should factor this into the cost of your Peloton alternative to see if it ends up being the right choice for you.

Shipping Costs

Getting the bike delivered to your home can sometimes be as expensive as the bike itself. Look at how much a brand charges for shipping, or see if there’s an option to pick it up from a company warehouse to cut down on shipping costs.

Accessories

Not every Peloton alternative comes with a water bottle holder or media stand. If these are important to you, make sure it’s on the bike of your choice.

FAQ About Peloton Alternatives

Caroline Lubinsky, CF-L1

Caroline is a former NCAA D1 Women’s College Soccer player who also played in the WPSL, the second highest level of professional women’s soccer in the United States. Although soccer was her first love, Caroline eats, sleeps, and breathes all things fitness. She credits her high school’s football coach, Jason Estep, with teaching her how to properly use a barbell at 15 years old and inspiring an enduring love for strength training. Caroline is also a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer. Content wise, Caroline has a background in Public Relations and previously worked in the Communication department at Appalachian State University. When Caroline isn’t writing or working out, she works with dachshund rescue groups and listens to way too many true crime podcasts.

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