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The Peloton exercise bike is often hailed as the holy grail of at-home fitness equipment. This cult-favorite spin bike is beloved for its thousands of live and on-demand cycling classes, bootcamp programs, scenic rides, metrics system and connectivity features. Still, the Peloton exercise bike’s hefty price tag and monthly subscription fee leaves people wondering if this home gym purchase is ultimately worth it. Plus, is the Peloton experience as superior as many claim?

Our in-depth Peloton bike review will answer these questions and more, weighing out the pros and cons, how it stacks up against competition and who this product is ultimately best for. We’ll get down to the bottom of how exactly the Peloton program works and whether or not it’s a smart alternative to a traditional gym membership. Read on to learn everything there is to know about the Peloton exercise bike and if buying this stationary bike is worth the spend in 2022.

Peloton is an exercise equipment company and international fitness brand that makes at-home gym equipment. It produces Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth-enabled stationary bikes and treadmills that can be used with or without a monthly membership, although a monthly membership is highly recommended to get the most out of the Peloton experience and workouts.

The original Peloton Bike is arguably the brand’s claim to fame, yet it also makes a Peloton Bike+ with extra amenities and enhanced features. Both bikes include traditional spin classes, scenic rides, bootcamp programs, yoga, meditation and kickboxing that you can enjoy from the comfort of your living room. Without a monthly subscription, you can still partake in a limited selection of classes and the Just Ride option, which offers basic cycling without an instructor.

The Peloton Tread, its treadmill product, offers a workout program geared towards running and walking. Peloton also offers a number of accessories, including light weights, dumbbells, water bottles, bike mats, cycling shoes, heart rate bands and earbuds, among others. Plus, if you need replacement parts, Peloton sells pedals, cleats, touchscreens and more on its website.

In addition, Peloton makes a full line of exercise and lounge apparel. It also offers a Peloton iPhone and Android exercise app for workouts on the go and a Peloton Guide that can be used for guided strength training via your TV. The biggest selling point of the Peloton brand, however, is the community that comes with it. With nearly six million subscribers on its platform, Peloton allows users to workout anytime, anywhere, and over live video with friends or loved ones.

Peloton bikes are indoor cycling bikes programmed with on-demand and live classes available over Wi-Fi. Each Peloton bike has an immersive, front-facing HD touchscreen attached, where users can access all of their Peloton classes. While the original Peloton Bike touchscreen is stationary, the Peloton Bike+ touchscreen can be rotated for a quick transition between cycling and floor-based workouts. On-demand and live classes also feature a leaderboard that allows riders to see how they rank against other people who have taken or are taking that same class.

With the help of a 35-pound flywheel and resistance knob that offers 100 magnetic resistance levels, the Peloton indoor cycling bike can quickly be adjusted from an easier ride to one that’s more challenging. Plus, if you’re riding alongside an instructor, you’ll get guidance throughout your ride on how and when to adjust your resistance for maximum impact. Outside of your resistance, you can also adjust the bike’s seat height, position and handlebars to fit your frame; a rule of thumb is to keep the Peloton seat at the height of your hip bone. This will help prevent incorrect form that could cause pain over time.

Peloton exercises range anywhere from quick, five-minute warm-ups, to longer 45-minute rides. Cycling classes in particular include options for low-impact, HIIT, themed rides, Tabata or a mix of a few. You can take spin classes that are riding-only, or spin classes that include light weights for a combination upper-body and lower-body workout. Plus, you’ll also have the option to turn up or turn down both the instructor and the music in each class, so you can hear one above the other (for example, you can crank up the music and tune out instructions, or meet in the middle).

In-workout metrics allow you to monitor your heart rate, output, cadence and resistance. You can also pair a Peloton brand heart rate monitor or Apple Watch to your bike to track and sync metrics from every workout. However, for full access to Peloton’s live and on-demand classes, you’ll need to sign up for an all-access monthly membership that costs $44/month. You can also sign up for an app-only membership that costs $12.99/month. While a monthly membership nets you thousands of workout classes, the high membership fee might turn some users away.

Still, it’s the Peloton indoor cycling and fitness community that many subscribers ultimately pay for. With world-renowned fitness instructors, the ability to auto-follow and high five other users and a live video option to workout over Wi-Fi with fellow Peloton members, subscribers pay for the motivating atmosphere as much as they pay for an extensive library of Peloton workouts. It’s not uncommon to hear Peloton instructors giving birthday shoutouts to real users as they ride.

The Peloton exercise bike offers numerous pros that keep it trending with cyclists and fitness gurus. If you’re willing and able to commit to working out several times a week, then you may find the bike’s price point and monthly membership fee worth it. Another major perk is that you can go beyond cycling and take a wide range of fitness classes from the same touchscreen. Peloton’s connectivity features are also a strong selling point, thanks to the option to take live classes, work out over video with friends or family and sync fitness trackers like your Apple Watch.

Overall, the Peloton exercise bike is a solid and sturdy home gym addition that doesn’t take up too much space; its footprint is smaller than a traditional yoga mat (two feet by four feet). With both front and rear stabilizers, it holds up equally well to easy or challenging workouts, while remaining virtually silent thanks to its belt drive design and magnetic resistance. (A bike with a chain drive design, for example, tends to be noisier.) The spin bike has a sleek design, and its accessories are top-notch and long-lasting. In addition, its 22-inch HD touchscreen is highly responsive and comes with impressive graphics that make the experience just as immersive as taking real-life classes. You can also get both a lower-body and upper-body workout if you add in light weights.

Many people enjoy the safety and comfort of working out in their own homes. In general, having fitness equipment at home—and being able to virtually access a worldwide fitness community—is a truly great perk that Peloton offers. The Peloton exercise bike is a strong alternative to a traditional gym membership, without skimping on the motivation and training options that attending a regular gym might come with. Plus, being able to access Peloton’s fitness library via your smartphone is helpful if you want to work out on vacation or, for example, in a room other than where your Peloton bike is located.

Another smaller, but fun perk for music fans is the selection of music that many Peloton fitness instructors offer. With themed rides that span everything from 80s classic rock to Broadway hits, Peloton classes offer something for all music tastes. Users can also connect a Spotify account (which requires a separate subscription) and auto-save their favorite songs to a playlist that they hear during their Peloton classes. While Peloton offers their own earbuds, users can also connect Bluetooth headphones, which can prevent your workouts from disrupting others.

While owning a Peloton exercise bike comes with many benefits, there are still drawbacks. The biggest hurdle Peloton owners or potential owners might face is the steep price tag. Starting at $1,445 for a Bike Basics package, which includes an original Peloton Bike, a 12-month limited warranty and delivery and setup, many users are looking at much higher than that if they plan on adding any accessories, such as cycling shoes, light weights or a bike mat. And this price doesn’t factor in the separate monthly membership fee, which easily adds up to an extra $528 per year if you purchase the all-access monthly subscription. While some fitness products offer free trials or a free subscription for one year, Peloton users are stuck paying right off the bat.

Although a subscription isn’t truly necessary to use a Peloton bike, there’s very little you can do without one. Owning a Peloton without a monthly membership will net you three pre-recorded classes, which are pre-selected, and a Just Ride feature that offers you basic cycling paired with metrics tracking. Without signing up for a monthly subscription, there’s not much to owning a Peloton exercise bike that a more budget-friendly spin bike won’t offer you. You also won’t be able to take scenic rides unless you’ve opted for an all-access Peloton membership.

Overall, owning a Peloton is a long-term commitment. You’ll want to be sure you’ll use it for years. If you use it frequently enough, it may actually be less expensive than a traditional gym membership. However, if you purchase a Peloton and don’t use it often, you’ll be paying more out of pocket. 

In terms of mechanics, the Peloton exercise bike doesn’t come with many cons. It’s easy to adjust, stable and can fit easily into most types of rooms, including bedrooms and offices. While the bike seat can be uncomfortable at first, purchasing a seat cushion usually fixes that issue.

Peloton works for both beginners and seasoned riders. Whether you’re new to the sport or looking to take your cycling game to the next level, Peloton offers a wide variety of classes suitable for all fitness and skill levels. Owning a Peloton exercise bike is a great option for those interested in starting at-home workouts or building out an existing home gym. Since cycling is a low-impact physical activity that’s easy on your joints, back and knees, Peloton is one cardio option that many people with injuries or arthritis can safely do. Cycling can also help you build strength, boost muscular endurance and improve heart health, which makes a Peloton bike an attractive option for those passionate about creating or maintaining long-term wellness. It’s an excellent choice for people who want to seriously train and up their fitness levels as well.

Peloton is also good for people who may not have a traditional gym nearby, or for people who work at home or stay home to take care of children. Having fitness equipment like a Peloton exercise bike at home offers convenience, time-saving properties and value, as long as you’re using the bike regularly. It’s also a safe option for those who aren’t comfortable taking in-person fitness classes or working out at an in-person gym, without skimping on the community feel and group motivation. Peloton can still work even if you travel regularly, since you can access floor-based Peloton classes on the go; therefore, it may be wise to invest in a bike and monthly membership if you want to stay active on the go, while also having an option to cycle at home.

While Peloton is a good potential fit for many people, it’s still not for everyone. People over six feet, five inches tall and/or 305 pounds may want to look for other fitness equipment or indoor cycling bikes, since Peloton’s design includes these height and weight limits. With its high price tag and monthly subscription fee, Peloton also isn’t the best option for those looking for budget-friendly workouts or those who don’t want to or aren’t able to commit to a monthly membership. Plus, if you don’t use the Peloton bike regularly, you may not experience the full value of the price you’re paying.

Since Peloton is designed to work best with its own branded materials and accessories, riders are stuck using either Peloton-brand cycling shoes, which cost $125, or any Delta or three-hole cleats. That means cycling on a Peloton exercise bike with regular gym shoes isn’t feasible. While you could technically install new bike pedals that allow riding with different types of shoes or cleats, Peloton advises against this. If you’re not willing to commit to Peloton or Delta cleats, or you’re used to another type of indoor cycling shoe, then Peloton may not be right for you.

Ultimately, people are drawn towards the Peloton bike because of cycling and spin classes. If you don’t see yourself cycling often, or you’re more interested in floor-based workouts like yoga, kickboxing or bootcamp programs, you may want to consider different fitness equipment or platforms that don’t require the purchase of an indoor bike. After all, you’re paying first and foremost for the equipment, and secondly for the monthly membership and fitness library.

Before purchasing a Peloton exercise bike, it’s important to consider a number of factors. These include your budget, lifestyle, fitness goals and even warranty. Weigh out the pros and cons of these elements before deciding once and for all if the Peloton bike is best for your needs.

Cost is arguably the biggest and most important driving factor in making a Peloton exercise bike purchase. Depending on the type of Peloton bike you buy, which package you select and what accessories you include, you’re looking at anywhere from $1,445 to $1,825 or more just on the initial bike, accessories, warranty and/or delivery price (not counting a monthly membership). Before committing to purchasing the Peloton bike, or any major piece of fitness equipment, consider how much you can afford to pay upfront for the equipment itself. Then, consider how much extra you’ll need to set aside for accessories like cycling shoes, a water bottle or a heart rate monitor. Lastly, consider your monthly budget and whether or not Peloton’s $44 all-access monthly subscription fee works alongside your other monthly or recurring expenses.

If these costs combined don’t work with your budget, or you simply want a less-expensive indoor cycling bike option, there are several Peloton alternatives that may better suit your needs. Skip down to the Peloton Alternatives section to learn more about these other exercise bikes and who they might be best for.

While a Peloton all-access membership nets you thousands of real time and on-demand indoor cycling classes, it’s still not for everyone. In addition to the high monthly subscription fee, some people might not want or need the benefits that a Peloton all-access membership provides. If you simply want to ride your Peloton at your own pace, then a monthly subscription might not make a difference. Still, it’s an important factor to consider as you weigh out the pros and cons of making a Peloton purchase. If the cost of an all-access membership is too high, you can still purchase a Peloton app membership for $12.99 per month; you just won’t be able to use it on your Peloton bike. Instead, a Peloton app membership can be used with a smartphone, tablet or computer, and lends itself well to more floor-based workouts (rather than cycling classes).

The Peloton bike dimensions matter for two reasons. First, its dimensions will help you gauge whether or not it can comfortably fit into your home gym, living room or other workout space. Total dimensions of a Peloton exercise bike are 59 inches L x 23 inches W x 53 inches H. Before committing to a purchase, carefully measure the space where you want to place your spin bike and double check that you have enough room in front of you, to the sides and above you, especially if you plan on using weights and doing upper-body workouts. Peloton recommends keeping the bike in a room where the ceiling height minimum is eight feet or more. Secondly, the Peloton exercise bike comes with weight and height limits that are equally important to consider. Its current height limit is people up to six feet, five inches and its current weight limit is people up to 305 pounds.

Accessories play an important role in the overall Peloton experience. Not only do accessories help elevate your workout, they’re often part of a package deal depending on which Peloton bike package that you purchase. In addition to cost, membership and dimensions, many people review which accessories Peloton offers before committing to a purchase. Here are a few to consider that you’ll typically find in higher-spend Peloton exercise bike packages:

Your Peloton bike will come with a heart rate monitor, or heart rate band, if you purchase an upgraded Bike Select or Bike Ultimate package. These packages retail at $1,775 and $1,885 and up, respectively. Peloton’s heart rate monitor uses optical technology to measure your heart rate, which is displayed on the bike’s touchscreen. Having an accurate measurement of your heart rate is important to tracking metrics, since your heart rate can help you determine if you’ve reached various fitness zones like fat burn or cardio during your workout.

On its own, Peloton’s heart rate band retails at $90. Purchasing an upgraded bike package may be worth it depending on which accessories you’re aiming to get. For example, a Bike Starter package retails at $1,645 and includes a Peloton bike, 12-month limited warranty, one pair of cycling shoes, one set of light weights and a bike mat. For $80 more, you can purchase a Bike Select package which includes everything in the Bike Starter package, plus a heart rate band and Peloton x Camelbak Water Bottle—a total additional value of $105, saving you $25 overall. However, if tracking metrics aren’t important to you, then purchasing an upgraded bike package or a Peloton heart rate monitor on its own may not be worth the investment. It also might not be worth it if you have other devices that track metrics, such as an Apple Watch or Fitbit.

Since Peloton bike pedals require Delta, or three-hole cleats, having Peloton bike shoes on hand is an attractive option for many Peloton users. While you can always purchase cycling shoes elsewhere or from different brands, Peloton bike shoes are guaranteed to fit perfectly alongside the Peloton system. However, Peloton cleats have a higher price tag of $125, which can easily add up if you have multiple Peloton users in your home. Like Peloton’s heart rate monitor, however, you can purchase an upgraded bike package that saves you money in the long run if you’re looking to buy a bundle of accessories. Bike Starter, Bike Select and Bike Ultimate packages all come with one pair of cycling shoes, and you save more money with each package tier. If you already have three-hole cleats at home, then Peloton bike shoes probably aren’t worth it, unless you prefer to have a matching set of all Peloton-branded accessories.

Peloton offers a few accessories that can truly improve your workout and workout space. A Peloton bike mat is one of the most important accessories to consider as you’re weighing out a Peloton purchase. Not only does a Peloton bike mat help protect your floor from scratches or damage, it keeps the Peloton bike in place and prevents sliding. This also helps stabilize your workout and gives you a cushion as you descend from your bike (which makes a big difference if you’re wearing cleats or cycling shoes).

Still, there are other accessories that probably aren’t worth buying unless you’re looking for a fully-branded experience. Peloton earbuds, water bottles and dumbbells don’t differ much from others on the market. Peloton light weights, however, may be a good investment if you plan on doing upper-body workouts during cycling classes or other fitness programs, since they fit perfectly into light weights holders on the back of your Peloton exercise bike. Bike Starter, Bike Select and Bike Ultimate packages all come with Peloton light weights and a Peloton bike mat.

While Peloton is often associated with its spin programs, Peloton’s fitness library goes beyond traditional indoor cycling. Peloton offers bootcamp programs, kickboxing, yoga, strength training, meditation, stretching, dancing and more, which gives subscribers plenty of variety to choose from. Depending on your fitness interests and which types of exercise classes you enjoy, be sure to check out Peloton’s offerings to determine if there are enough programs to suit your needs. Keep in mind that an all-access monthly subscription or a Peloton app-only subscription will be necessary to access these programs. If Peloton’s fitness library still doesn’t include what you’re looking for in a home-workout program, you may want to consider a different fitness purchase.

Peloton comes with a 12-month limited warranty for all Peloton bike purchases, regardless of the package you choose. This includes parts and labor and fully covers the touchscreen and other original components included with the bike (like the seat or pedals). Peloton users looking to get a longer and more robust coverage period can purchase a Peloton Protection Plan for an additional $199 to get 48 months of total coverage and added benefits like accidental damage coverage, surge protection and $0 deductibles. That’s four months of protection total.

Luckily, Peloton offers a 30 day home trial and return window where users are eligible for a full refund if they aren’t happy with their purchase or the overall Peloton experience. The full refund includes the Peloton product, delivery fee, membership fee and any accessories purchased in the initial order. While this provides some cushion and peace of mind in the event that your Peloton purchase just doesn’t work out, it’s a shorter return window that potential buyers need to consider before committing to a Peloton bike. Any returns made outside of the 30-day window are subject to approval and may cost an additional $250 or more for return shipping fees.

Peloton offers two levels of spin bikes: the original Peloton Bike and Peloton Bike+. While both will net you the same types of fitness programs (with a monthly subscription, of course), there are a few key differences between the two. The biggest upgrade that the Peloton Bike+ offers is its HD touchscreen, which rotates 360 degrees to allow for a seamless shift between cycling and floor-based workouts. It’s also slightly bigger than the Peloton Bike screen (23.8 inches vs. 21.5 inches for the original), and comes with anti-reflective properties. Both bikes retain the same footprint of four feet by two feet, but the Peloton Bike+ has an upgraded resistance knob that allows for auto-resistance, which adjusts automatically as you exercise to follow the cycling class that you’re taking.

The Peloton Bike+ also comes with upgraded audio and studio-quality sound—about double the power of the original Peloton Bike (offering four channel audio vs. two channel audio, respectively). Yet Peloton purchasers pay a hefty price difference for the upgrades. While an original Peloton Bike starts at $1,445, a Peloton Bike+ starts at $2,495. Whether or not the $1,000+ difference is worth it will ultimately depend on how important a rotating screen, auto-resistance or improved sound is to you and your workouts. Some people may not find the updates worth the price.

Peloton offers a great variety of fitness programs, but there are numerous Peloton alternatives on the market that stack up to its offerings. Depending on your fitness needs, budget or goals, you may benefit more from a Peloton alternative than from a Peloton exercise bike. Here are three Peloton alternatives to consider, how they differ from a Peloton and who they’re best for.

Echelon bikes offer a similar experience to Peloton, though at a much lower price. While they may not be as much of a household name as Peloton, Echelon bikes offer more than 35 daily live classes and thousands of on-demand classes through their $34.99 monthly subscription. With five bikes available for purchase in their Connection series, Echelon gives users numerous choices as to the level of bike, features and capacity they can get within certain budgets. Prices start at $899.99 and climb to $2,299.99, depending on the bike you purchase. For those looking for a full fitness library and spin bike at a reduced price point, Echelon’s lower-end bikes (such as the GT+ or EX-5) are a great alternative to the original Peloton Bike or Peloton Bike+.

NordicTrack generates stiff competition to Peloton, thanks to its powerful spin bike that has the ability to incline and decline (something Peloton doesn’t currently offer). It also has a robust fitness library that you can access via the iFit subscription program, which comes with family or individual plan options on a monthly or yearly basis. However, users face a much steeper price tag with the NordicTrack. Studio bikes start at $1,899, almost $400 more than a Peloton bike without accessories. However, if you’re a cycling enthusiast and serious about getting a more realistic ride that mimics being on a real road, then NordicTrack may be right for you.

For new or seasoned cyclists on a budget who don’t need the full Peloton experience, investing in a ProForm studio bike can help you meet your fitness goals without breaking the bank. With a no-frills riding experience, ProForm offers three levels of studio bikes that start at $599 and go up to $1,149. Regardless of the level you choose, you’re still paying less than you would for a Peloton bike. Like NordicTrack, ProForm offers an iFit monthly membership that riders can use for trainer-led classes. However, you’ll get less features and smaller touchscreens (unless you purchase the highest-end Studio Bike Pro 22). If you’re looking for a simple workout and the Peloton brand isn’t important to you, then a ProForm studio bike is a great alternative to consider.

In addition to features, specs and pricing, there’s more to the Peloton exercise bike that’s important to understand before making a purchase. Here’s everything else you need to know.

While some exercise brands may offer holiday deals, Peloton is one brand that unfortunately just doesn’t go on sale. If you’re interested in buying a Peloton, there isn’t much point in waiting until Black Friday or the December holiday shopping season. You can, however, get special pricing if you’re a member of the military, a medical professional, first responder or educator, which can save you up to $200 off accessories or accessory packages with the purchase of a Peloton Bike or Peloton Bike+. Otherwise, expect to pay full price for Peloton products all year long.

Yes, the Peloton bike is great for beginners and seasoned cyclists alike. That’s because Peloton offers a wide variety of classes through its monthly subscription program that include a mix of easy, intermediate and advanced workouts. Plus, you can modify any class and ride at your own pace; the recommended cadence and resistance levels are only suggestions, not requirements.

You can use a Peloton bike without a subscription. However, your options will be more limited. Using a Peloton exercise bike without a subscription will give you access to three pre-recorded and pre-selected classes in addition to the Just Ride feature, which allows you to ride on your own without the guidance of a class or fitness instructor. You can also access metrics tracking.

Peloton can be a useful addition to a weight loss program. Studies show that combined resistance and endurance exercise training, like that offered by Peloton cycling classes, can encourage weight loss in both upper and lower body. If weight loss is one of your fitness or health goals, then it may be worthwhile to consider investing in a Peloton bike purchase.

Overall, a Peloton exercise bike is worth the purchase—as long as you plan on using it regularly. With regular use, the Peloton’s high price tag and monthly subscription fee pays itself off. Not only does Peloton offer a great cycling workout, but it offers thousands of other fitness programs to keep your workouts interesting and diverse. Whether you’re a fan of traditional spin classes or you’re looking for guided yoga classes, Peloton can help you meet your fitness goals. In addition to its motivating community atmosphere, Peloton makes sturdy, solid bikes with great audio and visuals that can hold up to both easy workouts and more challenging rides. It’s an investment that can be well worth it if you’re willing and able to commit to the program.

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

Ashley Zlatopolsky is a Detroit-based writer and editor. She writes about health, wellness and fitness for Sports Illustrated, Real Simple, Healthline, Greatist, SELF and more. Previously, she worked as a branded content strategist at USA TODAY. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys dancing, kickboxing, strength training and running.This author is writing sponsored content paid for by Pillar4 and not affiliated with Sports Illustrated.