The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Smart Power Generation System for Fitness Machines

Author: venusgeng

Jun. 16, 2025

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The Best Home Gym Equipment for - PCMag

Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

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Best Affordable Rowing Machine

NordicTrack RW900 Rowing Machine

4.5 Outstanding

Large, bright screen
iFit gives you access to a massive library of beginner, intermediate, and advanced workouts
Includes outdoor, studio, and map-based workouts
Automatically adjusts resistance level to match wind and water conditions for outdoor workouts
Quiet
Folds up to save space when not in use
Works with heart rate monitors

Expensive
iFit membership costs extra after the first year

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 22-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.

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If you want a workout with a view, it's hard to beat the NordicTrack RW900, which offers the widest selection of global workouts to virtually transport you all around the world as you exercise. Its 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. NordicTrack's rower lacks leaderboards, so if you are motivated by competition, there are better options.

Best Competition-Focused Cycling

Peloton Bike+

4.5 Outstanding

Auto Follow allows automatic resistance adjustments
Screen rotates for a good viewing angle during mat-based workouts
Impressive speaker system
Offers easy pairing with Apple Watch
Excellent delivery and setup experience

Expensive
Long delivery lead time

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 Bike+ one-ups the standard Peloton Bike with Auto-Follow automatic resistance adjustments so you can focus on climbing the leaderboard instead of turning a knob, along with an upgraded sound system for a more immersive experience. Featuring a gorgeous 23.8-inch rotating touch screen and Apple GymKit integration for easy Apple Watch pairing, the Bike+ is easily one of the best pieces of smart home gym equipment you can buy.

Peloton's stationary bikes are ideal for fitness-class junkies who are motivated by metrics and competition. With millions of members, Peloton's leaderboards are the most competitive out there. Peloton's All-Access class membership ($44 per month) offers a wide range of class styles, from strength training to yoga, with options for all levels, and a diverse instructor roster. If this model is out of your budget, the original Peloton Bike offers a similar experience with fewer perks for about $1,000 less.

Learn More Peloton Bike+ Review

Best Combination of Cycling and Choreography

SoulCycle At-Home Bike

4.5 Outstanding

Premium, comfortable build
Large, bright touch screen
Excellent classes, instructors, and playlists
Regular schedule of live workouts
Equinox+ membership offers floor-based workouts
Supports Disney+ and Netflix

Expensive
No automatic resistance adjustments

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 ($40 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).

The SoulCycle At-Home Bike is best for indoor cyclists who would rather zone out to music and master dance moves than climb a leaderboard. Yoga junkies (myself included) love SoulCycle, which delivers a similarly spiritual vibe. 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.

Learn More SoulCycle At-Home Bike Review

Best Compact Treadmill

Peloton Tread

4.5 Outstanding

Compact design
No front shroud
New safety features
Large touch screen with top-notch audio and video
Outstanding class selection
Exceptional production and entertainment value
Fun, motivating social features
Excellent delivery and setup experience

Traditional belt loop
No built-in heart rate sensor

Working out on a treadmill can be a bore, but not with the Peloton Tread. About the size of a couch, this connected treadmill features a gorgeous 23.8-inch p touch screen on which you can access Peloton's vast and varied library of well-produced, entertaining classes. Between climbing the leaderboard, swapping high fives with other users, and saving tracks to your music streaming account, the workouts fly by and leave you excited to get back on day after day.

If you're in the market for a compact treadmill that won't turn into a glorified clothing rack, go with the Peloton Tread. It offers a similarly engaging experience as Peloton's indoor bikes, but for those who prefer running and walking for cardio. It's not quite as knee-friendly as the rubber-slatted Tread+, but the Tread is smaller, quieter, and much more affordable, making it a better fit for most homes and budgets.

Learn More Peloton Tread Review

Smartest Way to Strength Train

Tempo Studio

4.5 Outstanding

Wide selection of live and on-demand classes for all levels
Excellent instructors
Attractive design and large screen
Offers personalized weight recommendations
Counts your reps and gives you real-time feedback about your form
Connects with a heart rate monitor to track calorie burn
Displays motivating leaderboards
Price includes accessories

Buffers on a slow internet connection
Rep counting can be finicky
No partner workouts
Doesn't currently come with a bench
Class membership costs extra
Can't customize music

The Tempo Studio is easily among the best smart strength training machines we've tested thanks to its sophisticated form-tracking and rep-counting technology. It uses 3D sensors and artificial intelligence technology to suggest the appropriate weight you should be lifting for each move based on your previous performance, and it offers real-time form feedback to keep you honest and safe. The Tempo Studio takes the guesswork out of strength training with well-planned trainer-led classes and goal-based programs, and its leaderboards foster a sense of community and competition. The Tempo Studio has a freestanding easel-like design with a 42-inch touch screen. Under the screen is a cabinet that neatly stores your weights, so they're out of sight when not in use. Hooks on the back let you hang dumbbells and a barbell for storage.

Primarily for strength training, the Tempo Studio is suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced lifters. Its membership ($39 a month) also includes floor-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT), mobility, cardio, and recovery classes, but there are better options on this list if you're mostly interested in cardio. Tempo works with traditional weights, which some purists might prefer over Tonal's electromagnetic resistance system, but the base kit only includes dumbbells and 75 pounds of weight plates, so you'll need to splurge for additional accessories if you want to lift heavier and/or with a barbell.

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Best Space-Saving Strength Machine

Tonal

4.5 Outstanding

Fun and easy to use
Sets and adjusts weight for you
Wide selection of on-demand workouts and programs for beginners, intermediate, and advanced lifters
Live classes
Supports partner workouts
Motivating, knowledgeable instructors
Good variety of music stations
Offers basic form feedback

Expensive
Sometimes misses reps
Cords can rub against skin

The Tonal system is like having a weight room’s worth of equipment—and a virtual personal trainer—all in one sleek wall-mounted machine. The Tonal uses a combination of electricity and magnets to digitize weights, offering up to 200 pounds of resistance. It features a 24-inch touch screen on which you can browse and play workouts, as well as adjustable arms on each side onto which you can connect smart handles, a smart bar, and a rope. It supports hundreds of moves to work your entire body (yes, even your legs and core), and its sophisticated artificial intelligence technology sets the weights for you, tracks your reps in real time, and adapts as you get stronger.

The Tonal isn't cheap, but it's the best smart strength training machine if you're short on space. Tonal's membership ($59.95 per month with a minimum 12-month commitment) includes yoga and HIIT classes, but like the Tempo Studio, this is best for building muscle. It's suitable for beginners to advanced lifters, and any workout on Tonal can be a partner workout, so it's a top option for couples and housemates who want to get in shape together. 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.

Learn More Tonal Review

Best for Boxing Away Fat and Stress

FightCamp

4.0 Excellent

Hundreds of on-demand classes for all fitness levels.
Attractive design.

Requires a monthly subscription service.
No Android support.

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.

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 or TV. 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.

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Best Fitness Mirror

Forme Studio

4.0 Excellent

Large 4K touch display
Good on-demand class selection with popular music accompaniment
Personalized weekly workout plans
Diverse instructor roster
Optional Barre and Lift add-ons
Outstanding Live 1:1 health coaching experience (costs extra)

No live group classes or leaderboards
Limited progress tracking on the mirror interface
Apple Watch integration issues in testing
Companion mobile app not available on Android
Buffers on a slow internet connection

This sleek and discreet fitness mirror stands out for its immersive 43-inch 4K display. Forme's trainers appear almost life-size on it, so you can easily see what they're doing and follow along. The hidden touch screen gives you access to a wide range of fun and effective trainer-led fitness classes, as well as personalized weekly workout plans from a human Fitness Concierge to help you crush your goals. Best of all, when you're not working out, it looks like a regular mirror.

Forme is an excellent choice for those in search of a fitness machine that doesn't look like one. Forme's membership ($49 per month) offers a variety of class styles for all levels, including barre, boxing, breathwork, cardio, cool down, core, foam roller, meditation, mobility, strength, and yoga. Forme also offers the mirror with an optional Lift attachment ($6,495) that adds Tonal-like arms for strength training, but you can always use your own weights instead.

For an extra fee, Forme's excellent health one-on-one coaching service lets you video chat with knowledgeable trainers through the mirror for personalized workouts and guidance to help you meet your goals, including nutrition, recovery, sleep, and supplement recommendations. The Echelon Reflect is a solid budget-friendly alternative, but the Forme Studio offers a more premium, curated experience.

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Best Affordable Stationary Bike

BODi Bike

4.0 Excellent

Two workout platform options
Upgraded speakers and faster downloads
New sensor offers cadence, speed, and distance metrics
Large, varied on-demand workout library with lots of live classes
Dual-sided pedals
Apple Watch support

MYX + Openfit membership price has gone up
Occasional connectivity issues with Apple Watch and metrics sensor in testing
No leaderboards

The BODi Bike (previously known as the MYX II) offers the best value out of all of the Peloton Bike alternatives we've tested. Its cycling classes focus on heart rate zone training, so you'll strap on the included Polar OH1 monitor (or you can connect your own Apple Watch) to see a real-time graph of your ticker on screen alongside the instructor as you work out. Watching your heart rate go up and down as you try to keep it in the correct zone helps alleviate boredom and motivates you to give your all. This sturdy stationary bike features a swiveling 21.5-inch touch screen, dual-sided pedals for clip-in cycling shoes or regular athletic sneakers, and a video camera for live interactive classes.

The BODi Bike is the best Peloton alternative for those on a budget. Its BODi membership ($179 per year) offers access to thousands of on-demand workouts, including barre, bootcamp, cardio, core, cycling, HIIT, meditation, pilates, strength, stretching, and yoga, with content from Openfit and The Beachbody Company. There's plenty of variety for everyone, from beginners to seasoned gym rats, including goal-based workout series and nutrition programs. There are no leaderboards on the BODi Bike, though, so go with a Peloton if you want to compete with others.

GET IT NOW Learn More BODi Bike Review

A More Affordable Alternative to the Peloton Bike+

Peloton Bike

4.0 Excellent

Lets you take streaming live classes
Large on-demand library of previous classes
Integrates with Fitbit and Strava
Sleek and compact design
Quiet
Lets you save songs to Apple Music and Spotify
Massive, highly engaged user community

Expensive
Requires monthly subscription
Can't select your own music

Peloton started a smart fitness craze with its original Bike, which brings the action of a high-tech spin class to the comfort of your home. Still available as a more affordable alternative to the Bike+, the original model features a bright and beautiful 21.5-inch HD touch screen on which you can access Peloton's full workout class library. You'll need a Peloton Bike or a Bike+ and an All Access class membership to compete on the leaderboard (app-only members don't get access), so this is the most affordable way to get the full Peloton experience.

Go with the original Peloton Bike if you want to compete on the Peloton leaderboard and the Bike+ is out of your budget. Naturally, the original Bike lacks some of the perks of the Bike+, including support for automatic resistance adjustments and a rotating display mount, but it offers a similar experience for about $1,000 less at the time of this writing. Just note that you need enough space to place a workout mat behind the bike for a good viewing angle during mat-based classes, as the screen does not rotate from side to side. If that's not an option, you can always stream Peloton classes on your , tablet, or TV. The Bike+ also has an upgraded speaker system for more immersive sound, but the original model's dual 10W speakers still get loud enough to fill a medium-sized room.

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Best Premium Rowing Machine

Peloton Row

4.0 Excellent

Premium build
Smooth ride
Fun, effective classes with engaging metrics
Live classes and competitive leaderboards
Form feedback
Appropriate for all fitness levels
Large, varied workout library
Excellent Spotify, Apple Music integration

Expensive
Few scenic guided rowing classes
No third-party video streaming support

Not only is it one of the smoothest and quietest rowing machines on the market, the Peloton Row is also the smartest. It boasts a unique Form Assist feature that tracks your movements to determine whether you're performing each stroke correctly and warns you when your form isn’t right. The Row features an electronically controlled magnetic resistance system and a 23.8-inch p touch screen that tilts and swivels. It delivers the same excellent interactive features that Peloton Bike and Tread owners know and love, including live workouts, competitive leaderboards, social high fives, and flawless integration with Apple Music and Spotify.

The Row is suitable for all experience levels, and its innovative Form Assist feature—a first for a rowing machine—makes it particularly well suited for beginners. The Row's closest competitor is the Hydrow, which offers a similarly luxurious experience and better scenery during classes, but no form feedback. Peloton's All Access membership offers everything from challenging rowing, strength, and floor cardio classes when you want to work up a sweat, to meditation, stretching, and yoga to support you on your rest days.

GET IT NOW Learn More Peloton Row Review Buying Guide: The Best Home Gym Equipment for

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 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.

Echelon Connect EX5S Bike (Credit: Angela Moscaritolo)

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.

Echelon EX5S interface (Credit: Angela Moscaritolo)

Some, like iFit-powered NordicTrack devices and the Peloton 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.

NordicTrack RW900 (Credit: Angela Moscaritolo)

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 screen-less models that work with your 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 $29 and $44 per month. Those memberships unlock access to on-demand and live-streaming classes and/or other interactive features.

Peloton shoes (Credit: Zlata Ivelva)

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.

Peloton Tread (Credit: Justine Welter)

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.

Peloton Bike (Credit: Zlata Ivelva)

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 the Peloton Bike and the rival Echelon EX5S (or the flashier EX-8S).

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.

SoulCycle At-Home Bike (Credit: Angela Moscaritolo)

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.

Hydrow (Credit: Angela Moscaritolo)

On smart rowing machines like the Hydrow 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. The NordicTrack Vault is an excellent freestanding option that features a hidden cabinet for your weights.

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.

Echelon Reflect (Credit: Angela Moscaritolo)

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.

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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, but the Tempo 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.

Tonal (Credit: Angela Moscaritolo)

The Tempo and Tonal are more expensive than most people can afford, but there are many more affordable smart strength training options, including the Tempo Move and the Peloton Guide, both of which cost less than $500.

For more, see the best strength training equipment we've tested.

More Tech to Help You Stay Fit

If none of the options here strikes 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.

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Building a smart home gym might sound like a splurge, but with gym memberships getting pricier and commutes cutting into your day, it can be a smart investment. You’ll save money over time, skip the hassle of driving to the gym and enjoy working out in a space that’s all yours.