With all the hype around Peloton, one of the most popular at-home stationary bike brands, you may be wondering: Is buying a Peloton worth it? With a price tag of at least $1,100 for the bike and an additional $38+ per month in subscription fees, you might not think so. If that’s the case, consider these bike alternatives that provide similar at-home workouts at lower price points. Since features vary, you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of each option. Here are some of our recommendations.
Bowflex C6 Bike (starting at $999, shop here)
The Bowflex C6 is a great option, even for the most devoted Peloton fans, since you can pair it with many exercise applications, including Peloton. However, you might not want to pay for that subscription fee just yet: This bike comes with a free year-long membership to the JRNY fitness app. The C6 provides a quiet, smooth, customized ride with 100 different resistance levels. It also features dual-sided pedals featuring no-slip accessories, a set of easily accessible dumbbells, water bottle holders, and a Bluetooth-enabled heart rate armband monitor.
Echelon Smart Connect EX3 Exercise Bike (starting at $799, shop here)
Echelon provides an experience comparable to the Peloton – and it isn’t afraid to own up to that. Much like its competitor, Echelon offers on-demand and live instructor-led classes. These do require a subscription, with pricing consistent with Peloton’s. One key difference between the Peloton and the Echelon EX3 is the screen: Peloton’s is built-in, while Echelon requires you to connect your own tablet. Though that does mean that you can catch up on your favorite shows or books while working out if an instructor-led course doesn’t sound appealing!
ProForm Studio Bike Pro ($1,403 for 3-year subscription – bike included, shop here)
Yes – you read that right. If you can commit to three years of a $39 per month subscription (or a one-time payment of $1,403), this bike is free. The Studio Bike boasts a height-adjustable seat and handlebars, a 10-inch touch screen, dumbbell holders, and a range of resistance settings. Now let’s talk about this subscription: It’s better than many others because it offers more variety, including yoga, HIIT, strength training, and more.
The MYX II Plus ($1,399, shop here)
This exercise bike gets you all of the bells and whistles of Peloton’s upgraded model but with a price tag closer to its base model. In addition to the bike itself, this “total fitness system” includes a set of weights, a stabilizer mat, an exercise mat, a foam roller, and resistance bands. The MYX membership is an additional $39 per month and grants you access to dozens of motivating, world-class trainers who host thousands of workouts with new sessions added weekly.
Have you tried any of these Peloton alternatives? Share your experience with us in the comments below!