The Peloton bike has been the go-to exercise bike for lots of people in recent times, and it is easy to see why it is so in style. It sports activities superior options, lessons run by partaking instructors and loads of health class selection. However as a lot as I take pleasure in hopping on a Peloton bike sometimes, I’ve realized that not everybody needs to personal one. Peloton alternate options are a superb possibility if you need a comparable expertise to the Peloton, however with out really having to purchase one. I examined varied train bikes over a number of months, narrowing issues all the way down to those that may function the perfect Peloton different. They differ in value and options, so there ought to be a motorcycle to suit everybody’s wants and funds.
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What’s the finest Peloton different?
The most effective total Peloton different is the NordicTrack S24 Studio Bike. This bike gives a high-end expertise just like the Peloton with some further options. Though it prices greater than a Peloton, it consists of a SmartAdjust characteristic miming real-world biking. For instance, in case you’re just about biking by means of the woods of Colorado, the bike routinely adjusts to match that altitude and declines accordingly. The display screen can also be larger on this bike (24 inches versus Peloton’s 21.5 inches).
Much like Peloton, NordicTrack additionally gives a membership subscription by means of the iFit app to entry all of its lessons, which you’ll be able to join individually. One other plus, you’ll be able to join third-party streaming companies to this bike and watch your favourite TV exhibits or hearken to your individual music throughout a trip.
Latest updates
Editor’s observe, June 10, 2024: BowFlex filed for Chapter 11 chapter in 2024, and the model is now owned by Johnson Health Tech, which additionally owns Horizon Health and Matrix. You’ll be able to nonetheless purchase BowFlex merchandise by means of its website and by way of retailers similar to Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Items.
Editor’s observe, Jan. 1, 2025: We’ll be updating this web page periodically within the new yr. There are at present new machines within the testing phases, as you will see famous beneath. Some manufacturers we’re contemplating that weren’t examined beforehand embrace Schwinn, Aviron, NordicTrack, Horizon and Zwift Trip.
Editor’s observe, June 30, 2025: This complete web page has been overhauled and up to date with new merchandise and testing.
Greatest Peloton alternate options of 2025
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Professionals
- It’s quiet and easy
- It has the auto-adjust possibility once you’re taking a category so as to add a real-life really feel to the exercise
- The touchscreen is greater than Peloton’s at 24 inches
- You’ll be able to hook up with in style third-party apps
- Particular person quantity management for each teacher and music
Cons
- The handles have plastic buttons for resistance and incline. The buttons make the product look low-cost and make me surprise if it’ll break simply.
- iFIT Professional membership prices extra at $396 yearly and controls the power to entry extra superior lessons and options
- Can’t hook up with the Peloton app
- S24 train bike prices greater than a Peloton at $2,499
Why we prefer it: You’ll be able to have meeting included for this bike, which we discovered useful. One in all NordicTrack’s distinctive qualities is its SmartAdjust characteristic, which permits the bike to regulate resistance primarily based in your health stage. I examined this whereas biking by means of a scenic mountainside, and the bike routinely adjusted the incline primarily based on elevation. This is identical characteristic on NordicTrack treadmills.
The easiest way to expertise the NordicTrack S24 bike is by taking biking lessons by means of its iFIT Practice app ($15 month-to-month or $144 yearly). Like Peloton, you may as well take health lessons like yoga and power coaching. This bike additionally comes with 3-pound dumbbells with a rack holder beneath the display screen.
The bottom of the display screen has a built-in fan, which is sweet once you’ve been sweating by means of a session. This display screen is greater than Peloton’s and swivels in case you plan on doing flooring workouts. I may comfortably trip with commonplace sneakers within the pedal cages, however the pedals are double-sided for clip-in footwear.
Who’s it finest for: This bike is for you in case you like the texture of the Peloton however are on the lookout for an alternate with a extra immersive expertise. You’ll be able to pay further for the iFIT Professional membership ($39 month-to-month or $396 yearly), which is finest if a number of individuals plan on utilizing the bike or if you need customized exercise creations. You’ll be able to nonetheless entry third-party apps like Netflix, Prime, Spotify, Strava, Garmin Join and Google Match. It’s good having the choice to hearken to your music or stream your favourite exhibits.
One of many options I like that NordicTrack applies to its machines is the individualized quantity management, so you’ll be able to decrease the teacher’s quantity throughout a category or improve the music quantity or vice versa. One other plus is you could join your Bluetooth-powered headphones, so your exercise received’t disrupt anybody in your home.
Who mustn’t get it: This bike is among the most costly on the record and prices greater than a Peloton. I wasn’t a fan of the buttons that management the resistance as a result of they’re manufactured from what appears to be like like low-cost plastic. I’d’ve most popular a resistance knob.
If it’s not inside your funds, there are cheaper Peloton alternate options. You can also’t entry the Peloton app on this bike, even with the assorted third-party app entry. Alternatively, if this bike is inside your funds, it’s possible you’ll need to buy the Peloton as an alternative. Even with lessons, the iFIT instructors don’t match the Peloton instructors’ power.
Professionals
- Inexpensive at $799
- Can hook up with third-party apps like Peloton
- Strong bike with a easy trip and doesn’t shake when in use
- JRNY app is cheap at $149 yearly and permits as much as three profiles
- JRNY month-to-month All-Entry membership is $24 cheaper than Peloton All-Entry membership
- The guarantee lasts as much as 10 years for the body
Cons
- Flywheel location within the again makes it more durable to maneuver the bike
- No touchscreen; you’ll want a pill to make use of it
- No third-party music possibility
- Meeting requires an additional individual
Why we prefer it: If you need a less expensive Peloton different, contemplate the BowFlex IC Bike SE. This train bike prices lower than a Peloton ($799), and also you get comparable perks. Meeting can take over 1.5 hours, nevertheless it’s doable when you’ve got an additional individual to assist and comply with the tutorials. If it’s inside your funds, you may as well pay further for BowFlex to supply in-house meeting (costs differ by location).
This train bike has 100 resistance ranges, is quiet and is easy total. Its 7-inch LCD display screen is tiny in comparison with the Peloton’s however gives knowledge like resistance, pace, watts and burn price. The upside is that you need to use a pill with this train bike and simply hook up with the Peloton app and different third-party apps like Discover the World and Zwift.
You even have free entry to JRNY, BowFlex’s health app, for the primary two months in case you’re a brand new member. Afterward, you’ll be able to choose from the mobile-only membership ($11.99 month-to-month or $100 yearly) or the All-Entry membership ($19.99 month-to-month or $149 yearly). The bike additionally comes with 3-pound dumbbells, which can be utilized for flooring train throughout different lessons. The pedals are dual-sided cages, so you’ll be able to trip with commonplace or clip-in footwear.
Who’s it finest for: If you need an reasonably priced Peloton different and are OK with the shortage of a touchscreen, the BowFlex is an efficient alternative. At $600, the bike is a steal, and even the JRNY All-Entry membership at $29 a month is cheaper than Peloton’s equal at $44 a month. This bike additionally has the perfect guarantee on the body, protecting as much as 10 years and a couple of years on mechanical elements. General, I like BowFlex as a model, and its high quality stands as much as the IC Bike SE.
Who mustn’t get it: The flywheel on this bike is situated within the again, so it could be a problem to maneuver it round in comparison with bikes with the flywheel within the entrance. That is one thing to think about in case you reside alone or plan on shifting the bike typically. Additionally, if the seat doesn’t really feel comfy after a couple of rides, you’ll in all probability find yourself shelling out cash for a greater seat alternative. The BowFlex further consolation bike seat is a further $40.
The music choice wasn’t my favourite as a result of you’ll be able to solely choose from the JRNY Radio. I like having the choice to play my very own music from Spotify or Apple Music. If this issues to you, you are higher off with one other Peloton different — even when you need to spend just a little extra.
Professionals
- Straightforward to make use of
- The display screen is greater than Peloton’s at 22 inches
- Quiet when in use
- Echelon Premier membership is cheaper than Peloton’s at $40 month-to-month
- Can hook up with third-party apps like Strava and Spotify
Cons
- Points connecting to the Bluetooth initially
- Can’t hook up with the Peloton app
- Courses could also be much less partaking than Peloton’s
- Guarantee is just for 1 yr
Why we prefer it: The Echelon EX-5S-22 is the perfect Peloton different if you need an train bike that’s intuitive to make use of and gives an identical look and expertise. Meeting is just like BowFlex and will be executed at house by following an tutorial video. Or you’ll be able to pay further for in-home meeting (costs differ by location). It’s a barely larger value than our funds choose, however it could fulfill that Peloton itch.
I’ve examined different Echelon train tools earlier than, and I recognize the simplistic design from the meeting to the software program. You don’t all the time have the time to study a brand new piece of health tools and need to take it for a spin immediately. At $1,000, it’s additionally a extra reasonably priced bike than a Peloton and features a barely bigger 22-inch touchscreen.
You will have entry to the Echelon Match app, which supplies you entry to reside and on-demand lessons. The display screen is giant sufficient to get a transparent view of the category’s teacher and all of your stats throughout a trip. The pedals are additionally dual-sided, so you’ll be able to select common sneakers or clip-on footwear. General, it’s just like driving a Peloton, minus the fee.
Who’s it finest for: This bike is finest for the rider who needs a motorcycle that’s simple to make use of and doesn’t require a lot of a studying curve. That is additionally applicable for the exerciser who doesn’t need to absolutely decide to the Peloton however nonetheless likes indoor biking lessons.
An Echelon Premier membership is cheaper than Peloton’s All-Entry membership ($44/month). You’ll be able to choose from two membership choices: Premier (create as much as 5 profiles with limitless lessons for $40/month and cancel anytime; or pay yearly at $33/month or $400 a yr) and FitPass (one profile with restricted lessons, $11.99/month). You too can join with third-party apps like Strava, Apple Well being and Fitbit, and hearken to your music or audiobooks by way of Spotify, Apple Music or Audible.
Who mustn’t get it: One of many points I had when establishing this bike was connecting to the Bluetooth. It took some troubleshooting. Should you’d like the choice to connect with the Peloton app, this bike doesn’t enable it. One of many issues Peloton has over Echelon is the instructors. Should you love Peloton’s instructors’ power, it’s possible you’ll discover Echelon’s instructors much less thrilling and motivating. The display screen additionally doesn’t tilt like Peloton’s whereas doing flooring workouts. The guarantee can also be just for a yr.
Peloton alternate options in contrast
| Peloton alternate options | Dimensions | Max weight capability | Resistance | Display screen measurement | Guarantee | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordicTrack S24 Studio bike | 56.4″ L x 21.8″ W x 62.7″ H | 350 kilos | 24 ranges of resistance | 24 inch touchscreen | 1-year producer’s guarantee protecting the body, motor, elements and labor | $2,499 |
| BowFlex IC Bike SE | 54.7″ L x 21.5″ W x 52.8″ H | 330 kilos | 100 magnetic resistance | 7 inch colour LCD | Body: 10 years, Mechanical elements: 2 years, Electronics: 1 yr, Labor: 1 yr | $799 |
| Echelon EX-5S-22 | 21.25″D x 52.36″W x 56.29″H | 300 kilos | 32 ranges of magnetic resistance | 22 inch HD touchscreen | 1 yr | $1,099 |
Though the Peloton is the preferred train bike, it might not be what everyone seems to be on the lookout for. There could also be higher choices to suit your wants. We rounded up this record with alternate options that may be higher choices in case you don’t need to decide to a Peloton.
Meeting
The perks of proudly owning a Peloton are that meeting is included along with your supply. Should you resolve to purchase a Peloton different, be ready to assemble it by yourself. We appeared on the choices the train bike model supplied or included meeting. For these bikes we needed to assemble, we thought of how clear the directions had been and the way lengthy it took to construct the bike.
Options
Much like the Peloton, these alternate options embrace a subscription to entry their lessons. We checked out whether or not the member subscription is crucial to your indoor biking expertise or if there’s an possibility to only trip or hook up with different third-party apps. We additionally checked out how the bike’s options examine to a Peloton.
Performance
In the course of the testing expertise, we examined how properly the train bike functioned in comparison with a Peloton. We thought of whether or not any items arrived damaged or if elements of the bike didn’t perform accurately. We additionally noticed how intuitive it’s to make use of as a first-time rider since a Peloton is comparatively simple to make use of.
Guarantee
When making a giant buy like a Peloton different, it’s important to know the guarantee in case something breaks. We appeared on the guarantee’s size and what elements of the train bike it covers.
Testing a Peloton different means it wants to fulfill a couple of fundamental benchmarks to see the way it measures up in opposition to the Peloton. Whereas testing these bikes, we took into consideration meeting, the sorts of lessons supplied and the options whereas evaluating it to the true Peloton expertise. We appeared on the following:
Measurement, stability and luxury: This contains ease of meeting (if wanted), the dimensions of the bike, how a lot noise it makes, whether or not it wobbles and the way comfy it’s to sit down and trip.
Software program options: As a Peloton different, it should present an identical expertise to the Peloton bike. This contains heart-rate monitoring, all kinds of exercise sorts by means of its exercise subscription, plus an app and/or a built-in display screen to entry these exercises.
Ease of use: Peloton alternate options ought to be simple sufficient for a newbie or superior rider to make use of. In the event that they’re too sophisticated, they’ll’t be Peloton alternate options.
Schwinn IC 4:
The Schwinn IC 4 left a lot to be desired as a result of the console arrived damaged and wouldn’t activate. This can be a conventional train bike that I’ve used previously and like total. However I wouldn’t label it as a “finest Peloton different.” It doesn’t have a touchscreen, so that you’ll want a pill to make use of it and comply with alongside along with your favourite third-party exercise apps. We are going to replace this evaluation as soon as we obtain a alternative.
ZWIFT Trip with KICKR Core
I didn’t assume the ZWIFT Trip with KICKR Core was applicable for a Peloton alternate options record because it’s distinctive sufficient to be in its personal class and was designed for critical cyclists who need an indoor coach expertise. The bike’s body is a great bike that connects to Wahoo’s KICKR Core, which routinely controls the resistance on the bike. Since this bike does not have a touchscreen, you will want a pill or smartphone to make use of the ZWIFT companion app.
The ZWIFT exercise imagery design resembles a cross between the Sims and Mario Kart video video games with out the particular results. Should you plan on utilizing a special cog aside from the KICKR core, you need to make sure that it’s ZWIFT appropriate first. This can be a higher possibility as an train bike as an alternative of a Peloton different.
Horizon 7.0 IC Indoor Cycle
The Horizon 7.0 IC Indoor Cycle was a simple train bike total, however I wouldn’t contemplate it the most suitable choice for a Peloton different. It didn’t include damaged elements and was on the better aspect to assemble, so I’d suggest this to somebody who needs a easy and dependable bike. It does hook up with the Peloton app and others, however lacks a touchscreen and high-tech options. A plus is that this train bike has a lifetime guarantee.
Peloton is taken into account the perfect of the perfect in the case of train bikes. Different train bikes mean you can do the identical exercises with some variations. For instance, there could also be bikes which have their very own model of a touchscreen and biking lessons. Most exercises you do on a Peloton can be executed on a Peloton different. Some workouts it’s possible you’ll need to attempt embrace:
Excessive-Depth Interval Coaching (HIIT): Should you’re used to driving an train bike, you are aware of HIIT rides. You utilize quick bursts of power adopted by a relaxation interval, and you may mess around with the resistance to make the trip more durable or simpler. Moreover, it is a great way to get a fast exercise in lower than half-hour.
Hills and sprinting: Should you’re specializing in bettering your stamina and endurance, training biking uphill with heavy resistance and sprinting on little to no resistance on an train bike is an efficient means to take action. You also needs to have the choice to “Simply Trip,” just like Peloton, which doesn’t require connecting to a category.
Different group health lessons: One of many perks of being a Peloton member is that you’ve got entry to exercise lessons aside from biking. It is best to be capable to take comparable lessons with a Peloton different.
Modify the bike to your wants: Earlier than utilizing a Peloton different, you’ll want to regulate the seat and handlebars. This can differ per individual, however ideally, you need the seat to be hip peak.
Put on the proper footwear: Peloton alternate options might mean you can use clip-in footwear (identical to Peloton), whereas others solely have cages that may match any sneaker. Should you’ve by no means used clip-in footwear, you must apply getting on and off the bike with them first, since they require a little bit of a studying curve.
Know your bike: It helps to study the place the resistance is in your Peloton different. For instance, on most bikes, you flip a knob to extend or lower resistance. If there’s a touchscreen, it is useful to know how one can entry the lessons you’ll need to take part in, how one can regulate settings like quantity and how one can arrange consumer profiles and different options in your gadget. Lastly, you’ll need to know how one can cease the bike in case of an emergency.
Which bike is Peloton’s largest competitor?
What ought to I search for when shopping for an indoor train bike?
Which muscle tissue does indoor biking work?
Is a built-in or BYO display screen higher?
Is a subscription mandatory?
What’s higher, Echelon or Peloton?
