The 13 Best Exercise Bikes for Your Home Gym in 2024

Take your home gym to the next level with our round-up of the best exercise bikes, plus how to choose the right one for your fitness needs.

Author:
Ashley Zlatopolsky
Updated:
Jan 9, 2024

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Biking is a popular exercise that’s loved by seasoned pros and beginners alike. Not only does cycling provide a great total body workout, it can help to potentially keep your heart healthy, build muscle and increase endurance. Plus, it’s low-impact, so it doesn’t take a toll on your knees or hips. Exercise bikes have long been a common addition to home gyms, and rightfully so, thanks to their many health (and space-saving) benefits. Yet when it comes to finding the best stationary bicycle for your needs and your home, it’s important to consider features, technology, cost and accessories, among other factors.

Luckily, we’ve done all of the research for you. Read on for a comprehensive guide to the best exercise bikes on the market, what types are available, how to use them and what to consider before making a purchase in 2024.

Our Picks for the Best Exercise Bikes of 2024:

Best Overall Exercise Bike: NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike
Best Exercise Bike to Lose Weight: Sole Fitness SB900
Best High-End Exercise Bike: NordicTrack S27i Studio Bike
Best Customizable Exercise Bike: ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22
Best Recumbent Exercise Bike: Sole Fitness LCR
Best Upright Exercise Bike: NordicTrack VU 29
Best Smart Exercise Bike: Echelon EX-8s Connect Bike
Best Exercise Bike For Beginners: Sole Fitness SB700
Best Budget Exercise Bike: ProForm Carbon CX
Best Peloton Alternative Exercise Bike: Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s-22
Best Exercise Bike for Competitive Bikers: The MYX II Bike
Best Air Bike: REP Fitness Assault Airbike
Best Folding Exercise Bike: Exerpeutic Folding Exercise Bike

Best Overall Exercise Bike: NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike

NordicTrack s22i Exercise Bike — NordicTrack + Pillar4 Media

Specs:

Resistance levels: 24 digital resistance levels
Weight capacity: 350 pounds
Membership details: 30-day complimentary iFIT Family Membership included with purchase of bike, $39 per month after automatic renewal
Price: $1,899.00

Best for:

Riding on an incline
Custom workouts
Immersive sound

The NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle Bike comes with a high price tag ($1,899), but for the cost you can get a unique riding experience that isn’t limited to flat roads—something not currently offered by its Peloton competitor. That’s because this high-quality, stationary bike offers an incline and decline option, meaning you can realistically cycle uphill or downhill. We love that its iFIT (30-day free trial included) feature will automatically adjust your resistance, incline and decline, saving you the effort of making manual adjustments and generating a custom workout that moves at your pace.

The commercial bike is also designed with a premium 30W sound system for clearer audio and more immersive rides. NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike goes beyond only cycling and offers interactive strength training, yoga and mindfulness, cross-training, bootcamp and more, all of which can be accessed via a 22-inch touch screen that tilts and rotates 360 degrees.

Check our our NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle Bike review for more information!

What we love:

Incline and decline options
iFIT compatible

What we don’t love:

Expensive

Best Exercise Bike to Lose Weight: Sole Fitness SB900

Specs:

Resistance levels: Turn dial (multi-level)
Weight capacity: 300 pounds
Membership details: Studio App $199.99 a year, or $19.99 per month after free 90-day trial
Price: $899.99

Best for:

Multiple users
Connectivity
Challenging workouts

The Sole Fitness SB900 can help you reach your weight loss goals. This workout bike’s sturdy build and additional features make it a great choice for both new and seasoned riders. Sole’s SB900 comes with a heavy-duty 48-pound flywheel that's designed to provide a smooth and quiet ride. The built-in console allows you to track RPM, calories, distance and speed, and can be paired with a wireless heart rate chest strap.

A brand new feature on this model is an integrated tablet holder so you can watch bike trail videos online or follow along with your favorite workout program. The Sole SB900 also comes with access to 3,000 workout classes through the Studio app. Studio costs $19.99 per month after a free 90-day trial. The adjustable seat and handlebars are designed for maximum comfort while you push yourself during your ride.

What we love:

Heavy-duty flywheel
Compatible with Sole’s Studio workout app

What we don’t love:

Can’t watch workouts on screen; you’ll need a separate tablet

Best High-End Exercise Bike: NordicTrack S27i Studio Bike

Specs:

Resistance levels: 24 digital resistance levels
Weight capacity: 350 pounds
Membership details: iFIT, $39.00 per month after free 30-day trial
Price: $2,499.00

Best for:

Interactive training classes
Preparing for races or rides on uphill or downhill terrain
Immersive riding experience

The NordicTrack S27i Studio Bike provides an immersive workout experience right in your home. It has a 27-inch Smart HD touchscreen and a premium 30-watt sound system. During iFIT classes, your resistance, incline and decline are adjusted automatically based on the trainer’s cues. Over time, the SmartAdjust technology makes these adjustments using data from previous workouts and the class instructions. Workouts range from scenic outdoor settings to indoor studio classes. iFIT also offers yoga and strength training that can be followed off the bike by tilting or pivoting the screen.

For more information on this indoor cycling bike, check out our NordicTrack S27i Studio Bike review.

To simulate uphill and downhill rides, the S27i Studio Bike can incline to 20 percent and decline to -10 percent—a relatively rare feature that we especially appreciate. It has a Silent Magnetic Resistance system that works quietly to add resistance up to 24 levels. The seat height and handlebars are adjustable for a custom fit. If you’re preparing for a race, you can mount standard road bike pedals and your saddle for training sessions. The S27i weighs 217 pounds and provides a stable base for the large screen and riders up to 350 pounds.

What we love:

Incline/decline function can simulate outdoor terrain
27-inch smart HD touchscreen

What we don’t love:

Expensive

Best Customizable Exercise Bike: ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22

Specs:

Resistance levels: 24 digital levels of resistance
Weight capacity: 250 pounds
Membership details: iFIT, $39.00 per month after free 30-day trial
Price: $2,199.00

Best for:

Total body workouts
Users with different heights
Meeting fitness goals

If you’re looking for a spinning bike that you can tailor to meet your fitness goals, then ProForm’s Studio Bike Pro 22 is the best choice for you. Clocking in for our best customizable exercise bike, the Studio Bike Pro 22 is designed with all different body types in mind. We like that this bike is fully adjustable, aimed at fitting most user heights. You can move your seat backwards, forwards, up or down. The handlebars also move up and down to find the perfect fit for you.

Want to work your upper body during your ride? Grab the set of three-pound dumbbells that come included with your bike. Pair them with one of the interactive personal training workouts, strength-training classes or scenic trail rides as part of the built-in app, iFIT. Membership for iFIT costs $39 per month after a free 30-day trial. The app touts the ability to track your stats on the bike’s 22-inch touchscreen, as your iFIT trainers automatically adjust the resistance on your bike. The screen also swivels so you can hop off your bike and follow along during a yoga class.

Check out our ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 review for more information!

What we love:

22-inch swiveling touchscreen
iFIT-compatible

What we don’t love:

Expensive

Best Recumbent Exercise Bike: Sole Fitness LCR

Specs:

Resistance levels: 40 electro-magnetic system (EMS) resistance levels
Weight capacity: 350 pounds
Membership details: Studio App $199.99 a year, or $19.99 per month after free 90-day trial
Price: $1,599.99

Best for:

Users with different fitness levels
Low-impact exercise
Lower-body workouts

Designed with accessibility in mind, the Sole LCR ranks as our pick for the best recumbent exercise bike. An especially great stationary bicycle for seniors, the Sole LCR offers fully adjustable, recumbent riding. We like that this bike is designed to help you to target your glutes, thighs and calves with less strain, while providing a comfortable ride for multiple users of different ages and fitness levels. The back aims to be supportive, with an adjustable seat that is controlled by handlebars. The Sole LCR comes with a 30-pound flywheel that offers 40 levels of resistance. The step-through design is built for easy access onto your bike.

What we love:

Offers plenty of support for people with balance or flexibility issues
40 levels of resistance

What we don’t love:

Not suitable for more intense workouts

Best Upright Exercise Bike: NordicTrack VU 29

Specs:

Resistance levels: 24 digital resistance levels
Weight capacity: 325 pounds
Membership details: iFIT, $39.00 per month after free 30-day trial
Price: $1,299.00

Best for:

Light to medium intensity workouts
Upright riders
Portability

The NordicTrack VU 29 puts you in a comfortable, upright position throughout your workout. It has an oversized cushioned seat that adjusts horizontally or vertically. The extra wide foot pedals are easy to get in and out of, and the straps tighten to keep your feet in place while you ride. The smaller footprint of this bike is ideal for those who have limited space, and if you need to move all 115 pounds, there are built-in wheels.

The 14-inch HD Smart touchscreen provides an immersive ride, and if you decide to subscribe to iFIT, resistance is adjusted automatically based on the trainer’s cues—a feature we love, as it enables you to take your mind off adjustments and focus on your ride. The 24 digital resistance levels are adjusted using a magnetic system which works more quietly than friction-based systems that use brake pads. The inertia-enhanced flywheel stays in motion smoothly as you pedal and weighs 19 pounds. This flywheel is relatively light in comparison to other models and may feel unsteady if you plan on intense training sessions, but should work well for medium to light intensity workouts.

Check out our NordicTrack VU 29 review for more information on this upright exercise bike!

What we love:

14-inch smart touchscreen
Upright pedaling position

What we don’t love:

Relatively light flywheel

Best Smart Exercise Bike: Echelon EX-8s Connect Bike

Specs:

Resistance levels: 32 e-Drive magnetic resistance levels
Weight capacity: 300 pounds
Membership details: Echelon Premier, $34.99 per month
Price: $1,770.99

Best for:

Live or on-demand class streaming
Sleek design
Customizable experience

If you’re looking for advanced technology, the Echelon EX-8s Connect Bike has upgraded features that are both flashy and functional. The 24-inch curved HD touchscreen delivers premium graphics and the dual-facing speakers offer Bluetooth connectivity. An Echelon Premier membership gives access to on-demand and live classes with new classes added daily. The screen flips 180 degrees for cross-training classes off the bike.

The 38-pound rear flywheel is heavier than other workout bikes and designed to move smoothly during intense training sessions. The dual-ring design has a modern look and the front “wheel” balances the heavy-duty flywheel in the rear. One fun feature that we like is that each ring has LED lights that rotate through color variations based on workout metrics. You can customize the lights by choosing the brightness, color or effect to elevate your experience. When riding out of the saddle, the frame has a shock system that flexes with each pedal stroke to reduce joint impact. There’s a knob to transition between the 32 levels of magnetic resistance or there is a detachable Bluetooth resistance controller for the handle.

What we love:

38-pound flywheel
24-inch curved HD swivel touchscreen
Fun LED light system

What we don’t love:

Poor warranty

Best Exercise Bike For Beginners: Sole Fitness SB700

Specs:

Resistance levels: Turn dial (multi-level)
Weight capacity: 300 pounds
Membership details: Studio App $199.99 a year, or $19.99 per month after free 90-day trial
Price: $699.99

Best for:

No-frills rides
Functional design
Riding with regular athletic shoes

If you’re new to riding an exercise bike, we recommend the Sole Fitness SB700. The simple design has multiple features to make riding comfortable. The adjustable handlebars are lightly coated and offer multiple resting points. The seat can move forward, backward, up or down for the most optimal riding position. There are two water bottle holders and an adjustable tablet holder for streaming a Studio app workout or entertainment. The built-in LCD console is three inches long and four inches wide and displays your pedal stroke revolutions per minute, calories burned, distance, speed and time. The console can also track your heart rate using a wireless heart rate chest strap, however, this accessory is not included. There are no built-in programs, so beginners who want guided programming might consider subscribing to the Studio. Sole offers a 90-day free trial so you can explore everything Studio has to offer before subscribing.

Check out our in-depth Sole Fitness SB700 review for more information!

The turn dial controls the resistance using a felt pad brake resistance system. This system uses friction created by brake pads to slow the flywheel as you pedal, which may give audible feedback as compared to quiet magnetic systems. The heavy-duty flywheel weighs 48 pounds and is chrome-plated for durability. The rear stabilizers are attached to the steel frame to keep it secure while you ride.

What we love:

Excellent value
Highly adjustable

What we don’t love:

Friction resistance may be loud for some users

Best Budget Exercise Bike: ProForm Carbon CX

Specs:

Resistance levels: 16 digital resistance levels
Weight capacity: 250 pounds
Membership details: iFIT, $39.00 per month after free 30-day trial
Price: $599.00

Best for:

Simple technology
Users with a budget
Optional membership

The ProForm Carbon CX can bring a cycling studio experience to your home gym and is a more affordable option. It does not require an iFIT subscription to access most of the features, which we appreciate, but if you’d like to use a third-party app or streaming service, there's an integrated tablet holder. During your ride, the LCD console displays your speed, time, distance and calories burned. To follow an iFIT class using your device, simply press the iFIT button and the app will sync with your bike, giving you access to the automated resistance adjustment features. Resistance is also controlled manually using the knob.

The seat adjusts vertically and horizontally. There’s also the option to install your own seat. The adjustable handles are coated to keep your grip from slipping and offer a few different grip options. As you ride, the high-quality welded steel frame works to keep you stable. This bike weighs 125 pounds and has front-mounted transport wheels which make it easy to move.

What we love:

Affordable
iFIT compatible

What we don’t love:

Lower weight capacity than most other models

Best Peloton Alternative Exercise Bike: Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s-22

Specs:

Resistance levels: 32 magnetic resistance levels
Weight capacity: 300 pounds
Membership details: Echelon Premier, $34.99 per month
Price: $1,154.99

Best for:

Peloton alternative
Tall riders
Competition-style features

The Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s-22 has a 22-inch HD rotating screen and upgraded features to take your workout to the next level. The vented competition-style seat has a short nose, wide tail and center cutout to keep you cool and extra padding to keep you comfortable. We love that the pedals are compatible with cycling shoes or regular athletic training shoes and have fully adjustable toe cages and straps. The handlebars and seat have four adjustment points, unlike the Peloton, which only has three adjustment points. Each can be adjusted vertically and horizontally for a custom fit.

With an Echelon Premier subscription, you can stream live or on-demand classes for interactive training. There are class options for every fitness level and each is led by an expert instructor. During a live class, progress is tracked on the interactive leaderboard and the instructor cheers you on as you race others. If you want to integrate functional training or other workouts off the bike, simply rotate the screen to follow along. If you prefer a scenic workout, there are instructor-led classes in places around the world. There are over 30 instructors to choose from and they create playlists with the latest hits to power you through your training session.

What we love:

Users can compete with others in live classes
22-inch rotating HD screen

What we don’t love:

Requires a subscription to access classes and other features

Best Exercise Bike for Competitive Bikers: The MYX II Bike

Specs:

Resistance levels: Infinite friction resistance
Weight capacity: 350 pounds
Membership details: $39 per month for unlimited access to workout content, membership includes up to five profiles for five users
Price: $1,399.00

Best for:

Guided training
Large households
Stacking workouts

If you’re looking to train for a race using workout classes on demand, The Myx II is our choice for the best exercise bike for competitive riders. This stationary bike includes thousands of workouts with new sessions added weekly, accessible through the 21.5-inch interactive swivel touchscreen tablet.

In addition to cycling classes, The Myx II exercise bike has floor workouts, weight lifting and recovery practices that you can complete simply by swiveling the tablet away from the bike. The only downside, however, is that you’ll need a membership for unlimited access ($39/month), but a membership comes with up to five profiles for five users (meaning the entire household can get a workout).

Sensors built into the handlebars track cadence, speed and distance, allowing you to monitor your progress. The bike pedals are also compatible with both running shoes and SPD cleats (cycling shoes), just another added bonus that The Myx II offers.

For more information, check out our Myx II review!

What we love:

21.5-inch swivel touchscreen
Compatible with training shoes or cycling shoes

What we don’t love:

Membership needed for unlimited access

Best Air Bike: REP Fitness Assault Airbike

Best Air Exercise Bike - REP Fitness Assault AirBike — REP Fitness + Pillar4 Media

Specs:

Resistance levels: Infinite air resistance
Weight capacity: 300 pounds
Membership details: None
Price: $749.00

Best for:

Total body cardio
HIIT workouts or target goals
Building endurance

The REP Fitness Assault Airbike has an industrial-sized fan attached to the flywheel. As you pedal and move the handles back and forth, the flywheel pushes through air, creating resistance. This provides an upper and lower body workout. There's no limit to the resistance, and it’s increased by adding more force and output. That means you can continue to add intensity to your workout to match your fitness level and further challenge yourself—a feature that we love.

The console has HIIT programs built-in, or you can set a target distance, time or calorie goal. There’s also the option to set a heart rate target using a compatible monitoring device. A heart rate monitoring device not included, so you’ll need to purchase it separately. The frame is made of heavy-duty steel and has powder coating to resist corrosion. There are four adjustable stabilizing feet to keep the bike steady. The Assault Airbike weighs 95.6 pounds, but has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds.

What we love:

Unlimited resistance
Provides both an upper and lower body workout

What we don’t love:

Heart rate monitor not included

Best Folding Exercise Bike: Exerpeutic Folding Exercise Bike

Specs:

Resistance levels: Eight
Weight capacity: 300 pounds
Membership details: None
Price: $188.34

Best for:

People who need space-saving workout equipment
Users on a budget

People looking for a space-saving workout option should try the Exerpeutic Folding Exercise Bike. This fitness bike folds to half its size when you’re not using it, making it easy to stow away in a closet when needed. Plus, it weighs just 39 pounds—light enough for most people to move themselves. With a solid steel frame and adjustable seat height, it’s able to support users up to 300 pounds, and between 5’3” and 6’1”. It has eight levels of resistance to adjust your workout from harder to easier. Its LCD display shows you distance, calories, time, speed, pulse and more. A large seat provides comfort on longer rides.

Exerpeutic does have an optional app called MyCloudFitness where users can track their workouts, or upgrade to the premium version ($9.99/month) to follow along with trainer-led programs. However, you will need to use your own tablet.

Users should note that this bike is likely best suited for lower-intensity workouts. While it has a 4.6/5-star rating on Amazon with more than 22,000 reviews at the time of writing, the most common complaint among users is that some of its parts do tend to break when used too heavily.

What we love:

Super affordable
Folds to save space

What we don’t love:

Could be sturdier

Benefits of Exercise Bikes

Workout bikes are an excellent way to improve overall fitness, which can have massive benefits for overall health and longevity, especially as you age. In particular, exercise bikes can help users improve their leg strength and cardiovascular fitness. “People choose exercise as bikes as their form of exercise usually for the high intensity cardio. That piece of equipment is going to guarantee a higher heart rate,” says D’Annette Stephens, certified NASM sports performance and nutrition coach, ISSA certified personal trainer, performance enhancement specialist and certified nutrition specialist.

Germophobes will appreciate having their own equipment, too. "The advantage of having your own exercise bike in your home versus having it in a studio is cleanliness," Stephens adds. "It's your sweat, it's your equipment that you're touching."

Who Exercise Bikes Are Best For

Indoor bikes are best for people who want a seated, low-impact workout that targets their lower body. There are a variety of types and models available that are suited to users with more specific needs: high-tech spinning bikes are great for people who want a competitive, high-intensity workout; recumbent workout bikes are designed for those who want an easier, leaned-back workout; and air bikes provide users with both an upper and lower body workout.

Who Should Avoid Exercise Bikes

People with poor mobility or balance should avoid most types of exercise bikes. (Recumbent bikes are the exception; their low, stable position make them a good choice for most people.)

Additionally, people who are looking for a full-body workout, or a workout that targets their arms specifically, would be better off with different types of exercise equipment.

What Are the Different Kinds of Indoor Exercise Bikes?

Each type of indoor exercise bike comes with a different set of benefits. Depending on the type of indoor exercise bike you choose, you can modify everything from the kind of workout you get, to impact level, to even the range of muscles that you use. "There are three types of exercise bikes: the recumbent bike, the upright bike or studio bike, and the air bike," Stephens says.

Upright bike

An upright bike requires you to hold yourself up and uses a wider range of muscles. Those looking for a more challenging cardio workout may want to opt for this type of indoor exercise bike, since it targets leg, glute, abdominal and arm muscles simultaneously. "These are gonna be used for your higher intensity exercises and your cycling classes," Stephens says. Despite the total body workout, an upright bike is considered to be low-impact cardio; therefore, it’s gentle on your joints. Upright bikes tend to take up less space and are good options for smaller home gyms.

Recumbent bike

A recumbent bike is one of the best options for beginners looking to dip their toes into cycling. It offers a reclined adjustable seat that mimics the position of riding a bicycle, so you don’t have to use your upper body to pedal. These types of indoor exercise bikes tend to be more comfortable and provide an ergonomic workout that’s easier on your joints, making them great picks for people with injuries or illness. "Those are great for people who have injury recovery, back, knee pain or joint pain," Stephens says. They can be bulky, though, so recumbent exercise bikes are best for larger spaces.

Air bike

"Air bikes are like a strength bike," Stephens says. "The handles move, and they are propelled by wind, and you can do upper or lower body workouts separately or simultaneously." They serve as a combination of a traditional exercise bike and an elliptical, allowing you to work out your upper and lower body at the same time. Air bikes are excellent options for high intensity interval training, or HIIT workouts, since users can easily control the resistance level by pedaling faster or slower. These types of indoor exercise bikes use wind resistance and tend to be on the noisy side, but in return they provide a much more challenging workout.

Foldable bike

A foldable or folding bike is an indoor exercise bike that can save you several feet of space when it’s not in use. These portable bikes offer convenience for those who live in smaller homes and aren’t able to make room for a more permanent workout option. Most foldable bikes come in an upright or recumbent form and offer everything from multiple resistance levels to heart-rate sensors. They also tend to cost less than upright, recumbent or air bikes.

Is a Recumbent Bike or An Upright Exercise Bike Better?

A recumbent bike isn’t necessarily better than an upright exercise bike or vice-versa—it simply depends on your needs. If you’re new to cycling or have joint pain, a recumbent bike may be a smarter choice since it offers a beginner-friendly workout that’s gentle on your joints. An upright exercise bike, on the other hand, may be better suited to advanced riders looking for a more challenging workout. It’s also best for those looking for a total body workout, since it involves stabilizing muscles like your core and may include handles that work your arms and back.

What’s the Difference Between a Spin Bike and An Exercise Bike?

A spin bike closely resembles a standard road bike and allows for acceleration and coasting. It also offers higher calorie burn, and is often used in group spin classes or by those who cycle for sport. An exercise bike is better suited for endurance and resistance, making it a great option for all fitness levels.

How Often Do I Need to Ride to See Results?

Many people see noticeable results after one month of cycling at least three times a week on an indoor exercise bike. It’s important to take a rest day or two in-between each ride to allow your muscles time to recover.

What Muscles Do Exercise Bikes Work?

Exercise bikes can work a wide range of muscles depending on the type of exercise bike you purchase. An upright or air bike can work your leg, glute, abdominal and arm muscles, while a recumbent bike will be more focused on just your leg and glute muscles.

What to Look for When Choosing A Home Exercise Bike

"Make sure that you're reading reviews," Stephens says. "Look for what the bike is doing for you—whether it's a high intensity workout like a Peloton, or a low impact workout like a recumbent bike. Think about what kind of pedal resistance you'll need, along with seat size, dimensions, your space and how you're gonna store the bike, plus features that you're looking for, whether that's a sound system or a big TV or something more interactive."

While any home exercise bike will ultimately provide you with exercise, there are a number of features that can help elevate your workout. Other features will help protect you in the event that your exercise bike malfunctions or breaks. Here’s what to look for when choosing a bike.

Levels of resistance

For a more intensive or challenging workout, look for an exercise bike that offers a higher range of levels of resistance. Pedaling at higher resistance levels will increase muscular strength. Alternatively, if you’re looking for an exercise bike that offers an easier workout, a bike with fewer levels of resistance (such as eight to 10) will probably suit your needs—and cost less.

Pedals

It’s likely that your exercise bike will come with built-in pedals. Nonetheless, look for a bike with pedals that have straps or clips, since these will help secure your feet and allow you to pedal at a smoother, faster pace. Pedals that are compatible with both running shoes and SPD cleats (cycling shoes) will also give you more flexibility as to what you can wear on your feet when you ride. If you’re truly unhappy with your bike’s pedals or they don’t suit your needs, many can be swapped out for a different set of bike pedals; you’ll just have to purchase them separately.

Connectivity

Exercise bikes with connectivity features or accessories are a major bonus for anyone looking to track their workout performance. It can measure intervals, distance, calories burned and more. Plus, an exercise bike with smart technology allows you to take live or on-demand classes, work out with a friend over video or connect to other fitness or smartphone apps. If you’re looking for a workout that goes beyond simply riding, or you want to monitor your performance, consider a bike that offers bluetooth, live-streaming, heart rate monitors or similar built-in technology.

Other bike accessories

To elevate your ride, look for exercise bikes that come with accessories such as bottle holders, phone holders, headphones, dumbbells, resistance bands, seat cushions and/or non-slip bike mats. A lightweight dumbbell set (or adjustable dumbbells), for example, can help you achieve more of an upper body workout while you ride, while a non-slip mat helps stabilize your bike and prevents it from sliding across the floor. While accessories like these aren’t always essential for exercising, they can help make your ride more enjoyable, keep you hydrated and even give you a better workout.

Cost

Cost is arguably one of the top factors to consider when it comes to buying a stationary bike. Think about your budget before making a purchase, along with what features or accessories you’re looking for in the perfect bike (since these will play a role in overall cost). You’ll also want to factor in any membership fees. If there are no membership fees, be sure you’re happy with free offerings (like select content on-demand). Depending on the brand, many exercise bikes can be paid for in installments if making a purchase outright doesn’t work for you. You can also buy an exercise bike on credit and pay it off at your own pace. Keep in mind that a lower-end bike will cost anywhere from $200-$300 while a higher-end bike can cost $1,500 or more.

Warranty

At the end of the day, exercise bikes are machines that are prone to breaking, especially if they’re loaded with technology or smart features (one of the tradeoffs of buying a higher-end bike). Finding an exercise bike that offers a warranty, especially an extended warranty, can save you money in the long run if your bike breaks or malfunctions. While it can be tempting to skip purchasing a warranty, they often pay themselves off (and then some) after just one claim. For example, if your warranty costs $39 a year and your bike requires a repair that costs $600 without a warranty, you’ve already saved yourself more than $500 by making the purchase.

Most brands include standard warranties with the purchase of an exercise bike. Several also offer the option to buy extended warranties that add extra years to your coverage. The bikes in this roundup come with a range of coverage periods. Wahoo and Myx Fitness offer only a one-year limited warranty, whereas NordicTrack and Schwinn cover the bike frame for 10 years, parts for two years and repairs labor for 90 days (Schwinn) or one year (NordicTrack). Peloton bikes have one year of labor and limited parts coverage, plus five years on the frame. Rogue and Bowflex bikes have two years of warranty coverage, though only Bowflex offers labor coverage.

How We Chose the Best Exercise Bikes

To choose the best exercise bikes, we aimed to include a wide variety of bikes that would suit the needs of most users. We compared specs, including the weight of the flywheel, weight of the bike itself, user weight capacity, resistance capabilities, screen and other technology. We also assessed the overall value of the bikes—i.e., how much they offered and how much they cost. We also took into account user reviews of the bikes and any particular features that users love or don’t about them. Learn more about our product review process.

Exercise Bike FAQs

What is the best bike for a home workout?

The best bike for you is the one that you will use most often. Choose a bike that suits your needs. If you want interactive workouts, you’ll be happiest with something like the NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike. If you’re looking for a way to ride and work your upper body at the same time, the REP Fitness Assault Airbike is a better choice. Think about what you want out of your bike, and consider your budget when choosing.

Which is better: a magnetic or friction exercise bike?

Exercise bikes with magnetic resistance use magnets to control how difficult it is to pedal, while friction bikes use fabric pads to apply resistance, which slows the flywheel down. Bikes with friction resistance are generally less expensive and require more maintenance, as the pads will occasionally wear out and need to be replaced. However, magnetic resistance changes can be laggier than friction ones.

Is an exercise bike or a treadmill better?

That depends. While these machines mostly work the same muscles, they have some key differences. If you prefer to be seated while you exercise, the bike is a better choice. It's also lower impact. If you like the motion of walking and running better, or if you’re looking for more of a full-body workout, pick the treadmill.

What is the difference between an exercise bike and indoor bike?

Exercise bikes and indoor bikes are the same thing. They are stationary and not able to be ridden outside as transportation.

How much should you pay for an exercise bike?

This varies widely based on what features you’re looking for and what your personal budget is. The bikes on this list range from $300 for a quality budget exercise bike to more than $2,000 for a high-tech connected bike.

Final Thoughts

Biking is a universal exercise that suits all ages and fitness levels. It’s also low-impact compared to other popular workouts such as running or cross-training. As a longtime staple of home gym equipment, exercise bikes tend to be more affordable than their counterparts like treadmills or elliptical machines, plus they take up less space. Whether you buy a simple fitness bike or make a higher-end purchase complete with a membership and interactive classes, an exercise bike is a great investment for any home gym and can help you stay physically and mentally healthy.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.