Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.
Sit back, put your feet on the pedals, and enjoy a heart-pumping workout without stepping outside.
Recumbent bikes are designed to allow users to sit in a reclined position, offering a more comfortable cycling experience and placing less stress on the joints than upright stationary bikes. This makes them well-suited for older users or arthritis sufferers looking for a lower-impact workout, or anyone working through a physical therapy or injury recovery program. These machines are also significantly less expensive than upright bikes, making them a cost-effective alternative for fitness lovers who still want to enjoy the benefits of an exercise bike.
When choosing a recumbent bike, think about what features would be most beneficial to you and your fitness goals. If you really want to dive into a serious workout program, consider choosing a bike with a good variety of programs and resistance levels, allowing you to continually increase the difficulty level as you get fitter. You’ll also probably want a model with a large, interactive screen that allows you to better visualize your progress and your current workout. (If you want a workout that’s even closer to actually riding a bicycle, you might want to consider an upright bike instead.)
If your priority is preventing boredom and incentivizing yourself to work out a bit more, choose a bike with a dedicated space for a tablet or mobile device. This will allow you to easily enjoy streaming entertainment, even if you’re not in a room with a TV. The more enjoyable your workout experience is, the more likely you’ll be to do it regularly.
Perhaps most importantly, think about how much space you have in your home, and choose a bike that will fit comfortably. It may take a few minutes, but take the time to use a tape measure to really make sure your recumbent bike will fit in the space you’re planning on using it. This step can save yourself a huge hassle in the long run.
We selected the options on this list by first researching current recumbent bike options, and, having used several models in the past, used our personal experience to help select a range of options that would be most helpful for first-time users. Although we didn’t physically test the models on our list, we used a combination of customer feedback on specific models and the advice and recommendations of well-respected review sites to land on our top picks. We also kept pricing in mind during our search, ensuring that, regardless of your budget, you should be able to find an option that still fits your needs.
For more great additions to your at-home workouts, check out our picks for the best home gym equipment, exercise bikes, and adjustable dumbbells!
With a relatively low price, wide range of programs and resistance settings, and Bluetooth connectivity, this Nautilus bike is a great addition to any home gym. Its connectivity features allow you to sync your workouts with app-based fitness trackers, or you can keep things simple and just use the included LED screen to keep track of your progress. You’ll need to pay extra for it—and use your own tablet to view it—but their “Explore the World” program could be worth it for users who want to virtually ride up to 50 cycling routes around the globe. Some assembly is required, but the majority of reviewers commented that the process was straightforward, and should take about 2 to 3 hours.
If you’re not interested in the bells and whistles of higher-end models, and just want a basic bike for simple workouts, this Marcy model could be the perfect fit. Its stripped down controls—just three buttons to choose from—would also be great for users who get overwhelmed and confused by cluttered control panels. Despite its simple setup, this model still provides a good amount of data, including workout time, speed, distance, calories burned, and an odometer—more than enough for the casual user. Plus, at just 86 pounds, it’s relatively easy to move around and assemble.
The high price tag might scare off some users, but if you’re looking for a model that offers both an upper and lower body workout, this HCI Fitness bike could be worth the investment. The “walk-through” design makes it safe and easy to mount and dismount the machine without fear of tripping, and the contoured seat will provide the support and cushioning you need for long workouts. The bright LED display and straightforward controls allow you to program and follow along with your workout, and the handlebar pedals offer eight levels of resistance.
Just because you’re on a limited budget, that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the health and fitness benefits of a recumbent bike. This Sunny Health & Fitness bike is inexpensive, but still provides useful features like a pulse sensor, self-leveling pedals, and eight levels of resistance. The lightweight frame and integrated wheels on the front of the unit make it easy to roll around, whether you're wheeling it into a closet or moving it behind the couch. This bike won’t be as durable as heavier-duty models, so if you’re looking for something to tackle frequent, long-distance rides, you may need to spring for a more expensive option.
If you don’t need a dedicated entertainment screen and just want basic, easy-to-read LCD screens that display your workout data, this bike is a great choice. The bright backlit screens provide visual diagrams of your selected cycling course or training program, so you always know exactly how long you have left, or your remaining distance. This bike also features the Bluetooth connectivity needed to sync up your preferred fitness apps, and the USB charger allows you to keep your phone or tablet powered up while you work out. The cushioned seat makes for a comfortable ride, as well.
Looking to add some upper-body resistance to maximize the efficiency of your cycling workout? The revolving handlebars on this Sunny Health & Fitness model allow you to pump your arms as you pedal, and feature adjustable resistance settings, just like the bike portion. If you like, you can forgo the pedaling altogether and simply plant your feet on the floor to specifically target your arms and shoulders. A digital monitor provides up-to-date workout info, and the handy device holder allows you to easily watch movies or TV shows on your phone or tablet.
If you’re short on space or just want to easily stow your bike away when you’re done using it, consider this Ativafit folding bike. Its X-shaped design provides both a sturdy foundation while you exercise and also makes it easy to fold up and stow away when you’re finished. A pair of front wheels, combined with the low 42-pound weight, makes it easy to roll from room to room if you like. Keep in mind that the maximum user weight of this bike is just 265 pounds, which is lower than most of the other options on our list.