The 8 Best Online Cycling Classes of 2024, As Chosen By Our Experts

In today’s digital age, the best fitness apps give athletes more power than ever to curate their workouts in accordance with their fitness goals through detailed data tracking, engaging on-demand courses, helpful tips, and more. Plus, there’s practically a platform for any discipline. For those heavily invested in indoor cycling workouts, the best online cycling classes can be excellent tools for creating that engaging ride experience that rivals the on-road feel of pedaling toward progress.

Online cycling classes can vary greatly from one another depending on your preferred method of training — think digital open-road routes versus in-studio sessions. You’ll also need to consider your cycling app’s availability on certain devices and its potential subscription costs. To help, we downloaded and trained with multiple services and consulted with our in-house experts to compile this list of our favorite online cycling classes available today.

The 8 Best Online Cycling Classes of 2024

• Best Online Cycling Class Overall: Les Mills+
• Best Online Cycling Class for Music Lovers: iFIT
• Best Budget Online Cycling Class: CardioCast
• Best Online Cycling Class for Solo Rides: Strava
• Best Gamified Online Cycling Class: Zwift
• Best Online Cycling Class for Beginners: CycleBar by Xponential+
• Best Online Cycling Class for Variety: Studio SWEAT onDemand
• Best Studio-Style Online Cycling Class: Peloton

How We Tested and Chose the Best Online Cycling Classes

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To make our list of the best online cycling classes, we downloaded, streamed, and trialed 19 different platforms from some of the industry’s best service providers, using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) to determine our top picks. Below are some of the categories and components we looked at to make our list.

For further information on how we trial and test the products chosen for this guide and more, be sure to read the BarBend Equipment Testing Methodology.

• Workout Style: Cycling apps come in a variety of formats. Some offer studio-based programming resembling your typical spin class, while others feature virtual on-road rides that can take you through different scenes and settings to mimic outdoor cycling. We looked for online cycling classes that cater to both interests. Some of our picks even offer options in both categories.
• App Compatibility: An online cycling class is useless if you can’t stream the content across your personal devices. We made sure to list the compatible platforms for each service, placing emphasis on apps and classes that could be streamed across devices like smartphones, televisions, and gaming consoles for better versatility.
• Class Duration: Every schedule is different, so finding an online cycling class that matches your training windows is vital for maintaining performance and exercise consistency. All of the apps and classes in this guide offer a variety of workouts ranging from short, 10-minute circuits to lengthier grinds that can consume an hour.
• Additional Programming: An online cycling class platform should, naturally, have indoor bike workouts available, but having other disciplines can be excellent for cross-training and keeping regimens fresh. We noted which apps offer workout modules catering to multiple disciplines and how the ratio of indoor cycling sessions compares to the overall library.
• Cost: We determined that an average monthly subscription cost for online cycling classes is roughly $23.50, so we did our best to include platforms around that metric. More expensive online cycling classes were included but needed to showcase extra value in the form of high-quality content, additional programming outside of indoor cycling, or another factor we deemed worthy.

Best Online Cycling Class Overall: Les Mills+

If you’re looking to pair one of the best exercise bikes with a lively, engaging digital training platform, we can’t recommend Les Mills+ enough. In addition to the service’s three spin classes — RPM, The Trip, and Les Mills Sprint — a Les Mills+ membership also gives you access to over 1,000 on-demand classes catering to disciplines like HIIT, strength training, yoga, cardio, and more.

Our tester rated the workout variety at 5 out of 5. “There’s something for every fitness level,” they said. “I also like how the indoor bike workouts are different from one another. ‘The Trip’ is an open-road experience, ‘RPM’ is a group studio session, and ‘Les Mills Sprint’ is an intense challenge for high-intensity enthusiasts.”

We also appreciate how much Les Mills invests in keeping workouts engaging and entertaining through heart-pumping music playlists and lively on-screen instructors. Unfortunately, though, there’s no room to interact with your favorite trainers mid-workout as all Les Mills+ programs are on demand. If you’re seeking that live workout experience, you may want to look for a different service provider.

Les Mills+ also scored a 4 out of 5 in terms of availability. The app is available on a wide range of providers, consoles, and casting services, so getting access to your on-screen workouts should be a breeze depending on where you set up your indoor bike. 

Personally, I recommend streaming the workouts through your television or a larger tablet as opposed to our smartphone. The picture can be difficult to decipher at times with the smaller screen, especially when trying to maintain pace.

This impressive online workout program is offered in two subscription models: Base and Premium. However, we rated the value at 4 out of 5 because in order to gain access to the entire workout library (indoor cycling classes included), you’ll need to shell out for a Premium membership costing $29.99 monthly. There is a 30-day free trial, though, so there is a slight grace period if you want to test run the services before signing up for a monthly subscription.

Best Online Cycling Class for Music Lovers: iFIT

Need a little rhythm to keep you going on your indoor cycling bike? Consider iFIT before your next session. According to our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 instructor, the music library is vast and enjoyable with some popular hits to ensure your calorie-burning circuits feature less muzak and more chart-toppers. 

“It’s clear that iFIT shells out for usage rights when it comes to their music library,” our tester added. “There were some intra-workout tunes that came on and had me double-check to ensure my Bluetooth headphones were connected to my spin bike as opposed to my iPhone.”

In addition to the entertainment value, we rated iFIT at 4.5 out of 5 for the instructors. Each trainer brings their own personality to the 17,000+ on-demand workouts, which can be great when trying to match your personality to the on-screen talent. Plus, the call-outs are informative and helpful, our tester noted, leaving you with little doubt on what’s needed for each training session.

The iFIT platform has been a favorite of ours due to its wide array of training disciplines. Sure, there are tons of cycling-based workouts, but the app also caters to off-machine sessions, treadmill runs, ellipticals, and more. If you own one of the best cardio machines from NordicTrack, ProForm, Freemotion, or Matrix, you’ll also have the opportunity to take advantage of the SmartAdjust technology that automatically syncs your machine settings to your instructor’s directions. As such, we rated the integrative features at 4 out of 5.

Be mindful, though, that in order to unlock all that iFIT has to offer, you’ll need to have a compatible spin bike or other iFIT-connected gym equipment. This may require an extra purchase or two on top of the app’s $39 monthly charge. We scored its overall value a 4 out of 5. 

Read our full iFIT Review.

Best Budget Online Cycling Class: CardioCast

For indoor cyclists wanting a budget-friendly app to power their workouts, why not choose a service that pays you? Aside from its affordable $12.50 monthly subscription cost, CardioCast also has an “Earn and Burn” program that can help you earn back a portion of your payment in the form of an Amazon Gift Card.

Editor’s Note: The $12.50 monthly subscription is in relation to CardioCast’s annual contract. Earn and Burn is not available to athletes on a month-to-month plan, which costs $19.99 monthly.

Having tried this app before, I really enjoy the incentive for keeping a regular training schedule. For example, if you average one workout per week for a given month, CardioCast will give you an Amazon gift card equivalent to 10 percent of your monthly subscription cost. A five-workouts-per-week average (the max available reimbursement) will get you 50 percent back, so in theory, you can wind up with a high-quality fitness app for less than $7 monthly. As such, I rated the value at 5 out of 5.

CardioCast is unlike other online cycling classes in that all the programming is audio-only. Your instructor’s callouts are blended with upbeat tunes and are marketed as a way to get away from staring at a screen during workouts. Plus, I scored the workout variety at 4 out of 5 since there are modules for different training styles, including running, elliptical training, rowing, yoga, and even dog walking.

[Related: Best Ellipticals] 

Of course, we understand that audio-only programming may not be appealing to every athlete, especially those that rely on leaderboards for motivation or beginners that need more visual instruction. As such, I rated the workout experience at a conservative 3.5 out of 5.

Finally, CardioCast does offer a free seven-day trial period, which is shorter than your typical 15- or 30-day trial. This means you’ll need to make a decision sooner on whether the audio-only format is right for your needs. At less than $20 monthly, though, it’s not as harsh of a loss if you need more time.

Best Online Cycling Class for Solo Rides: Strava

For athletes that prefer the thrill of solo riding outdoors, Strava should be a top consideration. We’ve previously ranked this platform as one of the best running apps, but the service can be just as effective for bike enthusiasts, too, thanks to its accurate geolocation services, regular group challenges, and customizable routes.

Strava can also be used indoors, but the workarounds are a bit more chaotic given that the app relies on GPS to track certain metrics. That said, you can still pair your heart rate monitor to track your time elapsed, calories burned, and heart rate in a given session. 

Plus, there’s a Beacon mode that can help keep tabs of your location during training, providing your exact location to up to three individuals. This can be especially helpful for those training in new locations or cities.

In terms of the app’s ease of use, our tester, a corrective exercise specialist, rated Strava at 4 out of 5. “All you need to do is open the app, choose your workout discipline from the list of supported activities, and the app will automatically begin to track your progress,” they said. 

Unlike other online cycling classes we’ve tested, Strava doesn’t require extra equipment unless, well, you don’t own a bike. We rated the equipment requirements at 5 out of 5, assuming that most athletes interested in Strava have a dedicated cycle already. 

Strava is available for $11.99 monthly on both iOS- and Android-powered devices. It also features Bluetooth compatibility with a range of the best heart rate monitors and data trackers from Garmin, Wahoo, Polar, and more. There is a free version, although we’ve found that many of the aforementioned features are hidden behind a paywall. You’ll need to pony up for a monthly subscription if you want everything Strava has to offer.

However, we scored the value at 4 out of 5 given its emphasis on data tracking as opposed to trainer-led workouts. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this app format, but if you’re one that desires on-screen instruction with a studio-driven experience, we recommend looking at other options.

Best Gamified Online Cycling Class: Zwift

Admittedly, indoor cycling can get mundane in a hurry if you don’t have extra stimulation from changing scenery or engaging on-screen entertainment. Rather than relying on a bubbly spin instructor, Zwift instead turns each workout into a gamified experience as you pedal through a variety of virtual worlds, compete against fellow Zwift subscribers in races and challenges, and transport your training into a truly digital realm.

I’ve used Zwift in the past and rate the overall experience at 4.5 out of 5. I enjoyed the immersive sensation of following my avatar through the winding twists and turns of the digital environment, and I especially appreciated the competitive aspect of the varying challenges and races. Plus, Zwift can match your on-screen terrain to your spin bike’s settings provided you have a compatible indoor exercise bike or bike trainer.

If you don’t have a Zwift-compatible cardio machine, you can still follow along with the service, as many exercise bikes with screens support the Zwift platform. You just may not be able to take advantage of the on-road simulation features.

In addition to the gamified routes and events, Zwift offers over 1,000 structured workouts if you’re more of a regimented athlete. There are also workout plans available that can make it easier to choose your given session for a day.

As far as pricing is concerned, Zwift is on par with other popular online cycling classes at $19.99 monthly. The app also features running-based workouts, which help add some variety to the workout roster. Unfortunately, though, I did rate the trial period at 3 out of 5 given its shorter timeframe of seven days. Most high-quality fitness apps will offer a 30-day trial period to let you grow accustomed to the ins and outs of the platform.

As a final note, Zwift isn’t the best cycling app for on-road workouts. After all, it can be difficult to navigate through reality when trying to follow your digital world’s pathways. For those indoor workouts that need some extra oomph, though, Zwift can be a fun, refreshing way to train.

Best Online Cycling Class for Beginners: CycleBar by Xponential+

Indoor cycling is, logistically, like riding a bike, but there’s a difference between just getting the pedals to revolve and maintaining certain paces and different intervals. This can be daunting for beginner athletes taking on their first sessions, so having a helpful instructor that can guide you through circuits is a definite plus. CycleBar’s online library of spin classes is rich with energetic personalities that can make tackling your new discipline that much easier.

CycleBar is a well-known brand for spinners. You’ll find brick-and-mortar CycleBar’s all over the country, each offering low-impact, high-intensity training to athletes wanting that in-studio feel. However, CycleBar workouts are also available digitally through Xponential+, an app service offering on-demand training from some of the most recognizable boutique fitness platforms.

I’ve taken in-studio CycleBar classes before and can attest to the level of expertise brought forward by the instructors. I scored the guidance at 4 out of 5, as each trainer has a good personality that can be helpful when starting out and motivating enough to make you want to return for another future session. 

The Xponential+ content uses the same trainers, so while that athlete-instructor relationship may be less authentic through a screen, I don’t doubt the information’s helpfulness.

Xponential+ on its own also earned a 4.5 out of 5 for value given its wide range of available courses outside of CycleBar’s online cycling classes. The $29.99 monthly membership also gives you access to programs for pilates, bootcamp workouts, yoga, and more. This can help offset the cost more — a near-$30 subscription for solely a standalone cycling app may be too rich for some athletes.

Unfortunately, signing up for CycleBar content through Xponential+ does not give you a free pass to attend in-studio sessions. If you want further guidance on your form and performance through in-person instruction, you’ll need to look for a CycleBar location nearest you (the first ride is free). For those that are comfortable enough getting their guidance through a screen, this can definitely be a worthwhile option for budding spin bike enthusiasts.

Best Online Cycling Class for Variety: Studio SWEAT onDemand

Having an online cycling class platform with a good variety of workouts can help you maintain interest to hop in the saddle on a regular schedule. With hundreds of on-demand indoor bike workouts available as well as sessions for body weight training, TRX, barre, cardio, and more, Studio SWEAT onDemand can be a great solution for athletes wanting to mix up their training on a normal basis.

Studio SWEAT onDemand earned a 4 out of 5 rating for workout variety, as there are multiple modules available for a wide range of fitness levels. I also like how the platform takes cross-training into the limelight with many sessions calling for on-bike and off-bike movements across their running length. Speaking of time, you can find workouts as short as 10 minutes or as long as three hours. On average, though, you can expect your workouts to run between 25 and 55 minutes.

I also recommend Studio SWEAT onDemand for its wide availability, which I rated at 4.5 out of 5. In addition to the platform’s compatibility with multiple devices — from smartphones to televisions and gaming consoles — I also appreciate how certain modules can be downloaded for off-network viewing. This can be excellent for athletes struggling to find Wi-Fi access during travels.

In terms of pricing, Studio SWEAT onDemand features an average monthly membership cost of $19.88. This “All-Access Plan” also gives you a discounted rate on downloadable classes — $5.88 as opposed to the regular $7.88 fee. I’d score the pricing at 4 out of 5, though, since the quality of the content is less than that of other online cycling classes I’ve tried in the past.

Aside from the fact that workouts don’t feature on-screen metrics, I also feel the setting is a little underwhelming when compared to other, more polished studio backdrops. It feels as if the content was shot at your local rec center rather than a dedicated fitness stage. For less than $20 monthly, though, can you honestly expect the crispest visuals?

Best Studio-Style Online Cycling Class: Peloton App+

Editor’s Note: Peloton App+ differs from Peloton’s All-Access Membership, which is required when trying to stream live and on-demand courses through Peloton-branded equipment. If you have a Peloton indoor bike, you’ll need to pay $44 monthly as opposed to $24 to unlock the machine’s capabilities.

If you want a studio-like experience to go along with your at-home indoor cycling regimen, why not turn to the brand that’s synonymous with the discipline? While the Peloton App+ does offer trainer-led workouts for a range of activities — including rowing, strength, and running-based modules to support the brand’s equipment, such as the Peloton Tread — Peloton’s roots still remain in the exercise bike category thanks to its robust library of live and on-demand cycling workouts.

[Related: Peloton Tread Review]

The Peloton workout experience is one of the most polished on the market, blending charismatic instructors with motivating on-screen metrics and leaderboards, streamlined interfaces, and upbeat music that rivals the star power of the Billboard charts. “I really love the artist-based workouts that curate sessions based around the works of your favorite performers,” said our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 instructor. They scored the interactive features a 4 out of 5. 

“There’s also plenty of genres to choose from that take some of the stress away from finding that ideal training playlist,” they added. “Just hit play and you’re ready to go.”

The Peloton App+ is compatible with plenty of devices, allowing you to stream your workouts even without the branded fitness equipment. However, we do rate the equipment demands at 4.5 out of 5 since the platform, naturally, pairs best with Peloton-branded machines like the Peloton Bike. After all, your on-screen instructor is using a Peloton machine, so to ensure resistance and cadence are in sync, it’s best to train with similar equipment.

Peloton workout modules can cater to a wide range of fitness levels, but be mindful that there’s little customization available to the programming itself. However, the workout library is vast with over 10,000 available sessions, so we doubt you’ll have an issue finding a circuit that suits your needs and wants.

Finally, the Peloton App+ is available for $24 monthly and gives you access to the brand’s entire library of training courses. A cheaper “App One” membership is available for $12.99 monthly, but only offers three bike workouts per billing cycle.

[Related: Peloton Bike Review]

Benefits of Online Cycling Classes

According to Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer, online cycling classes and other fitness apps can be excellent for keeping you interested in regimented training. “They keep you on track and serve as a form of accountability, especially if you’re paying for an app that connects you with a real personal trainer. They can keep fitness fun and interesting, expose you to types of training you may not have thought of yourself, and at the same time, keep things simple so you don’t get distracted by all the noise around fitness online.”

Here are just a few of the top perks associated with the best online cycling classes.

• Boosted Engagement: Excitement for pedaling through your at-home workouts can begin to wane if you’re constantly stuck in manual mode with nothing to grab your attention beyond your tracked metrics. Online cycling classes can help lessen your boredom and keep intrigue high with lively music and on-screen instructors bursting with notes of personality and encouragement.
• Workout Variety: According to studies, cross-training through multiple workout disciplines can be linked to better overall wellness in comparison to focusing on one singular training style. (1) Many of the top online cycling classes offer modules catering to activities like yoga, strength training, HIIT, and others, giving you the opportunity to mix up training protocols without ever leaving the app interface.
• Accessibility: Many of the best online cycling classes are available through multiple streaming pathways beyond just your cellular device, television, or on-machine display. This can help you stay regimented in training when away from specific screens, keeping your training protocol always within reach when it comes time to put the work in.

How Much Do Online Cycling Classes Cost?

Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer, states that pricing should be a top consideration when looking for a worthwhile online cycling class. “Would you prefer an app that only requires a one-time payment, or are you cool with budgeting for a monthly subscription? If yes, how much can you pay each month?” More often than not, you can expect to pay a monthly or yearly subscription fee for high-quality platforms. The average cost for our picks is roughly $23.50 monthly. Discounts are possible for lengthier agreements, too. 

Best Online Cycling Class Overall	Les Mills+	$29.99 per month
Best Online Cycling Class for Music Lovers	iFIT	$39 per month
Best Budget Online Cycling Class	CardioCast	Starting at $12.50 per month
Best Online Cycling Class for Solo Rides	Strava	$11.99 per month
Best Gamified Online Cycling Class	Zwift	$19.99 per month
Best Online Cycling Class for Beginners	CycleBar by Xponential+	$29.99 per month
Best Online Cycling Class for Variety	Studio SWEAT onDemand	$19.88 per month
Best Studio-Style Online Cycling Class	Peloton	Starting at $24 per month

What to Consider Before Subscribing to an Online Cycling Class

Choosing the right online cycling class, or any fitness app for that matter, can be a daunting task given the plethora of platforms available today. Thankfully, you can efficiently move through the download process if you understand the top factors that can make or break your decision. Here are the top factors worth considering when looking to download an online cycling class.

Workout Interests 

One of the first factors worth pondering is whether an online cycling class is right for your fitness goals. Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer, states, “You can narrow down your search a lot right from the get-go by determining what type of training you need to do in order to reach your desired outcome. An endurance-focused fitness app isn’t going to help much if your current goal is to build muscle, for instance, and vice versa.”

Naturally, if you’re looking at online cycling classes, we’re to assume you’re interested in indoor cycling. However, be sure to think about how often you plan to hop in the saddle — an app may not be a viable option if you only plan to pedal every now and again. 

You can also look for cycling apps that cater to multiple disciplines across their interface. While commonly more expensive given their larger workout libraries, these services can be excellent for supporting all of your needs in one fell swoop. Speaking of…

Available Programming

Your online cycling class should also be robust enough to keep workouts fresh and engaging. Speaking specifically to the on-bike programming, we recommend looking for a library that consists of workouts ranging in length and intensity. There’s no sense in signing up for a platform if every module is virtually the same.

For those interested in cross-training and using their exercise bike intermittently within their programming, we also recommend ensuring the other training sessions align with your goals. For example, if a platform only offers cycling and running workouts yet you want on-screen guidance for body weight or strength training, you may be left underwhelmed in the long run.

App Compatibility

In order to follow along with your trainer-led programming, you’ll want to ensure that your chosen online cycling class is compatible with your streaming method of choice. While nearly all cycling apps offer a smartphone-compatible version of their services for iOS- or Android-powered devices, others are also available on casting platforms like Chromecast or Roku. Some can also be downloaded directly to your gaming console. 

There’s no right or wrong answer in terms of how you stream these online cycling classes, but if you prefer to view your programming on a larger screen, ensure that the content is compatible with your television or on-machine display.

Equipment Requirements

Your digital training tools should work seamlessly with the best home gym equipment at your disposal. As such, you’ll want to look for an online cycling class that matches your indoor cycling bike, especially if the platform is compatible with specific brands like the Peloton app or iFIT. 

Yes, services such as these can be used with other branded bikes, but their experience is greatly enhanced when pairing the digital training sessions to gear that was actually designed to work in tandem with the programming.

Price 

On average, high-quality online cycling classes can cost around $23.50 per month, with some brands offering discounted rates for lengthier agreements. Of course, we understand that every budget is different, so the best cycling app for your needs is the one that fits your finances best. Crunch some numbers to ensure that you can afford the digital services without complications. 

It can also be wise to juxtapose the monthly charges with any equipment purchases you’ll need to make. For example, you may be able to afford a Peloton app subscription, but will the purchase of Peloton-branded equipment fit within your means, too?

Online Cycling Classes FAQs

References

1. Tanaka, H. (1994). Effects of cross-training. Sports Medicine, 18(5), 330–339. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7871294/