After months of wearing the Oura Ring 4 and the Apple Watch side by side, I’m finally ready to tackle the existential question: smart ring or smartwatch? I’ve obsessed over the data, braved inclement weather and felt the battery anxiety that every person using a smart device shares. 

The more time I’ve spent wearing both, the clearer it’s become that these two wearables aren’t direct competitors so much as complements. They live under the same wearable health umbrella but are completely different flavors in both form and function.

Plus, they’re also expensive. At around $400 each, depending on material, buying both the Oura Ring 4 and the Apple Watch Series 11 isn’t realistic for most people. So instead of crowning a universal winner, it makes more sense to break down what each one does best and who would be served better by each one.

Thanks largely to consumer wearables, we can now track incredibly specific health data that, until recently, just wasn’t accessible outside of clinical settings. Because these devices are designed to be worn every day, they can surface long-term trends and help us draw meaningful connections between our habits and how our bodies actually respond.

Smartwatches, fitness bands, smart rings and even newer tech such as smart shoes offer different ways to collect health and fitness data. They’re essentially trying to solve the same problem, just from different angles. And while there’s no single “holy grail” wearable that does everything perfectly yet, those various flavors exist for a reason: Each prioritizes a different aspect of health, fitness or daily life.

The loud multitasker vs. the demure overachiever

The Apple Watch and Oura Ring track many of the same health metrics, but having a screen allows the Apple Watch to do a lot more (for better or worse). It’s essentially a pared-down version of your iPhone (minus the doomscrolling). It can handle notifications, calls, mobile payments, finding your phone and, yes, telling time. It’s also one of my favorite workout buddies because I view and use the live metrics to push myself during exercise.

But all that information makes it an in-your-face kind of wearable. It vibrates. It buzzes. It constantly wants your attention. And if you don’t charge it daily, it’s dead to the world. That means there are plenty of moments when it’s off your wrist and not collecting data, especially at night, when I’m more likely to forget it on the charger or just not want to wear a watch to bed.

The Oura Ring is the complete opposite. It’s demure. It’s quiet. And honestly, it’s mostly “dumb” jewelry without the phone app. You might not even hear from it for a full week until it needs a charge. Most of the time, I genuinely forget I’m wearing it. And when you do finally hear from it, it’s probably because your body needs attention.

Because it fades into the background, it stays on your body a lot more, and that consistency is everything when it comes to long-term health tracking.

Long-term health: Where the Oura ring really shines

Oura builds a baseline of your body’s status quo over time, so when something deviates, it’s immediately obvious. The app does a great job of connecting the dots and explaining what that data actually means, whether it’s early signs of illness, assessing energy levels for training or detecting subtle changes across the menstrual cycle.

When my readiness score dips, it almost always means I’m about to get sick or already fighting something. The app doesn’t just show the evidence (multiple health metrics trending off), it goes a step further by recommending a game plan: taking a rest day and putting the ring into Rest Mode, which pauses activity goals until you recover. That nudge has forced me to take rest days when I probably would’ve pushed through otherwise, just delaying my recovery.

There is a catch, though. To unlock that deeper analysis, Oura requires a $6 monthly subscription. Without it, you’ll still see the headline scores, but much of the context –the “why” behind those numbers– lives behind a paywall. Apple, by contrast, doesn’t charge a subscription for any of its health data.

The same is true for temperature and menstrual cycle tracking. You still log your period manually, but the way the Oura app charts temperature variations makes it easy to pinpoint the exact day ovulation occurs, marked by a sudden rise in basal body temperature. Seeing this mapped out has made me more aware of how hormonal changes affect my body beyond just my usual PMS. That “random” bloating and headache in the middle of a cycle? Ovulation.

The Apple Watch offers retroactive ovulation tracking too, but it requires very consistent sleepwear, which isn’t always realistic. Even when the data is there, it’s harder to connect the dots in the moment.

That’s the broader pattern with Apple’s health features. Many of the same metrics are available in the Health app, but they’re mostly presented as standalone data points. The Vitals app comes closest to tying things together by grouping heart rate, breathing rate, sleep, and temperature and flagging when something’s off. But it requires several consecutive nights of sleep tracking and stops short of telling you what to do with that information.

You can pause your move rings when you’re not feeling well, but there’s no prompt nudging you to take that rest day, so I haven’t given myself that luxury because it’s not a prompt like it is on the Oura ring.

The Apple Watch reigns for fitness tracking and day-to-day use

When it comes to daily habits that actually move the needle and improve that long-term health (aka fitness), the Oura Ring doesn’t even come close. 

The Apple Watch is miles ahead when it comes to tracking workouts. Having your metrics in real time helps guide my workouts. I also use pace alerts, heart-rate zones and distance to push myself in the moment and get the most out of each session. Plus, it has a massive library of third-party apps to help you through each type of workout, whether it’s downloading offline trail maps or mapping your surf time to the tides app. 

It also has safety features that can be genuinely life-saving, like fall detection, crash detection, location sharing and backtrack that helps you find your way back.

Oura tracks activity too, but only barely. It detects workouts automatically and surfaces them after the fact in the Oura app. You have to remember to manually confirm them to get credit. It’s fairly accurate at detecting my runs because my heart rate clearly peaks, but for lower-intensity workouts like Pilates, it often misses the mark. I get more activity credit for lugging laundry up my stairs or wrestling my kids into a sweater before we leave than for an actual session. You can also start a workout manually in the app, but there’s no live biometric data, and I rarely bother. 

Bottom line: Which would I choose? 

The Oura Ring wins at identifying long-term health trends and flagging subtle changes related to illness, recovery or cycle tracking. Its subtle design and week-long battery life mean it fades into the background, which makes consistency easy.

The Apple Watch shines in everyday life. It keeps you connected, doubles as a wallet, helps you find your phone and absolutely dominates fitness tracking.

If I had it my way, I’d wear the Apple Watch during the day and the Oura Ring at night. But if I were forced to pick just one, I’d choose the Apple Watch. At this stage in life, I’ll take anything that can offset the mental load of working full-time with three kids, even if it’s something as simple as helping me find my phone. Plus, I need all the help I can get to stay in shape. Fitness is my current priority, and it’s the foundation that helps keep all those longer-term health trends in check.

But this is just a stage for me, and I’m not setting my answer in stone. Your own season of life and priorities will ultimately shape which one makes the most sense for you.

Our team tested eight exercise bikes, then selected our top six picks of the year. Read on for our testers’ full reviews, considering aspects such as durability and construction, technology, aesthetics and ergonomics, plus safety features, noise, and value.

Best Exercise Bikes of 2026

Best Exercise Bikes Comparison Table

Best Exercise Bike Overall: NordicTrack X24 Bike

Our Thoughts on NordicTrack X24 Bike

The NordicTrack X24 Bike is our pick for the best overall exercise bike because it has a sleek, aesthetically pleasing design along with offering smooth rides and over 10,000 workouts with an iFIT subscription. Our tester loved the pivoting 24-inch touchscreen as well. 

Paige tested the X24 Bike. She has a bachelor’s degree in nutrition science and weight trains five times a week. She also does cardio regularly on bikes. Paige rated her overall experience a 4 out of 5. “I like this bike more than other bikes I have used due to the sleek design and smooth ride,” she said. “The screen is easy to navigate, and I really enjoy the workouts included. If the incline adjustment was smoother, I’d call this my favorite bike!”

When it comes to ergonomics and comfort while riding, Paige rated the X24 a 4 out of 5. “The bike seat wasn’t the most comfortable that I’ve sat on. It was very firm, and the leather didn’t have much give. I started to get sore after just a few minutes,” she said. That being said, Paige does think the seat will be long-lasting and durable. Plus, adjusting the bike was easy for our tester. It moved smoothly and felt secure after she tightened the knobs. She was able to adjust the seat height and distance from the bars as well as the handlebar height.

Paige thinks the X24 is easy to move around and relocate within your home, if needed. “There are wheels that help with moving the bike on both hardwood and carpet. An average person can definitely move the bike with ease,” she said, rating it a 5 out of 5 for portability.

Specs:

• Resistance type: Magnetic
• Resistance levels: 24
• Dimensions: 56.4 inches long by 21.8 inches wide by 62.7 inches tall
• Subscription required: For iFIT, yes

Best Air Exercise Bike: Fringe Sport Raptor Air Bike

Fringe Sport Raptor Air Bike

Our Thoughts on Fringe Sport Raptor Air Bike

The Fringe Sport Raptor Air Bike is our pick for the best air bike, also known as an assault bike. We picked it as our favorite because the Raptor is powered by a fan, so you can exercise as hard as you’d like, setting your own resistance and pace. It also has great portability. There are two large front tires (similar to a beach wagon) that make it easy to move around your garage gym or typical at-home workout space. 

Dylan tested the Raptor. He’s an avid mountain biker who does resistance training at the gym four to five days a week. This was his first time testing an air bike. While testing the Raptor, he tried interval training (10 seconds flat out, 20 seconds of hard pedaling, then 30 seconds of steady pedaling) and then repeated for both workouts, with a goal of maintaining 450-500 watts throughout. 

He rated his overall experience with this bike a 3 out of 5. “Though the workout was hard, the bike did its job and gave me a great workout. The only part of the bike that I disliked was the seat, but I didn’t notice any discomfort at higher levels of training,” he said. “This is the first assault bike that I have used, so I can’t compare it to other bikes of the same class, but I thought this bike was built very well and was made to work and move around easily,” Dylan mentioned.

Our tester rated the ergonomics of the Raptor a 3 out of 5. He found the seat easy to adjust, and the saddle was wider than a typical bike. “The pedals are made of metal and have no toe-inserts or clips for specialty shoes. The pedals are larger in diameter and are more akin to actual mountain bike pedals that have a larger footprint versus bike pedals, which are smaller and less forgiving.” Dylan also noted it’s easy to figure out and adjust the seat and height of this bike.

Dylan loved the portability of the Raptor. “It’s very portable because of its oversized wheels. Most bikes have small wheels that are barely noticeable but get caught on everything and make the bike hard to move,” he said. “With the tires on this model, however, I could move this bike with ease. One person could easily move this bike around; rolling it on surfaces such as carpet would be no issue.” That being said, he rated portability a 5 out of 5.

Specs:

• Resistance type: Fan (air)
• Resistance levels: Varies by effort
• Dimensions: 51 inches long by 24 inches wide by 54 inches tall 
• Subscription required: No

Best Lightweight Exercise Bike: Concept2 BikeErg

Our Thoughts on Concept2 BikeErg

The Concept2 BikeErg is our pick for the best lightweight exercise bike. This bike weighs just 68 pounds when put together and has two gliding wheels on the front for easy portability. It also costs just a little over $1,000 as of this writing.

Pete tested the Concept2 BikeErg. He’s a CPT and a CNC and was a collegiate swimmer and a competitive CrossFit athlete for the past 10 years. “I really enjoyed the Concept2 BikeERG. It’s a much different experience than the fan bikes with the moving arms, like the Assault Air Bike or Rogue Echo Bike that I’m used to,” he said. 

“This felt much more realistic to what riding a regular road bike feels like,” he added. “I would think this would be what a triathlete or actual biker would use to train.” Pete rated his overall experience a 5 out of 5. “It was a great workout; this actually made me want to buy one of these for my home gym. The bike was excellent in terms of performance; there was honestly nothing I would change,” he stated.

When it comes to ergonomics, Pete had only one critique: the saddle has plenty of cushion, but it is very narrow. So, if you’re used to a large, high-cushioned seat, then this bike may not be comfortable at first. 

Otherwise, Pete liked that you can “adjust both the seat and handlebars to your preference, and the intervals are about 1/2 inch apart, which really allows you to find your perfect settings.” There are multiple grip placements on the handlebars; this bike has the standard road bike handlebar configuration. Pete thinks they are well placed for your casual ride or while standing and doing a climb.

Specs:

• Resistance type: Fan (air)
• Resistance levels: Varies by effort
• Dimensions: 48 inches long by 24 inches wide (no height listed by brand)
• Subscription required: No

Best Exercise Bike for Streaming Classes: Peloton Bike+

Our Thoughts on Peloton Bike+

The Peloton Bike+ is our pick for the best exercise bike for streaming classes because its All-Access membership offers an ever-growing library of classes for both on and off the bike. The HD touchscreen also rotates 360 degrees, so if you want to do a yoga class using your membership, you can. 

Pete tested the Peloton Bike+, powered by Peloton IQ. It’s available new, refurbished, and as a rental (you can buy the bike at any time). He rated his overall experience with the Bike+ a 4 out of 5, noting that the bike felt incredibly stable and sturdy while he tested it. 

“The biggest difference between the Peloton bike and other stationary bikes I’ve used in the past is the clip-in pedal design. While this was different, it made the workout feel very unique. When I had the clip-in shoes on, I felt like I was activating my hamstring muscles much more than normal,” Pete said. “I find that normally when I bike, I’m very quad dominant, pushing hard down on the pedals. However, with the clip-on shoes, you can push down but also pull up for a more complete pedal stroke.”

He added: “This was great to experience during the class workout, especially during the climbs where they tell you to stand up in the saddle. Aside from that, the bike is virtually noiseless, which is a nice change of pace compared to the fan bikes that I’m used to. I also like that it has the standard cycling handlebars, and not the workout arms like on the Rogue Echo Bike or Assault Bike, because it provides a more real-world biking experience.” He rated the noise a 5 out of 5.

Pete said the bike seat was comfortable; not the most plush or widest bike seat he’s tested, but he didn’t notice any issues during his 30-minute ride. The handlebars, seat height, and seat location can all be adjusted. He rated the overall ergonomics of the Bike+ a 3 out of 5.

Specs:

• Resistance type: Magnetic
• Resistance levels: 100
• Dimensions: 54 inches long by 22 inches wide by 60 inches tall
• Subscription required: Yes, a Peloton All-Access membership is required

Best Exercise Bike for Smooth Rides: Aviron Fit Bike

Our Thoughts on Aviron Fit Bike

The Aviron Fit Bike is our pick for the best exercise bike for smooth rides because it was easy for our tester to adjust the resistance (and set it to auto-resistance) throughout her workout. “Instead of a typical dial adjustment, there were up and down buttons to increase or decrease resistance. I prefer this feature because I feel like I have better control and a better idea of what resistance I am at,” she said. “The bike responds very quickly to the adjustments, and I can see what level I am at on the screen. There is also an option for auto resistance during classes, which did all the adjusting for me.”

Paige tested the Aviron Fit Bike, rating her overall experience a 4 out of 5. “I like this bike more than other bikes I have used. I think that the sleek design, easy-to-use button adjustments, and easy seat adjustments set it apart from other bikes. The seat is also a lot more comfortable than other bike brands,” she said. 

Our tester rated the ergonomics of the Aviron Fit Bike a 4 out of 5. “This bike has a very supportive and comfortable seat,” she said. “I was able to complete a 20-minute ride without any discomfort or feeling any areas of pressure points. The seat has a small central clearing which I think helps with comfort and offloading the pressure.” It was easy for Paige to adjust the seat and the handlebars, both the height and the distance of each. 

She rated the portability a 5 out of 5. This bike weighs 139 pounds when put together, and you can install the two small wheels on the front or the back of the machine. “The bike has wheels on the front and can be easily moved by the average person. The wheels allow for easy movement over carpet, hardwood, and concrete,” Paige said. 

Specs:

• Resistance type: Electromagnetic
• Resistance levels: 160
• Dimensions: 62.5 inches long by 22 inches wide by 60.5 inches tall
• Subscription required: No, but otherwise only has quick start or manual options

Best Value Exercise Bike: Merach S36 Magnetic Exercise Bike

Merach S36 Magnetic Exercise Bike

Our Thoughts on Merach S36 Magnetic Exercise Bike

The Merach S36 Magnetic Exercise Bike is our pick for the best value exercise bike because it costs just $399 as of this writing and is a simple, no-frills exercise bike that we think is great for beginners or folks who want to test out a less expensive bike before moving on to a bigger purchase. 

Mitchell tested the Merach S36 and rated his overall experience a 3 out of 5. He liked the quietness, stability, and small size of this exercise bike. He disliked the pedals (they were way too small for his liking) and found the resistance difficult to change initially. Mitchell had to spin the knob way more than expected to increase resistance. Once he got the hang of it, the resistance did change smoothly, but the level was unclear to him. 

He rated ergonomics a 4 out of 5 for the Merach S36. “The seat was not comfy,” our tester remarked. “It was too small, and I would’ve preferred a seat with a back,” Mitchell said. “I liked this bike more than most classic YMCA bikes because it is quieter and more stable. I didn’t feel stable standing on it, and if I were to use it at home, I wouldn’t stand on it at all,” he said.

The portability was better; Mitchell rated it a 5 out of 5 in this category. The Merach S36 weighs 74 pounds total when assembled, and he said it was “super portable” and “easy for one person to roll around.”

When it comes to noise, our tester rated this bike a 5 out of 5. “It was very quiet,” he said.

Specs:

• Resistance type: Magnetic
• Resistance levels: 8
• Dimensions: 44.9 inches long by 20.5 inches wide by 47.2 inches tall
• Subscription required: No, has a free app

Other Exercise Bikes We Tested

We tested eight exercise bikes. One didn’t make the cut; here’s why:

• Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike: During our tester’s workout, the bike itself felt shaky and Emily, our tester, lost control of the bike. The frame was also shaking throughout the test.

Types of Exercise Bikes

• Air bike: An air bike is stationary and uses a fan to create resistance. It’s also sometimes called an assault bike
• Recumbent bike: A recumbent bike is also stationary and allows you to sit lower in a comfortable seat than a typical bike
• Indoor cycling bike: A stationary bike that is similar to a bike you’d ride outside. It’s also sometimes called a spinning bike, on which you might change riding positions during a class (neutral, standing, climb, and more)

Why the Right Fitness Equipment Matters to Professionals  

Having an exercise bike at home can be a great way for a professional to get a workout in on their own schedule, even at odd hours. Putting the bike in your basement or garage (or wherever you’ve got the space!) can help remove barriers to getting to the gym so that you can work out whenever you want, for as long (or as little) as you’d like.

How We Tested and Selected the Best Exercise Bikes

We tested exercise bikes by considering the following aspects: durability and construction, technology, aesthetics and ergonomics, plus safety features, noise, and value.

Each tester spent a minimum of 10 minutes testing the bike. For the first five minutes, testers stayed at a steady, consistent pace with minimal resistance. For the last five minutes, testers checked the resistance levels and cadence and did a standing climb test. Here are the details.

Durability and Construction

Testers considered their overall impression of the construction, noticing any potential weaknesses or defects. They also paid close attention to any shaking, wobbling, and noise during their workout.

Technology

Our testers reviewed the bikes’ technology, considering whether the display/touchscreen is easy to use and intuitive. They also checked for any issues with features like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi setup. Testers also made note of whether the exercise bike had a heart rate monitor.

Aesthetics and Ergonomics

When reviewing the ergonomics of the exercise bikes, testers shared how the bike seat (saddle) felt. They also told us about the types of pedals the bike used (or is compatible with), such as Delta, SPD, or Look KEO. Testers also shared whether there are multiple grip placements for your hands and whether they’re in a good spot for how you’d use the bike (standing, leaning, upright, and more).

For aesthetics, testers noted if the model looks nice, especially within a home. They also shared if the exercise bike had aesthetic features that give it an edge over similar exercise bikes.

Safety Features

Testers checked for any safety features on the bike and made note of whether the bike was easy to get on and off of.

Noise

Testers rated the noise of the bike on a scale of 1 to 5; 1 being very loud and 5 being the quietest.

Value

Testers rate the overall value prop of the exercise bikes, considering both the cost and features. They then explain whether the exercise bikes offer good value for the price or not.

Benefits of Exercise Bikes

Combining the use of an indoor exercise bike and a healthy diet may provide the following benefits, per a 2019 systematic review of 300 studies (though more randomized controlled trials are still needed):

• Improve your lipid profile
• Weight loss
• Reduce blood pressure 
• Enhance your body’s aerobic capacity 

How to Find the Best Exercise Bikes for You

Here’s what to keep in mind when shopping for the best exercise bike for you.

Your Fitness Goals

Are you an exercise bike beginner or an advanced biker/cyclist? Considering your fitness goals will help you decide what type of exercise bike to purchase. Also, think about the timeframe for achieving your fitness goals.

Size

It’s best to measure the space where you’d like to ideally place your elliptical before purchasing. Then, check the boxed weight and the item weight of the elliptical. This way, you can have some idea if the machine will be easy or more difficult to move. Check for wheels, too. Most fitness equipment brands have extensive specs available on their product pages, which describe footprint, in-box dimensions, in-box product weight, and weight capacity as well.

Portability 

Think about where you’d like to put the exercise bike, and if you want to be able to move it around or if it’s going to stay in the same spot in your home, garage, or basement. Some exercise bikes have two wheels on the front or back so that you can move the bike around relatively easily. You may want to check the weight of the assembled exercise bike before purchasing as well.

Subscription Fees

Some exercise bikes require a membership or subscription to use their programming. While many of these types of memberships can be worth it, keep in mind that you may be committing to a monthly fee on top of the purchase of the exercise bike. Many exercise bikes do have onboard programming.

Cost

Think about possible long-term use of the exercise bike. Will more than one person in the household be using it? The overall cost and any memberships should be considered, weighing your priorities (More tech or simple controls?) when factoring in what you’re willing to pay.

Fortune’s Final Thoughts 

Having an exercise bike in your home gym, garage, or basement can be a great way to fit in a workout on your terms, even at odd hours. We think an exercise bike is a worthwhile purchase if you’ll actually get use out of it. If you travel frequently for work, it may be better to stick to the hotel gym.

Frequently asked questions

While the bird dog exercise mainly works the core muscles, improving stability and strength, it also targets the lower back, shoulders, hamstrings, and glutes, making it one of the better full-body exercises you can do.

Over the years, I’ve done plank after plank and seen few benefits. It’s just not the exercise for me. I can hold the position for about a minute before everything starts shaking and my forehead starts sweating. Even with practice, it feels torturous.