The Best Budget Exercise Bikes to Take for a Spin in Your Home Gym (2026)

At a Glance 

• Rotating HD touchscreen
• Dynamic LED lightstrips
• Advanced auto-resistance system
• Comes in multiple colorways

From its sleek frame to its pace-syncing LED lightstrips and immersive 15.6-inch HD touchscreen, the Freebeat Boom Bike is one of the rare budget-friendly bikes that does offer all the bells and whistles. Earning a strong overall score of 4.3 out of 5, this feature-packed bike is typically available for much less than its list price of $1,200. 

“There are better bikes at that higher price point, but at the sale price, absolutely—there weren’t any real red flags,” says former GGR Everything lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC. “Compared to other bikes in the same price range, this one stands out for me.”

Value: 4.5/5

Tech Capabilities: 5/5

Adjustability: 4/5

Why We Like the Freebeat Boom

Unlike many bikes on this list, the Freebeat Boom boasts excellent tech capabilities, earning a perfect 5-out-of-5 rating in this category. The 15.6-inch touchscreen moves up and down and side to side—a great user-friendly feature for optimal viewing both on and off the bike. 

“If you’re following a cardio and strength class, chances are you’ll be riding and hopping off to do dumbbell or strength work,” Lindsay told me. “So, this allows you to swivel the screen and follow the class even when you’re not on the bike.” 

Two other tech features that can enhance your experience include the advanced auto-resistance system and the Smart Saddle Detection+ technology. If you’re taking a class, your coach or AI-programmed avatar will automatically adjust the resistance according to your needs. Meanwhile, the saddle detection sensors detect when you get on or off the bike and pause the machine automatically. That’s certainly not something you’d expect from a bike at this price point, so we give Freebeat a big tip of the cap for these advanced features. 

We also gave this bike a perfect score for dynamic programming, particularly because of the gamified experience you can enjoy. You can participate in organized events that allow you to earn rewards and redeem points for cash, and you can also see other riders’ metrics and rankings in real-time via a 3D Avatar Leaderboard. Overall, this is one of the best cardio machines you can get without breaking the bank, and we’re confident that it can become a foundational piece in your fitness journey. 

Alternatives

The Boom Bike earned high scores across every category except one: conveniences. If you’re expecting a spot to store your water bottle, you’ll be disappointed. As a result, we gave this bike a 2 out of 5 in this category.

“I consider that a big miss,” Lindsay told me. “If you’re doing intense cardio workouts on this bike, you’re going to sweat and need hydration. Many bikes have bottle holders—no idea why this one doesn’t.” 

In addition, while we appreciate the bike’s small footprint, Lindsay called out two design drawbacks in the front wheels and the light flywheel. The 15.4-pound flywheel is about half the weight we see on the best home exercise bikes, which can be problematic when you crank up the intensity in terms of noise and instability. Additionally, a lighter flywheel requires athletes to work harder in order to maintain speeds (the inertia cannot carry the wheel through revolutions as easily, requiring added pedaling). 

If the lack of conveniences has you contemplating other options, we recommend the Echelon Connect EX-5. Although it’s not as technologically advanced as the Boom, it earned a much higher score for conveniences (4 out of 5) and also offers a footprint-friendly design.

Testing Breakdown

Here’s how the Freebeat Boom Bike scored based on our testing methodology. Other than conveniences, it earned a 4 or higher in every category.

Vs. The Average

Even at its list price of $1,299, the Freebeat Boom Bike is more affordable than the average exercise bike. You can typically find it on sale for well under $1,000, too, making it a high-value purchase. We also appreciate the 10-year frame warranty, which is double the coverage period you see for the average exercise bike.

Check out our full Freebeat Boom Bike review for more details.

At a Glance 

• Mid-range exercise bike with magnetic resistance
• No touchscreen, but the Echelon Fit app offers excellent programming
• Lightweight with built-in transport wheels
• Affordable Peloton alternative

Coming in at 20 inches in width and less than 5 feet long, the Echelon Connect EX-5 can fit in any studio apartment or crowded home gym while still providing many of the same benefits as larger cardio machines. Earning a near-perfect footprint and portability score of 4.5 out of 5, this compact exercise bike has 32 levels of magnetic resistance, dual-sided pedals that can be used with or without cycling cleats, and a price tag that falls under $1,000.

Footprint: 4.5/5

Durability: 5/5

Value: 3.5/5

Why We Like the Echelon Connect EX-5 

Weighing 106 pounds, the EX-5 is 23 pounds lighter than the average exercise bike we’ve tested. However, the felt weight (its weight while moving it on its transport wheels) is just 54.1 pounds. Both portable and footprint-friendly, it’s a great example of a piece of compact exercise equipment that can still deliver a full-sized workout.

Certified personal trainer and former GGR Everything lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC was particularly impressed by how secure she felt on the EX-5. “The floor stabilizers are a key aspect when it comes to this bike’s smoothness,” she told me. 

These stabilizers, combined with a 300-pound user weight capacity, earn the Connect EX-5 a 5 out of 5 on durability, meaning this cost-effective machine will likely last many years. Plus, this bike is quite comfortable, earning a 4 out of 5 for ergonomics and adjustability. 

“The bike seat was moderately comfortable with good padding and squish,” Lindsay told me. “The seat was considerably more comfortable in a leaning position as opposed to an upright position, and that’s my only complaint about that.” 

Finally, the Echelon Fit Premier membership—the company’s answer to the Peloton app—offers excellent programming options. While you will have to pay a subscription fee, Lindsay believes it’s well worth it, since you get 40-plus daily live classes, a roster of more than 60 instructors, and a bevy of off-bike workouts. 

“The app was very user-friendly with plenty of options to choose from,” Lindsay told me, rating the programming at 4 out of 5. “One thing I liked most was the ability to filter through your preferences as far as a time duration or preferred instructor or workout.” 

Alternatives

One downside is that the Connect EX-5 doesn’t come with a monitor, but the media stand can support devices up to 12.5 inches. The stand swivels, too, so you can follow any off-bike workouts without too much trouble. We bumped the tech capabilities score to a 3.5 out of 5, but it is a bit disappointing that there isn’t any built-in monitor on the EX-5. 

We’d also be remiss without calling out the 2-out-of-5 customer experience score. Several Amazon users took issue with the customer service associated with this bike, stating that replacing parts was complicated due to delayed response times. 

Furthermore, the EX-5 only comes with one year of warranty coverage. If you want an “Extended Warranty Plan,” you either have to pay $59.99 for one year of coverage, $119.99 for two years, or $239.99 for four years. This is less than ideal if you’re trying to keep costs down, which is another reason we rated the overall value at a 3.5 out of 5. 

If you want to maximize your bang for your buck, the Freebeat Boom Bike is in the same ballpark as the EX-5 but offers a better package of features and a much better warranty. 

Testing Breakdown

The Echelon Connect EX-5 performed well in a majority of categories, earning a perfect score for durability and at least a 4 in seven other areas. However, the customer experience rating reflects the lackluster warranty and mixed reviews about the customer service team’s responsiveness. 

Vs. The Average

Although the Echelon Connect EX-5 has a list price that’s slightly higher than the average exercise bike, you can routinely find it on sale for closer to the $1,000 mark. This bike is also lighter, shorter, and narrower than the average bike. 

Read our Echelon Connect EX-5 review for a full breakdown of this compact bike.

At a Glance 

• Smaller fan than average air bike
• Belt drive drivetrain system 
• Includes windguard
• Smooth, quiet ride in comparison to other air bikes

Air bikes offer a unique full-body workout experience where your effort determines the resistance. A popular piece of equipment in the CrossFit community, you can add one to your home gym without breaking the bank by going with the Bells of Steel Residential Air Bike. Earning a perfect 5-out-of-5 durability score, this lightweight-yet-sturdy model can be a useful at-home training tool for improving your cardiovascular fitness and metabolic conditioning. 

Value: 4/5

Ergonomics: 4/5

Dynamic Programming: 3/5

Why We Like the Bells of Steel Residential Air Bike

Marketed as the “economical little brother” to the more rugged Blitz Air Bike, the Bells of Steel Residential Air Bike can be a great option if you want to add a lower-cost fan bike to your home gym. The streamlined design means you’ll make some sacrifices in terms of weight capacity and fan size (just 20 inches compared to the industry average of 25 inches), but we believe you get great value, nonetheless. 

Our expert product tester, who stands 5 feet, 6 inches and weighs roughly 145 pounds, was particularly impressed by how durable the machine was during use. Part of that can be attributed to the floor stabilizers, which help alleviate side-to-side wobbling. 

“There was no noticeable shaking or shifting during workouts,” she told me, rating the durability at 4 out of 5. “Upon man-handling the bike, it can be a bit wobbly, but nothing jarring.” 

Featuring a heavy-duty rubber belt, the Residential Air Bike offers a smoother, quieter ride than air bike models that use a chain-linked drivetrain. Plus, this helps make maintaining the bike easier. 

By their very nature, air bikes produce noise as the fan speed increases. However, our tester said this model isn’t any louder than what you’d expect from similar products. 

“I didn’t test with headphones, but I am not worried about not hearing my music even at high intensity,” she told me.

Alternatives

Unfortunately, adjusting the seat and handlebars isn’t nearly as easy as what we’ve seen on other air bikes our team has tested. As a result, we docked a point off the adjustability and ergonomics score. 

“I did not like the adjustments on this bike,” our expert product tester told me in reference to her 4-out-of-5 adjustability rating. “You have to fully unscrew the handles and then adjust. Comparatively, the Echo has a system where you can just pull out and move; I find this to be a minor annoyance.” 

Our tester also called out some frustrating aspects of the built-in programming. 

“You cannot pause your workout and resume it,” she told me. “If you get off the bike and are gone for more than 30 seconds, everything resets. For workouts where you may be incorporating this with other movements, I would find it annoying to have to re-program every time.” 

So, if you’re a fan of HIIT bike workouts, this re-programming can be quite problematic. Accordingly, we docked two points off the programming score, settling for a 3 out of 5.

If you’re keen on adding an air bike to your collection of home gym equipment, the Titan Fitness Fan Bike is another budget-friendly option. Made of heavy duty steel, it earned almost the exact same overall score (4.0 out of 5), and is priced similarly to the Bells of Steel Residential Air Bike.

Testing Breakdown

The Bells of Steel Residential Air Bike performed well based on our testing methodology. As with most bikes in this category, it’s not going to blow you away in terms of tech capabilities or dynamic programming, but it did earn high marks for ergonomics, durability, and portability.

Vs. The Average

The Bells of Steel Residential Air Bike is more affordable than the average air bike by roughly $175. It’s worth noting, too, that despite weighing the same, it has a lower weight capacity by nearly 40 pounds.

At a Glance 

• Compact and portable
• Includes caged pedals for extra grip
• Free replacement parts for a year 
• Lacks built-in programming

The YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike has just about everything you need in an exercise bike: a heavy 35-pound flywheel (only 3 pounds less than the high-end Peloton bike), a belt drive for a smooth and quiet ride, micro-adjustments to customize the workout experience to your fitness goals, adjustable handlebars, and caged toe pedals. Though it falls short in dynamic programming and tech capabilities, we still believe it’s a good, low-cost option for cyclists, and it earns a 3.5 out of 5 for value.

Footprint: 4/5

Value: 3.5/5

Dynamic Programming: 1/5

Why We Like the YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike

If you’re simply looking to put some pedal to the metal and get your heart rate pumping while on a budget, the YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike is a rock-solid pick. Former GGR Editor Anthony O’Reilly said his workout experience on this bike was smooth and quiet—surprisingly so for a bike that utilizes friction resistance. 

For roughly $360, you get a bike that’s lightweight (just 64 pounds), compact, and stays secure during the most intense rides (ours had minimal wobbling when we put it to the test). This YOSUDA product also has front transport wheels, which can be a big plus when it comes to portability. As such, we rate the footprint and portability at a score of 4 out of 5.

Although the lack of dynamic programming is disappointing, the adjustability still earns a 3.5 out of 5. Anthony notes, “You can easily adjust the handlebars and seat to accommodate users of all heights. Plus, you can change the resistance level via a ‘manual micro-adjustment’ system, which essentially means there are tons of different levels between the minimum and maximum settings.”

Alternatives

Unfortunately, the YOSUDA bike is not made with the most high-quality materials, and earns a 2.5 out of 5 for durability. “Very quiet and heavy duty, but I have concerns about its durability,” Anthony told me. “A couple of pieces are already breaking off, and many reviews claim that this is a common experience.”

The model we tested, in particular, had a small tear in the seat cover after barely any use, and the LCD screen never felt secure no matter how hard we tried to tighten it. Other reviewers have complained about additional lackluster parts, such as the pedals falling off during use.

Furthermore, the lack of dynamic programming may be a deal-breaker for some people. Having built-in workouts can make for a more streamlined experience. With none available, this bike may not be an ideal fit if you want programming options at your disposal. 

If you’re able to find it on sale, the Sunny Health and Fitness Synergy Magnetic is a similarly priced option that earned a higher overall score than the YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike. 

Testing Breakdown

Here’s how the YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike scored across all categories. It was a bit of a mixed bag, earning low scores for dynamic programming and tech capabilities, but solid marks for footprint and portability as well as delivery and setup.

Vs. The Average

The YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike is substantially cheaper than the average exercise bike. It also weighs about half the amount, making it quite portable. 

Check out our full YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike review for further insight.

At a Glance 

• Weighs less than 40 lbs
• 14-gauge steel frame
• Folds up to reduce its footprint
• 8 levels of resistance

While doing research for this piece, we found a lot of praise for the Marcy Foldable Exercise Bike, and it didn’t take us long to find out why. This thing feels incredibly durable and smooth compared to most other folding exercise bikes, which can feel a little wobbly and insecure during workouts. In fact, GGR Senior Staff Writer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, gave this bike a perfect 5-out-of-5 durability rating—an impressive score for something so lightweight. 

Durability: 5/5

Footprint: 4/5

Value: 4/5

Why We Like the Marcy Fitness Upright Foldable Exercise Bike

Available for less than $200 on Amazon, the Marcy Foldable Bike is an ultra-affordable option that offers tremendous space-saving benefits. After you’re done training, you can fold it up and easily fit it behind a couch or under a bed, allowing you to preserve precious real estate. Oh, and it only weighs 37 pounds, making it easy for virtually anyone to move. As a result, we rate it a 4 out of 5 for footprint and portability.

Budget-friendly home gym equipment typically isn’t made from the most heavy-duty materials since, well, those things cost money. Manufacturers often use cheaper materials to offer you a cheaper product. Even at its sub-$200 price point, though, the Marcy Bike’s steel frame felt wider and heavier than other bikes at a similar price point. 

“The bike is made with 14-gauge steel, which is better than what you’ll find on many other bikes in this price range,” Amanda told me. For context, many foldable exercise bikes feature thinner (aka, not as strong) 16- or 18-gauge steel. 

Alternatives

If you’re someone who considers themselves a hardcore cyclist, you might want to look elsewhere. While there are eight different resistance levels, the bike may not provide a sufficient challenge for those interested in intense training.

“It doesn’t have enough resistance for me to use in an actual workout, but it’s now a staple in my warm-ups and cool-downs,” Amanda told me.

Though it shouldn’t come as a surprise, this Marcy bike doesn’t have the tech features or conveniences you’ll see on other options on this list. The LCD screen only displays time, distance, and calories, leading to a 3-out-of-5 tech capabilities score. Meanwhile, there’s nowhere to put a water bottle or phone. The only reason we bumped the convenience score from a 1 to a 2 is that the wide, well-padded seat proved comfortable, according to Amanda. 

If you’re committed to finding a foldable upright exercise bike, the XTERRA Fitness FB350 might be in your wheelhouse. It’s actually slightly cheaper than the Marcy model and earned a solid overall score of 4 out of 5 from our team.

Testing Breakdown

An ultra-budget bike like this one from Marcy Fitness may lack some of the conveniences and tech capabilities you’ll find on pricier models, but it still earned a strong overall score. And based on the strong customer reviews, you should have confidence about making such a low-cost investment in your cardiovascular health. 

Vs. The Average

The Marcy Fitness Upright Foldable Exercise Bike is so budget-friendly that you could buy roughly eight of them and still not reach the total cost of the average exercise bike. That said, this foldable model is significantly lighter and smaller, resulting in a much lower weight capacity than the average exercise bike.

Read our full Marcy Foldable Exercise Bike review for more details.

At a Glance 

• Small LCD display
• No pre-programmed workouts
• Quiet flywheel
• 350-lb weight capacity

If you want excellent bang for your buck, the YOSUDA Recumbent Exercise Bike is our top pick for bargain shoppers looking to lean back and ride comfortably. Available for around $250, this high-value model offers many features that typically cost twice as much in the recumbent bike category. Earning a perfect value rating of 5 out of 5, this YOSUDA model includes a quiet magnetic resistance system, a robust 350-pound weight capacity, and a comfortable seat that encourages you to keep pedaling. 

Durability: 4/5

Value: 5/5

Tech Capabilities: 3/5

Why We Like the YOSUDA Recumbent Exercise Bike

The YOSUDA Recumbent Exercise Bike certainly won’t blow you away like top-of-the-line recumbent bikes, but it still offers all the key features you need in a small, affordable package. GGR product tester and former collegiate athlete Max Holmes summed it up perfectly to me, stating, “The best thing about this bike is its compact size and frame that allowed me to move it easily.” 

Just how compact and footprint-friendly is this bike? At 65 pounds, it’s nearly half the weight of the average recumbent bike. Yet despite its lighter profile, it boasts a better weight capacity by 12 pounds. 

With its “light yet solid construction,” this YOSUDA bike scored surprisingly well for durability, earning a 4 out of 5 in testing. Max told me he didn’t feel any uncomfortable wobbling or shaking, nor did he hear any unusual noise during his workouts. 

While recumbent bikes are usually more comfortable (and low-impact) due to their reclined riding position, this model particularly stood out for its excellent ergonomics. “It has a comfortable seat that makes the workout feel better,” Max told me. “I was able to put all my focus on my straining legs with each pedal. The seat is the only adjustable component, but it still allows for enough range for me to fit comfortably, even as a 6-foot-tall male.”

Alternatives

A few areas where the YOSUDA Recumbent Bike fell short include tech capabilities (3 out of 5), dynamic programming (3 out of 5), and conveniences (2 out of 5). That shouldn’t be a shock given its budget-oriented price, but it’s still worth calling out. 

“It has a very basic, small digital display,” Max notes. “It’s relatively intuitive; there are not many options to scan through, but you only have to use one button.” 

If you’re someone who wants access to advanced metrics, this is not the bike for you. In fact, Max told me this is one of the reasons he may look elsewhere long-term.

“The plain digital display that only shows distance, estimated calories, time, etc., doesn’t quite do it for me,” he says. “It’s not a great place to keep track of metrics.”

If you want a recumbent bike that offers more robust programming and tech capabilities, the SOLE LCR Exercise Bike is the cream of the crop. However, if you don’t have the budget for such a decked-out machine, the Sunny Health and Fitness Essential Recumbent Exercise is an affordable alternative to this YOSUDA profile.

Testing Breakdown

With a perfect score for footprint and portability, as well as value, the YOSUDA Recumbent Exercise Bike won’t let you down if you’re looking for a good buy at a low price.

Vs. The Average

At roughly one-fifth of the cost of the average recumbent bike, this YOSUDA model is a clear winner from a financial perspective. Despite weighing about half the amount of the average recumbent bike, it actually has a higher weight capacity. 

At a Glance 

• Creates resistance up to 39 lbs
• Detachable LCD display
• Silent during use
• 8 levels of magnetic resistance

Alright, so it’s not technically a bike, but it does have two pedals and adjustable resistance. But honestly, that’s not giving the DeskCycle 2 enough credit. As one of the best mini exercise bikes, this lightweight, compact training tool uses magnetic resistance, so you can pedal while on a work call or while you watch TV and not hear a sound. It’s been used by teachers, office workers, and even some professional video game players to help increase the number of calories they burn throughout the day. 

Earning a strong overall score of 4.3 out of 5, the DeskCycle 2 is a low-cost, high-value solution that can allow you to be a bit more active during your workday.

Value: 4/5

Durability: 5/5

Adjustability: 5/5

Why We Like the DeskCycle 2 Under Desk Exercise Bike And Pedal Exerciser

While it may not provide as challenging of a workout as an under-desk treadmill, the DeskCycle 2 can help make your workday more productive. GGR Director of Content Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, uses this portable, compact mini exercise bike in her home office. She’s used the DeskCycle 2 at a leisurely pace and at its highest resistance setting, noting that the highest level is actually quite difficult. 

Nicole rates the construction and durability at a perfect 5 out of 5, saying it “feels really stable during use” with no movement underfoot as she multitasks.

We also appreciate the adjustability and ergonomics, which earned a 5-star rating, too. Nicole notes that this under-desk cycle machine has an adjustable pedal height where you can set the pedals either 9 or 10 inches off the ground. Plus, the foot pedals have adjustable Velcro straps that can fit a wide range of shoe sizes. 

Alternatives

Despite its small size, Nicole Davis only gave the DeskCycle 2 a 3.5-out-of-5 rating for footprint and portability. “It weighs 23 pounds, so it’s not super heavy. However, there is no handle or any easy way to pick it up and carry it around,” she says. “It ends up being a bit awkward.”

Furthermore, Nicole expected the DeskCycle 2 to be more compact under her desk. However, that didn’t turn out to be the case. “I have a really slim desk, and it definitely sticks out when I’m using it,” she notes. 

The only other area in which this mini exercise bike didn’t blow us away was customer experience. We rated it a 3 out of 5 since DeskCycle only offers one contact method. That’s a small gripe, but still something worth noting in case you run into any issues with this product. 

We’ve tested a few other mini exercise bikes that could work well in your home office. While the DeskCycle 2 is our top pick, the Sunny Health and Fitness Under Desk Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike is a similarly priced option that can be ideal for wallet-minded consumers.

Testing Breakdown

Here’s how the DeskCycle 2 scored based on our testing methodology for mini exercise bikes, which takes fewer factors into account due to their design limitations. 

Vs. The Average

The DeskCycle is right on par with the price of the average mini exercise bike. In fact, it essentially meets all standards other than weight capacity.

Our DeskCycle2 review has more thoughts on this ultra-compact cardio machine.

At a Glance 

• Micro-adjustable resistance
• Heavy flywheel
• 4-way adjustable seat
• Available in a Classic or Pro version

For those who want a slightly nicer budget indoor exercise bike, but still aren’t looking to break the bank, please allow us to introduce the Sunny Health & Fitness Synergy Magnetic Classic bike—our pick for the best exercise bike under $500. The main reason this bike is more expensive than the others on this list is because it uses magnetic resistance, which is something you don’t always find at this end of the price scale. It earned a strong overall score of 4.1 out of 5, which is a testament to the incredible value you get. 

Value: 4.5/5

Durability: 5/5

Dynamic Programming: 1/5

Why We Like the Sunny Health and Fitness Synergy Magnetic

Although it’s listed for $849.99 MSRP, you can find the Commercial Grade version of this bike for much less. In fact, we’ve seen it on sale for as low as $399, which is why it earned our nomination for the best budget exercise bike under $500. As such, we rate the value at a near-perfect 4.5 out of 5. 

“This is a super budget-friendly bike, so if you just want a basic bike without all the frills, this gets the job done for not that much,” our expert product tester told me. “We didn’t give this a 5 out of 5, though, because it doesn’t come with a screen; if you need that to work out with, you’ll need to pay a little more or use your own device.” 

Although the lack of a monitor may be a bummer, you can expect an ultra-comfortable experience once you hop on the Synergy Magnetic. After all, our tester rated the ergonomics at a perfect 5 out of 5. 

“The seat is pretty comfy, but you can take it off and swap it with a different, comfier seat (which you can’t normally do with other bikes),” she told me. “You can adjust the height of your seat, move it back or forward, and you can also adjust the handlebars vertically.” 

We also appreciate how portable the Synergy Magnetic is, even for a bike that tips the scales at 88.2 pounds. “If you pick up the bike from the back of its base, it’s pretty easy to lift up and wheel around,” our tester told me. “It has wheels at the front and is pretty lightweight, so it would be easy to move around or put in a different room.”

Alternatives

Unfortunately, the lack of dynamic programming and tech capabilities stands out with this Sunny Health and Fitness offering. This bike only has a performance monitor that shows basic metrics like speed, distance, time, calories burned, and RPM. Meanwhile, while it does have a tablet holder where you can stream workouts from your favorite cycling app, there are no built-in workout programs. As a result, we rate it a 1 out of 5 for dynamic programming and just a 3 out of 5 for tech capabilities. 

“It comes with pulse sensors and a place to hold your device, but because it doesn’t come with a screen, you don’t have a lot of the tech capabilities you’d get with a touchscreen,” our tester told me.

Another minor callout is that although we rate the Synergy Magnetic at 4 out of 5 for customizations, you have to manually change the resistance settings. This is more labor-intensive than bikes that offer digital adjustability, so keep that in mind.

If you can extend your budget further, the Freebeat Boom is often on sale for closer to the list price of the Sunny Health and Fitness Synergy Magnetic. This bike is packed with tech, so it may be worth spending a little more to get everything you need for an immersive ride.

Testing Breakdown

The Sunny Health and Fitness Synergy Magnetic performed incredibly well based on our testing methodology. Here’s a complete scoring breakdown: 

Vs. The Average

The Sunny Health and Fitness Synergy Magnetic is less than half the cost of the average exercise bike, and you should be able to find it on sale for even less. Be aware, though, that the 275-pound weight capacity may not be sufficient for larger athletes.