Gyms are great, but some people feel more comfortable working out at home. You need proper equipment for the latter, however. One good way to engage all those muscles and get in a full-body workout without leaving your house is by investing in a home-based exercise bike. This is a fairly small piece of equipment that allows you to get a spin class-style workout without going to the gym. One of the major players in this space is Peloton, as it gives users a bike and on-demand classes.
However, these popular exercise bikes come with a hefty price tag. On top of that, you’ve got to pay the mandatory monthly Peloton subscription fee required to access classes. It’s a lot of money, especially if you want to start working out at home and aren’t fully sure about diving into the Peloton community.
Whether you’re considering this as a gift to the exercise buff in your life or looking to get one for yourself, there are some exceptional Peloton alternatives out there. We’ve tested several stationary bike options to help you find the best Peloton bike alternative to fit your budget and fitness goals.
Which is the best Peloton alternative?
I’ve been testing indoor bikes for more than five years now, and while I don’t think there’s a single bike that’s perfect for all people I would say the best overall Peloton alternative is the BowFlex Velocore series. If you’re looking for a large display with a lot of options on the screen that Peloton is never going to offer, you’ll be happy with this bike. If having a giant screen doesn’t matter as much to you, there’s a budget-friendly version with a 16-inch display instead.
Editor’s note, June 10: BowFlex filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year, and the brand is now owned by Johnson Health Tech, which also owns Horizon Fitness and Matrix. You can still buy BowFlex products through its website and via retailers such as Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Best Peloton alternatives of 2024
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BowFlex is known for its home workout machines, but its Velocore series is genuinely something anyone can enjoy. The bike is surprisingly modular, and its magnetic resistance system allows you to get a whole-body workout without making a ton of noise. The big front wheels make it easy to move around and you can use the big speakers on the front of the display, although Bluetooth is also an option. The truly unique part of this design is the way it allows you to lean into your rides thanks to a locked hinge, which offers a core workout while you ride.
What makes this exercise bike stand out is everything you get on the screen. The BowFlex JRNY service does require a subscription to use, but at $20 per month, it’s less than half the cost of Peloton’s service and offers a ton of things you can’t get elsewhere. If you want a growing set of classes to give you a clear set of instructions for working out, BowFlex has quite a bit to offer through its subscription service. If that’s not your thing, there are loads of other options including just watching Netflix or Hulu or even Max while you ride. It’s something few other bikes do unless you bring your own screen, and BowFlex does it with ease.
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