PCMag tests all the most popular smart home gym equipment, from connected bikes and treadmills to rowers and strength training equipment. To help you choose the model that best suits your needs and budget, we test these machines at home to find out the ease of assembly, hardware design and quality, software interface and features, price, and of course , training experience.
We typically spend a month (or longer if time permits) testing each machine we review. During that testing period, we aimed to train on the equipment at least three times a week, and we often exceeded that goal. Read on to learn more about how and why we run tests.
Shipping and assembly
The evaluation process begins from the moment your machine arrives. Some equipment requires little or no assembly, while some machines take hours to assemble and require multiple people to assemble.
NordicTrack RW900 (Credit: Angela Moscaritolo)
Most companies offer the option of building the machine yourself or having it professionally assembled (usually for an additional fee). Some smart home gym equipment manufacturers, such as Tonal, require you to hire a professional.
If the vendor offers professional assembly services, always choose that option instead of going the DIY route. Either way, our review details the delivery and assembly process to help you prepare for what to expect.
design and specs
Design is one of the most important considerations when choosing smart fitness equipment, especially if you have limited space or ceiling height. If you don’t have enough space, a wall-mountable machine may be your best bet. Foldable machines also help save floor space. Our review covers each model’s dimensions, space requirements, and height and weight limitations.
Safety and comfort are also important factors that we consider. Overall, a smart stationary bike seat can be a literal pain in the butt, especially for beginners, but the machine should feel sturdy even when pedaling at maximum cadence, and that’s what it is. Whether it is mentioned in the reviews. We’ll also let you know if your bike requires clip-in cycling shoes, can be used with regular sports shoes, or if it supports both.
The Echelon Stride treadmill works with your own tablet or phone (Credit: Angela Moscaritolo)
When testing a treadmill, we report on factors such as the width of the deck, the style and elasticity of the belt, and whether you feel the motor is powerful enough. When we evaluate rowing machines, we look for a strong, durable frame and a smooth ride.
We also consider each machine’s resistance level and control (including speed, incline, and descent if necessary). Some have knobs, others buttons. The most high-tech models even feature self-adjustment. Test all these features to determine how well they work.
Most smart fitness machines have integrated metrics sensors that allow you to view real-time statistics such as distance and power output during your workout. Many work with external heart rate monitors, and some fitness machines support Apple Watch pairing. High-end models typically have a built-in tablet to stream your workouts and monitor metrics, and some models work with your phone, tablet, or TV.
The machine’s built-in display must be fast and responsive. If your workout library includes floor-based classes, it may be helpful to have the screen tilt up or down or rotate left or right. This allows you to easily adjust to the optimal viewing angle.
Sound can also affect your experience. The machine’s built-in speakers should provide clear audio that is loud enough to hear the music and the instructor’s voice without headphones. However, most products also allow you to pair Bluetooth headphones. In each review, we always check the sound quality and headphone compatibility.
App and workout experience
Onboard software is what separates smart fitness machines from unconnected ones. Our review details each platform’s user interface and compares its content library, production and entertainment value, trainers, music, social features, and workout experience to the competition.
Tempo Studio (Credit: Angela Moscaritolo)
If you can access streaming workout videos on your machine’s built-in screen, you may need a high-speed internet connection. First, connect your machine to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. If you experience buffering, switch to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network if supported, which usually resolves the issue. Our review will focus on minimum internet requirements and whether we experienced any delays during our tests.
Most connected fitness equipment requires a membership, typically between $29 and $44 per month, for unlimited access. One membership typically allows you to set up multiple profiles, which helps keep each person’s workout history, statistics, and preferences separate.
Editor’s picks
To determine whether a membership is worth your money, consider the amount and type of content a membership unlocks, as well as how often a company updates its library. The best workout apps offer a huge and diverse content library with workouts suitable for people of all levels of experience. Most feature on-demand, trainer-led workout classes, while others focus on games and competitions.
Peloton Bike+ class interface (Credit: Angela Moscaritolo)
Peloton and many of its competitors churn out several new classes every day, so there’s always new content to check out. These classes have high production values, with knowledgeable instructors offering tips to stay safe, stories to help kill time, and words of encouragement to help you stay motivated. I will.
Live classes, social features (like leaderboards and in-app video chat), quality music, and integration with services like Apple Music and Spotify further enhance the experience and ensure your new equipment doesn’t become an expensive coat hanger. You can. .
Some smart exercise machines take a walled approach, giving you access only to apps and services. Some even come preinstalled with video streaming apps like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and Netflix. Some products come with an unlocked tablet that allows you to download third-party apps. The more entertainment options a platform offers, the better. Of course, in each review we look at all the options available, including those locked behind paywalls.
Netflix playing on Bowflex VeloCore (Credit: Angela Moscaritolo)
many paths to fitness
Ultimately, the best fitness equipment for you will depend on your budget, goals, and preferences. If you don’t have the money to buy fitness equipment, there are many free and affordable workout apps to consider. To explore all your options, check out our ultimate guide to health and fitness technology.
If you’re working on your fitness, you might want to invest in a fitness tracker that measures your performance, inspires you to stay active, and helps you reach your goals. We have a different process for testing our fitness trackers, which includes wearing them while training and sleeping.
Taking steps to improve your sleep and reduce stress can also have a positive impact on your health. If you’re struggling in these areas, check out our list of the best sleep technology and meditation apps.
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About Angela Moscarritoro
Editor-in-chief of Consumer Electronics Division
I’m PCMag’s Consumer Electronics Editor-in-Chief, overseeing a team of experienced analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health technology, and a variety of other product categories. I’ve been with PCMag for over 10 years, and in that time I’ve written over 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously worked as an analyst specializing in smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer technology news. I am also a yoga instructor and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly 10 years.
Before joining PCMag, he was a reporter at SC Magazine focusing on hackers and computer security. I earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from West Virginia University and began my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
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