Peloton offers a more affordable connected bike with on-demand classes and broader workout variety, while SoulCycle provides premium in-studio experiences with a cult-like community atmosphere and higher instructor engagement through live classes.
Peloton vs SoulCycle — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Premium connected stationary bikes with live instructor-led cycling classes and gamified community features.
Premium boutique cycling studio chain focused on high-energy live classes and community.
Monthly Subscription Cost. Class Format. Equipment Cost. Workout Variety. Class Library Size. Community Size. Instructor Interaction
Choose Peloton if you want workout flexibility, affordability, and variety across multiple fitness disciplines with the convenience of home-based training. Choose SoulCycle if you value premium in-studio experiences, real-time instructor motivation, and a tight-knit community atmosphere despite higher costs.
Peloton: Bike+ model only | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: Heart rate monitor | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: Cycling specialist | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: Standard coverage | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: 5.8 million members | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: 2.66 million subscribers | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: Live and on-demand | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: Limited studio-based | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: Basic recommendations | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: Instructor-curated playlists | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: Standard captions and adjustments | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: Fifth consecutive year of revenue decline | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: Very High - leaderboards, challenges, social features | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: Newer entrant - growing | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: 3 (bikes, rowers, treadmills) | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: 12 years (founded 2012) | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: No - manual adjustments | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: $656.5 million | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: Yes - daily live classes | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: 2 (bike, treadmill) | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: 90+ Peloton studios | SoulCycle: 300+ SoulCycle studios
Peloton: 20+ (cycling, running, strength, yoga, cardio, meditation) | SoulCycle: 1 (indoor cycling only)
Peloton: 23.8 inches (Bike Plus) | SoulCycle: No home equipment
Peloton: $44 | SoulCycle: $199 unlimited
Peloton: $1,445 (Bike Plus) | SoulCycle: $0
Peloton: 33 months to match SoulCycle cost | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: 18,000+ | SoulCycle: Limited (studio-focused)
Peloton: 150+ weekly live cycling | SoulCycle: 200+ weekly studio classes
Peloton: 8 disciplines | SoulCycle: 1 discipline
Peloton: 2.33 million | SoulCycle: 0.3 million
Peloton: Anywhere (app-based) | SoulCycle: 40+
Peloton: 82% satisfied | SoulCycle: 98% in-studio satisfaction
Peloton: $1,495-$2,445 (Bike or Treadmill) | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: 6 (Cycling, Running, Strength, Yoga, Stretching, Cardio) | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: Limited (no native watchOS app) | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: Proprietary Peloton hardware + optional iPad/phone | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: 15,000+ | SoulCycle: ~30-40/week live only
Peloton: $44.00 | SoulCycle: $13-15 (app only) or $34-38 per class (studio)
Peloton: $1,495 (Bike) to $4,295 (Bike+ with accessories) | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: 150-200 estimated | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: 50+ (cycling-heavy) | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: 22 (Peloton Bike+) | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: Peloton bikes/treadmills only + app on iPhone/iPad | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: Peloton Bike, Bike+, Tread, Tread+ | SoulCycle: N/A
First-Year Total Cost (Equipment + 12 Months Subscription)
Peloton: 21.5 inches (Bike+) | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: 1 (stationary bikes only) | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: 1 year parts/labor | SoulCycle: N/A
Peloton: N/A | SoulCycle: 8-12 per studio (varies)
Peloton: N/A | SoulCycle: N/A (studio experience)
Peloton: N/A | SoulCycle: $1,872 (studio classes only)
Peloton: N/A | SoulCycle: 300 (studio bikes)
How to choose between Peloton and SoulCycle
Peloton vs SoulCycle — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Peloton vs SoulCycle. Contains 114 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Peloton vs SoulCycle — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Peloton vs SoulCycle.
Is Peloton cheaper than SoulCycle long-term?
Yes, significantly. Peloton costs $44/month ($528/year) plus $1,695 upfront equipment, totaling $2,223 in year one. SoulCycle costs $2,556/year with zero equipment investment. After 5 years, Peloton averages $3,348 total while SoulCycle reaches $12,780—making Peloton 74% cheaper long-term despite higher initial cost.
Can I do both Peloton and SoulCycle simultaneously?
Yes, many hybrid fitness enthusiasts use both. Peloton provides variety (strength, yoga, running) and convenience, while SoulCycle offers weekly in-studio community experiences. Combined cost would be $2,740-2,800/year. This is optimal for those living near SoulCycle studios and wanting comprehensive fitness.
SoulCycle instructors provide superior real-time motivation through live energy, call-outs, and personal interaction—reflected in its 98% satisfaction rating. Peloton instructors are excellent on-demand educators but lack live personalization. For motivation and connection, SoulCycle wins; for educational variety, Peloton excels.
Can I use Peloton without buying their bike?
Yes, Peloton's $44/month subscription works on any stationary bike plus includes non-cycling classes (strength, yoga, running, pilates). However, the Peloton bike's 22-inch HD touchscreen and seamless integration optimize the experience. The app alone is valuable but doesn't include the leaderboard/resistance control on third-party bikes.
Is SoulCycle available outside major cities?
No, SoulCycle operates only 40+ studios in major US metros (NYC, LA, Boston, Chicago, etc.). Rural and suburban users cannot access SoulCycle, making Peloton the only option. SoulCycle is exclusively in-studio with no digital subscription alternative.
How to Choose Between Peloton and SoulCycle
Monthly Subscription Cost: Peloton has $44/month, while SoulCycle has $198-228/month.
Class Format: Peloton has On-demand + Live digital, while SoulCycle has Live in-studio primarily.
Equipment Cost: Peloton has $1,495-1,895, while SoulCycle has $0 (studio-based).
Workout Variety: Peloton has 8+ disciplines (cycling, running, strength, yoga), while SoulCycle has Cycling-focused.
Class Library Size: Peloton has 15,000+ on-demand classes, while SoulCycle has 30-40 live classes/week.
Community Size: Peloton has 2.33 million app users (2024), while SoulCycle has 300,000+ active members.
Instructor Interaction: Peloton has Limited (app-based feedback), while SoulCycle has Real-time call-outs and energy.