The Best at-Home Spin Apps That Turn Your Living Room Into a Cycling Studio

When Peloton launched its home spin bike in 2014, it made getting a pro-grade cycling class in your living room easier than ever. But thanks to its app (which launched in 2018), users can now have access to the workouts without having to drop $2,295 on a bike. The app can be accessed from any phone or tablet, and comes complete with live and on-demand spin, running, and strength-training workouts. The one major benefit of Peloton? Its dedicated community, which will keep you motivated through every ride.

Equinox released Equinox+ (formerly known as “Variis”) its first-ever digital app in March, 2020, giving people the option to bring SoulCycle into their own living rooms for the first time ever. The app includes 30- and 45-minute spin classes from SoulCycle instructors across the country, plus running workouts from Precision Run, strength training sessions led by Equinox trainers, as well as yoga, meditation, and recovery classes. The app is available to Equinox members for $40/month.

When Akin Akman was forced to close down his AARMY studio amidst COVID-19, he immediately brought his famed spin classes online by way of Instagram Live. His workouts are known for their high-intensity and expert-level choreography, and are not for the faint of heart. Now, you can have access to an array of workouts from different fitness trainers and coaches via the AARMY app. From bootcamp style sessions designed to push your body to its highest level to athlete-level cycle rides, there is something for everyone. Most importantly, fans love the supportive atmosphere and inspirational messaging the app prides itself on.

When its studios shuttered for quarantine, CycleBar brought its offerings online by way of the CycleBar Go app. You can participate right from your phone or tablet in full-screen video for an all-encompassing, immersive experience anywhere. You get access to hundreds of workouts based on your personal fitness goals. For example, you can take a spin to enhance performance or hop on a ride that targets both your upper and lower body.

CardioCast (formerly known as “CycleCast”) first arrived on the scene in 2015 and has been a go-to for spin-enthusiasts ever since. It offers 25-, 30-, and 45-minute cycling workouts led by world class instructors. The app has since expanded and offers sessions around running, biking, rowing and more. The app syncs up with your Apple Health or Google Fit data, so that you can keep track of your rides and performance in the longterm. Plus, it comes chock-full of pre-installed music to get you in the groove and bust a sweat.

If you want your indoor spin session to feel like an outdoor ride (or at least, the gamified-version of an outdoor ride), Zwift has got you covered. There are over 1,000 different immersive rides to take you through the streets of places like New York City, the Swiss Alps, and the Mayan Ruins, and you can follow training plans designed by coaches or just go through a casual spin on your own. There are also over 200 live events every day, so you can race against real people through the English Countryside and beyond.

When it comes to different spin workouts, the Studio Sweat On Demand app is a real buffet for those looking to break a sweat. It gives you the option to use any bike, stream it on your television or smart device, and choose to download spin sessions a la carte. You can also exercise your full body with HIIT and yoga sessions. However, if you want unlimited access to the best of the best workouts classes and exercises, a monthly membership will cost you just about $20.