In recent years, smart home gym equipment has gone from a niche category to a legitimate force in the fitness industry. In particular, mirrors and smart functional trainers —à la Tonal 2, Tempo Move, and other similar products like the Alter Fitness Screen and Echelon Reflect—have together altered the definitions of “all-in-one home gym” and “virtual personal training.”
I want to take a hard look at two of the most dominant smart home gyms: Tonal vs Tempo. In this guide, I put the company’s newest products head-to-head and scrutinize every spec a potential buyer should know. So, if you’ve been struggling to choose one smart gym over the other, consider your internal battle over after reading this comparison article between the Tonal 2 and Tempo Move.
The Tonal 2 is a complete smart home gym that offers versatility in a compact piece of equipment, but at a high price.
What our tester says:
“Although aluminum pulleys are a smoother, more premium component, the nylon won’t wear the cables down as much. So using nylon pulleys on the upgraded Tonal 2 is a pretty smart move.“
If a personal trainer met AI, the result would be the online training program known as Tempo Move.
What our tester says:
As-is, the Tempo Move is one of the tiniest smart home gyms on the market, so it can fit easily into your living room or any other space. You do, however, still need a 6-foot-by-6-foot workout space for 3D Tempo Vision to capture your movement.
Comparison Chart
| Tonal 2 | Tempo Move | |
| Price | $4,295 | $81 to $230 per month for first 12 months; $39 after |
| Monthly Membership Required? | Yes; $59.95/month + taxes | Yes; $39 per month |
| Dimensions | 5.25” D x 21.5” W x 50.9” H | 22” H x 13.5” D x 13.5” W (storage cabinet) |
| Space Needed | 7’ x 7’ space with 7’10” ceilings | 6’ x 6’ |
| Max Resistance | 250 lbs (125 lbs per arm) | 50 to 255 lbs, depending on the bundle |
| Type of Resistance | Digital resistance | Free weights |
| Accessories | Essential Accessories Bundle ($495) or Ultimate Accessories Bundle ($595) | Dumbbells, collars, storage cabinet |
| Warranty | 2-year warranty included; extended warranty options available | Core and Cabinet: 1 year; Dumbbells, Collars, Weight Plates: 3 years |
Quick Look: Tonal 2 Vs Tempo Move
After making a splash with the brand’s wall-mounted digital weight training system, Tonal took things to the next level in 2025 by releasing the Tonal 2. Featuring a built-in camera system, improved hardware, and a higher weight capacity (250 total pounds of resistance) than the OG version, this cable training machine allows you to utilize its variety of smart accessories to perform a wide range of workouts from the comfort of your own home. Two major perks that come with the Tonal 2 are the ability to get real-time form correction right on the touchscreen display, as well as the integrated AI technology that can automatically adjust the weight based on your performance.
On the other hand, the Tempo Move takes a much simpler approach to smart home fitness. Essentially, it combines traditional dumbbell training with motion tracking and coaching software. Instead of a standalone workout mirror or screen, the Move connects to your iPhone and uses your phone camera to capture movement. You must connect the Move to your TV’s HDMI port to display your data and workout progress.
Who Should Buy the Tonal 2
- People who want an all-in-one home gym machine
- Those who like guided workouts with a “personal trainer” feel
- Lifters who like using cable machines
- Fitness enthusiasts who enjoy live and on-demand classes
- Tech-savvy individuals who value AI coaching and detailed performance analytics
Who Should Buy the Tempo Move
- Beginners who need help perfecting their exercise form and technique (honestly, most people can benefit from this)
- People who don’t want a wall-mounted structure
- Trainees who want virtual personal training
- People looking for an affordable smart home gym
- Folks who prefer training with free weights over digital resistance
Key Similarities Between the Tonal 2 and Tempo Move
Although they’re far from the same product, the Tonal 2 and Tempo Move share some commonalities, as both:
- Offer instructor-led, on-demand workout classes
- Use motion tracking and performance feedback to help improve your workouts
- Are pieces of compact fitness equipment that take up minimal floor space
- Provide personalized workout recommendations based on your progress
- Require monthly memberships to access their full slate of features
- Offer a variety of workout types, including strength training, cardio, mobility, and recovery
- Work with heart rate monitors and have Bluetooth audio capabilities
- Show a leaderboard during live classes for added motivation
- Offer rep counting during workouts
- Automatically log workouts for easier progress tracking
RELATED: Best Fitness Tracker
Important Differences Between the Tonal 2 and Tempo Move
Despite being in the “smart home gym” category, there are distinct differences between Tonal and Tempo. Below, I’ll highlight some of the key areas where the two stand apart.
- While Tonal uses a digital resistance weight system, Tempo Move relies on traditional free weights in the form of dumbbells, barbells, and weight plates.
- Tonal requires professional installation to be permanently affixed to a wall. Tempo Move is a plug-and-play platform that’s (naturally) more portable and less intrusive on your living arrangements.
- Tonal has a free workout mode that allows users to create their own sessions; Tempo does not have this functionality.
- Unlike the Tonal 2’s built-in camera system, the Tempo Move relies on your iPhone camera for motion tracking functionality.
- Tonal 2 offers up to 250 pounds of resistance; the Starter Bundle for the Tempo Move only goes up to 50 pounds. That said, the Max bundle goes up to 255 pounds of total weights.
- Tonal has a significantly higher upfront cost for the machine, itself, plus the required monthly membership fee and accessories bundle. Tempo Move is more affordable, and you pay in monthly installments rather than a large upfront cost. The membership fee is included in the total cost for the first 12 months.
RELATED: Best Home Gyms Under $500
What the “Tech”?
The real magic is in the tech, as Tonal and Tempo each lean on unique innovative features to elevate your at-home workouts.
Tempo’s claim to fame is its 3D sensing technology that tracks reps and analyzes exercise form to provide technique corrections. I love this technology and think it’s an amazing selling point for beginners who want the benefits of a personal trainer for a fraction of the cost. Of course, no tech can fully replace a trained human eye, but Tempo does a very good job of providing feedback.
However, unlike the (now discontinued) all-in-one Tempo Studio that’s outfitted with a 42-inch touchscreen, the Move requires you to use your own TV as a display. And because it’s only compatible with iOS, non-iPhone users will be out of luck.
Tonal, on the other hand, is all about the weight. Digital resistance is meant to replace the widespread setups of traditional home gyms, and working totals can even automatically adjust when the trainer senses it’s too heavy or too light for you.
One good example of Tonal’s tech is the spotter feature: Spotter automatically detects when you’re struggling during a set, and it temporarily decreases the resistance to something more manageable so you can finish the set safely.
“Safety should always be your top priority when you’re training,” says GGR Senior Staff Writer Stephen Sheehan, CPT, CNC. “Spotter mode is the perfect example of how AI technology can enhance that, especially if you train alone.”
Other key tech features users will appreciate with the Tonal 2 include:
- Adaptive Weights: The machine automatically adjusts the weight according to your strength, fatigue, and workout performance.
- Spotter Mode: Instead of having a human spotter, the Tonal 2 has a safety feature that automatically reduces the weight if it senses you’re struggling during the concentric portion of a lift. Once you complete a rep at a normal speed, the machine will restore the weight.
- Dynamic Weight Modes: You can further enhance your training by choosing from Eccentric, Chains, or Burnout modes that replicate techniques typically used with free weights. In addition, there’s an adaptive “Drop Set” mode that automatically reduces the weight when you’re fatiguing so you can push past failure.
- Aero HIIT: New to the Tonal 2, this high-intensity workout mode combines elements of explosive strength training with cardio. It includes five core moves: The modality features five dynamic, full-body exercises: Aero Pull, Aero Mini Pull, Aero Twist, Aero Chop, and Aero Lunge.
RELATED: Benefits of HIIT Training
Pricing
Tonal’s pricing is simple: The trainer costs $4,295 and the suite of smart accessories costs up to $595 on top of that, depending on your chosen package. So, you’re looking at (at most) $4,890 for the full package—which I recommend getting in order to get the most out of your Tonal 2. We also have a Tonal coupon page where you can find ways to save throughout the year.
Tempo Move offers tiered pricing based on the amount of equipment you want. You can choose from these four bundles:
- Starter ($81 per month): Includes Virtual personal training, dumbbells and collars, 12 essential weight plates, and weight cabinet
- Plus ($95 per month): Same items, plus 10-lb weight plates and a workout mat
- Pro ($122 per month): All components of Plus package, along with 25-lb barbell and 25-lb weight plates
- Max ($230 per month): Pro package, plus weight plate storage, folding weight bench, and folding squat rack
The list price for each package is for 12 months, as this is how you’ll pay off the equipment. After 12 months, you will only have to pay $39 per month for the Tempo Move membership.
RELATED: Tempo Discount Code
Subscription Terms
Tonal and Tempo both require monthly memberships to access workout content, which is essential for making use of the respective devices. Tonal is $59.95 per month, and Tempo is $39 monthly.
You can create multiple profiles with one membership, too. Tonal allows you to create unlimited profiles to use with one trainer. This means if you have a family of five, everyone can keep track of their own progress within their own profile.
Tempo, on the other hand, has a limit of six accounts per membership subscription. That’s probably still plenty for the average household, though.
RELATED: Home Gym Vs Home Gym Membership
Equipment and Accessories
Tonal’s accessory suite is straightforward: For $4,295, you get the trainer, which has the mechanical arms and cables that provide digital weight resistance.
For an additional $495, you get the Essential Accessories bundle, which includes two smart handles, one smart bar, a smart rope attachment, a weight bench, a foam roller, and a cushioned yoga mat. (Paying the extra cost is really non-negotiable if you want to benefit from the smart rep tracking and weight control features.)
There’s also an Ultimate Accessories bundle available for $595 that includes the aforementioned items, plus Pilates loops and ankle straps for lower-body training.
Tempo offers a range of physical weights, including weight plates, barbells, and loadable dumbbell handles, as well as barbell collars, a yoga mat, and a foam roller. Tempo also has foldable squat racks and weight benches to add more variety to your workouts. If you have your own home gym equipment already, you can use that, too.
Here’s what’s included in the Starter Bundle:
- Two 7.5-lb adjustable dumbbell handles
- Four weight collars
- Four 1.25-lb weight plates
- Four 2.5-lb weight plates
- Four 5-lb weight plates
All of this fits into the compact storage cabinet for easier organization. Obviously, that small set of weight plates doesn’t leave a ton of room for progressive overload, so intermediate and advanced users will definitely want to go with one of the higher-end bundles. After all, progressive overload is a key driver of muscle hypertrophy1 (aka gains).
Installation and Space Requirements
Both the Tempo Move and Tonal 2 require less space than a traditional home gym setup (if we’re talking squat racks, weight plates, and all the good stuff).
The Tonal 2 doesn’t take up any floor space, at least for the trainer itself. You will need floor space for the weight bench, workout mat, other accessories, as well as room to work out. Tonal recommends having the trainer installed in an area that’ll allow for a 7-foot by 7-foot workout space with 7-foot-10-inch ceilings, but you can totally use Tonal in smaller areas.
“A traditional cable machine or functional trainer takes up quite a bit of room,” Stephen says. “But the Tonal 2 is a completely different story since it sits flush against your wall, making it so much more space-efficient.”
Tempo Move is markedly different because it doesn’t require permanent installation or a dedicated wall space. Rather, you’ll need to connect the Tempo Core (a detachable component from the cabinet) to your TV’s HDMI port to display your trainer and metrics.
Workout Classes and Training
This is where most buyers will make their final decision. The workout experience is very different between the Tonal 2 and Tempo Move: Both machines provide ample opportunity for full-body workouts, but they go about it in unique fashions.
Because Tempo uses free weights, it’s easier to do supersets, circuit work, and high-intensity interval training. My biggest—and only, really—gripe with Tonal is that it becomes cumbersome to adjust the pulley arms up and down and side to side in order to target different muscle groups with optimal range of motion.
It can be equally annoying to adjust the spinlock-style weights when using Tempo, but I still think free weights allow for more versatility than the cable-style resistance on the Tonal.
Company Policies
Return policies, warranties, and customer service aren’t the sexy things everyone wants to hear about when conversing over smart home gyms, but they’re definitely not something to glaze over, either. Ultimately, these factors can (and should) play a big role in your purchasing decision. They may or may not help in this case, though, considering Tonal and Tempo have very similar company policies:
| Tonal 2 | Tempo Move | |
| Warranty | 2-year warranty included; extended warranty options available | Core and Cabinet: 1 year; Dumbbells, Collars, Weight Plates: 3 years |
| Return Policy | 30 days | 30 days |
| Financing | Financing through Affirm; HSA/FSA-eligible | Financing through Affirm; HSA/FSA-eligible |
| Installation | Professional installation | Installation not required |
Final Thoughts
Not to beat a dead horse here, but I’ll say it one more time: Tonal 2 and Tempo Move are both good choices for your home or garage gym—different, but good. If you want the ultimate package of AI technology and resistance training in a wall-mounted format, it’s hard to argue against the former, especially with the integrated camera and more robust weight capacity of the upgraded “2” silhouette.
However, between the more expensive monthly membership and higher overall cost, the Tonal 2 may not be a fit for more budget-conscious buyers. In those cases, the Tempo Move can work better for your wallet, and you can still enjoy similar tech benefits.
Plus, you need to consider whether training with a digital, cable-based weight system will suit your needs and preferences. Or, are you more comfortable using traditional free weights? Ultimately, this isn’t exactly an apples-to-apples comparison, but the Tonal vs Tempo debate is an interesting case study in smart home gym preferences.
Tonal Vs Tempo: FAQs
What is a smart home gym?
A smart home gym is any piece of fitness equipment that uses technology to help people reach their fitness goals. Smart home gym systems usually come with tech features like rep counting, automatic progress tracking, weight and workout suggestions, and live or on-demand fitness classes. Some smart home gyms also feature two-way cameras that allow for personal training capabilities or in-workout form corrections.
Is Tonal or Tempo better?
It’s tough to say whether one of these smart gyms is better than the other. They’re both high-quality products with innovative features—it all comes down to your preferences, needs, and fitness goals. We think the Tonal smart home gym is better suited for strength-minded exercisers, while Tempo is best for those who like free weights and trying out lots of different types of movements. Tempo is also a better choice for those who don’t want to mount anything to the wall, or those on a stricter budget.
What kind of workouts can you do with a workout mirror?
With a workout mirror or smart gym system like Tonal or Tempo, you can do a variety of workouts, including HIIT, yoga, Pilates, cardio, bootcamp, bodyweight resistance training, weight training, stretching, mobility, and more.
References
- Kassiano, W., Santos-Melo, V., Manske, I., Lisboa, F., Miguel, A., Gomes, F., Prado, A., Stavinski, N., Costa, B., & Cyrino, E. S. (2026). Progressive Overload Affects the Magnitude of Muscle Hypertrophy. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 10.1249/MSS.0000000000003968. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000003968
