7 Affordable Alternatives to a Peloton Exercise Bike

Peloton exercise bikes are a fitness phenomenon, but at over $2,000, they aren’t exactly accessible for everyone. Fortunately, there are some cheaper options!

Why is the Peloton having such a moment right now, anyway? Put simply, it’s a high-tech exercise machine with a tablet. So, it makes you feel like you’re in a workout studio, even though you’re in your own living room.

Another unique thing about Pelotons is they include a membership for online classes with highly trained instructors for a more personalized experience.

Again, though, these bikes aren’t cheap: the older model is $1,895 and the Bike+ is $2,495. You also have to pay monthly ($64) for the fitness classes. If you want a similar experience, but also want to save some cash, there are plenty of other bikes out there that are just as effective.

Of course, any exercise bike will be a bit of an investment. However, they make a perfect alternative to the gym, which has never been more important than right now.

Check out the exercise bikes below and find one that will work for you.

NordicTrack Commercial S22i

The NordicTrack S22i is one of the most comparable alternatives to the Peloton in terms of details and appearance. It’s also similarly priced—at $1,999, it’s actually a bit more expensive than the older Peloton model.

It has the same sleek look as the Peloton and features a built-in, 22-inch HD touch screen. You use the iFit training app (for live and on-demand classes), while iFit Coach gives you access to high-energy studio workouts with professional iFit trainers.

Trainers can take your workout to the next level because they can control the incline and decline, track your heart rate, and switch up your resistance. As an added bonus, you get one year of iFit free when you purchase the bike.

The screen also rotates and tilts so you can easily see any workouts you do off the bike. The workouts also include a unique Around the World feature that allows you to ride virtually through different parts of the world.

MYX Fitness Bike

The MYX Fitness Bike is another excellent alternative. Its features match the Peloton (in some cases, they’re even better), and it’s also considerably cheaper ($1,199).

It has a 21.5-inch screen and its own fitness program (a monthly membership is $29). The MYX also features reversible pedals, adjustable handlebar height, and a tilt-and-pivot monitor that’s perfect for off-bike classes.

If you wear the included Polar armband monitor, it can also track your heart rate, but it doesn’t collect cycling data, like speed, distance, or resistance.

Myx doesn’t have live classes, only on-demand, but the interface is really easy to use and features hundreds of options, from meditation to weight training. You won’t get bored, either, since new classes are added weekly.

Echelon Connect EX3

If you want a great exercise bike and you don’t need a screen, another option is the Echelon Connect EX3. The advantage of using your own tablet (there’s a mount for it) is, not only do you not have to pay a monthly membership fee, but you can also stream any workout you want. This also means you can use a Peloton membership with your Echelon.

Basically, it gives you more control over what you can watch while working out. Otherwise, it’s pretty similar to the Peloton feature-wise. However, at just under $1,040, it’s less expensive and the optional membership for streaming classes is $39 per month.

If you do choose the membership option, it delivers both live and on-demand classes. The bike also features ergonomic bars for comfort, clip-in and cage petals to keep you secure, a handy spot for weights behind the seat, and offers a sturdy ride. It also looks remarkably similar to the Peloton.

If you want a slightly more high-tech version, there’s also the EX-5S. It’s pricier ($1,638), but also comes with an attached rotating, 22-inch screen.

Bowflex C6 Bike

The Bowflex C6 is another screen-free option (you can mount your own) with awesome features. Like the Echelon EX3, you can stream workouts or catch up on your favorite show instead.

At $999, the C6 is a lot cheaper than the EX3, though. It has the same sleek look as the Peloton and comes with three-pound weights and two water-bottle holders. Bowflex also offers a version of Explore the World classes, which take you on virtual rides around the world.

Like the higher-priced options on this list, the C6 offers a smooth, quiet ride, and has over 100 levels of resistance. The pedals also have toe cages to keep your feet secure and a Bluetooth-enabled heart rate monitor can track your stats. It’s a really solid option for a great price.

Schwinn IC4

Coming in at $899, the Schwinn IC4 is a really great bike at a far more accessible price. It’s another screen-free option with a tablet mount and Bluetooth connectivity. This allows you to choose what you want to watch and which (if any) membership you want.

It’s a high-quality bike with over 100 resistance levels. The pedals have toe cages and clips, so you can change them based on your shoes. The backlit LCD console tracks your metrics, including your heart rate, speed, distance, calories, and RPMs. You can also attach Dumbbells for easy access.

Magnetic resistance provides a super-smooth ride and there are convenient dual water-bottle holders. You can also horizontally and vertically adjust the seat and handlebars for the most comfortable ride possible.

Overall, this bike is a great value, even if it doesn’t offer as many features as some of the pricier options.

Sunny Health and Fitness Indoor Cycling Bike

The Sunny Health and Fitness Indoor Cycling Bike looks similar to the Peloton, but is considerably cheaper ($599 with no membership option). It doesn’t have a screen, but rather, a tablet mount so you can stream your workouts.

The bike is comfortable, quiet, and sturdy. It also has an adjustable seat, handlebars, and resistance, as well as a belt drive system for a smooth ride. It’s definitely not as high-tech as some of the other options on this list—there’s no LCD screen to track your fitness stats and the tablet mount isn’t as sturdy as others.

Still, this is a budget-friendly option for someone who wants a great bike but doesn’t want to spend $1,000.

Pyhigh Indoor Cycling Bike

At under $350, the Pyhigh Indoor Cycling Bike is the cheapest option on our list, and it’s worth every penny. It’s sturdy, with plenty of features that are comparable to more expensive models. The bidirectional flywheel and belt-driven system offer a smooth, steady ride, that feels very stable.

The extra-wide seat cushion and nonslip handlebars are adjustable for comfort. The transportable wheels also make it easy to move this bike around as needed. The LCD monitor has an odometer, and also tracks your time, speed, distance, and calories burned. The pedals are also nonslip and cage-shaped, with adjustable straps for versatility.

It also has a mount for your iPhone or iPad (although, like the one on the option above, it could be sturdier). There’s also a water-bottle holder so you can stay hydrated while you ride

Given its features and price, this bike is an excellent option.