Get your cardio in at home with the best exercise bike

Ever since the pandemic in 2020 and now people who want the convenience of home workouts, there has been a rise in the demand for home exercise bikes. 

Home stationary bikes let you engage in cardiovascular workouts, improve endurance and build strength—all from the convenience of your own living space. You can also jump on one any time without having to sign up for a class, not to mention you don’t need to worry about feeling self-conscious or intimidated when in a studio class.

From affordable options to high-tech, feature-rich models, there is a wide variety of exercise bikes on the market to suit your needs and preferences. 

Browse the best exercise bikes here, ranging from traditional upright bikes to high-intensity indoor cycling bikes to hit your fitness goals.

Read more: Shop the best cycling shoes 

Best overall

Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike

You save $300 (25.02%)

$899$1,199

$899 at Amazon

Specifications:

Weight: 112 lbs.

Power source: Corded electric

Resistance mechanism: Magnetic

Pros & Cons

• Free two months JRNY membership

• Works with Zwift and Peleton apps 

• Dual side pedals

• Easy assembly

• May not be suitable for people above 6 feet 2

• Some find the seat uncomfortable

The Schwinn IC4 indoor cycling bike is a great choice in terms of its durability and features. It has a smooth and quiet magnetic resistance system, which allows you to adjust the resistance level easily with the turn of a knob. With 100 levels of resistance, there are a wide range of intensity options, suitable for users of all fitness levels. 

Another standout feature is its Bluetooth connectivity, which enables seamless integration with popular fitness apps like Zwift and Peloton. You can track your workouts, participate in virtual cycling classes and access a vast library of training programs,

On top of that, the IC4 features a fully adjustable seat and handlebars and dual water bottle holders, which is why it’s one of the best exercise bikes all around.

Great for classes

Bowflex VeloCore 22 IC Bike

$1,649.97

$1,649.97 at Amazon

Specifications:

Weight: 158 lbs.

Power source: Corded electric

Resistance mechanism: Magnetic 

Pros & Cons

• Easy to assemble

• Tons of features

• Has streaming apps in-built

• Two months free JRNY membership access 

• Has Bluetooth connectivity 

• Some customers experience defective screen

• Seat may not be very comfortable for some

If you’re someone who prefers to work out to classes, the Bowflex Velocore 22 IC bike is built just for that. It has an integrated touchscreen console, which gives you access to a wide range of interactive workouts, training programs and entertainment options. 

If you want to watch something while getting your heart rate up, you’ll be happy to know that this bike has built-in streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. 

Want a more intense workout? One of its standout features is its unique leaning mode, which you can use to tilt and lean the bike from side to side, simulating the sensation of outdoor cycling and engaging your core muscles for a more dynamic and engaging workout experience.

Additional features include an adjustable seat and handlebars for a comfortable riding position, a magnetic resistance system for smooth and quiet operation and 100 levels of resistance to challenge riders at every level. 

Best recumbent exercise bike

Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike

You save $200 (20.02%)

$799$999

$799 at Amazon

Specifications:

Weight: 110 lbs.

Power source: Corded electric

Resistance mechanism: Magnetic 

Pros & Cons

• Low impact workout on joints

• Smooth and quiet ride

• Lots of virtual courses to choose from

• Comfortable, padded seat

• Suits older people and those recovering from injury

• Not for those who want high intensity workouts

A recumbent bike like this Schwinn 290 will suit older folk and those recovering from injury. It has a comfortable and accessible seating position with a supportive backrest and adjustable seat and it minimizes strain on the lower back and reduces the risk of discomfort or injury during exercise. 

You’ll get a low-impact cardiovascular workout with its smooth and fluid pedaling motion that’s gentle on the knees, hips, and ankles. 

Additionally, the bike's step-through frame design makes it easy to get on and off, further enhancing accessibility if you have limited mobility.

With 25 levels of resistance and 29 preset workout programs, you can easily adjust the intensity of your workouts and tailor your exercise routines to target specific muscle groups or fitness objectives. There’s also a built-in heart rate monitor and compatibility with wireless chest straps for heart rate tracking.

Splurge-worthy bike

Peloton Bike+

You save $395 (15.83%)

$2,100$2,495

$2,100 at Amazon

Specifications:

Weight: 140 lbs.

Power source: Corded electric

Resistance mechanism: Magnetic 

Pros & Cons

• Rotating screen

• Huge variety of classes to choose from

• Compact enough for smaller spaces

• Membership to access classes has to be purchased

• High price point

The Peloton Bike+ is renowned for its cutting-edge features and immersive workout experience. You get a large 23.8-inch HD touchscreen display, which provides crystal-clear visuals and seamless navigation through Peloton's extensive library of live and on-demand cycling classes. 

The screen rotates so you can easily transition between on-bike workouts and off-bike exercises, such as yoga, strength training and meditation, all from the comfort of your own home. There’s also an integrated sound system that delivers crisp, high-fidelity audio.

If you like viewing workout stats, you’re in luck because this bike also boasts advanced performance metrics and tracking features to help you monitor your progress and achieve your fitness goals. 

With automatic resistance adjustments, the bike responds dynamically to instructor cues during classes. A built-in power meter accurately measures output, so you can track your performance metrics such as cadence, output and resistance level in real time. 

Highly rated bike

Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle Bundle

$1,999.99

$1999.99 at Amazon

Specifications:

Weight: 92 lbs.

Power source: N/A

Resistance mechanism: Magnetic

Pros & Cons

• Comes with bundle (media tray, stretch pads, floor mat)

• Durable

• No maintenance required 

• Pedals can be used with SPD cleats or regular shoes

• Requires reading and set up before assembly

• Tracking app may be too basic for some

Want a bike that’s sturdy and no-frills? The Keiser M3i may be the best exercise bike for you. It comes with an innovative magnetic resistance system, which provides a smooth and whisper-quiet ride with no maintenance required.

The bike's flywheel design offers a realistic road-like feel, providing a dynamic and immersive cycling experience.

Another standout feature of the Keiser M3i is its Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with a wide range of fitness apps and devices. With the Keiser M Series app, you can track your workouts, monitor performance metrics and participate in virtual cycling classes. You can even link compatible heart rate monitors and fitness tracking devices.

Best affordable bike

Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Stationary Cycling Exercise Bike

$434.09

$434.09 at Amazon

Specifications:

Weight: 140 lbs.

Power source: Corded electric

Resistance mechanism: Magnetic 

Pros & Cons

• Easy assembly

• Great for entry level cycling

• Affordable price

• More add-ons needed if you want bike to be comfortable

• May not be comfortable for people 5 feet and under

This stationary bike is one of the most durable and affordable ones if you’re just starting in fitness or want a bike that will last a few years. 

With a sturdy steel frame and a heavy-duty flywheel, it provides a stable and smooth riding experience. Its adjustable resistance system means you can easily increase or decrease the intensity of your workouts and the seat and handlebars are fully adjustable.

Not convinced? Users have rated this 4.4 stars out of over 6,378 reviews and say that the bike is great value and does the job of giving them a good cardio workout.

Best bike for apps

NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle Touchscreen for Interactive Studio & Global Workouts

$1,799.95

$1,799.95 at Amazon

$1,799 at NordicTrack

Specifications:

Weight: 196.2 lbs.

Power source: N/A

Resistance mechanism: Magnetic 

Pros & Cons

• Controllable inclines

• Smooth ride

• Lots of features

• Swivel touchscreen

• Bluetooth connectivity

• Seat may not be comfortable for some

• No leaderboard

• Some customers report connectivity issues after several months

The NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle exercise bike stands out for its impressive array of features designed to enhance the indoor cycling experience. You get an immersive 22-inch HD touchscreen display, which provides access to a vast library of interactive studio and global workouts. 

Every purchase of the bike includes an iFit Coach membership where you can choose from a diverse range of cycling classes led by world-class instructors in stunning locations around the globe. 

Apart from the visual experience, there are advanced performance tracking and training features and automatic incline and decline adjustments to simulate the feel of outdoor terrain. If you’re serious about indoor cycling and enjoy using apps and trackers, this could be one of the best exercise bikes for you.

Best budget

YOSUDA YB001R Magnetic Exercise Bike

You save $160 (36.36%)

$279.99$439.99

$279.99 at Yosuda Bikes

Specifications:

Weight: 68 lbs.

Power source: N/A

Resistance mechanism: Magnetic 

Pros & Cons

• Easy to assemble

• Quiet and smooth ride

• Very affordable price

• No option for cleats

• Basic tracking may not be enough for some

Not everyone wants to splurge on an exercise bike. If you are one of those people who want a good workout on a reliable bike that doesn’t cost an arm and leg, consider this YOSUDA YB001R Magnetic Exercise Bike.

It has a magnetic resistance system for a smooth and quiet ride every time, eight levels of adjustable resistance for customizing your workouts and a belt-driven mechanism for a smooth and consistent pedaling motion.

For comfort and support, it has a large, cushioned seat and an adjustable seat and handlebars so you can adjust it to your liking. And of course, if you want to track your exercise metrics, its built-in LCD monitor displays essential workout metrics such as time, speed, distance, calories burned, and heart rate.

We think this is one of the best exercise bikes if you’re on a budget because it is sturdy, long-lasting and has decent features.

Is using an exercise bike better than walking?

It depends on your goals, preferences and physical condition. Both activities offer numerous health benefits.

Cycling on an exercise bike at a moderate to high intensity can often result in a higher calorie burn compared to walking at a brisk pace within a similar time frame. 

While both activities engage lower body muscles, cycling on an exercise bike targets additional muscles such as the hip flexors and lower back, depending on the riding position and intensity. However, walking is a weight-bearing activity that engages more muscles throughout the body, including the upper body and core, to maintain balance and stability.

Walking is a weight-bearing exercise that can put stress on the joints, particularly the knees, hips and ankles. If you have joint issues or injuries, cycling on an exercise bike may be gentler on the joints and provide a lower-impact alternative to walking.

How long should I use an exercise bike for?

Most adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as cycling, per week, according to recommendations from the American Heart Association.

For beginners or those new to exercise, starting with shorter sessions, such as 15-30 minutes per day, and gradually increasing the duration and intensity over time can be a safe and effective approach. As your fitness improves, you may choose to extend your workout sessions to 45-60 minutes or more, depending on your goals and preferences.

Which exercise bike do we recommend?

If you’re looking to start on your fitness journey with indoor cycle sessions or want to upgrade a current exercise bicycle you have, look no further. We’ve narrowed it down to three of the best exercise bikes from our list.

One of our top picks for the best exercise bikes is the Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike for the number of features it has and its trusted brand name in spin bikes.

Another great choice is the Keiser M3i. With the bundle it comes in, it makes for an affordable pick, it’s quiet, durable and has Bluetooth connectivity. 

Finally, the YOSUDA YB001R Magnetic Exercise Bike offers so much more than its price, and it’s ideal if you’re on a budget. You can track your workout on its LCD screen and rest your phone or tablet on the built-in stand to stream a class or watch a movie while you ride. 

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Prices updated on 03/36/2024. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.