However, you don’t need a gym membership to enjoy its benefits. While it may have not been a home gym staple years ago, the Smith machine has become a must-have for many fitness enthusiasts. Offering added protection without a spotter for your bench presses, back squats, deadlifts, and other strength exercises, the Smith machine is a wise investment for those trying to build the ultimate garage gym. 

With options spanning from traditional Smith machines to all-in-one home gym solutions, you might feel a bit overwhelmed about which direction to go. Luckily for you, our team of expert product testers did all the due diligence necessary to separate the cream from the crop. From analyzing the build materials to testing the smoothness of the bar path to assessing the value, we took the time to dissect each element in order to narrow down our list to just five.

In addition, we got some valuable insight from Mauro S. Maietta, district fitness and education manager for Crunch Fitness, on the benefits and what factors to consider when you’re shopping for a Smith machine.

This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.

Our Picks for the Best Smith Machines of 2025:

• Best Overall Smith Machine: Force USA G15 All-in-One Trainer
• Best All-in-One Smith Machine: Titan Fitness Smith Machine
• Best Compact Smith Machine: Bolt Fitness Supply Storm Series Stinger Attachment
• Best Budget Smith Machine: RitFit Smith Machine
• Best Smith Machine Attachment: Bulletproof VTS Lite Rack Attachment

Best All-in-One Smith Machine: Force USA G15 All-in-One Trainer

Force USA G15 All-in-One Trainer

4.1

• 3-in-1 at-home gym machine
• Weight stacks and plate-loaded cable towers 
• Half rack on the front
• Interchangeable 2:1 and 4:1 cable pulley ratios
• 18 functional attachments included
• Barbell or smith machine training

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If you’re searching for a multifunctional Smith machine that’s compatible with a ton of attachments, the Force USA G15 is the machine that can truly do it all — albeit at an expensive price point of around $5,500. However, there’s a reason it earned 4.5 out of 5 stars for versatility from our top product tester: you can perform a wide variety of exercises by taking advantage of all of its functionality. 

Tipping the scales at nearly 1,000 pounds, the G15 combines a functional trainer, half rack, and Smith machine into a single, sturdy unit. Measuring over 6 feet wide, over 4 feet deep, and about 7 feet tall, the G15 earns a 4-star footprint rating. While there are more compact options, it’s still a good option for folks with limited space, especially considering the versatility you get. 

Offering dual 289-pound weight stacks that keep it well-anchored, the G15 also scores 4 out of 5 stars for durability and construction. 

“This thing is like a tank,” our tester says. “Once it’s assembled, it’ll basically be stuck in place.” 

Unfortunately, our tester wasn’t as impressed with the cable pulley material. Asthey’re made from nylon instead of aluminum, they don’t move as smoothly and won’t be as durable as their metal counterparts. 

Something that separates the G15 from many competitors is its ability to go from a 2:1 or 4:1 pulley ratio. This gives you the ability to make the weight feel like half or a quarter of the actual weight. While our tester would prefer a 1:1 ratio for more effective resistance, he says the 2:1 or 4:1 ratios “will be adequate for most people working out from home.” 

The G15 comes with a lengthy list of attachments, including J-hooks, safety spotter arms, multi-grip dip handles, a multi-grip pull-up bar, band pegs, and a low row footplate. If you want to unlock even more training possibilities, the $700 G15 Upgrade Kit includes three additional strength training stations, three functional attachments, a TV mount, and four storage shelves. 

Two knocks against this ultra-versatile machine: assembly and value. 

Although some of the parts arrive pre-assembled, our assembly expert recommends budgeting “at least 20 man hours” to get the G15 fully put together. And if you want to leave it to the professionals, you’ll need to pay an additional $800. 

At nearly $6,000 on its own, the G15 certainly isn’t made for budget-conscious shoppers. Our top product tester gave it 3.5 out of 5 stars for value, noting that Force USA could use better quality components, cables, and accessories, including one of the key parts of this premium-priced unit: the built-in barbell.“The knurling is super passive and not going to allow for an adequate grip for the user if you were to go heavy on any Smith machine movements,” he explains.

Best All-in-One Smith Machine: Titan Fitness Smith Machine

Titan Fitness Smith Machine

4.0

• 600-pound weight capacity
• Very smooth and stable
• Features an angled design
• Counterbalanced

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Want to crush a full-body workout with a single piece of equipment? The Titan Fitness Smith Machine can be the all-in-one solution that allows you to train your upper body, lower body, and core in a safe, effective manner. 

Is it as versatile as the G15? No. Is it far more affordable? Yes. 

For less than a third of the price, you can still get an excellent workout experience from the $1,7000 Titan Smith Machine. One of our more seasoned product testers used it for a variety of strength training sessions, highlighting how impressed she was by the smooth glide of the barbell and the angled design. In addition, this Smith machine is counterbalanced so you don’t have to support the entire 45-pound barbell like you do on other machines. Beginners will appreciate this, as the bar only feels like 15 pounds. 

Unfortunately, like Force USA, Titan left our team wanting more out of the knurling. 

“It’s fine for a Smith machine, but it’s definitely not the most grippy bar,” our tester says. 

On the other hand, this machine earns high marks for its ergonomics. Our tester rated it 4 out of 5 stars in this category. She found the single-axis, angled design helped improve her muscle activation during lower-body weight training exercises like Smith machine squats and lunges. 

Most importantly, she felt completely secure using this Titan machine. Not only was there no wobbling or shaking, but the bar moved smoothly, leading her to give a 5-out-of-5 rating for stability. 

“This is a super stable machine; there was no give to it even when we were using heavy weights,” our tester says. “This was ultra-smooth.” While Titan priced this machine fairly, we’d like to see a better warranty. A one-year policy falls well short of what we expect from most brands. Plus, if you want to return a piece of equipment, you must pay the return shipping costs and a 20% restocking fee. That results in a disappointing customer experience score of just 2 out of 5 stars.

Best Compact Smith Machine: Bolt Fitness Supply Storm Series Stinger Attachment

Bolt Fitness Supply Storm Series Stinger Attachment

4.2

• Compatible with any 3" x 3" frame
• Includes 43-inch multi-grip pull-up bar
• 12 different positions
• Footprint: 27" L x 85" W x 91" H (94" with pull-up bar)

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Don’t want a standalone Smith machine? Bolt Fitness has a space-saving solution in the form of the Storm Series Stinger Smith Machine Attachment. Compatible with any 3” x 3” frame using 1” hardware, this universal attachment can seamlessly integrate with your existing squat or power rack, opening the door to even more training possibilities. 

We rate this Smith machine attachment a 4.5 out of 5 for versatility, as it offers 12 different positions totaling 60” of vertical adjustments. That means you can quickly go from a steep incline bench press to a Romanian deadlift, making your workouts more efficient, too. Plus, we also like that this attachment has a 43” built-in multi-grip pull-up bar, giving you the ability to develop your vertical pulling strength and endurance. 

Bolt also earns solid marks for construction, earning 4 out of 5 stars in this key category. However, our chief product tester warns not to expect quite the same level of craftsmanship as some better-known brands. 

“You won’t see the same quality welds or powder coats from Bolt as you will from Rogue or REP,” he says. 

Like several other nominees on this list, our tester was also disappointed with the Smith bar’s knurling. The passive knurl pattern won’t give you a particularly stable grip, especially when using heavier weights. 

“You definitely won’t mistake this for an Olympic barbell,” our tester says.

As for the price? At around $1,100 this is on the expensive side for a Smith machine attachment. For example, the Bells of Steel Smith Machine Rack Attachment is much more affordable at $800. We rate it a 3 out of 5 for value, especially since you already need a rack to use it. Otherwise, expect to invest a significant chunk of change to get a fully functioning setup.

Best Budget Smith Machine: RitFit Smith Machine

RitFit Smith Machine

3.9

• 13 accessories included
• 1,000-pound weight capacity
• 11 height adjustments
• Available in different packages with expanded options

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Just because you can’t afford to splurge on something like the G15 doesn’t mean you can’t find a Smith machine that fits within your budget. If you don’t have a ton of financial wiggle room, the RitFit Smith Machine is the most affordable option that earned our stamp of approval.

As our top product tester puts it, “If you’re looking for a Smith machine and you’re on an ultra-budget, this is it.” 

At about $500 on Amazon, this machine is less than a third of the price of the Titan Fitness Smith Machine and less than a tenth of the cost of the G15. Of course, it’s not the most durable option on the market, but it offers sufficient versatility at a very attractive price point to earn a near-perfect value rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. 

Dubbed the “sleeper pick” by our tester, he notes that “the low price covers so many sins.” 

Before we dive into some of RitFit’s shortcomings, let’s highlight some of the strengths of this machine. First, we rated it 4 out of 5 for versatility, as it offers built-in low row and lat pulldown capabilities using a plate-loaded cable pulley system that holds 165 pounds. The RitFit Smith Machine also comes with several attachments, including a pin-on landmine row and two multi-purpose pull-up handles. 

Secondly, it has a compact design that makes it suitable for home gym setups with limited  space. It also weighs just 140 pounds, making it easier to move than other options on this list. 

However, our tester had several callouts about the RitFit Smith Machine that deserve mentioning. With cheaper build materials and a lightweight design, it didn’t prove to be as stable as he would have liked, earning just 3.5 out of 5 stars for both construction and stability. Needless to say, this isn’t the best option if you want to lift heavy weights. Still, considering you could pay around the same price for a high-quality Olympic barbell, the RitFit Smith Machine is a solid option if you’re on a limited budget.

Best Smith Machine Attachment: Bulletproof VTS Lite Rack Attachment

Bulletproof VTS Lite Rack Attachment

4.0

• Transforms your squat rack into a Smith machine using your own barbell
• Includes two VTS Lite trolleys and two latch hooks
• Available in multiple versions to fit different rack sizes
• Optimized for Smith machine functionality and basic functional training

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Imagine if you could turn your squat rack into a Smith machine in a matter of minutes. That dream can be a reality if you’re willing to invest around $700 on the VTS Lite Rack Attachment from Bulletproof Fitness, a lesser-known fitness equipment manufacturer that’s caught our attention.

While we haven’t gotten our hands on this attachment just yet, it’s hard not to get excited about the concept and execution by Bulletproof. The Versa Trolley System (VTS) Lite allows you to convert your squat rack into a Smith machine using your own barbell. The rollers are made from UHMW plastic, an ultra-durable material we’ve seen used on other racks. This attachment only weighs 15 pounds, making the VHS Lite a more user-friendly alternative than the full-sized VTS, which weighs in at 24 pounds. From a construction standpoint, we feel comfortable giving the VTS Lite 4 out of 5 stars. 

In addition, we like that Bulletproof offers a wide range of options to accommodate different racks. You can choose between a 3” x 3” pair, a 2” x 3” pair, or a 2” x 2” pair. You also can choose different hook sizes based on the diameter of your barbell. This optionality, along with the added exercise variety you get from using the attachments, earns a 4.5 out of 5 for versatility.

Set to be released in May 2025, we’re excited to see this product in action. If you want a more streamlined solution than getting a standalone Smith machine, this is an attractive space- and money-saving solution. Based on the price and versatility, we give it a value rating of 4 out of 5 — though it could go higher once we get our hands on it.

How We Picked and Tested the Best Smith Machines

As Smith machines have become more popular among the home gym community, we’ve ramped up our efforts to test ones from a variety of brands. This has allowed us to develop a thorough evaluation process that examines a number of key factors that impact your workout experience.

With options ranging from standard Smith machines to all-in-one trainers with cable machines, here’s what we assess during testing using a 1-5 scoring system:

• Construction: What gauge steel are the uprights made from? Does the Smith bar have passive knurling or a knurl pattern that provides good grip? Does the design allow for a stable, secure weightlifting experience?
• Footprint: How much space does the Smith machine take up? While a large footprint isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, we understand that many home gym owners have limited space. A compact footprint gives you more room to store your adjustable dumbbells, weight bench, and whatever else you want to fit in your training space. 
• Versatility: One of the reasons bodybuilders rely on Smith machines is their versatility, as they allow you to train different muscle groups without having to move from machine to machine. Meanwhile, ones that have built-in functional trainers or offer a power cage combo give you even more versatility and functionality to accomplish your fitness goals.
• Value: Is the price justified by the build quality, durability, and functionality? Just like a high price tag doesn’t guarantee high quality, a low price point doesn’t mean you can’t get great bang for your buck. 

Benefits of a Smith Machine

What makes a Smith machine such a valuable training tool? If you’ve ever used one, you already know there’s added peace of mind knowing you have built-in support. Here’s an overview of the different benefits of utilizing this popular piece of equipment. 

Improved Stability and Safety 

Unlike when you use a barbell and squat rack, the Smith machine provides a fixed bar path. This can help reduce the risk of injury and ensure a stable lifting environment. 

“The Smith machine helps the athlete feel supported and gives them greater control and stability when performing an exercise,” says Mauro M. Maietta, district fitness and education manager for Crunch Fitness. 

In particular, new lifters can benefit from starting out on a Smith machine so they can focus on their form while being supported by the machine. 

“Maintaining correct form is important for avoiding injuries and maximizing the effectiveness of your workouts,” says Dr. Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD. “Beginners might benefit from working with a personal trainer initially or taking a beginner class to learn proper techniques.”

Can Be Used for Injury Rehabilitation

The guided motion and added stability of a Smith machine makes it an ideal training tool for those returning from injury or anyone with mobility issues. It encourages proper form and can be a safer way to increase your strength and joint stability before moving on to free weights. 

Maietta recommends starting with lighter weights to get a feel for the range of motion before progressing. “The fixed range of motion is not for everyone, so be sure to speak with your local fitness professional and listen to your body and joints if you feel any discomfort or pain during the planned movements,” he says.

Allows You to Train Without a Spotter

If you prefer to work out alone or don’t have a training partner available, the Smith machine can act as a “spotter” for you. These machines offer an extra layer of safety, as you can easily rack the bar or set the safety spotters to a specific point that will keep you out of harm’s way. 

In addition, this advantage allows you to safely follow progressive overload, a proven method for increasing muscle size and strength. 

“This continual challenge helps your muscles grow stronger,” says Mohr. “It’s important to start with manageable increments to prevent injury.” 

Versatility in Exercise Selection

You won’t find many machines that offer as much versatility as the Smith machine. Want to train legs? You can knock out squat and lunge variations. Want to grow your chest and shoulders? Grab an adjustable weight bench and work on your bench press and overhead press without having to worry about keeping the bar stable. A high-end option like the Force USA G15 gives you the ability to perform cable exercises like cable crossovers, chest flys, and overhead triceps extensions.  

“The Smith machine can be seen as the Swiss army knife of the weight room since it allows for several strength training exercises in its fixed vertical path, ranging from squats to overhead pressing movements,” says Maietta.

How To Choose the Best Smith Machine for Your Home Gym

What should you consider when choosing a Smith machine? Based on our experience as equipment experts and dedicated lifters, here’s what we recommend:

Size

Consider the machine’s footprint when determining if it is a good fit for your needs. One benefit of Smith machines is all-in-one trainers are available to consolidate the space needed for multiple workout stations.

Other Functions

Many of the home gym Smith machine options on this list are designed as all-in-one trainers designed to provide multiple workout functions with one convenient machine. The machine can include stations for a power rack, functional trainer, low-row attachment, chin-ups/pull-ups, dips, suspension trainers, and more.

Weight Ratio

Smith machines offer pulley systems with varying weight ratios, including 1:1 and 2:1. A 1:1 ratio means the weight you load is the exact weight you lift. A 2:1 ratio means you lift half of the weight you load. For instance, with a 2:1 ratio, if you load 100 pounds, you lift 50 pounds.

Some Force USA Smith machines, including the G15, allow users to easily switch between 2:1 and 4:1 ratios, which is helpful when people of various skills use the same machine.

Weight Capacity

Weight capacities vary depending on the functions offered by the machine. The weight capacities on this list start at 300 pounds. Be sure to confirm the machine’s weight capacity can accommodate your needs..

Best Smith Machine: Final Thoughts

If you are looking for versatile strength-building home gym equipment to achieve a full-body workout, a Smith machine can help you achieve your goals. Since the 1950s, this game-changing machine has allowed gym-goers to work out safely without a spotter. Today, there is a wide range of consumer options, allowing you to experience the benefits of the Smith machine in the comfort of your own home gym.

Smith Machine FAQs

The post The Best Smith Machine for Your Home Gym in 2025 appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Not far behind would be another supplement that can help you achieve your muscle-building and weight-loss goals: pre-workout. 

However, just like not all barbells are created equal, neither are supps. The strongest pre-workouts stand out from the pack because they are formulated with research-backed doses of four key ingredients — caffeine (at least 200 milligrams), L-citrulline (at least 4,000 milligrams), beta-alanine (at least 3,200 milligrams), and betaine (at least 2,500 milligrams) — for physical and mental performance enhancement. 

To save you the trouble of sipping on something that won’t give you an effective muscle pump, our team of expert product testers tried more than 80 pre-workouts and reported which supplements delivered the most focus, power, and tingles. Then, with some guidance from a few other experts, our squad of CPTs, CNCs, CrossFit enthusiasts, and dedicated weightlifters narrowed down the list to the eight strongest pre-workouts so you can select the perfect match for your goals and preferences. 

Medical disclaimer: This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.

Our Picks for the Strongest Pre-Workouts of 2025:

• Strongest Pre-Workout for Power: Transparent Labs BULK BLACK
• Strongest Natural Pre-Workout: Legion Pulse
• Strongest Budget Pre-Workout: Nutricost Pre-X
• Strongest Pre-Workout for Taste: Jacked Factory NitroSurge
• Strongest Pre-Workout for Pump: Gorilla Mode
• Strongest Pre-Workout for Tingles: Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train
• Strongest Pre-Workout for Focus: Onnit Alpha Brain Pre-Workout
• Strongest Pre-Workout With Creatine: C4 Ultimate

Strongest Pre-Workout for Power: Transparent Labs BULK BLACK

Transparent Labs BULK BLACK

4.5

• Number of servings: 30
• Cost per serving: $1.83
• Amount of caffeine per serving: 275 milligrams
• Flavors: Blue Raspberry, Black Cherry, Cherry Kiwi, Peach Mango, Sour Gummy
• Third-party tested: Yes, by independent labs

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If your goal is to improve your athletic performance and power output in the gym, then we recommend Transparent Labs BULK BLACK. This supplement contains a potent combination of 4,000 milligrams of beta-alanine, 2,500 milligrams of betaine anhydrous, and 10 other active ingredients. Beta-alanine, a nonessential amino acid, may improve potential power output by reducing muscle fatigue, allowing you to push out a few more reps while you exercise. And studies show betaine anhydrous may improve muscular endurance. These ingredients work together to enhance your training, paving the way for strength gains over time.

Each serving of BULK BLACK also contains 350 milligrams of caffeine, which is close to the recommended daily limit of 400 milligrams. Overall, the impressive formulation earns 4 out of 5 stars from our team, as we docked a point for the high caffeine content since it may be too intense for some people. 

However, this high-stim pre-workout is certainly effective. 

Cory Kessler, C.P.T., C.F.N.C., has tried more than 25 pre-workouts. He tested the Blue Raspberry flavor of BULK BLACK before a cardio workout, noting that he felt more energized and focused throughout his workout. “I started sweating almost immediately, and within five to 10 minutes, I had a boost of energy, a massive pump, and felt like I could lift harder and stronger,” he says. Cory also experienced the tingling sensation common with high doses of beta-alanine.

Cory also enjoys using BULK BLACK before bodybuilding workouts since it contains 8,000 milligrams of citrulline malate. While more research is needed, some studies suggest citrulline malate may boost exercise and muscular performance. 

Two other areas where BULK BLACK stands out: solubility and taste. Our team gave Transparent Labs perfect scores in both categories. 

“BULK BLACK completely dissolved in my shaker bottle in only a few seconds with no clumps, grittiness, or residue,” Cory says. 

Available in eight flavors ranging from Black Cherry to Watermelon Peach to Strawberry Mango, one of our other product testers chose the Blue Raspberry option, giving it 5 out of 5 stars for taste. However, there are some mixed reviews on Amazon about the taste, depending on which flavor you choose.

“It’s hard to describe the taste of Blue Raspberry, but that’s exactly what it tastes like. Not too sweet, which is a good thing,” he says.

Related: Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine Review

Strongest Natural Pre-Workout: Legion Pulse Pre-Workout

Legion Pulse

4.3

• Number of servings: 10 to 20
• Cost per serving: $2.25 to $3.00
• Amount of caffeine per serving: 350 milligrams
• Flavors: Apple Cider, Arctic Blast, Blood Orange, Blue Raspberry, Blueberry Lemonade, Cherry Limeade, Frosted Cranberry, Fruit Punch, Grape, Green Apple, Mojito, Piña Colada, Peach Ring, Pink Lemonade, Rainbow Sherbert, Sour Candy, Strawberry Kiwi, Strawberry Margarita, Tropical Punch, Watermelon
• Third-party tested: Labdoor

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Legion Pulse is our pick for the strongest natural pre-workout because it’s free from artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors and contains six active ingredients that support enhanced energy. 

As a CPT and CNC, I look for four main ingredients in a high-quality pre-workout supplement: caffeine, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, and L-citrulline. Each plays a key role in enhancing athletic performance. Research shows:

• Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system
• Beta-alanine may boost muscular endurance
• Betaine anhydrous can improve strength
• L-citrulline enhances oxygen and nutrient delivery to the muscles. 

Legion Pulse contains all four, including 350 milligrams of caffeine per serving, which is very close to the recommended daily limit of 400 milligrams. Keep in mind that if you decide to try Pulse, it’s a good idea to monitor your caffeine intake from other sources like coffee or tea. 

“To get the most out of pre-workout supplements without stomach issues, start with a lower dose to see how your body reacts,” says Dr. Christopher Mohr, Ph.D., RD. “Choose supplements with fewer stimulants if caffeine bothers you, or go for stimulant-free options.” 

Luckily, if you’re new to pre-workout or are caffeine-sensitive, you can also choose the non-stim version of Pulse. So, even though we’d like to see creatine in the formulation, we still give this a strong score of 4 out of 5 stars, especially since there’s a caffeine-free version. 

One of our product testers has tried five different brands of pre-workout and puts Pulse atop her list because of its effectiveness. 

“I’ve been using Pulse three times a week for six months, and it always makes me feel energized and focused,” our tester says. “My goal is to improve my personal records and lift harder, so Pulse is my go-to when I train.” 

She reports that it typically takes 15 minutes for this high-stim pre-workout to kick in, and while it does give her tingles, it’s not overwhelming. “I never feel a drop-off, but rather a slow energy release,” she says. 

Pulse comes in 22 flavors, including Pink Lemonade, Cherry Limeade, and Strawberry Kiwi, so there’s something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. That said, one of our testers gave Pulse 4 out of 5 stars for taste, noting that while it tastes sweet, there’s a “weird aftertaste.” 

While the formulation and flavor options make this a top-rated pre-workout, Pulse is by no means a budget-friendly option. At around $45 for a 20-serving tub, it earns the lowest score of 1 out of 5 stars for price per serving.

Strongest Budget Pre-Workout: Nutricost Pre-X

Nutricost Pre-X Xtreme Pre-Workout

4.3

• Caffeine: 300mg 
• Other Key Ingredients: L-citrulline, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, taurine, L-tyrosine, alpha-GPC, theobromine, Nitrosigine, Huperzine A, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12
• Sweeteners: Sucralose
• Flavors: Blue Raspberry, Watermelon, Fruit Punch, Grape, Peach Mango
• Certifications: Third-party tested
• Servings per Container: 30 servings
• Price per Serving: $1.00

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While many strong pre-workouts cost around $2 per serving, Nutricost Pre-X is our pick for the strongest budget pre-workout because it costs less than half of that. At about $0.93 per serving, one tester called it “the best value on the market,” and I agree, giving this a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for price per serving. 

Although some budget pre-workouts lack key ingredients, Pre-X contains the four main ones we like to see in a pre-workout: caffeine, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, and L-citrulline. “The price is better than most other pre-workouts I’ve tried, especially for a supplement this good,” says one tester.

Each serving of Pre-X has 300 milligrams of caffeine and 4,000 milligrams of L-citrulline, so you should feel energized and get a good pump with this pre-workout. “I got a decent pump and had a calm focus without feeling overstimulated,” one tester says.

 Some testers say Pre-X has a slightly lower dosage of beta-alanine than some other pre-workouts on our list, but others say they experienced noticeable tingles during their workout. 

While testers did not experience any negative side effects when trying Pre-X, this pre-workout is made with the artificial sweetener sucralose. Some health experts have raised concerns about taking sucralose in high doses. As a CPT and someone who pays close attention to everything I put in my body, I tend to steer clear of artificial sweeteners. Because of this, we docked a point off the formulation score, giving Pre-X 4 out of 5 stars. 

Nutricost Pre-X comes in five flavors, including Blue Raspberry, Peach Mango, and Watermelon. Collectively, our team gave this strong pre-workout 4.5 out of 5 stars for taste. 

“This tastes great ice cold or at room temperature. I look forward to drinking it before my workouts,” says one tester who tried Blue Raspberry.

Another tester who tried Peach Mango also gave Pre-X his stamp of approval. 

“No artificial sweetener taste at all. It has a nice flavor that’s not overly sweet.”

Strongest Pre-Workout for Taste: Jacked Factory NitroSurge Pre-Workout

Jacked Factory NitroSurge

4.2

• Number of servings: 30
• Cost per serving: $0.93
• Amount of caffeine per serving: 180 milligrams
• Flavors: 11 available
• Third-party tested: No

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Whether you like a strong pre-workout that’s sweet, sour, fruity, or tart, Jacked Factory NitroSurge has a fit for you. With 11 options, you can stick to your favorite or keep a few flavors in rotation to keep your taste buds on their proverbial toes. Between the deep lineup and satisfying flavors, NitroSurge earned a perfect score for taste.

One of our testers tried Strawberry Margarita, and let’s just say she was more than satisfied with her sipping experience. 

“It’s wildly delicious. I’d drink this by the side of the pool over ice all day.”

Another tester prefers Jacked Factory NitroSurge to some other strong pre-workouts he’s tried. “I did not like the Pink Lemonade flavor of Legion Pulse, but I would definitely use the Grape NitroSurge again,” he says.

As for its effectiveness? For one of our product testers, it took about 20 minutes to feel NitroSurge kick in. At that point, he felt like he could lift harder. 

“I usually work out in the morning because I feel most rested then, but even after taking this in the afternoon, I felt ‘jacked up’ and ready to go,” he says, adding that he experienced tingles and a slight drop off, but neither was overwhelming.

Another tester who regularly takes strong pre-workouts doubled the dosage. He said he got “a bit of a boost from it” but nothing like what you’ll get from other strong pre-workouts. Ultimately, this makes NitroSurge a solid choice for beginners, as you can see how you respond to a single serving before upping it to two scoops. 

Besides the taste, I like that it’s budget-friendly while still including evidence-backed ingredients, like L-citrulline, beta-alanine, betaine anhydrous, caffeine anhydrous, L-theanine, theobromine, and AstraGin. AstraGin, also found in Transparent Labs BULK BLACK, is a plant-based compound formulated to enhance nutrient absorption. While AstraGin is safe at 0.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day, more research is needed on the potential performance-enhancing benefits.

Like some of the other pre-workouts on our list, NitroSurge is made with the artificial sweetener sucralose, which some health experts have raised concerns about taking in high doses. Also, Jacked Factory supplements do not undergo third-party testing, which ensures products include the ingredients listed on the label and nothing else. This is especially important for athletes who undergo drug testing for banned substances. We only gave Nitrosurge 3 out of 5 stars in this category since it is made in a Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP)-certified and FDA-registered facility.

Strongest Pre-Workout for Pump: Gorilla Mode

Gorilla Mode Pre Workout

4.0

• Caffeine: 400mg
• Other Key Ingredients: L-citrulline, creatine monohydrate, L-tyrosine, betaine anhydrous, HydroPrime glycerol powder, malic acid, alpha-GPC, huperzine A
• Sweetener: Sucralose
• Flavors: Orange Rush, Mouthwatering Watermelon, Tiger’s Blood, Bombsicle, Cherry Blackout, Fruit Punch, Cotton Candy Grape, Blackberry Lemonade, Jungle Juice, Strawberry Kiwi
• Certifications: Third-party tested
• Servings per Container: 20 two-scoop servings
• Price per Serving: $3.00

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For bodybuilders, a “pump” is a sign of a successful training session. Increased blood flow to the muscles makes them feel fuller and appear larger and more vascular during and after a workout. A pump also promotes muscle growth by delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to the muscles as blood flow increases. While you can achieve a pump through high-rep sets, drop sets, and supersets, high-stim pre-workouts like Gorilla Mode are specially designed to improve your pump.

Gorilla Mode contains several pump-enhancing ingredients in each scoop, including 5,000 milligrams of pure L-citrulline (more per scoop than any other pre-workout on our list) and 2,000 milligrams of Hydro Prime glycerol powder. L-citrulline works to widen blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the muscles. Glycerol powder is rapidly absorbed by the muscles and draws in water, which can cause muscle cell swelling. 

If you’re caffeine-sensitive or budget-conscious, this intense pre-workout may not be the best for you. Although one serving only contains 200 milligrams of caffeine, you will need to take two servings to get research-backed doses of some key ingredients, including creatine monohydrate (only 2.5 gram per serving). At that point, you’d be at 400 milligrams of caffeine, which is the total amount the FDA says is safe for adults to consume per day. For this reason, we docked a point off the formulation, giving Gorilla Mode 4 out of 5 stars in this category. 

Don’t forget that this also impacts how much bang you get for your buck. A 40-serving tub costs $60, and you’ll end up going through it that much quicker if you take two scoops before your training sessions. That would bring the cost to $3 per serving. So, from a value standpoint, we can only give Gorilla Mode 2.5 out of 5 stars. 

On the other hand, this pricey supplement earned a strong score of 4.5 out of 5 stars for its effectiveness. One of our testers uses strong pre-workouts several times a week and tried Gorilla Mode before an upper-body workout. “Not only did I have a good pump, I also felt more focused. I knocked out a few more reps than usual during my workout,” he says. “I like the Fruit Punch flavor, although it was sweeter than I thought it would be.” 

While our tester enjoyed Gorilla Mode’s taste, he says the powder was gritty and difficult to mix properly. This is likely due to the glycerol powder, which absorbs moisture, leading to clumping.

Strongest Pre-Workout for Tingles: Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train

Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train

4.0

• Caffeine: 200mg
• Other Key Ingredients: Citrulline malate, beta-alanine, taurine, KSM-66 Ashwagandha, caffeine, EnXtra, piperine
• Sweetener: Sucralose
• Flavors: Blue Raspberry, Fruit Punch, Green Apple (caffeine-free)
• Certifications: Vegan 
• Servings per Container: 30 servings
• Price per Serving: $2.16 ($2 for caffeine-free)

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If you like feeling skin tingles after taking your pre-workout, check out Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train. I love the prickly skin sensation because it lets me know my pre-workout is kicking in and it’s time to train. This temporary side effect, called paresthesia, is caused by beta-alanine, which works to increase muscular endurance. 

Intensive Pre-Train has 3,500 milligrams of beta-alanine per serving, which is more per serving than almost all of the other pre-workouts on our list. “Beta-alanine is found in most pre-workout supplements, likely because it helps reduce fatigue and improve endurance in the short term,” says registered dietitian Alex Oskian. “This is because it reduces acidity in the body, which comes from lactic acid build-up.”

Our product tester used Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train before a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout and felt the tingles within 15 minutes. “These were strong compared to some other pre-workouts I’ve tried,” he says. “I felt good tingles in my hands and face, which lasted for about an hour.” 

Earning a 5 out of 5 for effectiveness, Intense Pre-Train is also available in a caffeine-free version for those who don’t want stimulants in their pre-workout. The non-stim version comes in Green Apple, which our tester says tasted more like a greens powder than a sour apple. 

“I’m rather caffeine-dependent, so I didn’t feel a burst of energy. I prefer caffeinated pre-workouts, but this is a great option for a late-night lifting session,” she says. Other testers who tried the Fruit Punch flavor say they enjoyed the tangy taste. To enhance the flavor, Crazy Nutrition is sweetened with the artificial sweetener sucralose. With some mixed reviews on the different flavors, we give this pre-workout a 3.5 out of 5 for taste.

Strongest Pre-Workout for Focus: Onnit Alpha Brain Pre-Workout

Onnit Alpha Brain Pre-Workout

4.1

• Caffeine: 200mg
• Other Key Ingredients: L-citrulline, beta-alanine, African oil palm extract, NooGandha (ashwagandha extract), caffeine anhydrous, AlphaSize (alpha-GPC), theobromine, Dynamine (methylliberine)
• Sweetener: Stevia
• Flavor: Yuzu Peach, Tiger’s Blood
• Certifications: Gluten-free
• Servings per Container: 20 servings
• Price per Serving: $2.99

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Onnit Alpha Brain is designed to increase mental acuity and focus. Testers say that’s exactly how they felt after trying Onnit Alpha Brain, which is why it’s our pick for the strongest pre-workout for focus.“What makes this pre-workout stand out is the cognitive effects. I felt significantly more focused after taking Alpha Brain than any other pre-workout I’ve tried,” says one of our testers.

Other testers agreed, saying Alpha Brain helped them feel present and ready to work out without being overstimulated, leading to an effectiveness score of 4 out of 5 stars. 

Onnit Alpha Brain’s formula differs from most other strong pre-workout supplements on our list — it contains nootropics, substances that enhance learning and memory. One of the key ingredients, NooGandha, is an ashwagandha extract that can reduce stress and enhance well-being by reducing cortisol levels in the body.

Another key ingredient, AlphaSize, may promote the production of acetylcholine, a powerful neurotransmitter that enhances cognitive function. However, studies demonstrating the effect of alpha-GPC on cognitive performance used 200 to 400 milligram doses per day, and a serving of Onnit Alpha brain has 125 milligrams.

The other unique ingredient in Onnit Alpha Brain is Dynamine. It works similarly to caffeine, by blocking the body’s adenosine receptors that cause you to feel tired. However, this ingredient is banned in all sports supplements in Australia. While Dynamine is still allowed for sports competitions in the U.S., it is possible it will be banned in the future. Competitive athletes may want to steer clear of this product. 

One of our testers says Alpha Brain is only middle-of-the-road compared to other strong pre-workouts when it comes to physical energy. “After taking other strong pre-workouts, I usually experience a boost in energy. After taking this pre-workout, the mental effects were much more noticeable than the physical ones,” she says. That may be in part because Alpha Brain lacks ingredients like betaine anhydrous, taurine, and creatine, which can support muscle growth and recovery.

We give the formulation 4 out of 5 stars thanks to the inclusion of nootropics, which are quickly becoming more prevalent in the supplement market. But be aware that this probably isn’t your best bet for boosting your physical energy levels.

Strongest Pre-Workout with Creatine: C4 Ultimate

Cellucor C4 Ultimate Pre-Workout Powder

4.1

• Caffeine: 300mg
• Other Key Ingredients: CarnoSyn beta-alanine, L-citrulline, L-arginine, BetaPower betaine anhydrous, creatine nitrate, L-tyrosine, Dynamine, TeaCrine, toothed clubmoss extract, rauwolfia vomitoria extract
• Sweetener: Sucralose
• Flavors: Hawaiian Punch Fruit Juicy Red, Frozen Bombsicle, Icy Blue Razz
• Certifications: Vegan
• Servings per Container: 20 servings
• Price per Serving: $2.50

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Long before the days of gummy and ready-to-drink (RTD) pre-workout options, the most popular choice was the original C4. The latest version, C4 Ultimate, is more concentrated than the classic formula, combining both exercise performance and cognitive-enhancing ingredients. 

One of our testers tried C4 Ultimate before a 30-minute HIIT workout, reporting that the caffeine blend got her zoned in before her training. 

“I felt great throughout the entire workout,” she reported, giving C4 Ultimate a perfect score for effectiveness.

This high-stim pre-workout is sweetened with sucralose, which some health experts have raised concerns about. While our tester doesn’t mind a very sweet pre-workout, the Icy Blue Razz flavor was a little too sugary for her liking. Mixing it in more water than recommended balances out the sweetness. 

However, another tester was blown away by the Sour Batch Bros flavor, saying it tasted “just like Sour Patch Kids.” Taking both of their experiences into consideration, we’ll meet in the middle and give C4 Ultimate a 4 out of 5 for taste, especially since it comes in multiple flavors. 

Another plus for this product: It contains creatine — a popular supplement among athletes and bodybuilders for its ability to boost strength, enhance recovery, and prevent injury. Because of its performance-enhancing capabilities, some people like to take creatine in addition to their pre-workout. If you want the best of both worlds, we recommend C4 Ultimate. 

Keep in mind that one serving contains 1.5 grams of creatine per serving, which is less than the recommended value of 3 to 5 grams daily. If you want to get the most performance-enhancing benefits from creatine, you should invest in a standalone supplement to help support your fitness goals.One final note: If you compete in a sport that requires drug testing, C4 Ultimate may not be the best strong pre-workout for you because it’s made with Dynamine, which is currently banned for use in Australia.

How We Tested The Strongest Pre-Workouts

Our team of expert testers includes certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and CrossFit enthusiasts. As dedicated lifters and lovers of all things health and fitness, we’ve collectively tried more than 80 pre-workouts, giving us a broad perspective of what’s available on the market. 

We tested each supplement before a workout, and in some cases, for several weeks or months, to evaluate its performance-enhancing benefits, taste, and whether the supplement had any negative side effects. 

Using a 1-5 scoring system, we rated each pre-workout on a variety of factors, including:

• Ingredients and dosage: Does research show the type and amount of each ingredient is effective? What amount of the pre-workout is needed for optimal results? Strong pre-workouts that include research-backed doses of key ingredients like citrulline, creatine, and beta-alanine earn high marks. 
• Stimulants: We looked at options with at least 200 milligrams of caffeine per serving, which we consider the minimum effective dose for a strong pre-workout. However, high-stim options don’t necessarily earn perfect scores, as there are limits to how much caffeine you should consume. 
• Third-party testing and certifications: Do independent labs or facilities test the pre-workout for efficacy? Is it NSF-certified or Informed Choice Certified? In addition to third-party testing, we appreciate brands that provide transparent ingredient lists. 
• Flavor and taste: How many flavors does the brand offer? What do those flavors taste like? Do they match what’s advertised? If your taste buds aren’t satisfied, there’s no chance this supplement will stick around for the long haul in your stack. 

At the end of the testing period, we compared feedback to whittle our list down to only the best of the best. We also received valuable input from nutrition experts on what makes a strong pre-workout.

What Makes a Pre-Workout ‘Strong’?

A strong pre-workout contains a combination of performance-enhancing ingredients in research-backed dosages. “Usually, the strength of a pre-workout is based upon the amount of stimulants it contains. High doses of caffeine (300+ milligrams) are usually a quick identifier of the pre-workout’s strength,” registered dietitian Alex Oskian says. 

However, the potency of a pre-workout goes beyond the caffeine content. Other active ingredients like L-citrulline, beta-alanine, and betaine anhydrous can impact energy, focus muscular endurance, and power output. 

“Stronger via the amount of caffeine isn’t always better. If the goal is a bigger pump in the gym, other ingredients like L-citrulline may be better,” says Alex. “Another common ingredient that can help a pre-workout feel stronger is beta-alanine, which may cause a tingling or ‘pins and needles’ sensation on the skin.”

It’s also important to remember that “strong” is a subjective term. For example, I can handle a full scoop of RedCon1 Total War without a problem, but I have friends who get too many tingles from a single serving.

“Everyone’s body reacts differently to various compounds, so what works for one person might not be best for another,” says Dr. Christopher Mohr, Ph.D., RD.

Benefits of Strong Pre-Workouts

A strong, well-dosed pre-workout supplement may help you train harder by boosting your energy, focus, and endurance during intense workouts. 

“There are a few things that are really helpful when you are looking for a great gym session: energy to do the work, mental clarity to help focus on what you are doing (not just to work the muscle, but to prevent injury), and a great workout,” registered dietitian Alex Oskian says. “Using a pre-workout may just help you achieve all of these.” 

Let’s explore the potential benefits of taking a strong pre-workout before you start your training session.

Can Increase Energy Levels

Caffeine is one of the most popular stimulants used in pre-workout supplements to enhance energy levels and improve focus. Almost all of the pre-workouts on our list use caffeine and L-theanine. Studies have shown when paired with caffeine, L-theanine may improve cognitive performance.

“Most pre-workouts contain the stimulant caffeine in higher dosages. L-theanine helps counteract the unwanted effects of caffeine supplementation: jittery feelings and a post-caffeine crash,” Alex says. “You might see less mental fatigue, improved reaction time, and fewer headaches while regularly supplementing with L-theanine.”

Can Enhance Focus

I like taking a pre-workout to improve my focus because it helps intensify my workout and keep me #lockedin. Several pre-workouts on our list contain Alpha-GPC and tyrosine to give you that zoned-in feeling. Research suggests Alpha-GPC may improve cognitive function, and tyrosine may increase dopamine levels and cognition. One study found L-tyrosine helped improve people’s memory while they worked on a demanding task.

May Improve Endurance

A pre-workout may help you squeeze out a few more reps as you work to build strength and muscle. Two ingredients commonly used in pre-workout, beta-alanine and betaine anhydrous, may help reduce fatigue and support muscular endurance. 

“Research suggests betaine anhydrous can improve muscle strength and power via increased total work capacity and improved protein synthesis within the body. Simply put, you can do more work, which leads to increased strength and muscle growth,” says Alex. 

Another common ingredient, taurine, may improve your performance and power. 

Precautions When Taking a Strong Pre-Workout

Registered dietitian Alex Oskian says not every pre-workout is created equal, so it’s important to pay attention to what’s on the label. “Supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means the supplement might not contain all the ingredients you’re looking for and may even contain unwanted ingredients,” she says. Alex recommends looking for supplements that undergo third-party testing.

If you choose a high-stim pre-workout, be mindful of your caffeine intake from other sources like coffee, tea, or soda so that you don’t go over the daily recommended value of 400 milligrams. This will help prevent potential negative side effects like jitters, anxiety, or trouble falling asleep. 

“Consuming caffeine at the end of your day may cause sleep disturbances, which only hurts performance in the long run,” says Oskian.

No matter which pre-workout you choose, it’s important to follow the recommended intake guidelines. Remember, pre-workouts should not be taken more than once per day.

“Pre-workout supplements are generally safe for healthy adults, but they can have some potential side effects,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. “It is important to start with a low dose and talk to your doctor before taking them, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.”

How to Choose the Best Strong Pre-Workout for You

There are a number of important factors to consider when deciding which strong pre-workout is right for you, including:

Ingredients and Dosage

Many strong pre-workouts incorporate a variety of active ingredients. When choosing a pre-workout supplement, consider your goals. For example, a bodybuilder may prefer a pre-workout powder that’s highly caffeinated and contains ingredients such as L-citrulline, betaine anhydrous, and creatine to help improve performance. On the other hand, an endurance athlete may want a pre-workout that has less caffeine but includes beta-alanine, BCAAs, and mineral electrolytes.  

Third-Party Testing

Whenever possible, I choose supplements that are tested by a third party for purity and have transparent labeling. Athletes who undergo drug testing should look for certifications from Informed Choice and NSF, which ensure the product does not include any banned substances.

Customer Reviews

Although we test all of the products we recommend, it’s important to check out customer reviews, especially from people with similar fitness goals and preferences. They can provide valuable insights into the product’s overall effectiveness, potential side effects, and the most popular flavors.

“Recommended brands and products are ones that are highly rated by users and contain ingredients that have been backed by scientific research,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta.

Flavor Options

“Taste plays a big role in pre-workout selection. If you don’t like a particular flavor, then you likely won’t drink the pre-workout no matter its benefits,” Oskian says. It’s also important to consider the use of artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners.

Cost

The price of a pre-workout doesn’t necessarily reflect its effectiveness. Understanding the ingredients list and dosage levels is important to ensure you’re paying for a high-quality supplement and not just expensive marketing. 

What to Avoid in a Strong Pre-Workout

There are a few potential red flags you want to avoid when picking out a pre-workout.

Proprietary Blends

I like to avoid supplements made using proprietary blends. These blends are combinations of ingredients, but the individual doses are not fully disclosed. This lack of transparency makes it impossible to assess the effectiveness and safety of the supplement. 

Artificial Ingredients

Many fitness enthusiasts and athletes prefer all-natural ingredients and products free from unnecessary fillers or additives. “If sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners wreak havoc on your stomach, make sure those aren’t on the ingredient list,” registered dietitian Alex Oskian says.

Banned Substances

Athletes who compete in sanctioned organizations should make sure the supplements they use are third-party tested and certified banned substance-free. 

Final Thoughts: Is a Strong Pre-Workout Worth It?

If you have big fitness goals, choosing a strong pre-workout formulated with safe and effective doses of science-backed ingredients is worth it to deliver performance-enhancing effects. Keep in mind that even the strongest pre-workouts on the market won’t make you run faster, lift heavier, or exercise longer on their own. These supplements are designed to help you put in the work at the gym to make gains and enhance your performance over time. 

Ultimately, though, a strong pre-workout is only part of the equation to becoming the strongest version of yourself. At the end of the day, you have to put in the work, follow a sound nutrition plan, and prioritize rest and recovery to crush your fat-burning and muscle-building goals.

Strongest Pre-Workout FAQs

The post The Strongest Pre-Workout Powders to Fuel Your Training in 2025 appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

There are tons of creatine supplements on the market, including powders, pills, and gummies. These supplements use various forms of creatine (more on that later), and some contain other ingredients that aim to help you grow muscle, recover faster, or sharpen your focus in the gym. 

On one hand, having such a wide variety of options can be empowering. On the other hand, it can be a challenge to figure out which is right for you.

To narrow down the field to only the best of the best, our expert product testers tried dozens of creatine supplements ranging from standard powders to convenient capsules to flavorful gummies. We looked for creatine supplements that taste good, mix well (when applicable), use quality ingredients, contain enough creatine per serving, and are affordable. Along the way, we spoke with certified personal trainers and nutritionists for guidance. 

Below are our picks for the best creatine supplements for men. However, individuals of any gender can choose from this lineup with confidence.  

Disclaimer: While this article is intended for educational and informational purposes, it should not be viewed as a substitute for medical advice. Furthermore, we intend the term “men” to include all men, including trans men. However, we understand most research on this topic has focused on cis men (men who are not trans). When we reference gender-based research and nutritional recommendations, we will clarify by saying “cis men.” We encourage trans and nonbinary people of all genders to consult with a trans-competent nutritionist regarding their supplements and training needs.

The Best Creatine for Men in 2025:

• Best Creatine Monohydrate: Transparent Labs Creatine HMB
• Best Creatine for Athletes: Sports Research Creatine Monohydrate
• Best Creatine Gummies: Swoly Creatine Mono Gummies
• Best Value Creatine: Nutricost Micronized Creatine Monohydrate
• Best Flavored Creatine: Legion Recharge Post-Workout Creatine
• Best Creatine Pills: Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Capsules
• Best Creatine for Muscle Growth: Gnarly Creatine

Best Creatine Monohydrate: Transparent Labs Creatine HMB

Transparent Labs Creatine HMB

4.5

• Price per serving: $1.67 (30 servings)
• Creatine per serving: 5g
• Ingredients: Creatine monohydrate 5,000mg, β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) 1,500mg, Bioperine (black pepper extract) 5mg, vitamin D 12.5mcg, natural flavors 1,000mg, citric acid 810mg, malic acid 805mg, stevia extract 300mg
• Certifications: Informed Choice certified, gluten-free, non-GMO, artificial sweetener and color-free
• Best For: Those after serious strength gains; those who don’t like unflavored creatine

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Transparent Labs Creatine HMB is our pick for the best creatine monohydrate because it contains 5 grams of it per serving, which is the researched-backed dose for improved athletic performance. “This dose is a great recommendation for the general population, but some sports nutrition recommendations recommend a dosage based on kilograms of body weight, so some individuals may require more than 5 grams to see a benefit,” says Anna Marie Clear, M.S., R.D., C.P.T.

This dietary supplement contains β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB), which the body naturally produces when it breaks down the amino acid leucine. Although more studies are needed, some research suggests HMB promotes muscle growth. “Leucine is the primary amino acid that triggers muscle protein synthesis,” Clear explains.”HMB and leucine are very similar, but research shows HMB has no greater effect than leucine alone.” 

Transparent Labs also includes BioPerine, a derivative of black pepper that studies show increases nutrient bioavailability. “Bioperine may help enhance absorption of some nutrients, but research is limited on its impact alongside HMB and creatine,” says Clear.

Earning a perfect formulation score of 5 out of 5 stars, Creatine HMB also received high marks from our testing team for taste. Although it fell shy of another 5-star rating, this supplement earned a solid score of 4 out of 5 in this all-important category. 

Transparent Labs Creatine HMB comes in 13 flavors, including an unflavored version. This is a lot more flavor options than you’ll find in most creatine supplements and the most of any on our list. 

Pete Nastasi, C.P.T., C.S.N.C., tried this supplement. “I’ve tried both the Blue Raspberry and Strawberry Lemonade flavors, which are sweetened with stevia extract, and both tasted great,” he says. “I love having a flavored creatine supplement in the morning before my morning workout.” 

However, while Nastasi liked the flavor, other testers say this supplement has a slightly bitter taste, which they attribute to the BioPerine. 

“I tried Black Cherry and I wasn’t a huge fan of the taste of this one—it tasted a bit watered down, even with the right amount of water,” our product tester noted. “Some people may prefer this though!”

While another tester also noted some tartness due to the BioPerine, she’s still optimistic about the Tropical Punch flavor.

“I bought this at the end of winter but I’m looking forward to drinking it in the summer because I find something refreshing about it that I think will be nice during the hotter months,” she explained.

Best Creatine for Athletes: Sports Research Creatine Monohydrate 

Sports Research Creatine Monohydrate

4.9

• Price per serving: $0.28 (100 servings)
• Creatine per serving: 5g
• Ingredients: Micronized creatine monohydrate 
• Certifications: Informed Sport Certified, non-GMO, gluten-free
• Best For: People after the highest recommended dose of creatine, those who want a pure creatine supplement, budget shoppers

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We chose Sports Research Creatine Monohydrate as our top pick for athletes because it contains 5 grams of creatine per serving, which research shows is an optimal dose for muscle gain, muscle recovery, and overall improved athletic performance. For this reason, we rated the formulation a 5 out of 5. 

This creatine is also a great choice for athletes because it’s Informed Sport Certified—this third party tests for purity and banned substances. So, if you’re planning on competing in any events, you can feel good knowing this product is certified banned substance-free.

Another benefit of this supplement is that it uses micronized creatine. Micronized creatine is ground into finer particles than non-micronized so it dissolves much more easily in water. However, according to Nastasi, “micronized creatine is a bit of a marketing gimmick—it isn’t digested any better than standard creatine monohydrate.” 

Research supports Nastasi, as this 2022 study says there is “no evidence” that micronized creatine is more bioavailable than non-micronized creatine.  

However, using micronized creatine does contribute to excellent solubility. Our tester showed no hesitation giving Sports Research Creatine Monohydrate a 5-star rating in this category. 

“If you didn’t tell me there was creatine in this water I wouldn’t know—it’s truly tasteless and mixes easily,” our tester reported.

Unfortunately for your taste buds, this supplement only comes in an unflavored version. However, while some creatine powders can have a bitter aftertaste, this one doesn’t. 

“It tastes just like water,” our tester noted. One thing to consider about this creatine supplement is that it only comes as a powder. If you prefer creatine capsules (or a flavored powder), you’ll want to look elsewhere.

Related: The Best Pre-Workouts

Best Creatine Gummies: Swoly Creatine Mono Gummies

SWOLY Creatine Mono Gummies

4.3

• Price per serving: $1 (30 servings)
• Creatine per serving: 4g
• Ingredients: Creatine monohydrate 4g, sucrose, dextrose, pectin, maltodextrin, natural and artificial flavors, fruit and vegetable juice, stearic acid, citric acid, carnauba wax 
• Certifications: Third-party tested, gluten-free
• Best For: People who want a creatine gummy

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If you don’t like measuring out and mixing powders, you’re in luck. Swoly Creatine Mono Gummies are ideal for athletes on the go who don’t want to carry around an additional shaker bottle for their creatine. 

Although they only come in one flavor (Strawberry), Swoly knocked it out of the park from a taste perspective, earning a perfect score of 5 out of 5 from one of our most experienced product testers. 

“These are dangerously delicious — like, need-to-make-sure-my-child-doesn’t-find-these-or-she-will-eat-them all kind of delicious,” our tester eloquently described. “They remind me of the BEST fruit snacks.” 

Concerned about the texture? No need to worry about that, either. Our product tester also gave Swoly a 5-star rating for swallowability. 

“Super easy and delicious. I’d eat these every day,” she noted. 

As much as our tester enjoyed chowing down on these creatine gummies, be aware that one serving is five gummies, which can be a lot for some people. Plus, one serving only contains 4 grams of creatine monohydrate, which is a little shy of our preferred dosage of 5 grams. Our R.D. reviewer, Anna Marie Clear, notes that “larger individuals may need to take more of these gummies to get their research-backed dose of 0.1 grams of creatine per kilogram of body weight.” 

If that’s you, you may want to opt for a different option, since taking more than five gummies could “lead to GI symptoms because of the added sugar and gums,” she says. 

Unlike some other creatine supplements on this list, Swoly gummies contain more than a few added ingredients, including artificial ingredients. They also have 15 calories per serving and 2.5 grams of added sugar per serving from sucrose, dextrose, and maltodextrin. 

As a result, we give the formulation 4 out of 5 stars since we prefer 5 grams of creatine monohydrate per serving and the added sugar may not align with some consumers’ dietary preferences. 

Although Swoly says these gummies are third-party tested, there’s no information about through which organization. As a result, we could only give 3 out of 5 stars in this category.

Best Value Creatine: Nutricost Micronized Creatine Monohydrate

Nutricost Micronized Creatine Monohydrate

4.3

• Price per serving: $0.20 (100 servings)
• Creatine per serving: 5g
• Ingredients: Micronized creatine monohydrate
• Certifications: Third-party tested, gluten-free, non-GMO
• Best For: Those who want flavors, budget shoppers

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If you’re looking for a budget-friendly creatine supplement, you can’t do much better than Nutricost. At just $0.20 per serving, this supplement is the cheapest on our list. But cheap doesn’t equate to low-quality—Nutricost creatine is third-party tested, which is something you typically only find in more expensive supplements. 

However, there’s a caveat. 

“This company does not elaborate on its third-party testing,” Clear says. “It’s hard to determine the brand’s safety without a detailed explanation of its testing process.”

Although we docked a few points for the lack of transparency in third-party testing by giving 3 out of 5 stars, Nutricost earned a perfect formulation score. 

“It’s recommended to take 3-5 grams of creatine daily to enhance athletic performance, and Nutricost provides 5 grams daily, ensuring your muscle cells remain saturated,” says registered dietitian Perry Nix. 

Our product tester reported no adverse side effects when taking Nutricost. In fact, he was pleasantly surprised that he didn’t experience any bloating like he did with other creatine products.

Another benefit of this creatine supplement is that it comes in five flavor options, which is more than most brands offer for creatine supplements. Flavors include Blue Raspberry, Fruit Punch, Pineapple Mango, Watermelon, and Unflavored. However, these flavors are sweetened with sucralose, which research shows may cause gut issues in some people when consumed in high doses.

One of the few knocks against this budget-friendly creatine is its solubility; or potentially, the lack thereof. Our tester only gave it 3 out of 5 stars, noting that “it settles quite a bit.” 

Amazon reviewers are pleased with this product, giving it 4.6/5 stars overall. Many praise its lack of additional ingredients and effective formula. “It has made a significant positive impact on my workout performance and recovery,” says Amazon reviewer Kurt. However, a few reviewers mention finding pieces of plastic in their containers, which is something to watch out for.

Best Flavored Creatine: Legion Recharge Post-Workout

LEGION Recharge Post-Workout Creatine

3.8

• Price per serving: $1 (60 servings)
• Creatine per serving: 5g
• Ingredients: Micronized creatine monohydrate 5g, L-carnitine L-tartrate 2.1g, corosolic acid 10.5g, natural flavors, stevia, calcium silicate, citric acid, red beet powder (for color; found only in fruit punch, watermelon, and strawberry lemonade flavors)
• Certifications: Labdoor tested for sport, made in an NSF-certified facility
• Best for: Those who want flavors

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Some unflavored creatine tastes chalky and a little bitter (no bueno!). If you drink your creatine with water, a flavored option like Legion Recharge should suit your taste buds better. Legion offers this supplement in six flavors, which although not as vast as Transparent Labs’ variety, taste better, according to customers and our team of experts.

Our product tester tried the Strawberry Lemonade flavor, giving it a perfect 5-out-of-5 rating for taste. 

“It’s pretty sweet but also tart. I really liked it” she noted. 

Many customers on Amazon attest to how good Legion’s flavors are, with a few noting that Strawberry Lemonade and Fruit Punch are particularly good. However, some reviewers mention the Unflavored version has an unpleasant, bitter flavor.

One thing you won’t have to worry about with Recharge is solubility. Our tester reported the power dissolved perfectly with no clumps or sediment at the bottom of her shaker cup, leading to another 5-out-of-5 rating.

Similarly, we’re also big fans of the formulation. Legion Recharge has a research-backed dose of 5g of creatine per serving. The creatine is micronized, which means it’s been processed to be finer. Legion says this makes it easier to blend and less likely to cause an upset stomach. However, our R.D. reviewer Anna Marie Clear notes, “While micronized creatine monohydrate is processed to be finer, the research does not support the micronized version to be more bioavailable.”

Legion Recharge also contains 2.1 grams of L-carnitine in each serving, which helps the body convert fat into energy, and 10.5 grams of corosolic acid, which research shows helps regulate blood sugar.

Unfortunately for budget-conscious shoppers, Recharge is one of the more expensive options on this list, checking in at $1.33 per serving. As a result, we could only give it 1.5 out of 5 stars for price. So, if you’re on a tight budget, you may want to go with something like Nutricost.

Related Post: The Best Non-Stim Pre-Workouts

Best Creatine Pills: Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Capsules

Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Capsules

3.8

• Price per serving: $0.60 (for two capsules)
• Creatine per serving: 2.5g
• Ingredients: Creatine monohydrate
• Certifications: Banned Substance Tested (not certified for sport)
• Best For: Athletes on-the-go

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If you don’t like the taste of creatine powder or find it a pain to mix, Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Capsules are a convenient and tasteless alternative. Plus, a bottle of these capsules will take up less room in your gym bag than a tub of creatine powder. 

Optimum Nutrition offers three sizes: 100 capsules for $30 ($0.60/serving), 200 capsules for $50 ($0.50/serving), or 300 capsules for $69 ($0.46/serving). Optimum Nutrition recommends you take two capsules twice daily since one serving (two capsules) only contains 2.5 grams of creatine. 

That may not be a deterrent for some folks, but our team docked a few points off the formulation, giving Optimum Nutrition 3 out of 5 stars in this key category. 

“You can always double the intake, but four pills is a lot and makes the serving size much more expensive,” our product tester noted. 

Furthermore, our R.D. reviewer Anna Marie Clear notes: “A larger athlete (ie. 100 kilograms) would need to take eight capsules (10 grams of creatine) in order to meet the 1 gram per kilogram of body weight recommendation.” So if you’re a bigger person, you may want to opt for a powder that’s easier to take more of. 

These capsules have a simple ingredient list: creatine monohydrate, gelatin, and magnesium stearate. Magnesium stearate and gelatin form the capsule. Gelatin is an animal product, so these supplements are not vegan.

As for how easy they go down? Our product tester rated the swallowability 5 out of 5 stars. 

“They are tasteless aside from a slight gelatin flavor,” he says. “And the pills are a bit large—about 1 inch long—but I didn’t have trouble swallowing them.”

Best Creatine for Muscle Growth: Gnarly Creatine

Gnarly Creatine

4.4

• Price per serving: $0.61 (90 servings)
• Creatine per serving: 5g
• Ingredients: CreaPure® creatine monohydrate
• Certifications: NSF Certified for Sport, NSF Content Certified
• Best For: Those competing in athletic competitions; people who want the most widely studied form of creatine

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If you’re trying to achieve some gnarly gains, you can’t go wrong with an affordably priced supplement made with the most widely used brand of creatine. Experts consider CreaPure®, a branded form of creatine monohydrate, the gold standard for purity and effectiveness. Nastasi agrees: “It’s manufactured in Germany and is super pure, so from a purity perspective it’s no. 1.” 

Gnarly is the only supplement on our list with this form of creatine. Each serving contains 5 grams of 100% CreaPure® creatine monohydrate, putting it ahead of the class and leading to a formulation score of 5 out of 5 stars. This research-backed dose can help support your physique-building efforts, as combining creatine supplementation with adequate resistance training is shown to be an effective muscle growth strategy.

In addition, Gnarly Creatine is NSF Certified for Sport and NSF Content Certified. This means it’s third-party certified to be pure and free from banned substances. This is great news for athletes who compete in drug-tested athletic competitions, since testing positive for banned substances, even if they’re consumed by accident, can lead to disqualification. So, if you’re an aspiring bodybuilder looking to pack on as much muscle as possible, you don’t have to worry about any issues with Gnarly.

“NSF Certified for Sport also indicates this supplement has undergone label claim testing (so the label is accurate) and contaminant testing for heavy metals, microbes, and pesticides,” says Clear. “This may be the most pure option on this list,” she adds.

While Gnarly earned a perfect third-party testing rating, it didn’t live up to our standards for solubility, leading to a disappointing score of 3 out of 5 stars. 

“It doesn’t mix very well and settles quite a bit,” our product tester noted. “I usually end up stirring it several times while I take it.”Many Amazon reviews echo similar sentiments, so if you’re searching for a smooth sipping experience, consider an alternative like Sports Research.

Other Creatine Supplements We Tested

Our team tested dozens of other creatines to come up with this list, with many of us relying on some form of this popular supplement for years. However, not every creatine product could make our list, so here are some honorable mentions that didn’t quite make the cut: 

• Muscle Feast Creapure Creatine: Produced in Germany and distributed by partners like Proteinfactory and BPN, this branded creatine monohydrate is touted to be high-quality. Yet upon closer inspection, there isn’t anything special about this product that separates it from another micronized creatine monohydrate. 
• Cellucor Cor-Performance Creatine Monohydrate: Another micronized creatine monohydrate powder at an affordable price point of less than 50 cents per serving. We’d call this a solid runner-up for sure. (We also love Cellucor’s C4 pre-workout.))
• Ghost Creatine: Although Ghost Creatine contains 5 grams of a branded type of creatine monohydrate and other ingredients that support increased muscle size and strength, the strong formulation wasn’t enough to overcome the expensive price per serving ($1.50).
• RedCon1 Tango Creatine: As one of the better-known sports nutrition brands, RedCon1 makes some solid products. However, while our tester enjoyed the effects of Tango Creatine, the high price tag precluded us from putting it on this list. 
• Swolverine Creatine Monohydrate: Similar to RedCon1 Tango, this unflavored creatine supplement missed the cut since we found more affordable options.

How We Picked and Tested the Best Creatine for Men

Our team has tried more than 43 creatine supplements in total, with more added on the regular. We evaluate each supplement for the following factors:

• Taste: If the creatine was flavored, did we enjoy the taste and think it was true to the advertised flavor? If it was unflavored, did we notice any bitter or unpleasant taste?
• Mixability: We mixed each creatine with the recommended amount of water. We noted whether or not it stayed mixed or settled to the bottom of the glass. We considered how long it took to mix and how long it stayed mixed. For gummies, we assess how easily it chews and goes down.
• Dosage: Although dose may vary by user, we looked for supplements with the general sports nutrition recommendation of 3–5 grams of creatine per serving.
• Form of Creatine: Almost every option on this list uses creatine monohydrate, which is the most widely researched form of creatine. 
• Price: We chose supplements that deliver results at an affordable price.
• Third-Party Testing: We looked for supplements with certifications like NSF-Certified Safe for Sport or Banned Substance free. We also looked for certifications like gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegan to suit a range of diets and preferences.

How to Choose the Best Creatine for You

There are a few key factors you’ll want to consider when choosing a creatine supplement.

Creatine per Serving

Research shows the most efficacious dose of creatine is between 3 and 5 grams for most individuals. Look for supplements with servings within this range if you’re looking for maximum benefits, including increased muscle mass, faster recovery, and improved exercise capacity. Remember, larger individuals may require more creatine for maximum benefits—0.1 grams per kilogram of body weight is the research-backed recommendation.

Other Ingredients

Some supplements have additional ingredients to bolster the product’s effectiveness. Transparent Labs, for example, includes HMB, which some research shows promotes muscle growth, though more research is needed. Legion includes L-carnitine, which research shows helps metabolize fat into energy. Consider your goals and whether or not you want a pure creatine supplement or one with other athletic performance-enhancing ingredients. 

“I highly recommend collaborating with a sports dietitian to find the most optimal supplement for you based on your personal health, athletic, or physique goals and to ensure you are consuming an appropriate dosage from a safe and high-quality supplement,” says Anna Marie Clear, our expert reviewer and R.D.

Fillers and Additives

Some creatine supplements use artificial ingredients and fillers to help improve taste and mixability. While many of the products on our list contain creatine as their sole ingredient, some, like Swoly gummies, use some artificial ingredients. Consider whether or not it’s important for your supplement to be completely pure.

Third-Party Testing

Third-party testing is the best way to ensure that your supplement’s ingredients are pure and match what’s on the label. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so third-party testing gives consumers confidence in their products. 

“It is also especially important to consider third-party testing for sport certifications from either Informed Sport or NSF Certified for Sport if you are a collegiate or professional athlete or if you are looking to compete in a weightlifting, bodybuilding, or other fitness competition to ensure you are consuming supplements free from banned substances,” says Clear. 

What is Creatine and How Does It Work?

Creatine phosphate (CrP) is a compound made of three amino acids: arginine, glycine, and methionine. The body produces creatine naturally in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas, with about 95% of it found in skeletal muscle. “Through diet, creatine is found primarily in red meat and seafood, however, to get an extra creatine boost, a creatine powder or pill supplement can help,” says personal trainer and strength coach Will Duru.

Creatine supplies energy to muscles through the phosphocreatine system. “Creatine helps in the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate)—the compound that provides energy to bodily processes such as muscle contraction,” nutritionist Rob Hobson says. “Creatine can help with the production of ATP during maximum-effort exercises, such as sprints or intense muscular effort lasting between five and 10 seconds. It can also help recovery between exercise bouts.” 

Hobson says creatine can improve performance in sports involving repeated sprints, such as rugby or football, and high-intensity bursts, like track or swim sprints. “Creatine can also help you train harder through being able to do more work over a series of training sets,” he adds.

As a certified personal trainer, former rugby player, and longtime lifter, I can attest to the impact that creatine has on both performance and recovery. It’s been a staple in my supplement stack for years, and despite myths about unwanted weight gain and water retention, I’ve never experienced those side effects.

Benefits of Creatine

As the most-researched supplement on the market, creatine has long been utilized by everyone from professional athletes to strength training enthusiasts to casual lifters. Let’s explore some of the positive potential effects of creatine supplementation:

May Improve Athletic Performance

“Research shows creatine supplementation helps muscle performance throughout a number of activities including soccer training, weight training, plyometric training, and even canoe training,” says Duru. Interestingly, this study also showed that muscle power output and muscle strength still increased with creatine supplementation, even when research subjects didn’t do any exercise. This is in comparison to subjects who took a placebo supplement.

“There are lots of studies showing how creatine supplementation can improve strength, power, and high-intensity exercise performance. This is due to the role it plays in energy production and its ability to increase ATP availability during short bursts of intense activity,” says nutritionist Rob Hobson.

Can Help Increase Muscle Mass

Want to build muscle? Creatine could be your go-to. “Creatine supplementation is often used to increase muscle mass. It can draw more water into your muscle cells, creating a cell volumization effect that may promote muscle growth,” says Hobson. “Additionally, creatine can enhance the effects of resistance training by increasing total muscle mass and strength gains.”

According to a 2023 meta-analysis on the effects of creatine supplementation combined with resistance training, this protocol can promote “a small increase in the direct measures of skeletal muscle hypertrophy in both the upper and lower body.” 

Duru says for maximum muscle-building results, creatine loading can help. “The first time you take creatine, take around 20 to 25 grams of creatine every day for up to a week, broken up into 5-gram servings across the day. Then drop to the recommended 3 to 5 grams the day after this.” 

Clear adds: “If you are looking to initiate creatine supplementation with a loading dose of 20 grams per day, I recommend breaking this large dosage into smaller servings throughout the day to minimize gastrointestinal distress (i.e., diarrhea).”

Can Promote Faster Athletic Recovery

Recovery is key when training. Not only does it help you avoid injury, but a speedier recovery means we can get back to exercise quicker. Research shows creatine supplementation may reduce recovery time between spurts of intense exercise by reducing muscle damage. 

Can Help Reduce Muscle Aches

Although supplementing with creatine does not entirely prevent muscle damage, studies show creatine reduces the immediate muscle damage that occurs after resistance training.

May Enhance Cognition

Studies show creatine can benefit brain function. “Creatine supplementation may have a beneficial effect on brain function, as the brain requires a significant amount of ATP for normal operation. It may be particularly beneficial in tasks requiring speed and quick thinking,” says Hobson.

May Improve Muscle and Bone Density

Creatine supplementation is also important for overall health and wellness as you age. According to a 2021 study led by renowned creatine researcher Dr. Darren Candow, one year of creatine supplementation and resistance training had favorable effects on bone area and muscle density in older adults. This included both male and female participants, suggesting no differences between sex when it comes to creatine’s impact. 

What Are The Different Types of Creatine?

Not all creatine is created equal. In fact, there are multiple forms. Here’s a brief overview of the different types of creatine so you understand what to look for and what might suit you best. 

Creatine Monohydrate

Creatine monohydrate consists of creatine paired with a water molecule. As nutritionist Rob Hobson notes, this is the most research-backed form of creatine, and it’s typically the primary form used in most of the best-selling supplements in this category.

Micronized Creatine Monohydrate

“Micronized creatine is processed to create smaller particles than the standard creatine powder,” Hobson says. “The intention of micronized creatine is to improve its solubility and absorption in the body so creatine is then used up by muscles more quickly.”

Creatine Ethyl Ester

In this form, creatine is bound to ester salts, which some studies show makes the creatine more easily absorbed within the body. However, research shows creatine ethyl ester is not as effective as monohydrate.

Creatine Nitrate

Creatine nitrate is derived from the same molecule as creatine monohydrate but with a nitrate added. Some studies suggest creatine nitrate is more bioavailable than monohydrate, but results are mixed and more research is needed. Currently, creatine nitrate is only approved by the FDA at a daily dose of 750 milligrams per day.

Buffered Creatine

This type of creatine is normally manufactured with added alkaline, so it has a higher pH than regular creatine monohydrate. However, research shows there is little difference between buffered creatine and creatine monohydrate when it comes to training gains.

What Is a Creatine Loading Phase?

A creatine loading phase involves taking a higher dose of creatine, typically between 20 and 25 grams, for up to a week, according to Duru. He recommends reducing to a dose of 3 to 5 grams a day after a week.

“A lot of people do a creatine loading phase to fully saturate the muscles when they first start taking creatine, and this can potentially speed up the benefits by a few days,” says Pete Nastasi, CPT, CSNC. “But if you take more than two to three days off from creatine, it’s likely that your creatine stores will go back down to baseline and you might want to do another loading phase,” he says. “That’s why I suggest people take it every day.”

Studies show creatine loading phases (e.g. 20 grams per day for five to seven days) can help increase muscle creatine storage by 10 to 30 percent. However, creatine loading phases aren’t necessary. Studies show that long term, you can achieve the same effects without a loading phase. But if it’s speed you’re after, loading phases are a safe and effective way to quickly improve gains.

Is Creatine Safe?

Studies show creatine supplementation is safe in both the short and long term for healthy individuals. Healthy people can safely take up to 30 grams per day for up to five years. However, as we’ll explain below, those with certain health conditions should avoid creatine supplements.

Precautions When Taking Creatine

“Since creatine is a safe supplement, there aren’t many precautions to take beyond sticking to the recommended dosage,” says nutritionist Rob Hobson. “Like all supplements, figure out if it is really necessary to suit your performance goals, as there is little point in taking it if it is not. If you are training for a marathon then it’s not really going to be of use to you but if you are looking to build more muscle and become stronger, then it’s a good choice.”

Who Should Avoid Creatine

Creatine works for most people, but those with certain pre-existing health conditions should avoid it. “Anyone with pre-existing kidney or liver conditions or impaired function should avoid creatine,” says Hobson. Experts say creatine supplements may prevent those with kidney or liver problems from producing their own creatine. “Anyone taking medications affecting kidney function should avoid creatine or speak to their GP first. This might include blood pressure medication or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on a regular basis,” Hobson adds.

Hobson also advises against creatine supplementation for those younger than 18. “With adolescents, while the research suggests it may be okay for this age group, I avoid recommending it as the long-term effects are not fully understood yet,” he says.

Best Creatine for Men: Final Thoughts

While myths exist about water retention, cramping, and even its legality, creatine is one of the most researched-backed supplements. If you’re a dedicated lifter looking to enhance your muscle gains, improve your performance in activities requiring short bursts of energy, or hasten your recovery, you shouldn’t hesitate to add one of the options from our list to your stack. 

All you have to decide is whether you prefer a powder, pill, or gummy and you’ll be well on your way to unlocking the benefits of this uber-popular supplement. 

FAQs

The post The Best Creatine Supplements for Men for Muscle Growth and Enhanced Recovery appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

If you are on the hunt for the best elliptical of 2025 but aren’t sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. Below, you’ll find our top picks for the best elliptical machines and a comprehensive guide on what to consider before you make your purchase.

Our Picks for the Best Ellipticals of 2025:

• Best Overall Elliptical: NordicTrack FS10i
• Best Elliptical for Weight Loss: Sole Fitness E95
• Best Elliptical for Joint Pain: Sole Fitness E35
• Best Elliptical Machine for Small Spaces: Bowflex Max Trainer M6
• Best Under Desk Elliptical: Cubii Go
• Most Comfortable Elliptical: Niceday Smart Elliptical CT11

Best Overall Elliptical: NordicTrack FS10i

NordicTrack FS10i

• Weight Capacity: 375 pounds
• Resistance Levels: 24 levels
• Monitor: 10-inch HD touchscreen
• Stride: 32-inches, auto-adjustable
• Machine Dimensions: 58.5 inches (L) x 29.5 inches (W) x 74 inches (H)
• Warranty: Ten-year frame
• Price: $1,999

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The NordicTrack FS10i isn’t your average elliptical—it combines a treadmill, elliptical, and stair stepper all into one machine designed to give you the flexibility to switch up your cardio. The 32-inch adjustable stride adjusts based on your leg movements. In other words, if you use the FS10i as a stair stepper, your legs move up and down, but your stride goes back and forth in elliptical mode.

You can follow an iFIT class (with a $39/month subscription) on the 10-inch HD touchscreen, which tracks key stats such as time elapsed, speed, distance, and calories burned. Trainers can digitally adjust your incline up to 10 percent or tap into the 24 resistance levels based on the workout. If you’re working out manually, you can make these adjustments yourself via one-touch buttons next to the touchscreen.

Best Elliptical for Weight Loss: Sole Fitness E95

SOLE E95 Elliptical

• Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
• Resistance Levels: 20 levels
• Monitor: Wi-Fi-enabled 13.3-inch touchscreen with screen mirroring
• Stride: 20 inches
• Machine Dimensions: 83 inches (L) x 34 inches (W) x 70 inches (H)
• Warranty: Lifetime on frame and flywheel, three years parts and electronics, and one year labor
• Price: $2,099

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If you’re on a fitness journey, a weight-loss diet and exercise are essential to achieving your goals. If you already have a favorite weight-loss program or weight-loss app, an elliptical can help you knock out your daily sweat session. While any elliptical will help you work toward your goal, the E95 stands out thanks to its free fitness app and integrated streaming services, perfect for when you need more motivation to get moving. Unlike some of the other ellipticals on our list, the E95’s companion app, Sole+, is free with your new machine. Sole+ includes more than 3,000 trainer-led workouts and classes for on and off your elliptical. For even more entertainment while you work out, the E95 is integrated with several streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and more.

The Sole E95’s cushioned foot pedals are designed to keep your knees and ankles from feeling the brunt of an extended workout. The pedals adjust to fit your gait, but default to a two-degree inward angle. The Sole E95’s 20 resistance levels let you challenge yourself and can be easily switched via buttons on the handles. Sole’s drive system is engineered to stay quiet, but if you want to listen to your class or music on its built-in speakers, simply plug in your smart device and prop it up in the inserted tablet holder.

RELATED: Best Home Gym Equipment

Best Elliptical for Joint Pain: Sole Fitness E35

SOLE E35 Elliptical

• Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
• Resistance Levels: 20 levels
• Monitor: 10.1-inch touchscreen with screen mirroring
• Stride: 20 inches
• Machine Dimensions: 70 inches (L) x 31 inches (W) x 70 inches (H)
• Warranty: Lifetime frame, five years on parts, two years on labor
• Price: $1,599

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The Sole E35 Elliptical is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable, simple elliptical with a smooth ride for joint comfort. It’s easy to set up and use and has everything you need to start working out in the comfort of your own home—no gym membership required.

The Sole E35’s ramp-like design allows users to simply step on and start moving. With this elliptical, you can get a full-body workout without having to worry about straining your back or joints. It is equipped with 20 different levels of resistance so users can adjust their workouts according to their fitness levels and goals. With 10 preloaded workout programs plus free access to the Sole+ fitness app, even beginners can start their training immediately. Even though it’s not as heavy-duty as other ellipticals, the  Sole E35 works for users up to 300 pounds.

And while it comes with all the features you’d expect from an elliptical, it also has some great extras that we love: built-in fans keep you cool during workouts, and a user-friendly, fully adjustable console ensures a comfortable workout.

RELATED: Best Budget Home Gym Equipment

Best Elliptical Machine for Small Spaces: Bowflex Max Trainer M6

Bowflex Max Trainer M6

• Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
• Resistance Levels: 16
• Monitor: 6-inch by 8-inch LCD/calorie burn meter
• Stride: 18 inches, adjustable
• Machine Dimensions: 46 inches (L) x 26 inches (W) x 64.2 inches (H)
• Warranty: Two years frame and parts, 90 days labor
• Price: $1,299

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If you’re short on space but looking to up your cardio workout with an elliptical, take a look at the Bowflex Max Trainer M6. Bringing together form and function, the M6 stamps out a footprint measuring just 46 inches long, 26 inches wide, and 64.2 inches high—quite a bit smaller than your average treadmill or other cardio machine. Its 15-inch stride length may not be a great fit for taller individuals, but it still supports a user weight of up to 300 pounds.

The M6 offers a great workout with 16 levels of resistance, a USB charging port, a water bottle holder, Bluetooth heart rate compatibility, and multi-grip moving handles with pulse contact grips to measure heart rate. It’s also equipped with a unique burn rate display to track how many calories you burn per minute and allows you to set activity level targets throughout the workout.

If interactive programming is your jam, you’re in luck. The JRNY digital fitness platform for Bowflex products houses tailored workouts, on-demand classes, real-time coaching, and personalized programming. Purchasing the M6 gives you a free membership to JRNY. Download the workout app, place your device in the magnetic media, and get pedaling.

Bowflex offers in-home assembly for an additional fee, which we recommend because assembly takes a few hours (according to reviewers). The warranty is a bit disappointing, offering only two years on the frame and parts. Most competitors cover the frame with a 10-year warranty, so you’ll want to make sure your Bowflex is assembled correctly.

Best Under Desk Elliptical: Cubii Go

Cubii GO

• Weight Capacity: 500 pounds while seated, 350 pounds of direct weight on the pedals
• Resistance Levels: 10
• Monitor: 2-inch LCD
• Stride: 6.125 inches for each foot 
• Machine Dimensions: ‎23.5 inches (L) x 17.5 inches (W) x 10 inches (H)
• Warranty: Two years
• Price: $299

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The little elliptical that could, the Cubii Go provides an elliptical experience for a fraction of the space and price. This portable elliptical fits seamlessly underneath your desk and can be taken on the go with its built-in wheels and retractable handle.

Unlike under-desk treadmills, you don’t have to stand to work out with the Cubii Go. Instead, you can stay seated and pedal during a meeting or while watching TV. Its large flywheel lets you go up to ten resistance levels while an illuminated display projects your stats back to you. Use the Cubii app to keep track of the details of your workout plus. The Cubii Go is also easy to take with you, thanks to built-in wheels and a double telescoping handle.

This compact elliptical currently has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on the Cubii website. Out of 238 reviews, only five give the Cubii Go one star. Negative ratings include criticism of the machine’s stability and design. Four-star reviews praise the Cubii Go as effective and easy to use.

RELATED: Best Cardio Machines

Most Comfortable Elliptical: Niceday Smart Elliptical CT11

Niceday Elliptical Machine

• Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
• Resistance: 16 levels
• Monitor: 5-inch digital display
• Stride: 15.5 inches
• Machine Dimensions: 62 inches (H) x 48 inches (L) x 25 inches (W)
• Warranty: One year
• Price: $499.99

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If you’re a first-time elliptical buyer who’s feeling a little intimidated by the whole process, you might find the Niceday Smart Elliptical CT11 a comfortable option. Equipped with large pedals and constructed with steel, the Niceday Elliptical trainer can support users up to 400 pounds. It’s also designed to fit users between 4’9″ and 6’4″ tall, although it’s worth noting that the 15.5-inch stride length may feel restrictive to people on the taller end of that range. This elliptical also comes 90 percent pre-assembled, a feature sure to appeal to those less mechanically inclined. If you find quiet workouts comfortable, you’ll appreciate the Smart Elliptical CT11’s magnetic drive system. It’s designed to reduce noise and keep the sound of the machine below 20 decibels—about the same amount of noise as rustling leaves.

This elliptical trainer offers 16 levels of resistance, so you can use it for anything from light workouts to more intense leg and glute exercises. It’s also compatible with Kinomap and digitally records stats including speed, distance, calories, and heart rate.

The Niceday Smart Elliptical CT11 has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon with nearly 3,000 reviews. While most Amazon feedback is complimentary about the machine’s performance, criticisms include noise level and suitability for taller users.

Who Should Buy an Elliptical?

Elliptical machines are an excellent choice for people looking for a low-impact, total-body cardio workout of any intensity. “You’re using both your arms and your legs to propel yourself, and you can adjust the resistance based on what works for you,” says Samantha April, P.T., D.P.T., U.S.A.-W. They’re also great for people with balance issues. “Someone may use an elliptical over a treadmill if they’re looking for something that’s a little more controlled and they want to move with the machine and keep their feet stationary versus a treadmill where they’re required to move,” says April.

However, elliptical machines are not ideal for people with small home gym spaces. “If space is a concern inside of your home gym, ellipticals take up a pretty fair amount of space, so it’s important that you’ll actually have the space to accommodate that,” April says.

How to Use an Elliptical

Users can do a variety of workouts on an elliptical trainer, from slow, easy walks to fast and intense interval sessions.

Getting Started

Don’t forget to warm up with some deep breaths and stretching. When you’re ready, place your feet on the pedals and grab the handles. Begin moving your feet forward in a general walking motion.

Basic Workouts

Although you’re free to go at your own pace, a good baseline for elliptical workouts is 15-20 minutes. As you get more comfortable and build your endurance, you can increase your speed, resistance, and incline (if your machine has variable incline settings).

Interval Workouts

We asked Matt Petrillo, C.S.C.S., director of adult fitness at The Annex Sports Performance in Passaic, N.J., how to get a great workout on the elliptical.

“My clients utilize ellipticals through low-intensity interval training. To do this, choose a work interval ranging from 30-90 seconds and a rest interval between 30-60 seconds, making sure your work period is longer than your rest,” Petrillo says.

Work Intervals

He says when you are in your work period, you want to begin each round with your heart rate as close to 120 beats per minute as possible. By the end of your work period, you want your heart rate to be between 150-160 beats per minute.

Rest Intervals

“During your rest period, the goal is to drop your heart rate to as close to 120 beats per minute as possible,” says Petrillo. Don’t have a heart rate monitor? That’s OK, too. “Simply go at the fastest sustainable pace you can while only breathing through your nose during your work periods,” Petrillo says.

Depending on fitness level and time constraints, go through the work/rest process for 15-30 rounds. “This type of workout helps build our aerobic system, which can greatly improve our cardiovascular and overall health,” Petrillo says.

How We Chose the Best Ellipticals

To help you choose the best elliptical for your needs and goals, we evaluated dozens of machines and looked at several factors, including:

• Size and functionality. Covering ellipticals with different dimensions and designs, from full-size trainers to under-desk models
• Available workouts. Built-in routines and interactive or programmed workouts accessible online
• Features. From tech (wireless compatibility and stats monitoring) to comfort and convenience (cushioned pedals, bottle and device holders)
• Setup. How much assembly is required and whether in-home setup is offered
• Price. Ranging from budget-friendly machines to more expensive elliptical trainers
• User reviews and online ratings. Evaluating user experiences with equipment and manufacturers

What to Look For When Choosing an Elliptical Machine

Flywheel

The flywheel is the heavy, rotating wheel inside your machine. It provides stability and momentum while you pedal. A heavier flywheel offers a better, smoother ride and is generally more expensive.

Resistance

A range of resistance levels is important for workout intensity variability and training progression. Ellipticals function on a fixed track, so increasing speed is limited.

You’ll want an elliptical with enough resistance options for challenging workouts as your physical fitness improves.

Incline

Incline ranges on an elliptical are more of an added bonus than a must-have. They can add a level of variability to training. By increasing or decreasing the slope, you activate different muscle groups and change the intensity of the workout without necessarily changing speed or resistance. As the slope increases, more output is required from the user to generate speed, which will increase heart rate. It’s similar to walking up a hill versus walking on flat ground.

Stride Length

Stride length refers to how far apart the pedals move from one another when in use. The stride length most affects how comfortable and natural the stride feels for you. A short stride length will feel cramped to anyone with longer legs or particularly long strides. Conversely, a large stride length may feel awkward and clunky to someone with short legs. There is no universal best stride length since it’s highly dependent on your leg length and overall height. Most ellipticals feature a 20-inch stride length, which works for the vast majority of users.

Size

If you live in a small apartment or are equipping a tiny home gym space, you’ll want a compact elliptical that occupies minimal real estate. Measure out the space where you plan to use your elliptical before you start your search.

Tech and Features

If you’re a sucker for technology and place a premium on programming with top-of-the-line features and conveniences, make sure you find an elliptical that checks off all your boxes. Write out a list of your must-have technology specifications and features before you begin your search. This will help you narrow down your focus and streamline the process.

Cost

This may seem like a no-brainer, but knowing your budget is imperative when buying any type of home exercise equipment. Ellipticals come at a variety of price points, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.

Final Thoughts

Elliptical cross trainers are a great way to improve your cardio fitness and strength. The combination of the resistance from the pedals and handlebars provides you with a full-body workout. 

FAQs

The post The Best Elliptical Machines for a Low-Impact Cardio Workout at Home appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Whether you have limited space or are looking for a budget-friendly power rack, there are options that may work for you. We compiled a list of the best power racks for your home gym with all the details you need to find the right equipment to take your fitness routine to the next level in 2024. Shane Sevcik—a USAW-1 (USA Weightlifting) certified coach, current USA Weightlifting Foundation board member, state record holder, and Masters Pan American and World title holder—also shares his insights into what to look for in power racks.

Our Picks for the Best Power Racks of 2025

• Best Overall Power Rack: REP Fitness PR-1000 Power Rack
• Best Folding Power Rack: Titan Fitness T-3 Series Folding Power Rack
• Best Short Power Rack: REP Fitness PR-1050 Short Power Rack
• Best Space-Saving Power Rack: Fringe Sport Retractable Power Rack
• Best Power Rack with Lat Pulldown: Sunny Health & Fitness Power Zone Strength Rack Power Cage Squat Rack
• Best Power Rack for Garage Gym: Rogue Fitness R-3 Power Rack
• Best Squat Rack: Fitness Reality Squat Rack Power Cage

This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.

Best Overall Power Rack: REP Fitness PR-1000 Power Rack

REP Fitness PR-1000 Power Rack

• Price: $400
• Dimensions: 58 inches W x 83.6 inches H x 48 inches D
• Weight Capacity: 700 pounds
• Best For: Value shoppers who want a sturdy and compact power rack

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The REP Fitness PR-1000 Power Rack has a four-post frame made from 14-gauge steel with laser-cut holes spaced two inches apart. There are two pull-up bars—one is 1.25 inches thick, and the other is two inches thick—so you can do accessory work such as pull-ups and grip exercises without using additional space or buying a separate piece of equipment. The pull-up bars are strategically placed on the rack, spanning the front and back posts, contributing to the overall stability. There are built-in weight storage pegs on the back base for additional sturdiness. You can customize the rack using multiple accessory options such as safety straps, a dip station, and more.

Tester Brandon Lunsford, C.P.T., CF-L1, used this rack to do exercises like squats, bench press, strict press, pull-ups, and more for almost two years. He describes it as an intermediate or beginner rack and noticed movement while un-racking 350 pounds. “The rack held the weight just fine, but there was some swaying after I removed the bar. I’d recommend it to a beginner or someone who doesn’t lift to that capacity because I was happy with it otherwise.”

We like that the PR-1000 comes with chrome-coated safeties extending past the rack, offering an additional place for a barbell. The numbered uprights allow you to adjust the safeties or J-hooks quickly and never have to worry about your bar being crooked. “The J-hooks were easy to move, and the hole spacing of one inch is adequate to get the bar lined up where you need it,” Lunsford says. “I can attest to the functionality of the safeties; they worked great for me when I failed a heavy bench over 250 pounds.”

Best Folding Power Rack: Titan Fitness T-3 Series Folding Power Rack

Titan T-3 Series Power Rack

4.3

• Dimensions: 46" outside width; 24" or 36" inside depth; 82" or 91" height
• Materials: 2x3, 11-gauge steel
• Weight capacity: 1,100 pounds
• Hole spacing: Westside

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The Titan Fitness T-3 Series Power Rack is a wall-mounted power rack that folds to a closed position, which only sticks out five inches from the wall. The bolt-down uprights and side bracings keep it stable, so you feel comfortable lifting weights to 1,100 pounds. Those who want to use the dual pull-up bars for dynamic movements such as kipping pull-ups or toes-to-bar benefit from the added stability the floor attachment provides. The rear pull-up bar is two inches thick, and the front pull-up bar is the industry standard of 1.25 inches thick.

This rack is made from 11-gauge steel and features two-inch by three-inch tubing. Typically, newer racks have three-inch by three-inch steel tubing, so attachments from other brands may not work. Lunsford says, “A rack is an essential piece of fitness equipment. What sets them apart is the build, value, and accessories. A full power rack of this style with a weight capacity of 1,100 pounds for around $400 is an excellent bang for the buck.”

Lunsford says the brand uses manufacturing processes to elevate the overall quality. “The holes are laser cut instead of punched, and the brand uses robot welders instead of guides operated by humans.” This technique allows for more efficiency, precision, and consistency in enhanced craftsmanship. The laser-cut holes are two inches apart, and the bench and clean pull zone have Westside hole spacing—holes in the upright that are closer together for more precise positioning.

Free shipping is available on all Titan products, and a one-year warranty covers manufacturing defects and issues that may arise while using the product. One callout we have is the rack does not come with safety arms, which range in price from $90 to $190, depending on which type you get. The rackable weight capacity is 1,100 pounds, but the included J-cups are rated up to 1,000 pounds, so if you want to move heavier weights, you’ll need to upgrade the J-cups.

Titan offers several accessories for purchase separately, including safety bars or straps, stabilizer feet, spotter arms, pin and pipe safety set, or an extension kit to upgrade to six uprights. Other customization options include choosing from a black, red, or blue rack color, two rack depths and heights, or adding a four-pack of weight plate holders.

Best Short Power Rack: REP Fitness PR-1050 Short Power Rack

REP Fitness PR-1050 Short Power Rack

• Price: $359
• Dimensions: 58 inches W x 72 inches H x 48 inches D
• Weight Capacity: 700 pounds
• Best For: Small spaces and low ceilings

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At only 72 inches tall (six feet), the REP PR-1050 Short Power Rack is a solution for home gyms with low ceilings, such as garages or basements. This equipment has a sturdy yet compact footprint of 58 by 48 inches and supports up to 700 pounds.

While this power rack is short, it provides a solid range of features. It comes with dual pull-up bars (supporting up to 400 pounds), numbered upright holes spaced two inches apart, rear base weight horns, chrome-coated safeties, and plastic-lined J-cups. It’s also compatible with various add-on attachments, including cannonball grips for grip strength exercises and landmine attachments for exercises including landmine presses and rows.

Best Space-Saving Power Rack: Fringe Sport Retractable Power Rack

Fringe Sport Retractable Power Rack

• Price: $548
• Dimensions: 47.25 inches W x 91 inches H x 25 inches D
• Weight Capacity: 800 pounds
• Best For: Those tight on space who want an easily storable rack

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The Fringe Sport Retractable Power Rack is an excellent option if your garage or home gym is tight on space because it is compact and easily stored. This convenient home power rack can be retracted and folded inward or outward for storage. When retracted, it only sticks out five inches from the wall. It has a compact base and can support up to 800 pounds.

The uprights are two-by-three-inch 11-gauge steel and feature Westside spacing in the bench zone. You can set the rack’s 1.25-inch diameter pull-up bar to multiple heights. It’s 91 inches tall, which may not be ideal for low ceilings.

The unit comes with J-hooks coated with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW), a strong, abrasion-resistant material, to protect your barbell. Fringe Sport provides an installation video to help guide you through the installation of this power rack. It includes four mounting brackets and six detent pins to lock the rack in position.

Best Power Rack with Lat Pulldown: Sunny Health & Fitness Power Zone Strength Rack Power Cage Squat Rack

Sunny Health & Fitness Power Zone Strength Rack Power Cage Squat Rack

• Price: $968
• Dimensions: 65.1 inches W x 82.9 inches H x 50.4 inches D
• Weight Capacity: 1,000 pounds
• Best For: Value shoppers who want a rack with a lat pulldown

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The Sunny Health & Fitness Power Zone Strength Rack Power Cage Squat Rack has a pulley system attachment for lat pulldowns and adjustable resistance you can load with weight plates up to the 352-pound limit. You can use the lat pulldown attachment for exercises like upright rows and curls. When you aren’t using the attachment, built-in safety hook latches provide easy storage for the top long or short lever bar.

This power rack has features to help you get a well-rounded workout. The adjustable angled pull-up bar has four positions, including wide and narrow grips. The J-hooks have 18 vertical height settings, and the spotter bars with safety latches help you squat with heavier weights. There are six resistance band pins, for additional resistance against the bar.

Best Power Rack for Garage Gym: Rogue Fitness R-3 Power Rack

Rogue Fitness R-3 Power Rack

• Price: $795
• Dimensions: 53 inches W x 90 inches H x 34 inches D
• Weight Capacity: 1,000 pounds
• Best For: Compact spaces, including home or garage gyms with lower ceilings

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The Rogue Fitness R-3 Power Rack is the most compact option in Rogue’s R-Series and is an excellent option for a home garage gym. This power rack comes in two height options—90.4 inches or 84.4 inches—so it works in garages and home gyms with low ceilings.

This rack is made of heavy-duty 11-gauge steel with Westside spacing (a type of spacing that allows for granular control of bar placement, such as barbells and safety bars) through the bench in a one-inch pattern and two-inch spacing above and below the bench. The unit is compatible with various Rogue Infinity Series add-on attachments, such as the Rogue Matador, fully adjustable dip handles, or a bar hanger for barbell weight storage.

The unit has a 43-inch pull-up bar, infinity J-cups, pin/pipe safeties, and four band pegs. You can customize this rack by adding a bar, bench, or plates to your purchase on the Rogue Fitness website. This unit is versatile enough for various exercises, including low rows, pull-ups, chin-ups, squats, bench presses, powerlifting, CrossFit, and Olympic lifting.

Best Squat Rack: Fitness Reality Squat Rack Power Cage

Fitness Reality Squat Rack Power Cage

• Price: $299
• Dimensions: 50.5 inches W x 83.5 inches H x 46.5 inches D
• Weight Capacity: 800 pounds
• Best For: Value shoppers who want a sturdy squat rack and power cage combo

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The Fitness Reality Squat Rack Power Cage has an official weight capacity of 800 pounds. This unit can help anyone hit their goals, from beginners to elite powerlifters.

Like all good squat racks, the Fitness Reality Squat Rack Power Cage has solid steel safety arms rather than hollow tubes. It features two rear stability bars. Thanks to 19 adjustable height levels, you can use the unit for various exercises besides squats, including pull-ups, chin-ups, bench presses, and overhead presses. And it’s $299, the most affordable option on our list.

It has a multi-grip pull-up bar and two 23-inch safety bars with chrome locks. While it doesn’t come with J-hooks, dip bars, or plate storage attachments, one-inch holes allow you to use this equipment with standard-sized attachments.

What Is a Power Rack?

A power rack—or power cage—has four uprights designed to serve as a base for powerlifting, Olympic lifting, and other strength training. They are commonly used with a barbell but may have optional attachments for non-barbell exercises using cables or body weight. A full power rack allows athletes to lift inside or outside the cage. Half racks have two uprights, so athletes must lift outside the rack because there is less depth.

Why Buy a Power Rack?

Research links strength training, including weightlifting, to long-term health benefits like reducing disease.

A power rack provides equipment, like safety bars, to help you lift heavy weights safely without a spotter. Some power racks come with add-on attachments, such as pull-up bars and dip bars, to help you get a well-rounded workout. Additionally, most power racks are compatible with accessories you can buy for an extra price to customize your workout for your needs.

How to Use a Power Rack

Exercisers use a power rack for strength training, Olympic lifting, and powerlifting. Additional attachments, such as a dip station or pull-up bar, allow you to use it for bodyweight exercises. Some have pulley systems for other resistance exercises.

Correctly using a power rack can successfully enhance strength training. “It’s all about consistency,” Sevcik says. “Make sure you have some kind of progressive overload built into your programming.”

Power racks provide a safe lifting experience, which is of utmost importance, especially if you plan on training alone. The safety straps, pins, or arms—also called safeties—are a critical safety feature. “One of my biggest pet peeves is when I see people who don’t know how to set the safety arms the right way and have the pins set way too low,” Sevcik says. “The purpose of those safety arms is to give you a safe way to bail out of a lift. Otherwise, you’re just using a power rack as a big immobile squat stand.”

So, what is the correct way to set up the safety arms? “To set them up for squats, put the unloaded bar on your back and squat down to the deepest position you can get yourself into,” Sevcik says. “The safety bars should be about an inch and a half or one notch lower than your bottom position, so if you ever fail on a squat, all you do is sit your butt down to the very bottom.”

Many come with safety arms, pins, or nylon straps, but some budget options may require purchasing them separately. If you’re new to using a power rack, we recommend asking a fitness professional for guidance on different exercises and safety.

What to Look for in a Power Rack

Size

Before purchasing, measure your space and look at the rack’s total footprint. While measuring the floor and comparing it to the base is essential, ceiling height is another crucial factor. You may need a shorter option if you use your rack in a basement or a room with low ceilings.

You can retract and store a folding power rack if you’re limited in space or need room for other activities. It’s a good idea to consider your height and weight when looking at the dimensions, especially if you plan to use the pull-up bar or other attachments. You may want to leave space on each side for accessories so you can attach them on the sides if necessary. We recommend you keep the space around the rack clear of obstructions, particularly in front, so you can safely complete your lifts or bailout.

Style/Construction

Power racks come in a variety of styles, colors, and materials. Some construction and style factors to consider include:

• Whether you have room for a freestanding power rack or need a wall-mounted power rack to save space
• If you want to bolt the power rack to the ground for extra stability
• What add-on accessories come with the power rack, and what options are available for compatible accessories
• The type of steel the power rack is
• Whether there are different color choices available
• Whether the power rack features Westside spacing

Weight Capacity

The power racks on this list have capacities ranging from 700 pounds to 1,100 pounds. The lower and middle weight range will likely work for you if you are a beginner or intermediate exerciser. If you are an advanced athlete, you may want to opt for a power rack with a high weight capacity and heavy-duty steel. Attachments such as safety arms, J-hooks, or pull-up bars have varying weight limits. Always stay within the recommended weight range for your safety.

Cost

How much you’re willing to spend depends on your budget and training style. Many racks on this list include a basic setup, with the option to add accessories as needed, which cuts the cost. Other racks come fully loaded with accessories, so they are incredibly versatile. However, these options cost more, so it is crucial to consider the features and whether or not they are helpful for your workout style and goals. The racks on this list range from around $299 to $965, and many brands offer free shipping.

Features

Power racks come in various styles and features. The following sections break down Sevcik’s power rack must-haves.

Material

Sevcik says to look for thick, heavy-duty steel such as 11-gauge. “A rack made out of thicker steel creates more leverage on the uprights. Especially when you add those attachments.”

J-Cups/J-Hooks

“I think a big must-have a lot of people overlook is to make sure your J-cups, or J-hooks, have some coating on them to preserve the knurling on your bar,” Sevcik says. “If you’re doing a bench press or deadlift, [knurling] is no big deal, but if you’re an Olympic weightlifter, that’s where my snatch grip is holding onto, and I want it to be as sharp and aggressive as possible.”

Hole Spacing

“I would make sure you have enough hole patterns to make a lot of adjustments. Sometimes, they’re too spaced out, for example, in two-inch increments instead of one,” Sevcik says. “I like to have the added adjustability, especially for those heavier weights.”

Pull-Up Bar

Sevcik says having the option to do pull-ups is a good idea. “They’re one of the most basic, fundamental movements. Plus, if you dedicate the square footage to put the rack in there, you’ll want to get as much utility as possible because you are sacrificing some real estate.”

Attachments

“It’s important to have the option to add accessories,” Sevcik says. “You might not want a dip bar right now, but down the road, you may decide to incorporate more dips in the training program, and it sure is nice to have your power rack as your one central piece of equipment.”

Many power racks come with attachments, though certain brands require you to purchase add-on attachments separately. Some of the power racks on this list come with pull-up bars (chin-up bar), safeties, and J-cups included, while others do not. It’s important to read the details of what comes with your unit to know what additional purchases you’ll need to make to achieve your desired power rack workout.

How We Chose the Best Power Racks

We considered the following while choosing each product on this list:

• What is the quality of the steel and other materials used in construction?
• Does the design and weight capacity suit a variety of training styles?
• What do our in-house fitness experts and reviewers have to say?
• What does the rack come with? Does the price justify the quality and cover everything you’ll need, or do you need to purchase other accessories?
• Is shipping and assembly a complicated process? Are there additional costs?

We chose budget-friendly and high-end options suitable for any fitness level and listed several compact and folding options for those with limited space. We also spoke to Shane Sevcik, a USAW-certified coach and competitive athlete, about essential add-ons and safety features.

Final Thoughts

Research suggests 30 to 60 minutes a week of muscle-strengthening exercises can benefit your health. With the help of a power rack, you can achieve a wide range of strength training fitness moves without needing a spotter. A power rack can add convenience to your workout by enabling you to get a safe weightlifting workout anytime from the comfort of your home gym.

FAQs

The post The Best Power Racks of 2025: Our Top Picks for Strength Training appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

There are a variety of sauna styles available, from the traditional barrels to more modern cube designs with electric heaters, infrared heaters, or wood-burning stoves. Some newer models have high-tech features like surround-sound speakers, added LED light therapy, and charging docks for your electronics. However, all you need to reap the potential benefits of your sauna experience is a high-quality product you’ll actually use.

We found six of the best outdoor saunas and included a comprehensive guide for picking the right sauna for you. We also tapped Saloni Sharma, M.D., Medhat Mikhael, M.D., and Earric Lee, a postdoctoral researcher studying exercise science and Sport and Health Sciences faculty member at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland (a.k.a., sauna central), to help us understand how sauna use can benefit athletes during training.

Our Top Picks for the Best Outdoor Saunas of 2025 

• Best Overall Outdoor Sauna: Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 5-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
• Best Outdoor Sauna Kit: SweatTent Outdoor Sauna
• Best Two-Person Outdoor Sauna: Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
• Best Outdoor Barrel Sauna: Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Barrel Sauna
• Best Outdoor Sauna for Cold Climates: Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Cabin Sauna

This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.

Best Overall Outdoor Sauna: Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 5-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna

Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 5-Person Infrared Sauna

• Type: Infrared sauna
• Number of People: 5
• Material: All-season carbonized cedar
• Dimensions: 82 inches W x 82.5 inches H x 51.5 inches D
• Temperature Range: 95–167 degrees Fahrenheit
• Extra Features: Built-in chromotherapy, panoramic glass exterior, mobile app remote control, Bluetooth-enabled surround sound speakers
• Cost: $11,699

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If you’re seeking a more technology-forward sauna experience, Sun Home’s Luminar outdoor infrared sauna is an excellent model to invest in. This five-person model uses an infrared heating system, which you can control through your phone via a mobile app. Indoor saunas often have infrared heat, but Sun Home claims its Luminar model is more than 12.5 times more powerful at 500 watts than competitors. This sauna includes Bluetooth speakers and soothing LED chromotherapy, making sitting in a hot room more enticing to beginner bathers. Yes, it’s a pricey model, but it has ample features and floor-to-ceiling windows for a panoramic view of the outdoors.

Best Outdoor Sauna Kit: SweatTent Outdoor Sauna

SweatTent Outdoor Sauna

• Type: Tent sauna
• Number of People: 1–3
• Material: Insulated, weather-proof Oxford 210D fabric
• Dimensions: 72 inches L x 72 inches W x 84 inches H
• Temperature Range: Up to 180–200 degrees Fahrenheit
• Extra Features: Waterproof cover, ergonomic fire poker, heat resistant gloves, 20 pounds of sauna rocks with basket
• Cost: $1,600

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According to SweatTent, you can set up the SweatTent Outdoor Sauna in about three minutes. It is somewhat portable because it is simple to put up and take down. The material is durable, insulated, and weather-proof, so you can leave the sauna outdoors indefinitely.

A wood-fired stove heats the SweatTent and comes with 20 pounds of sauna rocks, a fire poker, and heat-resistant gloves to feed the fire safely. The SweatTent is our favorite option for a complete sauna kit. It’s easy to set up, comparatively inexpensive, portable, and works well.

Best Two-Person Outdoor Sauna: Sun Home Luminar 2-Person Infrared Sauna

Sun Home Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Infrared Sauna

• Type: Cube sauna
• Number of People: 2
• Material: Grade-A carbonized wood exterior, cedar wood interior
• Dimensions: 57 inches W x 82.7 inches H x 51.5 inches D
• Temperature Range: 95–167 degrees Fahrenheit
• Extra Features: Low EMF/ELF shielding, app-enabled control system, Bluetooth surround sound speakers
• Cost: $10,299

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The Sun Home Luminar Sauna is a cube sauna with a carbonized wood exterior and dura-glass windows built to withstand any climate conditions. Luminar has a compact footprint compared to other two-person cube saunas. It uses a combination of infrared and full-spectrum heaters positioned to maintain optimum heat regardless of exterior conditions.

The choice of grade-A carbonized red cedar wood and thick double-pane glass throughout the sauna ensures durability and insulation. With nine heaters, including three far-infrared heaters under the bench and six full-spectrum heaters surrounding the cabin, the Luminar Outdoor Sauna guarantees an efficient and effective sauna session. Sun Home places these heaters strategically to envelop the users in 3D healing wavelengths from all angles.

You can control the Luminar temperature from an app to start heating your sauna before you get home. It has Bluetooth surround-sound speakers and a panoramic view through the dura-glass windows.

Best Outdoor Barrel Sauna: Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Barrel Sauna

Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Barrel Sauna

• Type: Barrel sauna
• Number of People: 4–6
• Material: Thermowood
• Dimensions: 71.75 inches L x 84.5 inches W x 87.5 inches H
• Temperature Range: Up to 195 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the heater
• Extra Features: Bucket and ladle, backrest, sauna rocks, light fixture
• Cost: $5,899

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The Redwood Outdoors Barrel Sauna is a traditional barrel sauna made with Thermowood. It has all the features you need with nothing extra. We appreciate that you can customize several parts of this dry sauna, from the heating mechanism (you can go the Finnish sauna route with a Harvia electric heater or a wood-burning stove) to add-ons like a weather-resistant shingled roof and even a cold plunge tub. It has a spa-like sauna scent and dry heat, and comfortably fits four to six people.

One benefit of a Thermowood sauna is its durability and resistance to the elements. Redwood Outdoors says that, when properly cared for, this sauna should have an outdoor lifespan of 20 years.

Best Outdoor Sauna for Cold Climates: Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Cabin

Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Cabin

• Type: Electric sauna
• Number of People: 4
• Material: Scandinavian thermowood
• Dimensions: 78.75 inches L x 59 inches W x 96.75 inches H
• Temperature Range: 180–230 degrees Fahrenheit
• Extra Features: Scandinavian design, Harvia electric heater, sauna rocks
• Cost: $6,999

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The Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Cabin Sauna is our best outdoor sauna for cold climates because of its robust, weather-resistant construction. This sauna has a traditional Scandinavian design with Scandinavian softwood treated with intense heat to provide exceptional insulation. This design enhances its longevity and contributes to its energy efficiency, ensuring even heat distribution throughout the interior.

The Thermowood Cabin Sauna package includes a Harvia electric heater, wooden heater guard, water bucket and ladle, sauna rocks, and interior seating benches, providing all the necessary components for an authentic sauna experience.

Why Buy an Outdoor Sauna?

If you’ve spent quality time in the locker room sauna, you’re committed to the wellness practice, and you live somewhere with outdoor space, a sauna might be an excellent investment for your health. “Researchers have found several possible health benefits from sauna use; most importantly, they have shown to help cardiovascular diseases—particularly high blood pressure and heart diseases—as well as acute and chronic pain and neurological diseases,” Mikhael says.

Putting a sauna inside can create some logistical challenges, though, from installation to insulation and more. An outdoor sauna might be easier to install, and it gets you closer to nature, as many of them have spacious windows. “One big bonus of outdoor saunas specifically is they exist outdoors,” Sharma says. “There is a problem in our society labeled Nature Deficit Disorder, which means we aren’t spending enough time outside. There are many proven benefits of being outdoors, and these saunas allow you to combine them with the potential benefits of heat therapy.”

How to Use an Outdoor Sauna

Depending on your model, once your outdoor sauna is installed and ready to go, you can set the temperature via a manual dial, Bluetooth-enabled app, or touchscreen. The heat comes from sauna heaters or wood-burning stoves. Some outdoor saunas allow you to set the timer up to 36 hours in advance. From there, all you need to do is open the door, climb in, and relax.

As for timing, “Two to three 15- to 25-minute sessions per week are ideal,” says Mikhael. “After 15 to 25 minutes, people can benefit the most without feeling like they’re getting dehydrated or dizzy.”

Bring a book, crank up your music, or bring a friend to sweat it out with you—and remember to stay hydrated.

“You want to ensure you’re hydrated before and after,” says Sharma. “A sauna induces a lot of sweating, so you can get dehydrated very easily.” We recommend an electrolyte powder after use if you sweat a lot.

The Benefits of an Outdoor Sauna

Ideally, you should be heading to your sauna soon as part of your post-workout routine, Lee says. “We found not only is a combination of exercise and sauna bathing stronger in its effects, but many cardiovascular benefits, like lower blood pressure, were sustained for a longer period afterward.”

What to Look for in an Outdoor Sauna

Power

Most saunas use electricity to run the lights and heaters. Low-tech wood stove-heated saunas might not need any power if there are no lights. There are some solar-powered saunas, too, if you want less strain on the environment (and your electric bill). You’ll just need to make sure you have a battery as a backup.

Portability

Given their size and weight, saunas are not very portable. So we’d recommend buying an outdoor sauna once you’re living in a permanent residence rather than an apartment or rental. But even then, life happens, and sometimes you need to move. You can move a constructed outdoor sauna, but it would likely need professional equipment to hoist it into a truck bed. There are very portable tent saunas—much more affordable than the outdoor ones on our list.

Cost

The outdoor saunas we recommend cost between $1,599 and $9,799. Based on our research, the lower end of the spectrum offers plenty of heat but fewer bells and whistles. The more pricey saunas can typically seat more people, have more temperature adjustments, provide more comfortable accommodations, and are made with higher-quality materials.

Outdoor Sauna Accessories

Many outdoor saunas on this list offer additional accessories a la carte. While these aren’t integral to your new sauna routine, they might make it more fun, luxe, and/or comfortable. Some standard accessories we noticed are outdoor showers, cold plunge tubs such as the Plunge, and wooden recliners. Nothing’s stopping you from DIY-ing those accessories, though.

Final Thoughts

Many wellness fads are short-lived trends (and even potentially harmful). But saunas have been staples in Scandinavian life for centuries, showing significant promise in improving your well-being. Our experts say regular sauna use can improve muscle soreness and even chronic pain.

If you’ve dabbled in heat therapy in the past and want to make it more of a long-term lifestyle (and you have the budget to match), an outdoor sauna can be a valuable and beneficial tool. But, like any significant investment in your health, our experts say you should always consult your doctor before purchasing an outdoor sauna or starting a sauna routine—especially if you have severe cardiovascular or lung issues.

FAQs

The post The 5 Best Outdoor Saunas for Getting Your Sweat On in 2025 appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

During our search for the best compact rowing machine, we found an array of excellent standalone options and options that fit in well with other top-rated home gym equipment. We considered the overall footprint and other key features, and scoured the reviews to see what users had to say about each product. Below is our list of the best compact home rowing machines available.

How We Chose the Best Compact Rowing Machines

The rowing machines included in this list were carefully selected based on what most users would want out of a rowing machine, keeping in mind that they needed to have a smaller footprint and folding or upright storage options. We evaluated each choice based on size, portability, cost, high-tech features, versatility, and durability. We also scoured the reviews to see what users had to say about each rowing machine.

Our Picks for the Best Compact Rowing Machines in 2025:

• Best Overall Compact Rowing Machine: Hydrow Wave
• Best Compact Rowing Machine With Trainer-Led Workouts: NordicTrack RW700
• Best Foldable Compact Rowing Machine: ProForm Pro R10
• Best Compact Rowing Machine for Cross-Training: Echelon Row-s
• Best Value Compact Rowing Machine: NordicTrack RW600

Best Overall Compact Rowing Machine: Hydrow Wave

Hydrow Wave Rower

4.0

• Dimensions: 80″ L x 19″ W x 43″ H
• Storage: Stores upright
• Resistance: Magnetic
• Weight capacity: 375 pounds
• Display: 16-inch HD touchscreen
• Available programming: Live and on-demand workouts, scenic rows

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On the Hydrow website, the Hydrow Wave is rated 4.6/5 stars with over 9,000 reviews at the time of writing. It’s the brand’s compact, budget-friendly option for those who want to elevate their at-home workout routine. The length is just 80 inches, which is the shortest on this list, and the overall size is 30 percent shorter than the original Hydrow Rower. You cannot fold it, but there is the option to store it upright using The Hydrow Wave Vertical Anchor. This is a wall-mounted strap that holds the rower upright. It costs an additional $190, which is a bit on the pricey side.

The frame is made of aluminum and steel. It has a flat anthracite polymer body, which is a durable and lightweight material. The handle has an ergonomic design for a low-stress grip, and the strap is made from water- and rot-resistant polyester webbing. It also has a patented electromagnetic drag system that mimics the experience of rowing on open water.

Overall, the reviews on the Hydrow website are positive, and many mention how quiet the machine is and how much they like the small footprint. One review says, “The machine is such great quality. It’s quiet and sleek looking.” The critical reviews make up 3 percent of the overall reviews and state issues like non-working parts being delivered. However, Hydrow has responded to each review to resolve any issues.

Best Compact Rowing Machine With Trainer-Led Workouts: NordicTrack RW700

NordicTrack RW700

4.2

• Dimension: 87" L x 22" W x 47" H
• Type of Resistance: Magnetic
• Subscription: Not required; compatible iFIT membership is $39/month
• Storage: Can be moved using the front wheels
• Weight Limit: 250 pounds

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The NordicTrack RW700 has a 10-inch HD touchscreen you can tilt and pivot to follow along with an iFIT workout led by your favorite trainer on or off the rower. An iFIT subscription is $39 per month, and you’ll have access to live and on-demand classes. Membership to the fitness app is not required to use the rower; however, you won’t have access to trainer-led classes without it.

A trainer-led rowing workout gives you the option to row on the open water for a more scenic experience, and there are also studio sessions. The resistance is adjusted automatically among 26 resistance levels during each class, so you don’t need to worry about stopping to make changes. The oversized foot pedals have adjustable nylon foot straps with quick release, which is excellent for those who want to incorporate movements off the rower into their workout.

The rail is 87 inches long and made from durable steel. It has an inertia-enhanced flywheel, so it should maintain a smooth rotation. If you have a shared space, the NordicTrack RW700 rower has a magnetic resistance system that creates tension against the flywheel without touching, making it a quieter option. After your workout, this magnetic rowing machine can be moved using the front wheels, but it can’t be folded.

Best Foldable Compact Rowing Machine: ProForm Pro R10

ProForm Pro R10

4.0

• Dimensions: 86.5" L x 22" W x 45.5" H
• Type of Resistance: Magnetic
• Subscription: Not required; compatible iFIT subscription is $39/month
• Storage: Folding
• Weight Limit: 250 pounds

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The ProForm Pro R10 can collapse into a more compact size by lifting the handle, and the front-mounted transport wheels make it easy to move. It comes equipped with a 10-inch HD touchscreen you can use for iFIT workouts if you choose to subscribe, or you can track your watts, calories burned, time, strokes, and distance in the manual mode. There are 24 resistance levels to choose from, and your workout intensity is adjusted using the brand’s trademarked Silent Magnetic Resistance system. This gives the user the option to have a more cardio- or strength-focused workout.

The flywheel has been designed to maintain inertia and rotate smoothly, and the steel rail is oversized to help keep you stable. The large, pivoting foot pedals with adjustable nylon straps keep your feet in place, and the seat is molded with comfort in mind.

Best Compact Rowing Machine for Cross-Training: Echelon Row-s

Echelon Row-s

4.2

• Dimensions: 84" L x 21" W x 47" H
• Type of Resistance: Magnetic
• Subscription: Not required; Echelon Fit subscription is $35/month
• Storage: Folding
• Weight Limit: 300 pounds

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If you like to incorporate other movements into your rowing workout or train off of the rower, the Echelon Row-s has a 22-inch HD touchscreen that can be flipped 180 degrees. While an Echelon Fit subscription is not required, the extra $35/month workout app gives you access to over 40 live classes and more than 1,000 on-demand workouts from its library, including rowing, biking, running, and functional training classes.

The ergonomic design of the seat and the ability to adjust the foot platforms to a comfortable position help you maintain proper posture and alignment. If you’re short on space, the length goes from 84 inches long to just 41 inches long when folded. On the Echelon website, this rower is rated 4.6/5 stars. “The machine looks great, operates very quietly, and gives a great workout no matter your level,” says reviewer Brett P.

Best Value Compact Rowing Machine: NordicTrack RW600

NordicTrack RW600

Dimensions: 87.02" L x 22.0" W x 47.24" H

Storage: Folds in half for vertical storage

Resistance: Air and magnetic

Weight capacity: 250 pounds

Display: 10-inch smart HD touchscreen

Available programming: Live and on-demand workouts, scenic rows

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The NordicTrack RW600 balances great tech features and an accessible price, making it a great value. The 10-inch screen is an excellent option for those who want to take instructor-led classes using an iFIT membership. NordicTrack’s patented Silent Magnetic Resistance can be adjusted up to 26 levels automatically in an iFIT class or manually as needed.

The pivoting foot pedals are oversized, and the nylon straps keep your feet secure. The handlebar has a soft grip, and the molded seat is designed to help you feel comfortable. When your workout is finished, the NordicTrack RW600 can be folded and stored out of the way.

How to Choose the Best Compact Rowing Machine for You

What factors should you consider before you pull the trigger on a rower? Here’s what we’d recommend you take into account as you ponder your purchase decision:

Footprint

Once you’ve decided on your rower location, it’s a good idea to measure the length, width, and height of your space to determine what size machine works best. You’ll want to measure height to see if you have enough clearance for rowers to be stored upright.

Budget

After measuring, think about how much you’re willing to spend. Take into consideration any additional costs such as a monthly subscription. Some rowers also have add-ons for purchase, such as a lumbar support system or seat upgrade.

Features

Ask yourself: How many levels of resistance do I need? Am I looking for an HD touchscreen with trainer-led classes or do I prefer a more simplistic display? Other features such as a magnetic resistance system may be important if you’re in a shared space and need a quieter machine. The rower’s maximum height and/or weight capacity may also play a role in your decision as well.

Benefits of a Rowing Workout

Rowing allows you to implement low-impact, cardio-based training, and you can adjust the resistance for a strength-focused session. It’s a full-body workout that uses 86 percent of your muscles. With each stroke, you’re using your core and legs for the initial pull and finishing the rowing movement by using your upper body. Since you’re in a seated position, there’s less pressure on your knee and ankle joints.

Getting all four types of exercise (endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility) has benefits, according to The National Institute of Health (NIH). A rowing machine can be utilized for two types: endurance and strength. Many rowing machines have built-in programs or subscriptions that offer classes geared toward building strength and endurance.

Final Thoughts

Rowing is a great way to build strength and endurance while working various muscle groups. There are choices to suit a variety of budgets with different storage options and sizes. Figuring out how much space you have, your price range and the features you’d like will help you choose the best compact rowing machine for you.

FAQs

The post The Best Compact Rowing Machines for Small Spaces in 2025 appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Whey is a complete protein that contains all nine essential amino acids our bodies need to build muscle. Whey protein also supplies the body with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), like leucine, which help promote muscle growth (1).

We consulted Pete Nastasi, a certified nutrition coach (C.N.C.), to help us find the best whey protein powders on the market. 

Here, we break down the different types of whey protein powders available (concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate), which types will work best for you, and what nutrition information to look for. Plus, we’ve tested over 50 protein powders to help us create the list of our top picks.

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

How We Chose the Best Whey Protein Powders

We chose products for our list of the best whey protein powders based on a number of factors reflected in our whey protein powder scoring methodology. These include:

• Protein source: Whey protein is available as a concentrate, isolate, hydrolysate, or blend. We rank whey isolates and hydrolysates higher than concentrates because they are easier to digest and filtered to remove carbs and fat.
• Macronutrient calories per serving: We prioritize whey protein powders with the most calories from protein—as opposed to fat or carbs.
• Total protein per serving: While everyone has varying protein needs, 25–30 grams of protein is generally recommended with each snack or meal. This amount is also the best value per serving of protein powder.
• Price per gram of protein: While price isn’t always indicative of quality or value, we do reward whey protein powders that are more affordable, though we give this category less weight than the others.
• Sweeteners: We consider research about common sweeteners when assessing which whey protein powder formulas provide the least health risks to users.
• Bonus credits: Whey protein powders can earn small bumps in their overall score by having third-party testing credentials, no proprietary blends, an organic certification, sustainable packaging, and the addition of digestive enzymes.

We also receive input from our panel of expert contributors, which includes registered dietitians and highly credentialed experts in sports nutrition and exercise science. 

Our Picks for the Best Whey Protein Powder of 2025:

• Best Overall Whey Protein Powder: Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate
• Best Chocolate Whey Protein: Sports Research Whey Protein
• Best Grass-Fed Whey Protein: Nutricost Grass-Fed Whey Protein Concentrate
• Best Vanilla Whey Protein: Legion Whey+
• Best-Tasting Whey Protein: Gainful Protein Powder

Best Overall Whey Protein Powder: Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate

Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate

4.9

• Price per serving: $2.00 per serving
• Protein per serving: 28 grams
• Protein type: Whey protein isolate
• Number of servings: 30
• Calories per serving: 120 to 150
• Flavors: Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon French Toast, French Vanilla, Milk Chocolate, Mocha, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie, Strawberry, Unflavored, Vanilla Peanut Butter
• Third-party tested: Yes, by independent labs

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No sugar, all protein—that’s what Transparent Labs set out to accomplish with its grass-fed whey protein isolate. This whey protein undergoes filtration (2), taking out the excess sugar, fat, carbs, and lactose so you’re giving your body the pure protein it needs to rebuild. Whey isolate has the highest protein concentration of the different types of protein powders, and this protein is a good option if you’re trying to reduce your carb and fat intake.

Transparent Labs’ Whey Protein Isolate packs 28 grams of protein into each serving—one of the highest on our list. We also like the flavor variety, including unique flavors like Cinnamon French Toast. Bonus: This protein isn’t too sweet, so you can mix it with fruit juice or add it to a fruit smoothie without feeling like you’re drinking a shake made with Fun Dip.

Best Chocolate Whey Protein: Sports Research Whey Protein

Sports Research Whey Protein

4.7

• Price per serving: $1.36 per serving (25 servings); $1.06/serving (60 servings)
• Protein per serving: 25 grams
• Nutrition facts: 140 calories, 25 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbs, 3.5 grams of fat
• Protein source: Whey protein isolate
• Sweeteners: Stevia, sucralose
• Flavors: Dutch Chocolate, Creamy Vanilla
• Subscription: Monthly, subscribe and save 10 percent

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Sports Research Whey Protein is formulated with 6.9 grams of BCAAs, including 1,000 milligrams of L-leucine. Studies show leucine may help reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Depending on flavor, this Informed Sport Certified protein powder is sweetened with stevia or sucralose, so those sensitive to these ingredients may need to steer clear.

Rachel Pasche says she has a protein shake for dessert some nights using the Dutch Chocolate flavor. “It might be too sweet for some people, but I honestly love the taste so much,” she says. “It’s my favorite flavor of protein powder I’ve ever tried.” She says the powder mixes well with water alone, with both a handheld mixer and in a shaker cup, noting there is some foam at the top that doesn’t last long and no clumping.

Additionally, Pasche says she sometimes feels bloated after whey protein shakes, but after six months of using Sports Research Whey, she has not experienced any bloat.

Best Grass-Fed Whey Protein: Nutricost Grass-Fed Whey Protein Concentrate

Nutricost Grass-Fed Whey Protein Concentrate

4.2

• Price per serving: $1.74 per serving (2-pound container)
• Protein per serving: 25 grams
• Nutrition facts: 140 calories, 25 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbs, 1 gram of fat
• Protein source: Grass-fed whey protein concentrate
• Sweeteners: Stevia
• Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Unflavored
• Subscription: Monthly, subscribe and save 10 percent

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Why is grass-fed whey protein better? Studies show that dairy sourced from grass-fed cows has a higher concentration of whey proteins and amino acids (3), which may further support muscular training adaptations.

This Nutricost protein powder is non-GMO, gluten-free, and third-party tested. Whey protein concentrate, like this one, is often made with sunflower lecithin, an ingredient to help promote mixability. Testers also enjoy the taste and say this protein powder mixes well. “The taste was nostalgic; I’d liken it to Nesquik,” says tester Grant Smith. “And the mixability was on par with some of the better proteins I’ve had previously.” Smith was pleasantly surprised by the mixability of Nutricost Whey Protein, noting he didn’t find any small chunks of undissolved protein floating in his shake when mixed with milk.

After drinking most of his shake, Smith let a bit of the mixture sit for almost 10 minutes after initially mixing to test for separation. He noticed some slight separation between the protein and skim milk he mixed it with, but says it wasn’t enough to make the drink any less appealing.

Best Vanilla Whey Protein: Legion Whey+

Legion Whey+

4.6

• Price per serving: $1.54 to $2.00
• Protein per serving: 21-24 grams
• Protein type: Whey isolate
• Number of servings: 30 to 78
• Calories per serving: 100 to 130
• Flavors: Apple Pie, Banana Bread, Cinnamon Cereal, Dutch Chocolate, Birthday Cake, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cocoa Cereal, Cookies & Cream, French Vanilla, Fruity Cereal, Honey Cereal, Mocha Cappucino, Pumpkin Pie, Salted Caramel, Strawberry Banana, Unflavored
• Third-party tested: Labdoor

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The protein in Legion Athletics is certified to contain no banned substances by Labdoor, the gold standard of third-party lab testing. This helps ensure the protein isolate is in its purest, most nutritionally dense form without any interference from pesticides and growth hormones.

Additionally, Legion Athletics whey is filtered to remove extra carbs and fat, so you’re only getting the good stuff with every serving. The removal of these elements is geared toward bloat-free digestion.

Testers say it also tastes great, giving especially high marks to the French Vanilla flavor. “I really like the flavor of this one. It tastes like a vanilla creamer!” says Kayla Godfrey. “This is delicious. Great vanilla taste,” says Carlo Barajas.

Best Tasting Whey Protein: Gainful Protein Powder

Gainful Vegan Protein Powder

4.2

• Price per serving: $3.21
• Protein per serving: 19–27 grams (varies based on your personalized formula)
• Protein source: Depends on your formula, and may include whey protein isolate or concentrate, micellar casein, organic pea protein, or organic brown rice protein
• Sweeteners: Monk fruit or stevia leaf extract
• Flavors: Strawberry Cream, Madagascar Vanilla, Rich Chocolate, Caffè Mocha, Cookies and Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Matcha Green Tea, Cinnamon Toast, Sea Salt Caramel

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You’ve probably seen that one of the biggest general complaints about protein powder is it can taste “chalky” and leave you with an off-putting aftertaste. Our testing team tried Gainful’s Caffe Mocha flavor, and liked the subtle, not-too-sweet flavor profile. “This reminds me of an at-home cappuccino mix,” says Barry Bridges. “The coffee flavor is very light—I’d say it’s more of a chocolate flavor,” adds Rachael Harris.

If you’re not a fan of coffee flavors, Gainful offers nine total flavors in individual-use packets, so you can pick and choose what you’re craving each day. Nastasi, who has tried many different Gainful Protein Powder flavors, says the Chocolate Peanut Butter, Caffe Mocha, and Sea Salt Caramel are his favorites.

What Is Whey Protein?

Whey protein is a concentrated protein source derived from cow’s milk, which contains two major proteins called casein and whey (4). Whey accounts for 20 percent of milk protein, and is considered a high-quality protein source. Cow’s milk protein is considered a complete protein because it contains all nine essential amino acids required by the body (5).

Beyond basic nutrition, whey protein (6) may offer specific health benefits, such as enhanced immune function (7) and cardiometabolic health (8). Usually, whey is sold in powder form, which can be blended with water or other liquids or added to soft foods. Also, people use whey protein powder in cooking, which adds nutritional value to baked goods. Food manufacturers use whey formulations rather than cream, butter, or egg ingredients to make high-protein, low-fat products.

What Are the Three Types of Whey Protein?

When you browse online or at your local nutrition shop for whey protein products, you’ll probably notice different forms of whey. The main difference in the types of whey protein is how they’re processed. The three most common forms of whey protein are concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate (hydrolyzed whey).

Concentrate

Whey protein concentrate (WPC) is the least processed form of whey, so it contains the highest levels of lactose (milk sugar), fat, carbohydrates, and nutrients. Food manufacturers use WPC (9) to replace fresh dairy and eggs in products like sauces, soups, and baked goods because it adds flavor, color, and texture and extends shelf-life (10). However, it has the lowest protein content out of the three—typically 70 to 80 percent.

Isolate

Whey protein isolate (WPI) is made when whey is filtered and processed. It contains the most protein, 90 percent or more, and less lactose. Because of its higher protein content, sports nutrition companies often prefer WPI for use in supplements, protein bars, and other protein products (11). However, it lacks some of the beneficial nutrients found in the concentrated form (12).

Hydrolysate

Whey protein hydrolysate (WPH), also known as hydrolyzed whey, is produced by a process called partial hydrolysis, which breaks down whey protein for easier absorption (13). WPH is digested faster than WPC or WPI (14), so it causes a 28 to 43 percent increase in blood sugar levels (15). Diabetics don’t have to worry about this, though. Protein digestion is slow. In fact, recent research suggests that whey protein improves glycemic (blood sugar) control (16).

Benefits of Whey Protein Powder

The real benefit of a whey protein powder is that it’s an incredibly convenient and high-quality source of dietary protein. However, if you consume enough dietary protein through meat, dairy, legumes, and other foods, then you don’t need a protein powder to achieve your health and fitness goals. However, if you’re having trouble consuming enough protein through your diet alone, then adding a protein powder to your daily routine can have some real benefits.

Building Muscle

Whey protein is rich in essential amino acids, including BCAAs, which can be beneficial for supporting muscle integrity and growth with training (17). Adding a protein powder for muscle gain to your daily diet can be a great way to help maximize your dietary protein intake and stimulate muscle growth.

Preserving Lean Muscle Mass

When you’re in a caloric deficit with the goal of losing weight, you want to ensure that the weight you’re losing is primarily fat and not muscle. Eating a diet rich in protein helps preserve the lean muscle mass you’ve worked hard to achieve and enables your body to prioritize burning fat for energy.

Weight Loss

Consuming whey protein has a satiating effect, meaning that it helps you feel full for a longer period of time. High protein diets help with weight loss by regulating your hunger levels and therefore reducing the amount of total calories you consume throughout the day.

How To Use Whey Protein Powder

In order to properly use a whey protein powder, you should first determine how much protein you should be eating on a daily basis. The amount of protein you consume is dependent on your fitness goals and current body weight, activity level, and physique. A simple way to calculate your daily protein intake is by multiplying your body weight by 0.8. The resulting number is how many grams of protein you should consume each day. This should provide most active individuals with sufficient protein intake. Remember that whey protein powder is a supplement and shouldn’t be your main source of dietary protein.

As far as how to consume this protein powder, you should follow the instructions on the supplement label. This usually entails mixing one scoop of protein powder with 10 to 12 ounces of your favorite beverage. It can also be mixed in a smoothie or foods like oatmeal and pancake batter. Whey protein powder can be consumed at any time of the day, but it’s usually utilized as a post-workout supplement to begin repairing muscle tissue.

Potential Side Effects of Whey Protein Powder

When used in moderation, protein powder is free of side effects and generally considered safe for healthy adults. However, consuming large amounts of protein powder can lead to digestive issues, dehydration, and (potentially) nutrient deficiencies. It’s important to use whey protein powder as part of a balanced diet and not as your main source of dietary protein. If you experience any unusual symptoms after using protein powder, stop use immediately and consult a healthcare professional.

Who Should Use Whey Protein?

A whey protein powder will benefit anyone who is looking to increase their daily protein consumption and has trouble doing so through their diet alone. This is especially relevant for very active individuals, such as athletes, bodybuilders, and fitness enthusiasts who have increased protein demands due to their workouts and training.

Another segment of the population that may benefit from using a whey protein powder is older adults. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing protein from food (18). Using protein supplements can be an easy way for older adults to meet their daily protein needs and support muscle health.

How To Choose the Best Whey Protein for You

When picking a whey protein product, there are a few factors to consider, including the type of protein, taste, nutrition, additives/allergies, and price.

Type of Protein

Check the ingredients list to see what type of whey the protein powder contains. Some brands will use a blend of whey forms.

• Whey concentrates have the most nutrients, but slightly less protein. They also contain more lactose, which may trigger lactose sensitivities.
• Whey isolates have more protein, but less fat and carbs, so they’ll likely be lower in calories. They may also be more expensive, since they require more processing.
• Whey hydrolysates may be easier to digest and absorbed faster, so if you’re looking for a post-workout recovery shake, a hydrolysate might be the best choice to deliver muscle-building proteins.

Taste

Whey proteins come in a wide variety of flavors. You’ll find options from unflavored to vanilla, chocolate orange, and summer berries, to name a few. Taste is important because you want a protein supplement you’ll enjoy. When just starting to supplement your protein intake, try a small container or buy samples of flavors you might enjoy and get creative with your add-ins. You can try fruits, flavored milks, or juices to create new flavors that fit your taste preference.

Nutrition

Check the whey protein label for the amount of protein per serving, and factor it into your daily protein intake. Most protein powders have around 25 grams per serving, which is an ideal dosage to maximize muscle protein synthesis (19). Also look for calories, fats, carbs, fiber, vitamins, and minerals and even amino acid profiles. Make sure that the supplement you choose gives you the maximum benefit without unnecessary add-ins.

Additives/Allergies

Read the ingredients section, too. Look for additives or allergens that you want or need to avoid. For example, labels warn you if the whey powder contains soy or was processed in a facility with nuts.

Price

The protein powders on our list give you a good idea of the price range for whey supplements. Our top picks vary from $1.16 to $3.41 per serving or $34 to $95 per container, so there’s an option for most budgets.

FAQs

References

1. Kimball SR, Jefferson LS. Signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms through which branched-chain amino acids mediate translational control of protein synthesis. J Nutr. 2006 Jan;136(1 Suppl):227S-31S. doi: 10.1093/jn/136.1.227S. PMID: 16365087.
2. Patel, S. (2015). Functional food relevance of whey protein: A review of recent findings and scopes ahead. Journal of Functional Foods, 19, 308–319. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2015.09.040
3. Alothman M, Hogan SA, Hennessy D, Dillon P, Kilcawley KN, O’Donovan M, Tobin J, Fenelon MA, O’Callaghan TF. The “Grass-Fed” Milk Story: Understanding the Impact of Pasture Feeding on the Composition and Quality of Bovine Milk. Foods. 2019 Aug 17;8(8):350. doi: 10.3390/foods8080350. PMID: 31426489; PMCID: PMC6723057.
4. Davoodi SH, Shahbazi R, Esmaeili S, Sohrabvandi S, Mortazavian A, Jazayeri S, Taslimi A. Health-Related Aspects of Milk Proteins. Iran J Pharm Res. 2016 Summer;15(3):573-591. PMID: 27980594; PMCID: PMC5149046.
5. Miller, D. G., Jarvis, K. J., & McBean, D. L. Dairy Foods and Nutrition. https://books.google.com.br/books?
6. Shah NP. Effects of milk-derived bioactives: an overview. Br J Nutr. 2000 Nov;84 Suppl 1:S3-10. doi: 10.1017/s000711450000218x. PMID: 11242440.
7. Ha, E., & Zemel, M. B. (2003). Functional properties of whey, whey components, and essential amino acids: mechanisms underlying health benefits for active people (review). The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 14(5), 251–258. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0955-2863(03)00030-5
8. Fekete ÁA, Givens DI, Lovegrove JA. Can milk proteins be a useful tool in the management of cardiometabolic health? An updated review of human intervention trials. Proc Nutr Soc. 2016 Aug;75(3):328-41. doi: 10.1017/S0029665116000264. Epub 2016 May 6. PMID: 27150497.
9. USDA’s National Organic Program. Whey Protein Concentrate. https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media
10. United States Dairy Export Council. 2004. Reference Manual for U.S. Whey and Lactose Products. U.S. Dairy Export Council; Arlington, VA. Retrieved on May 31, 2016 from: http://usdec.files.cms-plus.com/PDFs/2008ReferenceManuals/Whey_Lactose
11. Hoffman, J. R., & Falvo, M. J. (2004). Protein – Which is Best?. Journal of sports science & medicine, 3(3), 118–130. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3905294/
12. Patel S. (2015). Emerging trends in nutraceutical applications of whey protein and its derivatives. Journal of food science and technology, 52(11), 6847–6858. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-015-1894-0
13. Morifuji, M., Ishizaka, M., Baba, S., Fukuda, K., Matsumoto, H., Koga, J., Kanegae, M., & Higuchi, M. (2010). Comparison of different sources and degrees of hydrolysis of dietary protein: effect on plasma amino acids, dipeptides, and insulin responses in human subjects. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 58(15), 8788–8797. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf101912n
14. Nakayama, K., Tagawa, R., Saito, Y., & Sanbongi, C. (2019). Effects of whey protein hydrolysate ingestion on post-exercise muscle protein synthesis compared with intact whey protein in rats. Nutrition & metabolism, 16, 90. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12986-019-0417-9
15. Power, O., Hallihan, A., & Jakeman, P. (2009). Human insulinotropic response to oral ingestion of native and hydrolysed whey protein. Amino acids, 37(2), 333–339. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-008-0156-0
16. Chiang, S. W., Liu, H. W., Loh, E. W., Tam, K. W., Wang, J. Y., Huang, W. L., & Kuan, Y. C. (2022). Whey protein supplementation improves postprandial glycemia in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.), 104, 44–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2022.04.002
17. Stokes, T., Hector, A. J., Morton, R. W., McGlory, C., & Phillips, S. M. (2018). Recent Perspectives Regarding the Role of Dietary Protein for the Promotion of Muscle Hypertrophy with Resistance Exercise Training. Nutrients, 10(2), 180. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10020180
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21. Hulmi, J. J., Laakso, M., Mero, A. A., Häkkinen, K., Ahtiainen, J. P., & Peltonen, H. (2015). The effects of whey protein with or without carbohydrates on resistance training adaptations. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12, 48. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-015-0109-4
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The post The Best Whey Protein Powders of 2025, According to a Certified Sports Nutrition Coach appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

As a certified personal trainer and wellness product reviewer, I’ve tried (and stopped using) several pieces of home gym equipment. I also work with a team of other expert product reviewers, some of whom have had Tonal for several years and still use it consistently.

This Tonal review describes our experience using it, including details about the equipment, workouts, accessories, and other features. We also spoke to fitness expert Rachael Gonzalez, C.P.T., C.S.C.S., about Tonal’s workout modes and how they can benefit exercisers.

Related: Best Home Gym Equipment

How I Rate Tonal

Based on our experience, we give Tonal an overall 5/5 rating. The only category where it didn’t receive a score is assembly, which doesn’t apply since professional installation is required.

Here’s a look at the scoring breakdown on a scale of 1–5:

Overall: 5 out of 5

We’re extremely satisfied with the Tonal equipment and programming. We can get a full workout without taking up a lot of space with free weights or having to pay to go to a gym and leave the house.

Durability: 5 out of 5

The equipment is durable, and we haven’t had any issues. However, moving the arms can be noisy, which may concern people installing it on a shared wall. We had one arm that clicked slightly for a while, but following the troubleshooting instructions on the Tonal website helped fix it.

Feel and Comfort: 4 out of 5

Some weightlifting moves don’t feel entirely safe or stable, so we usually replace them with ones we’re more comfortable with. The handles, bar, and rope accessories are comfortable to hold and easy to use.

Optionality/Adjustments: 5 out of 5

Tonal automatically adjusts weight as you progress, which is really nice. Some workouts have a movement replacement option where you select a modification for the recommended exercise, which has been helpful in certain instances. For example, during pregnancy, you’re supposed to avoid twisting moves, so when one of our testers started lifting after her first trimester, she could easily substitute these moves.

Functionality: 5 out of 5

Tonal has worked very well, and one of our testers says it has drastically improved her strength. When she started using Tonal in 2021, she was in the bottom 25 percent of all women. Now, she’s in the top 28 percent, and watching her score increase has motivated her to keep improving.

Tonal

• Dimensions: 21.5" W x 50.9" H x 5.25" D
• Display: 24-inch touchscreen
• Max Weight: 200 lbs (100 lbs per arm)
• Training Types: Strength, HIIT, cardio, dance, yoga, recovery, mobility, barre, Pilates, pre/postnatal
• Accessories: None included
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty
• Return: 30-day money-back guarantee

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What Is Tonal?

The Tonal machine is a wall-mounted smart mirror with a built-in touchscreen and two adjustable arms that extend from the sides of the machine and can be moved up and down depending on what exercises you’re doing. You can choose between an on-demand or live instructor-led class or do your own exercises using the Free Lift option. Throughout each class and in Free Lift mode, a trainer explains how to adjust the arms and attach accessories and demonstrates proper form.

Workouts on the built-in workout app include weightlifting exercises such as squats, deadlifts, shoulder presses, lat pulldowns, tricep extensions, curls, and bench presses. The movement library has over 170 exercises to choose from. Each exercise is performed under the resistance of a cable pulley system using a bar, rope, or handle attachment, with up to 100 pounds of resistance per side for a combined 200 pounds.

Related: Best Functional Trainers

Tonal recommends weights for each session based on an initial assessment, and your progress and performance determine adjustments. It offers unique weight modes, video form feedback, and floor workouts such as yoga and Pilates. The Tonal app also gives you access to workouts that don’t require the machine arms, so you can work out on the go.

Tonal Technology

Tonal uses artificial intelligence—Coach AI—to track progress, movement, and data from your workouts to make adjustments, weight recommendations, program suggestions, and more. You don’t have to worry about answering questions like: What do I need to work on today? What weights should I use? Should I focus on my lower body or do a full-body workout? Instead, one tap of the 24-inch touchscreen reveals an interactive library of on-demand and live classes or workout programs. Even in Free Lift mode, an option often used by experienced lifters, Coach AI tracks your data and makes adjustments and weight recommendations.

The first time you use Tonal, you’ll complete the Strength Assessment, which starts by choosing from the following goals:

• Gain strength by focusing on large muscle groups and increasing resistance
• Improve performance with sport-specific training such as cycling, running, or swimming
• Boost energy with upbeat cardio workouts
• Build muscle with high-volume hypertrophy training
• Get lean with HIIT
• Maintain fitness with well-rounded workouts

After selecting your goal, you’ll indicate whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced exerciser and perform several movements—including a seated lat pulldown, seated overhead press, bench press, and neutral grip deadlifts—to help Coach AI get to know you and adapt to your needs, much like an online personal trainer. Your strength assessment results are used by Coach AI as a baseline when selecting the weight for each movement and to recommend workouts and programs.

While this is a good starting point, it could be better. It’s hard to assess your overall fitness based on a single workout—what if you had an off day? Tonal addresses this by learning more about your strength level based on your performance in subsequent workouts and adjusting the weight settings to reflect your strength better.

During daily training sessions, it uses metrics such as time under tension, power output, range of motion, weight, and time to make weight adjustments and measure progress. Coach AI can detect when your form isn’t correct using your positioning, range of motion, and pacing. If it senses uncertain quality, it provides audible and on-screen reminders and feedback or turns off the weight. For example, the resistance shuts off if the bar tilts during a bench press because it suggests the movement is incorrect or unstable. If it senses you are moving the weight too easily, it increases the load each rep so you get the intended stimulus of the workout.

Weight Modes and Expert-Led Workouts

Another impressive feature is the four weight modes: Spotter, Burnout, Chains, and Eccentric. In Spotter mode, Tonal senses when you are struggling with a rep, lowers the weight so you can complete it, and returns the weight for the next rep to re-challenge your strength. Burnout senses fatigue and reduces weight until you finish the set. The Chains mode replicates the feeling of putting chains on the barbell by increasing the resistance during a lift’s concentric or shortening phase. Eccentric increases the resistance as you release the weight for more time under tension, which may help muscle growth.

Tonal enables each mode automatically during live and on-demand workouts. This automation creates a seamless transition between segments like supersets, where you concentrate on opposing muscle groups with little rest in between. If you want to work out with a partner, weight adjustments for both parties are automated.

Experienced experts lead each workout by demonstrating and talking you through set up and proper form. Even if you choose to follow the Free Lift setting or build a custom workout using the extensive movement library, there are video explanations of how to perform each movement. When you enable a specific weight mode, the weight is adjusted automatically, or you can adjust it manually on the screen using the dial. Interestingly, you can adjust the weight in one-pound increments, an uncommon feature in most cable machines and free weights, which typically adjust in 2.5 or five-pound increments.

To access these features, you’ll need a paid membership for $60 monthly, and Tonal requires a subscription for the first year. The only way to use Tonal without the membership is to manually set the weights to perform unguided exercises like a cable machine.

Tonal Equipment

The purchase price of $3,995 includes the machine (which includes the touchscreen and arms) and no accessories. Aside from the floor workouts, most workouts use the arms and attachments, so Tonal isn’t usable without them. While you can use attachments from other brands, you’ll need to purchase T-lock adapters from Tonal for $43.

The smart accessories bundle from Tonal costs $495. If your budget allows, I recommend buying it because it includes everything you need to start using your Tonal immediately. Each accessory is available separately, so you can also choose what works best for you. Here’s a breakdown of what the bundle includes and pricing for each item individually:

• Two Bluetooth-enabled smart handles, $250
• One Bluetooth-enabled smart rope, $50
• One Bluetooth-enabled smart bar, $75
• Weight bench, $85
• Foam roller, $40
• Workout mat, $50

The smart accessories have a safety feature to turn the weight on and off with a button rather than by touching the screen, so you can position yourself before loading. The handles have a button on the side that’s easy to reach while gripping, and the rope and bar come with an attachable clip.

How to Work Out With Tonal Home Gym

As a beginner, our tester initially thought working out with Tonal was intimidating, but it’s a simple process once you learn how the smart home gym works. With a membership, you can choose between live and on-demand classes or a progressive program. Based on your Strength Score established in the initial assessment, the recommended weights are set automatically for you.

From there, you follow the trainer’s instructions and on-screen prompts to set the arms and choose the right accessories for each move. Tonal automatically adjusts the weight, counts reps, and provides form feedback as you progress through the workout. There’s even an audible cue when you have two reps left, so you know what to expect if you’re facing away from the machine.

Free Lift allows you to choose from the library of movements and do as many sets and reps as you’d like. Much like the classes, the screen displays your live stats, and you receive a workout summary with your time under tension, range of motion, power output, and total volume lifted.

You can do floor workouts such as cardio, yoga, and barre directly on Tonal or by using the Tonal app on another device.

Workout Programs and Exercises

Strength training is the main draw of Tonal, so most of Tonal’s content focuses on weightlifting and HIIT training with weights. In addition to the four weight modes mentioned earlier, there are two custom modes:

• Recovery Mode: Decreases recommended weight; very useful for when you’re sore, not feeling well, or recovering from an injury
• Smart Flex: Adds and subtracts weight at the strongest and weakest points of each rep

Gonzalez says these options add variety and challenge, enhancing strength gains and training overall. “Diversification in your routine keeps you engaged and introduces new challenges,” she says. “Plus, variation can help you push past a training plateau.”

Trainer-led workouts on Tonal automatically implement these modes depending on the intended stimuli, but you can activate them manually in the settings for any workout. You can adjust the weight at any point during your workout using the dial on the screen.

“When training, I’m always super mindful of how my body feels and take it easy when I need to, so the Recovery Mode option would work well for when you’re sore or just want to move,” Gonzalez says. “I really like the eccentric-focused mode. During the eccentric portion of a rep, the muscle lengthens while under tension,” she says. “The eccentric portion of a lift occurs when you are lowering the weight, moving against the opposing force of gravity, and research shows controlled lengthening of the muscle fibers contributes to overall strength and muscle development.”

In addition, there are several other types of workouts available on Tonal, including:

• Barre
• Boxing
• Cardio
• Dance Cardio
• Kickboxing
• Meditation
• Mobility
• Pilates
• Pre and Postnatal
• Recovery
• Strength
• Warm-up
• Yoga

Tonal has a massive catalog of guided workouts and workout programs and a library of over 200 bodyweight moves to allow you to build custom workouts.

The guided programs range from three to five weeks and focus on goals like improving overall fitness, gaining lean muscle mass, and burning fat. For example, Fundamentally Fit guides you through basic movement patterns, and House of Volume uses progressive overload to build strength. Many users on Reddit recommend Four Weeks to Fat Loss, a combination of resistance training and HIIT to maximize energy output. One says, “Four Weeks to Fat Loss did amazing things to my body composition! Doing that program was when I really started to see a difference in how my clothes fit.”

Tonal Accessories

The smart handles help replicate moves performed with dumbbells and kettlebells, like hammer curls, bicep curls, or goblet squats. The smart rope can copy moves with a rope or chains, like pull-throughs or tricep extensions. Finally, the bar can replicate barbell moves such as deadlifts and bench presses. You can purchase accessories from another brand, but the smart accessories bundle from Tonal has Bluetooth connectivity, so you can press a single button on the accessory to turn the weight on or off.

If you buy third-party accessories, you must purchase T-locks from Tonal to attach them securely. Additionally, you’ll need to turn the weight on and off directly on the touchscreen.

Tonal Instructors

Tonal has a roster of expert instructors based in its New York studio and guest coaches who occasionally provide unique content. These fitness experts have diverse backgrounds, from competitive athletes to sports medicine.

All Tonal-created workouts are instructor-led, so you’ll hear tips about form and safety throughout. Each instructor brings a unique style, personality, and expertise to the table, and Tonal users generally find instructors they prefer. For many, this provides the experience of working with a personal trainer, and several of Tonal’s past and current coaches offer personal training services outside of Tonal. For these reasons, Tonal allows you to filter workouts by instructor.

App Connectivity

The Tonal app allows you to access your workout history, create workouts, and do floor workouts directly from your phone. The only thing you can’t do on the Tonal app is weightlifting workouts that require using the resistance cables.

In addition, Tonal connects to several fitness apps, including Apple Health, Google Fit, and Strava. It also syncs with several heart rate monitors using Bluetooth, and you can connect to your Amazon Music or Apple Music account to stream or choose from the 14 stations on Tonal Radio.

Community

Tonal has several features to help keep members engaged with the community and the equipment.

First, there are several achievements you can earn for performing certain types of workouts, working out on holidays or birthdays, or reaching milestones like weekly streaks or 1,000,000 pounds lifted. Your workout summary lists the badges and milestones reached and your progress toward the following milestones. The Total Achievements Card shows how many workouts you’ve finished, the pounds you’ve lifted, and the longest weekly streak you’ve completed. You earn badges by trying a new workout type, training consistently, and working out at a different time of day. These achievements can be shared with friends and family using the mobile app.

The Tonal Leaderboard ranks all active exercisers based on how many days or hours they’ve used Tonal in the last 30 days, so the more you train, the higher you’ll rank.

Your Strength Score increases from the baseline as you get stronger and demonstrate progress during workouts. These improvements are calculated based on your historical workout data and are a huge source of motivation for many Tonal users. Using a percentage-based comparison, you can see how your Strength Score ranks against others, so some friendly competition is involved.

Tonal has a very active social media community if you prefer direct interaction with other members. The brand’s private Facebook community, The Official Tonal Community (OTC), has over 53,000 members and regularly hosts workout challenges and live discussions with Tonal trainers.

What It’s Like to Use Tonal

Our tester has had Tonal for over two years, and she’s used it consistently the entire time, only stepping away briefly for injury recovery and pregnancy.

Before Tonal, despite being fully aware of the benefits of resistance training, she had no weightlifting experience beyond the occasional half-hearted kettlebell or dumbbell workout.

Tonal takes all the guesswork out of resistance training so you can lift the weights and reap the benefits, which is our favorite thing about it. You don’t have to worry about setting weights, planning workouts, increasing weights or reps, or tracking your progress.

At first, our tester didn’t understand Tonal’s difficulty levels. She thought the Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced class levels aligned with strength and fitness experience, but they correlate with the technicality of the moves involved. Beginner classes may include heavy weights if recommended by your Strength Score and the algorithm. The “beginner” aspect is that the workout moves are less technical, making effective strength training accessible to those who might typically be considered “casual” fitness enthusiasts.

Our tester says Tonal is a lot of fun. She’s discovered she loves lifting weights, and when she misses a few workouts, she gets antsy about getting started again. Tonal introduced her to barre, a ballet-inspired floor workout she’s grown to adore. There aren’t many new floor workouts, which is sad because she loves the barre and pre/postnatal classes.

Our tester has attended live classes, but she doesn’t very often. Sometimes, she struggles with the pacing for floor/cardio workouts but finds the weightlifting workouts easy to follow. Mostly, she sticks to on-demand workouts because she appreciates the guided warm-up, exercise, and cool-down.

One concern users in the Tonal Facebook community raise is the lead trainer demonstrates the moves during a live workout, which is not true for on-demand classes. These workouts use the lead trainer’s voiceover and cut to another trainer demonstrating the exercises. This inconsistency doesn’t bother us, but some say it disrupts their flow or makes it harder to follow.

Instructors With a Variety of Styles

The instructors showcase their personalities, and none of the workouts our tester watched seem overly scripted or cheesy. Tonal recently moved their studio from California to New York and replaced the coaching staff. Our reviewer had grown accustomed to the “old” coaches and still gravitates toward their workouts because she likes their calm demeanor. Some coaches have a bubbly, energetic coaching style, and others take a tough-love approach.

These trainers have diverse professional backgrounds to support the workouts they design. For example, when our tester’s doctor cleared her to work out after a knee injury, she found Coach Liz’s workouts helpful because the coach is also a physical therapist.

More Strength, Mobility, and Range of Motion

Our tester completed several of the guided programs and saw consistent strength gains from each program. The programs can get repetitive, though, since many of them repeat the same two or three workouts for the duration of the program.

When our tester started using Tonal, her Strength Score was 133, and she was in one of the lowest percentiles of all female Tonal members. Although her progress has been slow, her Strength Score is now 354, and according to Tonal, she’s stronger than 82 percent of all female users. Something about getting higher and higher in those percentiles is supremely motivating for her. In addition to her soaring strength, she’s experienced improvements in her mobility and range of motion.

Related: Best Resistance Bands

What We Love About Tonal

• It makes strength training straightforward by calculating your starting weight, providing well-designed workouts, and automatically increasing weight as your strength improves.
• It’s fun to use and features a huge variety of workout types in addition to strength training.
• Trainers have different areas of expertise and varying coaching styles.
• It works to increase your strength, and it offers tons of ways to track your progress or to compete against yourself or others.
• It chooses weight based on your progress, so you can avoid advanced technical moves and still build strength.

What to Consider About Tonal

• Tonal is a substantial financial investment. The total cost for the first year is over $5,000, which includes tax, installation, the smart accessory pack, and the required first year of paid membership.
• It may not be appropriate for advanced weightlifters. If you’ve been training for a while and built up a lot of strength, you may not get a considerable benefit from Tonal since it maxes out at 100 pounds per arm.
• Tonal requires a lot of space for the arms to extend fully and for you to spread out to perform all the moves. If you have limited floor space, it may not be a good fit for you.

How Much Is Tonal?

The base price of Tonal is $3,995, and the optional smart accessories bundle (which we highly recommend purchasing) is an additional $495. Professional installation, which is required, costs $295. Several users on Reddit report signing a Release of Liability waiver and installing it themselves, but there is no option to remove the installation charge at checkout. Tonal often runs promotions and offers free shipping and installation.

A subscription is required for the first year and costs $60 per month. You can discontinue the membership after one year, but you’ll lose access to many features.

If you purchase Tonal, the optional smart accessories bundle, and the required one-year subscription, the total cost of Tonal within the first year is roughly $5,500 before taxes, not including delivery and installation.

Tonal Subscription

A monthly subscription costs $60 per month and isn’t technically required after you’ve completed your first year of membership.

You can only use Tonal as a cable machine for free lift workouts, and without a membership, you won’t have access to any Tonal content, weight modes, workout or strength data, history, or custom workouts.

Assembly and Installation

The Tonal website says professional installation is required. Before purchasing, you’ll need to complete a survey providing additional information for the installers, such as where to set up Tonal and the stud spacing in your walls.

If they determine you don’t have an appropriate place to install it, there are solutions. The brand offers wide-mount adapter bars and installation kits for metal studs. If you have concerns about where you can have Tonal installed, contact the brand’s customer service team for help. Typically, installation fees are $295, but Tonal occasionally offers free delivery and installation.

If you move, you’ll need to schedule a professional reinstallation. Tonal offers relocation packages for moving homes or simply relocating furniture to another room. Relocation fees range from $300 to $500 plus taxes, depending on your chosen service.

Tonal does not cover damage caused by attempting to install or reinstall the home gym, and if you choose this option, Tonal requests you sign a Release of Liability waiver.

Warranty and Customer Service

Tonal offers a two-year limited warranty on the trainer and touchscreen, which covers parts, shipping, and labor. The smart accessories have a one-year warranty for parts plus shipping and labor. For such a premium (and expensive) piece of equipment, a five-year warranty on the device would be nice—and more comparable to warranties offered by other premium fitness equipment brands.

Tonal customers have had mixed experiences with customer service. Some say customer service quickly and competently addressed their concerns, while others say they needed more urgency from the customer service team.

What Customers Say About Tonal

The Tonal website has several glowing reviews from its users, many of whom say they have canceled their gym memberships while drastically improving their strength and fitness levels. Several reviewers are excited about their progress and enjoy the objective tracking data from workouts.

Tonal has a 2.⅖ on Trustpilot. Several critical reviews mention installation, maintenance, and customer service issues. Tonal partners with a third-party company for delivery, installation, and repairs, and many concerns center around problems with this specific company rather than Tonal itself. Positive reviews mention the variety of workouts, convenience, and ease of use.

People on Reddit say they work out more frequently with Tonal and enjoy the extra time saved from skipping gym commutes. Several mention the cable resistance feels heavier than free weights, so the maximum poundage is not a limiting factor. One user says they wish to see a floor-based alternative in the future for those who rent or need to move.

Who Tonal Is Best For

Tonal is ideal for people who are interested in weightlifting but need guidance and support to get started and see results. It’s a great fit for athletes and highly active people who want to advance in strength training to support their athletic endeavors and fitness goals.

Likewise, many dedicated weightlifters have switched from using free weights to this comprehensive, versatile system. Tonal is an excellent option if you dislike going to the gym and prefer an all-in-one home gym solution.

Who Tonal Will Not Work For

Tonal isn’t ideal for people outfitting their home gym on a limited budget. For Tonal’s high price tag, you could buy a complete set of dumbbells or other free weights and other equipment or pay for several years of a gym membership.

Additionally, Tonal likely won’t be a good fit for advanced weight lifters already at or near the maximum of 100 pounds per arm offered for many lifts.

This machine requires adequate space to extend the arms to fully perform all necessary movements. If you live in a small or cramped space, it may not work for you.

How We Tested Tonal

Our tester has had Tonal for over two years. Here are some of the criteria she used to evaluate Tonal when she first received it, and which are still very important to her two years later:

• Programming: Fun and engaging content and motivating features were imperative to help her stay interested in using it regularly. Since she’s used it consistently for the past two years, she can safely say Tonal delivered in this regard. She loves the variety of workouts, the automatic weight increases as she gets stronger, and the different ways Tonal promotes friendly competition with herself and others.
• Safety: Our tester was a beginner at weightlifting when she started using Tonal, so she was concerned she might injure herself. Fortunately, Tonal has several built-in safety features to help prevent injuries. Her favorite safety feature is how the weight automatically turns off if the bar gets tilted during use. The real-time form feedback helps her self-correct during a set, and the coaches often discuss additional safety tips during workouts.
• Durability: Some reviews stating Tonal failed shortly after purchase made our tester nervous, but she’s had no problems. The arms still function well and move easily, and the software is fast and responsive.
• Ease of Use: Tonal is extremely easy to use once you familiarize yourself with how the arms move and rotate. There is a slight learning curve, but our reviewer was able to pick up on the movements pretty quickly. Now, it’s nearly effortless for her to switch from one move to the next, and she doesn’t have to think about which buttons or levers to press to get the arms to move how she wants them to.
• Results: She noticed immediate improvements in her strength when she started using Tonal consistently, and even now, although her progress has slowed, she’s continuing to get stronger.

How to Try Tonal Before Buying

• You can try Tonal in person at any of the six showrooms. Check the Try Tonal locator map to see if there is a showroom near you or to book an appointment.
• If you want to give Tonal a virtual tryout at home, you can arrange a free live video call. Check Tonal’s Virtual Demo booking page to set up an appointment.

How Does Tonal Compare with Other Home Workouts?

Tonal vs. Peloton

Peloton Bike+

4.4

• Dimensions: 59" L x 22" W x 59" H
• Resistance levels: 100
• Available programming: Yes
• Weight capacity: 297 pounds
• Type: Spin

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Tonal and Peloton are very different but complement one another in several ways. Many Tonal users are also Peloton users since Tonal covers the strength training aspect, while the Peloton bike, treadmill, and rower provide heart-pumping cardio workouts. Each app offers live classes, and the monthly subscription to the Peloton App+ is $24, and Tonal costs $60.

The Peloton App One—$12.99 monthly—houses the brand’s floor workouts and has a much larger and more frequently updated library than the Tonal app. Peloton may work better if you enjoy these classes more than weightlifting. It’s more budget-friendly than Tonal, but Tonal offers a more comprehensive strength training system and programming.

Related: Best Cardio Machines

Tonal vs. Tempo

Tempo is a smart strength training system and one of Tonal’s major competitors. It utilizes free weights outfitted with sensors rather than Tonal’s electromagnetic cable system.

The Tempo Move—an equipment package with 16 weight plates ideal for beginner and intermediate use and a 12-month Tempo membership—starts at $963. It’s a more accessible system for people with limited budgets and has advanced features such as rep counting and monitoring form. Tester Jordan Smith, C.P.T., says, “It did a great job counting my reps, but it didn’t always pick up on my form.”

The Tempo Move does not come with a screen, so you have to use your phone or other device, whereas Tonal has a dedicated workout space to stream workouts from an app. The Tempo Studio has a 42-inch display and ranges from $2,963–$4,463, depending on your accessory package.

Final Verdict: Is Tonal Worth It?

Tonal can be incredible for your health, providing the structure and convenience needed to start and stick to a strength training routine. The fun programming, smart weight recommendations, and space-saving home gym setup make it a worthwhile investment for anyone interested in increasing their strength and who can fit it wisely into their budget.

FAQs

The post Tonal Review (2025): Our Experts Put the Smart Home Gym to the Test appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Enter XWERKS Motion — an innovative supplement formulated to enhance endurance during intense exercise and support a quick post-workout recovery. Sounds too good to be true? We’ll find out in this XWERKS Motion review. 

Our team of personal trainers, CrossFit coaches, nutrition experts, and competitive weightlifters shared their feedback on the formulation, price, taste, and solubility of this one-of-a-kind product. As a registered dietitian nutritionist, I’ll do a deep dive into the ingredients and potential health benefits of XWERKS Motion, so you know if it’s worth adding to your supplement stack.

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

Key Takeaways

• XWERKS Motion contains 25 grams of cluster dextrin carbohydrates, which can help you exercise for longer before exhaustion.
• This formula includes three grams of BCAAs to help promote muscle growth and recovery.
• Made with electrolytes, XWERKS Motion can also support fluid balance and proper muscle function.

XWERKS Motion

3.6

• Number of servings: 30 
• Price per serving: $1.96
• Amount of BCAAs per serving: Three grams 
• Calories per serving: 110
• Flavors: Raspberry Lemonade 
• Third-party tested: Not at the time of this writing

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XWERKS Motion Pros

• XWERKS Motion contains a 2:1:1 BCAA ratio, meaning the amount of leucine is double the amount of isoleucine and valine. This ratio is shown to be the most effective for enhanced exercise performance.
• This BCAA supplement provides a quick energy source from cluster dextrin carbohydrates, which are easy to digest and absorbed rapidly pre-workout.
• Dairy and gluten-free, XWERKS Motion is ideal for those with a sensitive digestive system who want to avoid uncomfortable bloating, gas, and stomach cramps.

XWERKS Motion Cons

• One serving contains 110 calories solely from carbs, which isn’t ideal for those already consuming adequate carbs who don’t want to increase their intake.
• It includes sucralose, an artificial sweetener that may disrupt healthy gut bacteria and inflammation when consumed on an ongoing basis. 
• Only one flavor is available (Raspberry Lemonade), which could get old quickly if you’re taking this supplement several days a week.

XWERKS Motion Specs

XWERKS Motion Rating

Our Breaking Muscle product testing team has tried nearly 20 of the best BCAA supplements, gaining a thorough understanding of what meets customer standards and what falls short. Here’s how our expert testers rated the following categories after trying XWERKS Motion themselves. 

XWERKS Motion Review

In this XWERKS Motion review, we’ll explore the product’s cost, formula, flavors, taste, and more. We’ll include honest, reliable feedback straight from our Breaking Muscle expert testers, so you’ll know exactly what to expect from this supplement. With transparency in mind, we include the good and not-so-good aspects of XWERKS Motion to give you the full picture. 

Price Per Serving

A single bag of XWERKS Motion costs $59 for a one-time purchase. Each bag contains 30 one-scoop servings, and a serving costs $1.96. XWERKS offers the option to subscribe to a 30, 45, or 60-day delivery option for a five percent discount on each bag. With that discount, each order costs $56.05, and the price per serving comes down slightly to $1.87.

In comparison, Transparent Labs BCAA Glutamine costs $1.33 per serving, while Jacked Factory BCAA Powder is available at $0.67 per serving at the time of this writing. XWERKS Motion is on the pricier side, earning this category a 3.5 out of 5, but also contains ingredients not found in most other BCAA supplements. 

Formulation

XWERKS Motion is thoughtfully and originally formulated, earning it a 4 out of 5. It is unlike other BCAA supplements in that it contains 25 grams of cluster dextrin carbohydrates, also known as highly branched cyclic dextrin (HBCD). Cluster dextrin passes through the stomach into the intestines rapidly, where it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and taken up into muscle cells to replenish glycogen content and provide a quick energy source. (1)

Human studies suggest that when used before or during a workout, cluster dextrin carbs may decrease perceived exertion and enhance endurance when compared to maltodextrin and glucose, especially when prior carb intake is low. (1) However, those who eat plenty of carbs may not experience any added benefits when supplementing cluster dextrin.

In addition to carbs, each serving offers three grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). The product contains the BCAA ratio 2:1:1 of leucine, isoleucine, and valine. BCAAs are essential amino acids (EAAs), meaning you must consume them because the body doesn’t synthesize them on its own. Leucine is often thought of as the king of BCAAs because it activates muscle protein synthesis, which is necessary for muscle growth and recovery. (2) 

RELATED: BCAA Benefits

Other active ingredients include calcium, magnesium, and sodium. During exercise, you lose electrolytes through sweat that need to be replenished. The electrolytes in XWERKS Motion help prevent dehydration and maintain proper muscle function during a workout.

Enhanced with natural flavors, sucralose, and citric acid, this product contains ingredients that add sour and sweet notes. 

Sucralose is an artificial sweetener considered safe when consumed in moderation. Unlike table sugar, most research shows sucralose has little to no effects on blood sugar levels or insulin. (3) However, some animal studies suggest it could disrupt healthy gut bacteria and increase inflammation when consumed long-term, but more human studies are needed. (4)

Available Flavors

You won’t have any difficulty picking a flavor if you choose to try XWERKS Motion, considering there is only one option available — Raspberry Lemonade. Obviously, if you prefer to stick with one flavor on repeat this won’t be a problem. For those who like to switch things up, the lack of variety may leave you feeling bored, hence the middle-of-the-road rating on flavor. 

Taste

Luckily, the Raspberry Lemonade flavor delivers. Our expert tester was more than pleased with the taste of the raspberry lemonade supplement, rating it an impressive 5 out of 5. She noticed hints of the tart lemonade with a more robust berry flavor overall. The supplement wasn’t too sweet and had a very refreshing taste to it. Our tester even went as far as to say that she could happily sip on this drink all day. 

Solubility

Another winning category of XWERKS Motion is solubility, which our tester rated a perfect 5 out of 5. She didn’t experience any clumping, grittiness, floaties, or difficulty mixing — a feature you’ll want when drinking it at the gym or on the go. Because the cluster dextrin in this product is highly soluble in water, it dissolves easily and forms a smooth, uniform mixture. Several customer reviews on the XWERKS website rave about the product’s superior solubility, mentioning it “blends so smooth” and is “easy to mix.”

Side Effects

Cluster dextrin is believed to be safe for consumption, with no apparent safety concerns. (5) Our product tester didn’t experience any adverse side effects during her use of this product. As for beneficial effects, she didn’t notice any superhuman strength or noticeable bursts of energy, but she did feel good during longer lifting sessions. 

Switching gears, BCAAs are considered safe when consumed in appropriate dosages. It’s best to adhere to the suggested dosage instructions on the product label for optimal safety and effectiveness.

Nevertheless, always consult with your healthcare provider before adding a new dietary supplement to your routine, particularly if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are currently taking prescribed medications. This precaution ensures that the supplement aligns with your individual health needs and won’t pose any risks or interactions. 

All of the above considered, XWERKS Motion gets a 4 out of 5 rating for the lack of side effects from its formulation.

Third-Party Testing

Unfortunately, there’s no mention of third-party testing on the XWERKS Motion product page, which is why we gave it a 1 out of 5. 

We always encourage consumers to consider supplements that are third-party tested, because it serves as a quality control measure, ensuring that products are safe, effective, and meet certain regulatory requirements. Third-party testing enhances transparency and builds consumer trust by verifying that high-quality products contain what’s on the label and don’t include harmful levels of heavy metals or contaminants.

XWERKS Motion vs. XTEND Original BCAA Powder

XWERKS Motion and XTEND Original BCAA powder have both commonalities and differences. To start, both products contain BCAAs and electrolytes to enhance muscle recovery, reduce muscle soreness, and maintain hydration.

However, that’s where their similarities end. While XTEND Original BCAA powder doesn’t contain any carbohydrates, XWERKS Motion contains 25 grams of cluster dextrin carbs for extra energy and prolonged endurance. 

XTEND Original BCAA powder also has a much higher BCAA content of seven grams, compared to the three grams in XWERKS Motion. The Original BCAA powder even contains a whopping three and a half grams of leucine, exceeding the recommended two to three grams per day to maximize muscle-gaining capabilities. (2) The same can’t be said for the leucine content of XWERKS Motion. 

XTEND Original BCAA Powder

4.3

• Number of servings: 30 to 90
• Price per serving: Starts at $0.51
• Amount of BCAAs per serving: Seven grams 
• Calories per serving: Zero
• Flavors: Airheads Cherry, Blue Raspberry Ice
• Third-party tested: NSF and Informed Sport

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XWERKS Motion Customer Reviews

Customers on the XWERKS website give Motion a 4.4 out of 5-star rating. There are only 35 reviews on the product page. Motion is not available on Amazon at the time of writing.

One happy customer says, “Great taste! No issues with digestion, gives you the fuel needed during most intense workouts.” Another customer says, “It mixes well, I like the flavor, and have no digestive or other issues. Performance-wise I feel great. I feel more energetic during my workouts and that I’m getting more out of them.”

Reviews from customers who were less pleased with the product were written over a year ago, and the formulation and flavors may have changed. One customer says, “I’m not sold on this product. I don’t really notice any difference on the days I take this. Also, it takes a blender to get this stuff mixed! That’s a deal breaker for me.” Other customers complain of the grape flavor, which is no longer available. 

Final Verdict: Is XWERKS Motion Worth It?

XWERKS Motion provides a synergistic blend of cluster dextrin carbs, BCAAs, and electrolytes to support endurance and recovery during and after a workout. Those who enjoy leisurely activity and consume enough carbs to sustain their energy levels may not benefit from this product. 

However, it might be worth it for endurance athletes and bodybuilders with high training loads. Taking XWERKS before, during, or after intense physical activity may reduce perceived effort, extend the time to exhaustion, and decrease muscle soreness.

FAQs

Research

1. Wilburn, D., Machek, S., & Ismaeel, A. (2021). Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin and its Ergogenic Effects in Athletes: A Brief Review. Journal of Exercise and Nutrition, 4(3). https://doi.org/10.53520/jen2021.103100
2. Plotkin, D. L., Delcastillo, K., Van Every, D. W., Tipton, K. D., Aragon, A. A., & Schoenfeld, B. J. (2021). Isolated Leucine and Branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplementation for Enhancing Muscular Strength and Hypertrophy: A Narrative Review. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 31(3), 292-301. Retrieved Nov 24, 2023, from https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2020-0356
3. Ahmad SY, Friel JK, Mackay DS. Effect of sucralose and aspartame on glucose metabolism and gut hormones. Nutr Rev. 2020;78(9):725-746. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuz099
4. Bian X, Chi L, Gao B, Tu P, Ru H, Lu K. Gut Microbiome Response to Sucralose and Its Potential Role in Inducing Liver Inflammation in Mice. Front Physiol. 2017;8:487. Published 2017 Jul 24. doi:10.3389/fphys.2017.00487
5. Choi SS, Danielewska-Nikiel B, Ohdan K, Kojima I, Takata H, Kuriki T. Safety evaluation of highly-branched cyclic dextrin and a 1,4-alpha-glucan branching enzyme from Bacillus stearothermophilus. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2009;55(3):281-290. doi:10.1016/j.yrtph.2009.07.011

The post XWERKS Motion BCAA Review (2025): A Registered Dietitian’s Honest Thoughts appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Here at Breaking Muscle, our experts include athletes, strength and conditioning coaches, and certified personal trainers who are intimately familiar with this fan bike. We put it through hours of strenuous cardio workouts to see if it could take on the challenge. In this Assault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X review, we’ll highlight our results, how well the bike ranked in testing, and how it compares to other fan bikes. 

Key Takeaways

• The Assault Bike ProX is a great choice of cardio equipment for those who want a total-body workout. This fan bike, also termed an air bike, requires you to engage in full-body exercise using both the handlebars and bike pedals to generate movement through a belt-driven system.
• The LCD monitor tracks stats such as calories, distance, speed, watts, and RPM, all of which can help you understand energy output.
• The Assault Fitness App, which you can access through your phone and connect to the bike’s Bluetooth-enabled console, allows you to take part in virtual and instructor-led programming.

Assault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X

4.4

• Overall dimensions: 51.73” L x 24.52” W x 52.51” H
• Weight: 125 pounds
• Weight capacity: 330 pounds
• Display: High-contrast LCD screen

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Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Pros

• The AssaultBike Pro X features a smooth belt-driven system to keep the workout efficient and quieter than chain-driven fan bikes. This makes it a great piece of equipment for a home gym, where limiting noise can ensure your workouts aren’t a nuisance to your roommates or family members.
• With 11 height settings and six front-to-back settings for adjustments, the seat can move upward, downward, forward, and backward to help accommodate your body proportions.
• Made of a heavy-duty steel frame that makes it pretty stable for exercise, the AssaultBike ProX has a weight capacity of 330 pounds, so even heavier athletes can safely use it.

Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Cons

• Running at $899 at the time of this writing, it’s relatively expensive and may be out of reach for those with tight budgets. In comparison, the AssaultBike Classic and the Titan Fan Bike are both around $699. 
• The Assault Fitness App, although interactive and a step up from other brands, has been termed “glitchy” through the many reviews at the Apple store. As such, it only has a a 2.1 out of 5 star rating.
• The ProX has a large footprint, especially compared to the AssaultBike Elite. The ProX is 51.73 inches long, 24.52 inches wide, and 52.51 inches high, while the Elite is 50.95 inches long, 23.34 inches wide, and 50 inches high. Depending on your home gym setup, the Pro X may take up too much room and prevent you from doing workouts off the bike safely.

Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Rating

At Breaking Muscle, we know exercise equipment. We have a product testing team that has put hundreds of machines through the wringer, using them for everything from gentle warm-ups to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts. Many of our staff members are home gym owners themselves and use these products nearly every day.

With the knowledge we’ve gained over the years, we created a proprietary scoring system that we used to rank the AssaultBike ProX in various categories. Not only did we evaluate how the bike performed on its own, but we also compared it with nearly 30 other exercise bikes to see how it stacked up against the competition.

Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Overview

From the founders of the AssaultRunner (one of the best treadmills to train with), the Assault Bike ProX is made with a heavy-duty steel frame finished in a black powder coat that helps keep it corrosion-resistant and capable of standing the test of time. It is a top-tier fan bike that can provide a brutal workout for any athlete.

In addition to its tough and durable frame, it incorporates a belt-driven system for a quiet, smooth training experience. It also requires less upkeep than chain-driven systems, which should come as a relief to busy individuals who can’t be bothered with complicated maintenance protocols.

Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX In-Depth Review

Price

At the time of writing, the Assault Bike ProX costs $899. Fortunately, there is also an option to finance it at around $82 a month through Affirm. For comparison, the Assault Bike ProX is more expensive than the AssaultBike Classic at $699 but cheaper than the Concept2 BikeErg, which costs around $1,100. 

The Assault Bike ProX also provides free shipping, which is a big deal for equipment this size. Buying an air bike from another brand could set you back another $100 in shipping costs.

All of the above considered, we’ve rated this bike 4 out of 5 stars for its shipping rate, finance options, and value.

Materials, Build, and Construction Quality

The Assault Bike ProX weighs 125 pounds, has a max user weight of 330 pounds, and boasts a heavy-duty steel frame with a corrosion-resistant black powder coating finish.  We love this type of frame and finish because it means less maintenance over time. 

It’s also similar to what you would see with the Rogue Echo Bike, which has a black powder coating and almost looks like it was built from scraps of a heavy-duty squat rack! But the Assault Bike ProX isn’t as bulky as the Rogue Echo Bike, making it more compatible with small spaces, which our product testers enjoyed. For comparison, the ProX is 51.73 inches long, 24.52 inches wide, and 52.51 inches high, while the Echo Bike is 55 inches long, 29.5 inches wide, and 52.25 inches high.

The Assault Bike ProX provides a wide padded seat that can adjust to 11 different heights and six different directions either forward or backward. These adjustments were the same on the Assault Bike Pro, which the ProX replaces. The rubber handles on the ProX help you maintain your grip and keep your hands comfortable throughout the workout as well. 

This fan bike also comes with footpegs at the base of the handlebars for you to place your feet. This gives you the option to do an upper body-only workout, which is great for injury recovery or arm day. 

Based on the quality and construction of the Assault Bike ProX, we rated it 5 out of 5 stars. 

Delivery and Assembly

We gave the AssaultBike Pro X 5 out of 5 stars for delivery and assembly because of how straightforward it was to build. The bikes arrived at our testing facility 75 percent built, so all we had to do was attach the LCD console, pedals, handlebars, seat post, and saddle. Assault Fitness provides all the tools needed to build your air bike, and it should take roughly 35 to 45 minutes.

Performance

When testing the Assault Bike ProX, we noticed a smoother and quieter ride than what we’ve experienced with other air bikes, like the Titan Fan Bike or the AssaultBike Classic. This is predominantly thanks to the belt-driven system. A belt-driven system requires less maintenance than a chain-driven system, but it is also harder to use. When you pedal, the steel fan wheel generates resistance based on your effort. The harder you pedal, the more resistance is applied. 

However, once you stop pedaling, the fan wheel will stop moving, requiring more effort to get it started again. This might be tough if you’re not prepared for a high-intensity workout. Due to this, we gave the Assault Bike ProX a 4 out of 5-star rating for performance. 

Included Workouts

The Assault Bike ProX’s LCD monitor provides seven built-in training programs and a competition mode for those ready to take on the challenge. Through the Assault Fitness App, which we’ll review below, there is also an option to follow instructor-led programs or create customized workouts.

All in all, we give it a 3 out of 5 star rating in this category. The included workouts aren’t as robust as what you’d see in a more interactive bike like the Peloton. However, we do appreciate having them and think they can be valuable for people who may not know where to start.

Heart Rate Monitoring

While the AssaultBike Classic was only compatible with the Polar T34 heart rate chest strap, the Assault Bike ProX is compatible with other brands, like Garmin. You can link a heart rate monitor through the bike’s Bluetooth features. However, you need to purchase a compatible one separately, which is why we only rated it 4 out of 5 stars here (though to be fair, this is common for most exercise bikes). 

Display and Stat Tracking

The Assault Bike ProX comes with a five-inch by eight-inch monitor, which is a common size amongst other fan bikes. This high-quality LCD monitor is powered by four AA batteries, which Assault includes with your purchase. The console is great for tracking stats such as calories, distance, heart rate, speed, watts, and RPM. It also connects to the Assault Fitness App.

Our product testers loved that it could track power output in addition to distance and speed, which is a great measure of energy expenditure to quantify workout intensity. The Rogue Echo Bike monitor doesn’t provide feedback such as watts and RPM on its monitor, which gives the Assault Bike ProX the edge.

All things considered, we’ve given this bike 5 out of 5 stars for its display and tracking capabilities.

Conveniences

When testing the Assault Bike ProX, we noticed a ton of conveniences. First, the air bike requires no electric outlet, and we loved being able to use it anywhere. This feature is also a welcome benefit for commercial CrossFit gym owners, as you don’t have to worry about your members tripping over power cords.

Other conveniences include a device holder and a water bottle holder. Some fan bikes like the Titan Fan Bike also include these conveniences. Others, like the Rogue Echo Bike, don’t (though they are available to purchase separately). We always appreciate it when a brand throws in little extras like this. They allow you to have all your workout essentials within reach. Plus, you don’t have to worry about potentially placing multiple orders or paying extra shipping fees to get them.

Overall, our product testers rated the conveniences 4 out of 5 stars. The only reason we docked a point is that we wish the bike came with a wind guard to prevent cold air from blowing in our faces when training in a cold garage. There is one available on the Assault Fitness website, but you have to buy it separately for an additional $39.

Workout Apps and Subscription Options

The Assault Bike ProX is a part of the Assault Fitness line of exercise machines that operate using the Assault Fitness app. The app was one of our product testers’ favorite features.

Free to download from the App Store and Google Play, the Assault Fitness App provides you with a multitude of instructor-driven workouts. You can do these workouts on your own or compete against other athletes virtually. Many of the workouts also integrate other types of equipment, such as dumbbells and kettlebells, to help you get more well-rounded programming. 

While we enjoyed the app, we only gave it 4 out of 5 stars. As of this writing, it’s not available on the most recent version of Android. Athletes with newer Android phones may not be able to use it.

Bluetooth Connectivity

The Assault Bike ProX is Bluetooth-enabled. We don’t necessarily consider Bluetooth connectivity a standout feature, as dozens of cardio machines we’ve tested now come with it. But we’ve also tried inexpensive cardio equipment that doesn’t have this feature, and even Assault Fitness’s classic AssaultBike lacks Bluetooth capabilities. As such, we rated the ProX 5 out of 5 stars here.

Noise Level

When comparing other fan bikes we tested, the Assault Bike ProX generated less noise due to its belt-driven system. The belt-driven system operates more smoothly than chain-drive systems such as those on the Schwinn Airdyne. A noisier system can make it tough to perform workouts at home, especially if you train early in the morning or late at night when others are sleeping.

That said, no fan bike will be completely silent, so you should still expect some noise as air travels through the flywheel. Due to this, we give the noise level of the Assault Bike ProX 4 out of 5 stars.

Portability

The Assault Bike ProX offers some portability, thanks to two small transport wheels at the front. To move it, all you need to do is tilt it onto its wheels to help glide it across the floor. However, although it might be easy for some athletes to move this fan bike, others might struggle to relocate it because it weighs 125 pounds. Based on these findings, we give the portability of the Assault Bike ProX 4 out of 5 stars.  

Warranty

The Assault Bike ProX has a three-year non-wear parts warranty and a seven-year frame warranty. The three-year non-wear parts warranty doesn’t cover normal wear and tear on parts like the seat, pedals, and handle grips. This may seem like a drawback, but in our experience, this is common in warranties on other brands’ fan bikes. But the length of Assault’s warranty is longer compared to Rogue, who only offers a two-year warranty on their Echo Bike, and Titan, who only offers a one-year warranty on their fan bike. We gave the warranty of the Assault Bike ProX 5 out of 5 stars for this reason.

Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Specs

Overall Dimensions

The Assault Bike ProX is 51.73 inches long, 24.52 inches wide, and 52.51 inches high. Compared to the classic AssaultBike, these dimensions are one to two inches bigger in each category. If you’re between the two, we definitely recommend measuring carefully to ensure you choose the one that will best fit your space.

Resistance

The Assault Bike ProX is a fan bike, meaning it builds resistance based on how much air you recruit in the fan wheel as you work. The harder you pedal, the more air resistance is applied, making your workout more challenging. 

In addition to air resistance, the ProX uses a belt-driven system, meaning it only operates when you begin to pedal. If you stop pedaling, the machine stops moving. This makes it harder to operate compared to a chair-driven system, like what you’d see with the AssaultBike Classic. 

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity of the Assault Bike ProX is 330 pounds. This is more than the Classic bike, which holds 300 pounds, but less than the Elite, which holds up to 350 pounds. 

Seat and Handlebar Adjustments

The Assault Bike ProX can accommodate most body sizes with 11 different height settings and six front-to-back settings. These adjustment levels are relatively standard based on what we’ve seen on other fan bikes. However, some competitors like the Rogue Echo Bike only have five front-to-back seat settings. 

Electrical Requirements

Because the Assault Bike ProX does not require an electrical outlet, you can transport it wherever you want to go —outdoors or indoors. The monitor, however, does require AA batteries to operate. 

Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX vs. Echo Bike

At first glance, it seems the Assault Bike ProX and Rogue Echo Bike have many similarities. When you analyze them more closely, you’ll find that there are several key differences between the two. 

Below are the dimensions of both fan bikes:

Even though the Rogue Echo Bike is bulkier in material and dimensions, it has the same 330-pound weight capacity as the AssaultBike ProX. Both of these fan bikes are also powered by movement, so no electrical outlet is needed. Further, weighing in at 123 and 125 pounds, respectively, the Rogue Echo Bike and the Assault Bike ProX are equally portable, especially given they both have wheels.

Finally, both products use belt-driven mechanics, providing a smooth and quiet riding experience. But the Assault Bike ProX gives more metrics on the monitor, such as watts and RPM. This feature alone could make or break your decision, depending on how important tracking is to your training.

Rogue Echo Bike V3.0

4.0

• Overall dimensions: 55” L x 29.5” W x 55.25” H
• Weight: 123 pounds
• Weight capacity: 330 pounds
• Display: LCD console

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Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Customer Reviews

The Assault Bike ProX comes in with a strong 4.6 out of 5-star rating on the Assault Fitness website. Many users claim that it is super easy to set up, requires low maintenance, and is a favorite piece of equipment in their home gyms. Customers also praise its sturdiness and its ability to handle a tough workout. 

One user mentioned that the left peg became loose during their workout. Another buyer mentioned that the Assault Bike ProX was very noisy and didn’t think it was as stable as other reviews might suggest — note, however, that complaints like this are in the minority.

Final Verdict: Is the Assault Fitness AssaultBike ProX Worth It?

After extensive research and testing of the Assault Bike ProX, we can say that this air bike is worth it. Made with a heavy-duty steel frame finished in a black powder coat, it can take on the toughest workouts. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a full-body, high-intensity interval training machine for improving both endurance and strength. 

The smoother and quieter experience you get with the Assault Bike ProX is thanks to the belt-driven system integrated into the design. Although this system might require more effort to operate, this bike can still be a great purchase for everyone from CrossFitters to health and fitness enthusiasts.

FAQs

The post Assault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X Review (2025): Assault’s Best Bike Yet? appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Despite packing an efficient punch, the best exercise bikes cost similar to rowing machines —  as little as $300 to well over $2,500. Imagine the horror of spending thousands of dollars just to find out you don’t love your shiny new cardio equipment?!

Lucky for you, I’ve done the research for you and gathered a list of the 13 best exercise bikes, so you can pick the right one for you.

How We Chose the Best Exercise Bikes

The Breaking Muscle team comprises a passionate squad of fitness aficionados, including conditioning coaches, spin instructors, competitive triathletes, and home gym owners. Altogether, our team has tested and reviewed 50+ exercise bikes — from the cheapest to the most expensive — putting them through rigorous a 13-point protocol.

From there, we chose the best exercise bikes by category rating each from 1 to 5 based on criteria like:

• Adjustability: Are the handlebars and the seat adjustable to fit various body sizes?
• Customization: Can you swap in your own pedals, saddle, and handlebars for a more custom riding experience?
• Tech capabilities: What interactive tech is available, if any? Is there Bluetooth or ANT+ connectivity available?

We have lots to cover… so gear up and let’s dive in!

Our Top Picks for the Best Exercise Bikes

• Best Exercise Bike Overall: NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike
• Best Air Bike: Assault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X
• Best Exercise Bike With Classes: Echelon EX-8s
• Best Exercise Bike for Seniors: Horizon 5.0R Recumbent Bike
• Best Spin Exercise Bike: Diamondback 1260sc
• Best Portable Exercise Bike: Concept2 BikeErg
• Best Exercise Bike for Weight Loss: CAROL Bike
• Best Magnetic Exercise Bike: Bowflex VeloCore
• Best Affordable Exercise Bike: Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike
• Best Recumbent Exercise Bike: Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike
• Best Folding Exercise Bike: Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike
• Best Exercise Bike for Small Spaces: Cubii Move
• Best Exercise Bike With a Screen: Peloton Bike+

Best Exercise Bike Overall: NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike

NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike

4.5

• Dimensions: 60" L x 22" W x 63" H
• Resistance levels: 24
• Available programming: Yes (requires iFIT subscription)
• Weight capacity: 350 pounds
• Type: Spin

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The NordicTrack S22i is hands-down the best exercise bike overall. We had three product testers take this bike for a ride to tell us why it won our top pick.

This NordicTrack bike’s programming, screen, and connectivity are excellent. Our product testers love the complimentary one-year iFIT membership because you can do live coach-led workouts, on-demand studio classes, and outdoor courses. 

Plus, the 22-inch touchscreen is high-definition, so it looks like you’re riding through a trail in Hawaii or taking a spin class in person.  It also swivels, so you can do other iFIT workouts off the bike without needing to see the screen from the rest of your home gym. 

RELATED: Best Budget Home Gym Equipment

With 24 smooth-adjusting, magnetic resistance levels, our Breaking Muscle staff members found the riding experience on the S22i impressive.

They were pleasantly surprised that this bike inclines up to 20 percent grade and declines down to -10 percent, which is rare for a spin bike — the angle can even be auto-adjusted during your workouts by your iFIT coaches. The resistance and incline levels adjust digitally, which feels higher-end than push buttons.

NordicTrack included a series of convenient accessories on the S22i. For starters, our product testers like the dual water bottle holders and the built-in fan to keep you hydrated and comfortable during your rides. Plus, the media shelf helps hold your smartphone, and there’s even an easy-access storage tray for the two (complimentary) three-pound dumbbells.

When it comes to mobility, the S22i is more cumbersome than you’d expect. Our product testers found the front wheels helped it move, but there’s no handle at the back, so you have to awkwardly lift it from the rear stabilizer beam for the wheels to kick in. They also noticed you need to be careful with the big screen knocking into things as you reposition it. Combined with its 205-pound in-box weight, a second person can be helpful when moving the bike.

Unfortunately, the S22i’s programming is limited if you don’t have an iFIT membership. Without it, you essentially just have the machine in manual mode. There are a few free bike workouts in iFIT that you can access without the recurring subscription, but even the live chat agent couldn’t confirm this and suggested we call their Customer Service team.

With the impressive build quality and tech of this NordicTrack Studio Bike, it’s no surprise that it commands a higher price. At the time of publishing, it retails at $1,999 — making it comparable to the Peloton Bike+. Remember, you’ll also need an ongoing iFIT subscription to use the bike to its full potential. That said, I think it’s well worth the cost, considering the bike’s features and the value of the iFIT membership.

All the above considered, we rank this 4.5 out of 5 stars for its excellent classes and courses with iFIT, smooth resistance with incline/decline capability, and convenient accessories.

Best Air Bike: Assault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X

Assault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X

4.4

• Overall dimensions: 51.73” L x 24.52” W x 52.51” H
• Weight: 125 pounds
• Weight capacity: 330 pounds
• Display: High-contrast LCD screen

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The Pro X is a beast of an air bike. Our product tester loved its belt drive because it’s smoother than their more affordable Assault Bike Classic and the previous model (the Assault Bike Pro), both of which have chain drives. 

At first use, its 125-pound weight stood out, as it’s incredibly sturdy even when pedaling and pushing as hard as possible. Almost everything on this unit is metal; a full-metal construction means it’s seriously rugged and should last years, even when used by heavier and stronger athletes.

Assault Fitness uses the same “Elite” monitor on all their air bikes, and after testing 10+ air bikes, it’s become our product tester’s favorite. The physical buttons are easy to touch and colored, which is an underrated feature you’ll appreciate if you’ve done a HIIT workout on an air bike. The console’s high-contrast LCD screen also displays all the essential metrics: heart rate, calories, distance, RPM, and more. The included programming intervals and Bluetooth connectivity are a great benefit as well.

Having reviewed dozens of cardio equipment pieces over the past three years, I’m personally impressed by Assault’s warranty on their Pro X. The frame is covered by a seven-year warranty, with a three-year warranty on moving parts. 

Many companies try to pass the majority of frustrating part repairs on to their customers by only covering “non-wear and tear” parts. However, Assault breaks the mold by explicitly covering “moving” parts for the first three years. Knowing you can put the Pro X through brutal workouts day after day while being covered on parts delivers serious peace of mind.

One of our Breaking Muscle staff members has extensive experience repairing air bikes and says swapping a belt or changing internal components can be a nightmare. Bike repairs often need special parts and are best done by a certified technician, so expect any significant repairs to take multiple hours, with most of your help coming from how-to/troubleshooting videos. To be fair, this applies to air bikes bought from any company — not just Assault Fitness.

Because the Pro X is large, it can be cumbersome to move. One of our product testers found the easiest way to transport it is to lift it from the rear stabilizer until the wheels contact the floor. Still, the 125-pound weight with its 52-inch x 24.5-inch footprint makes this air bike challenging to move compared to the Concept2 BikeErg, and it might be too much for some users.

In general, fan bikes might not be the best choice for home gyms that have to be careful of noise levels. As a fan-based bike, the Assault Bike Pro X is loud. 

That said, the fan-blade system of the Pro X appears to be a regular bike hub with fan blades welded to it — making it much smaller than what you’d find on the Rogue Echo bike. This smaller size means less air displacement, and some Breaking Muscle team members were surprised by how quiet it was in comparison.

All the above considered, we rank this 4.4 out of 5 stars for its rugged design, excellent console capabilities, and impressive warranty.

Best Exercise Bike With Classes: Echelon EX-8s

Echelon Connect EX-8s Bike

3.6

• Dimensions: 59" L x 23" W x 65" H
• Resistance levels: 32
• Available programming: Yes
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds
• Type: Spin

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One of our product testers took the Echelon Connect bike for a ride and was immediately impressed. 

It features an oversized 24-inch curved touchscreen, which feels enormous but immersive when working out. Combine that with the high-definition quality and LED lights that sync to your workout metrics, and it feels like you’re cycling in a live studio class — which is super motivating. The dual-facing speakers offer great sound, and the screen flips 180 degrees, so you can easily view it for Echelon Premier workouts.

By joining their Echelon Premier Membership at $39.99 monthly, you unlock daily live classes and over 15,000 various, on-demand classes. Premier members receive exclusive discounts, a more comprehensive range of class difficulties, and up to five user profiles. With this membership, you can also view a leaderboard and compete against others, see when your friends are online, and check other users’ stats worldwide. Finally, the Echelon app syncs your console with your Strava, Zwift, Apple Health, FitBit, and Spotify profiles and data.

Alternatively, Echelon offers a more affordable “Fit Pass” at $11.99 monthly. This plan is best if you want to work out anywhere, anytime, without needing any equipment. Fit Pass includes 60+ instructors, 40+ daily live classes, challenges, and more. I like their range of workouts; they have everything from cardio and core training to meditation and barre. They even have a travel-the-world-fitness class option, which reminds our product tester of JRNY and iFIT. 

Despite the massive class selection, our product tester finds the quality could be better for the monthly price, even if you sign up for a two-year plan ($29.16 monthly). She notes that the price seems high for what it is because it isn’t as produced as Peloton’s live and on-demand classes, but it isn’t bad — the production quality just isn’t quite there yet.

The EX-8S retails for $3,079.50, but it’s on sale for $1,699.99 at the time of publishing. The sale price is way more reasonable, but the original cost seems expensive for the actual specs of the bike. Considering the Peloton Bike+ is more affordable and offers a better warranty, I wouldn’t be surprised if more customers jump ship.

Echelon’s warranty on the Connect EX-8S is flat-out disappointing at just one year. Their 30-day return policy and financing option are typical, but our product tester couldn’t believe the warranty is only one year, especially for such a steep retail price. If you’re an active Echelon Premier member, you can enjoy the benefit of full warranty coverage for up to five years. However, this requires an ongoing monthly membership for 60 months, costing you a whopping $1,700 over those five years in subscription fees.

All the above considered, we rank this 3.8 out of 5 stars for the outstanding 24” HD touchscreen, along with the workout subscription options offered through Echelon Premier and the more affordable Fit Pass.

Best Exercise Bike for Seniors: Horizon 5.0R Recumbent Bike

Horizon Fitness 5.0 R Recumbent Bike

4.0

• Dimensions: 66" L x 25.2" W x 52.2" H
• Resistance levels: 100
• Available programming: Yes
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds
• Type: Recumbent

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The Horizon 5.0R is excellent for seniors due to its mobility-friendly design. For example, the low, step-through frame helps you access the seated position even if you struggle with mobility or leg strength. Once you’re ready to sit down into the seat, there are front handlebars that you can hold for support as you sit down — they also make it easier to stand up after your workout. 

I’m impressed by the sturdiness of the 5.0R, which is a blessing because most seniors have trouble with their balance. 

The large 66-inch by 25.2-inch footprint and lower seat position result in a more stable machine. The flywheel, however, weighs just 15.4 pounds, which makes it easy to pedal at first and is gentler on your joints. That said, 100 magnetic resistance levels are available, so you can still get a smooth but seriously intense workout.

I’m also glad to see toe clips on the pedals; they help keep your feet from slipping out, which is more likely on a recumbent bike due to the reclined angle of your feet. The extra-large, adjustable seat includes a backrest and handlebars along the sides. Even though you have a near-zero chance of slipping out of the seat during your workout, holding the handlebars for extra support and peace of mind is nice.

Finally, I’m pleased with this exercise bike’s simple controls and convenient features. For one, the screen and control buttons are easy to see and reach while seated. Further, a built-in fan and an included water bottle holder keep you comfortable and hydrated during your rides. All of these features add a nice touch for older populations. 

Unfortunately, the bike does require some assembly. There’s a helpful assembly video, but according to Horizon, lifting the main frame out of the box requires two people. Because of the box size, weight, and assembly, this might be too much work, depending on your strength and mobility. 

Horizon does have an in-room delivery option for an extra $199 if you’re experienced with basic tools and would prefer to assemble it yourself but want the large box brought in by another person. Alternatively, they offer white glove delivery and assembly for $239, including room-of-choice delivery, complete setup and assembly, and packaging removal.

At 123 pounds, this exercise bike might be too heavy for a senior to move. There is a carrying handle at the bottom rear of the machine, and once you lift it from the handle, you can wheel it to another location. Indeed, you’re not lifting the entire bike — some of the bike’s weight will be resting on the wheels — but combined with its large footprint, you might find it unmoveable without some help.

Finally, the touchscreen console requires basic tech skills. You’ll be okay with the console if you can operate a smartphone or tablet. That said, some seniors rely only on analog (push) buttons and might find the touchscreen and controls too confusing to use if they’re not tech-savvy.

All the above considered, we rank this 4 out of 5 stars for its mobility-friendly access, sturdy and stable design, and simple yet intuitive controls.

Best Spin Exercise Bike: Diamondback 1260sc

Diamondback Fitness 1260Sc

3.9

• Overall dimensions: 59” L x 23” W x 50” H
• Weight: 130 pounds
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds
• Display: LCD monitor to track workout metrics

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The Diamondback Fitness 1260sc is a fantastic spin-studio-quality bike. The rear-mounted 31-pound flywheel gives it extra smoothness, similar to riding a bike outside. Even better, Diamondback Fitness uses a belt to drive the flywheel — making it significantly smoother and quieter than a chain-driven system. Although our product tester didn’t think she’d like the magnetic resistance lever, she grew to love its premium-like clicking sound. All these finer touches make the 1260 comparable to an exercise bike from a commercial gym studio.

To add to the studio feel, the 1260 is highly adjustable. The handlebars are two-way adjustable (up, down, forward, and back) and have plenty of grips, so you can find a comfortable hand position whether riding in or out of the saddle. The two-sided pedals have toe clips for maximum safety and cycling efficiency, while the other is a classic flat pedal. Thanks to the two-way adjusting seat and the variety of available heights, our five-foot, four-inch tall product tester fit perfectly with a couple of inches to spare.

This Diamondback Fitness bike connects to many ANT+ apps and wearables so that you can pair it with Garmin and Wahoo products. Our product tester enjoys the vast range of apps connecting via Bluetooth FTMS (Fitness Machine Service protocol). This latest tech lets you connect your fitness equipment to popular apps like Zwift, Rouvy, Myzone, SPIVI, and others — tracking your watts, time, distance, rpm, heart rate, and more.

Our product tester doesn’t love where they put the water bottle holder and vertical adjustment levers on this bike. Since the water bottle holder is mounted in front of the post, she has to awkwardly lean forward and reach around the front post to grab water while riding. The adjustment levers also don’t open easily, so they require a lot of force to pry them open. Once opened, adjustments are no problem — but the initial sticking point of the levers is no joke.

The console on the 1260 is as simple as you can get, and it lacks any interactive features you’d see on a Peloton+. The console doesn’t provide any programming, so you must do your workouts manually, pair the console with an app, find free online classes, or join a subscription service like iFIT.

All the above considered, we rank this 3.9 out of 5 stars for its spin-studio quality, impressive adjustability, and wide range of console connectivity.

Best Portable Exercise Bike: Concept2 BikeErg

Concept2 BikeErg

3.9

• Overall dimensions: 48” L x 24” W; seat to pedal height ranges from 31" to 40.5"
• Weight: 68 pounds
• Weight capacity: 350 pounds
• Display: PM5 monitor

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The BikeErg is extremely easy to move, making it the best portable exercise bike due mainly to its materials and construction. Built mostly from aluminum,  it’s lightweight and compact (48 inches long by 24 inches wide), which minimizes excess weight while retaining durability. It also weighs only 68 pounds when fully assembled, making it lighter than most exercise bikes and a little over half the weight of the Horizon 5.0R Recumbent Bike. 

The C2 BikeErg includes caster wheels that make moving it a breeze. Once the machine tips up for the wheels to kick in, you can roll it smoothly to wherever you want it to go. You can fit it into most vehicles by removing the seat and handlebar posts, making it easier to haul to another CrossFit box or gym.

Its high portability is heightened further by its adjustability, customizability, and versatility. The handlebars can be adjusted up, down, forward, and back. Similarly, you can raise or lower the seat and tilt it to +/-15-degrees. I’m impressed the BikeErg is compatible with most cycling parts — letting you change the saddle, handlebars, and pedals as you see fit.

One of our Breaking Muscle staff members has used the Concept2 BikeErg extensively and is continually impressed by its versatility. They enjoy it for long endurance rides and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Unlike an air bike like the AssaultBike Pro X, the Concept2 is a jack-of-all-trades.

There are a few downsides to the Concept2 BikeErg. First, it’s rather noisy. Like the other Concept2 cardio machines, the BikeErg is also fan-based, so a loud whooshing sound is made when you pedal. Compared to a quiet electromagnetic bike like the BLANK, I could see some users being annoyed by the noise from the fan. The higher damper settings restrict airflow, reducing the loudness, but you might still need headphones or earplugs if it bothers you.

If you enjoy using interactive consoles, you might be slightly disappointed by Concept2’s Performance Monitor (PM5). It lacks the engaging and interactive aspects of the NordicTrack S22i’s iFIT membership console. The screen is small and lacks speakers. Plus, it doesn’t offer live or on-demand workout classes — you must pay for a separate subscription service.

Finally, the BikeErg isn’t cheap by any means. It’s a quality spin bike (technically fan-based, but it doesn’t count as an air bike due to the lack of moveable handlebars), so you can expect it to cost a pretty penny. You’ll save some money going with a more economical brand, but whether you’re willing to sacrifice on performance and the power of the PM5 is up to you.

All the above considered, we rank this 3.9 out of 5 stars for its easy portability, highly adjustable components, impressive customizability, and versatility.

RELATED: Concept2 RowErg Review

Best Exercise Bike for Weight Loss: CAROL Bike

CAROL Bike

4.1

• Dimensions: 45.5" L x 22" W
• Resistance levels: Not listed
• Available programming: Yes
• Weight capacity: 330 pounds
• Type: Spin

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When you lead a busy life, keeping a regular exercise habit is easier said than done if it takes 30 minutes to an hour — enter the CAROL. 

Quick note: our product testers trialed the original CAROL bike, but this review is based on the 2.0 version of the CAROL. We’ll note any updated features of the 2.0 version below.

This bike is the best for weight loss because it gives you an effective workout in just five minutes, so you can easily fit it into your busy schedule. There’s no excuse with the CAROL because your workout takes just five minutes. This means you can do it any time during your day, making it much more likely that you’ll stick with your new exercise habit.

The CAROL is also ideal for weight loss because the workouts use an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm to calculate your optimal resistance. Simply choose one of 18 different workouts and fitness tests; the upgraded console 2.0 will walk you through it without any confusion, making it suitable for any age and fitness level. You even get access for up to eight riders with the home membership, so you can help others in their quest to live healthier, too.

This bike also supports weight loss through data-driven results. The first model of the CAROL had heart rate monitors built into the handlebars, whereas the 2.0 model includes a chest-strap heart rate monitor to track your training. Each workout refines what it’s learned to tailor workouts to your fitness level, then shows your progress using precise data like your overall fitness score, heart rate metrics, peak power, energy output, and global and local leaderboard stats. Seeing your fitness improve with nearly every workout will entice you to return.

Unfortunately, you’re locked into paying for the ongoing $15 monthly membership if you want a fully functioning bike. Without the membership, you can still do a manual ride, but the resistance will stay at the starting resistance and never change — making it practically useless for a real workout. For this reason, changing the intensity and using the bike to its maximum potential requires a recurring membership.

Next, the CAROL is relatively expensive. Based on the bike specs alone, it doesn’t live up to the price because it costs more than the Peloton Bike+ and doesn’t include live or on-demand classes like iFIT. Further, it’s roughly ten times the price of our most affordable exercise bike, the Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike. Remember, though, this bike isn’t made for interactive fitness classes or enjoyable rides — it’s for people who want the best results from the shortest workout possible.

Sadly, the warranty falls short based on its $2,500 price tag. Like the Echelon EX-8s, it only has a one-year warranty, leaving much to be desired. Our product tester doesn’t think you’ll have any issues with the bike breaking down. and there’s a 100-day home trial if you change your mind. Still, she wishes the warranty was much longer, and I couldn’t agree more.

All the above considered, we rank this 4.1 out of 5 stars for its AI-controlled motorized resistance, detailed and data-driven console, and beautifully sleek design.

Best Magnetic Exercise Bike: Bowflex VeloCore

BowFlex VeloCore Bike

4.2

• Dimensions: 59.8" L x 24.1" W x 55.3" H
• Resistance levels: 100
• Available programming: Yes
• Weight capacity: 325 pounds
• Type: Spin

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The Bowflex VeloCore has a sleek and modern look, and our product tester was impressed with its high-quality build, finding it fun and easy to use. She appreciates the smooth-feeling 33-pound flywheel with 100 levels of magnetic resistance for quiet but intense workouts. This bike’s belt drive requires minimal maintenance and delivers a consistent performance. It has an adjustable seat, two-way adjusting handlebars, and dual-sided pedals that accommodate regular or SPD shoes — essential features for optimal comfort, especially if you’re a triathlete.

The bike comes with a choice of two screen sizes, 16-inch or 22-inch, and each is an HD, responsive touchscreen that connects to the JRNY app for live and on-demand workouts. Based on your level, an initial fitness assessment determines what classes JRNY recommends for you to try. There are also options to “explore the world” by biking around different destinations. The JRNY subscription even lets you stream entertainment like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and Disney+.

The bike’s most distinctive feature is the ability to lean from side to side, creating a more dynamic and engaging riding experience. The leaning feature claims to activate muscles, burn more calories, and improve balance and coordination. The bike also has a stabilizer bar that can lock the bike in place for a more traditional ride. The leaning feature works with the JRNY app, which offers scenic rides and interactive games that challenge you to lean and steer along the route.

One downside to the VeloCore is the price, ranging from $1,799 to $2,199 based on the screen size chosen. Going off the price alone, the Diamondback 1260sc is a better choice if you’re not interested in being able to lean as part of your workouts. 

The bike also requires a monthly subscription to the JRNY app, which costs $11.99 monthly or $99 per year. However, the bike’s functionality is severely limited without the subscription because you can only use the manual mode, and you can’t stream anything. 

The bike’s leaning feature is the main selling point of the bike, but it may not be as beneficial or enjoyable as it sounds. It claims to activate more muscles, burn more calories, and improve balance and coordination, yet no scientific evidence on the product page supports these claims. Plus, more moving parts and sensors than a regular bike make it more prone to wear and tear. It might not be worth the extra cost and hassle for users who prefer a more stable and less gimmicky ride.

All the above considered, we rank this 4.2 out of 5 stars for its excellent spin bike design, highly adjustable components, and innovative bike-leaning feature.

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Best Affordable Exercise Bike: Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike

YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike

4.0

• Dimensions: 40.16" L x 21.65" W x 46.06" H
• Resistance levels: 100
• Available programming: No
• Weight capacity: 270 pounds
• Type: Spin

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The YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike is a highly affordable exercise bike, on sale for $249.99 at the time of writing. Compared to many other bikes in this article, it’s the most budget-friendly option. Despite its economical price, I’m pleasantly surprised by its great reviews on Amazon: 4.⅘ stars based on feedback from 21,788 customers.

Our product reviewer is impressed with several features of this bike typically found on spin-studio-quality bikes. First, the flywheel is 35 pounds for a smooth riding experience that rivals cycling outdoors, and the steel frame feels heavy-duty for peace of mind while riding. The belt-driven system also minimizes noise and, combined with the mechanical (friction) resistance, is quiet enough to operate without disturbing sleeping kids or neighbors. 

Like the NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike, the Yosuda also offers two-way adjustable handlebars and a four-way adjustable seat to ensure it fits as many cyclists of different sizes as possible. The built-in transportation wheels make moving it around easier, and the bike includes a device and water bottle holder.

However, the YOSUDA bike has some drawbacks that may make you think twice before buying it. The bike’s console has no programming, so you’re on your own for making or sourcing structured workouts. It also lacks Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, so you can’t sync it with cycling apps like Zwift or fitness devices like a heart rate monitor. Further, our Breaking Muscle team member’s LCD monitor was wobbly and seemed like it was about to fall off. It appears that Yosuda invested in some quality parts but cut corners on the rest.

For example, during testing, our product reviewer’s Yosuda had some pieces breaking off, such as the pedal strap. The bike seat was comfortable only for the first few minutes and already started to experience small tears, and the water bottle holder felt flimsy. Many reviews claim it’s a common experience for many parts to wear out or break off after a few months of use.

Finally, he provided some clear guidance on its durability. At around $300, it’s a great price but not a durable bike — it will likely need replacing in about two years. The Yosuda is fine if you’re looking for a quick short-term fix, but it’s not a forever bike. 

Suppose you prefer to make your exercise bike investment once. In that case, you may want to save for a more expensive and reliable bike that offers a better value and riding experience, like the Diamondback 1260sc.

All the above considered, we rank this 3.8 out of 5 stars for its affordability, value, adjustability, and high praise on Amazon.

Best Recumbent Exercise Bike: Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike

Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike

4.0

• Dimensions: 66.4" L x 28" W x 47" H
• Resistance levels: 25
• Available programming: Yes
• Weight capacity: 330 pounds
• Type: Recumbent

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I’m pleasantly surprised with the Schwinn 290’s console and connectivity. You can use the JRNY® app on the 7″ LCD screen to access 200+ virtual courses that automatically adjust your bike’s resistance to the course’s terrain. 

Alternatively, there are trainer-led classes for a workout with a more human touch. There are many workout durations and class types, so you’ll most certainly find an intensity and trainer matching your preferences. Best of all, you get a two-month free trial to JRNY® when you buy the 290 Recumbent Bike. 

If you’re a ZWIFT fan, the console is compatible with that platform, so you can virtually interact, train, and compete against others worldwide. The speakers and console even have Bluetooth capability to connect to your smartphone or tablet easily. If you prefer to play your own music playlist or sync your heart rate monitor, both are possible on the 290.

While almost twice as expensive as our choice for the best affordable exercise bike (Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike), the Schwinn 290 packs impressive features to make this an excellent value exercise bike. 

The console includes a media shelf and USB charging port to rest your smartphone or tablet on within view for a hands-free workout without worrying about battery life. It also features a water bottle holder attached to the side of the backrest for easy hydration access, whether you like water or the best electrolyte powders during your rides. Due to its 107.6-pound weight, the transport wheels are super convenient for moving, especially if you plan on storing it away between workouts.

Regarding downsides, I don’t like how the foot pedals adjust. You can tighten and loosen them quickly, but you must push the selector tab into your desired strap notch to lock a size in place. Securing the tab is shockingly tricky, even more so if you have big feet or struggle with mobility. 

You’re better off getting a rough estimate of the notch you need, dismounting the bike, and adjusting them with both hands. Based on my experience with these, I feel like a classic cinching strap of the Concept2 BikeErg or a plain velcro strap would be more user-friendly. 

Further, the step-through area is just too cramped for my liking. It’s so small that you must angle your foot to pass it through the step-through area. As a result, I could see this being a tripping hazard for anyone with mobility or weight challenges. I’m surprised to see this area redesigned because the Schwinn 270 Recumbent — the model that the 290 has replaced — featured a much larger area for you to step through. Because of this safety oversight, I’d recommend the Horizon 5.0R over this recumbent for seniors.

Sadly, you won’t get a great labor warranty with the 290. The parts are free if anything breaks on this exercise bike within the first two years. However, the labor warranty is only 90 days — ridiculously short. This means you’ll have to figure out how to replace the part(s) yourself or pay a technician out-of-pocket to repair your bike.

All the above considered, we rank this 3.5 out of 5 stars for its JRNY® + ZWIFT apps, Bluetooth speakers and connectivity, and convenient accessories.

Best Folding Exercise Bike: Marcy Foldable Upright Exercise Bike

Marcy Foldable Recumbent Exercise Bike

4.3

• Dimensions: 39" L x 22" W x 48.5" H
• Resistance levels: Seven
• Available programming: No
• Weight capacity: 250 pounds
• Type: Recumbent (foldable)

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This foldable upright bike collapses inward to a compact 21.5-inch depth, and the backrest folds down, so the height is only 47 inches. This means it can easily be tucked away in a closet when not in use. Although it didn’t make our top choice list, a Marcy upright bike can fold. While snagging the best upright exercise bike overall spot is unlikely, the folding feature is underrated if you work out in a small space.

Marcy’s folding bike is relatively portable. It features transport wheels, making it easy to move from one corner to another without lifting and carrying the entire bike. Depending on your strength, you could carry it up or down a flight of stairs if needed because it only weighs 37 pounds — making it one of the lightest exercise bikes featured in this article.

The features of this folding exercise bike surprised me. It boasts a 250-pound weight capacity, which is great for its lightweight frame. When folded out, the 14-gauge steel feels sturdy, so I’m confident it’ll hold up to its listed weight limit. The pedals have foot straps like the Horizon 5.0R Recumbent Bike, and they’re also weighted, which makes getting your feet inserted much easier. The two-year warranty was higher than expected for a budget-friendly folding bike like this.

One downside is that the  Marcy foldable bike’s console is pretty barebones, displaying only the distance, time, speed, odometer, and burned calories. It has no built-in programming, meaning you’re stuck with the manual mode and might need a subscription to vary your workout. Unsurprisingly, the console also lacks Bluetooth or ANT+ connectivity, so no apps or fitness devices will pair or sync with it. If tracking your workout data is crucial, find an alternative method or bike.

All the above considered, we rank this 3.5 out of 5 stars for its folding feature to save space, portability, and multiple surprising features like sturdiness, pedals, and warranty.

Best Exercise Bike for Small Spaces: Cubii Move

Cubii Move

3.8

• Dimensions: 21.7" L x 19.7" W x 9.7" H
• Resistance levels: Eight
• Available programming: No
• Weight capacity: Not listed
• Type: Under desk

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The Cubii Move has six adjustable resistance levels using the knob in the center of the machine, so you can customize your workout intensity and challenge yourself as you progress. 

The LCD screen displays the metric you’ve selected, and this under-desk exercise bike can track a surprising number of metrics, from stride count and mileage to duration and calories burned. The reset button is large enough to press it with your toe without bending down and using your finger.

This under-desk machine is free and compatible with the Cubii app, which lets you manually add your data, join challenges, and access 300+ expert-guided workout classes. Through it, you can connect with other Cubii users and share your achievements and goals.

The Cubii is lightweight and portable, weighing only 18 pounds. Thanks to its glass-filled nylon construction, you can quickly move it from room to room. This means it’s not difficult to bring it home from your office, so you can continue to use it while watching TV after your workday — storing it under your bed or in a closet when not in use.

This under-desk elliptical isn’t suitable if you’re looking for a high-intensity or full-body workout. It only targets your lower body muscles: quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. However, the range of motion is significantly smaller compared to a recumbent exercise bike. It also doesn’t provide much cardiovascular or calorie-burning benefits compared to other exercise machines.

The Cubii may not work well on thick carpets as the rubber feet might sink, causing the unit to wobble and shift out of place. Also, it might not fit under some desks or chairs, depending on the height and clearance. You may need to adjust your chair or desk height to avoid hitting your knees on the underside of your desk. Lastly, you may also need to wear comfortable shoes or socks to prevent blisters or discomfort on your feet.

All the above considered, we rank this 3.5 out of 5 stars for its low impact, good metrics, free app, and portable build.

Best Exercise Bike With a Screen: Peloton Bike+

Peloton Bike+

4.4

• Dimensions: 59" L x 22" W x 59" H
• Resistance levels: 100
• Available programming: Yes
• Weight capacity: 297 pounds
• Type: Spin

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The screen on the Peloton Bike+ is amazing. It is a 23.8-inch HD (1080p) touchscreen that rotates 360 degrees, so you can easily switch between your cycling workouts and exercising off the bike. The screen also has a high-fidelity sound system, a front-facing camera, and a microphone so that you can interact with other riders and instructors with crystal-clear quality. The camera even has a privacy cover, which many camera-shy people can appreciate.

I like the screen’s responsiveness and how easy it is to navigate. It displays all the metrics you need to track your performance, like cadence, resistance, output, heart rate, and calories burned. It even features a reduced-reflective and anti-smudge coating, so your fingerprints won’t end up all over the touchscreen.

Peloton offers various live and on-demand classes to suit your preferences and goals. I love the availability of classes and the huge selection of music choices like pop, hip hop, rock, R&B, the 80s, 90s, 2000s, and Broadway. The classes range from five to 75 minutes, though from what I’ve seen, most classes fall in the 20- to 30-minute range. Sometimes, if I’m in the mood for a longer workout but can’t find a 45-minute class that interests me, I’ll “stack” two shorter classes together. 

I particularly enjoy the Power Zone classes, where different parts focus on staying within a certain heart rate zone, and the climb or HIIT rides, where the intensity is slightly higher than regular classes. There are also many beginner classes, and even though I consider myself more advanced in fitness, I enjoy the beginner classes occasionally for active recovery.

Unfortunately, the bike is expensive. The Peloton Bike+ costs $2,495, a lot of money for an exercise bike. 

You also have to pay for the accessories, such as the shoes, the mat, the weights, and the heart rate monitor, which can add up to another few hundred dollars. The bike also requires a monthly subscription of $39 to access the classes and features, another recurring cost you must factor in. If you are on a tight budget, the Peloton Bike+ might not be your best option.

The Peloton Bike+ only works with the Peloton app and the Apple Watch, which means you cannot use it with other fitness apps or devices you might already have or prefer. 

For example, you can’t use the bike with Zwift, Strava, Garmin, Fitbit, or any other third-party app or device. You also can’t export your workout data to other platforms unless you use a workaround involving screenshots or third-party apps. This can be frustrating if you want to integrate your Peloton workouts with your other fitness activities or track your progress on other platforms.

It’s also important to realize that you won’t jive with every instructor. As you ride the bike more and familiarize yourself with their personalities and styles, you learn who you connect best with. 

For example, I’m not a big fan of over-the-top cheerleading or motivational talk when exercising, so I avoid the instructors who tend to lean that way during their classes. Several instructors were once competitive cyclists or Ironman/triathlon athletes. They provide a lot of insight into the mindset of an athlete, which I like a lot better, so I take their classes more often. The key is to test out many instructors and stick with who you enjoy most.

All the above considered, we rank this 4.25 out of 5 stars for its outstanding quality console, high-tech screen, and massive range of classes and music.

What Are the Benefits of Exercise Bikes?

Low-Impact Training

Unlike running or jumping, cycling places less stress on your joints, bones, and muscles. This reduces injury risk and makes exercise bike training suitable for all ages and fitness levels, especially seniors and those struggling with excessive weight.

Improved Cardiovascular Conditioning

Cycling increases your heart rate and blood circulation, strengthening your heart, lungs, and blood vessels over time. This allows them to handle higher cardio demands than they could have previously tolerated. Additionally, improved cardiovascular conditioning can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Can Support Weight Loss Goals

Depending on the intensity and duration of your workout, you can burn anywhere from a couple hundred to nearly a thousand calories per hour on an exercise bike. This can help you create a calorie deficit essential for losing weight.

Reduced Stress

Using an exercise bike can help you reduce stress and anxiety, as it releases endorphins and serotonin, which are natural chemicals that make you feel happier and more relaxed. 

Lower Body Strengthening

Exercise bikes work out your lower body muscles, such as your glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves. This can improve your muscle strength and endurance, as well as your balance and coordination. Stronger lower body muscles can also prevent or alleviate lower back pain, knee pain, and other common ailments.

What to Consider When Buying an Exercise Bike

Exercise Bike Type

There are four exercise bike types: upright, recumbent, spin, and air.

• Upright: An upright bike allows you to sit upright with the pedals directly below you. The handles are elevated and are closer to you than on a spin bike, and the seat is usually wider and more comfortable. This conventional riding position is great if you like longer rides that focus on your legs, but it’s less effective for high-intensity training than an air bike.
• Recumbent: This style of bike has a seat with a back pad to support your middle and lower back, placing you in a reclined riding position. Unlike other styles, the pedals are at the front on a recumbent bike. The recumbent style distributes your weight evenly between the seat and the back pad, making it excellent for longer rides. Since you can relax your upper body more than an upright bike, it’s great for riders with back and joint issues. This style is also lower to the ground, so getting on and off the bike is easier — a major selling point if you struggle with mobility.
• Spin: A spin bike, also known as an indoor cycling bike, is the closest style to outdoor cycling. The narrower seat and lower bring your upper body forward, giving your upper body a workout instead of just your legs. This style is less comfortable than an upright and recumbent bike but offers better performance, which is vital for those wanting to train at higher intensities.
• Air bike: This fan-based bike style is sometimes called “dual-action.” Air bikes feature moving handlebars that you can operate separately or simultaneously with the pedals and provide resistance by the fan blades displacing air. The seat tends to be broader, and the pedals are below it, like on an upright bike. An air bike isn’t the best for long rides because it’s harder to maintain consistent resistance, but this style is unmatched for high intensity.

Cost

Exercise bikes can range from hundreds to a few thousand dollars. Generally, the higher-priced bikes include more features like high-tech consoles, more resistance levels, and better build quality. If you go too cheap, you can miss out on key features that prevent an enjoyable and safe cycling experience.

Dimensions

You want to ensure the bike fits comfortably in your room and doesn’t obstruct your movement or other furniture. You also want to check the weight and portability of the bike in case you need to move it around or store it away.

Remember, you’ll likely need one to two feet of open space on either side of your bike to get on and off and not feel cramped while riding.

Build Quality

The overall build quality of an exercise bike should be top of mind when shopping. Look for a steel frame over aluminum — it’ll be more robust and sturdier. High-quality exercise bikes often feature a higher weight capacity, so you can usually use the bike’s total capacity as a proxy for its build quality.

Noise 

If you’ll be using your exercise bike at home, you’ll want to be mindful of how noisy the bike will be, especially if you’ll be working out when kids or neighbors might be sleeping. Noise level depends mainly on the resistance type of the bike. 

Air bikes are by far the loudest because they’re fan-based, followed by mechanical-tension bikes since they apply resistance using friction pads. The quietest exercise bikes will be those that use electromagnetic resistance due to magnets applying tension to the flywheel.

You’ll also want to consider whether you’ll be watching live exercise classes or follow-along workouts on your console. These will project sound with speakers, but you can usually use headphones or earbuds to minimize the noise from any tech you use.

Seat and Handlebar Adjustability

The adjustability of your seat and handlebars is paramount to avoid injury, even more so if you’re taller or shorter than average.

Typically, you’ll want a bike that lets you adjust the seat in four ways: up, down, forward, and back. Seats with upward and downward angling are also beneficial for a more customized fit. Look for two-point adjustability at a minimum for the handlebars, which means they can be adjustable forward and back.

Console

Like all of the best cardio machines, exercise bikes vary widely in design, so it’s no surprise that consoles can be ultra-basic, high-tech, or even lacking altogether. Although rare, some exercise bikes don’t have a console.

The key is that not every console will show your revolutions per minute (rpm), distance traveled, heart rate, or calories burned — all of which aren’t mandatory for a workout but can be highly motivating for your long-term adherence and progress. Just remember that more detailed displays tend to come with a higher price.

Pedals

Typically, you’ll find three main types of pedals on exercise bikes: flat, cage, and clip-in.

• Flat: This is your classic type of pedal, also known as the “platform” pedal in the cycling world. Flat pedals are precisely as they sound — flat. You just put your feet against them and pedal, making them incredibly easy to use. Unfortunately, they’re harder to control on the ascent of each revolution when you’re pedaling fast, and if your feet slip, you can bang your ankles or scrape your shins against the pedals. 
• Cage: This type of pedal is a flat pedal with toe clips attached to the front, which are flexible “cages”  that slide over the toe box of your shoes. Toe clips hold your feet in place and make biking more efficient because you can apply force upwards without having your foot come off the pedal — allowing you to transfer that force back into the downward stroke. Since you can pull up on the pedal and push down, you can work your legs more to burn more calories.
• Clip-in: Lastly, there are clip-in pedals. Exercise bikes built for serious cyclists will tend to feature clip-in pedals connecting to cyclists’ special shoes. Not to worry though, you can upgrade the pedals of most bikes to clip-in pedals if you like the bike itself, but they only have flat or cage pedals.

Available Programming

Exercise bikes with consoles can have all kinds of built-in workouts. The most popular are hill climbing, cardio, fat burning, and strength training. 

Some bikes don’t include programming, like the Diamondback 1260sc. If you’re using your smartphone or tablet, a console lacking programming might be fine. If not, make sure the bike has Bluetooth connectivity at a minimum.

Bluetooth connectivity is the most popular connectivity method, allowing you to use apps like Peloton and Zwift. AMP+ is another type of connectivity, but it’s mostly limited to heart rate monitors, so I’d recommend using Bluetooth instead. It’s a bit more money upfront but opens up the available connections for apps, workouts, and more.

Available Conveniences

Exercise bikes can come with several convenient accessories to make your workouts more comfortable and enjoyable. Not all bikes include these, but you can often buy them separately to customize your exercise bike later.

• Phone/tablet holder: If you have an exercise bike with a console lacking in streaming service and classes, then a media shelf is a convenient plus. A media shelf is just a hard plastic ridge that sticks out from the console to lay your device without it falling off. Without one, you’ll have to hold your device for the duration of your workout.
• Water bottle holder: Having a water bottle holder is seriously underrated whether you’ll be doing shorter HIIT classes or longer endurance rides. The last thing you want is to interrupt your workout just because your water bottle isn’t within reach. One of our Breaking Muscle staff members runs into this problem every workout — they have an upright bike without a water bottle holder. While it’s possible to buy the holder separately, its absence from the stock version of the bike is an annoying omission by the manufacturer.
• Built-in fans: Built-in fans are more common on the best treadmills than on exercise bikes, but some bikes, like the NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike, include them. If you sweat heavily, live in a hot or humid climate, or enjoy the added comfort of built-in airflow, it can be a convenient add-on for your bike. Remember, if your bike doesn’t include this feature, you can buy and mount a mini fan separately.
• Weight rack: Some riders like combining bike rides with weight lifting using the best dumbbells. Similar to the water bottle holder, having a small weight rack to keep them within reach will save you from getting off your bike whenever you need to use them.
• Wheels: If you’ll be moving your bike often, having wheels built into the bike is a nice feature. It means you don’t have to drag your bike and risk ruining your floor, making it easier to transport bikes over 100 pounds. 
• Heart rate handles: Most bikes are compatible with heart rate monitors, but it’s even more convenient to have handles with heart rate reading capability. Unfortunately, you’ll tend only to see these on upright or recumbent bikes in the premium price range.

Resistance Types

There are three types of resistance for exercise bikes: fan-based, electromagnetic, and mechanical. 

• Fan-based: An air bike is fan-based and creates resistance by the fan blades displacing air. This style offers a (theoretically) unlimited amount of resistance because the harder you pedal and push, the more air the blades will displace, causing greater resistance. 
• Electromagnetic: These bikes work with magnets on either side of the flywheel. As the magnets get closer to the flywheel, they apply more resistance. Because they use magnets, these bikes are smoother, quieter, have lower maintenance, and are easier to select during workouts but more expensive. 
• Mechanical: This style uses mechanical resistance in the form of friction pads made from wool or rubber. Most are designed so that you physically twist the resistance knob to add or remove the tension placed on the flywheel. Because of the friction, these bikes are noisier and often need more maintenance as pads wear out and become misaligned with heavy use — however, they are cheaper as a result.

Drive Type

When you turn the pedals on an exercise bike, the “drive” is connected to the flywheel; when that moves, you’ll feel resistance. There are two types of drives: chain and belt. 

A chain-driven exercise bike will be more durable because the chain is metal, which makes maintenance cheaper in the long run. Unfortunately, it requires regular lubrication to ensure metal parts glide smoothly along each other. Also, chains are noisier than belts and feel rougher, so they’re often in fan-based and mechanical bikes.

Belt drives are quieter and smoother, so they’re usually in magnetic resistance bikes. The downside to a belt-drive bike is that the belt can loosen over time with heavy use and won’t last nearly as long as a chain — costing you more over time.

Resistance Levels

Exercise bikes have a vast range of resistance levels. Because there are also different types of resistance, there’s no universal standard or comparison method.

While knowing how many resistance levels there are on the exercise bike is helpful, the best way to see whether it offers the rate resistance range is to test it in person.

Once you have an exercise bike in mind, look for a local store where you can test it out in their showroom. Remember to bring your athletic attire and cycling shoes if you have them.

Warranties 

There’s a massive range of warranties for exercise bikes, from as little as 30 days to as long as 15 years. I wouldn’t recommend settling with any less than a one-year warranty. 

Based on the exercise bikes included in this article, ten years on the frame, three years on parts, and one year on labor is a solid warranty to look for if you value peace of mind from your purchase.

Weight Capacity

Weight capacity is an essential factor that affects the safety and durability of the bike because it reflects the craftsmanship and quality of the materials and parts used to build it. Choosing a bike with a higher weight capacity usually means getting a more robust frame and more durable parts like the pedals and flywheel. 

Exercise bike weight capacities range from 200 pounds to over 400 pounds. 

If you’re a heavier user, I’d recommend choosing a bike with a weight limit of at least 125 percent of your body weight. The closer you are to the bike’s weight capacity, the higher the risk of damaging it or injuring yourself. The bike can also become unstable, noisy, or shaky, reducing the quality of your workout.

Flywheel Weight 

If you’re investing in the best exercise bike overall, flywheel weight should be one of the top things you consider. The flywheel is the heavy wheel at the front or back of the bike that spins when you pedal to create momentum. It’s linked to the pedals by a chain or a belt, similar to one in your car’s engine.

Flywheel weights can vary widely, from as little as six pounds to as much as 50 pounds. Most people will have a better biking experience with a heavier flywheel because it closely simulates riding a bike outside. I recommend looking for a flywheel between 14 and 20 kilograms (about 30 to 44 pounds). Typically, a heavier flywheel offers a smoother ride. 

Suppose you’re working with a tight budget. In that case, I encourage you to sacrifice some bells and whistles like a sleek built-in tablet or a monthly class subscription because the flywheel weight is crucial for an enjoyable riding experience.

As a caveat, one Breaking Muscle staff member has used the Keiser M3i Bike extensively, with a flywheel weight of just eight pounds. It’s positioned at the bike’s rear to provide a different feel, but it can still offer an intense workout.

Final Thoughts

Exercise bikes have transformed home fitness, offering amazing exercise variety and adjustability in a small space.

The best exercise bikes combine interactive tech and powerful metric tracking without going overboard on the price.

At the end of the day, the best exercise bike for you depends on your budget, the size of your workout space, and the exercise bike features you value most.

Best Exercise Bikes: Side-by-Side Comparison

Best Exercise Bike Overall

Best Air Bike

Best Exercise Bike With Classes

Best Exercise Bike for Seniors

Best Spin Exercise Bike

Best Portable Exercise Bike

Best Exercise Bike for Weight Loss

Best Magnetic Exercise Bike

Best Affordable Exercise Bike

Best Recumbent Exercise Bike

Best Folding Exercise Bike

Best Exercise Bike for Small Spaces

Best Exercise Bike With a Screen

NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike

Assault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X

Echelon Connect EX-8s Bike

Horizon Fitness 5.0 R Recumbent Bike

Diamondback Fitness 1260Sc

Concept2 BikeErg

CAROL Bike

BowFlex VeloCore Bike

YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike

Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike

Marcy Foldable Recumbent Exercise Bike

Cubii Move

Peloton Bike+

Primary Rating: 4.5

Primary Rating: 4.4

Primary Rating: 3.6

Primary Rating: 4.0

Primary Rating: 3.9

Primary Rating: 3.9

Primary Rating: 4.1

Primary Rating: 4.2

Primary Rating: 4.0

Primary Rating: 4.0

Primary Rating: 4.3

Primary Rating: 3.8

Primary Rating: 4.4

Description: Dimensions: 60" L x 22" W x 63" H Resistance levels: 24 Available programming: Yes (requires iFIT subscription) Weight capacity: 350 pounds Type: Spin

Description: Overall dimensions: 51.73” L x 24.52” W x 52.51” H Weight: 125 pounds Weight capacity: 330 pounds Display: High-contrast LCD screen

Description: Dimensions: 59" L x 23" W x 65" H Resistance levels: 32 Available programming: Yes Weight capacity: 300 pounds Type: Spin

Description: Dimensions: 66" L x 25.2" W x 52.2" H Resistance levels: 100 Available programming: Yes Weight capacity: 300 pounds Type: Recumbent

Description: Overall dimensions: 59” L x 23” W x 50” H Weight: 130 pounds Weight capacity: 300 pounds Display: LCD monitor to track workout metrics

Description: Overall dimensions: 48” L x 24” W; seat to pedal height ranges from 31" to 40.5" Weight: 68 pounds Weight capacity: 350 pounds Display: PM5 monitor

Description: Dimensions: 45.5" L x 22" W Resistance levels: Not listed Available programming: Yes Weight capacity: 330 pounds Type: Spin

Description: Dimensions: 59.8" L x 24.1" W x 55.3" H Resistance levels: 100 Available programming: Yes Weight capacity: 325 pounds Type: Spin

Description: Dimensions: 40.16" L x 21.65" W x 46.06" H Resistance levels: 100 Available programming: No Weight capacity: 270 pounds Type: Spin

Description: Dimensions: 66.4" L x 28" W x 47" H Resistance levels: 25 Available programming: Yes Weight capacity: 330 pounds Type: Recumbent

Description: Dimensions: 39" L x 22" W x 48.5" H Resistance levels: Seven Available programming: No Weight capacity: 250 pounds Type: Recumbent (foldable)

Description: Dimensions: 21.7" L x 19.7" W x 9.7" H Resistance levels: Eight Available programming: No Weight capacity: Not listed Type: Under desk

Description: Dimensions: 59" L x 22" W x 59" H Resistance levels: 100 Available programming: Yes Weight capacity: 297 pounds Type: Spin

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Best Exercise Bike Overall

NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike

Primary Rating:

4.5

Description:

• Dimensions: 60" L x 22" W x 63" H
• Resistance levels: 24
• Available programming: Yes (requires iFIT subscription)
• Weight capacity: 350 pounds
• Type: Spin

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Best
Air Bike

Assault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X

Primary Rating:

4.4

Description:

• Overall dimensions: 51.73” L x 24.52” W x 52.51” H
• Weight: 125 pounds
• Weight capacity: 330 pounds
• Display: High-contrast LCD screen

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Best Exercise Bike With Classes

Echelon Connect EX-8s Bike

Primary Rating:

3.6

Description:

• Dimensions: 59" L x 23" W x 65" H
• Resistance levels: 32
• Available programming: Yes
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds
• Type: Spin

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Best Exercise Bike for Seniors

Horizon Fitness 5.0 R Recumbent Bike

Primary Rating:

4.0

Description:

• Dimensions: 66" L x 25.2" W x 52.2" H
• Resistance levels: 100
• Available programming: Yes
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds
• Type: Recumbent

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Best Spin
Exercise Bike

Diamondback Fitness 1260Sc

Primary Rating:

3.9

Description:

• Overall dimensions: 59” L x 23” W x 50” H
• Weight: 130 pounds
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds
• Display: LCD monitor to track workout metrics

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Best Portable Exercise Bike

Concept2 BikeErg

Primary Rating:

3.9

Description:

• Overall dimensions: 48” L x 24” W; seat to pedal height ranges from 31" to 40.5"
• Weight: 68 pounds
• Weight capacity: 350 pounds
• Display: PM5 monitor

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Best Exercise Bike for Weight Loss

CAROL Bike

Primary Rating:

4.1

Description:

• Dimensions: 45.5" L x 22" W
• Resistance levels: Not listed
• Available programming: Yes
• Weight capacity: 330 pounds
• Type: Spin

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Best Magnetic Exercise Bike

BowFlex VeloCore Bike

Primary Rating:

4.2

Description:

• Dimensions: 59.8" L x 24.1" W x 55.3" H
• Resistance levels: 100
• Available programming: Yes
• Weight capacity: 325 pounds
• Type: Spin

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Best Affordable Exercise Bike

YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike

Primary Rating:

4.0

Description:

• Dimensions: 40.16" L x 21.65" W x 46.06" H
• Resistance levels: 100
• Available programming: No
• Weight capacity: 270 pounds
• Type: Spin

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Best Recumbent Exercise Bike

Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike

Primary Rating:

4.0

Description:

• Dimensions: 66.4" L x 28" W x 47" H
• Resistance levels: 25
• Available programming: Yes
• Weight capacity: 330 pounds
• Type: Recumbent

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Best Folding Exercise Bike

Marcy Foldable Recumbent Exercise Bike

Primary Rating:

4.3

Description:

• Dimensions: 39" L x 22" W x 48.5" H
• Resistance levels: Seven
• Available programming: No
• Weight capacity: 250 pounds
• Type: Recumbent (foldable)

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Best Exercise Bike for Small Spaces

Cubii Move

Primary Rating:

3.8

Description:

• Dimensions: 21.7" L x 19.7" W x 9.7" H
• Resistance levels: Eight
• Available programming: No
• Weight capacity: Not listed
• Type: Under desk

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Best Exercise Bike With a Screen

Peloton Bike+

Primary Rating:

4.4

Description:

• Dimensions: 59" L x 22" W x 59" H
• Resistance levels: 100
• Available programming: Yes
• Weight capacity: 297 pounds
• Type: Spin

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FAQs

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