Recumbent bikes are a type of exercise bike that you use in a reclined position.

Many people prefer them over upright models, as recumbent bikes are often more comfortable, provide additional support for your upper body, and place less stress on your joints.

However, with numerous options available, choosing the right recumbent bike for you can be challenging.

The recumbent exercise bikes included in this article were selected based on the following criteria:

  • Available features. The bikes include features like pulse sensors, built-in speakers, device holders, or streamable workout classes.
  • Training options. The bikes offer multiple levels of resistance or preset training programs.
  • Cost. The bikes provide a good value for the price.
  • Customer reviews. The bikes have mostly positive reviews online.

Here are the 9 best recumbent exercise bikes of 2021.

Best overall

Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike

  • Dimensions: 64 in × 27 in × 49.9 in (162.5 cm × 68.6 cm × 126.8 cm)
  • Weight capacity: 86.7 pounds (39.3 kg)

Price: $$

The Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike is smooth, comfortable, and moderately priced, earning it the top slot as one of the best recumbent bikes on the market.

In addition to providing 29 preset workout programs, it offers Bluetooth connectivity, 25 levels of resistance, an LCD display, media rack, and in-console speakers with an MP3 port.

Plus, to provide a smoother ride, it features a weighted flywheel, which is the mechanical device that spins to help build momentum while you exercise.

Best value

Marcy ME-709 Recumbent Exercise Bike

  • Dimensions: 55.5 in × 25 in × 37.5 in (141 cm × 63.5 cm × 95.3 cm)
  • Weight capacity: 300 pounds (136.4 kg)

Price: $

With over 15,000 positive online reviews, this recumbent bike from Marcy is proof that you don’t need to break the bank to get in a good workout.

It features eight levels of resistance, a padded seat, foam-covered handles, and an LCD screen, which displays your time, speed, distance, and calories burned.

It’s also designed with weighted pedals and foot straps that can be adjusted to find your perfect fit.

Best high end

NordicTrack Commercial VR25

  • Dimensions: 68 in × 21.8 in × 60 in (172.7 cm × 55.4 cm × 152.4 cm)
  • Weight capacity: 350 pounds (159.1 kg)

Price: $$$

While it’s a bit of a splurge, the NordicTrack Commercial VR25 offers a long list of impressive features, including 26 levels of digital resistance, built-in speakers, 35 programmed workouts, and an ergonomic seat designed to maximize lumbar support.

The bike has a weight capacity of 350 pounds (159.1 kg) and features a smooth and silent flywheel to ensure a comfortable ride.

It’s also equipped with a 7-inch (18-cm) touchscreen, which you can use to stream cycling classes using the iFit app.

In addition to live and on-demand workouts, the iFit app provides real-time performance stat tracking and live workout leaderboards for extra motivation.

The NordicTrack bike comes with a 1-year iFit family membership, which can be renewed for $39 per month or $396 per year.

Best for small spaces

Lanos Folding Exercise Bike

  • Dimensions: 22 in x 20 in x 55.5 in (55.9 cm × 50.8 cm× 141 cm)
  • Weight capacity: 330 pounds (150 kg)

Price: $

Thanks to its multifunctional, foldable design, the Lanos Folding Exercise Bike is a great space-saving addition to your home or office.

The bike includes 10 levels of magnetic resistance, pulse sensors, a digital LCD monitor, fully adjustable cushioned seat, and media rack for streaming workouts on your smartphone or tablet.

It’s also available in three colors and can be used as an upright, semi-stationary, or recumbent bike to add diversity to your workout routine.

Best for streaming classes

ProForm 440ES

  • Dimensions: 22.3 in x 68.3 in x 52 in (56.6 cm x 173.5 cm x 132.1 cm)
  • Weight capacity: 350 pounds (159.1 kg)

Price: $$

The ProForm 440ES is a high tech bike that can be used with iFit — a training app with a massive workout library offering a variety of live and on-demand classes.

Using iFit, you can stream classes on your smartphone or tablet and have the resistance automatically adjusted by your trainers using live controls.

Just keep in mind that the iFit app requires a $39 monthly or $396 yearly membership.

The bike also features 25 levels of magnetic resistance, pulse sensors, extra-wide pedals with adjustable straps, and an inertia-enhanced flywheel, which is designed to provide a smoother, more balanced rotation.

Best for older adults

JEEKEE Recumbent Exercise Bike

  • Dimensions: 19.3 in x 53.5 in x 39 in (49 cm x 135.9 cm x 99.1 cm)
  • Weight capacity: 300 pounds (136.4 kg)

Price: $

Offering a large, ergonomic seat and backrest, eight levels of resistance, and an easy-to-read monitor, this recumbent bike was designed specifically with older adults in mind.

It’s equipped with pulse-sensor hand grips, an integrated device holder, and pedal straps.

What’s more, the seat is fully adjustable to maximize comfort and help reduce strain on your knees and joints.

Best multifunctional

PLENY 3-in-1 Exercise Bike

  • Dimensions: product dimensions not available online
  • Weight capacity: 300 pounds (136.4 kg)

Price: $

This exercise bike can switch between upright, semi-recumbent, and recumbent positions, so you can easily mix up your exercise routine without buying multiple pieces of equipment.

It includes 16 levels of magnetic resistance, pulse sensors, a backlit screen, and transportation wheels for simple storage.

Additionally, it comes with arm and leg resistance bands to allow for a full-body workout while you ride.

Best adjustable

Nautilus R618 Recumbent Bike

  • Dimensions: 67.3 in x 26.4 in x 48.8 in (170.9 cm x 67.1 cm x 124 cm)
  • Weight capacity: 325 pounds (147.4 kg)

Price: $$

With 25 levels of resistance, 29 built-in workout programs, and a padded seat with a sliding rail, the R618 Recumbent Bike from Nautilus offers plenty of options to customize your workout.

It’s also equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, pulse sensors, and dual LCD displays for monitoring your ride metrics.

Plus, you can also use your bike with the Explore the World app, which allows you to ride through a variety of routes in destinations around the globe.

Best foldable

Exerpeutic 400XL Folding Recumbent Bike

  • Dimensions: 33 in x 19 in x 46 in (83.8 cm x 48.3 cm x 116.8 cm)
  • Weight capacity: 300 pounds (136.4 kg)

Price: $

If you’re looking for a recumbent bike that you can fold and store between workout sessions, check out this model from Exerpeutic.

This user-friendly bike offers eight levels of magnetic resistance, an easy-to-read LCD display, and large cushion and backrest for extra comfort and support.

What’s more, it can also be used with any height-adjustable desk, allowing you to work while squeezing in a cardio workout.