What’s comparable to Peloton? Peloton is a popular choice, but it’s not the only option for indoor cycling. At COMPARE.EDU.VN, we have evaluated various exercise bikes to help you find the best alternatives that offer quality workouts while staying within your budget and meeting your fitness objectives. Whether you’re seeking a budget-friendly alternative, a bike with no subscription fees, or one offering full-body workouts, we’ve got you covered. Consider various alternatives like BowFlex VeloCore series, Echelon Smart Connect Bike EX3, BowFlex C6, Stryde or BODi Bike, the alternatives offering similar immersive experience, robust build quality, and engaging fitness programs.
1. Best Overall Peloton Alternative
BowFlex VeloCore
The BowFlex VeloCore series is an excellent option for anyone seeking a great overall Peloton alternative. BowFlex is known for its home workout machines, and the Velocore series is something anyone can enjoy. The bike is modular, and its magnetic resistance system allows you to get a full-body workout without making much noise. The big front wheels make it easy to move around, and you can use the speakers on the front of the display, although Bluetooth is also an option. The unique part of this design is how it allows you to lean into your rides thanks to a locked hinge, offering a core workout while you ride.
Pros
- Sturdy design without being loud
- Great display and speakers
- Versatile software package
Cons
- Not enough training courses for full-body workouts
- Screen doesn’t turn left or right
Specs & Configurations
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 59.8″ L x 24.1″ W x 55.3″ H |
| Resistance | Magnetic – 100 levels |
| Screen Size | 16″ or 22″ |
| Price | $$$ |
| Subscription | $12/month or $99/year (optional) |
| Workout Type | Full Body Workout |
What makes this exercise bike stand out is everything you get on the screen. The BowFlex JRNY service does require a subscription, but at $20 per month, it’s less than half the cost of Peloton’s service and offers a ton of things you can’t get elsewhere. If you want a growing set of classes to give you a clear set of instructions for working out, BowFlex has quite a bit to offer through its subscription service. If that’s not your thing, there are loads of other options, including just watching Netflix or Hulu or even Max while you ride. It’s something few other bikes do unless you bring your own screen, and BowFlex does it with ease.
2. Best Budget Peloton Alternative
Echelon Smart Connect Bike EX3
The Echelon Smart Connect Bike EX3 is perfect if you are looking for a cost-effective alternative to Peloton. A lot of indoor bike manufacturers try to compete with Peloton on price without sacrificing a ton in quality, but Echelon does it better than most. The frame on the Echelon EX-3 is sturdy, offers a rear flywheel with magnetic resistance, and has a great tablet and phone mount you can position however you want. It’s also got rear-mounted water bottle holders, which isn’t common with indoor bikes but nice if you want to feel like you’re simulating an outdoor ride on a performance bike.
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Adjusts to multiple body types
- No subscription required
Cons
- Louder than most we’ve tested
- Data accuracy in some apps is questionable
Specs & Configurations
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 59″ L x 23″ W x 53″ H |
| Resistance | Magnetic – 32 levels |
| Screen Size | Tablet holder only |
| Price | $ |
| Subscription | $40/month or $400/year (optional) |
| Workout Type | No Screen |
Echelon’s bikes are not a 100% copy of the Peloton experience. If you’ve used a Peloton before, you’ll notice this bike is a little louder, and the magnetic resistance is a little sudden and intense by comparison. What you do get is a Bluetooth connection so you can use just about any app to tell you how well your workout went, and at a price that, even if you add in the optional subscription from Echelon, is dramatically less than what you’ll find anywhere else.
3. Best Peloton Alternative With No Subscription
BowFlex C6
The BowFlex C6 is a great choice if you prefer not to have a subscription. If you’re looking for a bike that’s well-made and supports multiple body types without forcing you into a single experience for working out, the BowFlex C6 is what you want.
Pros
- Compact frame fits in more places than most others
- Supports most body types
- Magnetic resistance is pretty quiet
Cons
- Performance data syncs incorrectly with apps
- Tablet/phone holder is not adjustable
Specs & Configurations
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 54.6″ L x 30.7″ W x 51.8″ H |
| Resistance | Magnetic – 100 levels |
| Screen Size | Tablet holder, performance-only LCD |
| Price | $$ |
| Subscription | $12/month or $99/year (optional) |
| Workout Type | No Screen |
The device mount on the handlebars of the BowFlex C6 makes it easy to bring your own screen and mount it however you see fit, but the Bluetooth data sharing also makes it possible to set your bike in front of a TV and enjoy an even larger set of distractions. Most cycling apps will pair with the BowFlex C6 easily, but it’s worth pointing out that some performance-based apps like Zwift don’t always get the most accurate information from this bike.
4. Best If Money Is No Object
Peloton Bike Plus
If budget isn’t a concern, the Peloton Bike Plus is a premium option. Peloton’s cycle is a sturdy and beautiful machine that feels every inch like a premium product. It has a price tag to match: $2,495, plus $44 a month for on-demand and live classes.
Specs & Configurations
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 59″ L x 22″ W x 59″ H |
| Resistance | Magnetic – 100 levels |
| Screen Size | 23.8″ |
| Price | $$$ |
| Subscription | $24/month or $240/year (required) |
| Workout Type | Full Body Workout |
5. Great For DIY Cyclists
Stryde
The Stryde is excellent if you’re a DIY cyclist. The bike itself looks really nice and offers a comparable level of magnetic resistance to simulate any kind of cycling. You don’t have to pay for the subscription service if you don’t think the included classes are particularly valuable, but if you’re looking for a Peloton-like training regiment, you’ll find a lot to like there.
Specs & Configurations
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 49.6″ L x 24″ W x 46″ H |
| Resistance | Magnetic – 100 levels |
| Screen Size | 21.5″ |
| Price | $$ |
| Subscription | $30/month (optional) |
| Workout Type | Full Body Workout |
6. Best Peloton Alternative For Full-Body Workouts
BODi Bike (Update: Out of Stock)
The BODi Bike, previously known as Myx Bike, is great for full-body workouts. The included software offers everything from yoga to kettlebell classes in addition to an array of spin class-style workouts and even live classes you can join throughout the week. It’s one of the few exercise bikes in this price range that can truly deliver a full-body workout.
Pros
- Flexible display
- Huge collection of workout options
- Good third-party fitness tracker support
Cons
- Build quality could be better
- Expensive monthly subscription
Specs & Configurations
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 54″ L x 21″ W x 47″ H |
| Resistance | Friction Dial |
| Screen Size | 21.5″ |
| Price | $$$ |
| Subscription | $39/month (required) |
| Workout Type | Full Body Workout |
7. Comparing Peloton Alternatives
To assist you further in your decision-making process, here is a comparison table of the Peloton alternatives discussed:
| Bike | Max Weight (lbs) | Cost | Dimensions (L x W x H, inches) | Screen Size (inches) | Workout Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BowFlex VeloCore | 325 | $1,799 | 59.8 x 24.1 x 55.3 | 16 or 22 | Full Body |
| Echelon EX3 | 300 | $786 | 59 x 23 x 53 | Tablet holder only | Cycling only |
| BowFlex C6 | 330 | $799 | 54.6 x 30.7 x 51.8 | Tablet holder, LCD | Cycling only |
| Myx II Plus/BODi Bike | 350 | $349 | 54 x 21 x 47 | 21.5 | Full Body |
| Peloton Bike Plus | 297 | $2,495 | 59 x 22 x 59 | 23.8 | Full Body |
| Stryde | 350 | $1,895 | 49.6 x 24 x 46 | 21.5 | Cycling only |
8. How We Test Peloton Alternatives
Every indoor bike has the same basic feature set, but testing any bike as a viable Peloton alternative means the bike needs to meet a few basic benchmarks. When testing any indoor bike, we’re primarily interested in measuring the following:
8.1. Size, Stability, and Comfort
How well this bike fits in your home and how comfortable it is to ride in a home. This includes ease of assembly, how much noise the bike makes, and how well it tucks away when not in use if that’s what you need in your space.
8.2. Software Features
If this is a Peloton alternative, it needs to be able to deliver a lot of different things all at once. This includes heart-rate monitoring and reporting, access to a wide variety of workout types, and the ability to use your bike in a competitive workout environment (real or virtual).
8.3. Cycling Flexibility
It’s important that the indoor bikes we consider as Peloton alternatives be able to challenge a wide variety of skill levels. This means something on this list allows for clearly defined difficulty levels and allows for someone with preferred cycling shoes to comfortably use the bike.
Each bike we have access to is thoroughly tested by riding in three different situations: HIIT workouts, 20-mile performance rides, and more casual 30-minute cycling sessions. If we have not yet had access to the bike but find its features interesting, this detail is called out in the section.
9. Factors To Consider When Choosing a Peloton Alternative
There’s no such thing as one bike for every kind of rider out there, and while Peloton makes a great bike, there may be better options out there depending on your needs. With that in mind, we test all of our indoor bikes using the same criteria.
9.1. Price
Consider how much you’re willing to spend on an indoor bike. A big part of our testing is identifying which areas of an ideal cycling experience can be reduced to save money without impacting the quality of your workout.
9.2. Subscription Quality
Many smart bikes now include a subscription to access their classes. Decide if a member subscription is important to your indoor cycling experience or if you want an option to just ride. For example, some subscription services offer less expensive options to add family members.
9.3. Physical Space
A lot of indoor bikes take up a lot of room, and a big part of making sure your purchase doesn’t quickly become a very expensive clothesline is making sure it’s the right size for your space without sacrificing the things that make a good workout.
9.4. Workout Quality
At the end of the day, whatever bike you choose needs to be enjoyable to use. This means testing the seat for extended periods, as well as the different riding positions you’d want to be in while riding.
10. How We Test Peloton Alternatives
Like so many other things at CNET, we test exercise bikes as thoroughly as possible through rigorous examination and comparison. Each exercise bike in our list has been through at least 100 miles of riding, using as many of the built-in features as possible. Every exercise bike is judged against the following metrics:
10.1. Exercise Bike Volume
Every workout makes some noise, but a quieter bike typically means greater build quality. At the same time, if an exercise bike has a built-in display with speakers it’s important to know it’s possible to clearly hear the class instructor or your favorite TV show over the sound of you working out.
10.2. Riding Position Flexibility
It’s important to be able to set your exercise bike to the riding position that works best for you and be able to ride in that position for extended periods. All of the bikes in this list are tested in cruiser, neutral, and competition riding positions to ensure comfort for as many body types as possible.
10.3. Software Compatibility
Even if your bike doesn’t have a display, it likely has a way to connect to your phone or tablet to access performance apps. That testing doesn’t end at the ability to connect to a phone, the accuracy of the information sent from the bike to your phone makes a big difference, especially if you’re counting calories or you want to use a competitive racing app to ride with friends. Making sure the power you push into your exercise bike is accurately reflected in the information sent to apps makes a big difference. According to research by the University of California, Berkeley, accurate data tracking can increase user engagement by up to 30%.
11. Workouts You Can Do With Peloton Alternatives
Peloton is considered the best of the best when it comes to exercise bikes. Other exercise bikes allow you to do the same workouts with some differences. For example, there may be bikes that have their own version of a touchscreen and cycling classes. Most workouts you do on a Peloton can be done on a Peloton alternative as well. Some exercise you may want to try include:
11.1. Low-Intensity Ride
If you’re new to using an exercise bike, you would benefit from getting acquainted with it first. This can include riding it for a short period and getting used to the resistance levels, as well as making sure the seat is set up adequately for your height. Low-intensity rides where you’re not trying to hit any PR’s can also provide cardiovascular benefits without getting significantly out of breath.
11.2. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
If you’re used to riding on an exercise bike, then you’re familiar with HIIT rides. You use short bursts of energy followed by a rest period and you can play around with the resistance to make the ride harder or easier. Additionally, it’s a good way to get a quick workout in less than a half hour.
11.3. Hills and Sprinting
If you’re focusing on improving your stamina and endurance, practicing cycling uphill with heavy resistance and sprinting on little to no resistance on an exercise bike is a good way to do so.
12. Best Practices For Peloton Alternatives
12.1. Adjust Saddle and Handlebars Accordingly
One of the first things you have to make sure is set up correctly on an exercise bike is the seat (saddle) and handlebars height. This will vary per person, but ideally you want the seat to be hip height, and you may need to make additional adjustments.
12.2. Wear the Right Shoes
Some Peloton alternatives may require clip-in shoes (just like Peloton), while others have cages that are appropriate for any sneaker. Make sure your feet are properly strapped in or clipped in before riding.
12.3. Know All the Exercise Bike Features
It helps to know which way to turn the knob on your exercise bike to add or take away resistance. If there is a touchscreen, it’s helpful to know how to access the classes and other features on your device. Additionally, for safety reasons, it’s important to know how to abruptly stop the bike in case of an emergency.
13. Peloton Alternatives FAQ
13.1. Which Bike Is Peloton’s Biggest Competitor?
This is a tough question to answer because it depends on what kind of cyclist you are. If you’re new to cycling and want the gym experience at home, the biggest competition to Peloton would be the Myx II Pro referenced above. If you’re a more advanced cyclist looking for a way to get in a variety of workouts at home without needing to go to a scheduled spin class, the competition to Peloton would likely look more like an indoor trainer where you’re using your own road bike hooked up to a Wahoo Kickr Smart Trainer.
Because indoor bikes like Peloton reach such a broad audience of cyclists, your level of enthusiasm has a ton of weight on your choice.
13.2. What Should I Look For When Buying An Indoor Exercise Bike?
Before you decide which indoor exercise to buy, you’ll want to consider several things including cost, size, display screen and whether or not you’ll need a monthly subscription. If your main goal is to simulate the experience of riding outdoors, for instance, you’ll want a bike like the Bowflex VeloCore, which offers a realistic road feel and can mimic the way you lean into turns. If your main goal is to get the most bang for your buck, you’ll want to consider something like the Bowflex C6.
13.3. Which Muscles Does Indoor Cycling Work?
Indoor cycling is a full-body workout. It targets your core, upper body, back, glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and lower legs. Some bikes also include weights so you can more specifically target muscle groups in your arms.
13.4. Is A Built-In Or BYO Screen Better?
The most eye-catching aspect of the Peloton exercise bike is, without question, its big HD touchscreen. That’s also a big reason the bike is so expensive; many indoor spin bike competitors come with a smaller screen or none at all. The BowFlex C6, for example, doesn’t come with any kind of display. Instead, it has a mount for your tablet. The smaller screen may not draw you in as much, but a tablet lets you do things other than watch indoor cycling class videos like read books, stream Netflix, or even go on virtual outdoor scenic rides. I’m not saying one is definitively better than another — there are pros and cons to built-in and BYO screens.
13.5. Is A Subscription Necessary?
If your goal when buying a piece of home-fitness equipment is to avoid pricey gym or class memberships, some of these bikes may leave you scratching your head. As noted, Peloton charges $44 a month; Myx Fitness runs a little cheaper at $39, while Echelon’s plans range from $30 to $35. If you buy a NordicTrack cycle, you get your first year of the iFit service free and after that, it costs $39 a month.
You can use any of these bikes independently, though; you don’t have to take a class (but Peloton does require a minimum one-year subscription as part of your purchase). If you decide not to pay for a membership and fitness app, some bikes will no longer collect or display data, such as speed and distance, about your rides, which is one of the reasons someone might choose an indoor bike over a road bike.
Much as you might dislike the idea of yet another monthly subscription, even $40 is less than what you’d typically pay for just two or three drop-in cardio workout classes at your favorite indoor cycle studio (and it’s worth it if you find a particular Peloton instructor particularly motivating). Just be sure to factor that cost into the overall expenditure and, where possible, look for discounts on the prepaid, annual subscriptions.
Ready to make a decision? Visit COMPARE.EDU.VN today to explore detailed comparisons and user reviews to help you choose the best Peloton alternative for your needs. Make an informed decision and achieve your fitness goals with the perfect exercise bike.
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