Exercise Bike vs. Treadmill: Which Home Cardio Machine Is Best For You?

Not sure which cardio equipment is the right fit for you? Learn how to choose the best model to reach your fitness goals without leaving home.

Author:
Gabrielle Hondorp
Updated:
Nov 3, 2023

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If you have ever walked into a community gym, you have probably noticed that treadmills and exercise bikes massively outnumber the other exercise equipment—and on busy days you may still find yourself fighting for your turn. And it makes sense—both pieces of equipment are highly effective at providing a quality cardio workout, and are a great tool for those with weight loss goals.

When it comes to a home gym however, you probably don’t need both an exercise bike and a treadmill. Not only will they take up a ton of space—and budget—but most of us either have a preference toward one or the other, or we can determine which is best to help us reach our individual fitness goals.

The great thing about both of these exercise machines is that there are so many options to choose from that span all different budgets, workout preferences, and space requirements. And if you opt for a more premium model, you will also get access to on demand classes and interactive workouts that can be used both on and off of the machine, giving you even more versatility in your workouts and adding value to your home gym.

With tons of options out there, we know it can be difficult to choose—especially if you don’t know which fitness equipment to go for. To help you out, we rounded up our favorite treadmills and exercise bikes for every type of home gym, and we laid out all the info you need to choose which machine is right for you.

What’s the Difference Between Exercise Bikes and Treadmills?

Exercise bikes and treadmills are two of the best cardio machines that can be found in any gym—and they are also both common choices for those looking to build out a home gym.

The main differences between bikes and treadmills are their functionality—treadmills allow you to run and walk, some offering incline, and exercise bikes provide a cycling motion that usually has different resistance levels to choose from.

While treadmills are generally the more versatile of the two, bikes have the benefit of being low impact which is great for cross training or if you are prone to joint pain. Ultimately, neither is better than the other, but depending on your fitness goals, there is usually a clear choice that will best help you reach your potential.

Exercise Bike Pros and Cons

Exercise bikes are an excellent way to get in high intensity cardio without high impact. They are also generally smaller than treadmills, and can be more affordable depending on the model. Most will have a range of resistance levels which allows you to increase or decrease the intensity of your workout without increasing speed. This allows you to work on strengthening your legs as well as just increasing heart rate.

The main downside of a bike compared to a treadmill is that it is not as versatile. You really only get one motion and while cycling is great for cross training—or those specifically looking for a cycling workout—that’s pretty much all it has to offer. Some pricier models with fancy screens and subscriptions may offer additional classes that take place off the bike, but this comes at a premium price, and you won’t get that with every model.

Treadmill Pros and Cons

Whether you are a competitive runner or a beginner looking to add some movement into your day, a treadmill can be of use to you. All treadmills will have a range of speeds—at least from a leisurely walk to a brisk run—and most models (particularly commercial) will also offer various levels of incline. Between speed and incline you can do countless workouts from incline walking to jogging, to running uphill and more—plus a speedier workout like incline sprints can help work the core and upper body. Many now offer classes and virtual runs that keep you engaged throughout your workout.

While treadmills have a lot of benefits, they may not be for everyone. For a fully functioning treadmill, you will need a decent amount of space, and a generous budget. Running and walking on a treadmill is also a high impact sport, so if you suffer from joint or back pain, it may not be something that you want to use every day.

Exercise Bike vs. Treadmill: Weight Loss

When it comes to weight loss, the most important factor will be investing in a machine that you enjoy working out on, and will use consistently. But if you are equally fond of treadmill and stationary bike workouts, then looking at the stats may be helpful.

Generally, running on a treadmill will burn a greater number of calories than an equal amount of time spent on an exercise bike, most likely because it uses the whole body as opposed to part of it, and you have to propel your entire weight forward. But if you are more of a walker and are able to sustain a higher intensity for longer on a bike, then the bike may be more efficient for you.

An important thing to consider is that while using both of these machines is an effective cardiovascular exercise, there is no way to target specific areas for fat loss. In fact, no exercise will be able to do that, so if you are looking to lose weight in a particular area—like belly fat—you will have to lose fat overall which is done through consistent cardio and a calorie deficit.

Exercise Bike vs. Treadmill: Workout Difficulty

Both the bike and treadmill have various levels of difficulty that they can be used at. If you are newer to working out and are looking to get in some light movement, you can set the treadmill at a slow walk or have a low speed, low resistance session on the bike.

If you are after a good workout that will leave you wrecked however, the treadmill is going to offer the highest difficulty and highest calorie burning. Since you can set both the speed and incline to extreme levels, and running is already more difficult than biking as an activity, a treadmill will offer an overall more intense workout.

However, if you need a low-impact exercise, you can still ramp up the difficulty on a bike by increasing your speed and pumping up the resistance—following along to a spin class can also help you learn how to get the most out of your bike.

Exercise Bike vs. Treadmill: Muscles Worked

Both of these machines will primarily work the lower body muscles, which means that they are great for strengthening and toning legs. Stationary bikes mostly work the calves, quads, thighs and glutes, and you can activate different muscle groups by changing your speed, resistance and position (standing or sitting).

Treadmills will work mainly the lower body—again, calves, thighs and glutes—but depending on incline and how fast and far you run it also works the biceps when you pump your arms and your core making it a full body workout.

Exercise Bike vs. Treadmill: Injury Risk

Since treadmills are more high impact than exercise bikes, they do pose a bit more risk of injury. If you overtrain or don't recover properly you can end up with stress injuries or nagging joint pain. People also tend to run a bit differently on a treadmill than outside because of the moving belt. This can cause some knee issues for some—especially if you are already prone to knee pain or are a heel striker. They also are a bit more dangerous as a misstep could cause you to fall on the moving belt, pushing you off the back of the machine. Most treadmills will have an emergency stop should this happen, but it’s something to be aware of.

Exercise bikes are generally safer but they can still cause injury. It is important to make sure that your seat and handlebars are adjusted correctly to your height as riding in an improper position can cause damage to your back, neck, hips and knees. Warming up properly before diving into a workout can also help prevent any pulled or strained muscles, and be sure that your shoes—cycling or otherwise—aren’t too tight as it can cause the foot to go numb and swell.

Exercise Bike vs. Treadmill: Size

If you are pressed for space, an exercise bike is going to be the way to go. They can be close to half as small as a treadmill, and being lighter weight, they are also easier to move.

While there are some treadmills that can fold up and be stored under a couch or bed, these are usually walking treadmills and won’t have the same capabilities as a full sized commercial model. Runners or those looking for a fully functional treadmill for their home gym will have to opt for a larger model, so make sure you have the space and check out the measurements before investing.

Exercise Bike vs. Treadmill: Versatility

By design, a treadmill is going to be more versatile. You can walk, run, and jog—not to mention variations in interval training and the addition of incline. Many premium models will also have large HD screens that allow you to follow along with classes through a membership option. These often have classes that you can take both on and off the treadmill.

Some bikes also come with large screens and class streaming options though the bike itself will be a bit more limiting. You can certainly do many different types of workouts on a bike but all will be confined to the cycling motion. Depending on the type of bike you get you will be able to increase your intensity through resistance levels, your position on the bike, and your speed. This allows you to work various different muscle groups as well as do everything from easy bikes to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts.

Exercise Bike vs. Treadmill: Technology and Interactivity

Both bikes and treadmills can be super high tech—though only if you are willing to pay a premium price. Top tier models will have large touch screens that can display interactive classes, virtual runs or rides and of course your stats if you prefer a more simplified workout. Many touch screen models will offer classes both on and off the machine which makes it much more versatile—this can include yoga, strength and cardio workouts. Some machines will also have an auto-adjust feature which will adjust settings to follow along with the class without you having to touch a thing.

Though you pay more for a premium machine initially, you will also more than likely have to purchase a monthly subscription to access these classes. These usually run about $30 to $50 a month though it varies from brand to brand. If you purchase a model that does not have a touch screen, you can still follow along on classes through your phone or tablet with a cycling or treadmill workout app.

Some bikes and treadmills will also have features like bluetooth connectivity, heart rate monitoring, and data sharing which allows you to get more in depth and accurate stats on your workout as well as keep track of your workouts in your preferred fitness tracking app.

Exercise Bike vs. Treadmill: Cost

Though exercise bikes generally come at a lower cost than treadmills, the costs do vary quite a bit based on build and features. When looking at high end models, treadmills can easily sit between $1,500 and $3,000 while stationary bikes usually come in under $2,000. That said, if you are buying a premium model with all the bells and whistles, it will easily cost you multiple thousands no matter which you decide on.

If you are looking for small and affordable, you will have more luck with bikes which can be as low as $150 to $200, but treadmills will be a bit more—closer to $400—and they are generally walking models which probably won’t get up to speed enough for fast runners.

Exercise Bike Top Models

Peloton Bike

One of the most sought-after indoor cycling bikes, the Peloton is incredibly versatile and interactive. It features a 22-inch touch screen, in-workout metrics like heart rate, output, cadence, and resistance, and it can pair with a heart rate monitor or wrist-based monitor like an Apple Watch. The bike itself is highly adjustable so you can get your perfect fit every time, and it offers both on and off bike classes with the $44 a month all access membership. The membership also allows you to create individual profiles if you have multiple people in your home that will be using the bike. For more info, check out our in-depth Peloton Bike review.

Price: $1,400 + $44 membership
Type: Spin bike
Key features: On-demand classes, 22-inch screen, adjustable seat and handlebars
Best for: Soul Cycle enthusiasts, newbies and those that like an interactive workout

NordicTrack Commercial VU 29

Spin bikes are ergonomically designed to focus your power in your legs, but they can be hard on the back—particularly if your core isn’t used to supporting a bent position. This one by NordicTrack gives you the high tech features of a spin bike with an upright design. It has a large comfortable seat, high handlebars and oversized pedals for comfort, but it also features a 14-inch touch screen which allows you to follow along to classes and virtual rides through the iFit app—$39 a month with a family plan, $15 a month for individuals—where it will auto adjust your settings for you. The frame features a water bottle holder to keep hydration within reach, and it has 24 digital resistance levels.

Price: $1,299
Type: Upright
Key features: 14-inch touchscreen, large comfortable seat, iFit compatibility, upright position
Best for: Those looking for an interactive workout experience without sacrificing comfort

Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike

Affordable and comfortable, this Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike is great for those looking to add some low impact movement to their day. It has an adjustable seat with a full back which is ventilated to help keep you cool, and molded to keep you comfortable. It offers 16 magnetic resistance levels and 13 built-in workout programs that can be tracked along with your stats on the 5.5-inch LCD screen. It also is able to connect to popular cycling apps like Zwift and Explore the world for an interactive experience, and to a wearable heart rate monitor for accurate stats.

Price: $599
Type: Recumbent
Key features: Full seat with back, Bluetooth compatibility, 16 levels of magnetic resistance
Best for: A low-key workout with a supportive seat

Treadmill Top Models

NordicTrack Commercial 2450

If you don’t love pounding out the miles while staring down the mileage counter you may want to opt for a more interactive option like the NordicTrack Commercial 2450. It has a 22-inch pivoting touch screen which is compatible with the iFit app where you can stream workouts, classes and scenic virtual runs. It has up to 12 percent incline, -3 percent decline and reaches up to 12 miles per hour. Despite the commercial level features, this treadmill can also fold into an upright position making it a great space saving option for those that may not have a room devoted to a home gym.

Price: $2,999
Type: Premium
Key features: Folding design, 22-inch touchscreen, 12 percent automatic incline, 12 miles per hour
Best for: Avid runners and those looking for an interactive treadmill experience

WalkingPad C1

This treadmill is an affordable option for an under-desk treadmill or for someone looking to up their step count in the comfort of home. It has a space-saving design which allows it to be folded completely in half and it weighs under 50 pounds making it a great option for storing away when not in use. It is controlled by remote, and since there is no console, the remote has a display to show your time, speed, distance, and steps—if you prefer, you can also control it through the app. This treadmill also has an automatic mode which will intuitively adjust to your step speed which is great if you are using it while working or watching a show.

Price: $489
Type: Walking treadmill
Key features: Foldable design, lightweight, remote-controlled, auto adjustable speed
Best for: Walkers with a small space

Sole F63

Though more expensive than a walking treadmill, this model focuses more on function than fashion to give you a great treadmill at a reasonable price. It has a simple LCD screen to display your stats, but it reaches up to 12 miles per hour and 15 percent incline. It features built-in fans to keep you cool, and it has tons of storage for snacks, water, cell phone and whatever else you might need with you. It features a tablet holder above the LCD screen so you won’t block your stats if you want to stream your favorite show or follow along in a class, and it even has built-in bluetooth speakers that you can connect to your device. For more info, check out our in-depth Sole F63 review.

Price: $999.99
Type: Standard commercial
Key features: 15 percent incline, 12 miles per hour, Bluetooth speakers, four water bottle holders
Best for: Competitive runners that don’t need the bells and whistles

Exercise Bike vs. Treadmill FAQs

Can I get toned with an exercise bike?

Yes, particularly if you use high resistance and HIIT like workouts that will target different muscle groups.

Is it better to walk or ride a stationary bike for weight loss?

If you are just walking and not running, you will probably be able to burn more calories on the stationary bike. Since it is low impact most people are able to get a more intense cardio workout or ride for longer than they can walk which helps to burn calories more efficiently.

How long should I ride an exercise bike?

You should ride for at least 30 minutes for an effective workout.

How long should I walk on the treadmill?

You should walk at least 30 minutes to see and feel the positive effects.

Final Thoughts

Unless you have unlimited space and budget—which if you do, good for you—you likely don’t need both a treadmill and an exercise bike in your home gym. Though it can be difficult to choose, the most important thing to consider is which model will better fulfill your workout needs—if running outside is your personal preference and need a low impact cross trainer opt for an exercise bike, if you want the versatility of walking, running, and incline walking with an interactive interface a treadmill may be a better fit for you.

Ultimately though, you want to pick the activity that you most enjoy as you are more likely to get the most use out of your investment—and reach your fitness goals—if it leaves you wanting to come back for more.

If you want another low impact option to consider, you can also check out our article on treadmills vs. ellipticals here.

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