Is Peloton Worth It? What to Consider If You’re Thinking of Buying a Bike

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
What is a Peloton? The Bike vs. Bike+
How much does a Peloton bike cost? Buying vs. renting
Peloton Bike | Peloton Bike+ |
---|---|
Buy new: $1,445.
Buy refurbished: $995.
Rent: $89 a month. | Buy new: $2,495.
Buy refurbished: $1,595.
Rent: $119 a month. |
How much does a Peloton membership cost and do I need one?
All-Access Membership
Peloton app memberships
- Peloton App Free (no cost) is the most limited app option. Designed for “newbies,” it provides access to roughly 50 classes, including featured classes that rotate over time.
- Peloton App One ($12.99 a month or $129 annually) offers a wider selection of classes, including programs, challenges and live classes.
- Peloton App+ ($24 a month or $240 annually) takes what the other memberships offer and adds unlimited classes and cadence tracking.
Is Peloton worth it? Pros and cons
Pros of a Peloton Bike
- Convenience: You don’t have to leave your home to work out, which means you could save time and money on a gym membership.
- Space saving: The Peloton is popular for its low profile. The company says the 4x2 foot Bike is “smaller than your average yoga mat.”
- Variety: There are many class options at various durations, and the mix of instructors and music genres could keep your workout routine fresh.
- Metric tracking: You could get a good feel for how your body performed by connecting your Apple Watch or heart rate monitor.
- Community: The live classes could help you feel like you’re working out with a group even though you’re at home.
Cons of a Peloton Bike
- Cost: The Bike and Bike+ aren't cheap, and you’ll likely need accessories such as shoes ($125), free weights ($25), a protective floor mat ($75) and a heart rate monitor ($34).
- Customer service complaints and safety issues: The Better Business Bureau website notes a pattern of complaints about Peloton customer service and installation. There was also a voluntary recall issued by the company in May 2023 for a problem with the seat post.
- Not built for every body. The weight limit for each Peloton bike is 297 pounds. If you live in a bigger body, there might be other inclusive equipment options for you.
How Peloton might fit your budget and ways to cut the cost
How to reduce the cost of a Peloton
- Replace your gym membership with the free Peloton app membership.
- See if you can use an employer stipend to offset the cost of the bike or membership fee.
- Consider the rental option. Renting gives you the chance to try Peloton without the long-term financial commitment.
- Check out Facebook Marketplace or neighborhood group for a secondhand Peloton. You might be able to negotiate for an even better deal.
- Check your credit card benefits. Some cards may offer extra points on Peloton purchases.
Cheaper alternatives to Peloton
- Piece together a comparable workout experience by using a bike you already have paired with the Peloton app.
- Look for cycling classes that you can pay for without a membership fee.
- Dig out that old Schwinn from the garage. If the weather allows and you feel safe riding in your neighborhood, you might be able to work up a Peloton-level sweat.