Embarking on a health and fitness journey? Sick of having to wait around for equipment at the gym? You should consider a smart home gym machine. There's no shortage of workout machines on the market, so we've rounded up the best stationary bikes, rowers, smart mirrors, and strength training equipment we have tested to help you pick the right one. At PCMag, we have been reviewing home gym machines since the original Peloton Bike kick-started an interactive fitness revolution, and we've covered other fitness technologies, such as fitness trackers, heart rate monitors, and workout apps, for more than a decade. Workout machines have come a long way in recent years, so read on for details of the models we recommend, plus insights and tips to help you narrow your options.
Overview
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![Peloton Cross Training Bike+]()
Best Smart Exercise Bike OverallPeloton Cross Training Bike+
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![SoulCycle At-Home Bike]()
Best Affordable Smart Exercise BikeSoulCycle At-Home Bike
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![Peloton Cross Training Row+]()
Best Smart Rowing MachinePeloton Cross Training Row+
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![NordicTrack RW900 Rowing Machine]()
Best Affordable Smart Rowing MachineNordicTrack RW900 Rowing Machine
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![Peloton Cross Training Tread]()
Best Smart TreadmillPeloton Cross Training Tread
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![Tonal 2]()
Best Digital Weight MachineTonal 2
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![FightCamp]()
Best for BoxingFightCamp
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![Echelon Reflect]()
Best Fitness MirrorEchelon Reflect
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![Tempo Move]()
Best for Strength TrainingTempo Move
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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Credit: Angela Moscaritolo
![Peloton Cross Training Bike+]()
Best Smart Exercise Bike OverallPeloton Cross Training Bike+
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Peloton has amassed millions of customers and inspired a bevy of clones for good reason. More than just a workout, Peloton gives you an experience, complete with inspirational instructors, curated playlists, and fun social features that banish boredom and foster a sense of community. Peloton's classes will leave you dripping in sweat and, occasionally, happy tears.
The Cross Training Bike+ builds on its predecessor with an AI-powered camera that tracks your movements, counts your reps, and analyzes your form to provide real-time corrections during strength training workouts, making it just as useful for building muscle as it is for cardio. Voice control lets you switch camera angles and adjust volume during mat workouts, while built-in Sonos speakers deliver an immersive audio experience. Added perks like a phone holder, a fan, and a redesigned seat boost overall comfort.
Who It's For
Cardio and strength training enthusiasts: While it comes with a steep price tag, Cross Training Bike+'s sheer versatility easily earns it our Editors' Choice award for smart stationary bikes. Peloton's All-Access class membership ($49.99 per month) offers a wide range of class styles, from cycling to strength training to yoga, with options for all levels, and a diverse instructor roster. The rotating screen, movement-tracking camera, and voice-control support make it an excellent strength-training companion.
Athletes who enjoy friendly competition: Peloton's stationary bikes are ideal if you're motivated by metrics and want to cycle your way to the top of a leaderboard. Peloton ranks its real-time leaderboard by total output, based on your cadence and resistance. With millions of members, Peloton's leaderboards are among the most competitive. On the other hand, if you'd rather not see the leaderboard, you can easily swipe it away.
Music lovers: Music has always been an integral part of the Peloton experience, and the Cross Training Bike+ improves sound quality with Sonos-tuned speakers and a rear-facing woofer for added bass. It even integrates with Apple Music and Spotify; just tap the heart icon next to a song title to save the track to your streaming service of choice.
Apple and Android smartwatch users: The Cross Training Bike+ supports Bluetooth 5.2 for connecting to heart rate monitors and integrates with the Apple Watch and Wear OS, so you can see your real-time pulse on the display as you work out.
Specs & Configurations
Automatic Resistance Adjustment Bluetooth Headphone Support Footprint 48 by 24 inches Heart Rate Monitor Support Monthly Membership Fee 49.99 Requires Clip-In Shoes Rotating Touch Screen Screen Size 23.8 Streaming Media Compatibility AMC+, DirecTV, Disney+, NBA League Pass, Netflix, YouTube, YouTube TV Learn More Peloton Cross Training Bike+ Review -
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![SoulCycle At-Home Bike]()
Best Affordable Smart Exercise BikeSoulCycle At-Home Bike
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Whereas Peloton motivates you through metrics and competition, SoulCycle offers a more meditative, dance-focused experience. The SoulCycle At-Home Bike challenges you to practice choreography moves like handlebar push-ups (bending your elbows to the sides) and tap-backs (shifting your hips back while standing)—all while spinning the pedals to the beat of the music. With its well-planned workouts, excellent instructors, top-notch playlists, and uncluttered interface, SoulCycle truly makes you feel like you're in the front row of a studio class.
In addition to cycling, its companion Equinox+ membership ($39.99 per month) gives you access to boxing, HIIT, meditation, running, sculpting, strength, stretching/recovery, walking, and yoga classes. The Equinox+ membership also unlocks Amazon Prime, Disney+, or Netflix on the bike's display (though you'll need a separate membership for those services to watch).
Who It's For
Noncompetitive cyclists: The SoulCycle At-Home Bike is best for indoor cyclists who would rather zone out to music and master dance moves than win a race. It lacks leaderboards, so the SoulCycle At-Home Bike is best for those who only wish to compete against themselves.
Dance lovers: If you enjoy mastering dance moves and choreography, the SoulCycle At-Home Bike is the best indoor cycle for you. When you finish a SoulCycle workout, it gives you a Beat Match score, based on how much of the time your cadence matched the rhythm of the music.
Yoga practitioners: Know the difference between downward dog, warrior 2, and tree pose? Then you'll probably love SoulCycle's workouts, which deliver a similarly spiritual vibe to yoga. The classes aren't religious, but you might feel like you're at church. The instructors often wax poetic about topics like bravery and resilience. If you prefer not to listen to a motivational speech as you work out, pedal in the opposite direction.
Specs & Configurations
Bluetooth Headphone Support Footprint 62.2 by 22.2 inches Heart Rate Monitor Support Monthly Membership Fee $40 Requires Clip-In Shoes Screen Size 21.5 Streaming Media Compatibility Disney+, Netflix Learn More SoulCycle At-Home Bike Review -
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![Peloton Cross Training Row+]()
Best Smart Rowing MachinePeloton Cross Training Row+
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Like the Cross Training Bike+, Peloton's latest rowing machine, the Cross Training Row+ features an AI-powered camera for an enhanced strength training experience. That, combined with the excellent rowing Form Assist feature from the last generation, makes it one of the most advanced home gym machines I've tested, and a smart choice for all fitness levels. The Hydrow Arc ($2,295, plus membership fees) offers a more scenic, rowing-focused experience for less money, but it doesn't match the versatility of the Peloton Row+.
Who It's For
Rowing newbies and enthusiasts: Whether you're just starting out on a rowing journey or you already have countless meters under your belt, the Row+ is a top rowing machine pick. The rowing Form Assist feature helps you ace and sustain proper technique, and a wide pace target range accommodates even the most competitive crew members.
Exercise generalists: If you want to mix up your fitness routine and focus on both rowing and strength training, go with the Peloton Row+. With more than 20,000 classes in Peloton's on-demand library, you'll have no shortage of options. Besides rowing and strength, Peloton offers classes across the following categories: bootcamp (combines rowing and strength), cardio (with options like dance, family fun, HIIT, Just Tabata, kettlebell conditioning, low impact, shadowboxing, and more), floor pilates, meditation, stretching, and yoga (flow, pre/postnatal, power flow, sculpt, restorative, slow flow, yin, and more).
Data lovers: Peloton's class interface is packed with real-time metrics and other information to look at while you work out. That includes your total distance and number of strokes, your real-time pace (how long it would take you to row 500 meters), output (a measure of your power and force), stroke rate (average strokes per min), calories burned, and total output. After each rowing workout, Peloton offers a highly detailed performance breakdown showing the percentage of pace targets you hit, your total number of strokes, distance, average stroke rate, and form insights for each phase of the rowing stroke in that session, so you can see exactly what you need to do to improve.
Peloton devotees: The Row+ makes a great complement, or alternative to, Peloton's other machines. One All-Access membership covers one Peloton rower, bike, and treadmill.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions 94 by 24 by 48 inches Display Size 23.8 inches Maximum Rider Weight 300 Monthly Fees $49.99 Resistance Magnetic Learn More Peloton Cross Training Row+ Review -
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![NordicTrack RW900 Rowing Machine]()
Best Affordable Smart Rowing MachineNordicTrack RW900 Rowing Machine
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The NordicTrack RW900 stands out for its vast library of iFit global workouts, filmed in picturesque locations in more than 40 countries on all seven continents. This monorail-style rower features a 24-inch HD touch screen that tilts and rotates, and a silent magnetic resistance system. Its SmartAdjust feature uses machine learning technology to automatically adjust the resistance during your workout based on your performance and preferences.
We reviewed an older version of this rowing machine, but the current model has all the same smart features with a slightly different design, and we expect similar performance.
Who It's For
All fitness levels: The NordicTrack RW900's iFit membership ($39 per month) offers classes for all levels, and a vast library of off-rower workouts, including strength, yoga, HIIT, and more to round out your training. Classes are led by world-class trainers, including Olympic athletes, who can teach you how to row or help you improve your technique.
Those seeking a low-impact workout: When performed correctly, rowing is a great way to increase your cardiovascular fitness, build endurance, and tone your body while putting minimal stress on your joints.
Nature lovers: If you want a workout with a view, it's hard to beat the NordicTrack RW900 and its iFit membership, which offers the widest selection of global workouts to virtually transport you all around the world as you exercise. You can virtually row the Kafue River in Zambia, Lake Bled in Slovenia, Lake Geneva in Switzerland, and the River Thames in England, among other picturesque waterways, without even getting on a plane.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions 82 by 22 by 54 inches Display Size 22 inches Maximum Rider Weight 250 Monthly Fees $39 Resistance Magnetic Learn More NordicTrack RW900 Rowing Machine Review -
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![Peloton Cross Training Tread]()
Best Smart TreadmillPeloton Cross Training Tread
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Peloton Cross Training Tread builds on its outstanding predecessor with a swiveling display that makes it easier to follow along with floor-based workouts. This all-in-one smart fitness machine offers slickly produced live classes for a huge range of disciplines and an ever-expanding library of on-demand workout content. Peloton IQ Insights and smart training plans make it easy to create a fitness regime that combines cardio, flexibility, and resistance training, and the brand's fabulous classes make it hard to get bored, so you’re more likely to keep showing up, session after session. It offers all the perks Peloton users know and love, including live leaderboards, comprehensive metrics, heart rate monitor support, and integration with streaming music services.
If you want a movement-tracking camera for strength workouts, or a slatted running belt for reduced joint strain, you’ll need to spring for the $6,695 Cross Training Tread+, but the standard Tread's more reasonable size and price make it the better option for most people.
Who It's For
Hikers, runners, and walkers: With a top speed of 12.5mph, a max incline of 12%, and a generous 20-by-59-inch (WL) running belt, the Peloton Cross Training Tread is the best smart home gym machine for getting in your steps.
Cross-training enthusiasts: As its name suggests, Peloton's Cross Training series is all about variety. The Cross Training Tread doesn't include a movement-tracking camera for strength sessions like the Plus models in the series, but it does have a swiveling display for floor-based workouts and a vast class library with everything from barre to pilates to kettlebells to yoga.
Learn More Peloton Cross Training Tread Review -
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Credit: Ali Jaber
![Tonal 2]()
Best Digital Weight MachineTonal 2
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Tonal 2 is like having a weight room’s worth of equipment—and a virtual personal trainer—all in one sleek wall-mounted machine. It uses a combination of electricity and magnets to digitize weights, offering up to 250 pounds of resistance (50 pounds more than the original machine) and supporting hundreds of moves to work your upper, lower, and core.
This second-gen model earned our Technical Excellence award for its Smart View AI-powered fitness coaching, which utilizes an integrated camera, sensor data from the cables, and machine learning technology to monitor your form and provide corrections when you make a mistake. Like the original model, the Tonal 2 sets the weights for you, tracks your reps and progress in real-time, and adapts as you get stronger, so you always get a challenge.
In addition to strength training, it offers a variety of fun and effective workouts, including Aero (aerobics with resistance), HIIT, and yoga, all set to good music and led by encouraging, knowledgeable trainers. Just keep in mind that a professional must install the system and that you need a sturdy wall with 16-, 19-, or 24-inch wood or metal studs.
Who It's For
Weight lifters of all levels: The Tonal 2 is an excellent smart strength training machine for beginners, intermediates, and advanced lifters alike. Its fantastic trainer-led classes, helpful AI coaching, and virtual spotting make it safe for newbies, and its 250-pound resistance limit should be sufficient for even heavy lifters.
Exercisers who like variety: Tonal's membership ($59.95 per month with a minimum 12-month commitment) offers classes across a range of modalities beyond just strength training. That includes Aero (a Tonal 2-exclusive that combines rhythmic cardio with resistance training), foam rolling, HIIT, reformer-style pilates, and yoga classes.
Couples: Any Tonal workout can be a partner workout, making it a top option for couples and housemates who want to get in shape together.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions 50.9 by 21.5 by 5.25 inches Display Size 24 inches Form Feeback Monthly Membership Fee $59.95 Recommended Floor Space 7 by 7 feet Supported Accessories Smart Handles, Smart Bar, Rope, T-Lock Rope, Bench, Heart Rate, Monitors Supported Weight (Base Model) 250 pounds Wall Mountable Learn More Tonal 2 Review -
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![FightCamp]()
Best for BoxingFightCamp
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Boxing is an excellent form of cardio that can also do wonders to help reduce stress. The FightCamp transforms any area of your home into a full-on boxing gym. What makes FightCamp different from traditional boxing sessions is its punch-tracking technology. Tucked into the wraps are sensors that track your punches in real time, nudging you to reach a specific punch goal before each round ends while simultaneously providing you with a challenging full-body workout.
While a bit pricey, FightCamp is ultimately cheaper in the long run than the money you'll likely spend on classes in a boxing gym. And with all the equipment set up at home, you also have the convenience of easily streaming on-demand classes whenever is convenient for you.
Who It's For
Boxing fans of all levels: The FightCamp is great for anyone who wants to take up boxing as their main form of exercise. Its membership ($39 per month) gives you access to more than 1,000 on-demand instructional classes suitable for all levels that you can stream on your phone or TV.
Learn More FightCamp Review -
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![Echelon Reflect]()
Best Fitness MirrorEchelon Reflect
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Echelon Reflect appears to be an ordinary full-length mirror when not in use, but it cleverly conceals an integrated 32-inch, 1080p touch screen on which you can stream workout classes with a $39.99 monthly membership. Echelon's membership offers access to thousands of live and on-demand exercise classes across a range of modalities for body conditioning, strength training, and recovery. The mirror makes it easy to keep an eye on your form while you follow along with the trainer on the screen.
Who It's For
Apartment dwellers: Thanks to its discreet design, the Echelon Reflect is a compelling choice for those who are short on space. It's especially appealing for apartment dwellers in cities where space is tight and gym memberships are expensive. You can either mount it to the wall or place it on a floor stand (sold separately).
Floor-based workout fans: The main modalities available on the Reflect are HIIT, kickboxing, strength, pilates, and yoga. For most classes, you'll only need a workout mat, but many strength workouts use dumbbells.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions 50 by 20 by 2 inches Display Size 32 inches Monthly Membership Fee $34.99 Recommended Floor Space 6 by 2 feet Supported Accessories Dumbbells, Heart Rate Monitors Supported Weight (Base Model) N/A Wall Mountable Learn More Echelon Reflect Review -
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![Tempo Move]()
Best for Strength TrainingTempo Move
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The compact Tempo Move relies on your iPhone and TV to provide a relatively inexpensive smart strength-training experience. It provides weight suggestions and rep targets for each move, tracks your performance, and gives real-time form feedback. Tempo also adds an element of competition with in-class leaderboards that rank participants by rep count and volume lifted. Its trainer-led classes leave you feeling the burn and eager to work out day after day, making it a worthwhile alternative to much pricier machines.
Who It's For
Budget-minded shoppers: The Tempo Move is an excellent choice if you're just getting started with strength training, don't have much space, or need to stick to a budget. The Tempo Move starter kit comes with dumbbells and 35 pounds of weight plates, but the cabinet has room for four additional 10-pound weight plates (available with the Plus kit) that work with the system.
iPhone users: Note that the Move requires a TV and an iPhone XR or later. (Android users are out of luck.)
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions 24 by 18 by 18 inches Display Size N/A Form Feeback Monthly Membership Fee $39 Recommended Floor Space 6 by 6 feet Supported Accessories Dumbbells, 10-Pound Weight Plates, Heart Rate Monitors Supported Weight (Base Model) 50 pounds Learn More Tempo Move Review -
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Best For | Best Smart Exercise Bike Overall | Best Affordable Smart Exercise Bike | Best Smart Rowing Machine | Best Affordable Smart Rowing Machine | Best Smart Treadmill | Best Digital Weight Machine | Best for Boxing | Best Fitness Mirror | Best for Strength Training | Best Smart Exercise Bike Overall | Best Affordable Smart Exercise Bike | Best Smart Rowing Machine |
Wall Mountable | ||||||||||||
Supported Weight (Base Model) | 250 pounds | N/A | 50 pounds | |||||||||
Supported Accessories | Smart Handles, Smart Bar, Rope, T-Lock Rope, Bench, Heart Rate, Monitors | Dumbbells, Heart Rate Monitors | Dumbbells, 10-Pound Weight Plates, Heart Rate Monitors | |||||||||
Streaming Media Compatibility | AMC+, DirecTV, Disney+, NBA League Pass, Netflix, YouTube, YouTube TV | Disney+, Netflix | AMC+, DirecTV, Disney+, NBA League Pass, Netflix, YouTube, YouTube TV | Disney+, Netflix | ||||||||
Screen Size | 23.8 | 21.5 | 23.8 | 21.5 | ||||||||
Rotating Touch Screen | ||||||||||||
Resistance | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic | |||||||||
Requires Clip-In Shoes | ||||||||||||
Recommended Floor Space | 7 by 7 feet | 6 by 2 feet | 6 by 6 feet | |||||||||
Monthly Membership Fee | 49.99 | $40 | $59.95 | $34.99 | $39 | 49.99 | $40 | |||||
Monthly Fees | $49.99 | $39 | $49.99 | |||||||||
Maximum Rider Weight | 300 | 250 | 300 | |||||||||
Heart Rate Monitor Support | ||||||||||||
Form Feeback | ||||||||||||
Footprint | 48 by 24 inches | 62.2 by 22.2 inches | 48 by 24 inches | 62.2 by 22.2 inches | ||||||||
Display Size | 23.8 inches | 22 inches | 24 inches | 32 inches | N/A | 23.8 inches | ||||||
Dimensions | 94 by 24 by 48 inches | 82 by 22 by 54 inches | 50.9 by 21.5 by 5.25 inches | 50 by 20 by 2 inches | 24 by 18 by 18 inches | 94 by 24 by 48 inches | ||||||
Bluetooth Headphone Support | ||||||||||||
Automatic Resistance Adjustment |
Buying Guide: The Best Home Gym Equipment for 2026
What Makes a Fitness Machine Smart?
At the most basic level, smart home gym equipment connects to the internet. Most machines have a screen for streaming workouts, but some work with a companion app that lets you view classes on your phone or TV. With all of the options on this list, a reliable Wi-Fi signal is a must.
Smart fitness devices allow for a whole other level of interactivity than their more affordable, non-connected counterparts. Most offer large libraries of guided classes with knowledgeable instructors, as well as customized workouts and programs tailored to your goals and current fitness level. It's like having a personal trainer in the comfort, safety, and privacy of your home.
Many machines also feature live classes with competitive leaderboards, giving you an extra jolt of motivation to run, row, or cycle your way to victory. This also fosters a sense of community and helps you feel like you're not working out alone. The Peloton community is so active that members often become real-life friends, bonding over their shared love of the experience. Smart fitness machines also generally keep track of your progress and congratulate you when you meet your goals.
Some can automatically adjust settings like incline, speed, and resistance, so you don't have to fiddle with knobs or buttons during your workout. Many also support wireless headphones so you can stream classes without disturbing others, heart rate monitors so you can glance at the screen to see how hard you're working out, and fitness apps like Fitbit and Strava for keeping your stats in one place.
All of these features work together to relieve boredom and keep you coming back day after day. If you need a little motivation on your wellness journey, a smart fitness machine is an excellent investment.
How Much Should You Spend on Smart Fitness Equipment?
As you can see from our top picks, smart fitness machines are pricey. Most of our favorites are at least $1,500. High-end treadmills are among the most expensive and can easily run you $3,000 or more. The good news is that most smart fitness equipment manufacturers offer financing options to make the cost more manageable.
Generally speaking, a machine with a screen is going to cost more than one without, and a bigger screen is going to cost more than a smaller one. If you're into scenic outdoor content, like the hikes you can watch on iFit-connected treadmills, a large screen adds a lot to the experience, but it also drives up the price.
Some companies, like NordicTrack, cater to different budgets by offering machines with a range of screen sizes. Bowflex, Echelon, and others sell screenless models that work with your phone or tablet.
You also have to factor in the price of accessories, like the special cycling shoes you need with a Peloton bike, as well as delivery and installation fees, which can run up to around $250. Given that these devices are often large, heavy, and sometimes complicated to assemble, springing for assembly is a good idea (and sometimes mandatory, like with the Tonal), unless you're particularly strong and handy.
Membership Pricing and Features
When budgeting for a smart fitness machine, don't forget to include the membership fee in your calculations. They all require a subscription that typically costs between $39 and $59 per month. Those memberships unlock access to on-demand and live-streaming classes and/or other interactive features. When assessing your options, pay close attention to what's included in the membership. Many smart fitness machines offer mat-based workouts, such as yoga and strength training, to supplement your cardio, adding value to their membership fees. Without a membership, you can typically only access basic metrics on your machine's display.
Also, consider how many people will want to use the machine. Some companies let you create an unlimited number of profiles under one membership, so everyone in your household can maintain a separate account to track their workout history and stats. Others limit you to a certain number of profiles under one account.
Depending on how much you pay for a gym membership, working out at home can potentially save you money in the long run. In each of our reviews, we break down the costs and the delivery/assembly process, so you know what to expect.
The Best Smart Treadmill
Treadmills are the most popular at-home fitness machines, and for good reason. They support a variety of exercises on a single machine: walking, jogging, running, sprinting, and even simulated hiking, if your machine has an incline. Rowing machines can feel intimidating to a beginner without proper technique, and cycling bike seats can be a literal pain. Treadmills are comparatively more user-friendly, accessible, and comfortable; walking is an activity most of us do daily, after all.
Smart treadmills typically offer a wide range of workouts beyond running, including strength and yoga, adding value to their memberships. Some can automatically adjust your speed, incline, and decline, offering an immersive experience when paired with scenic streaming workouts.
On the downside, treadmills are typically quite expensive, complicated to assemble, loud, and large. When evaluating whether your ceiling is high enough for a specific treadmill, consider the treadmill's deck height at maximum incline plus the height of the tallest person in your household. This article does a good job of explaining how to determine whether a treadmill can fit in your space. The WalkingPad X21 is one of the most compact treadmills we've tested, with the ability to fold down to just 39.6 by 27.9 by 8.8 inches (LWH), or about the size of a suitcase.
The Best Smart Stationary Bike
If you're looking for a fitness machine that won't wake the baby or a sleeping partner, consider a stationary bike. Coupled with a pair of Bluetooth headphones, which most smart models support, they're essentially soundless. All involve a bit of discomfort at first as you get used to the seat, but not many other forms of exercise, outside of hot yoga, will leave you quite as drenched in sweat as an indoor cycling class.
What Is the Best Exercise Bike for Home Use?
You might assume Peloton is the best home exercise bike because it's the most popular. But, in reality, the best option is the one that motivates you to hop back on day after day. Fortunately, our top picks offer plenty of variety in terms of class styles.
If you love boutique cycling classes with competitive leaderboards, good music, and high-energy instructors, you'll get a similar experience on a Peloton bike. During Peloton cycling classes, the screen is full of stats to look at, including your cadence (how fast you're pedaling, measured in rotations per minute, or RPM), resistance (your level of difficulty, on a scale of 0% to 100%), and output (how much power you're exerting, measured in watts). The leaderboard, which ranks class participants by their total output, is a key part of the experience. Peloton also offers other social features, including the ability to congratulate people with virtual high fives for milestones like their first or hundredth ride.
Echelon rivals Peloton with the excellent EX5S, but its classes don't have quite the same production value. On Peloton, it can feel like you're watching a TV show, complete with costume changes and a live DJ.
On SoulCycle's bike, there are no leaderboards. Instead, your goal is to match your cadence with the beat of the music. When you finish a SoulCycle workout, a summary screen shows your Beat Match score, ranging from 0% to 100%, indicating how closely your cadence matched the music's rhythm.
The NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle might just trick you into thinking you're actually traversing mountains in Colorado or passing waterfalls in Hawaii. Featuring a vast selection of trainer-led outdoor workouts filmed in picturesque locations around the world, it's the next best thing to road cycling or mountain biking.
The Bowflex VeloCore offers a feature you won't find on many other indoor exercise bikes: the ability to sway side to side as you ride. With Lean Mode engaged, you work your arms, core, and back, in addition to your legs, for a more full-body workout than cycling usually provides.
Although guided workouts have their perks, sometimes you just want to zone out and ride. Some smart cycles, like those from BowFlex, Peloton, and SoulCycle, let you watch Netflix and other video streaming services while you ride.
The Carol Bike doesn't try to replicate a group fitness experience or entertain you; instead, it promises to deliver the benefits of a 45-minute run in less than a minute. Its primary workout protocol consists of three weekly rides, each lasting less than 9 minutes and requiring just 40 seconds of hard effort. These reduced-exertion high-intensity training (REHIT) workouts aim to trigger your body's "fight or flight response," causing it to burn the sugar stored in your muscles as fuel.
Manual vs. Automatic Bike Resistance
Most smart stationary bikes feature a knob you turn to adjust the resistance, making it harder or easier to pedal. Resistance systems vary from bike to bike, but all are typically smooth and silent. The Echelon EX5S has 32 levels of magnetic resistance, while the Peloton Bike lets you more finely tune the resistance from zero to 100.
One main advantage of the Peloton Cross Training Bike+ compared with the base Peloton Cross Training Bike is its Auto-Resistance feature, which automatically adjusts your resistance to match the instructor's cues. The Bike+ also features a resistance knob, but with Auto Follow enabled, you don't have to manually adjust it if you don't want to. If the instructor says to tune your resistance to 45-55, for instance, the Bike+ automatically adjusts it to 50, the middle of the target range.
The NordicTrack S22i goes a step further by automatically inclining and declining to match the trainer's cues or terrain during outdoor workouts.
With a manual resistance system, you must listen for the instructor's cues and adjust your resistance to keep up.
Do Clip-In Cycling Shoes Make a Difference?
One thing to consider when mulling your smart stationary bike options is whether you want to wear clip-in cycling shoes. There are pros and cons to both choices. Clip-in cycling shoes help you ride faster and more efficiently, making it easier to pull, not just push, on the pedals. But cycling shoes are expensive, and learning to clip in and out takes some practice.
The stock pedals on Peloton and SoulCycle bikes require clip-in cycling shoes. The pedals on the Peloton bikes are the most limiting, as they only work with Delta cleats. SoulCycle's At-Home Bike features dual-sided pedals that support either Delta or SPD cleats.
Other bikes, such as the NordicTrack S22i, feature pedals with adjustable toe cages that allow for secure footing while wearing regular workout sneakers. These types of pedals are less intimidating for newbies, don't require you to buy expensive clip-in shoes, and let anyone with a pair of workout sneakers ride the bike.
As a third option, bikes like the Bowflex VeloCore and Echelon EX5S feature dual-sided pedals that work with regular athletic shoes or SPD cleats. These pedals are the most convenient, offering the best of both worlds.
The good news is that if you want to swap out your bike's pedals for a different pair, you usually can. The S22i is compatible with all standard road bike pedals, so you can eventually replace its stock pedals for a pair you can clip into. It's also possible to attach toe cages to your Peloton Bike pedals.
Does Bike Seat Pain Go Away?
Smart or not, all stationary bikes can be a literal pain in the butt, especially for beginners. Regardless of the model, seat discomfort is the most common complaint I hear about stationary bikes.
One reader I was corresponding with, who owns the S22i, said they find the seat so uncomfortable they can only ride for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, and plan to swap it out for a different one. I, too, found stationary bike seats uncomfortable at first, but over time I got used to them. If you're experiencing a lot of discomfort, padded cycling shorts and bike seat covers, which are widely available in bike stores and online for around $20, can help. If that doesn't do the trick, you can always swap out the seat with a more comfortable one.
How to Get a Peloton-Like Experience for Less Money
If you don't have the money for a pricey smart stationary bike with a built-in screen, you can get a similar experience for a lot less money with workout streaming services such as the Peloton app, which you can use without buying one of the company's machines, and Apple Fitness+.
Peloton App+, which includes bike, treadmill, and rower workouts, costs $28.99 per month, or you can opt for the $12.99 monthly Peloton App One Tier if you just want the floor-based workouts like strength training and yoga. Apple Fitness+ costs $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year, and offers a range of floor- and machine-based classes, including core, cycling, dance, HIIT, mindful cooldown, rowing, strength, treadmill, and yoga.
Lots of people use Peloton's digital membership in combination with basic, non-connected stationary bikes as a more affordable alternative to buying a Peloton Bike. You can do the same thing with Fitness+ for even less money. Both are solid options, especially if you can mount a TV on the wall in front of your equipment to stream classes.
The Best Smart Rowing Machine
Rowing can be one of the most enjoyable forms of exercise. It's also one of the most effective, offering a full-body low-impact cardio workout that puts minimal stress on your knees and other joints.
The thing about rowing is that it's a technical sport that requires coaching and practice to learn. It might look like it mostly involves your arms, but if you're doing it right, most of your power comes from your legs. If you do it incorrectly, you can hurt your back, which would be a major setback toward any fitness goals.
On smart rowing machines like the Hydrow Arc, the NordicTrack RW900, and the Peloton Cross Training Row+, the instructors break down the rowing technique to help you learn how to row and constantly stress proper form.
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How Much Space Do You Need for a Rowing Machine?
Rowing machines typically require a space about 6 to 8 feet long. If your high-tech rowing machine offers mat-based exercise classes, like many of the models on this list, you'll also want at least enough free space to place a yoga mat beside the rower. Measuring 80 by 19 by 43 inches (LWH) and weighing 102 pounds, the Hydrow Wave is one of the smallest models we have tested.
Some rowing machines fold up and/or can be stored vertically to save space. If you plan to store your rowing machine vertically, be sure to note its dimensions in the upright position (a spec we include in our individual reviews) to ensure your ceiling is high enough. The Peloton Row+, for instance, requires an 8-foot ceiling for vertical stowing. For safety, be sure to secure it with a wall anchor (typically included in the box) when it's in the upright storage position.
Air vs. Magnetic vs. Water Resistance: Which Is Best?
There are several different types of rowing machines, including magnetic, air, and water. There's no one best type, and each offers unique advantages.
Magnetic rowing machines are virtually silent, making them well-suited for home use. Some of our favorite at-home rowing machines use magnetic resistance, including those from Hydrow, NordicTrack, and Peloton.
Air (or wind) rowers are loud but typically less expensive than magnetic options and often do not require a power outlet. The air-powered Concept2 RowErg, a staple at CrossFit gyms, has a cult-like following, but it doesn't offer many built-in entertainment features, so boredom can be an issue. Some machines, like the Aviron Strong and Aviron Go, combine both air and magnetic resistance.
Water-resistance machines like the Ergatta Lite most closely mimic the feel of rowing an actual boat and make a pleasant swooshing sound, but you need to remember to add a purification tablet to the tank every six months to prevent algae growth.
Magnetic rowers allow for more control over a resistance setting called "drag factor" than air or water rowers, but you shouldn't have to adjust this often. For a traditional aerobic rowing workout, you generally want to keep the drag factor somewhere in the middle of the supported range, while a high drag-factor setting will give you more of a strength training workout. Regardless of the resistance type, the drag factor should not be viewed as a general difficulty setting.
As a rule of thumb, newbies should stick with the recommended default drag factor for their rowing machine. Advanced rowers might want to tweak this setting, but many people, even including Olympians, never do.
Magnetic rowing machines let you adjust your drag factor via the touch screen, physical buttons, and/or a knob. Some air rowers feature a damper lever on the side of the flywheel that lets you change the drag factor, while others are not adjustable. To change the drag factor on a water resistance machine, you must add water to the tank or siphon it out.
How to Row: Proper Technique Is Key
Rowing might look like it mostly involves your arms, but if you're doing it correctly, most of your power comes from your legs. If you do it incorrectly, you can hurt your back or shoulders, which would obviously be a major setback for any fitness goals.
The rowing stroke is a complex movement consisting of four parts: the catch, drive, finish, and recovery. You start out leaning slightly forward with your knees bent and your arms extended, holding the handle (the catch). Then push your feet into the footboards to extend your legs, then hinge at the hips and slightly lean your torso back (the drive). Finally, bend at the elbows as you pull the handlebar back to your sternum (the finish).
You move in this order: legs, body, arms. On the recovery, you reverse that sequence to return to the catch position, first extending your arms, then hinging at the torso so your hands pass beyond your knees, and finally bending your legs.
When done right, rowing is a full-body workout that engages more than 80% of your muscles. It's commonly said that rowing is about 60% legs, 20% core, and 20% arms, so if you're muscling it with arm strength alone, you're doing it wrong and putting yourself at risk of injury.
Common Rowing Metrics: Understanding Split and Stroke Rate
Sorry, Americans: In rowing, distance is measured in meters. While rowing, you'll mostly want to pay attention to your pace and stroke rate.
Pace, also called split time, typically indicates how long it would take you to row 500 meters. In other words, a 2:00/500m split time means it would take you two minutes to row 500 meters at your current pace. Just like when you're running a mile for time, the lower your rowing split, the better. This will vary from person to person, but beginners may want to aim for a sub-3:00 split and work to reduce it over time. The fastest 500m split times on record are around 1:10 for a man and 1:24 for a woman. To lower your split, you must increase your intensity (push harder with your legs), but increasing your stroke rate can also help.
Stroke rate, also called strokes per minute (SPM), indicates your average number of strokes per minute. The higher the number, the quicker you must perform each stroke. For most workouts, stroke rate varies from around 18 to 30.
Output, another common rowing metric, is a measure of your power in watts. The higher the number, the better. Like pace, output can help you gauge your intensity throughout your workout. The best way to increase your output is to push harder with your legs, but again, increasing your stroke rate can assist here.
Which Rowing Machine Is Best for Beginners?
All the models on this list offer beginner-friendly instructional content as part of their memberships, but the Peloton Row+ is the best for newbies thanks to its unique Form Assist features. Using sensors in the handlebars and seat, the Row can track your movements to deliver real-time and post-workout form feedback.
Following an initial calibration, a Form Assist visualization on the Peloton Row+ class screen will sync with your movements and highlight areas for improvement in real time. If you do something wrong or out of order—like bending your knees too early, leaning back too far, or slumping forward—the corresponding body part will light up in red, so you can adjust your technique accordingly.
At the end of each workout, you receive a Form Rating score out of 100% based on your performance. Peloton also gives you a score out of 100% for each phase of the rowing stroke, so you can see which parts you need to improve on. In your workout history, Peloton offers a detailed form report for each rowing class you have taken, with a breakdown of your errors and tips to improve.
Regardless of which rowing machine model you choose, it's important to start slow and easy, spend time learning the fundamentals of the stroke, and be patient with yourself. When I first started rowing in 2020, I could only do it for about 5 or 10 minutes at a time. Since then, I've spent countless hours training on these high-tech rowing machines while testing them for reviews. With proper technique, I can now comfortably row for upward of 45 minutes at a time, and I'm able to generate a lot more power with each stroke.
The Best Smart Workout Mirror
If you're short on space, a smart mirror is another excellent option. You can mount most to your wall, so they take up zero floor space.
When you're working out with a fitness mirror, you just need enough room to put down a yoga mat. During a class, you can see the instructor as well as your reflection in the mirror, which makes it easy to check your form. When not in use, it looks like a regular mirror, so you can even put it in your main living space.
Smart workout mirrors typically offer a wide range of classes, including boxing, cardio, pilates, strength, stretching, and yoga. Most of the classes don't require any equipment, but some utilize free weights, so you'll need to buy a few sets of dumbbells if you want to participate.
Smart fitness mirrors are much less prevalent now than they were during the pandemic, and many of our favorites have been discontinued, including the Lululemon Mirror and the NordicTrack Vault. Still, some excellent options remain on the market, like the Echelon Reflect.
The Best Smart Strength Training Machine
Like smart mirrors, smart strength training machines are good if you don't have the space for a large piece of fitness equipment. That's especially true for the wall-mounted Tonal 2, but the Tempo Move has a pretty small footprint as well.
Both are excellent options for building muscle. They keep track of how much weight you should be lifting, count your reps, and offer feedback about your form. They also offer plenty of classes and programs, all led by experienced instructors who walk you through each move.
Electromagnetic Resistance vs. Traditional Weights
Some smart strength-training machines, like the Tonal 2, use electromagnetic technology to simulate weights with resistance, while others use free weights. Both systems have their pros and cons. I'm partial to old-school free weights, but there's no denying the appeal of Tonal's convenient, space-saving design.
Each of the Tonal 2's arms offers up to 125 pounds of resistance, for a total of 250 pounds. The system supports about 300 upper- and lower-body moves, such as the barbell glute bridge, goblet squat, inline chop, and standing incline press. Some of the moves on the Tonal are a bit awkward, though, and the cords can occasionally rub your arms.
Tempo, on the other hand, uses free weights. The base Tempo Move package comes with 15-pound Olympic dumbbells and 35 pounds of weight plates, while more expensive kits add a 25-pound barbell and up to 180 pounds of additional weight plates. You must use Tempo's color-coded weights for the system to track your movements.
Some other smart strength-training products, like the computer-vision-equipped Peloton Cross Training Series, work with any brand of weights. If you already have a weight rack at home, or even just some dumbbells collecting dust, these products can help you use your existing equipment.
Can Smart Strength Training Machines Correct Your Form?
When you strength train alone at home, you must use the utmost caution to avoid injury. Improper technique when training with physical or resistance-based weights can result in injury. That's where AI-powered form feedback comes into play.
These systems use sensors and/or cameras to track your joints and AI to determine whether you're performing an exercise correctly. When you do a bicep curl, for instance, your wrist point moves as you lift the weight up toward your shoulders, but your elbow point should stay in place. If the system notices your elbow pointing during this move, it may play an audio correction through the speaker or display a text alert on the screen.
I do squats all the time, so I know my knees aren't supposed to go past my toes. But I still make that mistake when I start getting fatigued during a challenging workout, and both Tempo and Tonal have called me out for it.
Form feedback has evolved to become a key differentiator on smart fitness machines. Peloton is leaning into the trend with its Cross Training Series Plus models, which feature a built-in AI camera, similar to the discontinued Peloton Guide, to analyze your movements, track your reps, and provide form corrections to help you train safely.
Regardless of which strength-training product you pick, be sure to adequately warm up beforehand, don't be too proud to do the suggested modifications, and strive for proper form over speed. Remember that you're working out without a human trainer, so listen to your body and back off if something feels wrong.
More Tech to Help You Stay Fit
If none of the options here strike your fancy, rest assured that we regularly update this story with the new smart home gym equipment we review. Make sure to check back soon.
And if a smart fitness machine is out of your budget, there are plenty of more affordable technologies that can help you get moving, sleep better, and improve your overall health, including inexpensive and free workout apps.
If you're on a fitness journey, it's a good idea to invest in a fitness tracker that can measure your performance, encourage you to stay active, and help you meet your goals. If swimming is your exercise of choice, a waterproof fitness tracker is a must. No matter what type of exercise you prefer, you can use a heart rate monitor and smart scale to track your progress.
Taking steps to improve your sleep and reduce stress can also have a positive impact on your health. If you're struggling in those areas, check out our lists of the best sleep tech and meditation apps.