Anybody who’s looked into indoor cycles knows of Peloton. The brand recently overhauled its entire original equipment line (including its coveted bike) and introduced the Peloton Cross Training Series. I myself quite like taking a class on a Peloton bike every now and then, and it’s pretty clear to me why the brand is so sought-after. However, it’s clear that the brand’s pricing is out of reach for many people, which gives room for some great alternatives to step in.
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With the holiday season now here, you might be looking at burning those extra calories from all the festive food. Peloton alternatives are a good option if you want an experience similar to Peloton without the extra bells and whistles — and the high price. To help you find the best ones, I tested various exercise bikes over several months. Here are my top picks, which you can currently buy for even cheaper, thanks to Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals.
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What is the best Peloton alternative?
The best overall Peloton alternative is the NordicTrack S24 Studio Bike. This bike offers a high-end experience similar to the Peloton with some extra features. Although it is a higher price (it costs more than a Peloton), it consists of a SmartAdjust feature miming real-world cycling. For example, if you’re virtually cycling through the woods of Colorado, the bike automatically adjusts to match that altitude and declines accordingly. The screen is also bigger on this bike (24 inches versus Peloton’s 21.5 inches).
Similar to Peloton, NordicTrack offers a membership subscription through the iFit app, allowing you to access all its classes separately. Another plus is that you can connect third-party streaming services to this bike and watch your favorite TV shows or listen to your own music while riding.
Best Peloton alternatives of 2025
Pros
- It is quiet and smooth
- It has the auto-adjust option when you’re taking a class to add a real-life feel to the workout
- The touchscreen is bigger than Peloton’s at 24 inches
- You can connect to popular third-party apps
- Individual volume control for both instructor and music
Cons
- The handles have plastic buttons for resistance and incline. The buttons make the product look cheap and make me wonder if it’ll break easily.
- iFIT Pro membership costs more at $396 yearly and controls the ability to access more advanced classes and features
- Can’t connect to the Peloton app
- S24 exercise bike costs more than a Peloton at $2,399
Why we like it: You can have assembly included for this bike, which we found helpful. One of NordicTrack’s unique qualities is its SmartAdjust feature, which allows the bike to adjust resistance based on your fitness level. I tested this while cycling through a scenic mountainside, and the bike automatically adjusted the incline based on elevation. This is the same feature on NordicTrack treadmills.
The best way to experience the NordicTrack S24 bike is by taking cycling classes through its iFIT Train app ($15 monthly or $144 yearly). Like Peloton, you can also take fitness classes like yoga and strength training. This bike also comes with 3-pound dumbbells with a rack holder beneath the screen.
The base of the screen has a built-in fan, which is nice when you’ve been sweating through a session. This screen is bigger than Peloton’s and swivels if you plan on doing floor exercises. I could comfortably ride with standard sneakers in the pedal cages, but the pedals are double-sided for clip-in shoes.
Who is it best for: This bike is for you if you like the feel of the Peloton but are looking for an alternative with a more immersive experience. You can pay extra for the iFIT Pro membership ($39 monthly or $396 yearly), which is best if multiple people plan on using the bike or if you want custom workout creations. You can still access third-party apps like Netflix, Prime, Spotify, Strava, Garmin Connect and Google Fit. It’s nice having the option to listen to your music or stream your favorite shows.
One of the features I like that NordicTrack applies to its machines is the individualized volume control, so you can lower the instructor’s volume during a class or increase the music volume or vice versa. Another plus is that you can connect your Bluetooth-powered headphones, so your workout won’t disrupt anyone in your house.
Who should not get it: This bike is one of the most expensive on the list and costs more than a Peloton. I wasn’t a fan of the buttons that control the resistance because they’re made of what looks like cheap plastic. I would’ve preferred a resistance knob.
If it’s not within your budget, there are cheaper Peloton alternatives. You also can’t access the Peloton app on this bike, even with the various third-party app access. On the other hand, if this bike is within your budget, you may want to purchase the Peloton instead. Even with classes, the iFIT instructors don’t match the Peloton instructors’ energy.
Pros
- Easy to use
- The screen is bigger than Peloton’s at 22 inches
- Quiet when in use
- Echelon Premier membership is cheaper than Peloton’s at $40 monthly
- Can connect to third-party apps like Strava and Spotify
Cons
- Issues connecting to the Bluetooth initially
- Can’t connect to the Peloton app
- Classes may be less engaging than Peloton’s
- Warranty is only for 1 year
Why we like it: The Echelon EX-5S-22 is the best Peloton alternative if you want an exercise bike that is intuitive to use and provides a similar look and experience. Assembly is similar to BowFlex and can be done at home by following an instructional video. Or you can pay extra for in-home assembly (prices vary by location). It’s a slightly higher price than our budget pick, but it may satisfy that Peloton itch.
I’ve tested other Echelon exercise equipment before, and I appreciate the simplistic design from the assembly to the software. You don’t always have the time to learn a new piece of fitness equipment and want to take it for a spin right away. At $1,000, it’s also a more affordable bike than a Peloton and includes a slightly larger 22-inch touchscreen.
You have access to the Echelon Fit app, which gives you access to live and on-demand classes. The screen is large enough to get a clear view of the class’s instructor and all your stats during a ride. The pedals are also dual-sided, so you can choose regular sneakers or clip-on shoes. Overall, it’s similar to riding a Peloton, minus the cost.
Who is it best for: This bike is best for the rider who wants a bike that is easy to use and doesn’t require much of a learning curve. This is also appropriate for the exerciser who doesn’t want to fully commit to the Peloton but still likes indoor cycling classes.
An Echelon Premier membership is cheaper than Peloton’s All-Access membership ($44/month). You can pick from two membership options: Premier (create up to five profiles with unlimited classes for $40/month and cancel anytime; or pay annually at $33/month or $400 a year) and FitPass (one profile with limited classes, $11.99/month). You can also connect with third-party apps like Strava, Apple Health and Fitbit, and listen to your music or audiobooks via Spotify, Apple Music or Audible.
Who should not get it: One of the issues I had when setting up this bike was connecting to the Bluetooth. It took some troubleshooting. If you’d like the option to connect to the Peloton app, this bike doesn’t allow it. One of the things Peloton has over Echelon is the instructors. If you love Peloton’s instructors’ energy, you may find Echelon’s instructors less exciting and motivating. The screen also doesn’t tilt like Peloton’s while doing floor exercises. The warranty is also only for a year.
Peloton alternatives compared
| Peloton alternatives | Dimensions | Max weight capacity | Resistance | Screen size | Warranty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordicTrack S24 Studio bike | 56.4″ L x 21.8″ W x 62.7″ H | 350 pounds | 24 levels of resistance | 24 inch touchscreen | 1-year manufacturer’s warranty covering the frame, motor, parts and labor | $2,499 |
| Echelon EX-5S-22 | 21.25″D x 52.36″W x 56.29″H | 300 pounds | 32 levels of magnetic resistance | 22 inch HD touchscreen | 1 year | $1,099 |
Holiday buying advice for Peloton alternatives
Getting fit can be a rather expensive process. Gym membership costs are high, and you have to find the time to commute and keep up with the schedule. Getting a Peloton alternative that you can hop on to in your home can be a good way to get started with your fitness journey and get ahead of that New Year’s resolution.
It’ll cost you quite a bit less if you get one now instead of waiting until the new year rolls around because we’re seeing tons of discounts on fitness equipment right now. Both of our favorites that made it to the list are currently discounted, but these discounts typically don’t last too long, so we recommend you buy one while the sales are still on.
Factors to consider when choosing a Peloton alternative
Although the Peloton is the most popular exercise bike, it may not be what everyone is looking for. There may be better options to fit your needs. We rounded up this list with alternatives that can be better options if you don’t want to commit to a Peloton.
Assembly
The perks of owning a Peloton are that assembly is included with your delivery. If you decide to buy a Peloton alternative, be prepared to assemble it on your own. We looked at the options the exercise bike brand offered or included assembly. For those bikes we had to assemble, we considered how clear the instructions were and how long it took to build the bike.
Features
Similar to the Peloton, these alternatives include a subscription to access their classes. We looked at whether the member subscription is essential to your indoor cycling experience or if there’s an option to just ride or connect to other third-party apps. We also looked at how the bike’s features compare to a Peloton.
Functionality
During the testing experience, we examined how well the exercise bike functioned compared to a Peloton. We considered whether any pieces arrived broken or if parts of the bike didn’t function correctly. We also observed how intuitive it is to use as a first-time rider since a Peloton is relatively easy to use.
Warranty
When making a big purchase like a Peloton alternative, it’s essential to know the warranty in case anything breaks. We looked at the warranty’s length and what parts of the exercise bike it covers.
How we test Peloton alternatives
Testing a Peloton alternative means it needs to meet a few basic benchmarks to see how it measures up against the Peloton. While testing these bikes, we took into consideration assembly, the types of classes offered and the features while comparing it to the true Peloton experience. We looked at the following:
Size, stability and comfort: This includes ease of assembly (if needed), the size of the bike, how much noise it makes, whether it wobbles and how comfortable it is to sit and ride.
Software features: As a Peloton alternative, it must provide a similar experience to the Peloton bike. This includes heart-rate monitoring, a wide variety of workout types through its workout subscription, plus an app and/or a built-in screen to access these workouts.
Ease of use: Peloton alternatives should be easy enough for a beginner or advanced rider to use. If they’re too complicated, they can’t be Peloton alternatives.
Other Peloton alternatives tested
Schwinn IC 4:
The Schwinn IC 4 left much to be desired because the console arrived broken and wouldn’t turn on. This is a traditional exercise bike that I have used in the past and like overall. But I wouldn’t label it as a “best Peloton alternative.” It doesn’t have a touchscreen, so you’ll need a tablet to use it and follow along with your favorite third-party workout apps. We will update this review once we receive a replacement.
ZWIFT Ride with KICKR Core
I didn’t think the ZWIFT Ride with KICKR Core was appropriate for a Peloton alternatives list since it’s unique enough to be in its own category and was designed for serious cyclists who want an indoor trainer experience. The bike’s frame is a smart bike that connects to Wahoo’s KICKR Core, which automatically controls the resistance on the bike. Since this bike doesn’t have a touchscreen, you will need a tablet or smartphone to use the ZWIFT companion app.
The ZWIFT workout imagery design resembles a cross between the Sims and Mario Kart video games without the special effects. If you plan on using a different cog other than the KICKR core, you have to make sure it is ZWIFT compatible first. This is a better option as an exercise bike instead of a Peloton alternative.
Horizon 7.0 IC Indoor Cycle
The Horizon 7.0 IC Indoor Cycle was a straightforward exercise bike overall, but I wouldn’t consider it the best option for a Peloton alternative. It didn’t come with broken parts and was on the easier side to assemble, so I would recommend this to someone who wants a simple and reliable bike. It does connect to the Peloton app and others, but lacks a touchscreen and high-tech features. A plus is that this exercise bike has a lifetime warranty.
Peloton alternatives we’re testing next
We test new products throughout the year to update our best lists. For Peloton alternatives, we are currently testing and considering the following exercise bikes:
BowFlex C6 Bike: This is BowFlex’s newest exercise bike that is compatible with the Peloton app. We previously tested the BowFlex IC Bike SE and named it our Peloton alternative budget pick. (See Updates below for news about BowFlex.)
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 also be done on a Peloton alternative. Some exercises you may want to try include:
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): If you’re used to riding an exercise bike, 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 30 minutes.
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. You should also have the option to “Just Ride,” similar to Peloton, which doesn’t require connecting to a class.
Other group fitness classes: As a Peloton member, one of the perks is access to workout classes beyond cycling. You should be able to take similar classes with a Peloton alternative.
Best practices for Peloton alternatives
Adjust the bike to your needs: Before using a Peloton alternative, you’ll need to adjust the seat and handlebars. This will vary per person, but ideally, you want the seat to be hip height.
Wear the right shoes: Peloton alternatives may allow you to use clip-in shoes (just like Peloton), while others only have cages that can fit any sneaker. If you’ve never used clip-in shoes, you should practice getting on and off the bike with them first, since they require a bit of a learning curve.
Know your bike: It’s helpful to learn where the resistance is located on your Peloton alternative. For example, on most bikes, you turn a knob to adjust the resistance level. If your device has a touchscreen, it’s helpful to know how to access the classes you’ll want to participate in, adjust settings like volume, and set up user profiles and other features. Finally, you’ll want to know how to stop the bike in case of an emergency.
Peloton alternatives FAQ
Recent updates
Editor’s note, June 10, 2024: BowFlex filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2024, and the brand is now owned by Johnson Health Tech, which also owns Horizon Fitness and Matrix. You can still buy BowFlex products through its website and via retailers such as Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Editor’s note, Jan. 1, 2025: We’ll be updating this page periodically in the new year. There are currently new machines in the testing stages, as you’ll see noted below. Some brands we’re considering that weren’t tested previously include Schwinn, Aviron, NordicTrack, Horizon and Zwift Ride.
Editor’s note, June 30, 2025: This whole page has been overhauled and updated with new products and testing.