Fitness
Health

These are the best Peloton bike alternatives available on Amazon

There is life outside the Peloton bubble.
By Jae Thomas and Matt Ford  on 
All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.

Our Top 6 Picks

Nordictrack Commercial S15i (opens in a new tab)

Best For Premium Features

Features a large screen with access to a library of interactive workouts.

The Good

  • 30-day iFit subscription
  • Lots of classes
  • Big touchscreen
  • Bluetooth
  • Live workouts

The Bad

  • Very expensive

The Bottom Line

If you're looking for the full studio experience, this is the way to go.
Pros & Cons

Sunny Health & Fitness (opens in a new tab)

Best For Durability

A budget choice for riders to combine with TV workouts and fitness trackers.

The Good

  • No electricity needed
  • Solid flywheel
  • Tablet holder
  • Adjustable features
  • Wheel around the home

The Bad

  • No integrated screen

The Bottom Line

There are no tech features but it's a great bike. Just add a smart device for the full experience.
Pros & Cons

Echelon Sport-s (opens in a new tab)

Best For Studio Experience

A sleek bike that will give you the Echelon spin experience.

The Good

  • 45-day membership
  • Bluetooth
  • Live fitness classes
  • Connects to apps
  • Small footprint

The Bad

  • Pricey membership

The Bottom Line

If you're fine with only using the Echelon app for your workouts, this bike will get the job done.
Pros & Cons

Labgrey Exercise Bike (opens in a new tab)

Best For Short Riders

A solid, inexpensive exercise bike that's built to accommodate smaller riders.

The Good

  • Made for shorter users
  • LCD display for stats
  • Tablet holder
  • Adjustable features

The Bad

  • Resistance may need maintenance

The Bottom Line

It's not only for smaller riders, but it has the versatility needed. A great bike in its own right.
Pros & Cons

YYFITT Foldable Exercise Bike (opens in a new tab)

Best For Storage

This bike easily folds away and has bonus features for upper arm exercises.

The Good

  • Easy folding
  • Saves space
  • Built-in resistance bands
  • Lower back support

The Bad

  • A cheaper build

The Bottom Line

This bike is ideal for anyone who lives in a smaller space but want a versatile body workout.
Pros & Cons

Reebok GB40 (opens in a new tab)

Best For Setting Goals

This bike's comprehensive set of features is easy to control and keeps you motivated.

The Good

  • 9 programmes
  • 32 resistance levels
  • Hand grip pulse sensor
  • LCD console
  • Easy to set up

The Bad

  • No app support

The Bottom Line

The Reebok GB40s exercise bike lets you progress and workout at your own pace.
Pros & Cons

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

Unless you've been completely off the grid for the past few years, you probably know that the pricey fitness favourite Peloton bikes are more in-demand than ever.

When gyms and fitness studios closed their doors during the pandemic and everyone began working out at home, cardio equipment — especially exercise bikes — became must have items. They’re perfect for working off stress, staying active indoors, and becoming part of an online community through app and Zoom-based classes.

While life is mostly back to normal, many of us are continuing to enjoy the simplicity of working out at home. Maybe you’re still keen on getting a Peloton-style workout in your daily routine. We’re here to tell you that Peloton are not the only game in town.

What is a Peloton bike?

It’s a fair question — not everyone is up to speed with the latest exercise bike tech. It’s essentially a brand of exercise bikes that come with a built-in tablet on the handle bars. Through the Peloton app, you can then join and live stream spin classes from anywhere in the world.

Is there a cheaper alternative to Peloton?

There are way more stationary bikes on the market than just Peloton, meaning there's pretty much one for every budget. First, you have to decide what type of cycling experience you want. Are you looking for a studio-style bike with an attached screen? Do you want to be able to stream interactive workouts directly to your bike? Or are you looking for something cheaper that can use your own device for workout streaming? The real question here is deciding what app or site you want to get your workouts from, or if you just want a bike to pedal indoors while watching TV.

Who is Peloton's biggest competitor?

Peloton's biggest competitors are probably NordicTrack and Echelon. Of the bikes available to purchase on Amazon, NordicTrack and Echelon's bikes will get you closest to the Peloton experience. These brands offer bikes with large touchscreens and streamed fitness classes, but some specifics like memberships, upfront cost, and tech specs set them apart from each other.

What makes a good spin bike?

Some important things to look for in a stationary bike are the type of resistance, flywheel weight, adjustability, and pedal type. Decide between magnetic resistance or friction resistance according to your budget and desired upkeep on your bike.

You'll also want to make sure the bike you purchase is suited to your height and weight for the most comfortable ride. Remember that the heavier the user, the heavier flywheel weight you'll want for maximum stability.

And just a note about how some reviewers of these bikes complain about the seat not being comfortable: That's a pretty common complaint about Peloton bike seats as well. They are, after all, bike seats.

What type of resistance is best?

The two main resistance types for indoor cycling bikes are friction and magnetic resistance. Friction resistance uses felt pads that compress the flywheel when the resistance is adjusted. Magnetic drive cycles, on the other hand, use strong magnets on the flywheel to create the sensation of heavier or lighter resistance.

Are magnetic resistance bikes better?

This question depends on your budget, desired maintenance on your bike, and noise. Friction bikes tend to be significantly cheaper, but since the felt pads need to be replaced when they wear out, they'll bring a recurring cost. A cycle with a magnetic drive will likely be much quieter, and basically won't need any maintenance over its life span, but the upfront cost might be a lot more.

What is the best alternative to Peloton?

You are spoilt for choice when it comes to indoor exercise bikes, but this can pose a problem. How are you supposed to know which model is best for you and your home? Do not panic, because we can help you find the perfect Peloton alternative.

We've lined up impressive models from top brands like NordicTrack, with something for everyone and every budget. Consider all of these bikes, weigh them up against your requirements, and pick a favourite. It really doesn't need to be a complicated process.

These are the best Peloton alternatives in 2023.

Best For Premium Features
Credit: Nordictrack
Specs
  • Display: 10-inch touchscreen
  • Resistance levels: 22
  • Resistance type: Magnetic
  • Subscription: £34/month

In terms of tech, build, and performance — everything you need, then — the Nordictrack Commercial S15i(opens in a new tab) is the best of the best. Like Peloton, it has everything you need to stay motivated and on track, with a free 30-day iFit subscription that gives you access to a library of on-screen workouts and live coaching sessions.

These sessions are led by world-class trainers, who take control of the bike’s incline and resistance settings during workouts. This simulates a more realistic cycling experience, as your bike automatically adjusts to the resistance and incline levels that your instructor calls out during classes. Indeed, there’s no fumbling with the settings. You only need to concentrate on crushing those steep hills.

The 15-inch HD touchscreen is eye-popping, with both WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. The screen actually rotates, so you can turn it around and follow iFit mat sessions from the floor. Overall, our top pick for competing with Peloton.

Best For Durability
Credit: Sunny Health & Fitness
Specs
  • Display: No
  • Resistance levels: 0-100%
  • Resistance type: Magnetic
  • Subscription: No

A good stationary bike doesn't need a screen or fancy tech specs to get the job done, and this sub-£500 Sunny Health & Fitness (opens in a new tab)bike is a good example of high-quality, hard-working simplicity.

Rather than connecting directly to apps, it’s a straight-up exercise bike. But it comes recommended for riders who want to watch a few episodes of something while pedalling, or anyone who streams their own workouts from a TV or device. The bike has a handy tablet holder for that exact reason.

Due to the lack of integrated screen, you won't be able to view your stats without hooking your tablet/phone to a fitness app, but there are other bonuses. For instance, it doesn't need to be plugged into the mains, so it can be placed anywhere in your home (or even in the garden). It has transportation wheels for moving easily between rooms.

Best For Studio Experience
Credit: Echelon
Specs
  • Display: 10-inch touchscreen
  • Resistance levels: 32
  • Resistance type: Magnetic
  • Subscription: £29.99/month

If you're looking for a lower upfront cost, the Echelon Sport-s(opens in a new tab) bike will give you the spinning experience for less than the NordicTrack Commercial. 

It’s a solid studio-style bike with a 10-inch touchscreen. It comes with 45 days free on the Echelon app, giving you access to (in Echelon’s words) the world's largest connected fitness studio. The Echelon app does indeed have a wide variety of live and on-demand rides, ranging from beginner to advanced, and from five to 45 minutes.

You'll can also access Echelon's other workout programs, which feature yoga classes, strength training, and more, but don't expect to use anything else on this screen. There's no functionality to use other apps, so Netflix and ride is a no-go. You'll need to use your own tablet or phone if you want to actually workout with different apps.  

For stats and monitoring though, this bike does sync with apps such as Fitbit, Strava, and Apple Health, allowing you to keep track of progress and body metrics.

Best For Short Riders
Credit: Labgrey
Specs
  • Display: Small LCD monitor
  • Resistance levels: 0-100%
  • Resistance type: Friction
  • Subscription: No

Most stationary cycles suit riders who are average height or taller, but Labgrey Exercise Bike(opens in a new tab) takes things in a different direction. It’s built for riders between 4.5 and 6 feet, which opens up a world of comfy cycling to short folks. Since the seat adjusts so low to the ground, short-legged riders won't have to worry about over-extending their legs while pedalling.

While the 16kg flywheel might mean some wobbling for heavier riders (though it claims to hold riders up to 127kg), lighter users will find the bike easier to use, and shouldn't have any issues with instability.

This bike features friction resistance, so it will need maintenance at some point, but it also has a cushioned seat that promises to be more comfortable than some of the other bikes on this list (which means you shouldn't have to go out and buy a cushier replacement seat). And though it doesn’t have an integrated screen, it has a device holder for tablets or phones, so you can follow a workout as you pedal. Meanwhile, built-in pulse sensors and an LCD display give you all the key stats.

Best For Storage
Credit: YYFITT
Specs
  • Display: Small LCD monitor
  • Resistance levels: 16
  • Resistance type: Magnetic
  • Subscription: No

OK, so the YYFITT Foldable Exercise Bike(opens in a new tab) doesn’t have many — or indeed, any —bells, whistles, or smart features. The main selling point is that it neatly folds away after your workout, allowing you to save space. Which, to be fair, is a very attractive feature for anyone who lives in a small home, or who’s generally looking to avoid clutter.

But there are other features that we especially like, and — despite the lo-fi approach and budget price — make this a standout option. It has pulse sensors built into the handlebars, with all the key stats featured on the LCD display — including time, distance, pulse, and speed — plus (best of all) two strong resistance bands built into the frame of the bike, allowing to throw a bonus upper arm workout into your session.

It’s not quite a full body workout, but for this price you’re getting a far more comprehensive workout than you’d otherwise expect. The seat design also gives you some lower back support, which is unusual on a bike.

Best For Setting Goals
Credit: Reebok GB40
Specs
  • Display: LCD screen
  • Resistance levels: 8
  • Resistance type: Magnetic
  • Subscription: No

For a lower-end price model, the Reebok GB40(opens in a new tab) has a decent amount of features. It has four programmes and eight tension levels, plus a whole range of stats. Everything’s controlled and monitored via its 5-inch LCD console.

You set the goals and smash them at your own pace. Set goals for speed, distance, time, and calories burned, which mean clear milestones to keep you motivated.

It also has an adjustable seat and handlebar, so you can tweak it to your perfect position. It might be too back-to-basics for more advanced home cyclists, but it will do the trick when it comes to losing weight and boosting overall cardio fitness.

Jae Thomas is the Deputy Shopping Editor for Mashable. They specialize in all things outdoor gear, kitchen goods, pet products, and fitness gadgets. Before Jae came to Mashable, they received a B.A. in Journalism and English Literature from New York University and wrote for publications like Bon Appétit, Epicurious, The Daily Beast, Apartment Therapy, and Marie Claire.

When they're not testing products or writing about online shopping, you'll find Jae whipping up an elaborate meal, hiking, camping, or hanging out with their dog, Miso. Reach out to them on Twitter at @jaetaurina(opens in a new tab) or by email at [email protected]

Mashable Image
Matt Ford

Matt Ford is a freelance contributor to Mashable.


Recommended For You
This foldable desk makes it possible to work from almost any location

‘Master Gardener’ review: Paul Schrader gives romance a chance

Mobile pet game Peridot is an adorable, expensive ruse


'Five Nights at Freddy's' trailer finally brings the viral horror game to film

More in Life
Best Father's Day gifts: Surprise Dad with something memorable

Does the Solawave Bye Acne device actually work on acne?


Unique gift ideas for every kind of mom

7 of the best reusable water bottles for Earth Day

Trending on Mashable
Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for May 24

Gen Z is challenging the way we date, says Tinder report

These new telescope images of the sun are just spectacular

A huge star just exploded, and you can actually see it

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
By signing up to the Mashable newsletter you agree to receive electronic communications from Mashable that may sometimes include advertisements or sponsored content.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!