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 like fitness trackers, heart rate monitors, and workout apps for over 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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![NordicTrack RW900 Rowing Machine]()
Best Affordable Rowing MachineNordicTrack RW900 Rowing Machine
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![Peloton Cross Training Bike+]()
Best for Cycling and Strength TrainingPeloton Cross Training Bike+
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![SoulCycle At-Home Bike]()
Best Combination of Cycling and ChoreographySoulCycle At-Home Bike
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![Tonal 2]()
Best Digital Weight MachineTonal 2
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Jump To DetailsBest for Boxing Away Fat and Stress
FightCamp
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![Hydrow Arc]()
Best Premium Rowing MachineHydrow Arc
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![Aviron Strong Series Rower]()
Best Gamified RowerAviron Strong Series Rower
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![Echelon Reflect]()
Best Fitness MirrorEchelon Reflect
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![Tempo Move]()
Best for Strength Training on a BudgetTempo Move
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![Ergatta Lite]()
Best Water RowerErgatta Lite
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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![NordicTrack RW900 Rowing Machine]()
Best Affordable 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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Credit: Angela Moscaritolo
![Peloton Cross Training Bike+]()
Best for Cycling and Strength TrainingPeloton 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 smartwatches, allowing you to 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 Combination of Cycling and ChoreographySoulCycle 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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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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Best for Boxing Away Fat and Stress
FightCamp
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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![Hydrow Arc]()
Best Premium Rowing MachineHydrow Arc
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Hydrow Arc is a premium, beautifully engineered rowing machine that combines sleek design with top-tier performance. Every detail—from its sturdy frame to its smooth mechanics—has been crafted to provide a safe, comfortable, and satisfying rowing experience for users of all fitness levels. The 24-inch touch screen delivers immersive, engaging workouts without feeling oversized or cumbersome. Its $44 monthly subscription gives you access to a library of over 5,000 workout videos, including yoga, pilates, and strength training, as well as rowing.
Who It's For
Beginner rowers: If you're new to rowing, the Arc can help you master your form with its HydrowMetrics Index. This is a number displayed at the end of workouts lasting five minutes or longer, composed of three aspects: precision, power, and endurance. The machine individually grades you on technique, stroke power, and effort over time, and provides an overall HMI score over a rolling 30-day period. In comparison, the NordicTrack RW900 rower doesn't offer any form assessment.
Nature lovers: The Arc captures the thrill of outdoor rowing in the comfort of home. The company films its workout videos on waterways around the world, from a rower’s perspective, to give riders the experience of having a real-life rowing trainer. Among other benefits, it makes it easy to match strokes and pacing.
Uncompromising buyers: A luxurious build and near-silent operation are two big reasons to consider the Arc. It can support up to 375 pounds (exceeding the RW900's 300-pound weight limit), and even with intense motion, we never felt it rock, shake, creak, or squeak in testing.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions 86 by 25 by 48 inches Display Size 24 inches Maximum Rider Weight 375 Monthly Fees $44 Resistance Magnetic Learn More Hydrow Arc Review -
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![Aviron Strong Series Rower]()
Best Gamified RowerAviron Strong Series Rower
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
If basic rowing machines bore you, the Aviron Strong is a much more entertaining option you'll be excited to use on the regular. With a $29 monthly membership, you can play games on its 22-inch screen while working out. Aviron's membership also gives you access to competitive races, streaming video services like Netflix, and a limited selection of trainer-led workout videos.
The Strong's seat sits 20 inches off the ground, which is much higher than most rowing machines, so you don't have to crouch as much to sit on it. Plus, a built-in mechanism lets you easily widen or narrow the space between your feet as needed, making it one of the most comfortable rowing machines on the market.
Who It's For
Gamers: If you'd rather play a game than take a fitness class, the Aviron Strong is the exercise machine for you. You'll probably row longer than planned as you break down walls of bricks, shoot flying bugs, run from zombies, race Olympians, and compete against other members of the community.
Rowers with mobility challenges: The Aviron Strong features a higher seat than most rowing machines, making it easier to get on and off, and it offers a smooth, comfortable ride with adjustable foot-width support. Most rowing machines only let you adjust the foot pad length; the Aviron Strong is the only rowing machine with a built-in mechanism that lets you customize the width between your feet for optimal comfort and range of motion. It's meant for riders up to 507 pounds and 6'8" tall.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions 84 by 27 by 48 inches Display Size 22 inches Maximum Rider Weight 507 Monthly Fees $29 Resistance Magnetic, Air Learn More Aviron Strong Series Rower 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 Training on a BudgetTempo 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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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![Ergatta Lite]()
Best Water RowerErgatta Lite
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
No rowing ergometer can truly replicate the experience of being on the water, but the Ergatta Lite comes close. With a handsome oak wood frame and a clear water tank, it's easily the best-looking rowing machine on the market, and it makes a relaxing swooshing sound. This water-resistant rower features a dual-rail design and a 17.3-inch touch screen, where you can browse and play gaming- and racing-inspired workouts personalized for your fitness level.
Who It's For
Water-resistance fans: The Ergatta uses immersive water resistance that makes it feel like you’re in an actual boat rather than your living room. It's a nice change of pace from the fan-based rowers you often see at gyms and fitness clubs. The swishing adds a pleasing, meditative quality to your workout, appealing to those looking to lose themselves in that sweet mind-body connection.
Competitive rowers: With a membership ($39 monthly), the Ergatta Lite offers a library of exercise games, competitive races, goal-based training programs, personal dashboards, and social features such as leaderboards, private competitions, and community challenges. The platform makes it easy to keep track of rivals to compete against, or you can race against yourself to beat your best time.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions 38 by 23 by 82 inches Display Size 17.3 inches Maximum Rider Weight 320 Monthly Fees $29 Resistance Water Learn More Ergatta Lite Review -
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Best For | Best Affordable Rowing Machine | Best for Cycling and Strength Training | Best Combination of Cycling and Choreography | Best Digital Weight Machine | Best for Boxing Away Fat and Stress | Best Premium Rowing Machine | Best Gamified Rower | Best Fitness Mirror | Best for Strength Training on a Budget | Best Water Rower | Best Affordable Rowing Machine | Best for Cycling and Strength Training | Best Combination of Cycling and Choreography |
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, Air | Water | 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 | $39 | $44 | $29 | $29 | $39 | ||||||||
Maximum Rider Weight | 250 | 375 | 507 | 320 | 250 | ||||||||
Heart Rate Monitor Support | |||||||||||||
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Footprint | 48 by 24 inches | 62.2 by 22.2 inches | 48 by 24 inches | 62.2 by 22.2 inches | |||||||||
Display Size | 22 inches | 24 inches | 24 inches | 22 inches | 32 inches | N/A | 17.3 inches | 22 inches | |||||
Dimensions | 82 by 22 by 54 inches | 50.9 by 21.5 by 5.25 inches | 86 by 25 by 48 inches | 84 by 27 by 48 inches | 50 by 20 by 2 inches | 24 by 18 by 18 inches | 38 by 23 by 82 inches | 82 by 22 by 54 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 on which you can stream 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, in addition to customized workouts and programs based on 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 friends in real life, 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, like iFit-powered NordicTrack devices and the Peloton Cross Training Bike+, can automatically adjust your 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 come in around at least $1,500. High-end treadmills are among the most expensive and can easily run you $3,000 or more.
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.
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 $49.99 per month. Those memberships unlock access to on-demand and live-streaming classes and/or other interactive features.
You also have to factor in the price of accessories, like the special cycling shoes you need with a Peloton, 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.
The good news is that most smart fitness equipment manufacturers offer financing options to make the cost more manageable. And depending on how much you pay for your 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 Treadmills
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 you have a machine that can incline. Rowing machines can feel intimidating to a beginner without the knowledge of 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.
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 its 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.
Smart treadmills typically give you access to a plethora of workouts beyond just running, including strength and yoga, adding value to their membership. Some can automatically adjust your speed, incline, and decline, offering an immersive experience when paired with scenic streaming workouts.
The Best Smart Stationary Bikes
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 when you're getting 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.
If you love boutique cycling classes with competitive leaderboards, good music, and high-energy instructors, you can have a similar experience from the comfort of home on a Peloton Bike or the rival Echelon EX5S.
On SoulCycle's competing 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 from zero to 100%, indicating how much of the time your cadence matched the rhythm of the music.
The NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle can automatically adjust your resistance and incline for a more immersive experience, a feature also available on the Peloton Bike+. The Bowflex VeloCore can lean side to side for a full-body workout and a more lifelike riding experience.
For more, see the best exercise bikes we've tested.
The Best Smart Rowing Machines
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, it's actually 60 percent 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 and the NordicTrack RW900, the instructors break down the rowing technique to help you learn how to row and constantly stress proper form. Both offer scenic outdoor rows filmed in a variety of locations around the world, led by excellent instructors, including world champions and Olympians.
Another nice thing about rowing machines is that they're fairly compact, especially compared with, say, a treadmill. Measuring 80 by 19 by 43 inches (LWH) and weighing 102 pounds, the Hydrow Wave is one of the smallest models we have tested. To save space, you can even store most models vertically when you aren't using them. For safety, be sure to secure it with a wall anchor (typically included in the box) when it's in the upright storage position.
For more, see the best rowing machines we've tested.
The Best Smart Workout Mirrors
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 require weights, which you need to buy if you want to participate.
The Best Smart Strength Training Machines
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 also has a pretty small footprint.
Both are excellent options that help you build 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.
For more, see the best strength training equipment we've tested.
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.