Peloton Competitors: Reviews of Top Alternatives
Affordable Peloton alternatives include NordicTrack, Echelon, and Pro-Form. These alternatives offer comparable features and quality, often at a lower price point.
4 min readUpdated August 3rd, 2023
SLWritten By Sara Lindberg
OVERVIEW
While the Peloton Bike and Bike+ feature high-quality touchscreens, a smooth ride, thousands of live and on-demand classes, a generous warranty, a 30-day home trial, and a massive online community, both models come with a hefty price tag and monthly fee that may not fit your budget. That’s why it’s important to do your homework and understand the Peloton competitors and alternatives.
Peloton Competitors: Top Alternatives
Peloton is known for exceptional fitness equipment, energetic classes, and industry-leading instructors, but it’s only one of many exercise bikes available to consumers. Here, we look at four key Peloton competitors, including the NordicTrack SS2i and S27i Studio Bike, the Bowflex VeloCore, the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22, and the Echelon Connect EX-5s 22 bike.
Individual Reviews
iFit app starting at $15/mo
NordicTrack
Best for incline and decline ability
- Broad Selection of Equipment to suit preferences
- App-enabled equipment for access to classes
- Over 40 years in the fitness industry
NordicTrack S22i/S27i Studio Bike
Cost: $1,999 (S22i) / $2,499 (S27i)
iFIT membership: $39 per month after 30-day free trial
Standout Features
- 24 digital resistance levels
- 350-pound rider weight capacity
- 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor warranty
- 22-inch (S22i) and 27-inch (S27i) tilt and pivot Smart HD touchscreen
- Hands-free automatic adjustments
- 20% incline to -10% decline
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, streams live and on-demand classes from the iFit app
The NordicTrack Studio S22i is comparable to the Peloton Bike in terms of price, tech features, and performance. However, unlike the flat road experience you get with the Peloton Bike, the S22i has a range of -10 percent decline to 20 percent incline, allowing you to realistically cycle uphill or downhill. The NordicTrack Studio S27i includes all the same premium features as the S22i but increases the Smart HD Touchscreen to 27 inches, which accounts for the added cost. In addition, you’ll get plenty of cycling workouts with the iFIT app, plus off-bike sessions like yoga, strength training, bootcamp, cross-training, and mindfulness.
JRNY App starting @ $19.99/mo
Bowflex
Best for streaming on-screen
- Variety of equipment to suit your preferences
- JRNY App makes your equipment & workouts interactive
- Financing options available
Bowflex VeloCore
Cost: $2,199
JRNY adaptive membership: $19.99 per month after one-year free included with purchase
Standout Features
- 100 resistance levels
- 325-pound rider weight capacity
- Leaning mode allows you to lean side to side
- 2-year frame and parts, 1-year electronics, 1-year labor warranty
- 22-inch adjustable Smart HD touchscreen
- One year free JRNY adaptive fitness membership included with bike purchase
- Stream workout classes, music, and entertainment like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO with JRNY membership
The Bowflex VeloCore is in a category of its own, making it a competitive alternative to Peloton. Unlike Peloton, the VeloCore leans side to side, simulating your natural rhythm when riding outdoors.
It also has 100 resistance levels to accommodate multiple workout modes and experience levels. The 22-inch Smart screen is another standout feature.
Not only can you stream daily workouts, on-demand classes, real-time virtual coaching, destination rides, and JRNY Radio with the JRNY membership, but you can also stream entertainment like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO during your workouts.
While these premium features make this bike an outstanding addition to a home gym, it also comes with a steep price, so it may not be the best purchase if you’re not willing to spend over $2,000.
iFit App starting at $39/mo
Pro-Form
Best for price conscious
- Works with iFit app
- Multiple equipment options to suit your preferences
- Trainer-led classes in app
ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22
Cost: $1,299
iFIT membership: $39 per month after a 30-day free trial
Standout Features
- 24 digital resistance levels
- 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor warranty
- 22-inch Smart HD touchscreen with SmartSwivel
- 30-day return policy
- Hands-free automatic adjustments
- Lightweight and easy to move
- 250-pound rider weight capacity
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, streams live and on-demand classes from the iFit app
The ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 is an excellent mid-priced machine that fits most user heights.
That said, it only supports user weights up to 250 pounds, so there may be a better choice for heavier riders or homes with multiple users.
Nevertheless, we like the sleek design, quiet magnetic resistance, and excellent audio capabilities. We also like that it’s on the lighter side, making it easier to move when not in use.
Plus, you’ll get plenty of cycling workouts with the iFIT app, plus off-bike sessions like yoga, strength training, boot camp, cross-training, and mindfulness.
Starting at $16/mo for connected equipment
Echelon
Best for community
- Multiple equipment options to suit your preferences
- Connected, interactive equipment with live classes
- Expansive community of like-minded enthusiasts
Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s 22
Cost: $1,499
Echelon app membership: $34.99 per month after a 30-day free trial
Standout Features
- 32 digital resistance levels
- 300-pound rider weight capacity
- 30-day replacement or refund policy
- 22-inch Smart HD touchscreen flips 180 degrees
- Power ports on bottom front and back of bike to charge smartphone or tablet
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, streams live and on-demand classes from the Echelon app
Echelon disrupted Peloton’s market by creating a bike comparable to the entry-level Peloton Bike in cost and features.
The EX-5s 22 is a high-quality exercise bike offering a sleek design, premium audio and visual specs, and 32 levels of magnetic resistance. It also has a rotating 22-inch screen for streaming on-bike and off-bike workouts.
We also like being able to charge a smartphone or tablet while working out with the two power ports located on the bottom-front and back of the bike.
The EX-5s uses the Echelon app for live and on-demand classes, which will run you $34.99 per month. This app features 40+ daily live classes, 1,000+ on-demand workouts, 23 million song and artist options, and community support. One area the Echelon does not measure up to the competitors is the warranty, which is only 12 months.
Varies by equipment and subscription
Peloton
Best for Industry Leading instructors
- 30-day Home Trial
- Peloton Bike Rental Program
- Various Equipment to suit your preference
- App that works with and without equipment
Is Peloton Right for You?
The Peloton Bike and Bike+ are known for their ergonomic design, premium built-in HD touchscreen, a wide range of resistance levels (100, to be exact!), smooth ride, and sturdy build. The Bike+ has some added features like a rotating screen, a larger display, better sound, Auto-Resistance, and Apple GymKit integration to track cycling workouts and sync metrics.
Beyond the Bike, users rave about the All Access Membership, which features energetic live and on-demand classes like cycling, rowing, running, strength training, yoga, Pilates, meditation, stretching, boot camp, and more. It also has comprehensive programming, scenic rides, and exceptional instructors. Plus, you can choose between two price points: the Bike at $1,455 and the Bike+ at $2,495. Peloton is also known for its community aspect, with users being able to participate in challenges and connect with other riders. If you enjoy this type of social interaction and motivation, Peloton could be a good fit for you.
Deciding if Peloton or its competitors are right for you comes down to budget, space, and personal preference. If you can afford the minimum price of $1,455 plus the $44 per month for the All Access Membership, we think the Peloton Bike is an excellent investment for any home gym.
But if cost is an issue or you want a more affordable monthly membership option, you may want to consider an alternative, like the ProForm Studio Bike.
Comparison Chart
| Bike + App Name | Price | Trial Period | Compatibility | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peloton/Peloton All-Access Membership | -Bike: $1,445-Bike+: $2,495-All Access Membership: $44 per month | -30 day home trial for Bike and Bike+ | -All Access Membership works with connected HD screen; can also stream with iOS or Android compatible devices | -Live and on-demand studio classes-Leaderboard and active community engagement -Apple GymKit integration to track cycling workouts and sync metrics |
| NordicTrack S27i/SS2i | -S27i: $2,499-SS2i: $1,999-iFIT membership: $39 per month | -No bike trial period -30 day free trial for iFIT membership | -iFIT membership works with connected HD screen; can also stream with iOS or Android compatible devices | -Most similar to Peloton-Decline and incline feature-Riders over 300 pounds |
| Bowflex VeloCore 16” console/22” console | -16” console: $1,799-22” console: $2,199 | -No bike trial period-1 year JRNY app membership included for new members | -JRNY Membership works with connected HD screen; can also stream with iOS or Android compatible devices | -Real-life biking experience with side to side motion |
| ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 | -$1,299- iFIT membership: $39 per month | -No bike trial-30 day iFIT trail | -iFIT Membership works with connected HD screen; can also stream with iOS or Android compatible devices | -Affordable price-Easy to move when not in use -Riders under 250 pounds |
| Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s-22 | -$1,499 -Echelon membership: $34.99 per month  | -No bike trial-30 day guarantee return policy -30 day free trial Echelon FitPass membership (app) | -Echelon Membership works with connected HD screen; can also stream with iOS or Android compatible devices | -Mid-priced budgets-Riders looking for features and design similar to Peloton |
Peloton Competitors: The Bottom Line
Comparing Peloton alternatives like the NordicTrack SS2i and S27i Studio Bike, the Bowflex VeloCore, the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22, and the Echelon Connect EX-5s 22 may help you decide if Peloton is the right fit. But ultimately, whether Peloton is right for you depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget.
You’ll also want to consider the workout app or membership plan, instructor qualifications, class choices, and music. However, since Peloton offers a 30-day commitment-free trial, you can try the Bike or Bike+ from the comfort of your home without worrying about being stuck with a bike you don’t like.
More Peloton Guides from GymBird Experts
- Peloton App Review
- Best Alternatives to Peloton
- Peloton for Beginners
- Peloton Workout Programs
- Peloton vs Beachbody
- Peloton vs iFIT
- Must-Have Peloton Equipment
Get our fitness newsletter
Stay on track with your fitness goals and get inspired! Sign up for the GymBird newsletter for twice-monthly expert fitness and nutrition tips.
Related Articles
Take the next step in your fitness journey.
