If you're looking for one of the best exercise bikes, you have two choices: stationary bikes or smart bikes.
Stationary bikes are like those you'd find at the gym, with a console, resistance controls and a phone or tablet holder. Then there are smart bikes, like those made famous by Peloton.
These have built-in displays and connect to the internet so you can stream on-demand or live classes. They can be motivational, but you often need a subscription to join the sessions.
If you're after a bike you can use whenever the mood takes you, try the Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycle Bike. It's easy to set up, great value for money, and comfortable, even for longer rides.
For those looking to bring the spin studio to your home, the Peloton Bike+ is a top choice. It's not cheap, but it comes with a larger display than the standard Peloton Bike, which makes it easier to immerse yourself in the brand's high-energy classes.
For more options, though, we put the best exercise bikes to the test, taking them for casual rides, joining virtual classes and trying out any companion apps to help you find the right exercise bike for your home and fitness goals.
Quick list
The Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycle Bike has a friction-based resistance system, adjustable seat, and toe baskets to secure your feet. If you're after a bike for quick, effective rides without breaking the bank, this is it.
The Yosuda Indoor Cycling Stationary Bike isn't as adjustable as the Sunny Health & Fitness bike, but it has a display for workout stats, an optional phone mount, and an effective friction-based resistance system.
The Peloton Bike+ is the best smart exercise bike you can buy. The large display lets you stream on-demand and live classes, and there are 100 auto-adjusting magnetic resistance levels, so you can just focus on your workout.
The Echelon EX-3 Smart Connect Bike also has a near-silent magnetic resistance system with 32 levels, but you'll need to supply your own display to access Echelon's live and on-demand classes and workouts.
The CAROL Bike is not like the other smart bikes on this list. There are no virtual workouts or live classes — instead, an AI-powered algorithm intelligently adjusts the resistance to challenge your body and boost your fitness in just 9 minutes.
It doesn't have as many classes as Peloton, but what it lacks in variety it makes up for in customization, making the MYX II Exercise Bike more like having access to an on-demand virtual personal trainer in place of a group workout.
Best exercise bikes you can buy right now
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Best exercise bike overall
I'd recommend the Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycle Bike as an ideal option for most people, whether you're an experienced spinner or just getting into home cycling workouts. It's easy to set up, and uncomplicated to use; you sit on the bike and get pedaling.
The machine's friction-based resistance is effective enough to give you a good workout, even up to more challenging levels where you'll feel it in your legs. However, it's not the best exercise bike if you want to do long classes.
Our reviewer found that the seat can get uncomfortable after a while, and that the handlebars are too far away if you're on the shorter side as the bike's adjustments don't quite go far enough to make it easy to keep good posture.
But they were a fan of the large toe baskets, which help secure your feet in place. However, if you like to keep an eye on your workout stats, then you'll need a machine with a display, like the Yosuda Indoor Cycling Stationary Bike.
- Read our full Sunny Health & Fitness exercise bike review
Best budget exercise bike
Despite it's budget-friendly price, the Yosuda Indoor Cycling Stationary Bike comes with a display to help you keep tabs on your workout stats. It shows essential metrics like time, speed, distance, and calories.
Of course, this doesn't come close to the amount of data you can track on a smart exercise bike like the Peloton Bike+, but it's a helpful way to track your progress for a fraction of the price.
Like with the Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycle Bike, there are no classes to join (unless you clip on the included smartphone mount and use a workout app or free YouTube session), but it's a durable beginner-friendly bike.
When our tester first set up the bike, they were worried it would feel a bit unstable, but, fortunately, that wasn't the case. Instead, whether they took it for a speed or distance ride, the bike stayed firmly on the ground while in use.
The friction system added enough resistance to make our workouts effective, but after a while, you'll want to upgrade to a machine that'll challenge your muscles a bit more. But for cardio-boosting workouts on a budget, it's a great choice.
- Read our full Yosuda Indoor Cycling Stationary Bike review
Best smart exercise bike overall
The Peloton Bike+ is the upgraded version of the Peloton Bike, the connected exercise bike that popularized virtual spin classes. The Bike+ comes packed with Peloton tech, including a large touchscreen for you to interact with the Peloton app.
While the premium bike plays a part, the experience relies heavily on the app's on-demand and live classes. It's an expensive option — the bike is $2,500 and you need to be a member for $44 a month — but it's popular for a reason.
The Peloton instructors are famed for their high-energy classes, so if you're after a way to keep motivated to train regularly, the Bike+ is a good option. Aside from the software, the Bike+ actually feels like the kind of equipment you'd find in a studio.
Not so long ago, I visited the Peloton Studio in London and tried a 30-minute in-person class. It was led by Leanne Hainsby and broadcast live to Peloton members. It was intense, but a lot of fun. And the studio bikes still had the famed leaderboard, so I could see how I fared compared to all the members spinning away at home too.
The bike also has an auto-resistance mode, where the magnetic resistance will automatically changed based on the instructor's recommendations, so you just have to keep pedaling rather than worry about fiddling with menus or buttons.
The display is also where you'll find all of your workout stats, and you can view your training history to keep track of your progress. The Bike+ has a rotating display too, so you can swivel it and do mat-based workouts instead.
It's a tech-heavy option, and an expensive one, but it's also one of the most versatile exercise bikes available right now. And Peloton has thought about the smaller details, like adding water bottle holders, USB-C charging ports, and Bluetooth.
Best Peloton alternative budget
If you're looking for a way to add some spin classes to your routine without breaking the bank, the Echelon EX-3 is a great choice. Like the Peloton Bike+, the EX-3 has a magnetic resistance system with 32 levels to choose from.
The magnetic resistance is quiet, too, so you won't disturb others in your home or nearby neighbors. However, it doesn't come with a display, so you'll need to use your phone or tablet to access the Echelon app for on-demand and live classes.
And, like with Peloton, the app requires an monthly subscription, which will set you back $39.99 per month. But you'll also get access to off-equipment workouts, like running, yoga, stretch, and Pilates sessions, and up to five user profiles.
Given Peloton's status as the best smart exercise bike manufacturer, it's hard not to compare the Echelon EX-3. We found that the seat wasn't as comfortable, the resistance mechanism wasn't as smooth, and the lack of display is a let down.
But these are small complaints. And it's important to remember that the Echelon EX-3 costs just a fraction of the Peloton Bike+ for a similar experience. During testing, we liked the range of classes, and the option to just use the bike for your own workouts.
Best value smart exercise bike
The CAROL Bike is an excellent option if you're tight on time or you're after incredibly efficient, effective workouts — the company promises that you can pack the benefits of a 45-minute session into just 9 minutes. It sounds improbable, but we were impressed with the bike's effectiveness.
You can use the bike without a membership (including six of the company's time-efficient workouts) but the main reason to invest in the CAROL Bike is the features locked behind the monthly subscription, including the AI-powered resistance algorithm.
This is where we really felt the bike came into its own. During testing, the bike's AI-controlled resistance delivered personalized challenges, adjusting seamlessly without manual intervention. Its near-silent operation and compact design make it ideal for home use.
The bike's performance metrics, such as tracking fitness scores and heart rate variability, are great for tracking progress and overall fitness levels. Plus, felt that the short 9-minute sessions were effective enough to make a real impact on your fitness levels.
While it's pricey and lacks interactive workout sessions like you'd find from Peloton or Echelon, its unique features and effectiveness make it an excellent choice for those looking to achieve maximum fitness gains in minimal time, making it the best value smart bike we've tested so far.
- Read our full CAROL Bike review
Best Peloton alternative overall
After working out with the MYX II Exercise Bike, we felt that it is the best Peloton Bike alternative overall. You'll still need to take out a monthly subscription on top of the initial investment cost, and there are fewer classes, but the MYX's personalized approach really pays off.
If Peloton thrives on the group environment, MYX takes a more customized path, so you feel like you're working out with an on-demand personal trainer instead of a fitness instructor. But there are still classes too, which is one of the reasons this is such a compelling alternative.
Plus, you can use the large display to do spin classes, off-bike strength training, and cycling workouts. And for those bike-free workouts, you can swivel the display, so you don't need to load up the app on your phone or another display — just roll out a mat and you're good to go.
During testing, we liked that the bike was adjustable so that you can easily find the perfect set up, even if you're sharing the equipment between multiple people. However, the main difference between this and the Peloton bikes is the resistance system; Peloton opts for magnetic resistance, while MYX uses friction-based.
- Read our full MYX II Exercise Bike review
Best exercise bike for multiple users
While some others on this list compare more closely to the standard Peloton Bike, the NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle is a full Peloton Bike+ alternative, and not just because of its almost $2,000 price tag.
It also has a 360-degree rotating screen and the magnetic resistance system automatically adjusts during streamed classes according to the instructor's guidance, just like the Peloton Bike+ experience.
But the Studio Cycle also has a feature the Peloton doesn't have: incline adjustment. The bike's incline can be adjusted between -10 and 20 percent while you're working out, helping more closely mimic the road cycling experience should you want it.
And because the bike is designed for studios (hence, the Commercial Studio branding), it's designed to accommodate riders up to 350 lbs, though to do this, it has a larger footprint than the Peloton bikes and it weighs 200 lbs, so its not easy to move.
To get access to all of these features, you do need to take out a membership to iFit, NordicTrack's virtual workout app. There used to be different plans depending on how many people you wanted to use it, but now there's a single one-year plan that'll set you back $396 and supports up to five user profiles.
How to choose the best exercise bike for you
Choosing an exercise bike for your home can be a challenge. After all, you first need to decide whether you want a standard friction-based bike or a smart one, and factor in the increased cost of a smart bike and the ongoing subscription.
However, once you've made a decision between the two styles, there are other practicalities, like the physical size of the bike, whether it can be easily stored away between sessions, and if the bike can be adjusted for your height and posture.
It's also worth thinking about the exercise bike's resistance mechanism. This will effect how much you can customize the intensity, and you can select from magnetic resistance, flywheels, and belt-driven bikes.
Magnetic resistance generally has the largest range, usually covering 100 different levels, and is the most quiet, but bikes with these systems are often towards the higher price bracket too.
Also tested
We regularly review exercise bikes, but not all of them will make the main roundup. Some come close, though. So, if you're after more options, these are the bikes we've tested that didn't quite make the cut.
How we test the best exercise bikes
To help you work out which is the best exercise bike for you, we put them to the sweat test! We install each of the bikes in our homes for at least a month, and put them to the test over a number of different workouts.
Since we had the bikes to hand, we looked at how easy it was to use, move around the house, maintain, and, for the smart exercise bikes, the range of classes on offer.
Plus, we consider any extras like how many profiles you could set up, and useful accessories like phone mounts and water bottle holders. And on the smart machines, we looked at the ongoing subscription costs associated with the bike, and what you get for your money.
FAQs
Are exercise bikes good for weight loss?
If your goal is to lose weight, then exercising at home can play an important role. However, it's worth keeping in mind that physical activity is only plays one part, as sleep, diet, and overall wellbeing also factor in.
Investing in a machine like an exercise bike can be a great way to increase your activity levels throughout the day, particularly if you're tight on time. Standard bikes allow you to just jump on and work out, so are ideal for short sessions, like 30 minutes on an exercise bike, and extended periods.
If you're more motivated by classes, then the best smart exercise bikes are also a good place to start. Once you're set up with access to on-demand workouts, these high-intensity classes can help you make exercise a regular part of your routine, which is a key part of losing weight using an exercise bike.
Either way, cycling helps raise your heart rate, so you burn energy during your workout, and if you keep the intensity high to sustain your high heart rate, then it'll boost your metabolism (the amount of energy you burn throughout the day).
If you're looking for an accessible entry point to exercise, then you may be comparing exercise bikes vs walking. Spin classes are more intense and will burn more energy, while walking is free and can be more easily built into your daily routine by walking to work or the store, so it'll come down to your preferences and goals.
Should you buy an exercise bike or turbo trainer?
If you're trying to decide between one of the best exercise bikes and best cycling indoor trainers, we're here to help. Unlike exercise bikes, which are essentially stationary indoor bikes, cycling indoor trainers are designed to help convert your regular push bike into home workout equipment.
If you're tight on space, then an indoor cycling trainer (also known as a turbo trainer) may be the better option since you can disconnect the unit when not in use and store away. Of course, you also need an outdoor bike to begin with.
But if you do already cycle or own a bike, then it's a more cost-effective choice, as turbo trainers are available for a fraction of the cost of many exercise bikes, especially smart bikes like the Peloton Bike.
Though for the extra money, you do get more features like a display virtual classes, and magnetic resistance systems. Plus, you can find feature-packed turbo trainers, like the $1,600 Wahoo KICKR Move, which is designed to mimic natural cycling movements and has Wi-Fi connectivity for smart features.
Generally, the ideal set up will depend on how you like to train. Some low-cost turbo trainers can be a great way to make your existing road bike pull double-duty for indoor and outdoor exercise. Stationary bikes make a great addition to your home for low-impact movement, and smart bikes are perfect if you like motivational high-intensity virtual spin classes.
What's the difference between a spin and stationary bike?
Spin bikes are designed for high-intensity exercise and spin classes. The handlebars are placed at a distance to encourage you to learn forward or ride out of the seat. Plus, the resistance mechanism (often friction-based or magnetic) increases the intensity to increase the challenge.
Because of this, most smart bikes (those that connect to the internet for on-demand and live classes) are spin bikes, as this type of exercise lends itself well to instructor-led environments, where increasing the intensity can require additional motivation or guidance.
However, you can find some standard or non-smart exercise bikes designed for spin classes, like our top bike, the Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycle Bike. It has a similar spacing with the handlebars to get you to lean forward, but you'll need your phone and a workout app to take classes.
Stationary bikes encourage you to sit comfortably upright and are designed for more leisurely cardio exercise. These are ideal if you're looking to add some movement to your day, or keep your legs moving while working from home or catching up on your favorite TV shows and movies.
This style of bike is usually cheaper and is more likely to have a friction-based resistance system than a magnetic one, and you can adjust the resistance to specific levels using the workout metrics display.
Is Peloton the best workout bike?
The Peloton Bike and Bike+ are some of the most popular (and famous) exercise bikes around, and they gained many new and passionate fans during the Covid-19 pandemic as people switched to home workouts.
But whether the Peloton bikes are the best largely depends on how you like to exercise and your fitness goals. The equipment is easy to use, so there's no steep learning curve, and the classes are intense and fun.
The classes, led by Peloton's famed instructors, are the main selling point. You'll need to take out a membership for $44 per month to access them, but then you get a library of on-demand workouts and several new live classes each day.
While there's a lot of variety on offer, most sessions are high-intensity workouts, so you'd need to enjoy that style of exercise to make the best use of your Peloton bike and subscription.
Of course, you can use the Just Ride feature on the Bike and Bike+ if you choose to cancel your membership, but then you can find much more affordable bikes, like the Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Bike at a fraction of the cost if you don't need a display or classes.
Which is better: a treadmill or exercise bike?
Although the best treadmills and best exercise bikes are both cardio-focused equipment, it's hard to objectively say which is better, as it'll depend on what type of exercise you enjoy, your fitness goals, and some more practical considerations.
For instance, exercise bikes generally have a smaller footprint than treadmills, so they're going to be a better option if you're tight on space. Then again, some treadmills can fold for storage.
Plus, there are under desk treadmills. These don't reach running speeds, but are ideal if you want to add some movement into your day or get some steps while working at your desk.
However, while some people enjoy treadmill workouts, you could get similar results from taking a run outside — that doesn't cost anything, and means you save space in your home, though you might need some running shoes.
Meanwhile, exercise bikes can also help boost your cardio fitness at home. The alternative is outdoor cycling, but then you can't join high-intensity workout classes and you'd need gear like helmets, bike locks, and cycling apparel.
And if you're a fan of group classes, smart spin bikes like the Peloton Bike mean you can join a session from the comfort of your home, making it easier to carve out the time for a workout.
Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference and what you want to get out of your training. But it's important to choose equipment that you'll actually enjoy using if you want to make it a regular part of your routine and hit your fitness goals.
Do you need an app to work out on an exercise bike?
One of Peloton's main selling points is the app, which is your gateway to the brand's high-energy classes. Many of the best exercise bikes have a display built in, or at least a phone holder, allowing you to use the machine's app. And if you buy a non-smart stationary bike, many people assume that you need to join a class to get the most from the bike.
It's seen as the default way to train on an exercise bike; take a seat, load up the app, and join a live or on-demand virtual class. This has been helped along by the popularity of spin classes, where people meet in a single space and join a high-intensity, instructor-led class often soundtracked by dance or nostalgic hits.
So if this is why you wanted an exercise bike, then you'll definitely need to factor in the ongoing subscription cost before you make a choice. If you choose a smart exercise bike, then you're generally locked into the equipment manufacturer's platform, like with Peloton, BowFlex (JRNY) and NordicTrack (iFit).
For regular exercise bikes, you can choose any of the best workout apps, but the bike won't sync to the app or allow you to automatically record your training. If that's important to you, then one of the best smartwatches would make a good addition so you can keep track of your workout stats and heart rate metrics.
However, you don't actually need an app to train on most exercise bikes. It can elevate the experience, but it's not necessary (although, if you don't take out a Peloton subscription, then the bike gets set into a feature-limited Just Ride mode).
If you'd prefer to do light exercise, take an indoor ride while you're working, on a call, or catching up on the latest books and TV shows, then you don't need an app. Plus, there's nothing stopping you from taking an intense ride, it's just a bit easier to program when someone else (like an instructor) takes the lead on when to adjust the resistance or cadence.
