Deciding Between Peloton and Soulcycle? Read This Before You Buy!
Peloton entered the indoor spinning market and shook SoulCycle studio spinning. SoulCycle became a leading competitor to Peloton when it finally chose a home fitness option. What does this all mean? Peloton and SoulCycle excel at the services and products they offer. This is what makes the market so interesting and beneficial to the consumer.
However, it can be difficult to decide what type of fitness bike you should get. You will only need one fitness bike.
This is why I will compare the SoulCycle to the Peloton bike and explore each exercise bike using the following criteria:
- Tech
- Exercise experience
- Price
- Pros & cons
- What’s best for you
Features and Tech Comparison Between Peloton and SoulCycle at Home Bike
Peloton Bike Features
- Models:
Peloton offers two types of bike, the Peloton bike or the bike plus. The Peloton bike is the most affordable, so it is the Peloton value bike. The bike plus is more expensive, so it is the Peloton premium bicycle. - Pedals
The Peloton bikes have Look Delta pedals. They are compatible with SPD-SL cleats. - Apple Watch Support
The bike plus allows Apple Watch Gymkit integration to ensure seamless compatibility with the Apple Watch. - Design
The Peloton bikes are a sleek, elegant design. They have a black finish with red accents at strategic points to give them a Peloton look. The flywheel is located at the front of the bike. It is quiet and smooth to ride. - Rotating screen:
The bike plus has a large 24-inch rotating display that allows for both on-bike and offbike workouts. - Bluetooth and Ant+ compatibility:
Peloton bikes are compatible with Bluetooth and Ant+ devices, which allows you to use other brand devices such as heart rate monitors, headphones, and speakers.
SoulCycle Bike Features
- Design:
The SoulCycle bike is elegant and sleek in its black and white logo. Smooth and quiet riding is made possible by a front flywheel and belt. - Pedals -
Amazingly, SoulCycle uses a dual clipless pedal design. It can be used with either
Delta shoes
and SPD shoes and cleats depending on your preference. - Rotating screen
The SoulCycle at home bike has a rotating display that rotates 180 degrees each side. It is therefore easy to stream classes from the bike. - Supports Disney, Netflix, and Amazon Prime.
SoulCycle at home bike is compatible with external streaming apps, unlike Peloton. You can also use the bike to watch a movie or other entertainment if you don’t feel like doing the exercises in a class. - Great for Heavy People
. While Peloton bikes can hold a maximum user weight 297lbs, the SoulCycle bike can support a maximum user weight 350lbs. The option is also available for heavier people.
Classes Offered by Peloton Vs. Classes by SoulCycle
SoulCycle and Peloton classes are very similar, especially since there are live and on-demand options.
Both bikes have large touchscreens with respective apps. Peloton uses Peloton, but SoulCycle partners to Equinox for app membership.
The Peloton app for cycling has the option.
This app is sufficient. The SoulCycle app can only be used for cycling.
Equinox brings in world-class workouts and the SoulCycle spinning classes.
SoulCycle also offers amazing Soul music. Equinox memberships include access to other apps from other brands.
How much is the Peloton membership cost compared to the SoulCycle at-home fitness app? Peloton has an all-access membership that costs $39 per month with the Peloton bike. With the membership, you get a free Peloton digital app membership and multiple accounts on the membership as well.
Equinox membership is $40 per month. You can add as many accounts as you wish to the membership.
What classes does Peloton membership offer?
- Cycling
- Bike Bootcamp](/peloton-bootcamp-classes/)
- Running
- Walking
- Tread Bootcamp
- Outdoor running
- Strength training
- Classes in cardio, dance, and barre
- Meditation and yoga
- Stretching
What classes does the Equinox membership(With SoulCycle) offer?
- SoulCycle cycling
- Precision Run tread and outdoor classes
- Pure Yoga
- Meditations for the Headstrong
- Equinox Tabata
- Solid core Pilates
- Rumble Sculpting
- Strength training for TB12
Equinox may have the same categories, but they are from different brands.
Do you have to pay for the Peloton bike app?
No, you don’t. However, there are times when you may feel tight on budget or schedule, hence the need to skip a subscription. In this case, you only have to cancel the Peloton membership. Then, you will have access to the
‘Just Ride’ feature, which allows you to ride without an instructor, and without the necessity of a subscription. Actually, the ‘Just Ride’ feature is my favorite option whenever I’m working from home, without instructors on my neck.
Do I have to pay for the SoulCycle Equinox Membership? No. The SoulCycle tablet includes the Equinox platform, Disney, Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Amazon Prime. You can ride the bike and dive into something completely new.
SoulCycle’s Workout Experience Vs. Peloton
I have a Peloton bike and love it. It doesn’t stop me from exploring. I will never miss an opportunity to spin something new. My best friend’s SoulCycle at home fitness bike has been my new hobby. Based on the experience I have had with the SoulCycle a dozen times, I can confidently recommend the two bikes.
I attended a SoulCycle class in 2019, and it gave me a new perspective on spinning. It felt like an hour of spinning, except that I felt like I was pushing myself. The music was soulful and the instructors were encouraging. It moved with the resistance and cadence, making spinning more fun than it was work.
SoulCycle’s indoor fitness program is no exception. SoulCycle brought in the same vibe to ensure that the classes are an option for your physical as well as emotional health. The music goes along with the workout, so even without an instructor, you can still feel the resistance and cadence you need. The instructors push you harder and make the experience one I will never forget.
SoulCycle displays metrics during class, but they are not the most important thing on the bike. SoulCycle is a bike that can be ridden to the beat of the music. This makes it the best option for anyone looking to improve their physical and mental health.
My primary purpose in purchasing a Peloton bike was to have an at-home exercise option that would not compromise the results of a gym. Peloton never failed to disappoint. The Leaderboard was a great interaction platform. But it also encouraged you to work harder. Peloton gives you the freedom to choose between a competitive environment and a tailing position that gives you satisfaction.
There is also clarity in output. This gives me the desire to do better, burn more calories, and increase my average output. Peloton instructors may be at your level, but they won’t allow you to feel sorry for yourself. They encourage everyone to reach specific targets through resistance and cadence.
Peloton’s music is great and competitive, however, it is still not as good as SoulCycle.
What to Expect from Peloton Workouts
Peloton indoor training has more fans than any other platform for gym memberships. What is so special about Peloton?
- For example, there are fun classes and themed classes for each season.
- Special content releases, such as the Artist Series or the Homecoming week interactions
- Interactive instructors
- Competitive live and encore classes
- All-access members get a free digital app membership
What to Expect from SoulCycle Workouts
- Amazing music that rhymes with a specific class type
- Motivating instructors who enjoy and even exaggerate their classes
- Music-filled classes
- Netflix, Disney, and Amazon Prime are available on your bike
- Different brands have different instructors
Price Comparison Between SoulCycle and Peloton
Peloton and SoulCycle both offer high-end platforms and bikes.
Peloton offers two bikes: the standard bike which costs $1495 and the plus bike which costs $2495. SoulCycle, on the other hand, has one model, which is $1950, as of 2022.
Both SoulCycle and Peloton offer payment options that allow you to pay your exercise equipment in installments.
The
Peloton all access membership costs $39
and includes a digital app membership. All-access memberships allow bike users to have multiple accounts under one subscription. If you are a solo user and want a more affordable option, you can downgrade to a digital subscription for $12.99 per month.
On the other side,
SoulCycle memberships cost $40 per month
using Equinox membership.
Pros and Cons When Choosing SoulCycle or Peloton
Let’s now discuss the pros and cons of SoulCycle and Peloton, both excellent spinning options.
What’s Great About Peloton?
- New themes and content to match the seasons and times
- High concentration on output and competition
- Interactive instructors
- Design of a bike that is sleek, elegant, and attractive
- Cheaper bike option for budget users
- A larger community that is dedicated to helping other users
- Features that bring like-minded users together, such hashtags, are
Peloton’s Cons
- There are no other apps for the tablet and adding is not possible.
- A spin bike can be quite expensive
What’s Great About SoulCycle?
- This product is suitable for heavier people with a maximum user weight of 350lbs
- Elegant and sleek design
- Workouts with immersive music
- Encouragement and interaction with instructors
- Multiple brands dedicated to certain exercises
- Other apps available for the bike
- Dual pedal compatibility
SoulCycle’s Cons
- Expensive without a budget option
- Focus on the output with minimal attention
Is Peloton Better than SoulCycle?
But not exactly. SoulCycle is superior in another feature, while Peloton wins in the other. Both indoor fitness bikes are high-end and have distinctive features that distinguish them. Peloton is competitive and is the best choice for achieving your physical fitness goals. SoulCycle, on the other hand, allows you to ride to the beat, impacting your emotions.
Peloton Vs. SoulCycle Shoes
Are SoulCycle and Peloton the same shoes? Peloton wears the same shoes as SoulCycle, using the Look Delta cycling shoes with the default pedals. Peloton and SoulCycle are both surprisingly interchangeable for at-home bikes.
In either case, you will need three-hole cleat cycling footwear, which can be either Look Delta or SPD SL.
Can I Wear SoulCycle Shoes for Peloton?
Yes, you can. You can use the same shoes for both SoulCycle or Peloton, since they are both Look Delta.
How is Spinning Different from SoulCycle?
Spinning was designed for outdoor cyclists who want more strength and endurance while cycling indoors. The classes are more sport-specific and improve outdoor cycling skills.
SoulCycle, on the other hand, is about indoor cycling to the beat, so that one can match their cadence as well as resist to the vibe. SoulCycle is great for building endurance in cycling, but that is not its primary goal. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor cyclists.
Should You Buy the Peloton or the SoulCycle?
Both indoor spinning options can be interactive and include options for strength and yoga training.
Who Should Buy The Peloton?
Peloton is the perfect choice if you are focused on seeing progress in one class. You will notice that you move up with more effort when you join the Leaderboard. The output also glares at your screen as though it is telling you that it really does matter. Peloton makes it easy to reach your workout goals.
Peloton also offers more interactive features such as video chats during class, high fives and hashtags. They all create a sense of community and physical fitness, allowing you to connect with others who share similar interests.
Peloton offers a standard bike as a cheap option when you are looking for the best bike option. It costs only $1495 and will save you at least 500 dollars over the SoulCycle model.
Who Should Buy the SoulCycle?
SoulCycle is for people who love music and enjoy classes that follow a rhythm. It features relaxing music that matches almost all classes. SoulCycle was created to relax the mind and soul during a workout.
The SoulCycle option is also available for those who already own SPD shoes, as many spinning enthusiasts do. It is compatible with both Look Delta or SPD cycling shoes.
SoulCycle is the perfect app for adventurers who love classes. Equinox includes classes from some of the most renowned workout brands. SoulCycle is the best choice if you are looking for different instructors for different classes.
So, Peloton or SoulCycle, What Should You Get?
You should choose the bike that suits you best. SoulCycle is the right choice if you’re looking for dual pedal compatibility and multiple workout brands as well as good rhyming songs.
Peloton is a great option if you’re looking for a large, interactive community, competitive classes and an output that pushes your limits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you stream SoulCycle on Peloton?
You cannot stream SoulCycle via Peloton. To stream SoulCycle you will need an Equinox membership. This is why an Equinox app is better than a Peloton one.
Can I use the Peloton app on SoulCycle?
No, you cannot. SoulCycle does not offer Equinox, Disney plus or Netflix. These are the only options that SoulCycle can stream. To access Peloton, you will also need a treadmill or a Peloton bike.
Is Peloton cheaper than SoulCycle?
It’s not true. The SoulCycle bike is $1495 cheaper than the standard Peloton bike, while the plus bike is $2495. The SoulCycle bike is $2495.
Is SoulCycle harder than Peloton?
SoulCycle isn’t harder than Peloton. Both are spinning options with similar difficulty levels. Peloton, however, may prove to be more difficult than SoulCycle due to its emphasis on output.
Is Peloton Hard for Beginners?
Peloton offers beginner classes that make it easy for beginners and help them find a spot on the platform. Peloton is easy to learn for beginners because the instructors will talk about form and style. The instructors’ enthusiasm makes it easy to feel like a pro cyclist, even on your first ride.
Wrapping Up
So, Peloton vs. SoulCycle? Both are spinning options with big names. Each has its own unique characteristics. Peloton is the best option for those who want to be part of a large, interconnected community and participate in competitive classes. SoulCycle is a better option if you want to have some peace and be able to change your cycling shoes whenever you like.