Get Ready to Slip Into Your Cycling Shoes, Because We Found the Best Spin Apps
Indoor exercise bikes have long been popular pieces of at-home gym equipment. Created in the 1960s, these pedal-powered machines are a fun, fast-paced way to get a workout in or just a casual ride. Stationary bikes are beloved by many, from college students and grandparents to seriously seasoned athletes. But the at-home spin bike (as we know it today) really started to take off in 2016, when Peloton began offering unlimited live, on-demand classes at a monthly rate. Yes, Peloton was one of the first spinning apps to enter the at-home market. But they're not the only player in the cycling sphere.
From Apple Fitness+ and AARMY to Zwift and CardioCast, here are our favorite spinning class apps.
Related: Best 20 Minute Peloton Rides
Best Spin Class Apps
Spinning
The aptly-titled Spinning app offers real spin classes (and they originated the practice!). You can choose classes based on what you want to focus on, be it speed, strength, endurance, racing, recovery and more. (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases).
Related: What to Know About Biking and Heart Health
Peloton
Arguably the most popular spinning class app, Peloton changed the way we exercise at home. With various instructors, live classes, pre-recorded spins and personalized interactions with virtual participants (like you), Peloton gives you everything you need to succeed. Truly. Peloton has millions of subscribers, and for good reason. The spin app also includes a variety of stats, so you can track your input, output and overall workout results. Stay motivated through every ride. (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases).
Related: The Best 30 Minute Peloton Rides
Apple Fitness+
A completely different fitness experience—one that dynamically integrates your personal metrics from Apple Watch along with music from your favorite artists—Apple Fitness+ is an on-demand, app-based experience. The spin classes are fun, fast-paced and power-driven. They also work nicely with your iPhone, iPad and/or Apple TV. Perfect for Apple lovers and users. (iOS, $9.99 per month).
Related: How Many Calories You Burn Biking
AARMY
If you’re looking for a high-end training program—one with all the bells and whistles—AARMY may be right for you. With dozens of new classes each week, great music and varied playlists, and the world’s top fitness coaches, AARMY’s workouts are high-quality and high-intensity. Seriously. These spins are not for the faint of heart. (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases.)
Related: Best Spin Shoes
Studio SWEAT On Demand
Studio SWEAT On Demand has a ton of spin classes, as well as other cardio workouts with real people (not avatars) to keep you motivated, enthused and strong. (iOs, Android, free week-long trial, then paid subscription).
Related: The Best Cardio Workouts for Weight Loss
Zwift
If you want your indoor spin session to feel like an outdoor ride, Zwift has got you covered. With more than 1,000 rides and hundreds of immersive environments, Zwift takes you to and through the streets. (Literally.) You can sightsee New York and the Swiss Alps all while indoors, from the comfort of your spin bike. There are also 200 live events every day, so you can race against real people in real-time. (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases).
Related: Your Complete Guide to Cozy Cardio
CardioCast
CardioCast, previously known as CycleCast, is a major player in the spinning apps sphere. Created in 2014—around the same time as Peloton—CardioCast offers 25-, 30-, and 45-minute cycling workouts led by world-class instructors. The app syncs with Apple Health and Google Fit and CardioCast is a pay-to-play contender. You can earn Amazon gift cards for every ride. (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases).
Related: 10 Best Stationary Bikes
ROUVY
ROUVY is for riders who like the scenic route. The app has over 1,300 realistic riding routes for indoor bicyclists, so you can get the picturesque landscapes (including the Golden Gate Bridge, Cape Point, Paris, lavender fields in Provence, Ha Long Bay and more) without the pollen, bumps, bug bites or lack of bathrooms. (Paid subscription, syncs with most indoor spin bikes).
Related: The Best YouTube Workouts
The Sufferfest
Designed by world-class sports scientists, The Sufferfest is an amazing cycling app. But what makes The Sufferfest so great? Well, you can choose from multiple spin classes across 11 different categories, including base, climbing, drills and endurance. You can compete in “real-life” races: The Sufferfest will put you in the middle of races like the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia, thanks to the inclusion of officially licensed footage. With a four-dimensional power platform (and some serious stats) you can unlock your performance potential with this highly personalized program. (iOS, free with in-app purchases).
Related: The Best Workouts for Your Legs
CycleGo
CycleGo offers classes for both indoor spinning with a stationary bike and running with a treadmill in case you want to mix it up. You can explore their settings and race locations and create your own workouts. (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases).
Related: Sitting All Day? Try These Amazing One-Minute Workouts
Equinox+
Do you love SoulCycle? Are you looking for a fun, fast-paced spin class—ones that will keep you pedaling (and powering through) until the very end? If so, Equinox+ may be right for you. With 30- and 45-minute classes from SoulCycle, plus running workouts from Precision Run, strength training sessions led by Equinox trainers, as well as yoga, meditation and recovery classes, Equinox+ is a powerful contender in the at-home workout sphere. Take one of the hundreds of on-demand classes wherever and whenever you’re ready. (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases).
