10 best exercise bikes to transform your fitness at home, tested

Getting out and about on a bike is fantastic in theory; feeling the wind rushing through your hair as you free wheel through picturesque countryside – there’s nothing quite like it. But if the unpredictable British weather, a jam-packed schedule or family commitments are stopping you from heading outdoors and working on your fitness, a stationary exercise bike is an extremely convenient option.

The best exercise bikes are packed with features to help you get an effective workout from the comfort on your own home, including adjustable resistance, HD screens and virtual cycling trips in exciting locations around the globe. Many also give you the ability to stream live classes led by expert instructors – providing a challenge for beginners and seasoned riders alike.

Now, the only question remains: which exercise bike should you buy? Don’t fear, the Good Housekeeping Institute‘s resident fitness pros have done the hard work for you.

What is the best exercise bike for 2026?

Here are our top picks at a glance, with in-depth reviews below.

How we test exercise bikes

To find the exercise bikes that are genuinely worth your money, our Good Housekeeping Institute fitness pros put a range of designs from leading brands to the test in our lab gym.

Each bike was assembled and used for a variety of sessions, allowing our experts to assess its performance over time. Experts paid close attention to how stable it felt during use, even at higher speeds and resistance levels. They also evaluated the smoothness of the ride, how seamless resistance transitions were and how quiet each model was to use – an important consideration if you share your living space with others.

They also explored the full range of settings and programmes, noting how easy it was to adjust the seat and handlebars for different heights, as well as change resistance mid-workout and navigate the display. Comfort was another priority, including saddle design, handlebar grip and overall riding position.

Our experts looked at the instructions too, with points awarded for simple, easy to understand guides. Overall scores were then calculated taking everything into account, and only the bikes that really impressed made our final list.

Peloton Bike +

Score: 97/100

The Peloton Bike + launched in September 2020 and has had several updates since – including a built-in fan to keep you cool during those sweaty workouts, a bigger rotating screen and integrated AI via Peloton IQ. The result? A powerful bike that’s easy to use and offers a premium workout experience.

Our expert found the touchscreen intuitive, and you can join classes live or search through thousands of on-demand sessions, as well as filtering by your favourite instructors. The addition of the 360-degree swivel screen also makes it easier to do classes off the bike, like yoga or strength workouts, while the new Peloton IQ integration offers real-time form feedback and rep tracking for certain classes.

The handlebars and seat were easy to adjust, and the bike stayed stable throughout testing, even during more intense classes. You’ll need a large dedicated space to house the bike, but there was very little noise from the flywheel and pedals, so hopefully you won’t annoy the neighbours. The cushioned saddle is comfortable for longer sessions, although clipping in the cleats does take some practice.

While the Bike+ is an expensive option, especially once the monthly subscription is factored in, it only dropped three marks in testing. Its extensive library of classes, smooth ride and new AI additions make it a great investment for anyone who wants to workout at home.

Echelon Smart Connect Bike EX-5S

Score: 87/100

The EX5-S put in a seriously impressive performance on test. It ran smoothly and made next to no noise when we pushed our pedals to the max. Our feet slotted easily into the pedals and the handlebars are made of premium material that didn’t get too sweaty.

There are a huge variety of workouts available on the app, displayed on a flippable 21.5-inch screen, and our testers were easily able to find sessions suited to their fitness and experience levels. Coaches provide short introductions to each class so you always know what to expect and they’re good at advising users on which speed and resistance are best to use, so you get a good workout without pushing yourself too hard.

Instructor-led stretches at the end of each session also helped keep aches and pains at bay the next day (something we definitely appreciated).

Some found it hard to find the right resistance using the controls (a knob on the frame of the bike) and it sometimes took a while for the bike to register the change. The bike also wobbled slightly when we hit higher speeds and the screen was hard to reach while sitting on the seat.

However, the smooth ride, extensive class offering and ease of use were more than enough to earn the Echelon a top score overall.

JTX Studio Pro Interactive Gym Bike

Score: 85/100

If you don’t want to spend over the odds on your new at-home fitness companion, consider this reliable JTX design, which comes in at under £800. It lacks a HD touchscreen or dedicated app like the Echelon, but it does have a tablet holder so you can connect to popular training apps such as Zwift or Kinomap for a more interactive experience. Alternatively, you could just stream Netflix as you peddle…

Our expert was impressed with the V5’s well-thought-out design – it proved extremely sturdy, with no wobbling at higher speeds, and the magnetic resistance was almost silent and easy to adjust during use. It was also a doddle to adjust the seat height and handlebars to ensure the correct positioning.

Other stand-out features? A computer console that clearly displays all your key data, including time, distance, watts, pulse and calories burned, a dual bottle holder, and transport wheels, so you can easily move it around the house or store it away when not in use. All in all, it packs a lot in for the price.

JTX Ignite AirX Rider Fan Bike

Score: 83/100

This shiny new bike from JTX, which combines air resistance with a freewheel system, is a good pick if you’re after a realistic road cycling experience. Unlike most exercise bikes, this one allows you to coast when you stop pedalling. Our expert was a big fan of this feature, saying the ride was extremely smooth and they genuinely felt like they were cycling in the great outdoors.

The self-powered design is suitable for a wide range of training styles and fitness levels. Using air resistance, the fan responds directly to your effort – the harder you pedal, the more resistance you feel. This lets you train entirely at your own pace, whether you’re easy into a gentle recovery ride or pushing hard through intense interval sessions. You can adjust the drag factor for a heavier, more powerful session, but our expert said the first level was challenging enough for them.

Once built, the bike is easy to adjust for comfort and the best posture. Plus, the pedals boast simple grips rather than fiddly cages or toe clips, allowing you to get your feet in and out much faster – ideal for HIIT and CrossFit workouts which require speedy transitions. There’s also a simple console that shows your progress and connects to popular training apps.

Echelon Sport-s 2 Smart Connect Bike

Score: 83/100

If you want an Echelon but the EX-5S above is a bit pricey, look to the Sport-s 2, which is over £200 cheaper. It has a lighter flywheel (7kg vs 13kg) and there’s no dumbbell holder, but you still get a rotating 10-inch screen, 32 resistance levels, a water bottle holder and access to on-demand classes via the accompanying app.

Adjusting the seat and handlebars was quick and easy, and the magnetic flywheel proved extremely quiet and relatively smooth. Changing the resistance was also a faff-free process thanks to the well-placed resistance knob. Our bums felt a smidge sore after lengthy sessions, but this wasn’t too distracting.

As with the EX-5s, you can access the abundance of workout options on the Echelon Fit app, with live daily classes and scenic routes to keep your sessions interesting. You can keep track of your progress (cadence, output and heart rate) while you peddle, or choose to hide your stats if you prefer.

The design is compact, and the wheeled base means you can easily store it away when not in use. Overall, this is an excellent all-rounder at a decent mid-range price.

JTX Racer-M Connect + Bike

Score: 83/100

This is a spin-style indoor bike, making it a good pick if you’re a fan of spin classes and want to replicate studio cycling sessions from the comfort of your home.

The flywheel is whisper-quiet and there are a good range of resistance levels to suit both beginners and pro riders – you simply adjust it using a conveniently positioned lever, which doubles up as an emergency stop for added safety. Our tester found this more responsive than a traditional knob.

The padded seat and adjustable handlebars make ensure a comfy riding experience and there’s a neat computer console for tracking your key stats, including speed, distance, time and RPM. If you want to follow an interactive workout via a third-party app, there’s Bluetooth connectivity plus a handy ledge for your tablet or phone.

Unlike most exercise bikes, which need to be set up near a plug socket, this one is self-powered so you can use it anywhere – you won’t be driving up your energy bills and there won’t be any trailing wires making a mess, either. There are also transport wheels so you can move it around your home easily.

JTX Mission Air Bike

Sore: 82/100

If you’ve ever tried a CrossFit class, you’ll know that even a few minutes on an air bike can leave you dripping in a pool of sweat. How does it work? A cross between a traditional exercise bike and a cross trainer, you have to use your arms and legs to move the flywheel – the harder you pedal and move the handles, the more resistance you generate, and the tougher the workout will be.

As with all the JTX equipment we’ve tried (there are five on our list for a reason), this scored highly for its robust design, making for an extremely smooth, balanced ride – our tester experienced zero shaking or wobbling, even when going hell for leather. They appreciated the multi-grip handlebars, which prevented their hands from slipping when sweaty, and found the cushioned seat comfortable throughout.

What’s more, it’s self-powered and has a small footprint, so it won’t take up heaps of space in the corner of your living room.

Technogym Bike

Score: 80/100

If you want to keep fit, but aren’t aiming for Tour De France levels, this Technogym bike will ease you in gently.

While it still features a bright touchscreen and has plenty of classes to choose from, instructors are more likely to suggest breaks during your session to stop you burning out, which our testers appreciated. There is also a detailed tutorial video to help you set the bike up.

This bike was top of the pile when it came to comfort, too. Testers said the seat and handlebars placed them in a strong position to cycle while still able to use the touchscreen, and they felt balanced throughout each ride.

When choosing a workout on the screen, there is a detailed section on the trainers and their individual styles. However, you can’t filter classes by difficulty level, so it can be a bit of a faff finding the appropriate one for you. And, though the bike comes with dumbbells, which are incorporated into some classes, the focus is always cycling and there are no options are that purely HIIT or yoga.

That said, this is a great option for beginners who are keen to start clocking up the miles.

Domyos Challenge Bike

Score: 76/100

As the name suggests, this indoor bike from Domyos is well and truly up for the challenge. Designed to deliver studio-style sweat sessions at home – no need to schlep to a spin class – it boasts 32 resistance levels and a maximum output of 1500W. That means it’s versatile enough to suit everyone, from beginners building confidence to seasoned cyclists chasing a serious workout.

Although setting it up and making adjustments was a bit fiddly, our tester appreciated the useful diagrams and said the frame felt reassuringly stable once assembled – even when riding out of the saddle. They also praised the seamless pedalling, with no jerking, and the near-silent electromagnetic flywheel. Plus, with the adjustable handlebars and saddle height, it’s easy to find a comfortable fit that works for you.

There’s also a built-in colour screen to monitor your progress (including speed, cadence and power) along with a device holder and Bluetooth connectivity so you can pair it with your favourite training apps. SIM mode recreates the feeling of riding outdoors, while ERG mode keeps you on track during structured workouts by automatically maintaining the right intensity. This means it’s a great option whether you prefer immersive virtual rides or goal-focused training plans.

It does need to be plugged in and, at 60kg, it’s not exactly portable, but transport wheels make moving it around your home more manageable.

JTX Cyclo-3M Magnetic Fitness Bike

Score: 75/100

This fuss-free bike from JTX is one of the more affordable models out there, coming in under £300. Still, it earned a thumbs up from our expert, who raved about its ultra-quiet mechanism – you could happily watch telly while cycling – and good range of resistance levels. They also rated the adjustable features, which means it’s suitable for whole family use.

Like the other JTX models above, it’s self-powered, so you can work out anywhere and don’t need an unsightly extension cable running across your living room. It’s also extremely light, so you should be able to wheel it around the house on your own.

The Cyclo-3M doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity, but there are heart rate sensors on the handlebars, so you can monitor your efforts via the simple console. This reveals your time, speed, distance, RPM and calories burned, however it’s not backlit, so our expert found it a tad tricky to read at times.

Unsurprisingly, given the low price point, there’s no built-in screen, but you can rest your phone on the small holder above the handlebars if you fancy following a workout app or a session on YouTube.

It may not have the bells and whistles of pricier models in this round-up, but it’s a worthy training tool for beginner and intermediate riders who don’t want to spend over the odds.

Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute

The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing products for over 100 years. We use all that experience to create rigorous protocols that hold each product to the highest standards and provide unbiased reviews you can rely on.

Kim Hawley is our health and wellness tester, overseeing reviews for a range of health and wellness products, including exercise bikes. She has a level 4 personal training qualification and over 20 years’ experience working in leading health clubs across the UK, so she knows exactly what to look for when it comes to exercise equipment.

Sleep and wellness editor, Priyankaa Joshi, is also an expert in her field, with over six years’ experience in health and wellness journalism, during which she has written about hundreds of products (and tested many herself too). She is also currently completing her level 2 personal training qualification.

What are the benefits of an exercise bike?

Here, Lucie Cowan, master trainer at Third Space, breaks down some of the key benefits.

• Cardiovascular improvements: According to Cowan, regular spin sessions can do wonders, helping you maintain a healthy cardiovascular system and improving your heart health.

• Low impact: Unlike running or jumping, indoor cycling doesn’t involve impact from contact with the ground, so it’s gentle on the joints and suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It also carries a lower risk of injury and can be good for those with existing ankle, knee or hip pain, as it can help strengthen the muscles in the lower body without putting them under too much stress.

• Effective lower body workout: Though it can’t replace strength training, Cowan says indoor cycling provides an excellent lower body workout, targeting most of the muscles in the legs. It also requires a strong, stable core.

• Mental health benefits: As with all forms of exercise, a session on your exercise bike will trigger the release of endorphins and give your mood a lift. “It can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, boost your self-esteem, confidence and overall mental wellbeing,” explains Cowan.

• Safe way to keep fit: A session on an exercise bike is safer than cycling on busy roads, particularly during the winter months. It removes hazards such as driver errors or slippery surfaces, so you can focus on getting a good workout.

How to choose an exercise bike

When choosing the right exercise bike for your home, here’s what to consider:

• Type: The type of bike you choose will shape your whole experience. Upright bikes are good for interval training and smaller spaces, while recumbent bikes, which offer a larger seat and more back support, are good for beginners and older users. Spin bikes are best for studio-style training, while air bikes are excellent for full-body, HIIT workouts.

• Comfort: Look for a well-padded, supportive seat and adjustable features so you can find a riding position that suits your height, build and flexibility. A properly fitted bike helps reduce strain on your knees, hips and lower back, making workouts feel smoother and more natural.

• Space: Before shopping, measure the area where you plan on keeping the bike and make sure it fits comfortably. If you’re short on space, consider a compact or folding model that can be stored away after use. We have a number of options suitable for smaller spaces in our round-up.

• Features: Think about which features will enhance your sessions. A clear, easy-to-read console is key for tracking your progress, while extras like tablet holders, water bottle holders, built-in speakers and transport wheels can be extremely useful, too. High-end models also offer interactive touchscreens, automatic resistance adjustments and fitness apps with guided glasses and performance tracking.

• Price: Consider how often you plan on using the bike and what you want it to do. Entry-level models (around £200-£300) tend to have simpler consoles and fewer features, making them suitable for light workouts. Mid-range bikes (£500-£800) offer sturdier frames, smoother resistance and useful extras like pre-set programmes and better displays. Premium bikes (over £1,000) offer a more comfortable ride, advanced tracking, app connectivity and immersive training programmes. It’s important to factor in ongoing subscription fees for connected apps, as these can add recurring fees that make the overall cost much higher over time.

How much room do I need for an exercise bike?

Most exercise bikes don’t take up a huge amount of space, but you’ll still need enough room around it to use it comfortably. Make sure you can get on and off the bike easily and move your legs freely while peddling. You’ll also want adequate ceiling height and good ventilation – especially if you’re planning sweaty sessions.

If you’re short on space, look for a compact design with transport wheels so the bike can be stored away when not in use.

Is 30 minutes a day on a stationary bike enough?

Yes, hopping on an exercise bike for 30 minutes per day brings plenty of benefits. It can help improve your cardiovascular fitness, build stamina and support your overall health and mental wellbeing.

It aligns with the NHS guidelines, which recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week. The key is consistency, and you can up the resistance or push the pace over time to keep challenging your body and seeing progress.

The verdict on exercise bikes

Our winner, the Peloton Bike +, not only provides an immersive experience, but it’s smooth, powerful and easy to use. It’s an investment, but you get the added motivation from Peloton’s famous instructors.

The Echelon Smart Connect Bike EX-5S came in a close second in our testing – the all-singing, all-dancing bike really takes your home workouts up a gear. It has a premium design, is easy to set up and offers a large selection of workouts.

However, for those on a budget, the JTX Cyclo-3M Magnetic Fitness Bike is a reliable pick for under £300.

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