What a Peloton subscription includes
A Peloton subscription gives you access to live and on-demand fitness classes streamed to a Peloton bike, treadmill, or the Peloton app on your phone or tablet. The subscription itself is separate from buying the equipment — you pay for the machine upfront, then pay a monthly fee to use the classes. Without an active subscription, the bike or treadmill becomes a stationary piece of equipment with no access to Peloton's library of workouts.
The classes cover cycling, running, strength training, yoga, stretching, and other workout types. You can take them live at scheduled times or watch recorded versions whenever you want. The app tracks your metrics — heart rate, output, cadence — if you're using Peloton equipment, though some metrics require the machine itself to measure them.
Peloton offers two subscription tiers: the standard plan and the premium plan. The standard plan costs $14.99 per month and includes access to all classes on the app. The premium plan costs $44 per month and adds features like live class bookings, leaderboard rankings, and the ability to see how you compare to other riders during a class. Pricing may vary by country and can change, so check Peloton's website for your current rates.
Key Takeaways
- Peloton subscriptions are monthly payments that unlock access to classes; the bike or treadmill is a separate purchase.
- The standard plan at $14.99 per month includes all on-demand classes but not live class bookings or leaderboard features.
- The premium plan at $44 per month adds live class access, leaderboard rankings, and the ability to compete with other users in real time.
- You can use the app on any device without owning Peloton equipment, though some tracking features require the machine.
Standard plan versus premium plan
The standard plan gives you the full library of on-demand classes — thousands of workouts you can take whenever you want. You see your own metrics and performance history. You cannot book live classes in advance, and you won't appear on the leaderboard during a class, so other riders won't see your name or output.
The premium plan includes everything in the standard plan, plus the ability to join live classes at their scheduled times and see yourself ranked against other riders in real time. If you like the social aspect of working out with others or want to push yourself against live competition, the premium plan is built for that. If you prefer working out alone on your own schedule, the standard plan covers your needs.
Some people use the standard plan for a few months to see whether they'll actually use the service, then upgrade to premium if they find themselves taking classes regularly. You can switch between plans or cancel anytime without penalty.
Using Peloton without owning the equipment
You do not need to own a Peloton bike or treadmill to use a Peloton subscription. The app works on iPhones, Android phones, iPads, and tablets. You can take cycling classes on a stationary bike you already own, running classes on a treadmill or outdoors, and strength or yoga classes with just your body weight or dumbbells.
The main difference is that without Peloton equipment, you won't get automatic tracking of metrics like cadence, resistance, or power output. You can still see your heart rate if you connect a compatible heart rate monitor, and you can manually log your own metrics. Many people use the app this way — they follow the instructor's cues and get the workout without the $2,000+ equipment investment.
If you own Peloton equipment, the subscription unlocks the full tracking experience. The bike or treadmill automatically records your performance and sends it to your account, so you can see your progress over time and compare yourself to others on the leaderboard.
How to start and manage your subscription
To start a Peloton subscription, create an account on Peloton's website or in the app. You'll choose your subscription tier and enter a payment method. If you own a Peloton machine, you'll also set it up and connect it to your account. If you're using the app only, you can start taking classes when ready after signing up.
You can manage your subscription in your account settings — upgrade, downgrade, or pause your membership. Pausing is useful if you know you won't use it for a month or two but want to keep your account and progress history. When you're ready to resume, you can reactivate it. Cancellation is also available in your account settings; you won't be charged after your current billing period ends.
Peloton sometimes offers promotional rates for new members, such as a discounted first month or a free trial period. These offers change, so check the website when you sign up to see what's currently available.
What happens if you cancel or pause
If you cancel your subscription, you lose access to all classes when ready. Your account and your workout history remain saved, so if you resubscribe later, your data is still there. You won't be charged after your current billing period ends.
If you pause instead of cancel, your subscription temporarily stops and you're not charged, but your account stays active. You can usually pause for up to three months at a time. When you're ready to resume, you reactivate the subscription and start paying again. Pausing is a middle ground between staying active and fully canceling.
Some people pause during busy seasons or when they know they won't have time to work out, then resume when their schedule opens up. Others cancel and come back months or years later — your data waits for you either way.
Peloton subscription versus other fitness apps
Peloton is one of several subscription fitness services. Others include Apple Fitness+, which integrates with Apple Watch and requires an Apple device; Beachbody On Demand, which offers various workout styles; and YouTube, which has free fitness channels alongside paid options. Some gyms include fitness app access as part of membership.
Peloton's main strength is its community and leaderboard features — if you want to see how you rank against other riders live, Peloton is built for that. It's also the largest library of cycling and running classes. The trade-off is cost: Peloton's premium plan is more expensive than many competitors. If you want a lower-cost option or prefer different workout styles, exploring other services makes sense.
If you already own Peloton equipment, the subscription is the only way to use it, so the choice is whether to keep paying or stop using the machine. If you don't own the equipment, you have the flexibility to try Peloton's app or choose a different service.
Common questions about billing and costs
Peloton charges monthly, not annually. Your payment method is charged on the same date each month. If your card declines, Peloton will attempt to charge it again — check your account if you see a failed payment notice, as your subscription may be paused until payment goes through.
If you upgrade from standard to premium mid-month, you'll be charged a prorated amount for the remaining days of your billing cycle, then the full premium price the following month. If you downgrade, the change takes effect on your next billing date.
Peloton does not offer refunds for partial months if you cancel mid-cycle, but you keep access through the end of your paid period. Some credit card companies offer purchase protection or extended warranties that might cover fitness equipment, though not the subscription itself — check your card's benefits if you're concerned about the upfront cost of a bike or treadmill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Peloton on multiple devices with one subscription?
Yes. One subscription covers one account, and you can log into that account on multiple devices — your phone, tablet, and computer. However, you can only stream one class at a time per account. If two people in your household want to take classes simultaneously, they each need their own subscription.
Do I need a Peloton bike to use the subscription?
No. The app works on any smartphone or tablet and includes classes for cycling, running, strength, yoga, and more. You can use your own equipment or just your body weight. You won't get automatic performance tracking without Peloton equipment, but you can still follow the workouts.
What if I don't use my subscription for a month?
You'll still be charged your monthly fee. If you know you won't use it, pausing your subscription stops the charges without losing your account or data. You can pause for up to three months, then reactivate whenever you're ready.
Can I get a refund if I cancel?
Peloton does not refund unused portions of your subscription. You keep access through the end of your paid billing period, but you won't receive money back for days you don't use. If you're considering canceling, wait until near the end of your billing cycle to minimize unused time.
Is there a contract or commitment period?
No. Peloton subscriptions are month-to-month with no long-term contract. You can cancel anytime, and the cancellation takes effect after your current billing period ends. There are no early termination fees.