Best Peloton alternatives in 2023 – budget and premium picks
Discover the best Peloton alternatives, with our top picks.
Peloton as a brand has seriously taken off over the last year or so. Lockdowns and limited time outside of our homes and forced us to adapt, and that includes our exercise routines. Peloton is a personalized gym experience at home, the app provides live workouts that incorporate their products and gives you that gym class buzz and vibe.
Not looking to buy any home gym equipment? No problem, Peloton has fitness and workout classes that are equipment-free. The issue with Peloton is pricing thanks to their products only being sold directly, there’s no sales or retailer competition on their products. Thankfully, there are other services such as iFit or JRNY that provide a similar experience that is compatible with cheaper treadmills and exercise bikes.
Products at a Glance
How we chose the best Peloton alternatives
We love scouring the internet for deals here at PC Guide, and we think we’ve found the best Peloton alternative for most budgets. We’ve found treadmills and exercise bikes that support either iFit or JRNY and made sure the hardware is up to specifications. There’s no need to spend over the odds for the product you want, let’s take a look at our best Peloton alternatives.
If you’re looking for more fitness recommendations, then head over to our best workout earbuds guide. As well as, our best treadmills under $1000 piece.
Product Reviews
- Bluetooth heart monitor arm band included
- Best value for money
- Firmware updates can slow down UI
Bowflex Treadmill 10 supports a JRNY membership, which includes personalized coaching, powerful performance, and streaming support for your favorite apps on the treadmills 10” console. Better still, a year’s membership to JRNY is included in the price (worth $149.99), although make sure to set a reminder for that renewal date.
Users can explore over 50 global routes that auto-adjust in real-time to your running speed. There are also over 100 unique workout programs providing your JRNY membership is active. Inclines can dip to minus 5% to 15%, making for some crazy gains in leg muscles alongside extended handlebar grips to help you keep your balance and momentum.
There’s also a slim-design Bluetooth heart rate armband included, this works with the best Peloton Alternative to help keep a user’s heart rate inside target zones. There are also Bluetooth speakers built-in that surround users with sound, making earbuds whilst getting some cardio in a thing of the past.
- Large LCD Display and Tablet Holder
- Parts can get in the way of others whilst assembling
This JRNY powered is one of the best Peloton bike alternatives. Not only does it include a year’s membership but can also be used for the Peloton and Zwift apps. Thanks to the tablet grip above the LED screen, users just need to simply sign up for the fitness app needed. This unlocks potentially thousands of different classes which also allows you to compete against others in a virtual world.
Explore the world app covers over 50 global routes for users to get stuck into that is also included in the JRNY membership. Magnetic resistance is the aim of the game here, which when combined with the 40lb flywheel and intuitive resistance knob makes for a smooth workout experience that works the muscles you need it to.
Schwinns dual-link pedals with toe cages should match everyone’s preference when riding, and there’s also an option to use SPD clips if needed. The seat moves forwards, backward, up, to make sure riders are comfortable. The seat itself is a race-style profile, which means there won’t be a big bulky seat getting in the way of those crucial gains.
- Upgraded WiFi for live workouts
- Standard seat can get uncomfortable for longer workouts
iFit is probably the closest experience users will get to being a Peloton member thanks to its interactive personal training experience. This best Peloton alternative, NordicTrack Commercial S22i, fully supports iFit and the one-on-one training experience it delivers.
Trainers can adjust inclines and resistance levels wirelessly, pushing users’ workout routines to the next level. This level of training would normally cost a fortune in a gym, but luckily iFits monthly subscription service makes it affordable. There’s also 30 days free iFit family membership included with this best Peloton alternative also.
A 22” smart HD touchscreen has all the graphical and wireless power needed to deliver your workouts. The user interface is intuitive to its core, with vital stats just a finger swipe away. Bluetooth capabilities allow for wireless headphones connections, there is nothing worse than a headphone wire flapping about whilst you’re trying to work out.
- Adjustable handle bars
- A larger seat my be needed
ProForm comes with a 30-day membership of iFit, which means users will be ready to experience personal, one on one fitness training. Global workouts and studio classes are included in the membership, so make sure to catch the fitness bug and set up a full-time subscription for interactive fitness.
The 22” Smart HD touchscreen display is perfect for experiencing what iFit has to offer, which is led by your very own iFIt fitness instructor. This best Peloton alternative has a commercial-gauge welded steel construction which means this piece of kit will be around for years to come. Oh, it’s rust-resistant too.
We now know that iFit allows trainers to change a user’s settings remotely, but this best Peloton alternative supports 24 friction resistance levels, matching global terrain and optimizing every workout for a hands-free experience. Adjustments to the handlebars and seats make ProForms Pro C22 comfortable for most users too, although a larger seat might be necessary for some users.
- 22" x 60" commericial track belt
- High speed internet needed for live workouts
This best Peloton alternative is more or less the same price as their own treadmill package, but it’s packed with features and we couldn’t dismiss it in this buyer’s guide. A 22” inch screen gives you everything necessary to grind through your free 30 days iFit welcome membership that’s included and comes with all the bells and whistles of that service.
This really is a commercial-level treadmill experience thanks to its 22” by 60” running belt. It’s fitted with runners flex cushioning which allows users to turn up the speed whilst making sure wear and wear stays minimal on joints and muscles. To help reach your goals, this best Peloton alternative features dual AutoBreeze workout fans that keep your body temperature down.
You can train for marathons and really put this treadmill through its paces thanks to its Smart-Response Drive System. NordicTrack Commercial 2950 is really built to take a beating, which is also fair after it’s beaten up a buyer’s bank account. The 2950 incline motor really helps push the best workout environment too, which is nicely complemented with dual 3” Bluetooth speakers to help users feel the burn alongside their workout playlists.
Features and considerations
There are a few features you should consider when searching for the best Peloton alternatives.
If you’re looking for a good Peloton alternative you’re going to want a few smart features that are on par with the offerings from Peloton. Many exercise bikes come with a console or LCD monitor that tracks your workout data, such as speed, distance, calories, and heart-rate monitoring. Make sure your next stationary bike comes with these features. As a bonus, try to look for options that also offer other tech like on-demand classes or connections to fitness apps.
Next, consider comfort. You’ll be spending a lot of time sitting on the seat of your indoor cycling bike, so it’s important to make sure it’s comfortable. Look for a seat with thick padding and adjustable features. The handlebars should also be comfortable to hold, especially if you plan on doing long workouts. Look for handlebars with multiple grip positions.
Lastly, consider the warranty. Most indoor exercise bikes come with a warranty that covers defects in materials. Choose a bike with a warranty that is at least one year long.
FAQs
Should I pick a Treadmill or Exercise Bike?
If you struggle with mobility, a spin bike is a great choice to get those joints moving without the pressure and impact of running. For those who prefer a jog and are up for it, we’d say go for a Treadmill. Both work for different muscle groups, but it’s the cardiovascular benefits we’re looking at here instead of muscle building.
iFit or JRNY?
Both are great services, but iFit caters to users who want a personal fitness trainer or classes for every session, whilst JRNY is more focused on planned workouts that have your vitals in mind. JRNY is normally the cheaper option and is normally included in compatible devices with a year’s membership, making it a great choice for people on a budget.
Our Verdict
We hope you’ve found something here worth having because we think they’re all worthwhile purchases. Granted, you only need one, so we’d say choose either an exercise bike or treadmill then pick one that best matches your preferences.
If you’re not too bothered about live coaches and personal trainers controlling your workout and machine, splashing out the extra on iFit enabled devices might not be worth it for you.
Chances are you’re looking for the best Peloton alternatives because you want a decent workout plan and equipment that doesn’t break the bank. Bowflex Treadmill 10 has all the bells and whistles of a premium indoor bike alongside a JRNY years membership to set users on the right course. There’s hardly anything to dislike about these best Peloton alternatives