Quick Answer: Yes, you can absolutely use your Peloton Bike without paying the monthly subscription. You'll lose access to live and on-demand classes, but you can still ride using "Just Ride" mode, third-party apps, or a combination of both. Here's everything you need to know about getting the most from your Peloton hardware without the $44/month fee.
Table of Contents
- What Happens When You Cancel Peloton?
- Option 1: Peloton's Built-In Features (Free)
- Option 2: Third-Party Apps via Sideloading
- Option 3: Full Unlock with FitSwitch
- Cost Comparison: Keep vs. Cancel
- FAQ
What Happens When You Cancel Peloton?
First, let's clear up what you actually lose (and keep) when you cancel your Peloton All-Access Membership:
What You Lose
- Live classes
- On-demand class library (thousands of classes)
- Leaderboard access
- Detailed performance tracking and history
- Programs and challenges
- Heart rate zone training
- Scenic rides with instructor voiceovers
What You Keep
- Just Ride mode — Free ride with basic metrics displayed
- The hardware — Your bike doesn't become a paperweight
- Basic metrics on screen — Cadence, resistance, speed, distance
- Bluetooth connectivity — For heart rate monitors
- The beautiful screen — A 22" or 24" touchscreen that can do much more
The Peloton hardware is genuinely excellent—a solid frame, smooth flywheel, accurate sensors, and a premium display. Canceling the subscription doesn't diminish any of that. It just limits what software runs on it.
Option 1: Peloton's Built-In Features (Free)
Even without a subscription, Peloton gives you a few built-in options.
Just Ride Mode
After canceling, you can access "Just Ride"—an open riding mode with no instructor, no class structure, just you and your metrics:
- Time elapsed
- Distance
- Cadence (RPM)
- Resistance level
- Speed
- Estimated calories
It's functional, but let's be honest: it's boring. There's no music, no motivation, no structure. You're staring at numbers on a black screen. Most people who try this end up with an expensive coat rack within a month.
Scenic Rides (Limited)
Peloton offers a handful of "scenic rides" without subscription—videos of cycling through pretty locations. But these: - Have no instructor guidance - Don't adjust to your effort - Get repetitive quickly - Represent a tiny fraction of what the screen could do
The Verdict on Free Peloton Features
If you're extremely self-motivated and just want a basic spin bike with a screen, Just Ride works. But you're leaving $2,000+ of hardware potential on the table.
Option 2: Third-Party Apps via Sideloading
Your Peloton runs Android, which means you can install other apps on it using a process called sideloading. This opens up a world of possibilities:
Apps You Can Sideload
- Zwift — Virtual cycling worlds and structured training
- Netflix, Disney+, Hulu — Entertainment while you ride
- TrainerRoad — Structured training plans
- Peloton Digital — Use the $13/month app-only plan
- Apple Fitness+ — Use the screen while following Apple workouts
- MyWhoosh — Free Zwift alternative
- SmartTube — YouTube access (official YouTube app requires Google services which Peloton lacks)
Important Note: Some apps require Google Mobile Services (GMS) to function. Peloton doesn't have GMS installed, so apps like the official YouTube app won't work. Alternatives like SmartTube (for YouTube) or web browsers are needed for those services.
How Manual Sideloading Works
- Enable Developer Mode on your Peloton (tap Build Number 7 times)
- Enable USB Debugging
- Install ADB (Android Debug Bridge) on a computer
- Connect via USB-C cable
- Run
adb install app.apkfor each app - Use a sideloaded launcher to access your apps
Alternative: OpenPelo Project
The community-driven OpenPelo project on GitHub provides tools to help install apps on your Peloton. It can simplify some of the sideloading process, though it still requires technical knowledge and a computer.
Limitations of Manual Sideloading
- Requires a computer every time you want to add or update an app
- Technically challenging — ADB commands, APK sourcing, troubleshooting
- Time-consuming — 30-45 minutes per app
- Update vulnerable — Peloton software updates may undo your work
- No sensor integration — Apps can't access your power/cadence data
- No resistance control — Even Zwift can't use ERG mode
- No metrics overlay — Can't see Peloton stats in other apps
- GMS limitations — Some apps won't work without Google services
You end up with apps on the screen, but they're isolated from the bike's sensors. It's like having a tablet strapped to a spin bike.
Option 3: Full Unlock with FitSwitch
FitSwitch is a USB device that plugs into your Peloton and transforms it into an open platform. Everything the manual method struggles with, FitSwitch handles automatically.
What FitSwitch Enables
One-Tap App Installation Browse a curated app store right on your Peloton screen. Tap to install Netflix, Zwift, SmartTube (for YouTube), TrainerRoad, or dozens of other apps. No computer, no commands, no APK hunting. First-time setup requires following the FitSwitch installation instructions.
Sensor Integration FitSwitch bridges your Peloton's sensors to any app: - Power — Your wattage broadcasts via ANT+ and Bluetooth - Cadence — RPM data available to all connected apps - Heart rate — Rebroadcasts from your chest strap or arm band - Resistance (Bike+ only) — Full smart trainer control
Metrics Overlay See your cadence, power, heart rate, and resistance overlaid on top of any app. Watch Netflix while still seeing your workout stats. Use Zwift but add Peloton's familiar metrics display.
Smartwatch Connectivity FitSwitch broadcasts your Peloton data to smartwatches including: - Apple Watch — Track your ride with your favorite fitness apps - Garmin Fenix and other Garmin watches — Full workout sync and tracking - Wahoo and other ANT+ devices — Connect to your existing fitness ecosystem
Constant Power Mode (ERG) in Peloton App On the Bike+, FitSwitch enables constant power mode (ERG) even while using the native Peloton app. Set a target wattage during scenic rides or recovery sessions and the bike automatically adjusts resistance to maintain it—perfect for steady-state training.
ERG Mode for Third-Party Apps (Bike+ Only) The Bike+ has a motorized resistance knob that FitSwitch can control. This enables: - ERG mode in Zwift — Automatic resistance for target power - ERG mode in TrainerRoad — Perfect interval execution - Simulation mode — Feel the hills in Zwift's virtual worlds
Survives Updates Peloton pushes software updates regularly. With manual sideloading, these can wipe your apps. FitSwitch persists through updates—your setup stays intact.
How to Use FitSwitch
- Plug FitSwitch into your Peloton's USB-C port
- Follow the installation instructions for first-time setup
- Browse the app store and install what you want
- Start riding with any app, any workout, any entertainment
Setup takes about 5 minutes after following the initial instructions. No technical skills required.
What You Can Do Without Peloton Subscription + FitSwitch
Let's look at concrete alternatives to the Peloton All-Access membership:
For Structured Training: Zwift or TrainerRoad
Zwift ($14.99/month) - Massive virtual worlds to explore - Group rides and races - Structured workout library - ERG mode support via FitSwitch (Bike+) - Social features and events
TrainerRoad ($19.95/month) - Science-based training plans - Adaptive training technology - Extensive workout library - Full ERG mode support via FitSwitch (Bike+) - No frills, just effective training
MyWhoosh (Free) - Zwift-like virtual cycling - Basic but functional - Completely free - Good entry point to virtual cycling
For Entertainment: Streaming Apps
Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Prime Video - Watch shows while you ride - FitSwitch metrics overlay keeps you honest - Turn boring cardio into binge sessions - Costs what you're already paying for these services
YouTube via SmartTube - Free workout content - Music playlists - Cycling POV videos - Instructor-led classes from independent creators - Note: Official YouTube app doesn't work (requires Google services), but SmartTube works great
For Apple Users: Apple Fitness+
Apple Fitness+ ($9.99/month) - Great cycling classes - Instructor-led with Apple Watch integration - Use the Peloton screen to follow along - FitSwitch overlay shows your Peloton metrics
For Guided Workouts: Peloton Digital
Peloton Digital ($12.99/month) - All Peloton classes via the app - No bike metrics integration (just video) - Combined with FitSwitch overlay, you get metrics back - Costs $31/month less than All-Access
Cost Comparison: Keep vs. Cancel
Let's do the math over a typical 3-year ownership period:
Option A: Keep Peloton All-Access
- Monthly cost: $44/month
- 3-year cost: $1,584
Option B: Cancel + Just Ride (Free)
- Monthly cost: $0
- 3-year cost: $0
- Reality: Most people stop using the bike within months
Option C: Cancel + FitSwitch + Zwift
- FitSwitch: ~$199 (one-time)
- Zwift: $14.99/month
- 3-year cost: $739
- Savings vs. All-Access: $845
Option D: Cancel + FitSwitch + Free Apps
- FitSwitch: ~$199 (one-time)
- MyWhoosh (free Zwift alternative): $0
- SmartTube for YouTube workouts: $0
- 3-year cost: $199
- Savings vs. All-Access: $1,385
Option E: Cancel + FitSwitch + Entertainment
- FitSwitch: ~$199 (one-time)
- Netflix (you probably already pay): $0 additional
- SmartTube for YouTube: $0
- 3-year cost: $199
- Savings vs. All-Access: $1,385
- Bonus: Actually enjoy your cardio
The Real Question: What Do You Want From Your Peloton?
Keep All-Access If You:
- Love live classes and the leaderboard competition
- Are motivated by Peloton's specific instructors
- Use multiple equipment types (Tread, strength, yoga)
- Want everything in one integrated ecosystem
- Don't mind the $44/month cost
Cancel and Use FitSwitch If You:
- Want structured training (Zwift, TrainerRoad)
- Prefer entertainment while riding (Netflix, YouTube)
- Want to save money without losing functionality
- Are interested in virtual cycling communities
- Want ERG mode and smart trainer features (Bike+)
- Want to track workouts on your Apple Watch or Garmin
- Like having options and flexibility
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reactivate my Peloton subscription later?
Yes. Canceling is not permanent. You can resubscribe to All-Access at any time and immediately regain access to all classes and features. Your historical ride data may still be available in your account.
Will Peloton try to stop me from using third-party apps?
Peloton doesn't actively prevent sideloading, but they don't support it either. Their software updates occasionally cause issues for manual sideloading setups. FitSwitch is designed to handle these updates gracefully.
Why can't I install the YouTube app?
Peloton doesn't have Google Mobile Services (GMS) installed, which the official YouTube app requires. Use SmartTube instead—it's an open-source YouTube client that works without Google services and is available through FitSwitch.
Do I still need internet to use my Peloton without subscription?
For Just Ride mode, technically no—but the bike is designed to be connected. For third-party apps like Zwift, Netflix, or anything streaming, yes, you'll need WiFi.
Can I use my Peloton for non-cycling workouts?
The bike itself is just for cycling. But with the screen unlocked, you can: - Follow yoga classes on SmartTube (YouTube) - Do strength workouts from any app - Use the screen as a display for any Android-compatible content
What if I have the original Peloton Bike (not Bike+)?
FitSwitch works with both models. The difference: - Bike+: Full ERG mode with automatic resistance control, plus constant power mode in Peloton app - Original Bike: Sensor broadcast (power, cadence to apps) but manual resistance
Both get app installation, metrics overlay, smartwatch connectivity, and sensor broadcasting.
Can I track my workouts on my Apple Watch or Garmin?
Yes. FitSwitch broadcasts your cadence, power, and heart rate data via ANT+ and Bluetooth. Your Apple Watch, Garmin Fenix, or other fitness watch can track your ride just like any other cycling workout.
Is the Peloton Bike+ worth the upgrade for subscription-free use?
If you want ERG mode and automatic resistance control in Zwift/TrainerRoad, yes. The motorized resistance system is a significant upgrade for structured training. If you're mainly watching entertainment while riding, the original Bike is fine.
Will I lose my workout history if I cancel?
Your data stays in your Peloton account, but you won't be able to access it in the Peloton app without a subscription. Consider exporting your data before canceling if history matters to you.
Can I mix and match—sometimes use Peloton, sometimes use Zwift?
Absolutely. With FitSwitch, you can jump between apps freely. Take a Peloton class when you're in the mood, ride Zwift when you want virtual cycling, watch Netflix when you just want to move. It's your bike.
What is the OpenPelo project?
OpenPelo is a community-driven GitHub project that provides tools for installing apps on Peloton. It's an alternative to the manual ADB method but still requires technical knowledge and a computer.
Stop Paying $44/Month for Permission to Use Your Own Bike
You bought the Peloton hardware. It's a quality piece of equipment with a great screen, accurate sensors, and (on Bike+) a motorized resistance system. None of that goes away when you cancel the subscription.
What the subscription gives you is access to Peloton's software ecosystem. But that's not the only option. With FitSwitch, you unlock the full potential of your hardware:
- Any app on that beautiful screen
- Your data broadcast to any fitness platform
- Smartwatch tracking on Apple Watch and Garmin
- Constant power mode in Peloton app (Bike+)
- ERG mode for real smart trainer training (Bike+)
- Your metrics visible in any app
- Your choice of what, when, and how you ride
Get FitSwitch — Own your Peloton experience.
Last updated: January 2025