Guide to the Best Smart Home Gym Equipment (2025)

The Tonal 2 takes our top spot of smart home gym equipment because it’s designed to do it all. “It’s basically made to be an all-in-one home gym,” says GGR founder Coop Mitchell, who tested the original Tonal and also compared it side-by-side to the upgraded version. With the Tonal 2, several features have been added to push the all-in-one workout mirror further.

Okay, so, contrary to popular belief: Tonal isn’t actually a reflective mirror like the Echelon Reflect. But it has enough similarities and we love it enough that it took the top spot as best workout mirror in another smart home gym roundup.

Looking at the Tonal 2, there isn’t much aesthetically different between the two models; certain parts are powder-coated instead of chrome now. However, Tonal has made some notable upgrades in its construction and processing speeds. The cables used are more durable, which was a weak point in the previous version. 

It also has stronger lock-pins and uses nylon pulleys instead of the aluminum pulleys of the original model. “Although aluminum pulleys are a smoother, more premium component, the nylon won’t wear the cables down as much,” Coop adds, “so this is a pretty smart move.” He rates the construction a 4.5 out of 5.

You can lift up to 250 pounds of digital resistance with the Tonal 2—125 pounds per arm— which is an improvement over the original Tonal’s max resistance of 200 pounds. The processor is faster in the updated Tonal 2, too, which creates a smoother experience by adjusting weights faster.  

The biggest addition to Tonal’s programming, which Coop rates a 4.75 out of 5, is Aero: a cardio-based program that adjusts by intensity and mimics a ski-erg machine. There’s also AI-assisted coaching cues with a built-in camera as you go through your workout.

The downside? The Tonal 2 is not cheap. It costs about $4,300 for the machine alone, but you could probably catch it for less during holiday sales, like Black Friday or with a Tonal Coupon. The accessories bundle costs $495 extra and comes with a yoga mat, foam roller, smart handles, smart bar, rope, and a nice workout bench (which has been improved over the original model with a thicker pad). 

Luckily, Tonal has partnered with Affirm to allow customers to pay over time. Also, if you’re looking to upgrade, you can trade in your classic Tonal for $1,000 off your Tonal 2. “I wouldn’t recommend upgrading from your original, though, unless you really need that extra resistance,” Coop suggests. He rates the value a 4 out of 5, since if you can afford it and its $60 monthly subscription (youch), it’s the only equipment you’ll really need.

Read our full Tonal review on the original model and our full in-depth Tonal vs Tempo comparison!

To be honest, The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is our top choice for smart treadmills because of its iFIT programming. The courses and instructions are top-notch, rivaling the cult-favorite Peloton app, and every iFIT machine comes with automatic trainer control, which allows your trainer to adjust the treadmill’s speed and incline/decline (this feature can be turned off).

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“The automatic iFIT adjustments were seamless with the video workouts,” says our expert product tester Lauren, who rates the programming a 5 out of 5.

To answer your question, yes you’ll need a monthly subscription for this treadmill. Technically you could use it without one, though you’d lose access to everything that makes this treadmill worthwhile.

You get a 14-inch touchscreen that displays your time, distance, calories, speed, and heart rate. Certified personal trainer Lindsay Scheele, lead reviewer of Garage Gym Reviews Everything, says it’s easy to use. “I’m pretty sure if you can read, you can easily find what you are looking for,” she says in our NordicTrack Commercial 1750 review.

The treadmill itself is also nice, with all three of our expert product testers rating its performance 4.5 or higher (Lindsay gave it a 5 out of 5). “The deck is well cushioned, with runners flex cushioning allowing you to soften impact on your joints or simulate road running,” she says. Speaking of simulating road running, you get incline and decline adjustments — most treadmills come with incline, though decline is something rarely found on similar cardio machines.

If you’ve used this treadmill before, just know that it was updated in 2023 so there may be some differences. We found that the speakers were better, the incline and decline adjustments were quicker, and the screen was much nicer at 14 inches, compared to the old 10-inch screen it used to have,  earning it a 5 out of 5 for tech capabilities.

Also note that this treadmill is on the larger side, earning it a 3.5 out of 5 for its footprint and portability. Although it can fold, you’ll still need a sizable space to have it in use.

There are a gazillion fitness apps and online workout programs out there. From the most basic apps that spit out some exercise names and call it a day, to the most advanced and comprehensive apps that give you valuable coaching cues and smart programming, there are options for everyone. 

The Shred App uses AI-powered programs for users with many different fitness goals. After giving the app access to your smartphone’s camera, it’ll track and rate your performance using its AI algorithm, customizing the program based on your performance. It’s about as close to having a personal trainer as you can get without talking to someone one-on-one, making it a great pick for the best home gym with a personal trainer, as well.

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With plenty of instruction and workout variety, Shred is able to keep the price fairly low, too, only costing $19.99 a month, or $9.99 a month if billed annually. There’s also a free version available, earning it a 4 out of 5 for pricing.

Former GGR editorial member Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, CNC, tested out the Shred App and was impressed with many of its features. First off, it earns a 5 out of 5 for equipment demands. Anthony adds, “You can truly customize this based on what you have at your home gym—or what’s available at your commercial gym of choice.” There are even workouts and programs available for bodyweight movements.

It earns another 5-out-of-5 rating for its level of instruction. “It has whatever you’re looking for,” Anthony says. “If you’re not doing a trainer-led video, there are also tutorials that come with a step-by-step breakdown of each movement.” In addition to the AI coaching, there’s a ton of instruction for beginners and advanced gym-goers alike.

Interactive features are basic, with a community feed and the ability to chat with friends—but little else, earning it a 3 out of 5 here. Still for an inexpensive smart app that guides you through your programming, the Shred App is tough to beat.

You can read more in our in-depth Shred App review.

Our experience with Speediance led us to this conclusion: This is a smart home gym designed for beginners. The resistance goes up to 110 pounds per arm, which might not sound like a lot but digital resistance is much more challenging than free weights or machines, so it’s perfect for people just starting their strength training journey. And yes, it’s quite pricey but you won’t find a more affordable smart gym setup that offers the same versatility and ease of use as the Speediance.

Since this is more geared toward beginners, the workout programming isn’t as comprehensive or thorough as something like Tonal or Peloton. That said, GGR Facility Manager Sam Presley was impressed with how the digital home gym’s weight shifted between settings.

“For instance, you can definitely feel a difference between having it in barbell mode versus chains,” Sam says. “It definitely feels like a chain simulation when lifting with it.”

The smart machine isn’t quite as durable as competitors like Tonal, earning a 3 out of 5 for its construction. For example, the pulleys hitch from time to time, but only slightly. Sam also mentioned when putting together the unit that “many pieces felt very white-label—basic in construction and design.” The main selling point is Speediance is much more compact than other Tonal competitors and doesn’t require a monthly subscription—a rarity when it comes to electronic home gym equipment.

Your setup depends on which package you purchase. All Speediance orders come with a platform, frame, and two pulleys. Other attachments include a weight bench, a rowing side rail, a small barbell, ankle straps, ski erg handles, smart handles, and a tricep rope. The multiple attachments along with the varying types of resistance earns the machine a 5 out of 5 on versatility.

Read our full Speediance review.

Home gym equipment expert and Garage Gym Reviews founder Cooper Mitchell notes that our pick for the best smart cable machine, the Beyond Power Voltra I, is quick when making weight adjustments, and that alone puts it ahead of other smart gym devices that often lag. Beyond that, Coop says, it’s highly versatile, portable, easy to use, and tracks your reps and sets.

“I’m considering reworking my personal home gym now to simplify my space,” Coop says. “I would use a squat rack, barbell, plates, and the Voltra.” Yup, it’s that good. See why he says this in our Beyond Power Voltra review.

The compact machine attaches to a squat rack or other sturdy object — you have to buy a separately sold attachment — and creates up to 200 pounds of digital resistance that feels buttery smooth on just about every movement. There are some movements that require ingenuity to perform, such as bench presses or leg extensions, but Coop still gives it a 5 out of 5 for performance.

The Voltra I has three main modes:

• Weight training: Similar to a cable machine, though you can adjust the eccentric and concentric phase of your movements.
• Resistance band: The machine adds weight the further the cable moves from the machine, similar to how a resistance band feels when stretched.
• Damper mode: Produces light resistance as you run, sprint, or jump from the point of origin. “Think of a parachute on your body, the harder and amount of force you put against it, the heavier the resistance will be,” Coop says.

It should be noted that you need a squat rack post to workout with the Voltra I, which is why Coop recommends it as part of a minimalistic home gym approach and not as something to replace your entire home gym with. That, and one unit costs more than $2,000.

Yes, that’s very expensive but it’s a very durable machine that comes with a cable stronger than we’ve seen on some traditional cable machines and a sturdy magnesium shell, earning it a 5 out of 5 for durability and construction. “The weight of the product is only 13 pounds and creates a resistance of 200 pounds,” Coop says. “That is crazy to consider that you can have that much resistance with this little of a footprint.”

Plus, there’s no monthly subscription fee or extra price for premium features. So while the upfront costs are a lot, that’s all you’ll pay.

Every smart bike these days is compared to the Peloton Bike, and it’s still one of the best exercise bikes despite not being as big as it once was. Just as with other picks on this list, it’s not the bike that we like so much as its live and on-demand workout classes and community that made it famous to begin with.

The instructors are some of the most motivating coaches on the planet, many of whom have been credited in countless weight loss and fitness stories, and there’s still an undeniable rush every time your name is called out during class.

Peloton also gives you three ways to access its Peloton app:

• Free: Limited classes
• Peloton App One: Three monthly cardio equipment classes and unlimited strength classes, plus programs and challenges. $12.99 per month, with a seven-day free trial.
• Peloton App+: Unlimited cardio equipment and strength workout classes, programs and challenges, plus exclusive classes. $24 per month, with a seven-day free trial.

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While Peloton’s on-demand and live workout classes gets a perfect, no notes 5 out of 5, the bike itself is a different story. As certified personal trainer and Garage Gym Reviews Editor Nicole Davis points out in her Peloton Bike review, the seat is not comfortable and it requires Delta-compatible cycling cleats, earning it a 4 out of 5 for its ergonomics.

The magnetic resistance is smooth and quiet, according to Nicole, who says, “It’s a smooth ride—smoother than other bikes I’ve used and tested. Plus, the magnetic resistance means each tiny turn of the knob will provide just a bit more for you to pedal against.” She also points out that the bike is lightweight and easy to move around your home gym or workout studio, rating the portability a 4.5 out of 5.

The Aviron Strong Go Rower is the modern rower, and it’s one of the best rowing machines out there. It might seem strange to pick a rower without a touchscreen, but it cuts on costs and just about everyone has a smartphone or iPad they can use for the Aviron app.

Speaking of the Aviron app, the $25 per month app gives you access to virtual workouts filmed around the world and a large number of video game-like classes. The on-demand and live workout classes are some of the most interactive and gamified experiences we’ve had with any piece of home gym equipment, earning a 5 out of 5 for programming and tech features both.

GGR founder and product tester Coop Mitchell adds, “Aviron’s gamified training is pretty special. If you’re looking for that gamified experience, then this is great value.” There are eight workout types to choose from:

• Individual or team games
• Coached workouts
• Power Play, guided and community games
• Scenic rowing
• Live competition
• Guided programs (on and off rower)
• Pros vs Joes (racing against professional athletes)
• Streaming

Let’s get into the rower itself: Right off the bat, we’re big fans of the adjustable footrests, which allow you to change the width and height of where the footplate. We have a teammate with a size 15 shoe, and this machine fits him just as well as those of us with average-sized shoe.

Secondly, the seat is only 20 inches from the ground which makes it easier to get on or off the seat, and it’s easier to step over. It earns a 4 out of 5 for ergonomics.

There’s also the upright storage and durable aluminum frame. You can read more in our Aviron Strong Series Rower review, where we test the version of Aviron’s rower with a built-in display (for a higher price, though).

Our top pick for the best smart fitness tracker is also our pick for the best fitness tracker ring, the Oura Ring. As one of the first fitness tracker rings to gain popularity in the space, the Oura Ring has a reputation for being great at accurately tracking metrics and displaying them in an easy-to-read format, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for its tech capabilities.

It can measure metrics such as heart rate, sleep, body temperature, steps, breathing rate, and more. Using these metrics, it’ll provide different scores each day, a Sleep Score, an Activity Score and a Readiness Score. The Sleep Score estimates how well you slept and recovered, the Readiness Score displays how recovered you are from your last workout, and the Activity Score shows if you’re balancing training and rest well.

“The numbers are self-explanatory, but if you don’t understand a metric, you can click on it and the app provides you with a quick blurb on what it’s showing,” says GGR founder Coop, who tested out the Gen 3 version of the Oura Ring. 

It also tracks over 50 workout profiles, but Oura is more well-known for tracking sleep and recovery. You can use it for it all, however, since the battery life will last about an entire week on a single charge, earning the battery a 5 out of 5.

It’s also a clean look, although it’s a bit on the bulky side for a ring, earning a 3.5 out of 5 for aesthetics. The updated Gen 4 comes in slightly thinner dimensions, so we’re excited to try that out when we get our hands—er, ring fingers—on it. That said, Coop says it feels comfortable in use. “I was surprised by how lightweight it is,” he adds. “Lots of the time I forget it’s even on.”

It does have a subscription fee to use the Oura app of $6 per month. While this is rare for fitness tracker rings, it’s still cheaper than subscription prices of many of the best fitness trackers.

Read our full Oura Ring review for more information.

While the landscape of home gym fitness is changing with the growth of smart home gym machines and equipment, sometimes you just need some good ole free weights to move around and get your workout on. With the Tempo Studio, you can do both, as this workout mirror is unique in incorporating free weights into its design.

You can choose from three bundles, with each upgrade providing more equipment. The Starter bundle gets you the Studio, 75 pounds of change plates, loadable dumbbell handles, and a workout mat. The Plus bundle includes a bench, barbell, and more weights; while the Pro bundle adds a folding squat rack and kettlebell handle. The versatility depends on the equipment you have, but there’s still tons to do, earning it a 4 out of 5 here.

You can use your equipment through a variety of trainer-led workouts provided on the workout mirror—a 100-pound A-frame stand—and motion sensors capture your movement to provide feedback, coaching cues, weight recommendations, and rep counts. “The tech isn’t up to par with having a live, in-person trainer, but it’s still pretty dang cool,” says Amanda Capritto, certified person trainer and expert product tester. She gives the smart features a 4 out of 5.

Since it’s 100 pounds before storing weights, the 6-foot-tall mirror isn’t the most portable unit, although it doesn’t have to be wall-mounted like Tonal. The Tempo Studio also is purchased over 12 monthly payments; afterward, you own the equipment and pay $39 a month as a subscription cost.

It may not be ideal for powerlifters looking to go real heavy, but for people who like the feel of a fitness studio with free weights in their home, this is a great choice. You can read more in our Tempo Studio review.

We’ve used the MaxPRO SmartConnect Portable Cable Machine on the beach and in parking lots, and it performs as well on the road as it did in our testing headquarters, earning it a 5 out of 5 in portability. The best part is you don’t have to attach it to anything to use, though there is a door mounting bracket if you want to use it for upper-body movements, and it weighs under 10 pounds while producing up to 300 pounds of resistance.

“At first, the cables weren’t quite as smooth as I would have liked, but they simply needed a break-in period,” Coop notes, giving it a 4 out of 5 for workout performance. He took one point off because you’re only getting concentric resistance, so you’re not working your muscles as hard as you could be if there was eccentric resistance as well.

Additionally, if you’re not using the MaxPRO bench it might be hard to do a bench press or shoulder press. You’d have to find something to weigh down the machine that also allows you to be in the right position for the pressing movement. Still, there’s dozens of movements you could do just from a standing or sitting position.

There is an app where certified personal trainers guide you through strength training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts and track your reps and sets, though Coop found the app to be a bit clunky and said there were times it didn’t connect to the machine. “The idea is good, but the execution could be improved,” says Coop.

On the bright side, the app isn’t required for you to use the machine and you still get a lot of cool features with the free version (the premium version is $19.99 per month and gives you access to more personalized workout data and additional classes).

You have to keep it charged, which is something to keep in mind if you plan on packing it in your travel bag.  Check out our MaxPRO SmartConnect Portable Home Gym review for more on this compact smart home gym.