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6 Exercise Bike Alternatives to Peloton That Actually Compare

6 Exercise Bike Alternatives to Peloton That Actually Compare

Peloton has become a household name in the world of exercise bikes, thanks to its sleek design, interactive features, and access to live classes.

However, Peloton’s premium price tag can be a hurdle for many. The good news is that several excellent alternatives offer similar features at a more affordable cost, without compromising quality or the immersive cycling experience. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly options, advanced features, or just a great workout, this guide covers the best Peloton alternatives on the market.

Why Consider a Peloton Alternative?

Before diving into the best alternatives, let’s explore why you might want to look beyond Peloton:

  • Cost: The Peloton bike starts at $1,445 for the base model, and that doesn’t include the monthly membership fees for classes. Some alternatives offer comparable features at a fraction of the cost.
  • Subscription flexibility: Peloton requires a subscription to access their library of live and on-demand classes. Some alternatives offer a more flexible subscription model or even free workout programs.
  • Different features: Some alternatives come with unique features like folding designs for easy storage, improved seat comfort, or compatibility with different apps like Zwift, iFit, or even Peloton’s own app.


Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the best exercise bike alternatives to Peloton.

1. NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle

NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle

📌 Key Features:

  • 22-inch HD touchscreen with rotating display
  • 20% incline and 10% decline capabilities
  • iFit subscription for interactive workouts
  • Built-in speakers, fan, and Bluetooth compatibility

The NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle is widely considered the top Peloton alternative due to its comprehensive feature set. Like Peloton, it offers interactive classes through its partnership with iFit, a subscription-based platform with live and on-demand classes. The standout feature of the S22i is its incline and decline settings, which simulate outdoor terrain, making your workouts more dynamic. The large rotating touchscreen also allows for off-bike workouts, such as strength training or yoga.

👉 Pros:

  • Realistic outdoor simulation with incline/decline
  • Large touchscreen with high-quality streaming
  • Rotating screen for other types of workouts
  • More affordable than Peloton

👉 Cons:

  • iFit subscription is required for full functionality
  • Slightly bulkier than Peloton

💰 Price: Starts around $1,599 (often on sale for less)

2. Echelon Smart Connect EX-5s

Echelon Smart Connect EX-5s

📌 Key Features:

  • 21.5-inch HD touchscreen
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Access to Echelon’s live and on-demand classes
  • Fully adjustable seat and handlebars

The Echelon Smart Connect EX-5s is another excellent option for those looking for an affordable Peloton alternative. This bike features a 21.5-inch touchscreen display that can swivel for off-bike workouts, just like the Peloton Bike+. Echelon offers its own app with a vast library of live and on-demand classes. You can also connect the bike to third-party apps like Peloton, allowing you to access their classes without having to purchase their hardware.

👉 Pros:

  • Affordable alternative with similar features to Peloton
  • Swiveling touchscreen for versatility in workouts
  • Can be paired with multiple workout apps
  • More compact design for smaller spaces

👉 Cons:

  • Echelon app subscription required for full features
  • Screen quality and build may not be as premium as Peloton

💰 Price: Starts around $1,399

3. Bowflex C6 Bike

Bowflex C6 Bike

📌 Key Features:

  • Compatible with Peloton, Zwift, and Explore the World apps
  • Magnetic resistance system with 100 levels
  • Bluetooth heart rate armband included
  • Comfortable and adjustable seat

The Bowflex C6 is a highly rated budget-friendly alternative to Peloton, offering an excellent balance of features at an affordable price. While it doesn’t have a built-in screen, it’s fully compatible with the Peloton app, Zwift, and other popular fitness apps, allowing you to stream classes on your tablet or smartphone. The C6 has a smooth magnetic resistance system with 100 levels, similar to Peloton, making it a solid option for serious cyclists.

👉 Pros:

  • Significantly more affordable than Peloton
  • Compatible with multiple cycling apps
  • Includes a heart rate monitor and Bluetooth connectivity
  • Quiet, smooth ride with magnetic resistance

👉 Cons:

  • No built-in display (tablet or phone needed)
  • Less immersive experience compared to bikes with integrated screens

💰 Price: Starts around $999

4. Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike

Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike

📌 Key Features:

  • Bluetooth-enabled for app connectivity
  • Compatible with Peloton, Zwift, and other apps
  • 100 levels of magnetic resistance
  • Built-in LCD screen for basic workout metrics

The Schwinn IC4 is a popular Peloton alternative known for its high-quality build and app compatibility. Like the Bowflex C6, the Schwinn IC4 doesn’t have a built-in touchscreen but can connect to the Peloton app and other platforms through Bluetooth. The bike’s magnetic resistance system ensures a smooth, quiet ride, and it offers a range of resistance levels similar to Peloton. The included LCD monitor provides basic metrics like speed, calories, and distance, so you can track your progress.

👉 Pros:

  • Compatible with a variety of fitness apps
  • Quiet and smooth magnetic resistance
  • Adjustable handlebars and seat for comfort
  • Budget-friendly option

👉 Cons:

  • No built-in touchscreen (requires a tablet or phone)
  • Lacks advanced features like incline or decline

💰 Price: Starts around $999

5. MYX II Plus

MYX II Plus

📌 Key Features:

  • 21.5-inch HD touchscreen
  • MYXFitness app with a variety of workout programs
  • Polar heart rate monitor included
  • Fully adjustable seat and handlebars

The MYX II Plus is a strong contender for anyone looking for a more holistic fitness experience. This bike features a 21.5-inch touchscreen for streaming workouts and comes with the MYXFitness app, which offers a variety of workout programs beyond cycling, including strength, mobility, and recovery. The bike includes a Polar heart rate monitor to help you track your performance and adjust your workouts based on your heart rate zones.

👉 Pros:

  • Comprehensive fitness app with varied workout types
  • Includes heart rate monitoring for personalized training
  • Adjustable design for optimal comfort
  • More affordable than Peloton

👉 Cons:

  • Requires a subscription to access workout programs
  • No live classes (on-demand only)

💰 Price: Starts around $1,399

6. ProForm Studio Bike Pro 14

ProForm Studio Bike Pro 14

📌 Key Features:

  • 14-inch HD touchscreen with pivoting capabilities
  • iFit membership for live and on-demand workouts
  • Silent magnetic resistance for a quiet ride
  • Adjustable seat and handlebars for comfort

The ProForm Studio Bike Pro 14 is a more affordable version of the Pro 22, featuring a 14-inch HD touchscreen and the same access to iFit’s live and on-demand classes. This bike is designed for those who want a connected fitness experience without the higher price tag of bikes with larger screens. Despite its smaller screen, it still provides a high-quality workout experience, and its pivoting feature allows for easy viewing during off-bike exercises.

👉 Pros:

  • Compact design with a smaller but functional HD screen
  • Quiet magnetic resistance system
  • Affordable price with access to iFit classes
  • Pivoting screen for diverse workout options

👉 Cons:

  • Smaller screen compared to other bikes in its range
  • iFit subscription needed for full access to features

💰 Price: Starts around $799

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Peloton Alternative for You

When considering an alternative to Peloton, it’s essential to prioritize what matters most to you. If you value live classes and a fully integrated touchscreen experience, options like the NordicTrack S22i or Echelon EX-5s are excellent picks. If affordability is key but you still want the Peloton app experience, the Bowflex C6 or Schwinn IC4 offer incredible value. And for those who want a broader range of workouts beyond cycling, the MYX II Plus or ProForm Studio Bike Pro 14 provide a more holistic fitness experience.

Each of these alternatives brings something unique to the table, so weigh the features and prices based on your personal fitness goals, budget, and the kind of interactive experience you want.

With so many options available, you don’t
have to break the bank to enjoy a high-quality,
immersive home cycling workout.

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