Peloton vs. Mirror vs. Tonal vs. Tempo: Decide on the Best Smart Home Gym

peloton mirror - girl doing yoga on a mat

If you are looking to work out at home, there has never been a better time to purchase a smart home gym. Technology is changing the way we workout at home. Today, there are many different options for working out at home with a smart and compact home gym system, all of which have pros and cons. In this blog post, we will review and compare four of the most popular smart home gyms: Peloton vs. Tonal vs. Mirror vs. Tempo. All four systems can provide you with an excellent workout – it just depends on your needs!

If you have the floor space, Peloton is the most popular exercise bike on the market today. If you are looking for a more compact home gym, Mirror is a wall-mounted system that is perfect for smaller spaces. Tonal is similar to Mirror because it is also wall-mounted and has a vertical screen, but it has workout arms that take some space. Tempo is a free-standing cabinet that requires a minimal amount of floor space. 

Here is a quick summary of all the key features of each smart home gym. Scroll further below for a detailed review of each one. 

MIRROR

OUR TOP CHOICE
$ 1495
  • Wall Mounted
  • Best For: Body Weight, Strength and Resistance Band Training at an affordable price
  • Instructor Led Live Classes
  • Pre Recorded Classes
  • Monthly Cost: $39 per month
  • Delivery & Installation: $250
  • Current DEALS: Use Code JUNE22 to save $250 on delivery & installation

Tonal

$ 2995 + $495 for accessory kit
  • Wall Mounted but needs space for mounted arms
  • Best For: Strength Training
  • Instructor Led Live Classes
  • Pre Recorded Classes
  • Monthly Cost: $49 per month
  • Delivery & Installation: $250

Peloton

$ 1495 for Bike. Additional $1000 for Bike+ or Tread.
  • Floor Exercise Bike
  • Best For: Cardio
  • Instructor Led Live Classes
  • Pre Recorded Classes
  • Monthly Cost: $55 per month
  • Delivery & Installation: Bike is $350, Bike+ is Free, Tread is $450

Tempo

$ 2495
  • Free Standing (like a jewelry cabinet)
  • Best For: Strength and Body Weight Training
  • Instructor Led Live Classes
  • Pre Recorded Classes
  • Monthly Cost: $39 per month
  • Delivery & Installation: Bike is $350, Bike+ is Free, Tread is $450
  • Current DEALS: Use Code SUMMER300 to save $300 off the starter package

Mirror

Our Top Choice for the Best Smart Home Gym

(based on a combination of price, features, design, and choice of workouts)

Mirror is an innovative company that started the wall-mounted home gym category. The flagship Mirror home gym comes equipped with a large interactive screen and has a variety of featured workout programs, including yoga, boxing, aerobics, and pilates.

How much is a Mirror?

Starting at $1,495, the Mirror is at the lower end of the price range versus Peloton, Tonal, and Tempo. Like the others on the list, the Mirror also comes at an additional cost of $39 per month for access to unlimited workout classes.

Mirrors PROS

  • Space Saving – Mirror is quite thin and mounts flush on your wall. It takes no floor space and is ideal for small spaces. If you are a renter or do not want to mount your Mirror, you can use the thin floor stand to place your Mirror on the floor. 
  • Fitness Classes – Mirror has caught up to Peloton in terms of its fitness ecosystem. The membership comes with 10,000+ classes across 50 different categories, so you are not likely to get bored. The Mirror is an excellent choice if you want to gain access to many different types of classes, like yoga, total body, meditation, boxing, dance, weight training, or pilates workouts.
  • Technology & Design – The Mirror was designed by Apple alumni with a sleek look that can be easily mounted on your wall at home within your smart home gym. It also comes equipped with an HD touchscreen interface that allows you to control the workouts and music easily, without having to stop your workout! 
  • User Experience – The Mirror is designed so well that it seamlessly becomes part of your home. You can see yourself working out from every angle on its large screen which makes you feel as though you are right there at the studio with everyone else!  When not in use, it also functions as, you guessed it, a beautiful mirror!
  • Backed by a Public Company – Mirror is owned by Lululemon, which is the only large public company on this list. You can be sure that Lululemon will be around for a while, which bodes well from long-term reliability, warranty, and parts availability perspective.
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Mirrors CONS

  • Weights Are Not Included – If you are looking for more than bodyweight training, the Mirror certainly has the classes for it. The bad news is that weights are not included.  The good news is that the company offers beautiful Connected Dumbells that pair with your Mirror to measure your progress along with the rest of your Mirror workouts.

Free Delivery & Installation ($250 value) for a limited time! PLUS a 60-day risk-free trial.

Tonal

Tonal is a premium smart home gym that is endorsed by the likes of Lebron James and various other celebrities. It is similar to Mirror and Tempo because it comes equipped with a large interactive screen and has a variety of featured workout programs. Where it differs from the others is that it includes integrated resistance arms that fold out for strength training.

How much is a Tonal?

Starting at $2,995, Tonal is the most expensive smart home gym equipment on our list. Smart Accessories (smart handles, smart bar, rope, bench, roller, and workout mat) required for a full-body workout with the Tonal will cost you an extra $495. Membership, shipping, and installation are all additional extras that will make this smart home workout equipment north of $4,000.

Tonal PROS

  • Fitness Classes – With over 40 included workout classes, Tonal is a great choice if you like to change up your workouts and do not need access to every type of yoga or pilates workout there is.
  • Technology & Design – The Tonal comes with an app that allows you to easily search for all the different types of workouts. You also have the option to download them onto your Tonal for later use.
  • User Experience – The Tonal has a sleek look that allows you to easily mount it on your wall at home within your smart home gym, giving you an entire work out experience without ever having to leave!
  • Smart Attachments – The smart attachments that come with a Tonal can turn your home gym equipment into a resistance training and weight machine.
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Tonal CONS

  • Price – With a price tag of $2,995 for the base equipment itself, the price is definitely the biggest and only con that matters for the Tonal.

Peloton

Peloton makes the fantastic Peloton home exercise bikes and treadmill. Peloton is well known for making technologically advanced, state-of-the-art home exercise equipment. The main selling point of Peloton is the exceptional ecosystem of classes taught by instructors who have amassed a huge following of their own.

How much is a Peloton stationary bike?

Peloton Bike – Starting at $1,495, you get a high-quality exercise bike at home for all your cardio needs within your smart home gym. The All-Access Membership fee to access the thousands of virtual cycling classes and other fitness classes is extra.

Peloton Bike+ – Starting at $2,495, this exercise bike gives you a total body workout with an immersive experience. With additional features such as a 360-degree rotating screen for floor workouts and the ability to auto-adjust the resistance based on the trainer’s cues, the higher price tag is undoubtedly justifiable for some. The All-Access Membership fee to access the thousands of fitness classes is extra. The Bike+ model comes with free delivery and installation, which is a savings of $350 versus the Bike.

How much is a Peloton Tread?

Peloton Tread – Starting at $2,495, this smart treadmill allows you to amp up your running without leaving your smart home gym. The All-Access Membership fee to access the thousands of fitness classes is extra. Delivery and installation for the Tread are an eye-watering $450 more.

Pelotons PROS

  • Fitness Classes – Access to over 4000+ classes.
  • Durable Fitness Equipment – Peloton bikes are known for being one of the most durable in the market today. Their equipment will last years without needing replacement, unlike other home gym systems. They also feature a 12-month warranty on all electronic components of the Peloton bike, plus a 5-year warranty on the frame.
  • Community Connections – There is an excellent sense of community with Pelotons riders who help motivate each other during daily rides they take together online or in the studio.
  • Simple Set-Up – Peloton offers free in-home set-up by their team of Peloton techs who will walk you through step-by-step how to assemble your Peloton fitness equipment correctly! They are also available for phone support throughout the whole process.
  • 30-Day Home Trial – If you are not satisfied, you can return your Peloton for a full refund, including the shipment fee.
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Pelotons CONS

  • Price – Peloton equipment is a bit on the more expensive side when compared to other alternatives. Also, the cost of the fitness equipment does not normally include the All-Access Membership that’s required to access the fitness classes. The delivery and installation cost is at least $100 to $200 more versus other smart home gyms like the Mirror.
  • Cardio Focused – If your fitness goals include body weight and agility-focused exercises, we recommend opting for the Mirror instead. Peloton’s Bike model does not have a swivel screen, so you can only really do spinning classes using the Bike. The Bike+ has a bigger, 360-degree rotating screen, but it is still not ideal for floor exercises. The bigger screen on the Mirror, for example, makes a difference when you are trying to follow along with instructors.

Tempo

The Tempo Studio is a newer entrant to the smart home gym market. It is similar to the Mirror and Tonal but has distinguishing features that set it apart. The biggest difference between Tempo and the others on this list is that the starter package includes 75lbs in weight plates. These can be used for strength training and HIIT workouts. 

How much is the Tempo Studio?

Starting at $2495, it is almost $1000 more than Mirror’s starting price but comfortably cheaper than Tonal. The starter package includes 4 pieces of equipment (mat, dumbbells, collars, and weight plates). $39 a month for the fitness membership is extra, like all other Tonal alternatives on this list. $150 for shipping is also additional. 

If you want heavier weights and more equipment, you have the option to upgrade to the Plus and Pro packages. You can compare the various options here. 

Tempo PROS

  • Real-time feedback and weight recommendations with 3D tracking sensors 
  • The starter package includes 75lbs in weight plates 
  • Live training and classes with fitness coaches (like Peloton and Mirror, unlike Tonal which has recorded classes only)
  • No need to mount on wall

     

Tempo CONS

  • Price – With a price tag of $2,495, it is approaching Tonal`s premium price, but the build quality and experience are much better on the Tonal. The Mirror is sleeker and blends into the surroundings better. 
  • Classes – Tempo has a considerable amount of classes to choose from, but it does not have the same ecosystem or choice of classes as Tonal, Peloton, or Mirror.

Final Word

In conclusion, the Mirror is the best smart home gym as it provides an excellent user experience and seamlessly becomes part of your fitness routine at home by allowing you to see yourself exercising from every angle on its large screen! Its sleek design and affordable price make it our top choice against competitors in the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Peloton have a Mirror? Where can I buy a Peloton Mirror?

No. Peloton does not currently offer a Mirror for their equipment. However, they do have an extensive line of high-quality bikes and smart treadmills that are suitable replacements for your current workout space at home within your smart home gym!

What are Mirror workouts?

Mirror workouts are a unique experience that immerses you in a high-quality workout from the comfort of your smart home gym. You can also add on additional features to create an even more personalized and immersive fitness experience!

What workouts are on the Mirror?

You can choose from a variety of different workout classes, including yoga and pilates. There are also boxing classes available as well!

Mirror users have access to over 30 workouts which you can try for free – no monthly subscription required! You will need a monthly subscription to the All-Access Membership in order to continue using the unlimited number of workouts offered by Mirror.

Can the trainers see you on the Mirror?

Yes, the trainers can see you on the screen and talk to you throughout your workout!

This is one of the reasons why it feels like you are right there in the studio with everyone else but have a personal trainer at the same time! They know exactly what part of your body needs extra motivation, and you can easily follow along with the trainer!

Can you use the Mirror without a monthly subscription?

Yes. You can access all of the free workout classes offered by Mirror without a monthly subscription!

However, you will be limited to only one class per day and cannot switch between different workouts at any time. If you want unlimited access to their many different types of workouts, you will need an All-Access Membership that costs an additional $39/month.

Will Peloton make a Mirror?

Peloton has not announced any plans to make their own version of a Mirror. However, Peloton is always looking for ways to improve the user experience and boost customer satisfaction!

They are currently working on adding more classes so that you can continue making use of your Peloton investment at home within your smart home gym.

Are Mirror workouts effective?

Mirror workouts are effective in helping you exercise and burn calories while also improving your flexibility. If done correctly, it can help you lose weight, which is an excellent benefit for those looking to get into better shape!

In addition, some individuals report that Mirror has helped them find an escape from stressful and hectic lives. This can be a great way to improve mental health as well! The Mirror is definitely one of the most popular pieces of equipment featured in smart home gyms because it provides you with unique workouts that will help you meet your fitness goals quickly and effectively!

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Pri Kingston

Ash & Pri are the Founders of AshandPri.com and have spent the last decade building their way towards financial freedom and a lifetime of memories. Having successfully achieved their early retirement goal in under 10 years, they look forward to sharing their financial sense with like-minded people. Read more about Ash & Pri in the 'About Us' section.