Stay In Shape On A Budget With The Best Peloton Alternatives

While Peloton changed the landscape for stationary bikes by allowing people to participate in virtual spin classes from the comfort of home, all those nifty Peloton features can come with a huge price tag. Fortunately, these days, many companies have stepped up and delivered Peloton alternatives which offer comparable benefits that won't break the bank.

In this article, we'll take a close look at some of the highest-rated Peloton alternatives of 2023. These indoor bikes offer similar features like high-resolution screens, access to virtual classes and trainers, and Bluetooth compatibility. We'll also provide a detailed buyer's guide covering everything you need to know about choosing the right option for your fitness goals.

How Much Does A Peloton Cost?

Before we start discussing some of the leading Peloton alternatives, it's important to know exactly how much a Peloton bike costs. The original Peloton ranges from $1,445 to $1,825 depending on how many accessories you'd like to bundle with your purchase. Each option includes delivery and setup, a free month's subscription, and a 30-day commitment-free trial. For a more affordable option, Peloton now offers refurbished bikes that cost slightly less at $1,145. The company has also recently released the new Peloton Bike+ model for cardio and strength that ranges from $1,995 to $2,875. Each model, besides the refurbished bike, has financing options available.

Besides the base investment in a Peloton bike, you'll also have to purchase a monthly subscription for access to their apps, performance tracking and live and on-demand classes. This membership is available at three different tiers: app for $12.99 a month, guide for $24 a month and all-access for $44 a month. The first two options only give you access to workouts and classes independent of the bike, however, so if you want the full Peloton experience, you'll need to choose the pricier all-access membership.

Comparing The Most Popular Peloton Alternatives Of 2023

Echelon Peloton Alternative — Best Overall

List Price: $1,499.99

Available for around the same price as a base Peloton bike but with a more affordable monthly subscription, the Echelon Peloton Alternative is a high-quality option that comes with a 30-day free Echelon membership. This membership gives you access to over 3,000 on-demand and live virtual classes led by top fitness instructors that rival the quality of Peloton workouts. Whether you're a beginner or an athlete, you'll find something suitable with sessions ranging from five to 45 minutes. You can access this valuable content by simply creating an account and claiming your free trial. After the first 30 days, this membership costs $34.99 a month, though you can save money by purchasing a one- or two-year subscription. The manufacturer also offers monthly financing for the bike itself.

In terms of its design and construction, this Peloton alternative boasts a weight capacity of 300 pounds and features a sturdy, powder-coated steel frame. The bike has an integrated 22-inch HD touchscreen which also flips 180 degrees for off-equipment viewing  — something that only the more expensive Peloton Bike+ can do. It offers 32 magnetic resistance levels to adjust between so you can cater your workout to your fitness goals. There are two power ports to charge your phone or tablet, so ‌you can scroll away or listen to music while getting your daily miles in. It's super comfortable with its large cushioned seat, bullhorn handlebars and elbow rests. Thanks to its lower cost over time and versatile features, this option's our top choice on the list overall.

Sunny Peloton Alternative — Most Compact

List Price: $499.00

The Sunny Peloton Alternative is another high-quality bike that's designed for users of all fitness levels, though it's much more affordable and takes up less space than a Peloton. It features a sleek, compact design that allows you to easily incorporate it into your home gym setup. The bike still has a sturdy, steel frame, though, offering a total weight capacity of up to 275 pounds, which is impressive for its sub-$300 price point. Featuring an advanced, adjustable magnetic resistance system, it provides a smooth ride that is ideal for high-intensity workouts. Since the resistance is contactless, it's silent and virtually maintenance-free.

While it doesn't have a display screen for virtual coaching, it includes a device holder so you can use your phone or tablet to follow online classes through its free-to-use SunnyFit app. It offers on-demand exercise videos to follow and lets you schedule and customize your workout plans to your needs. This model features an integrated numeric display that allows you to track your progress and monitor your heart rate, so you can stay on track and reach your fitness goals. There's even a water bottle holder to help you stay hydrated during workouts.

NordicTrack Peloton Alternative — Most Premium

List Price: $1,499.99

The NordicTrack Peloton Alternative is the highest-end stationary bike on this list and is about the same price as the Peloton itself. Thanks to its superior screen and very sturdy design, this option is easily the most premium alternative you can find on the market. With a high weight capacity of up to 350 pounds and free 30-day family membership to one of the industry's finest fitness apps (iFit), you won't compromise on user experience with this purchase.

It features a solid aluminum build with magnetic resistance to give you a stable ride regardless of your weight. You get to choose between 24 different levels and a 10-20% incline for a workout session that's optimized for your needs. There's a 22-inch HD touchscreen for streaming on-demand iFit workout content, which rotates an unrivaled 360 degrees to get you the perfect viewing angle while exercising on or off your bike. The whole setup is backed up by a 10-year frame warranty, a one-year labor warranty and a two-year parts warranty.

Advenor Peloton Alternative — Most Affordable

List Price: $299.99

Next, we have the Advenor Peloton Alternative. It's the most budget-friendly product on this list, but you'd never guess that based on its impressive features and build quality. The maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds, which is on par with the most expensive bike on this list from NordicTrack, makes that clear. With an alloy steel build and a super quiet magnetic resistance system, the whole thing feels way more premium than the price tag suggests.

Its seat is seven-way adjustable while the handlebar can be set at five different levels, ensuring an ergonomic angle for all riders. Adjusting the resistance level is as easy as twisting a smooth knob which adds to the user experience. The main downside is that this model doesn't include any entertainment options like a screen or built-in speakers (which makes sense at this price point). It does, however, come with a mount for your devices so you can use a workout app on your phone, as well as a small LCD display to track details like time, speed, calories and distance.

Pooboo Peloton Alternative — Best Value

List Price: $409.99

Lastly, we have the Pooboo Peloton Alternative, which is the second-most affordable bike listed here but has all the features you could need for a tough workout session. With a four-way adjustable padded seat and a two-way adjustable handlebar, it's designed to fit all users regardless of their height and body shape. The heavy-duty steel frame is sturdy enough to support a maximum weight of 330 pounds, and if anything were to break, you're covered with a parts replacement warranty for a whole year after purchase. This innovative frame also features a professional slant board for stretching your muscles before and after exercising.

While it doesn't have a touchscreen display, this model includes an LCD monitor to track all the important details of your riding session like your pulse, distance, calories, speed and duration. There's an iPad mount as well that can securely hold onto your devices for following an online class or live coaching. We also love how quiet the cycle is thanks to the smooth belt-driven system! This pick also comes in three colors, so you can choose the one that best suits your home gym.

Buying Guide: Peloton Alternative

Peloton bikes are some of the highest-quality pieces of equipment for home gyms, useful for burning calories and improving your strength. Everything from their build quality and smart connectivity to advanced features is top-notch. While the high price may be justified if you're looking for a premium addition to your home workout routine, not everyone has a couple of thousand bucks to spare on a stationary bike! Thankfully, there are plenty of cheaper alternatives that can offer a similar user experience and results at a fraction of that cost.

When shopping for a Peloton alternative bike, there are several key factors to consider to ensure that you choose the right piece of equipment for your needs and budget.

Construction And Durability

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a Peloton alternative is the bike's construction and durability. Look for one with a sturdy frame and a high weight capacity, and make sure it has a flywheel that's heavy enough to provide a smooth, realistic riding experience. The bike should also be adjustable, with a seat and handlebars that can be moved to find the perfect riding position.

Features And Connectivity

Also, look at the bike's features and connectivity. Many models come equipped with a touchscreen or LCD display that allows you to track your progress and monitor your heart rate. This can be a great way to stay motivated and engaged during your workouts, helping you achieve your fitness goals more quickly and effectively.

Some bikes also connect to the internet, allowing you to access even more workout options and compete with other riders in real time. This can add an extra element of fun and challenge to your workouts and help motivate you to achieve new fitness goals.

Comfort And Ease Of Use

The comfort and ease of use of an exercise bike are crucial as you'll want to ensure you get the most out of your investment. Choose a model that's comfortable to ride and easy to adjust, so that you can enjoy your sessions and stay motivated to continue using the bike. Look for features such as a cushioned seat and handlebars. The console should also be responsive and user-friendly. It's a great bonus if the display is rotatable so you can adjust the view based on your exercise needs.

Adjustability

The ability to move the bike's seat and handlebars to find the perfect riding position is key to achieving optimal comfort and performance. Most models — especially ones that are alternatives to Peloton bikes — are adjustable. They allow riders to move the seat and handlebars up, down, forward and backward. This is important because it lets you find the most comfortable and effective riding position for your body. A well-adjusted bike can help prevent discomfort and injuries and make workouts more enjoyable and effective.

In addition to seat and handlebar adjustability, many stationary bikes also have adjustable resistance levels. This allows riders to customize their workouts to match their fitness goals and abilities. For example, a beginner may want to start with a lower resistance level, while a more experienced rider may want to increase the resistance to provide a more challenging workout or burn more calories in fewer miles.

Price And Value

Finally, one of the most crucial factors when shopping for a Peloton alternative is the bike's price and value. Stationary bikes can vary widely in price, so be sure to shop around and compare prices to find the best value for your money. Look for a bike that offers a good combination of features, performance and adjustability to suit your needs. Don't be afraid to invest in a higher-quality bike if it offers better features and durability, as a high-quality indoor cycling bike should be a valuable long-term addition to your home gym. Make sure to take into account any monthly fees associated with memberships for virtual classes and on-demand workouts.

People Also Asked

What should I look for when buying a Peloton alternative indoor bike?

Consider factors such as the bike's construction and durability, adjustability and the availability of features such as a console for tracking your progress and virtual workout classes. It's also important to choose a bike that's comfortable and easy to use.

Can stationary bikes be used by people of all fitness levels?

Yes, they can be used by people of all fitness levels. Most indoor bikes have adjustable resistance levels, so you can customize your workout to match your abilities. They also feature adjustable height settings and seat positions. It's also important to choose a bike that's comfortable and easy to use to ensure that you enjoy your workouts and are motivated to continue using your Peloton alternative.

Are Peloton alternatives as good as Pelotons?

Peloton alternatives can vary in quality, so it's difficult to make a general statement about their relative merits. Some may be just as good as Peloton bikes, offering similar features and performance at a lower cost. Others may not be as well-made or have as many features, so it's important to do your research and choose a bike that meets your needs and budget.

Are there any potential drawbacks to using an indoor cycling bike?

One potential drawback of using an indoor cycling bike is the lack of outdoor scenery and fresh air. This can make workouts feel less enjoyable and interesting for some people. Also, if you're not used to high-intensity workouts, using a stationary bike can put a lot of strain on your muscles and joints, so it's important to start slowly and build up your endurance over time.

What will I miss out on by using a Peloton alternative?

One of the main things you will miss out on is access to the Peloton app and the extensive library of virtual workout classes it offers. Peloton bikes connect to the internet and work seamlessly with the Peloton app, providing riders with a wide variety of workout options and the ability to compete with others in real time. Some Peloton alternatives may not offer the same level of connectivity and access to virtual classes.