Last Update: December 11, 2023
Peloton provides one of the top training platforms when it comes to indoor cycling, but their equipment is out of budget for a lot of users. Even if your budget isn’t an issue, other factors like the style of training content or bike features might not quite meet your expectations or desires. This list includes alternatives to the Peloton Bikes that can still be used with Peloton training content and bikes that offer an alternative content platform. Regardless of which type of alternative you are looking for, we hope we can help you find the best option. Peloton is not the only option on the market for a fun and effective workout on an exercise bike. Lets check out the best Peloton Bike alternatives.
Here’s Our List Of The Best Peloton Bike Alternatives
- Best Peloton Bike Alternative: NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike
- Best Peloton Bike Studio Training Alternative: Echelon EX-5s-22 Exercise Bike
- Best Affordable Bike to Use with Peloton Content: Bowflex C6 Exercise Bike
- Best Peloton Bike Alternative to Use with Peloton Content: Sole SB1200 Exercise Bike
- Best Peloton Bike Alternative with Entertainment: Bowflex VeloCore Exercise Bike
- Best Alternative Peloton Subscription and Bike Combo: Freebeat LIT Bike
- Best Value Peloton Bike Alternative: MYX Bodi Bike Studio
- Best Budget Peloton Bike Alternative: Sunny Health & Fitness Essential Cycle Bike
Best Peloton Bike Alternative: NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike
While Peloton is best known for its studio content, NordicTrack’s training platform, iFIT, is best known for its outdoor content. Outdoor cyclists moving indoors may enjoy iFIT’s training style more than the music-centered studio content from Peloton. The outdoor content works particularly well with the incline and decline options on the NordicTrack S22i has.
NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike
The NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike has virtual outdoor training classes and an incline range of -10% to 20% for a unique workout.
The NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike has an incline that ranges from -10% to 20%. This unique training feature allows the bike to create an immersive experience with the iFIT content on the 22-inch touchscreen display. iFIT classes explore locations all over the world. The resistance and incline automatically adjust to help you feel like you are getting the full outdoor training experience. The S22i feels like an arcade game at first, but the incline and decline really do affect your training experience. Inclines are harder and declines are much easier.
The S22i has 24 levels of silent magnetic resistance, but the incline and decline create a lot more variation, so it feels like there are far more training levels. The magnetic resistance is pretty quiet, though the incline changes are a bit noisier. The more you train with iFIT, the more it learns your training level to ensure that every workout is scaled to your training ability. To access these smart features you need an active iFIT membership, but the S22i can be used without one. You can still use all of the resistance levels and incline functions, but you will be restricted to a manual training screen.
Perhaps the three most important aspects of any exercise bike are the three points of contact: the saddle, the handles, and the pedals. The saddle is rather small and firm. Fortunately, you can replace the saddle Most road bike saddles should be compatible with the S22i. The pedals are hybrid pedals with SPD clips on one side and toe cages on the other. You can also replace the pedals if you would like. Lastly, the handlebars offer a variety of grip options. While they cannot be replaced, I do like them and the incline and resistance controls located at the ends of the handlebars. For more adjustability, you can move the seat up/down and forward/backward. The handlebars move up and down, though it can be difficult to lift them because of the screen’s heavy weight.
The NordicTrack S22i changes the game with outdoor content and an incline/decline feature.
+ PROS
- The S22i has a -10% to 20% incline range.
- iFIT provides fun outdoor training content with an active subscription.
- The 24 levels of magnetic resistance provide a challenge that is only increased by adding an incline..
- The touchscreen is 22 inches, perfect for viewing and navigation.
- The NordicTrack S22i’s pedals and saddle can be replaced with your preferred road bike components.
- The resistance and incline automatically adjust with the iFIT content.
– CONS
- The saddle is a bit uncomfortable, but it can be replaced.
- An active iFIT subscription is required to use the smart features.
Read Our Full Review Of The NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike Here
Best Peloton Bike Studio Training Alternative: Echelon EX-5s-22 Exercise Bike
The Echelon EX-5s-22 Exercise Bike is not just an alternative to the Peloton bike. The Echelon membership also provides an alternative to the Peloton training platform. Like Peloton, Echelon creates studio content with music-fueled classes. Its one distinct difference from Peloton’s bikes is the placement of the flywheel in the back of the bike. The Echelon EX-5s-22 is for indoor cyclists who want fun training content.
Echelon EX-5s-22 Exercise Bike
The Echelon EX-5s-22 pairs with the music-filled studio content from the Echelon training platform.
The Echelon EX-5s-22 is one of the top Peloton contenders. The bike’s style and classes are very reminiscent of the notorious cycling platform. Yet, Echelon has a few key differences. The EX-5s-22 is more affordable than the Bike+. Its rear flywheel stays out of the sweat zone for lower maintenance. The training content feels less overwhelming and more beginner-friendly, though the content is suitable for all training levels. My first training rides with Peloton were quite overwhelming, and Echelon feels like a much more toned-down version of that same experience. Some users may feel more at ease with this style of training.
A membership is required to use the Echelon EX-5s-22 Exercise Bike. When purchasing the bike, Echelon requires you to sign up for a membership unless you already have a login. Creating an account is free, but your training options are quite limited with the free account. I recommend the EX-5s-22 only for exercisers who want subscription trainer-led content. The classes are fun, and you get access to all of Echelon’s other content, including strength training workouts.
The Echelon EX-5s-22 is a comfortable exercise bike. I have no complaints about the saddle or the handles. The saddle is adjustable vertically and horizontally while the handlebars are only adjustable vertically. The pedals are hybrid pedals with SPD clips on one side and toe cages on the other. The Echelon EX-5s-22 has speakers, water bottle holders, and dumbbell holders. The features are quite impressive.
+ PROS
- The Echelon EX-5s-22 has a large touchscreen display.
- The Echelon content is comparable to Peloton’s but may be more approachable for beginners.
- The EX-5s-22’s rear-mounted flywheel keeps it out of the sweat zone.
- The saddle and handlebars are very comfortable.
- The pedals are hybrid pedals.
– CONS
- An Echelon account is required to use the bike at all, though you can create a free account.
- The classes may not be as refined as Peloton subscribers are used to.
Read Our Full Review Of The Echelon EX-5S-22 Studio Bike Here
Best Affordable Bike to Use with Peloton Content: Bowflex C6 Exercise Bike
You don’t need the most high-tech bike to train alongside Peloton’s cool content. The original Peloton bike doesn’t even have automatic resistance adjustments. If you don’t need that feature either, the Bowflex C6 Exercise Bike is a great alternative for hundreds of dollars less than the Peloton Bike. At the time of writing this review, a new C6 bike is cheaper than a refurbished Peloton Bike. Though the C6 lacks the Peloton Bike’s touchscreen display and some of the smart features, this actually makes it more versatile.
Bowflex C6 Exercise Bike
The Bowflex C6 is an affordable alternative to Peloton bikes with comparable magnetic resistance.
The Bowflex C6 has 100 magnetic resistance levels which makes it a great option for following along with Peloton’s training content. It is priced much lower than the Bike and the Bike+ from Peloton. This makes it a great option for budget shoppers who want the Peloton experience without paying a premium. The Bowflex C6 Exercise Bike can pair via Bluetooth to the Peloton app to show your RPMs on the screen if you are using an iPhone. Unfortunately, this feature doesn’t work for Android devices.
The Bowflex C6 does not have a touchscreen display, but it does have a small backlit LCD screen. It displays your time, calories, speed, distance, resistance level, and pulse. You can connect a heart rate monitor via Bluetooth to view your pulse. The C6 comes with a pair of 3-lb dumbbells and a Bluetooth heart rate armband. These accessories add even more value to the C6 bike.
If you tire of Peloton, the Bowflex C6 also supports the JRNY app. This training platform supports Bowflex and Schwinn fitness equipment. The JRNY app is more affordable than the Peloton App+, the membership you need to train with unlimited cycling classes. The JRNY app has structured workouts and scenic rides. JRNY gives you access to classes for all of the equipment types you own as well as strength and conditioning classes. It’s a nice and affordable Peloton alternative.
+ PROS
- The Bowflex C6 has 100 magnetic resistance levels that are comparable to those offered by Peloton.
- The C6 is hundreds of dollars cheaper than the Peloton bikes.
- iPhone users can pair the Peloton app via Bluetooth to the C6.
- The C6 also supports training with JRNY, a more affordable studio fitness platform.
- The C6 comes with a heart rate monitor and dumbbells.
– CONS
- The C6 does not have as many smart features as the Peloton bikes.
- Without using a phone or tablet for content, the C6 is pretty basic.
Read Our Full Review Of The Bowflex C6 Exercise Bike Here
Best Peloton Bike Alternative to Use with Peloton Content: Sole SB1200 Exercise Bike
If you want to use the Peloton training service, but you can’t commit to the Peloton Bike or Bike+, the Sole SB1200 is a great alternative. The SB1200 has the same number of resistance levels and screen mirroring capabilities, so you can keep up with the Peloton instructor. Then, if you change your mind and want to cancel your membership, the SB1200 has great free options and entertainment apps, unlike either Peloton bike.
Sole SB1200 Exercise Bike
The Sole SB1200 is the perfect bike for indoor cyclists who want to try Peloton and retain great features should they cancel their membership.
The Sole SB1200 has a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It can show built-in content from apps and content you screen mirror from your Apple or Android phone. Using the screen mirroring feature, you can connect the Peloton app and train alongside your favorite instructors. The 100 levels of magnetic resistance make following along with Peloton cues a lot easier, because you can follow the exact recommended range. The experience may not be as integrated and smart as it is on an actual Peloton brand bike, but it ensures that you still have a quality exercise bike if you decide to unsubscribe or test a new service.
Peloton has only recently added entertainment apps whereas Sole has been offering them for a while. The SB1200’s selection is better with apps from Netflix, Prime, Max, Peacock, Disney Plus, YouTube, and more. And, you don’t need a separate subscription to access these apps. Any subscription you already have or sign up for will suffice.
The SB1200 has an adjustable saddle and handlebar height. The saddle can move up and down and forward and backward. The handlebars move up and down only but are much easier to maneuver than other comparable bikes with attached screens. The pedals are hybrid, so you can use SPD cycling shoes or any regular athletic shoe. The bike also has water bottle holders, a dumbbell rack, and a tablet rack to hold any items you may need while training. The SB1200 is the perfect alternative to the Peloton bike for indoor cyclists who still want to train with Peloton classes
+ PROS
- The SB1200 has 100 levels of magnetic resistance that are comparable to the Peloton bikes’ resistance levels.
- Screen mirroring and Bluetooth speakers allow you to connect the Peloton bike for training.
- The SB1200 has built-in third-party apps from all the top streaming services.
- No subscription is required to use the SB1200.
- The handles, saddle, and pedals are user-friendly and comfortable.
- The SB1200 has a tablet rack, a dumbbell rack, and two water bottle holders.
– CONS
- The SB1200 does not have studio training content that is integrated as smoothly as that of the Peloton bikes.
- The SB1200 does not have automatic resistance adjustments.
Read Our Full Review Of The Sole SB1200 Exercise Bike Here
Best Peloton Bike Alternative with Entertainment: Bowflex VeloCore Exercise Bike
The Bowflex VeloCore Bike is a content and bike alternative to Peloton. The Bowflex VeloCore Exercise Bike also has entertainment apps from Netflix, Prime, and more. The VeloCore comes in two screen sizes and has a unique leaning feature that makes it distinct from the Peloton bikes. The VeloCore is a lot of fun and still provides an effective workout alternative to Peloton.
Bowflex VeloCore Exercise Bike
The Bowflex VeloCore Exercise Bike has entertainment and training content when used with an active JRNY membership. It also has a unique leaning feature to engage the core muscles.
Step aside Peloton–JRNY also has scenic rides, studio classes, and entertainment. In fact, JRNY had entertainment apps before Peloton! A JRNY membership is also more affordable than a Peloton membership. The JRNY platform is a bit more restrictive, because it only gives you access to content supported by the compatible cardio equipment you own. Yet, I can’t fault them for this, because it allows prices to stay lower. I like JRNY’s content. It seems fun and professional. It provides a great training service for the VeloCore Bike.
The VeloCore’s most standout feature is its ability to lean side to side. Above the resistance knob is a red button that slightly disengages the bike from the rest of the frame, so you can lean side to side. This feature helps you engage your core and is mostly just good fun. It makes using the VeloCore interesting and exciting. However, you can lock the bike back into place and use it to train traditionally. The VeloCore has 100 levels of magnetic resistance, too.
The Bowflex VeloCore comes in two screen sizes: 16 inches and 22 inches. The VeloCore Bike also has a tablet rack for your device if you do not want to use a JRNY membership. The bike comes with a heart rate monitor and a pair of dumbbells to increase your training options. You can use SPD cycling shoes or athletic shoes with the hybrid pedals. The handlebars and saddle are adjustable. This range of features makes the VeloCore a great option for indoor cyclists looking for a bike and training platform alternative to Peloton.
+ PROS
- The VeloCore has entertainment streaming apps.
- The VeloCore has a unique side-to-side leaning feature.
- JRNY provides great training classes for the bike and strength training.
- The VeloCore Bike has 100 magnetic resistance levels.
- The Bike comes in two screen sizes: 16 and 22 inches.
- The Bowflex VeloCore has a built-in tablet rack and comes with a heart rate monitor and dumbbells.
– CONS
- The Bowflex VeloCore requires a subscription to JRNY to access training and entertainment content.
- The JRNY platform does not give you access to all of its content but depends on the exercise equipment you have.
Read Our Full Review Of The Bowflex VeloCore Exercise Bike Here
Best Alternative Peloton Subscription and Bike Combo: Freebeat LIT Bike
The Freebeat LIT Bike is my favorite subscription and bike alternative to Peloton. Freebeat makes music-fueled and gamified content. It is some of the most exciting exercise bike content I have seen, and I liked it way more than I thought I would. If you are looking for an exercise bike that’s fun and high-energy, the Freebeat LIT Bike is the one I recommend.
Freebeat LIT Bike
The Freebeat LIT Bike brings the fun and the music with gamified studio training classes.
I’m always looking for an excuse to hop on the Freebeat LIT Bike. The classes are so fun. They are colorful and led by upbeat instructors. Keeping the music beat is the aim of the game. If you feel like going for an extra challenge, you can try to hit the beat double time. The classes give you a score based on your accuracy. If the trainer cues you to rise out of the saddle, you better listen. The LIT Bike has a sensor that can tell if you are seated or standing. The better you follow directions, the higher your score.
The Freebeat LIT Bike is also one of the prettiest exercise bikes. It comes in four colors: white, black, pink, and beige. The flywheel has a wood covering, which is really cute. I like how the LIT Bike looks a lot, but I do recommend being cautious of getting it scuffed up. The lighter colors may show more wear and tear over time. The onscreen content is super colorful, and you need a bike that matches that energy!
The LIT Bike has a 21.5-inch touchscreen display. It pivots, so you can use it for on and off the bike training. You can pair Bluetooth headphones to the LIT bike so your lit workouts don’t disturb your roommates. Its magnetic resistance provides an excellent challenge for training with the subscription content, and I always ended a session in a puddle of sweat.
Overall, Freebeat provides an even higher energy class than Peloton. While it may be overwhelming to some, its gaming and musical structure will be infectious to others.
+ PROS
- The Freebeat LIT Bike has gamified, upbeat classes.
- The LIT bike comes in 4 colors.
- There is a sensor in the saddle to track whether you are sitting or standing to improve your workout score.
- The 21.5” touchscreen display rotates to view on and off the bike.
- The Freebeat LIT Bike has 100 levels of magnetic resistance.
- The LIT Bike has Bluetooth connectivity to pair to headphones.
– CONS
- The Freebeat LIT Bike may be too loud and colorful for some exercisers.
- The light color options may show more wear and tear over time if you aren’t careful.
Read Our Full Review Of The Freebeat LIT Bike Here
Best Value Peloton Bike Alternative: MYX BODi Bike Studio
The MYX BODi Studio is a bundle package that includes a sweet exercise bike, 3 years of training content, a free weight set, and more. The real kicker is that this bundle deal is drastically more affordable than the Peloton Bike+. It’s also only slightly more expensive than the original Peloton bike. The MYX BODi Bike Studio is a great deal that you don’t want to overlook.
MYX BODi Bike Studio
The MYX BODi Bike Studio set includes a bike, a 3-year subscription, a free weight set, and more.
Available in natural white or deep charcoal, the BODi Bike is an indoor cycling bike with a built-in touchscreen to follow along with studio training content. The BODi Bike pairs style with fitness. I hope you like blue, because regardless of which bike color you choose, the accent color is blue. This is a deviation from the normal red and black combo found on so many exercise bikes, including Peloton. The seat, handlebars, and flywheel are all blue. Many of the other accessories included in the Studio set option are blue–the dumbbells, the kettlebell, and the foam roller.
The BODi platform has very polished studio classes. You can participate in Blocks, which are 3-week long training series. This class style adds structure to your training program that takes the guesswork out of what you will be doing on any given day. In addition to training on the bike, you can also participate in strength and conditioning classes. This bike bundle also includes nutrition plans and recipes, because no wellness journey relies on exercise alone to help you reach your goals. The Studio option ensures you have all of the necessary equipment to get started.
The BODi bike is the same as the MYX II bike, so you may see these names used interchangeably. If that weren’t confusing enough, it is also a Star Trac stationary bike. Unlike the other bikes on this list, this bike uses friction resistance. While this style of resistance is a bit louder than magnetic resistance and requires more maintenance, it allows you to adjust the resistance as hard or as easy as you want. The BODi Bike is excellent for very tall users, because it can accommodate a height of up to 6’8”. While the construction is overall very nice, I wasn’t a huge fan of the handlebar texture. If you sweat heavily, it is hard to keep a good grip on the slick coating. Otherwise, it is a great bike and studio training alternative to Peloton.
+ PROS
- The BODi Bike has a polished studio classes like Peloton.
- The classes are structured in Blocks so you can build a routine.
- The BODi Bike Studio includes a 3-year membership and tons of accessories for a reasonable price.
- The bike can accommodate users from 4’11” to 6’8”.
- The friction resistance makes this bike suitable for cyclists of all abilities.
- It comes in black or white and has blue accents.
– CONS
- The handlebars are slippery.
- Friction resistance is louder and requires more maintenance.
Best Budget Peloton Bike Alternative: Sunny Health & Fitness Essential Cycle Bike
Sunny Health & Fitness is an excellent bargain brand. Though its quality doesn’t quite compare to Peloton, it is very, very nice for the price. Recently, I have been particularly impressed with Sunny’s free studio training content. It is wonderful and provides a great solution for exercisers on a tight budget. The Essential Cycle Bike is priced under $500 and is frequently discounted even further.
Sunny Health & Fitness Essential Cycle Bike
The Sunny Essential Cycle Bike is very affordable and has great studio training classes.
If you want studio training content but don’t want to pay for it, the SunnyFit app is an awesome option. The quality is better than some of the paid services I have tried. Considering how cheap the Essential Cycle Bike is, I have no idea how Sunny can provide good equipment and content at such a minimal cost. If you are on a budget, the Essential Cycle Bike is worth checking out. It connects via Bluetooth to the SunnyFit app.
The Essential Cycle Bike has magnetic resistance with micro-adjustable levels. You won’t see discrete levels labeled in the app due to this adjustability. The Essential Cycle Bike’s saddle is adjustable vertically and horizontally. The handlebars are adjustable on vertically. Still, this bike is best for smaller users, because it can only support a user weight of up to 220 lbs. The bike itself only weighs 57 lbs, so it is very lightweight. If you need a bike that is easy to move often, the Essential Cycle Bike is a good choice.
There is no touchscreen display on the Essential Cycle Bike. You will need to use your phone or tablet if you want to view content from SunnyFit, Peloton, or others. The console is very minimal and basic with an LED screen. You can still see all of your training metrics on it. The Sunny Essential Cycle Bike has a built-in tablet holder. It also has a water bottle holder. For such an affordable bike, it is actually quite nice.
+ PROS
- The Essential Cycle is very inexpensive.
- The training content from SunnyFit is free and good quality.
- The bike is Bluetooth enabled to connect to the SunnyFit app.
- The magnetic resistance levels are micro-adjustable, so you can find the right resistance for any workout segment.
- The bike weighs only 57 lbs.
– CONS
- The maximum user weight is only 220 lbs.
- The magnetic resistance does not show discrete digital levels, so it may be harder to follow third-party training.
What to Look For in a Peloton Bike Alternative
Bike Alternative
There are two types of Peloton alternatives. The first, the bike alternative, is a bike that you can use with Peloton content. Many of the bikes included on this list provide affordable alternatives to the Peloton Bike and Bike+. If you want the most seamless bike alternative, look for a bike with 100 digital magnetic resistance levels. This way, you can follow along with the Peloton coach’s exact cues. Two of my favorites are the Bowflex C6 and the Sole SB1200. With one of these alternatives you can avoid being locked into the Peloton platform and losing all of your features if you cancel your subscription. Many users may find that the Peloton exercise bikes are not worth their price without an active subscription.
Content Alternative
The second type of Peloton alternative is a bike that supports alternative content options. On this list I have included bikes that support iFIT, JRNY, Freebeat, BODi, Echelon, SunnyFit, and Sole Plus. The last two options are free, so they are great for indoor cyclists avoiding Peloton because of the price. iFIT’s quality is comparable to Peloton, but they shine when it comes to outdoor content. Freebeat is higher energy than Peloton, while Echelon is slightly lower energy. JRNY and Sole offer entertainment options in addition to training content. BODi is great for cyclists who want ongoing training and nutrition advice. There’s a Peloton alternative for everyone!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a better alternative to Peloton?
“Better” is certainly a subjective term. When it comes to Peloton alternatives, I can suggest a few that are better in unique ways. iFIT is better for outdoor content and outdoor cyclists training indoors. Freebeat is better for gamified classes. Echelon is better for those intimidated by Peloton. JRNY is a more affordable option with entertainment. BODi is a more affordable option with a nutrition and general wellness angle. SunnyFit and Sole Plus are free, so in many ways, their value is better than Peloton.
What is the best affordable Peloton alternative?
My top free options are Sole Plus and SunnyFit. iFIT and BODi have more affordable multi-year subscriptions with the purchase of a bike. JRNY is a great affordable option at about half the cost of a Peloton All-Access membership. Buying a non-Peloton bike to use with a Peloton App+ membership saves you about $20/month, though the integration and activity tracking is not as nice.
Can you watch Netflix on Peloton?
Peloton has recently added access to Netflix on their equipment when you have an active subscription. The Bowflex VeloCore bike also allows you to access Netflix and more entertainment apps with a JRNY membership. My top choice for entertainment is the Sole SB1200. Sole equipment with touchscreens have apps for Netflix, Hulu, Prime, Max, Peacock, Disney Plus, and more without an additional subscription.
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