Peloton Bike vs Bike+: Which Should You Buy? (Full Comparison)

The main difference between the Peloton Bike and Bike+ is that the Bike+ offers premium tech upgrades—like a 360° rotating screen, automatic resistance, Apple GymKit support, and better sound—while the original Peloton Bike delivers the core Peloton experience at a more affordable price.
If you’re deciding between the two, the right choice depends on your budget and whether you value tech convenience or just want the best cycling classes at home.

Knowing the differences between the Peloton Bike and Bike+ is crucial for making a smart investment in your home fitness journey. Both bikes deliver outstanding streaming classes and community motivation, but the Bike+ is designed for those who want a truly premium, seamless experience. This guide breaks down every key feature, current pricing, recent updates, and helps you confidently choose the best Peloton bike for your goals.

Key differences include:

• Rotating vs. fixed screen
• Manual vs. automatic resistance
• Audio upgrades
• Apple Watch integration

Let’s dive into all the details so you can make an informed choice.
For official specs, always refer to Peloton’s comparison page.

Peloton Bike vs Bike+: Quick Overview

Source: Peloton Official, July 2025

Peloton Bike: Best Value for Home Workouts

What Is the Peloton Bike?

The Peloton Bike (often called “original” or “OG” Bike) is Peloton’s flagship indoor bike, offering access to thousands of live and on-demand cycling classes through Peloton’s All-Access Membership ($44/month as of July 2025).
You get a fixed HD touchscreen, manual resistance knob, and rear-facing speakers. It’s the most affordable way to join Peloton’s legendary workout community.

Key Benefits

• Lower price: Entry point for most home riders.
• Rock-solid build: Same frame and resistance as Bike+.
• Access to all classes: Unlimited streaming with membership.
• Simple, reliable tech: No auto-resistance means less to go wrong.

Downsides

• Screen only tilts (not rotates) — less ideal for floor/yoga/strength classes.
• No automatic resistance: You have to adjust manually.
• Basic sound: Speakers are rear-facing and less powerful.
• No Apple GymKit: Apple Watch users must connect manually.

Peloton Bike+: Premium Features for Power Users

What Is the Bike+?

The Peloton Bike+ is the upgraded model for those who want the most high-tech, immersive experience. It features a bigger, anti-reflective screen that swivels 360°, Auto-Follow resistance (automatically adjusts to instructor cues), powerful front-facing speakers, and Apple GymKit integration for one-tap Apple Watch pairing.

Key Benefits

• 360° rotating screen: Perfect for off-bike classes like strength or yoga.
• Auto-Follow resistance: Hands-free intensity changes during class.
• Superior sound: Studio-quality, 4-channel front speakers.
• Apple GymKit: Sync Apple Watch instantly for heart rate tracking.
• Better camera: 8 MP for video calls or group rides.
• Future-proof hardware: Faster processor, more RAM, USB-C charging.

Downsides

• Higher price: About $1,000 more than the OG Bike.
• No Ethernet port: WiFi only.
• Not all users need the upgrades: If you only ride, may not justify extra cost.

What’s New for 2025? Policy, Pricing & Updates

• Pricing (as of July 2025):
  
  
  
  • Peloton Bike: $1,445
  
  
  • Bike+: $2,495
  
  
  
  

  (Official: Peloton Bikes Compare)

  
  
• Membership: All-Access still required, $44/month.
• Warranty: 12 months parts, 5 years frame (unchanged).
• Trial: 30-day home trial on both bikes.
• Financing: 0% APR for 12–39 months in the U.S. (Peloton financing).

Recent updates:
No significant hardware changes since the last Bike+ release in late 2020.
Official support now emphasizes software updates and more immersive classes for both bikes (Peloton newsroom).

Should You Buy the Peloton Bike or Bike+?

Choose the Original Peloton Bike If…

• You want the lowest cost entry into Peloton.
• You don’t mind manual resistance adjustments.
• You only plan to use the bike for cycling classes.
• You can live without Apple Watch auto-sync or a rotating screen.

Choose the Peloton Bike+ If…

• You want to do off-bike workouts and need a screen that swivels.
• You value Auto-Follow (automatic resistance) for a more immersive ride.
• Sound quality is important to you.
• You use an Apple Watch for fitness tracking.
• You want the most “future-proof” and tech-forward model.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Peloton Bike+ worth it over the original?

If you’ll use the advanced features (Auto-Follow, screen rotation, GymKit), yes—the Bike+ is worth the extra investment. If you’re mostly cycling and price is a concern, the original Bike is still an outstanding choice. Many users on Reddit say Auto-Follow alone is a game-changer.

2. Do both bikes get the same classes and leaderboard?

Yes. Both bikes access the exact same Peloton class library and competitive leaderboard with an active membership.

3. Has the price or membership changed recently?

• The bike prices and membership fee have remained stable in 2024 and 2025.
• Always check Peloton’s policy page for the latest.

4. Can I upgrade from Bike to Bike+ later?

Peloton does not offer a direct trade-in or upgrade plan as of July 2025, but you can sell your original bike and purchase a Bike+ (Peloton FAQ).

Conclusion

In summary: Choose the original Peloton Bike for affordability and simplicity. Pick the Bike+ for premium tech, more workout variety, and a hands-free experience.
Both will get you in the best shape of your life from home—just decide which features matter most!

Ready to start your Peloton journey? Compare models and order directly from Peloton.

Have questions? Visit the Peloton Support Center or drop your queries below!

References:
Peloton Official Comparison
Reddit: Current Owners Discussion
Peloton Support