Best Smart Exercise Bikes For Home Gyms (2023) Expert Guide

Christiana Mikesch, CPT
Published by Christiana Mikesch, CPT | Senior Coach
Last updated: February 28, 2024
We personally test every product featured in our reviews and guides. By ordering products anonymously and getting a group of independent testers, we are able to get first-hand experience and provide data-driven recommendations. Learn more.

Whether you’re a technology geek or you just like to have all your workouts registered in a central app to keep track of your progress, there are plenty of reasons to look for smart workout machines.

But just because the advertising says it’s smart doesn’t mean it will integrate with your existing apps the way you expect it to.

As an online health and fitness coach, I spent over a month with my team testing over 40 different smart bike options.

We did multiple full cardio sessions on each one and can now recommend this list of the best exercise bike options with smart features.

The Best Smart Exercise Bikes For Home Gyms

Editor's Choice
Echelon Smart Connect Bike
Echelon
Durability
5.0
Weight
5.0
Price
4.8
Overall Score 4.9
4.9
Check Current Price
2nd Best Choice
Peloton Bike
Peloton
Durability
4.9
Weight
4.8
Price
4.8
Overall Score 4.8
4.8
Check Current Price
3rd Best Choice
Tacx Neo Bike Smart Trainer
Tacx
Durability
4.8
Weight
4.7
Price
4.7
Overall Score 4.7
4.7
Check Current Price

Our Top Smart Bikes (March 2024)

1 - Echelon Smart Connect Bike (Best Overall & Most Durable)Editor's Choice

Echelon Smart Connect Bike
5.0
Durability
5.0
Weight
4.8
Price
Overall Score 4.9
Check Current Price

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Comes with a large HD touch display that you can rotate
  • Highly adjustable seat position to suit your height and posture
  • Durable construction for both the frame and the resistance mechanism
  • Easily switch between 32 different intensity levels for excellent training variety

Cons

  • Only includes 30 days of free Echelon membership trial
  • Type : Magnetic Resistance Smart Bike
  • Size : 21.25"D x 52.36"W x 56.29"H
  • Weight Limit : 300 lbs

Based on all of our testing and research, the best smart exercise bike we would recommend is the Echelon Smart Bike.

First of all, everyone from our team who tried it reported that it feels just like a road bike, with handles similar to what you’d find on a triathlon bike.

With over 30 different intensity settings, you’ll easily be able to adjust your training to achieve more variety and better fitness results, just as claimed in one of the studies found on the National Center for Biotechnology Information website [1].

Quick Facts:

2 - Peloton Bike (Best With LCD)

Peloton Bike
4.9
Durability
4.8
Weight
4.8
Price
Overall Score 4.8
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Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Highly adjustable to your size and preferred cycling posture
  • Great on-screen instructions and data about your fitness progress
  • Excellent library of different cycling workouts to choose from

Cons

  • Peloton membership will cost extra, and there’s no trial included
  • Type : Magnetic Resistance Smart Bike
  • Size : 59"D x 23"W x 53"H
  • Weight Limit : 297 lbs

This is a high-end exercise bike, and most people will at least have heard of Peloton. I know a lot of people who find using the Peloton bike and the video lessons very motivating.

And I have to say that the level of training data you see is excellent.

In our experience, it only takes a minute to adjust the smart bike to your height, but keep in mind that the Peloton subscription will cost extra.

Quick Facts:

3 - Tacx Neo Bike Smart Trainer (Best With Road Feature)

Tacx Neo Bike Smart Trainer
4.8
Durability
4.7
Weight
4.7
Price
Overall Score 4.7
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Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Includes a road feel feature that makes it feel more realistic
  • Comes with built-in fans to help cool you down
  • The wheels on the back legs make it easy to move out of the way

Cons

  • It’s quite a bit noisier than the above options
  • Type : Magnetic Resistance Smart Bike
  • Size : 48”L x 12”W x 32”H
  • Weight Limit : 275 lbs

The Tacx Neo bike stood out because of its cool-looking design and the fact that it has two fans at the front.

These make it feel like you’re on a road bike and provide a nice cooling effect.

What I liked about this smart exercise bike during our testing is that it has a road-feel feature that gives it a much more realistic feeling while pedaling.

Quick Facts:

4 - Concept2 BikeErg 2900 (Most Comfortable)

Concept2 BikeErg 2900
4.7
Durability
4.7
Weight
4.6
Price
Overall Score 4.7
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Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Precise seat and handlebar adjustments provide a comfortable posture
  • Connects to third-party apps like Zwift for training videos
  • The light aluminum frame and wheels at the front make it easy to move around

Cons

  • There’s quite a bit of noise from the air flywheel
  • Type : Air Resistance Smart Bike
  • Size : 24"D x 48"W x 40.5"H
  • Weight Limit : 300 lbs

Next on our list is a smart exercise bike that is very easy to integrate with other smartphone apps and services. It is also ideal as a fitness tracker.

You can collect a lot of training data and share it across your devices.

The indoor bike is also one of the lightest we found, which makes it a lot easier to move into place when you’re training.

Just keep in mind that, according to our testing, there’s a bit more noise from air resistance than from magnetic ones.

Quick Facts:

5 - NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle (Best With Incline)

NordicTrack
4.8
Durability
4.7
Weight
4.4
Price
Overall Score 4.6
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Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Comes with a very large 22-inch display to watch iFit workouts
  • Automatic trainer control adjusts the intensity based on the training class selected
  • Offers 24 intensity settings and incline from -10% to +20%

Cons

  • You only get 20 days of free iFit membership with your purchase
  • Type : Magnetic Resistance Smart Bike
  • Size : 22.01"D x 60"W x 62.99"H
  • Weight Limit : 350 lbs

This is one of the best exercise bikes when it comes to offering a very large display.

At 22 inches, this is probably as large as you’ll ever need in order to watch motivating online training classes.

We noticed during our testing period that it will automatically adjust the intensity for your cycling workouts, and my testing of over ten different classes showed that this feature works very smoothly.

Quick Facts:

6 - Schwinn Fitness Exercise Bike

Schwinn Fitness Exercise Bike
4.6
Durability
4.7
Weight
4.5
Price
Overall Score 4.6
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Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Allows for 100 different intensity settings for even more training flexibility
  • The easy-to-use display can either show landscapes or on-demand workouts
  • Comes with a 1-year membership to JRNY for great fitness classes

Cons

  • It’s a bit bulkier than the above options to factor that into your decision
  • Type : Magnetic Resistance Smart Bike
  • Size : ‎54.6"D x 30.7"W x 51.8"H
  • Weight Limit : 330 lbs

This Schwinn exercise bike is one that I enjoyed a lot because of the precise adjustments you can make.

Based on our tests, not only is it easy to adjust the seat and handle height, but you can make 100 micro-adjustments to the resistance level.

An indoor bike offers the maximum amount of control over intensity levels to make your training even more effective, at least according to one of the studies found on the National Center for Biotechnology Information website [2].

Quick Facts:

7 - RENPHO Auto Resistance Exercise Bike

RENPHO Auto Resistance Exercise Bike
4.6
Durability
4.5
Weight
4.5
Price
Overall Score 4.5
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Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Automatically adjusts resistance settings based on selected training class
  • Provides over 70 different training classes with AI Gym App
  • Integrates with heart rate monitors over Bluetooth for more training data

Cons

  • Not the best option for people over 6’2”
  • Type : Magnetic Resistance Smart Bike
  • Size : 40"D x 20"W x 49"H
  • Weight Limit : 265 lbs

What we all loved about this exercise bike from Renpho is that you get a wide range of training classes that automatically adjust the resistance levels based on input from the app.

Our tests indicate that it’s like doing cycling workouts outdoors, and the transitions feel very smooth.

The only downside we highlighted is that a few of our testing team members were over 6’2”, and they didn’t find it comfortable enough.

Quick Facts:

8 - Echelon Smart Connect Indoor Cycling Bike (Best Compact)

Echelon Smart Connect Indoor Cycling Bike
4.5
Durability
4.6
Weight
4.4
Price
Overall Score 4.5
Check Current Price

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Allows for precision adjustment to the seat height and position
  • The compact design makes it easy to store when not in use
  • Access to live and on-demand training classes to keep you motivated

Cons

  • Only includes 30 days of free Echelon membership
  • Type : Magnetic Resistance Smart Bike
  • Size : 10"D x 20.28"W x 37.8"H
  • Weight Limit : 300 lbs

Here is another one of our best exercise bikes, especially for the level of adjustment in the seat and handlebars.

Our tests indicate that not only can you move the seat up and down, but you can precisely adjust it further back, which is ideal for taller people.

It offers a great indoor cycling experience, and I really enjoyed some of the live workout classes that can help people get more out of indoor bikes.

Quick Facts:

9 - MEKBELT Exercise Bike (Best for Athletes & With Quiet Operation)

MEKBELT Exercise Bike
4.5
Durability
4.7
Weight
4.3
Price
Overall Score 4.5
Check Current Price

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Highly adjustable intensity with 100 resistance levels
  • The resistance mechanism is very quiet and smooth
  • App provides a great level of training data to keep track of progress

Cons

  • Only suitable for people up to 6’2” in height
  • Type : Magnetic Resistance Smart Bike
  • Size : 104"D x 42"W x 102"H
  • Weight Limit : 300 lbs

The Mekbelt indoor exercise bike is another one that stood out for use during testing, as it’s very quiet across the 100 different resistance levels.

That also makes it very smooth to transition across resistance settings.

But I would highlight that, according to our tests, this is one of the indoor bikes that isn’t suitable for people over 6’2”.

Quick Facts:

10 - Women’s Health Men’s Health Bike (Cheapest & Best for Beginners)

Women’s Health Men’s Health Bike
4.4
Durability
4.4
Weight
4.5
Price
Overall Score 4.4
Check Current Price

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Comes with a 1-year subscription to MyFitnessCloud
  • Easy to set up and assemble out of the box
  • Provides a smooth movement with plenty of intensity levels

Cons

  • Seems to get a bit unstable when approaching the weight limit
  • Type : Magnetic Resistance Smart Bike
  • Size : 7.9"D x 42.5"W x 32.7"H
  • Weight Limit : 300 lbs

This is one of the more basic exercise bikes with smart app integration, and the advantage is the price tag.

Based on my experience, you’ll need to attach your own tablet or phone, but you do get a fitness class subscription that lasts a year.

The downside compared to other smart bikes is that when I watched a bodybuilder with 275 pounds weight-testing it, there seemed to be a bit of a wobble.

Quick Facts:

How We Tested These Exercise Bikes

As an online health and fitness trainer, I've guided numerous clients through the process of selecting the right exercise equipment for their home gyms.

When it comes to exercise bikes, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you're getting a machine that meets your fitness needs and lasts for years to come.

Here's how I approached the testing process, incorporating both standard criteria and additional factors based on extensive research.

Durability

I assessed the build quality of each exercise bike, examining the materials used in construction and the sturdiness of the frame. A durable bike should withstand regular use and maintain its integrity over time, so I looked for models with solid warranties and good customer feedback on longevity.

Weight

The weight of the bike can be a double-edged sword; heavier bikes tend to be more stable, but they're also harder to move. I evaluated the bikes for both stability during intense workouts and portability, considering the presence of transport wheels and the overall design.

Price

Price is always a significant consideration. I compared the cost of each bike to its features and durability. The goal was to find bikes that offer the best value for money across various price points, from budget-friendly options to high-end models.

Adjustability

Comfort is key in a workout bike, so I looked at how easily you can adjust the seat, handlebars, and pedals to fit different body types and sizes. This ensures a wide range of users can exercise comfortably and safely.

Resistance Levels

The range of resistance levels is important for progression and versatility in workouts. I tested bikes to see how smoothly they transition between different resistance levels and whether they offer enough range to challenge beginners through advanced users.

Console Features

A good console can enhance the workout experience. I checked for clear displays, user-friendly interfaces, and the availability of built-in workout programs and fitness tracking.

Noise Level

For home use, especially in shared spaces, the noise level of the bike is a crucial factor. I tested bikes for quiet operation to ensure they're apartment-friendly and won't disturb others during use.

Connectivity

With the rise of virtual training sessions, connectivity features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are more important than ever. I examined the ability of bikes to connect to fitness apps and other devices.

Maintenance Requirements

Low-maintenance bikes are preferable for most users. I looked into the upkeep needed for each bike, considering factors like belt drive versus chain drive.

Pedal Design

The design of the pedals affects both comfort and safety. I evaluated the grip, size, and whether they come with adjustable straps or clips to accommodate different footwear and riding styles.

Program Variety

Finally, I considered the variety of built-in programs, if any. Programs can help keep your workouts diverse and challenging, so I looked for bikes that offer a range of pre-set options for different fitness levels and goals.

Buyer's Guide

Best Smart Exercise Bikes For Home Gym Buyer’s Guide

In the best exercise bike with a screen, look for dimensions that fit your workout space and pay attention to the weight limit. You should also consider factors like the number of resistance settings, the screen size, and body position before you jump into a decision.

“Although some forms of exercise may be too rough for patients experiencing low back pain (such as running or even biking on the road), riding a stationary exercise bike allows patients to engage in exercise without jarring the spine.”

- J. Talbot Sellers, DO at spine-health.com

Related Articles:

Size

Measuring tape next to exercise bike

There are two important factors to consider when determining the size of smart bikes.

First of all, you want to take note of the exact dimensions and then measure out the space where you plan to use it.

If you have a dedicated home gym, add a few inches on each side and take a look at where you can best set it up without getting in the way of other equipment.

And if you plan to store it out of the way, then measure your closet or other storage areas to ensure it will fit.

Secondly, the overall size of a bike will also end up being a limiting factor for the height of the person using it.

For most people, this won’t be a problem, but if you’re very tall, then check whether the bike’s size will suit your needs.

Weight Limit

Just as important as the dimensions is the overall weight limit of a bike.

You’ll find high-end exercise bikes in gyms that can carry 500 pounds or more, but most home exercise bikes will be a lot lower.

However, I would still suggest getting something with a weight limit of about 300 pounds, as these products tend to have a much sturdier and more durable frame.

Resistance Settings

Person riding home exercise bike

Some of the best home gym exercise bikes that I have tested over the years generally had more than 30 resistance settings.

The more of these you have available, the more flexibility you have in your training intensity.

But there’s another benefit.

When you have higher resistance levels, the transition from one to the other will be a lot smoother.

And that will give you a much more realistic cycling experience, almost like being on scenic rides outdoors.

“Low-impact cardio is a category of exercise that gets your heart rate up specifically in a joint-friendly way.”

- Jake Harcoff, C.S.C.S., Head Coach At AIM Athletic

Frame Adjustments

At the very least, you should see adjustments for seat and handlebar height on smart bikes.

This is important for you to reach the pedal comfortably and avoid unnecessary strain on your leg joints.

If your legs aren’t aligned properly, then you can trigger some painful joint issues.

On my own bike, I also made sure that I could adjust the seat and handlebars forward and backward.

This allows me to fine-tune my posture while using the indoor trainer.

The more comfortable you feel on your workout equipment, the more likely you will be to use it more regularly. And it also helps to avoid back pain from being awkwardly hunched over.

Body Position

Person on home exercise bike

Typical exercise bikes will aim to get you into a natural cycling position where you are leaning forward.

At the other extreme, you’ll have recumbent bikes where you’re sitting back and your feet are positioned much higher up.

For a true cycling experience, like with an outdoor bike, I would suggest avoiding a bike that takes you out of that natural forward-leaning position.

While these might seem to help people with back issues, they might put you in a less-than-ideal posture for your leg movements.

Basically, the more natural the pedaling feels, the better it will be for your training goals and avoiding injuries.

Screen Size

Some of the best exercise bikes that we tried out for the research in this post had quite a large display.

The largest one we encountered was 22 inches on a NordicTrack model, and there might be people reading this that remember TVs being that size. 

The reason you want to have a large display is to be able to follow along with live and on-demand classes while also seeing your current training data.

When this is cramped into a small display, it becomes difficult to follow along and optimize your training performance.

A large screen will also allow you to play videos of nature scenes that make it feel like you're on scenic rides with an outdoor bike.

Smartphone Integration

Smartphone on exercise bike

Another option to look out for with smart exercise bikes is how they integrate with third-party apps.

We all have our favorite apps, whether it’s MyFitnessPal on Android or the Fitness app on an iPhone.

The more apps you can integrate with, the easier it will be for you to track all your progress in one place.

Some budget smart bikes will also not include a large display but instead allow you to attach your phone or tablet and install an app that connects to the bike.

It’s a great way to get smart features on a budget bike.

Related: Best Fitness Tracker For Cycling

Free Fitness Subscription

One thing you need to factor into the smart bike cost is whether you need to buy a monthly subscription to a workout app. In some cases, you’ll be able to simply use your existing apps.

But there are also indoor trainer options where you really need to sign up for a specific subscription.

And a monthly subscription can quickly add to the cost of keeping your exercise bike working.

What I would like to see is some form of free or discounted subscription. This will allow you to figure out if you like the service before committing to it.

Warranty

Warranty icon

One thing you need to be careful of with smart bikes and other exercise equipment is the details about the warranty.

Some companies will advertise a 3-year warranty, but when you take a closer look, there’s more to it.

Those longer terms often refer to just the frame. You might then get a 12-month warranty for parts and just six months for labor.

So, take a close look at the warranty wording to ensure you don’t get duped.

Price

Some of the best budget exercise bikes we tested would still cost about $400 to $500. But that’s a pretty good deal for smart bikes that offer great technology integration.

But if you want to get something with a built-in display and multiple integrations with fitness subscriptions, then you’ll need to budget considerably more.

What I would say, though, is that increasing your budget in that way can pay off a lot for your fitness progress.

The more training data you collect and the more access you have to live workout classes, the more you’ll enjoy using the bike.

Who Should Buy A Smart Bike For A Home Gym?

Anyone who wants flexibility in cardio training that burns fat faster should consider smart bikes for use at home, as cycling burns belly fat efficiently while providing a low-impact workout.
One of the big advantages is that they offer high-intensity levels while at the same time limiting the impact on joints [3].

Indoor bikes are also ideal for people who have limited space available. I know a lot of people who don't have a designated home gym but are able to exercise with smart bikes they can store out of the way.

Who Shouldn't Buy It?

People who don’t plan to work out multiple times a week and those who want to do a full-body workout shouldn’t buy a smart bike for home use.

Smart bikes are great for highly intense cardio workouts, but they will only work on your lower body muscles.

And you would need to invest in other equipment for off-bike workouts to trigger your upper-body muscles.

Now, that might be an option for someone who wants to set up multiple good-quality machines in a home gym.

But if you only have space for one machine, then remember the limitations most smart bikes have.

FAQs

Can You Use Zwift On A Bike At The Gym?

Yes, you can use Zwift on a bike at the gym. This is especially the case with smart bikes that you can also buy for home use. These often integrate with different services like Zwift, but it’s always best to check the compatibility first.

What Is A Smart Stationary Bike?

A smart stationary bike is a type of exercise and cardio equipment that aims to mimic natural pedaling with the addition of smart features for training. This includes automatically setting different resistance levels based on training classes and the collection of workout data.

What Are the Latest Advancements in Resistance Technology for Exercise Bikes?

Recent advancements in resistance technology for exercise bikes include electromagnetic resistance systems that offer a smoother, quieter, and more precise way to control the difficulty of your workout. These systems often require less maintenance and provide a more realistic cycling experience compared to traditional methods.

How Do Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness Factor Into the Manufacturing of Exercise Bikes?

Sustainable exercise bikes are designed with eco-friendly materials and responsible manufacturing processes that aim to reduce environmental impact. Some brands are committed to sustainability by ensuring their bikes are recyclable, using less plastic, and reducing carbon emissions during production.

How Can Exercise Bikes Integrate With Other Health and Wellness Apps and Devices?

Modern exercise bikes can often connect to various health ecosystems through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allowing users to track their fitness progress on other apps and devices. This integration helps in creating a comprehensive health profile by syncing workout data with other health metrics monitored by different platforms.

What Are the Mental Health Benefits of Using an Exercise Bike Regularly?

Regular use of an exercise bike can significantly improve mental health by releasing endorphins that reduce stress and enhance mood. Additionally, the focus required during cycling can provide a meditative effect, helping to decrease anxiety levels and promote mental clarity.

What Community and Social Features Do Some Exercise Bikes Offer?

Some exercise bikes come with built-in community features that allow users to join live classes, compete in challenges, or connect with friends for shared workouts. These social elements can motivate users by fostering a sense of community and accountability, making the fitness journey more enjoyable and engaging.

Our Verdict on Best Exercise Bikes

The Echelon Smart Connect Bike is the one piece of equipment our team decided was the best one to buy for home use. It has loads of cool features to view training classes and collect loads of training data.

You can save all this to different apps and view your progress over time to properly analyze your improvements.

Our tests indicate that it’s also a bike that won’t take up a huge amount of space. That means you can easily store it in a spare room out of the way when it’s not in use.

Our #1 Recommendation

Echelon Smart Connect Bike (Best Overall & Most Durable)

Echelon Smart Connect Bike
Durability
5.0
Weight
5.0
Price
4.8
Overall Score 4.9
4.9
Pros
  • Comes with a large HD touch display that you can rotate
  • Highly adjustable seat position to suit your height and posture
  • Durable construction for both the frame and the resistance mechanism
  • Easily switch between 32 different intensity levels for excellent training variety
Cons
  • Only includes 30 days of free Echelon membership trial
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About The Author

James Cunningham, BSc, CPT
James Cunningham, BSc, CPT
Staff Writer & Senior Coach
Education: University of Hertfordshire
Lives in: London, England, United Kingdom
Learn more about our editorial policy

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