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It’s not exactly shocking that Peloton has experienced a categoric rise in the home cardio equipment sphere. The popularity of intensive spin classes, advances in exercise technology and connectivity, and a significant shift in gym culture have contributed to Peloton’s growth. Fitness enthusiasts thrive on community but also love the autonomy of choosing where, when, and with whom they train, which is a large part of the Peloton experience.
But, as you probably learned in economics class, where there is demand, there will inevitably be supply. Enter other cardio equipment manufacturers, like Echelon, who have created their answers to the Peloton by offering their personal spin on the notorious exercise bike.
Best Peloton Alternatives - Our Top Picks
- Best Peloton Alternative Overall: Echelon EX-8s
- Best Budget Peloton Alternative: NordicTrack S27i Studio Bike
- Best Peloton Alternative for Small Spaces: Sole SB700 Studio Bike
- Best Adjustable Peloton Alternative: Horizon 7.0IC
- Best No Subscription Peloton Alternative: Echelon Connect EX-5s-10
- Best Peloton Alternative with a Big Screen: Sole SB900
- Best Peloton Alternative for Studio Classes: NordicTrack S10i Studio Bike
So, which Peloton alternatives are worth your consideration? In addition to our research, we asked cycling expert Elspeth Huyett—a 2021 Elite National Champion and Level 3 Cycling Coach with 20 years of experience—for her thoughts on our top Peloton alternative picks and how they stack up against the Peloton itself.
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com’s editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Best Peloton Alternative Overall - Echelon EX-8s
SPECS
- Dimensions: 59" x 23" x 65"
- Weight: 124 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Resistance levels: 32
- Display: 24" curved HD touchscreen
Echelon is known as the "Peloton alternative" because the two bikes are similar in a lot of key areas. However, the Echelon bike is a lot more affordable than the Peloton and has more models to choose from—five to Peloton's two. The Echelon EX-8s features a 24-inch curved HD touchscreen, 32 levels of magnetic resistance, and an integrated LED flywheel that changes color with your metrics.
With the sizable interactive touchscreen, you can connect to Echelon FitPass and stream thousands of available on-demand workout classes or join one of the 40+ live classes offered daily. Want to train away from your bike seat? The screen rotates up to 180 degrees, which allows for more training variety and a rest-day yoga session. "The screen flip on this is similar to the Peloton +, making it great for cross-training if you’re looking to make your exercise bike the focus of your home gym," says Elspeth Huyett.
Lastly, the flywheel on this bike is a whopping 38 pounds of stability and the pedals are dual-sided and SPD compatible, so you can switch from your sneakers to your cycling shoes, depending on your preference.
What We Like
- 24" curved, rotating HD touchscreen
- Echelon FitPass has 30-day free trial
- e-Shock system lessens impact on joints
- LED light system that responds to metrics
- Adjustable seat and handlebars
What We Don't Like
- Warranty is limited; have to pay extra for extended warranty
- Heavy which may make it hard to move
Best Peloton Alternative with a Big Screen - NordicTrack S27i Studio Bike
SPECS
- Dimensions: 57"L x 28"W x 65"H
- Weight: 217 lbs. (in box)
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs.
- Resistance levels: 20% incline, -10% decline
- Display: 27" Smart HD touchscreen
NordicTrack has been in the cardio equipment game for a long time, and for good reason. Aside from the sleek look of the NordicTrack S21i bike, it packs in many of the same features as the Peloton but goes one step further with its massive 27-inch HD touchscreen—the cherry on top of an already impressive machine. The screen also has the ability to rotate, which allows you to take your training off-bike when needed.
NordicTrack uses iFIT programming which offers thousands of on-demand classes that range from HIIT to yoga. The choice is yours for riding destinations, expert trainers, and skill levels. You can take a leisurely beginner-style ride through the streets of Italy or sweat it out during one of the instructor-led HIIT classes. All that to say, you'll want to connect to iFIT to unlock the full potential of this bike, so you’ll need to factor this subscription into your overall cost.
I have the NordicTrack S22i—similar to the 27i but with a smaller screen—and I swear by it. I love the AutoAdjust that mimics actual terrain as it moves between incline and decline and the engaging trainers that take you on a journey through exotic destinations. I was lacking the motivation to exercise regularly, but now I find myself looking forward to my cardio sessions.
Our cycling expert Huyett drove the point home, saying, "[The NordicTrack S27i] would be my top recommendation. It has a large screen, which I find more engaging than smaller options. The ability to change the incline AND decline makes for a more real-world experience, which can make the hours tick by. Plus, you’ll love the fan if you’ve been on it for more than 10 minutes!"
What We Like
- 27" rotating HD touchscreen
- Great warranty
- 30-day iFIT free trial included
- Silent magnetic resistance
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Heavy and can be hard to move
BUY: NordicTrack S27i Studio Bike
Best Budget Peloton Alternative - Sole SB700 Studio Bike
SPECS
- Dimensions: 40"L x 21"W x 42"H
- Weight: 141 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Resistance levels: Turn-dial multi-level resistance
- Display: 3" x 4" LCD
If you're looking for a high-quality, sturdy machine at a low price, the Sole SB700 Studio Bike has got you covered. The frame is made from heavy-duty steel, the hefty 48-pound flywheel is chrome plated and stable, and it uses a smooth felt pad brake resistance system. You can also adjust the seat and handlebars horizontally and vertically to accommodate height.
The low price tag of this bike means that it doesn't have the same interactive features as a Peloton or some of the other bikes on this list. However, the SB700 does have an LCD console that displays your RPM, time, Kcals, speed, and distance. It also has an integrated tablet holder that allows you to stream your own media or workout programs. You can also put the Sole Studio App 30-day free trial—that comes with our bike purchase—to good use and join in on one of the over 3,000 instructor-led classes.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly
- Lifetime frame warranty
- Heavy flywheel
- Adjustable seat and handlebars
What We Don't Like
- Doesn’t have an interactive screen
- Resistance is controlled by a turn dial
Best Peloton Alternative for Small Spaces - Horizon 7.0 IC Indoor Cycle
SPECS
- Dimensions: 47" x 21" x 47"
- Weight: 87 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Resistance levels: 100
- Display: High-contrast LCD window
Touted as the "smarter connected fitness bike," the Horizon 7.0 IC Indoor Cycle is the little bike that could. It's more compact than the Peloton and light enough to move when needed. The flywheel weighs only 28.6 pounds. The bike also has 100 levels of electronically-controlled resistance.
The LCD screen is fairly small, but it tracks resistance, cadence, heart rate, watts, time, distance, calories, and speed. The console also includes five built-in programs, but it also comes with a tablet holder and Bluetooth compatibility which allows you to stream Netflix or any third-party fitness apps. You can even connect to the Peloton app.
Last but not least, the Horizon 7.0 IC comes with a connected Bluetooth heart rate monitor and dual water bottle holders. So, you're getting a lot of perks packed into a space-friendly machine.
What We Like
- Lightweight and maneuverable
- 100 levels of resistance
- Lifetime frame warranty
- 4-way adjustable seat and handlebars
- Affordable
What We Don't Like
- LCD screen is small
- May be less sturdy
BUY: Horizon 7.0 IC Indoor Cycle
Best Adjustable Peloton Alternative - Echelon Connect EX-5s-10
SPECS
- Dimensions: 58" x 21.5" x 61"
- Weight: 124 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Resistance levels: 32
- Display: 10" HD touchscreen
We chose the Echelon Connect EX-5s-10 as the best adjustable bike on the list because it grants you the ability to move the seat, handlebars, and screen into your desired position. Simply adjust the ergonomic, cushioned seat up and down using the six-inch lever. You can also move the handlebars in four directions and flip the 10" HD touchscreen 180 degrees if you want to try one of the off-equipment workouts.
Similar to other Echelon models, the EX-5s-10 has 32 levels of resistance, power ports to charge your devices and fully adjustable toe cages on the pedals. Connect to Echelon FitPass to stream thousands of available on-demand workout classes or join one of the 40+ live classes offered daily.
What We Like
- Adjustable seat, handlebars, pedals, and screen
- 10" HD touchscreen
- Echelon FitPass has a 30-day free trial
- Slip-resistant, padded handlebars
What We Don't Like
- Has weight holders, but weights are sold separately
- Warranty is limited, you'll have to pay extra for extended warranty
Best No-Subscription Peloton Alternative - Sole SB900 Studio Bike
SPECS
- Dimensions: 42"H x 40"L x 21"W
- Weight: 160 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Resistance levels: Turn-dial multi-level resistance
- Display: 3" x 4" LCD
The Sole Fitness SB900 Studio Bike is very similar to the SB700, but with a few key differences. For one, they rely on different resistance types: The SB700 uses friction and the SB900 uses magnetic resistance. Additionally, the SB900 is heavier and has dual pedals, as opposed to the SB700's toe cages, plus it is more expensive.
You don't need a subscription to use the Sole SB900, but you will get a 30-day free trial of the Sole Studio App 30-day free trial which features over 3,000 instructor-led classes that can be streamed via your personal device using the integrated tablet holder. So, you aren't required to purchase a membership in order to use the bike, but you can connect to whatever app-based program you prefer.
What We Like
- No subscription required
- Lifetime frame warranty
- Heavy flywheel
- Adjustable seat and handlebars
What We Don't Like
- No interactive screen
- Resistance is controlled by a turn dial
Best Peloton Alternative for Studio Classes - NordicTrack S10i Studio Bike
SPECS
- Dimensions: 60"L x 22"W x 58"H
- Weight: 192 lbs. (in box)
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs.
- Resistance levels: 22
- Display: 10" smart HD touchscreen
More diminutive than the S27i, the NordicTrack S10i also has a much smaller 10-inch HD touchscreen and a lower price tag. That said, it has many of the same great features as the larger NordicTrack models like its interactive screen and iFIT programming.
With iFIT, you can venture off on an expert-led excursion through global destinations—all without leaving your home gym. If you need more convincing, check out our roundup of some of the best iFIT workouts for beginners. If you end up missing the studio, iFIT does offer studio-like classes that are added daily.
What We Like
- Wide variety of on-demand workouts with iFIT program
- Interactive HD touchscreen
- Ergonomic pedals and lumbar support
- Built-in cooling fan
What We Don't Like
- Screen doesn't rotate if you want to take an off-bike class
- You will need to pay for the iFIT membership after the free trial
BUY: NordicTrack S10i Studio Bike
How We Chose the Best Peloton Alternatives
We narrowed down our list of the best Peloton alternatives by looking at key factors including price, features, programming, brand reliability, and input from fitness experts. Trusted brands like NordicTrack and Echelon make comparable models that often have extra features and superior fitness programming. We also read user reviews to get a better understanding of where each bike ranks in terms of size, maneuverability, convenience, assembly, and customer service.
Benefits of Peloton Alternatives
The biggest benefit of choosing a Pelton alternative is the cost. You can easily get a decent connected bike at a much lower price point. You may also find that an alternative exercise bike has certain features that are of more interest to you or a better warranty. The main takeaway when shopping for Peloton alternatives is to keep an open mind when browsing, as you may be surprised at the quality of alternatives available.
"For someone training for cycling, the benefit of an exercise bike is that you no longer have to switch your road bike on-and-off the trainer (which makes it easier when you’re feeling unmotivated, fewer things to fuss with!). It is also compatible with a variety of classes and programs, so it can keep you mentally engaged," says Huyett,
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Peloton Alternative
The big draw of the Peloton bike is probably its interactive programming. But, is that important to you? Ask yourself what elements a bike would need to have in order for it to be a worthy investment and a machine that you know you'll regularly use.
For Huyett, "Adjustability is key — you want to be sure that you can be comfortable on the bike, and a bike that is easily adjustable and allows multiple household members to use it without hassle is a bonus. Bluetooth compatibility is important to allow for third-party accessories, like heart rate monitors, and the ability to upload directly to popular apps like Garmin Connect, Strava, and TrainingPeaks helps users keep track of all of their training in one place."
As you consider your most important factors, here are some examples of what we think matters most to exercise bike connoisseurs.
Cost
How much are you able to spend on your new bike? With a Peloton bike—or a bike that is comparable to a Peloton—you aren't just paying for the equipment, you're also paying a monthly subscription fee in order to unlock all the bike's features. Some of these subscription services can get fairly expensive, so you'll want to factor that into the overall cost. Also, some of these retailers do offer monthly pricing plans if you're hesitant to pay the full upfront cost.
Programming
Many of the Peloton bike alternatives on this list have interactive programming available. Look into the kinds of workouts each platform offers. iFIT, for example, has live and spin class-based programming as well as the ability to go on international rides. Also, look for programming that excites and motivates you to work out.
Footprint
How much room do you have in your home to devote to your new bike? If you have a home gym this may be a non-issue, but if you have a smaller area pay close attention to the dimensions of each bike and whether or not it will fit easily into your space. Also, consider sound and the machine if you live in an apartment, a few of these bikes feature silent magnetic resistance and are less likely to disturb your neighbors. Lastly, if you need to occasionally move your bike, consider the machine’s weight, as well as how easily it can be transported.
Accessories and Features
Does your bike need to have water bottle holders? What about a built-in cooling fan? Ask yourself what accessories are must-haves, and what you can compromise on to keep costs down.
FAQs About Peloton Alternatives
Can Peloton Alternatives be used with other third-party apps?
Many of these exercise bikes work with third-party apps if you use them in manual mode or use your own device. For example, NordicTrack uses iFIT as its main app, but you can also access Netflix and Amazon Prime or connect with Apple, Garmin, and Strava.
Is a subscription necessary for Peloton?
Technically, no subscription is required to use a Peloton bike. However, you won't have access to all the bike's features.
What muscles does indoor cycling work?
Indoor cycling doesn't just work the lower-body muscles that you'd expect, i.e. the quads, glutes, and hamstrings as you pedal. You will also be working your core and lower back as you maintain correct posture (Don't hunch!) and balance, especially if you lift up from your seat to take a high-energy spin class. You will also utilize your upper-body muscles by supporting yourself on the handlebars while you ride.
Which bike is most similar to Peloton?
There are a few bikes on this list that are very similar to the Peloton, but the model that comes up in conversation most often is the Echelon. There are key differences in monitor size, resistance levels, and price, but at the end of the day, the Echelon has similar functionality as the Peloton.
About the Author
For the past 13 years, Erin Chancer has worked in digital publishing in the fitness and sports nutrition field. Erin has experience writing and editing workout-based, human interest, and advertorial stories within the fitness industry.
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