The Peloton app is the center of the entire Peloton ecosystem, and honestly, it’s where most of the value lives. If you don’t plan on using the app, buying the Peloton equipment doesn’t make a lot of sense. I’ve used the Peloton app both with Peloton hardware and completely on its own, and the experience doesn’t change as much as people expect.
The app itself is built around coaching. If you like structure, guidance, and being told when to push or back off, the Peloton app works well. If you prefer total freedom or silence during workouts, it can feel like too much. That distinction matters more than most feature lists.
Let’s get into an honest Peloton app review.
Is the Peloton App Worth It Without the Bike (or the treadmill)?
Yes, the Peloton app is absolutely usable without the bike. You still get access to the full library of Peloton app workouts, including strength training, walking, running, yoga, mobility, bootcamp, and stretching.
What you don’t get without Peloton hardware are the integrated metrics like cadence, resistance, and leaderboard placement. For some people, that data is motivating. For others, it doesn’t matter at all. If your goal is consistency rather than performance tracking, the Peloton app on its own holds up surprisingly well. Or if you are just looking for a lot of strength, mobility, and stretching workouts, the Peloton app is awesome.
What Workouts Are Included in the Peloton App?
The Peloton app includes a wide range of workouts, from short ten-minute sessions to longer classes that push past an hour. You’ll find strength training, Pilates, yoga, walking, outdoor runs, tread workouts, mobility, and recovery sessions.
The filtering options make it easy to narrow things down by class length, instructor, or workout type. I’ve ended up in plenty of classes I never would have chosen on my own and enjoyed them more than expected. That part of the app works well and keeps things from getting stale. Of any workout app I’ve used the Peloton app probably has the most classes.
Using the Peloton App Without Peloton Equipment
You don’t need Peloton equipment to use the app effectively. I’ve used it on a standard treadmill, in hotel gyms, and at home with nothing more than a mat. The workouts themselves don’t change based on what equipment you own.
What you lose without the bike or tread is the automatic syncing of metrics like resistance, cadence, and leaderboard placement. For some people, that data is motivating. For others, it’s easy to ignore. The core training experience stays the same. Depending on my mood, I do like leaderboards but to be honest I don’t run any faster because of it.
What Makes the Peloton App Different
The instructors are what set the Peloton app apart. Some are technical and focused. Others are more personality-driven. A few talk constantly, while others are quiet. That range makes a difference, because not every style works for every person.
Once you find instructors you connect with, the app becomes much easier to stick with. Until then, it can feel like trial and error.
Peloton app Live Classes vs On-Demand Classes
Live classes can be fun, especially if you like the shared energy of knowing others are taking the same class at the same time. They can also push you a little harder than you might push yourself alone. Honestly I like to time my scheduled running workouts with the live classes because it’s more fun. I was shook when I logged into a live class and over 1000 people were in it.
That said, on-demand classes are far more practical for most people. You can pause, stack workouts, or fit them around your schedule. For everyday use, the on-demand library is where the Peloton app really shines.
One downside is that outdoor content still feels limited compared to indoor options. It works, but it doesn’t feel like a focus area for Peloton right now. I really miss the IFit outdoor workouts and I hope the Peloton app adds more scenic runs.
What the Peloton App Doesn’t Do Well
The Peloton app isn’t perfect. Some features are locked behind higher membership tiers. You can’t fast-forward classes on Peloton equipment. And if you dislike being coached, the entire experience can feel frustrating rather than motivating.
It also isn’t built for people who want complete autonomy in their training. The app assumes you want structure, guidance, and a plan.
The Peloton app classes are definitely the bread and butter of the app with the rest of the options like watching TV feeling like an afterthought. I have the Tread+ and you can’t pause your run while watching TV. What kind of nonsense is that?
You can’t schedule your own workout. I would love an option where I can manually put in a workout and the treadmill adjusts as I requested.
Lack of outdoor run options. Almost every Peloton app class is done in the studio and that doesn’t do it for me. I would love the option for classes to be filmed outside, at races, etc.
Final Thoughts on the Peloton App
If you want structure, coaching, and a clear plan every time you work out, the Peloton app does that very well. It removes a lot of decision-making and lowers the barrier to getting started.
If you prefer complete control or a more self-directed approach, it may feel restrictive. But for people who want consistency, variety, and a polished experience, the Peloton app remains one of the stronger fitness app options available. It really just depends what you like. I am enjoying the classes but there are definitely features I like and miss.
You can download the Peloton app here and see more gear reviews here.
Looking for a Peloton Tread+ review? I have that here.
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Questions for you:
Have you tried the Peloton app?
What is your favorite workout app?