Does Your Peloton Have Speakers? A Complete Audio Guide

Struggling to hear your instructor over the hum of your fan or the sound of your own heavy breathing? You’re not alone. While every Peloton machine comes equipped with speakers, the audio quality can vary dramatically between models, often leaving you wanting more power, clarity, and immersion. If the default sound isn’t getting you pumped for that final push, you’ve come to the right place.

This guide is my deep dive into the world of Peloton audio, based on thousands of hours spent riding and testing different setups. We’ll break down the built-in speakers on every model and give you a step-by-step walkthrough for connecting external speakers or headphones to completely transform your workout experience.

Key Takeaways: Peloton Speaker Facts

  • Yes, all Peloton equipment has speakers. This includes the original Bike, Bike+, Tread, and Row.
  • The Peloton Bike+ and Tread models feature significantly better, front-facing soundbar-style speakers for a more immersive experience.
  • The original Peloton Bike has rear-facing speakers, which can sound muffled depending on your room’s acoustics.
  • You can easily connect almost any Bluetooth speaker or headphones to your Peloton for a major audio upgrade.
  • Connecting an external audio device is done through the Bluetooth Audio menu in your Peloton’s Settings.

A Deep Dive Into Peloton’s Built-in Speakers

The most direct answer to does Peloton have speakers is a definitive yes. However, not all Peloton speakers are created equal. The specific model you own will determine the quality of your out-of-the-box audio experience.

As someone who started with the original Bike and later upgraded to the Bike+, I can tell you the difference is night and day.

Comparing Speakers Across Peloton Models

  • Original Peloton Bike: This model features a pair of 2×10 watt rear-facing speakers. Because they point away from you, the sound often bounces off the wall behind the bike. In my experience, this can make instructor cues sound slightly distant and music feel a bit flat, especially at higher volumes.
  • Peloton Bike+: This was a massive upgrade. The Bike+ boasts a powerful 2.2 channel front-facing stereo speaker system with two tweeters and two woofers, totaling 26 watts of power. The sound is directed right at you, making music crisp and instructor voices crystal clear.
  • Peloton Tread & Tread+: Both treadmill models come with large, integrated soundbars that deliver powerful, room-filling audio. The sound quality is excellent and easily overcomes the noise of the treadmill itself.
  • Peloton Row: The audio setup on the Row is very similar to the Bike+, with front-facing speakers that provide clear, direct sound during your workouts.
  • Peloton Guide: This device connects to your television via HDMI, so it uses your TV’s speakers or your existing home theater sound system.

My First-Hand Experience: Are the Built-in Speakers Good Enough?

For many users, the speakers on the Bike+ or Tread are more than sufficient. In a quiet room, they provide an excellent, immersive experience.

However, on my original Peloton Bike, I found myself constantly cranking the volume to its maximum just to hear clearly over my Vornado fan. The bass was lacking, and the music didn’t have the “punch” I wanted during a tough HIIT & Hills ride. This is the primary reason many riders, including myself, choose to upgrade their audio setup.

Why You Might Want to Upgrade Your Peloton Audio

Even with the improved speakers on newer models, there are several compelling reasons to connect an external audio device.

The Quest for Immersive Sound

Music is the heart of the Peloton experience. A great Bluetooth speaker can provide deeper bass and a richer soundstage that makes you feel like you’re right there in the studio. It can be a powerful motivator.

Overcoming Background Noise

A powerful fan, an air conditioner, or general household noise can easily drown out the built-in speakers. A good pair of noise-canceling headphones or a well-placed external speaker can cut through the distractions and keep you focused.

Respecting Others in Your Home

This is a big one. If you work out early in the morning or late at night, blasting a class through the speakers isn’t an option. Bluetooth headphones are the perfect solution, allowing you to get lost in your ride without waking up your family.

How to Connect External Speakers to Your Peloton (Step-by-Step)

Connecting a Bluetooth device to your Peloton is incredibly simple. The process is the same whether you’re pairing headphones or a portable speaker.

Step 1: Choose Your Audio Device

First, decide what works best for your space and workout style.

  • Bluetooth Speakers: I recommend this for a home gym where you don’t have to worry about disturbing others. The sound fills the room and you don’t have to wear anything on your head. My go-to recommendation is the Sonos Roam for its excellent sound quality and portability. The JBL Flip 6 is another fantastic, durable option.
  • Bluetooth Headphones: These are ideal for shared spaces and for maximum immersion. I personally use my Apple AirPods Pro for their active noise cancellation. For those who sweat a lot or don’t like in-ear buds, I highly recommend Shokz (formerly AfterShokz) bone conduction headphones. They leave your ears open, which is great for staying aware of your surroundings.

Step 2: Put Your Device in Pairing Mode

This is the most important step. Before your Peloton can find your speaker or headphones, you must put the device into Bluetooth pairing mode.

This process varies by device, but it usually involves pressing and holding a dedicated Bluetooth button or the power button until a light starts flashing. Check your device’s user manual if you’re unsure.

Step 3: Access Peloton’s Bluetooth Settings

On your Peloton touchscreen, follow these simple steps:

  1. In the top-right corner of the screen, tap on Settings.
  2. From the menu on the left, select the Bluetooth Audio option.
  3. Make sure the Bluetooth toggle at the top is switched to the ON position (it should be green).

Step 4: Pair Your Speaker or Headphones

  1. With your device in pairing mode, your Peloton will automatically scan for it.
  2. Your speaker or headphones will appear under the Available Devices list.
  3. Tap on your device’s name in the list to initiate the connection.
  4. Once successfully paired, it will move to the Paired Devices list at the top. Your Peloton will now automatically connect to this device in the future whenever it’s turned on and nearby.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

  • Device Not Showing Up? 99% of the time, this is because the device is not in pairing mode. Double-check that it is actively searching for a connection.
  • Audio is Stuttering? Move your speaker closer to the Peloton screen. Interference from other wireless devices can also cause this.
  • Want to Remove a Device? In the Paired Devices list, simply tap on the device you wish to remove and select Forget Device.

Comparing Your Peloton Speaker Options

To make your decision easier, I’ve put together this table summarizing the pros and cons of each audio setup.

Audio Option Best For Pros Cons
Built-in Speakers (Bike+/Tread) Convenience, quiet rooms No setup needed, good clarity Lacks deep bass, can be drowned out
Built-in Speakers (Original Bike) Basic use, quiet rooms No setup needed Rear-facing, can sound muffled
External Bluetooth Speaker Home gyms, immersive sound Excellent bass, room-filling audio Can disturb others, requires charging
Bluetooth Headphones Shared spaces, max focus Total immersion, privacy, noise-canceling Can get sweaty, requires charging

Expert Tips for the Best Peloton Audio Experience

After years of daily use, I’ve picked up a few tricks to get the most out of Peloton