Best exercise bike 2024 for at-home cardio workouts and spin sessions

The best exercise bike for everything from quick home workouts to serious ride training

best exercise bike: pictured here, a rider using the Garmin Tacx NEO Bike Plus smart indoor bike
(Image credit: Garmin)

The best exercise bikes used to be clunky, basic and (in our opinion) a little boring. Now, they’re sleek, sophisticated and somewhat stylish-looking. It’s a good thing too, as exercise bikes are an excellent way to improve our heart health, lungs and strengthen our lower body muscles (quads, hamstrings and glutes). These are similar benefits that the best treadmills and best rowing machines offer, but the humble exercise bike is a lot more compact and significantly smaller.

Choosing an exercise bike can still be a tricky task though, as these days there’s so many on the market. While testing we paid close attention to each bike's resistance, how comfortable it was, user experience (especially for connected bikes), price and size. However, for those who are particularly tight on space we’d recommend taking a look at the best folding exercise bikes. The main differences between an exercise bike and folding exercise bike is that the latter can fold and won’t come with all the bells and whistles that a regular exercise bike offers.

Below are the exercise bikes that we thought performed the best, followed by our in-depth reviews. Whether you’re looking for something compact, premium or you’re on a bit of a budget, we’ve got an exercise bike below that’ll suit your needs.

Best exercise bikes to buy right now

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Fit young man riding the Peloton Bike+ in aliving roomT3 Awards 2021 winner badge

(Image credit: Peloton)
Best exercise bike overall

Specifications

Max user weight: 297 pounds (135 kg)
Flywheel: 38lbs (18kg)
Display: 23.8" rotating screen (1080p HD)

Reasons to buy

+
Premium experience from start to finish
+
Extraordinarily well made bit of equipment
+
Engaging instructors and great range of classes

Reasons to avoid

-
Display resolution could be higher

There’s a lot to consider when buying a Peloton bike: the initial price, the ongoing subscription costs, if you have space in your home, and so on. However, such concerns will likely melt away as soon as the Peloton Bike+ lands on your doorstep (and is subsequently carried over the threshold by the delivery guys, of course). Even we, who only had the bike on loan, were blown away by how good it felt to have the Bike+ in our homes. 

Thanks to its robust construction, beautiful design with attention to detail, ease of use and comfort, we dare anyone not to become instantly obsessed with the Peloton Bike+. The premium experience it delivers is magical, and as a result, we’ve used it almost daily over the past few months. We can’t get enough.

Read our full Peloton Bike+ review.

Schwinn 800IC in a busy and small living roomT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Future)
Best Peloton alternative exercise bike

Specifications

Max user weight: 150 kg / 330 lbs
Flywheel: 38lbs (18kg)
Display: Full Colour Backlit LCD

Reasons to buy

+
Tank-like build
+
Smooth pedal stroke
+
Resistance levels mimic Peloton Bike

Reasons to avoid

-
Basic onboard computer
-
Provided pedals are not great

For the price, the Schwinn IC8 is a stationary bike option not to be ignored. We loved the solid construction and the bike's weight – we felt it would last many years of sweaty abuse. As a connected fitness tool, the Schwinn IC8 falls some way behind the Peloton Bike listed above, which is not only more technologically advanced (you get a massive screen) but is also an ergonomically excellent piece of design.

The Schwinn IC8 is an excellent Peloton alternative (rather than a hardcore road cycling training tool). If Schwinn can iron out its massively inflated power/output stats to appease the Zwift/TrainerRoad users, it will be a mighty fine all-rounder worthy of five stars.

Read our full Schwinn IC8 review.

The Domyos Basic Exercise Bike 100 on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Domyos)

3. Domyos Basic Exercise Bike 100

Best cheap exercise bike

Specifications

Max user weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)
Flywheel: 26.4 lbs (12 kg)
Display : N/A

Reasons to buy

+
Great value for money
+
Adjustable seatpost/handlebar height
+
Decent size flywheel

Reasons to avoid

-
The quality of each individual unit can be a bit hit-and-miss

What can we say? The Domyos Basic Exercise Bike 100 is the ideal choice for people who want to get fit with indoor cycling but aren't planning on spending loads of money on a Wattbike. And although the Wattbike is worth every penny, if you just want to pedal around at home a few times a week, the Domyos Basic Exercise Bike 100 will do just fine. 

This indoor cycle is designed for occasional to regular use: the Bike 100 has been tested for average use of five hours a week, which is fair play as you really shouldn't expect a stationary bike for this price to withstand hours of gruelling spinning workouts every day.

That said, the Bike 100 is a reasonably stable bike thanks to its steel frame and stabilising pads for uneven floors. The 12 kg flywheel is plenty heavy enough for lighter workouts, and the leather brake pad will ensure that the flywheel won't make screeching noises when it's being stopped. The seat is adjustable in height and depth, and the handlebar is also height adjustable.

JTX Cyclo Studio Bike on white backgroundT3 Award

(Image credit: JTX Fitness)

4. JTX Cyclo Studio Bike

Gym cheap studio bike

Specifications

Max user weight: 297 lbs (135 kg)
Flywheel: 55 lbs (25 kg)
Display: Basic LCD screen

Reasons to buy

+
Studio-style bike for under a grand
+
Heavy flywheel
+
3-year home warranty
+
Transport wheels

Reasons to avoid

-
Doesn't come with a display

Enjoying virtual spin classes at home has never been so popular as it is now. Many people don't know that you don't necessarily have to buy a Peloton/Echelon bike to enjoy virtual classes. Instead of investing thousands of pounds/dollars into the latest-and-greatest spin bikes, you can get JTX Cyclo Studio Bike and recreate an almost identical experience for way less.

The JTX Cyclo Studio Bike has a hefty 25-kilo flywheel and an 'infinity' resistance dial, similar to those found on bikes manufactured by the brands mentioned above. To make suffering on the bike more comfortable, both the handlebar and the seat adjust vertically and horizontally using the quick-release handles. The JTX Cyclo Studio features the JTX SPD Clip-In Pedals, which can be used with – you guessed it – SPD shoes or, by flipping it over, regular trainers.

Wattbike Atom 2020 on white backgroundT3 Award

(Image credit: Wattbike)
Best indoor bike for cyclists

Specifications

Max user weight: 297 lbs (135 kg)
Flywheel: 20 lbs (9 kg)
Display: N/A

Reasons to buy

+
Feels so realistic
+
Great virtual training buddy
+
Compatible with numerous sensors
+
Relatively affordable

Reasons to avoid

-
For some, it will just be too hardcore 

The Wattbike Atom is a rather more serious bit of kit; the Terminator of the spin bike world. Wattbike has long been the master of creating professional-grade indoor cycling equipment that offers more feedback than a heavy metal concert in a wardrobe, but now it has turned its attention to the private home market.

The Atom's lightweight steel construction makes it easy to move around, while the compact frame ensures it doesn't take up too much space at home. It still feels more like a real, high-performance road bike than most of its rivals. It's got a thin, lightweight racing saddle, authentic drop bars with rubber gear cowling and 'out-front' time trial bar extensions. 

The realism doesn't stop there because when plugged in and synced up to a smart device, it shows off its fancy, innovative Climb Mode, which automatically adjusts resistance when connected to virtual training software. So when you hit a hill during a Zwift session, the resistance ramps up to match. Wattbike's own detailed app measures 37 different riding metrics, which can be displayed on a smartphone or tablet (there's a neat holder for that) while training.


Read our full Wattbike Atom review.

Wahoo Kickr Bike V1 review

(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
The all-in-one option for cyclists who need a performant indoor trainer

Specifications

Max user weight : 200 lbs (136 kg)
Flywheel: 28.6 lbs (13 kg)
Display: N/A

Reasons to buy

+
Greater bike-like realism than the competition
+
Built-in hydraulic simulated grade auto-adjustment
+
Hugely configurable (multiple gearset standards offered)
+
Easily adjustable (five points of size configuration, five crank lengths)

Reasons to avoid

-
Bluetooth lag (in Zwift, anyway)
-
Non-standard seatpost diameter is annoying
-
No built-in fans/accessories/smartphone holder
-
Bottle holder & gear display positions too low

The Wahoo Kickr Bike (V1) review is a superb dedicated indoor cycling trainer; however, it's not quite perfect. It might read like it should be, as we'd assumed it to be way better than the Garmin Tacx Neo Bike, by comparison, thanks to Wahoo's rise/fall hydraulic system, but in reality, we've missed the built-in fan cooling and phone holder of the Tacx setup. Latency, too, is a bother – but that Kickr Bike V2 ought to fix that issue if you can afford the extra (I've not tested it, as I don't have one to compare). 

We haven't missed the Tacx's restrictive gearsets or poor shifter positions, though, which is where the Kickr Bike really comes into its own: in feeling closer to a road bike proper than the competition. The lack of side-to-side movement means it's not wholly realistic, of course, but it's a step above its peers – and that's massively appealing. Overall, as dedicated indoor trainers go, the Wahoo Kickr Bike (V1) makes for a sensational ride. 

Read our full Wahoo Kickr Bike (V1) review.

The Echelon Connect EX-3 is an affordable Peloton-rival that packs a punchT3 Award

(Image credit: Echelon)
Best cheap Peloton alternative bike

Specifications

Max user weight : 200 lbs (136 kg)
Flywheel: 28.6 lbs (13 kg)
Display: N/A

Reasons to buy

+
Decent-sized flywheel
+
Lighter than Peloton bike
+
Loads of spin classes available in the app (both live and on-demand)

Reasons to avoid

-
Comes without a tablet/screen

The Echelon Connect EX-3 is a decent indoor bike, and it offers a wide variety of on-demand and live spin classes. The magnetic resistance provides a near-silent riding experience, and thanks to the customisation options, most people will find a way to sit on the Echelon Connect EX-3 however they want.

Unfortunately, the bike doesn't come with a built-in screen that chips away from an otherwise superb indoor cycling experience. A class viewed on a comparatively small, 10" tablet will not be the same as it is on a 22" Peloton bike screen. You can use your Echelon Fit web login on any smart TV and watch Echelon classes on a big screen.

Considering the sturdiness of the Echelon Connect EX-3, the available classes and the affordable price point, I would recommend the bike to people who are happy to use their own gadgets to view the Echelon App. As they say, a penny saved is a penny earned, and you will be able to save a pretty penny by getting the Echelon Connect EX-3 bike.

Read our full Echelon Connect EX-3 review.

Carol Bike on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Carol)

8. CAROL Bike

A very well built bike with some unique training modes

Specifications

Max user weight: 286 lbs (130 kg)
Flywheel: 31 lb (14 kg)
Display: Touchscreen console

Reasons to buy

+
Very well built
+
Interesting ultra-short programme

Reasons to avoid

-
Pretty damn hardcore
-
Short workouts might be too intense for less diehard riders

Rather than going down the currently fashionable route of virtual spin classes, CAROL has a very different ace up its sleeve. It promises to get you fit in just 26 minutes per week via a programme that pushes the intensity levels up to the absolute maximum. You exercise for 8 minutes per session, of which the vast. The majority is gently warming up and rather exhaustedly warming down. In between are two sprints of 20 seconds each.

This may not sound like much, but as soon as you start to sprint, CAROL pushes the resistance up to what it calculates is the absolute maximum that you can stand. Believe me: those 40 seconds hurt. However, a lot of research suggests very good cardiovascular health results from this brutal workout.

You can also do more standard, longer workouts on CAROL, but it's this super-intense HIIT workout that you're paying for, and CAROL is not cheap. There are 'free ride' workouts, more traditional HIIT-style fat burners and some useful fitness tests to map your progress. The free ride mode can also be used in conjunction with guided cycle workouts from the likes of Apple Fitness+ and Peloton if you have the relevant subscriptions. It's a very impressive bit of kit, although, by definition, not for everyone.

Read more about the CAROL Bike in our hands-on review.

The Apex Bike is the UK’s answer to PelotonT3 Award

(Image credit: Apex Bike)
Best indoor bike for beginners

Specifications

Max user weight: 264 lbs (120 kg)
Flywheel: 8.8 lbs (4 kg)
Display: N/A

Reasons to buy

+
Modern and stylish design
+
Well made and easy to set up
+
Great range of classes and cool instructors

Reasons to avoid

-
Handlebars are a little wobbly
-
Weights are an additional cost
-
Only works with iOS devices

With a stylish design and good, solid construction, the Apex Bike is a brilliant bit of kit for the price, complemented by some excellent virtual classes and top-notch instructors." It’s not perfect by any means, but if you’re thinking about buying a Peloton but don’t want to remortgage the house, we’re confident the Apex Bike will be a more than worthy alternative.

Read our full Apex Bike review.

Tacx Neo Smart Bike Plus review

(Image credit: Charlie Allenby)
Third best indoor bike for hardcore cyclists (after Wattbike and Wahoo Kickr Bike)

Specifications

Max user weight: No information available
Flywheel: Virtual
Display: N/A

Reasons to buy

+
Accurate and impressive indoor cycling tool
+
Fans help to keep you cool while working out
+
Geometry can be tweaked easily for multiple riders

Reasons to avoid

-
Eye-watering cost
-
Competitor bikes provide a better experience for the same price

The Tacx Neo Smart Bike Plus is a minor improvement on what went before. The upgraded handlebars and shifters combined with its drivetrain imitator mean it has the ride feel of an actual bike from front to back. But its eye-watering price and the missing of some features found on its closest rival mean it’s likely to remain in the shadows of the Wahoo Kickr Bike V2. For the same reason, it wouldn’t be worth upgrading if you already own the Tacx Neo Smart Bike.

Read our full Tacx Neo Smart Bike Plus review.

How to buy the best exercise bike for you

The first thing to know about home exercise bikes is that the cheaper ones are not all that much like riding a real bike. High-end smart indoor trainers like the Wattbike Atom and Proform TdF Pro 5.0 Studio are the exception, not the rule. You may want to consider a smart (turbo) trainer if you require a more 'realistic' experience without spending a pretty penny on a high-spec smart bike. 

Most modern exercise bikes use a brake-based system that sees a heavy metal flywheel turned by the pedals and chain rather than a rear wheel. Resistance is added in cheaper models by breaking this flywheel as you would on a moving vehicle. However, in recent years indoor and spin bikes have arrived that use powerful magnets to act as a brake. This does away with the need to apply physical force to the flywheel, preventing wear and tear. It also offers a more natural, realistic feel

As well as considering the cost of the bike, the main decision you will need to make is riding position, be it recumbent (more joint-friendly) or varying levels of upright. The former is great for anyone with back problems who perhaps don't want to be hunched over like Bradley Wiggins attacking a time trial, while the latter does its best to replicate a real outdoor cycling experience. 

These things do command a decent amount of space at home. But even if you haven't a clue what cadence means, nor care for Lycra-clad jaunts at the weekend, one of these pedal-powered beauties could be the difference between you smashing your fitness goals or slowing sliding into couch potato land.

For those who can't make up their minds whether to get a stationary bike or a treadmill next, we compared these cardio machines here: treadmill vs exercise bike.

How we test the best exercise bikes

You might think it's not that difficult to test exercise bikes; all you have to do is jump on the saddle and pedal away.

However, when we test indoor bikes, we must test all the features the machine has and that includes meticulously going through all the programs and settings, checking different customisation options, build quality, the mechanical and digital components and more.

There are even more things to observe with bikes like the Peloton Bike+, such as the display, the library of live and on-demand classes, etc. We test these all, so we know which ones are worth the money and which aren't.

To learn more about how we test at T3, click on the link now.

What is the best exercise bike?

This partly comes down to personal preference, but we think the best exercise bike at the moment is the Peloton Bike+. It has an ever-expanding workout library, a fabulous design and premium construction. 

However, we know the Peloton Bike doesn’t come cheap, so if you're on a tight budget, you're better off getting the Schwinn IC8 or its updated version, the Schwinn 800IC. The bike is manufactured by Bowflex's sister company, Schwinn, and it's robust, quiet, and a lot more affordable than the Peloton Bike. 

Is an exercise bike good for weight loss?

Despite being a low-impact aerobic activity, an exercise bike can be very good for weight loss. In fact, according to Healthline it’s one of the best cardio exercises that can help you lose weight. It's also a better option for those struggling with obesity as it puts less pressure on the joints than running, especially outdoors. 

Technogym advises doing three 30 minute workouts a week on your bike to get your body used to cardio workouts first. Then, after a month, you can try increasing the workout time to up the intensity. If, however, you are short on time, your best option is doing some interval training instead, as this can help burn lots of calories in a short period of time. An example of this would be cycling really hard for 30 seconds, followed by a minute of steady cycling to bring your heart rate back down and repeating this 10 times.

However, when it comes to weight loss, it’s hard to rely on exercise alone and you’ll need to look at your diet. To lose weight, you’ll need to consume fewer calories than you burn in a day.

How many calories can you burn on an exercise bike?

According to Heathline you can burn more than 600 calories an hour on an exercise bike, depending on the intensity of your workout. It’s one of the best cardio exercises that can help you burn the most calories which, in turn, will help you lose weight. 

Which exercise bike is best for workout?

The best exercise bikes for home workouts are studio-style indoor bikes, the ones that grant you access to live and on-demand classes and enable you to pedal hard and with varying intensity for long periods of time. Peloton spins to mind (pun very much intended) as a great example, but certain bikes from Echelon and NordicTrack can also provide a superb home workout experience. For pro-league cycling home workouts, try the Wattbike Atom or the Wahoo Kickr Bike instead.

Matt Kollat
Section Editor | Active

Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator who works for T3.com and its magazine counterpart as an Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019. His byline appears in several publications, including Techradar and Fit&Well, and more. Matt also collaborated with other content creators (e.g. Garage Gym Reviews) and judged many awards, such as the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance's ESSNawards. When he isn't working out, running or cycling, you'll find him roaming the countryside and trying out new podcasting and content creation equipment.

With contributions from