Best Exercise Bike with Screen (2023): Stream Workouts or Netflix While You Ride

Road cyclists have city streets, the shore, mountains, and many other gorgeous views to look at while on their rides. Indoor cyclists, on the other hand, have their living room wall or maybe a TV to look at. Not quite as inspiring as a sunrise ride by the beach, is it? 

But if you had the best exercise bike with screen, you could make it seem as if you were cycling the rolling hills of Tuscany. You could also stream Netflix without having to be near the TV, be face-to-face (virtually speaking) with your favorite trainer, or follow an on-demand class of your choosing.

Want to know which indoor cycling bikes can provide an excellent cardio workout with an amazing screen? That’s what we’re here for.

Don’t Adjust Your Screen, You’re Reading the Best Home Gym Reviews

Selecting the best home gym equipment can sometimes feel like trying to pick the best horse at the racetrack—you’re either going off a name, a gut feeling, or taking a chance on the underdog. Your odds of finding a winner are much better with us because we don’t jockey around on exercise bikes or barbells, but rather take them to the finish line to ensure your bet pays off.

Our team is filled with certified personal trainers and CrossFit coaches who have tested and used dozens of indoor exercise bikes for personal and professional use, so you know we can spot a valiant steed.

Our Picks for the Best Exercise Bike with Screen

• Best Exercise Bike with Screen for Workouts: NordicTrack Studio Cycle S22i
• Best Exercise Bike with Screen for Streaming Netflix: Bowflex VeloCore
• Best Exercise Bike with Large Screen: Peloton Bike+
• Best Budget Exercise Bike with Screen: ProForm Carbon CX
• Best Compact Exercise Bike with Screen: MYX II Bike
• Best Exercise Bike with Small Screen: Echelon EX-5s-10
• Best Recumbent Exercise Bike with Screen: Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike

Best Exercise Bike with Screen for Workouts: NordicTrack Studio Cycle S22i

Good for: Anyone who wants a high-quality screen for at-home bike workouts

Best for Workout Classes

NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike

Join high energy studio classes, mountain bike rides in Moab, or ride a Tour de France stage all from the comfort of your home. Access on-demand classes with the world's best personal trainers for beginners or the hard-core cyclist. Interactive Personal Training comes to life as your personal trainer controls the incline, decline and resistance of your ride, a truly Interactive Experience.

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There’s a few reasons why we picked the NordicTrack Studio Cycle S22i’s screen as the best for live and on-demand cycling classes: It has a 22-inch high-definition screen, front-facing speakers, and it can fully rotate to allow you to follow off-bike workouts as well (whether that’s boxing, yoga, Pilates, or anything else available through the iFIT app). 

But one of our favorite features actually has nothing to do with the screen itself, and that’s the S22i studio cycle’s incline and decline capabilities. Picture this: You’re following a workout in which your bike starts going uphill when all of a sudden you start feeling as if you’re actually peddling up an incline. Not only does this simulate road cycling, but it adds an extra challenge to your cardio workout. 

This stationary bike comes with 24 digital resistance levels (enough to provide a challenge to people of all fitness levels), two 3-pound dumbbells, and auto-adjust technology that allows the trainer to set the resistance and incline/decline during on-demand or live classes. 

As is the case with most of the bikes on this list, you’ll need a monthly fitness app subscription (in this case, its iFIT) to take advantage of most of the NordicTrack S22i’s features. And that’s on top of the bike’s $1,900 price point. 

In our opinion, though, this is one of the most high-end exercise bikes on the market, even if NordicTrack doesn’t let you store it in your garage (you risk voiding the warranty if you do).

Check out our full NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle review for more information.

Best Exercise Bike with Screen for Streaming Netflix: Bowflex VeloCore

Good for: Those who want to stream their favorite TV shows while doing home workouts

Best for Netflix

Bowflex VeloCore

Meet the indoor bike that's thoughtfully engineered with leaning mode to create a wildly immersive riding experience. You'll rock, sway, and bend to life down winding roads. Tilting gently from side to side as you sprint like a banshee toward the finish line. It's a high-intensity escape that'll help to ignite your arms, core, and your thrill for epic outdoor adventure…all from your living room.Take a look at our full Bowflex VeloCore Bike review.

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The Bowflex VeloCore is one of the only exercise bikes that allows you to watch Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBOMax or Amazon Prime Video without having to look up how to hack your smart bike’s monitor. The one downside is you need a JRNY subscription to access those streaming services, but you’ll need that anyway to take full advantage of this bike. 

You can also access other fitness apps on the VeloCore, including Peloton Bike, and Zwift via the display, which comes in a 16- and 22-inch option.

Screen aside, the VeloCore is one of our favorite exercise bikes because of its innovative leaning mode, which gives you a full-body workout by replicating the feeling of having to move your body like you would on a regular bicycle. This feature can be turned off, but we honestly wouldn’t recommend it as it’s one of the most unique indoor cycling experiences out there.  

RELATED: Benefits of Indoor Cycling

This bike starts at $1,799, and while that’s a lot of coin we think it’s worth it due to its great durability, extensive tech capabilities, and the fact that it has 100 micro-adjustable levels of resistance. In other words, this is a sturdy bike that we think you’ll enjoy every time you get on it. 

We are disappointed that you only get a two-year warranty on the frame and parts, and the assembly instructions were unclear (none of our parts were labeled, and many other online reviewers struggled with putting this together).

At the end of the day, we found it worth the struggle. Find out why in our full Bowflex VeloCore Bike review.

Best Exercise Bike with Large Screen: Peloton Bike+

Good for: Those who want a large HD screen for streaming live workouts

Largest Screen

Peloton Bike+

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We maintain that Peloton has the best cycling classes on the market thanks to their engaging and motivating instructors and the fact that Lizzo sometimes crashes a live class. Such great classes deserve a crystal clear picture, and that’s exactly what you’ll get with the Peloton Bike+ and its 23.8-inch HD touchscreen. 

In addition to being larger than the OG Peloton’s screen (21.8 inches), this revamped model comes with a monitor that can rotate 360 degrees (the original only tilts). Our friend Alie Atkins, who’s tested both Peloton bikes, explained why that feature is useful. “I like being able to get off the bike, move away from it, and still be able to finish the cool down stretch without feeling like I had to be right up against the bike to follow along.”

But the screen isn’t the only reason why this is the best Peloton product. The Bike+ also has an auto-follow function that allows trainers to set the resistance for you, which also helps reduce the amount of maintenance needed over time. 

You can also sync your Apple Watch, and other fitness trackers, to track your heart rate, total calories burned, and other metrics (these can be tracked via the screen as well).   

Unfortunately, just like its younger sibling, the Peloton Bike+ comes with Delta-compatible aluminum pedals that require special cycling shoes to use, but those can be changed out for adjustable toe cages (at a cost).

Read our full Peloton Bike+ review for more on this exercise bike.

Best Budget Exercise Bike with Screen: ProForm Carbon CX

Good for: Those looking for a budget-friendly bike with a screen and Bluetooth connectivity

Easy on the Wallet

ProForm Carbon CX

The ProForm Carbon CX is a budget-friendly Peloton alternative that, despite the lack of a built-in monitor, has many tech features that make it a great value for its price point (just around $600). Best of all, the iFIT-enabled bike has automatic tension control, which allows trainers to adjust the resistance on the bike for you mid-workout for a hands-free experience.What this bike lacks in built-in tech it makes up for in functionality. Even our tallest product tester, 6-foot-3-inches Anthony O'Reilly, didn't feel much wobble when riding this. That said, even the highest resistance setting won't be much of a challenge for the conditioned athlete (pun intended there).One thing we don't like about this bike is the very small display that shows all your metrics, but if you connect your smartphone or tablet you can see everything there. The device holder is sturdy and you should have no problem following your workouts on whatever screen you use.

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Right off the bat, yes, the ProForm Carbon CX doesn’t have a built-in touchscreen monitor like most of our picks on this list. So while you may not be able to access leaderboards or live workouts without a tablet or smartphone, there are still many reasons why you should consider this bike. 

The first is the price: $599. That’s not the most budget-friendly, but other bikes at this price point don’t come with a low-maintenance belt drive, Bluetooth connectivity, auto-adjustment capabilities, and a 10-year frame warranty—all of which come standard with the Carbon CX. You also get a water bottle holder (not guaranteed on all budget exercise bikes), and a dumbbell rack.  

The Bluetooth connectivity allows you to access iFIT workouts via your smart device, technically making this a smart bike even if it requires some external assistance. You can also sync it with an external heart rate monitor or fitness tracker if you want. 

The included LCD display leaves a lot to be desired, but again you can easily place the smart device of your choice over it. The bike itself is what you’d expect from something at this price point: You get 16 resistance levels, an adjustable seat that can be described as “bony,” and a whole lot of plastic parts.

For those on a budget who still want access to virtual HIIT bike workouts and some tech features, read our full ProForm CarbonCX review to find out why this is our pick.

Best Compact Exercise Bike with Screen: MYX II Bike

Good for: Home gym owners who want an exercise bike that doesn’t take up a lot of space

Compact Exercise Bike

MYX II Plus Bike

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Screens often add a bit of bulk to exercise bikes, and can even make moving them a bit of a pain. In the case of the MYX II Bike, that’s less of an issue because the bike is more compact than most other models, totaling 54 inches in length, 21 inches in width, and 47 inches in height. 

For comparison’s sake, the NordicTrack Studio Cycle S22i is 63 inches in length, 22 inches in width, and 60 inches in height. 

The screen is 21.5 inches and comes with plenty of tech features, including WiFi and Bluetooth compatibility, the ability to access live and on-demand MYX Fitness classes, access to metrics like total mileage and heart rate, and leaderboards for any classes you’re taking. 

If you’re doing an off-bike workout, you’ll appreciate that the MYX II Bike comes with a swivel screen so you can easily follow whatever your instructor is telling you. 

The MYX II Bike starts at $1,400, or $1,600 if you go for the MYX II Plus Bike, which is the same exercise bike but with dumbbells, resistance bands, and other extras. That’s a fairly decent price, but there’s one big thing to know before completing your purchase.  

This bike uses friction resistance, which not only means you’ll have to do some routine maintenance, but your ride won’t be as smooth or quiet as a bike with magnetic resistance. Friction resistance works by having brake pads grind against the flywheel to create tension, and over time those pads will deteriorate and need replacing.

Check out our full MYX II Bike review for our unfiltered thoughts on this exercise bike.

Best Exercise Bike with Small Screen: Echelon EX-5s-10

Good for: Anyone who doesn’t want a large screen in front of them

Smaller Screen

Echelon Smart Connect EX-5

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The Echelon EX-5s-10 is part of Echelon’s “Smart Connect” series of bikes, and to be perfectly honest, we’ve actually only tested the Echelon EX-8s, which comes with a massive 24-inch curved HD touchscreen. The EX-5s-10 has, as its name implies, a 10-inch HD touchscreen display that may be smaller than most, but it has a great personality. 

In all seriousness, the reviews for this bike show that size doesn’t matter as the picture comes in nice and crisp for most users. The smaller screen also cuts down on the amount of space needed for this bike, which may be a plus for those working out in compact spaces. The screen also turns 180 degrees for those off-bike workouts. 

Echelon Fit, the fitness app required for live and on-demand classes, boasts music by some of today’s top artists, though if you’re not a fan of rap or modern pop you may want to look elsewhere. The instructors aren’t quite as engaging as Peloton’s, but we love the variety of classes offered by the app. 

The bike’s other features include dual pedals (SPD clip-in pedals on one side, and adjustable toe cages on the other), two large water bottle holders, two ports to charge your phone, and a ventilated competition-style seat.

To get a better idea of this bike, you can read our full Echelon Connect EX-5 Bike review (which is the same bike as the EX-5s-10, just without a touchscreen display).

Best Recumbent Exercise Bike with Screen: Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike

Good for: Those who need a comfortable cycling experience

Recumbent Bike

Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike

Not everyone needs a recumbent-style bicycle, but if you're someone who does then the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike is one of our top picks. At only $500, with free shipping, this bike comes with 16 levels of magnetic resistance, only weighs 80 pounds, and has Bluetooth connectivity so you can use it with any heart rate monitor or fitness tracker you want.One of the other great features of this bike is that you can connect to apps like Zwift or Explore the World for live and on-demand workout classes. The bike comes with its own media stand, so you can place your iPad or other smart device on the console when you're ready to ride.The bike is made with lots of plastic, which we generally don't like, and the console isn't backlit, but all told those are minor problems. If you're simply looking for a bike that can help you maintain or improve your cardiovascular fitness, you'll want this one.

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Recumbent bikes may be a great way to get a low-impact workout (even more low-impact than traditional exercise bikes), but they often prioritize substance over style, which is why you often don’t see many fancy touchscreens on them. That includes the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike, which only comes with a basic LCD display that shows your speed, RPM, heart rate, calories burned, distance, and workout time. 

On the bright side, the screen allows you to access 13 built-in workout programs, and it has Bluetooth connectivity so you can sync to your smartphone or tablet to access Zwift or Explore the World. 

Unlike an upright bike, a recumbent bike places the pedals in front of the user and typically has a seat with a backrest (there’s no such support on traditional exercise bikes). This is why recumbent bikes are often the best exercise bikes for seniors or those who need to protect their joints from further stress during their home exercise sessions.

The Schwinn 230 has an adjustable and ventilated seat that keeps the user cool, even during high-intensity rides.  

This isn’t a bike for those who consider themselves serious cyclists, but if your fitness goal is simply to remain active or try to rehabilitate an injury, it’s the best choice due to its price. At around $600, you’re getting a durable piece of equipment that’s backed by a 10-year frame warranty.

Read our full Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike review for our extensive thoughts on this exercise bike.

Other Exercise Bikes with Screens We Tried and Researched 

Here are a few bikes that didn’t make the cut but are still worthy of your consideration.

Sunny Health and Fitness Evo-Fit Stationary Upright Bike: We’re big fans of Sunny Health & Fitness, which specialize in making budget-friendly cardio and strength training equipment, but not many of their bikes come with Bluetooth connectivity…except this one. Every other bike only comes with an LCD screen and tablet holder. This bike has great reviews, has 24 electro-magnetic resistance levels, and sells for less than $500.

Peloton Bike: There’s nothing wrong with the original Peloton, but if you’re looking for the best cycling experience we think the Peloton Bike+ does a better job of delivering on that. 

Echelon EX-8s Connect Bike: $2,300 for an exercise bike that only has a one-year warranty? Yeah, no thanks.

How We Picked and Tested the Best Exercise Bike with Screen

As we mentioned earlier, the Garage Gym Reviews team prides itself on having the most rigorous research and testing methodologies on the internet. When it came to deciding the best exercise bike with screen, that meant considering the following factors before making our final decisions.

Screen Capabilities

We first looked at what each screen could do—did they just display metrics, or could you stream live workouts or music on them? We also had to consider that screen capabilities differed across various bike models; for example, a recumbent bike’s screen will always be less technologically advanced compared to a studio cycle. That’s why we didn’t use the same criteria for the Schwinn 230 as we did the NordicTrack Studio Cycle S22i.

Screen Size and Resolution 

Just as you would check the screen size and resolution on your living room TV, we wanted to make sure each exercise bike’s screen delivered a high-quality picture.

Screen Adjustment

All of our touchscreen recommendations can be adjusted in one way or another, with some being able to rotate a full 360 degrees. We wanted to include this because it allows the user to easily follow their instructors no matter where they are on or off the bike.

WiFi and Bluetooth

We’ll admit, sometimes setting up WiFi and Bluetooth on exercise equipment can be a bit of a pain, but it pays off when you’re able to sync with your headphones, fitness tracker, or fitness app to help make the most out of your equipment.

Resistance and Durability 

Finally, we wanted to make sure that you could use the exercise bike for the exact reason you bought it…to exercise. That means finding bikes with good resistance levels that are built to last many years in your home gym. 

Benefits of Having an Exercise Bike with Screen

If you’ve read this far and are still not sure if an exercise bike with screen is worth the investment, here are two reasons why we’d recommend one.

Motivation

Whether it’s a basic LCD screen or a touchscreen, a screen can help motivate you to reach your fitness goals. This can be in the form of displaying your total miles biked, or a virtual instructor calling you out by name in the middle of a workout.

Metrics

Tracking metrics can be important when chasing a goal because it shows that you’re putting the work in. For example, if your coach tells you to bike 10 miles in a certain time frame, you’ll want to be able to find out how long it took you to reach that distance.

It should be said that exercise equipment often over- or under-estimates certain metrics, especially calories burned, but having a general guideline is better than nothing.

How to Choose the Best Exercise Bike with Screen

Not sure which of our top picks is the best choice for you? Here are a few things to keep in mind before making your final decision.

Resistance

You’ll want to look at how many resistance levels there are, and if the maximum resistance can provide a challenge to you. Something with 16 resistance levels may not be the best fit for someone who typically mountain bikes for fun on weekends, whereas a bike with 100 micro-adjustable resistance levels may be a bit too much for a general trainee just trying to maintain cardiovascular fitness.

Durability

Exercise bikes are an investment, so you’ll want to make sure you get your money’s worth. That means finding a bike that won’t break after a few weeks of regular use. Try to find one with a heavy-duty steel frame that uses as little plastic as possible (there might be some on the water bottle holders and other parts). 

Keep in mind that if you’re working with a smaller budget, your bike may not be as durable as someone who’s got a little more money to spend.

Screen Type

Do you need a touchscreen capable of streaming Netflix or are you just looking for something to keep track of your miles biked? That’s a personal choice at the end of the day.

Screen Size and Resolution

It should go without saying, but make sure you can clearly see the screen and everything it displays.

Screen Adjustability

If you’re planning to do off-bike workouts, make sure you can at least swivel the screen so you can have the best view of it at all times. Ideally, you’d want a fully rotating screen but that may not be possible on some budget bikes.

Classes

Exercise bikes with touchscreens will typically give you access to live and on-demand classes. We’ve written reviews for the iFIT and Peloton apps so you can find which one best meets your needs and goals.

Price

You’ll want to make sure the exercise bike meets your budget, but keep in mind many manufacturers offer financing plans to split the cost of a bike into monthly payments.

LCD Screen vs Touchscreen 

An LCD screen is a flat panel display that will only show basic information, such as calories burned, total miles biked, heart rate, and speed. On an exercise bike, you can toggle between different menus on the screen using buttons found near the display.

A touchscreen will resemble an iPad or smartphone, and as its name suggests can be used via touch. Touchscreens on exercise bikes will not only show your overall metrics, but can also be used to stream workout classes, streaming services (only on certain models), and other features that vary by company.

Swivel Screen vs Rotating Screen

A swivel screen is a type of screen that can be adjusted on a pivot, but it can’t fully rotate. It usually stops somewhere around 90 degrees or so, whereas a rotating screen can be turned a full 360 degrees to face whatever direction the user wants it to.

Best Exercise Bike with Screen FAQs

Anthony O'Reilly, CPT

Anthony O'Reilly is a NASM-certified nutrition coach and personal trainer whose work has been featured in Muscle & Fitness and BarBend, and previously was an award-winning reporter and photographer for newspapers on Long Island and Queens, NY. After spending most of his life overweight, he dropped 80 pounds and took control of his health and fitness. Outside of work, he still enjoys Little Debbie cakes but offsets them with rigorous hikes and workouts. He's an avid Manchester United supporter, through thick and thin.

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