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It’s time to find a Peloton alternative — if not only to save yourself the hefty price tag, but also to keep yourself safe.
The ubiquitous fitness company catapulted into cult fandom throughout quarantine as people flocked to exercise equipment that would keep them in shape during lockdown. But things took an ugly turn for the unicorn company in May when they voluntarily recalled their high-end Peloton Tread+ following more than 70 reported incidents, including one child’s death. Peloton has stopped selling the Tread+, while the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has advised existing owners to stop using their machines. Tread+ owners have until Nov. 6, 2022 to return it for a full refund, so people are sure to be scrambling for a high-quality Peloton alternative once they do.
But what made Peloton so special in the first place? And what substitutes can match the hype?
Its cultish following really comes down to three basic premises: an attached LCD tablet that allows you to stream your favorite workout classes (including the ones provided on their connected app), high-resistance wheels for a sweaty workout and customizable options that prioritize comfort. The good news is that you don’t have to spend upwards of $4,000 to get those same benefits from other machines, and you can always stream Peloton’s beloved online classes from non-Peloton equipment
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So whether you’ve recently returned your Tread+ or are delving into the world of at-home treadmills and spin bikes for the first time, here are the best Peloton dupes we found online — all under $4,000.
NordicTrack Commercial Series X32i
NordicTrack’s X32i model is the closest dupe for a Peloton Tread+ in that it also features a 32-inch HD screen for live-streaming classes. Of course, instead of Peloton’s connected app, the machine comes with a 12-month membership to its own online fitness program, called iFit, which offers live, studio and class workouts. But unlike Peloton, iFit also offers life-like virtual scenery for you to run through, like the Swiss Alps and the Great Wall of China. Plus, your iFit trainer auto-adjusts your Digital QuickSpeed and Digital Quick Incline controls as you work out so you can reach your goals with little mental effort.
NordicTrack Commercial Series 2950
NordicTrack’s more affordable 2950 model comes with a slightly smaller 22-inch screen, but comes with much of the same benefits as its sibling machine. In addition to fun virtual workouts through iFit, though, it also features a 40% incline (compared to Peloton’s 15% incline), in addition to a 6% decline for cross-training.
ProForm Pro 9000
The ProForm is $2,000 less than Peloton Tread+ and has essentially the same features. It has a smaller screen (10 inches wide), but it comes strapped with HD video workouts, 38 workout apps and a strap to attach your own iPad or tablet to livestream any other classes you have saved. With a wireless chest strap and dual-grip EKG heart rate monitor, the affordable ProForm will give you an efficient at-home cardio workout for half the price.
Horizon 7.8 AT
The Horizon was engineered specifically for streaming fitness classes from apps like Peloton and Zwift. Its lack of an attached tablet of its own comes with a much more affordable price tag, which is a total bargain if you have your own iPad or tablet to place on the large display. A high-responsive QuickDial helps you adjust speech and incline so you can keep pace with your virtual classes, which you can connect with directly through a Bluetooth chest strap. Despite not having a tablet screen, you can view your workout data on a nine-inch backlit display. If you don’t need easy app access, you can also opt for Horizon’s simpler T101 model.
29% Off Bowflex BXT216
Just like Peloton, the Bowflex prioritizes interactive training, with Bluetooth connectivity that allows users to sync with the Bowflex JRNY app for individualized workouts, fitness assessments and virtual coaching. Despite being a foldable at-home treadmill, it features all the high-end features of a commercial model, like a 4.0 CHP motor, a Comfort Tech cushioning system and a durable 3-ply belt. Like the Horizon, it works best if you’re able to bring your own tech to the table; its back-lit LCD display is only nine inches wide so you’ll have a more immersive, Peloton-like experience if you have a larger tablet to set up on the display.