12 of the Best Exercise Bikes for Home in 2023

A quick look at the best exercise bikes for home

• Best no-frills indoor cycling bike: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike
• Best recumbent bike: Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike
• Best high end home exercise bike: NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle
• Best value home exercise bike: Lanos Folding Exercise Bike
• Best portable home exercise bike: XTERRA Fitness FB350 Folding Exercise Bike
• Best home exercise bike for small spaces: Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike
• Best home exercise bike for streaming workouts: Peloton Bike
• Best Peloton alternative: Stryde
• Best air bike: Rogue Echo Bike
• Best multipurpose home exercise bike: ADVENOR Exercise Bike
• Best under-desk bike: DeskCycle Under-Desk Cycle
• Best home exercise bike for older adults: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike

Exercise bikes are a popular piece of equipment in many home gyms.

However, with so many options on the market, choosing the right exercise bike for you can be challenging.

In fact, home exercise bikes are available in a range of shapes and sizes and are equipped with a variety of unique features.

How we chose these exercise bikes

The exercise bikes included in this article were selected based on the following criteria:

• Product specs and available features: We considered the key specs and quality of each bike, like its dimensions, weight capacity, and warranty. Plus, we looked at special features like streaming capabilities, foldability, and more to find the best options.
• Customer reviews: The bikes on our list have mostly positive reviews.
• Price: We included a range of bikes to suit a variety of budgets.
• Vetting: The bikes on our list have been vetted to ensure that they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.

Types of exercise bikes

Before making a stationary bike purchase for your home, it’s important to get the lay of the land and understand the different types and styles available. Each has benefits and drawbacks.

Cycling bikes

Cycling bikes, sometimes called spin bikes, are commonly seen at cycling studios and are intended to mimic the experience of riding a bike outside. They typically feature a narrower, less-cushioned seat. They also offer adjustable seat and handle options to accommodate a wide range of user heights.

Some bikes’ pedals are compatible with cycling shoes, enabling you to clip in for your ride. They’re also available in “bare bones” configurations with nothing more than a battery-operated LCD screen to track speed, distance, and calories burned.

Lastly, they can be found as “smart bikes” for home use, with large HD touch screens, built-in speakers, and app compatibility for streaming workouts.

Upright electric bikes

Upright bikes are what you might typically find in the cardio section of your local gym. The seat is wider and more cushioned than a cycling bike, and they often require the use of an electrical outlet to run and track their pre-set programs.

They’re often considered more comfortable than a cycling bike, but they don’t truly mimic the feel of riding a bike outside.

Recumbent electric bikes

Recumbent bikes function similar to upright bikes (often using an electrical outlet to power their programs), but they provide a wide, padded seat with a backrest, and the pedals are positioned underneath the console, rather than underneath the seat.

You’ll end up sitting back and extending your legs in front of you in a seated position to perform the workout. Some individuals find this a more comfortable way to do a cycling workout.

Hybrid electric bikes

Some home bikes offer an upright and recumbent hybrid option. Unlike true recumbent bikes, which you use in a seated, reclined position, you remain upright even when using the recumbent features. Hybrid bikes offer a backrest and a second set of handles positioned to the outside of the padded seat.

To use the bike in its upright position, you simply use the standard handlebars and refrain from using the backrest. To use the bike in its recumbent position, you lean back against the backrest and grip the handlebars to the sides of the seat. This type of bike may be appealing for those who plan to share the bike with multiple family members.

Air-powered bikes

Air-powered bikes have been around a while, but they have recently gained popularity in high intensity workout programs. They don’t require electricity and instead feature a large fan as the front flywheel. Many also include moveable handlebars that enable you to get an upper body and lower body workout in at the same time.

Resistance is generated by you as you pedal and move the handlebars, causing the fan to turn and create air resistance. The harder you work, the more resistance you create, and the harder the workout becomes.

Special features

In addition to styles of exercise bikes, there are also specific features you may want to consider when selecting a bike.

• Streaming-capable bikes: These “smart bikes” are WiFi and Bluetooth enabled and can be integrated with online apps or workout programs. Many options, like Peloton, give users access to live or streaming workouts, and some offer auto-resistance changes that control your bike’s resistance levels based on the workout and your heart rate.
• Folding bikes: Folding bikes are a great option for individuals who are short on space. They’re typically lighter weight, fold down to half their size, and also provide transport wheels so you can move them to an inconspicuous location.
• Under-desk or work-compatible bikes: These small, lightweight “bikes” are really a set of portable pedals. They tend to be a good way to remain active while sitting at a desk, but due to their small, compact size, they may not offer a full pedaling range of motion or the core engagement required of full-sized exercise bikes.

Healthline’s picks of the best exercise bikes for home

Here are 12 of the best exercise bikes for home.

Best no-frills indoor cycling bike

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike

Price: $$

This high quality indoor cycling bike is a great choice for those looking to squeeze in a quick spin workout straight from their living room. The bike’s solid build features a heavy-duty steel frame and 44-pound (lb) — 20-kg — flywheel.

It features magnetic resistance, which is a mechanism that uses magnets to create tension, making it easy to modify the intensity based on your fitness level.

It also includes an adjustable seat and handlebars, allowing you to customize your bike for a comfortable ride.

The bike is very easy to assemble and simple to use. Though it doesn’t have a display screen, it has a device holder so you can stream your favorite workouts using your smartphone or tablet.

Best recumbent bike

Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike

Price: $$

Recumbent bikes allow you to recline, relieving discomfort and tension in the lower back. The Schwinn 290, which is a model up from the popular Schwinn 270, is a quality choice, offering sturdiness, comfort, and a smooth, quiet ride.

Featuring 25 levels of resistance and a variety of preprogrammed workouts, this model from the Schwinn Recumbent Bike series is a great option for any fitness level. The bike is also compatible with the brand’s JRNY app (and new purchases come with a free 1-year subscription), providing an almost endless number of additional workout programs.

In addition to offering Bluetooth connectivity to sync with your favorite fitness apps, it boasts built-in speakers, a large LCD monitor, a charging port, and a Bluetooth heart rate monitor.

Best high end home exercise bike

NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle

Price: $$$

If you’re looking to splurge on a stationary bike, consider the NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle. While the bike is pricey, its high quality steel build, smooth ride, and extensive workout selection make it a worthy investment.

It not only boasts a massive library of on-demand spin classes but also a collection of global workouts that allow you to simulate rides almost anywhere around the world. Plus, it has incline options ranging from -10%–20%.

It also includes controls to adjust the incline and resistance throughout your ride and even has a 22-in (56-cm) touch screen that rotates, making it easy to take your workout from the bike to the mat.

Purchase of the NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle includes a 30-day family membership to iFit, which is the NordicTrack interactive training platform.

Best value home exercise bike

Lanos Folding Exercise Bike

Price: $

Striking just the right balance between value and versatility, the Lanos Folding Exercise Bike is great for those looking for a high quality exercise bike that won’t break the bank.

Thanks to its adjustable design, it can be used as both an upright and recumbent bike, which eliminates the need to purchase extra equipment. It also folds to save space when it’s not in use, and it runs quietly.

Plus, it has a higher maximum weight capacity than the other foldable bikes on this list, so it can accommodate more users.

It’s also equipped with 10 levels of adjustable magnetic resistance, a device holder, heart rate sensors, and a large LCD monitor, providing all the features you need for a great at-home workout.

Best portable home exercise bike

XTERRA Fitness FB350 Folding Exercise Bike

Price: $

If you’re looking for a bike that you can easily move around, check out the FB350 Folding Exercise Bike from XTERRA Fitness.

It folds, has transport wheels, and weighs less than 45 lb (20 kg), making it a highly portable option.

Plus, it offers eight levels of magnetic resistance and can be used as both an upright and recumbent bike depending on which handlebars you use.

The bike has a large, cushioned seat, padded handlebars with built-in heart rate sensors, and an LCD screen that provides workout data like speed, workout duration, heart rate, and distance.

Keep in mind that this bike is designed to accommodate user heights ranging from 4 feet (ft), 10 in to 5 ft, 10 in and has a maximum weight capacity of 225 lb (102 kg), so it may not be a good fit for some people.

Best home exercise bike for small spaces

Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike

Price: $

The Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Exercise Bike can be folded to half its size and has wheels for easy portability, making it a great option for those with limited space.

It also offers good value at an affordable price, as it’s built solidly.

Additionally, the bike includes eight levels of resistance, a simple LCD monitor, and hand pulse sensors to track your heart rate.

What’s more, the Exerpeutic bike features a large seat cushion and can accommodate a range of heights and weights comfortably.

Best home exercise bike for streaming workouts

Peloton Bike

Price: $$$

Peloton is popular among fitness enthusiasts for its interactive features and extensive collection of on-demand and live cycling workouts.

The premium bike is constructed with high quality materials, including a sturdy carbon steel frame, which is durable enough to withstand vigorous workouts.

The Peloton Bike offers a 22-in (56-cm) HD touch screen, built-in speakers, and a near-silent belt drive that allows for a quieter ride.

It also connects to WiFi or Bluetooth enabled devices to help seamlessly track and monitor your progress.

Peloton’s All-Access membership is available for an additional $44 per month, which includes access to live weekly classes and a variety of other streaming workouts.

The Peloton Bike comes with a 12-month limited warranty.

Though you may have heard that Peloton recalled its first-generation pedals from roughly 27,000 bikes in October 2020, the recall only applied to bikes sold between July 2013 and May 2016 — not new products.

Best Peloton alternative

Stryde

Price: $$$

The Stryde indoor cycling bike is one of the best Peloton alternatives, as it offers the same high quality spinning experience — though at a lower overall cost compared to the Peloton Bike+.

When compared to the regular Peloton bike (not the plus), the Stryde bike is a bit pricier up front. But unlike Peloton bikes, you don’t need special cycling shoes, as Stryde offers dual-sided pedals so you can use either SPD clips or regular gym shoes. The monthly app subscription is also less expensive. Both features can save you money over time.

The bike itself features a welded powder-coated steel frame, providing plenty of stability and durability.

It also includes 100 levels of magnetic resistance, a cushioned sports saddle, and a 21.5-in (55-cm) HD touch screen for streaming classes.

You have the option to subscribe to the Stryde app for $29 per month, which provides access to hundreds of fitness routines. It’s also possible to use the touch screen to connect to other fitness apps and streaming platforms (a capability Peloton lacks).

Best air bike

Rogue Echo Bike

Price: $$$

The Rogue Echo Bike is an upright air bike that runs smoothly and quietly using a belt-driven steel fan.

It features an LCD monitor that provides metrics including intervals, distance, and calories burned.

The Rogue Echo Bike is solidly built of heavy duty steel that offers stability during intense workouts. While it’s on the heavy side, the machine is equipped with transport wheels for convenient portability.

Customers particularly appreciate that the bike requires little maintenance, doesn’t need an electrical outlet, and is extremely durable, offering plenty of quality for the price.

Best multipurpose home exercise bike

ADVENOR Exercise Bike

Price: $

With eight levels of resistance and built-in arm resistance bands, this ADVENOR bike provides a whole-body workout because you have the option to work on strengthening your upper body while you ride.

It includes a pulse sensor, digital tracking monitor, and built-in device holder for entertainment while you ride. Plus, it’s lightweight and foldable so you can easily store it anywhere in the house.

While the bike doesn’t offer a ton of extra features, it’s a good quality, functional product at an affordable price.

Best under-desk bike

DeskCycle Under-Desk Cycle

Price: $

The Under-Desk Cycle is a quality machine that provides a quiet, smooth ride at a reasonable cost.

Compact and portable, this under-desk cycle is a great way to squeeze in some extra activity while you work or watch TV.

It’s very quiet and includes magnetic resistance with eight intensity levels so you can easily adjust your workout.

It also has an easy-to-read LCD monitor, which displays details about your ride, such as your workout duration, speed, distance, and calories burned.

Just keep in mind, this piece of equipment can help keep you active as you work, but it likely won’t give you the challenge you need for a true workout. The pedal rotation range of motion is pretty limited, so it won’t have the same effect as the other bikes on our list.

Best home exercise bike for older adults

Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike

Price: $

The Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike is a great option for older adults looking for an aerobic workout that minimizes joint impact.

In addition to a supportive backrest and wide seat, the bike is equipped with nonslip handlebars, floor stabilizers, and easy seat adjustment to keep you safe and comfortable as you ride.

For training features, the bike includes eight levels of magnetic resistance and a digital monitor that displays workout metrics like your speed, pulse, and calories burned.

While it doesn’t offer class streaming on the bike itself, you can access workouts on the Sunny Health & Fitness website or YouTube channel using your own device.

A quick comparison of the best exercise bikes for home

Here’s a quick look at how our picks compare:

How to choose the best exercise bike for home

With so many exercise bikes on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one is right for you. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

• Specs: Be sure to look for a bike that’s comfortable, adjustable, and suitable for your height and weight. You may also want to find a bike with a variety of resistance levels, which you can use to customize the intensity of your workout.
• Style: Consider whether you want a recumbent or upright bike. Although many people prefer upright bikes, recumbent bikes are often more comfortable and may be more suitable for those with lower back pain.
• Features: Many bikes also offer special features, such as pulse sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, or built-in screens with access to streaming classes. If you’re choosing a smart bike, be sure to note which apps it’s compatible with.
• Price: Keep in mind that exercise bikes can range quite a bit in price, so be sure to consider your budget carefully. Extra features typically come at an additional cost, and the ability to stream workout classes may require a monthly subscription fee as well.

Frequently asked questions about exercise bikes

Who should use a recumbent exercise bike?

Recumbent bikes are good for anyone wanting to do a low impact workout that targets the lower body while also providing stability and requiring less core strength. This may include older adults and people with limited mobility, osteoarthritis, or an injury.

Providing comfort and support, recumbent bikes reduce stress on the low back and joints, including the hips and knees.

Research from 2019 suggests recumbent cycling may help alleviate pain and improve mobility in older adults with hip and knee pain (1).

Are exercise bikes good for weight loss?

Maintaining a consistent exercise bike routine may help you lose weight, especially if you follow a nutritious, well-balanced diet and include other types of exercise, including strength training.

According to research from 2019, indoor cycling workouts can help promote weight loss and improve blood pressure, lipid profile, and aerobic capacity (2).

For best results, researchers recommend combining indoor cycling with a well-balanced diet.

What are the benefits of using an exercise bike?

Regular use of an exercise bike offers several benefits that can help enhance your fitness level and overall well-being. Stationary bike workouts may also help:

• reduce body fat
• promote weight loss
• build lower body strength

Additionally, research from 2021 found that stationary cycling may help reduce pain and increase athletic performance in people with knee osteoarthritis (3).

Is it worth it to get an at-home exercise bike?

If you plan to use an exercise bike regularly, it’s probably worth the investment. Buying an exercise bike may be especially worthwhile if you plan to share it with multiple users. You may be more likely to hop on the bike for a workout when it doesn’t involve commuting to the gym.

An exercise bike is also convenient when the weather, traffic conditions, and time of day aren’t ideal for outdoor workouts.

Exercise bike workouts are an excellent way to work toward your fitness goals. Bike workouts help build muscle, increase endurance, and maintain a moderate weight. Plus, they’re easy on your joints.

What’s the difference between an indoor cycling bike and an exercise bike?

Indoor cycling bikes and exercise bikes are stationary indoor bikes with several key differences.

An upright exercise bike has a large, comfortable seat lower to the ground, allowing you to sit upright. Recumbent exercise bikes feature a reclined position. These positions put less stress on your shoulders, back, and joints.

Exercise bikes have resistance options that suit low to moderate intensity workouts and longer endurance rides at a steady pace. They are suitable for most fitness levels.

In terms of positioning, riding a cycling bike is similar to riding an outdoor road bike. Typically, the seat is far back to allow you to lean forward or stand.

Indoor cycling bikes have a heavy flywheel, so you need to use more energy to get it going. They are good options for high intensity and interval workouts.

Is using an exercise bike as good as walking?

Cycling and walking are both beneficial forms of exercise. Riding an exercise bike provides similar advantages to walking, but it affects your joints less.

Compared with walking, biking at a high intensity may build more strength and burn more calories in a shorter amount of time. Since walking is a weight-bearing form of exercise, it may be a better choice if you’re looking to build bone density.

You may find that cycling or walking is more enjoyable or comfortable for you, which can also help inform your decision.

The bottom line

Exercise bikes are a popular piece of equipment in many home gyms.

A wide range of exercise bikes is available, each of which offers a unique set of features.

When searching for a home exercise bike that works for you, be sure to consider the type of bike, price, resistance levels, and whether it has any additional features.