Exercise bikes have remained a popular way to keep fit from the comfort of your own home. Experts say stationary cycling can be a great cardiovascular workout, and with so many virtual fitness classes to choose from, you can even experience the feeling of a group workout without heading to the gym.
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However, many of the more controversial options often come with a hefty price tag. While stationary bikes from more popular brands feature a lot of great functionality, you don’t actually need all the bells and whistles to get a good workout.
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That’s why we’ve rounded up the best-rated budget options that are easier on your wallet, and in some cases, are even space-conscious—which is especially important if your home gym doubles as your office and relaxation area. And if you think you’re missing out on the community aspect that some cycling brands like Peloton and SoulCycle offer with their subscriptions, you can still sign up for those memberships – and catch up with their classes using one of the low-cost stationary bikes below.
Keep scrolling to see all 11 of our budget picks, or use the links below to jump to a specific category.
What are you looking for | How we chose | Exercise Bikes Shopper Loves | Meet our expert
What to look for in a budget exercise bike
Just because it won’t break the bank doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort or quality. So before you cruise through our top picks (pun intended), we asked Reza El Mardy, strength and conditioning coach and owner of The Gym Goat, what to look for in an affordable exercise bike.
- Writes: Start by thinking about the type of exercise bike you are looking for. “Upright bikes keep your body more upright and mimic riding in the real world,” says Elmardi, “but recumbent bikes can be more comfortable because of their back support—just make sure both the seat and handlebars are adjustable,” says Elmardi.
- resistance: Find an exercise bike with multiple resistance levels, which can help you keep your workouts from faltering. “Use a lower resistance level for a spin-type exercise session, or increase the resistance for a more intense workout,” explains the trainer.
- Weight Limit: Although you need an exercise bike with enough weight capacity to support your frame, you also have to keep in mind that heavier bikes tend to come at a higher price, so there’s no need to automatically go for a bike with a weight limit, Elmardi says. He adds, “Choose an exercise bike that’s 25 to 50 pounds heavier than you weigh. This will help ensure that the bike can provide proper support, even during the most rigorous workouts.”
- Display features: Look for an exercise bike with a display that shows speed, distance, time, calories burned and heart rate — if at all possible, says the fitness guru, adding, “Feedback can help keep you motivated and will allow you to set goals for each session and track progress over time.” “
- Void: “No matter how much you love a particular exercise bike, if it doesn’t fit in your space, it won’t work for you,” adds Elmardi. So if you’re tight on space, look for a collapsible model that can be easily put away after each use.
- comfort: As with anything, if it’s not comfortable, you’ll be less likely to want to use it. “If possible, go and sit on an exercise bike at a store and make sure you can adjust it to fit your body. If it’s not available locally, check that both the seat and handlebars are adjustable and read reviews about the type of seat cushioning and how comfortable others have found it,” concludes Al-Mordi. .
How we picked the best budget exercise bikes
We’ve searched high and low for top-rated exercise bikes that are currently under $500 but still offer some of the most desirable features—like multiple resistance levels and a screen to help track your workouts. We aimed to provide a range of options within this price point to ensure there was something to suit everyone’s budget. We’ve also taken Elmardi’s shopping tips into account to narrow our selections even further. Finally, we evaluate customer reviews to ensure they are truly user-approved choices.
The best budget exercise bikes, according to shoppers
Marcy is on an exercise bike
Size: 55.5 x 24.5 x 38 in | Weight Limit: 300 pounds | Resistance type: magnetic | Number of resistance levels: 8
For an effective lower body workout with less strain, a recumbent bike may be for you. It may look like a comfortable piece of cardio equipment, but its composition actually provides a low-impact burn for those dealing with mobility issues or pain, according to Medical News Today.
With nearly 13,600 verified five-star reviews on Amazon and a great price tag to boot, the Marcy exercise bike is a tried-and-true option that will get you moving toward your fitness goals in no time.
Joroto indoor cycling bike
Size: 42.9 x 19.7 x 42.5 in | Weight Limit: 300 pounds | Resistance type: magnetic | Number of resistance levels: Partial adjustable
Do you miss your spinning studio but hate the noise that comes with it? With over 4,200 proven five-star reviews on Amazon, this bike promises a “nearly silent” riding experience with a “rock-solid” frame, low-maintenance belt drive, handlebar adjustments, and caged seat and foot pedals. The magnetic resistance system with seven magnets and the multi-control resistance switch allows you to seamlessly control the intensity of your workout with just the twist of a handle.
Exerpeutic Exerpeutic Folding Desk Exercise Bike
Size: 43 x 25 x 50.5 in | Weight Limit: 400 pounds | Resistance type: magnetic | Number of resistance levels: 24
Put a new spin on working from home — literally. This One Shop TODAY writer declares that this exercise bike and desk hybrid changed her weekly routine for the better, saying, “Sometimes it’s the little things in life that make you happy, and sneaking in a little work while you’re working out means I have more time to relax later.” from today “.
More than 1,400 verified Amazon shoppers agree with this sentiment, rating this option a perfect five stars.
Full review: Find out why our writer says the Exerpeutic Exerwork Bike is the “best thing” she’s ever bought to upgrade her work from home setup.
Xterra Fitness Folding Exercise Bike
Size: 40.5 x 21 x 48 in | Weight Limit: 225 pounds | Resistance type: magnetic | Number of resistance levels: 8
If you are looking for an easy way to get a workout, this bike is an excellent choice. The Simple option features eight resistance levels and a screen that displays speed, distance, calories burned, and heart rate. The padded seat and backrest make riding more comfortable than your regular bike. Plus, it’s great for small spaces because it folds up for easy storage.
Slim Cycle stationary bike
Size: 46 x 20 x 38 in | Weight Limit: 300 pounds | Resistance type: magnetic | Number of resistance levels: 8
Over 11,000 five-star reviews on Amazon can’t be wrong. This bike gives you the option to turn your cycling session into a full body workout, thanks to the resistance bands that are built into it. Switch between the eight resistance levels to adjust the intensity of your workout, and track your metrics on the easy-to-read display. When your workout is complete, simply fold it up and tuck it under your bed or in a closet until you’re ready for another ride.
Folding magnetic exercise bike
Size: 46 x 19 x 36 in. | Weight Limit: 300 pounds | Resistance type: magnetic | Number of resistance levels: 8
This popular option has more than 16,400 five-star reviews on Amazon, so you can be confident you’re making a good investment—even at the budget-friendly price point. It has all the basics you’ll need, including a comfortable seat, eight levels of resistance, a large screen, and heart rate sensors.
Amazon reviewers rave about how small it is and how easy it is to fold and move around the room. One said: “This bike is very well designed. It is definitely portable and foldable, and the wheels on the front base make it easy to maneuver.”
Stationary exercise bike from Sunny Health and Fitness
Size: 49 x 22 x 50.5 in | Weight Limit: 275 pounds | Resistance type: magnetic | Number of resistance levels: Partial adjustable
This bike has a flywheel, so it feels like the ones you’d find in studio bikes. It features adjustable magnetic resistance and a digital display that shows your stats. It’s also a stand for the device, so you can easily follow your workouts from your phone or tablet.
Related review: Read more about How one Shop TODAY writer says the rowing machine from Sunny Health & Fitness “brought a new level of dedication and ease” to her fitness goals.
Yosuda indoor stationary bike
Size: 40 x 22 x 45 inches | Weight Limit: 270 pounds | Resistance type: friction | Number of resistance levels: not available
This bike includes many of the features of popular and more expensive bikes at a fraction of the price. The resistance wheel makes it easy to increase or decrease riding intensity or stop the pedals from spinning. The comfortable cushioning and sturdy frame will ensure you feel comfortable throughout your ride, and the water bottle and device holders allow you to keep all your essentials close at hand.
Cycles exercise bike with tablet holder
Size: 47.24 x 24.21 x 47.24 in | Weight Limit: 330 pounds | Resistance type: friction | Number of resistance levels: Unavailable
This bike is ideal for the whole family and has nearly 5,000 five-star reviews to back that up. The extendable seat and handlebar make it easy for people of different heights — up to 6.5 feet — to find the most comfortable fit for their ride. Plus, it comes with a place to mount your tablet, so you can catch up on your favorite class or show.
ProForm Carbon CX exercise bike
Size: 52.5 x 21.9 x 51 in | Weight Limit: 250 pounds | Resistance type: magnetic | Number of resistance levels: 16
Get world-class training from the comfort of your own home. This flywheel-style bike comes with a 30-day iFIT trial, so you can participate in customized training classes with instructors from around the world. It also comes with 16 digital resistance levels, a large LCD display for tracking miles traveled and calories burned and a set of three-pound dumbbells for total body toning.
Echelon Connect indoor exercise bike
Size: 42 x 20.5 x 45 inches | Weight Limit: 300 pounds | Resistance type: magnetic | Number of resistance levels: 32
While this bike would normally cost over $500, it’s currently just under that at Walmart and Echelon’s website.
For those who are passionate about the Peloton, this bike has a similarly stylish look and a number of adjustable features that will help you get the best possible workout. Designed to be used with the Echelon app – which comes free on a 30-day trial – it features a variety of live and on-demand classes ranging from five to 45 minutes long. So no matter how much time you have, you’ll be able to get a quick, expert-led workout, without even having to step out of the house.
Meet our expert
Reda Al-Mordi He is a strength and conditioning coach, registered dietitian and owner of The Gym Goat, an online platform that produces educational content written by health and fitness experts. He has been featured in publications such as Nike.com, Healthline, Bustle, and HuffPost.