If you’re looking for the best Peloton app alternatives, the good news is that at-home fitness has become easier with the availability of mobile apps and subscription services. Top options don’t necessarily require a bike and work with the equipment you have and within your budget, schedule, and interests. Most services that operate in the same wheelhouse as Peloton mirror perks such as guided, on-demand workouts across numerous fitness focuses and levels, social support and interaction, and customization.
When considering the best app or service for you, system and device compatibility is a top priority. Most apps work well with Android and iOS devices, but if you’re interested in screen mirroring to a larger screen or using your TV or tablet, it’s best to double-check that your preferred devices are supported.
If you like the accountability or routine of scheduled workouts, look for platforms that offer live or on-demand classes. Some include a social component with leaderboards, updates, and badges. Integrations with wearables or other fitness-related services can create a more well-rounded experience.
Another critical feature to consider is the service’s medium and format. If you enjoy gaming, several apps gamify at-home workouts to break up the monotony. Other apps have a pared-down design and provide bite-size workouts for busy schedules. There are also audio-only services if you feel confident with your form and most motivated by audio cues.
While the choices are plentiful, we tested and researched top non-Peloton options that offer variety and convenience for your at-home workout routine.
NEOU mirrors Peloton’s approach to providing a diverse library of studio-at-home content to subscribers, including and beyond cycling workouts. This streaming platform features on-demand or live content spanning over 2,000 classes and more than 20 different categories. If variety is what you’re seeking, you’ll find everything from barre workouts to HIIT, boxing, meditation, and strength training.
Best Streaming Platform
Fitness App
Integrates with Fitbit and Apple Watch
Wide device compatibility
Live and on-demand streaming
Variety of workouts and programming
Mixed performance with Fire TV
Videos are somewhat slow to load
Customize your experience from any device by searching for content based on level of difficulty, listening to your own music, and duration. When you find instructors you like, you can add their routine to a favorites list. You can also add workouts to your to-do list or schedule when to do a particular routine.
Like any great streaming platform, you can use virtually any device with the service once you sign up. Along with web browser support and Android and iOS smartphone compatibility, NEOU includes seamless ways to mirror the display from a mobile device or laptop to a smart television. Apple users can use built-in AirPlay support, while Android users can take advantage of Chromecast and Samsung screen mirroring.
With a supported smart TV, you can forego mirroring and add the NEOU channel/app directly to your device. Some users have reported issues with Fire TV performance, and I sometimes noticed slow loading of videos on an iPhone, but had an otherwise hiccup-free AirPlay experience. NEOU also offers a leaderboard, a social component for users that link their Fitbit or Apple Watch.
Compatibility: Android, iOS, web browsers, Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, and Xbox | Exercise Focus: Varies (Choose from 2,000+ live and on-demand classes in over 20 categories) | Pricing: $12.99/month, $49.99 (6-month billing), $79.99 (annual)
Many fitness apps offer trials to help potential subscribers become acquainted with the platform before buying in. Nike Training Club (NTC) doesn’t do that because it’s free for anyone to use. While the workout library is small compared to services like Peloton, the quality is high for the overall experience.
Best Free Service
Training Club App
Free to use
Workout collections from professional athletes
Trainer-led sessions
Short workouts for time-pressed users
Requires downloading workouts
Can play only Apple Music
Retail tie-in
With a free account, users can choose from over 185 different on-demand workouts, including trainer-led sessions and workouts based on the muscle group, intensity, equipment, and time (as short as 5 minutes). The design is modern, easy to navigate, and all the videos are simple and cleanly shot.
The trainer-led videos resemble studio-style instruction. And the non-trainer-led content mirrors that styling in short video illustrations of each exercise that loop and allow you to double-check your form. You can choose to keep the music going in between exercises or between full guidance with timing queues and instruction, or nothing at all.
The only downside is that any content that isn’t trainer-led requires downloading. From what I experienced, Apple Music is also the only external music source on iPhones. However, the NTC app isn’t bound to smartphone displays; it’s compatible with AirPlay and Chromecast.
For users who want a personal training experience, the Programs section includes a small collection of Nike-trainer-curated programs over a specific time frame and with a particular fitness goal. The Athlete Workouts section also presents real-life training routines from professional athletes. There’s a small social component built-in with the ability to add friends and share the awards and badges you receive for consecutive workouts or reaching milestones.
Of course, as an app from a major athletic brand, there’s retail tied into the app with a Shop tab and Nike member rewards. But you can do what you want with that access. For a free platform, NTC doesn’t skimp on quality or a fair amount of challenge and variety, which makes this service high on value.
Compatibility: Android, iOS | Exercise Focus: Varies (185+ on-demand workouts) | Pricing: Free with an account
One part massively multiplayer online (MMO) and one part training app, this platform transforms indoor cycling, running, or triathlon training into an interactive game. Like, Peloton, Zwift offers riders the opportunity to feel immersed in a ride and make actual fitness and athletic gains.
Best for Cyclers
App
Supports cycling, running, and triathlon training
Social gaming component
Many courses to try
Requires investing in equipment
Stricter specifications for compatible devices
At the very least, Zwift requires a trainer to connect and stabilize your bike, a bike, and a device to use the app. For more detailed metrics, you’ll need some sort of sensor. Zwift works with various cadence sensors, heart rate monitors, and power meters. Be mindful that there are limitations with the bike, too, if you don’t have sensors and want to use Zwift’s Power calculation, which estimates your output based on your gear.
I managed to set it up with a very basic road bike, classic trainer, cadence sensor, and an iPhone without issue, but the small display wasn’t great for the experience. Zwift recommends larger displays and the best possible option from their list of compatible devices to get the best results.
Once you clear the hurdles of setup, the real enjoyment comes in playing and riding. There are numerous courses from fantasy islands like Watopia to storied and picturesque routes in France and Paris. The gaming component means you’re really never alone on a ride. There’s plenty of opportunities to personalize your avatar: Deck yourself out with jerseys and accessories and earn badges from a mix of virtual or real-life challenges.
While it’s a platform that both professional and casual riders use, there’s also a running component and a triathlon focus that could help you stay in shape or launch a training plan for your first triathlon or marathon.
Compatibility: Windows 10, macOS, Android and iOS, iPads, Apple TV | Exercise Focus: Cycling, Running, Triathlons | Pricing: $14.99/month
There are plenty of apps that riff off the science-backed 7-minute workout, but Seven manages to make equipment-free, bite-size workouts kind of exciting. The interface is clean but engaging, with bright colors that encourage interactions. While the app provides a customized plan when you sign up, if you’d rather do your own thing or find additional workouts, you have over 200 exercises to choose from.
Best for Busy Schedules
Speedy workouts
Equipment-free
Motivational features built-in
Compatible with Apple Watch
Slightly pricey
No extra health features
Filter by muscle group or fitness focus. You can also choose from a random program with the Freestyle selection or create your own. While 7-minute workouts are friendly to people who don’t have much time to spare, the app allows you to ramp up the difficulty level and duration by repeating circuits up to five times or completing as many workouts as you want each day.
If you need accountability and motivation, Seven does a good job of nudging users in the right direction. While you can turn off notifications, they’re an important part of the app experience. These reminders come with more fanfare than a beep that grabbed my attention.
Seven also sets up each user on a 7-month challenge, awarding three hearts to users if they complete daily workouts. Like a video game, at the end of each month, the hearts refill, but you’re at risk of losing them if you don’t keep your streak throughout the month. If you’re competitive, Leagues and Duels put you in direct competition with other users, and the live workouts include a chat feature and creates a feeling of community in a group class.
These tools require an expensive paid subscription, and all the activities feature animations rather than real people. If you like this format and lack of equipment, Seven is still cheaper than many gym memberships.
Compatibility: Android, iOS | Exercise Focus: Equipment-free HIIT | Pricing: $9.99/month, $59.99 annually
If you’re a great listener and don’t need or want visual guidance while you work out, Aaptiv is for you. This subscription-based app offers diverse guided audio workouts in 15 different categories, including treadmill, outdoor running, rowing, boxing, and indoor cycling.
Best Audio-Only App
Workout App
Choose your music
Social component
Wide variety of programs
No free tier
Pricey
Best for great listeners
The app puts together a customized plan based on your responses to the fitness evaluation you complete when you sign up. The recommendations are placed front and center from the Coach tab, but you can also pick and choose based on your interest or mood from the Browse tab. Most workouts are short and to the point, though there are longer sessions up to 50 minutes.
When you start a workout, you can select the music. You have 15 channels and genres to choose from, powered by Feed.FM, including house, hip hop, pop, rock, EDM, or top hits. To help you stay involved and motivated, Aaptiv doles out badges and awards, though that’s much less a part of the experience than the potential community building from the Team and Programs tabs, which are live feeds of user posts.
Aaptiv also offers various programs for different training or fitness focuses, from marathon training to kettlebells, stress reduction, and a maternity training program. There’s also a nutrition section that offers tips on meal prep and healthy eating, and some recipes.
This app is billed annually and might seem pricey. If you’re an excellent listener with limited space, this program could streamline your workout setup by eliminating screens from the equation.
Compatibility: Android, iOS | Exercise Focus: 15 various categories | Pricing: $49.99 annually
Zombies, Run! (ZR) could be for you if you’re looking for a more enjoyable and exciting way to run. If you enjoy gaming, audiobooks, and running, or a bit of all three, ZR appeals to all three interests. This running game drops you, Runner 5, right in the middle of Abel Township on a mission to gather supplies, help survivors, and avoid zombies at all costs.
Most Engaging
Zombies, Run!
Free to use
Gamifies running
Add your own music
Training and home workouts
Some running data isn’t readily available
Pricey premium membership
These zombie chases are the core feature of each episode/workout and a sneaky way to get in some sprinting without labeling it that way. I found it surprisingly effective for adding a little extra motivation to pick up the speed. At the start of each mission, you receive the option to set the duration, choose your external music player and playlist, and let the fun begin. In between the story clips and zombie chases, the app loops in your music. The result is a roller coaster of a run or walk that’s immersive with audio alone.
Within the app, you can do bodyweight workouts available for the Home Front tab. You can also drop a pin on an actual location to retrieve supplies and work that into your mission or run for something different. Each mission helps you gain supplies and achievements, which you can use to build the home base.
While the app does a decent job of logging runs to fit the storyline, it’s limited. To fill in the blanks and keep your training log intact, you can sync it with Apple’s Health app and Runkeeper. The ZR app is also available on the Apple Watch and Android Wear.
While free users can enjoy zombie chases and some extras such as race training plans, the standard annual membership unlocks over 500 missions, online data syncing, interval training, and access to new stories outside of Abel Township and zombie chases.
Compatibility: Android, iOS | Exercise Focus: Running, Walking | Pricing: $5.99/month, $34.99 annually, or 89.99 annually (VIP)
Strava is a platform many runners turn to for training, community, and a little friendly competition. You can join clubs, follow and give kudos to other runners, and join challenges that bring together athletes of all levels from around the world. As a user of the free tier for several years, I immediately noticed that the paid version unleashes much more. Training is the name of the game with the paid subscription.
Best for Serious Runners
Run, Ride, Swim
Very detailed metrics
Strong community feel
Beacon emergency feature
Goal setting and training plans
Pricey subscription
Some wearables deliver similar data for less
Privacy settings require reviewing
Find everything you want to know about your running performance by combing through data about your fitness trends over months and even years, cumulative stats, and your effort based on how often you train versus the load and impact. For runners who like to find or create routes, the paid subscription offers a detailed mapping function within the app. You can search from nearby or make your own.
The membership opens access to training plans for adjusting or dialing up performance, similar to the Garmin Coach feature. You’ll also have the ability to use a goal-setting feature for 32 different sports based on frequency, distance, time, and elevation. And for peace of mind in emergencies, the paid version comes with a Beacon emergency service that allows you to send for help to three different saved contacts.
Strava stands out for the level of detailed data in the mobile and web apps, which is even more detailed with the subscription. But since Strava emphasizes data sharing as integral to community building and improving the app, some privacy settings might require your regular attention to ensure your data and location sharing preferences are protected.
Compatibility: Android, iOS, web browser | Exercise Focus: Running, walking, swimming | Pricing: $5/month, $59 annually
About Our Trusted Experts
Yoona Wagener is a tech writer and product reviewer who covers wearable and fitness tech for Lifewire. As a running and exercise enthusiast, she’s no stranger to at-home workouts and in-person classes from kickboxing to CrossFit and interval training, but she prefers lacing up for outdoor running.
If you’re looking for a Peloton-adjacent experience and broad platform compatibility, NEOU (view at NEOU) is our top pick. This fitness streaming service delivers similar variety and flexibility around live and on-demand programming with a boutique studio feel. While you can stick with your smartphone to stream and complete workouts, NEOU offers easy casting to a smart TV with AirPlay, Chromecast, and Screen Mirroring.
Nike Training Club (view at Nike) is another top contender for the best Peloton alternative based on its quality design and content. The variety of workouts, including trainer-led week-long programs toward a fitness goal and programs directly from athletes’ routines, offers considerable value without asking users to buy in beyond signing up for a Nike account. Use the equipment you have or go gear-free with workouts at all intensity levels.
What to Look For in Peloton Alternatives
Platform/Compatibility
Any at-home fitness platform you choose should work best for your setup and device preferences. While most apps work well with Android and iOS smartphones, if you want to use a particular service on a tablet or smart TV, double-check system requirements before you buy-in.
- What’s the difference between Peloton and Peloton Digital?
- The term Peloton broadly refers to the company’s flagship cycling bikes with built-in screens and related streaming programming you can view right from the bike with a monthly membership. The Peloton Digital platform is an app that offers access to cycling and non-cycling workouts independent of the Peloton Bike. For a monthly subscription fee, members can tune into live and on-demand workouts from their smartphones and compatible devices.
- How do you use a Peloton alternative with your own bike?
- With an alternative service that offers guided cycling workouts or simulations, you’ll need a bike at the very least. If you’ll be stationary, a trainer is essential, and you’ll also need a device to watch or listen to the workouts. To capture your data, use a cadence sensor on your bike and an accompanying app. Wahoo designs sensors that work with many third-party apps such as Strava or Training Peaks to monitor your progress.
- Are there services similar to Peloton that don’t require a subscription?
- There are numerous free fitness apps and services, such as Nike Training Club, which require signing up and creating a profile without additional fees. Others such as Zombies, Run!, Seven, and Aaptiv are free to use during a trial period or offer a free tier with the option of in-app purchases and subscription upgrades. If you’re looking for free streaming content similar to what Peloton offers, tune in to workouts on Instagram Live. Catch free, on-demand workouts from studio-based companies, including CorePower Yoga and Orange Theory, directly from their websites or apps.
The term Peloton broadly refers to the company’s flagship cycling bikes with built-in screens and related streaming programming you can view right from the bike with a monthly membership. The Peloton Digital platform is an app that offers access to cycling and non-cycling workouts independent of the Peloton Bike. For a monthly subscription fee, members can tune into live and on-demand workouts from their smartphones and compatible devices.
With an alternative service that offers guided cycling workouts or simulations, you’ll need a bike at the very least. If you’ll be stationary, a trainer is essential, and you’ll also need a device to watch or listen to the workouts. To capture your data, use a cadence sensor on your bike and an accompanying app. Wahoo designs sensors that work with many third-party apps such as Strava or Training Peaks to monitor your progress.
There are numerous free fitness apps and services, such as Nike Training Club, which require signing up and creating a profile without additional fees. Others such as Zombies, Run!, Seven, and Aaptiv are free to use during a trial period or offer a free tier with the option of in-app purchases and subscription upgrades. If you’re looking for free streaming content similar to what Peloton offers, tune in to workouts on Instagram Live. Catch free, on-demand workouts from studio-based companies, including CorePower Yoga and Orange Theory, directly from their websites or apps.
Gear
The Peloton setup requires the bike, but other alternatives may or may not require extra equipment. If you already have home gym gear that you want to use, look for services that cater to what you have. Many platforms also work without any gear at all.
Price
Depending on the programming or training you’re looking for, some streaming and app-based fitness services require a monthly or annual subscription. Compared to monthly gym memberships, some platforms are considerably cheaper and come with the benefit of no contract, yearly fees, and flexible cancellation. While annual memberships often reduce the overall investment, if you’re not sure that you’ll stick with a particular service, a monthly option could be the better bet.
