Peloton vs iFIT: Which Fitness App Delivers Results?
Peloton has an extensive library of live and on-demand classes taught by lively instructors, while iFIT offers pre-recorded content and comprehensive wellness programming.
13 min readUpdated September 8th, 2023
SLWritten By Sara Lindberg
OVERVIEW
Peloton (🔥 Get a 30 day risk-free home trial) has one of the most extensive libraries of live and on-demand classes taught by energetic and motivating instructors, making it a great fit for users who want more variety, lively group classes, and a large selection of live and on-demand cardio, strength, yoga, and stretching workouts.
iFIT (free 30-day trial here), on the other hand, offers pre-recorded classes in a studio setting as well as outdoor scenic workouts and comprehensive wellness programming, making it more suitable for people who want diverse content but don’t need live classes.
Peloton vs. iFIT
Varies by equipment and subscription
Peloton
Live and on-demand classes
- 30-day Home Trial
- Peloton Bike Rental Program
- Various Equipment to suit your preference
- App that works with and without equipment
Peloton App Overview
When comparing Peloton vs iFIT in terms of quality programming, variety, and fresh content, the Peloton App clearly stands out. This comprehensive fitness platform has a diverse selection of treadmill, rowing, cycling, strength, bootcamp, boxing, yoga, Pilates, stretching, barre, meditation, outdoor running, walking, and hiking classes for all fitness levels.
Plus, you’ll have access to several workout types and thousands of live and on-demand classes led by expert instructors. And, if you want to go more in-depth with your training, the Peloton App also offers comprehensive programs for marathon training, a beginner yoga series, or a four-week Pilates program.
The Peloton app allows you to stream live and on-demand classes with an iOS or Android-supported device such as a tablet, smartphone, TV (Android, Fire, Apple, Roku), or computer. Because it does not require Peloton equipment like the Bike, Row, or Tread, you can use it with any cardio machine at the gym or at home.
You can even take it outdoors for a guided run. That said, the strength, Pilates, yoga, and bootcamp classes may incorporate weights, exercise bands, mats, or other fitness equipment, so make sure to check the equipment list on each class before getting started.
And speaking of getting started, signing up and creating a profile is easy with the Peloton App. You can take a quick quiz to get class recommendations or jump right in and start working out. After selecting your activity type, you’ll see a list of classes with titles, duration, and instructor.
When you select a specific class, you’ll then see more information, like the class plan, song list, body activity, and ratings. What’s more, you can search for live classes through the schedule feature or sort through on-demand workouts. You can also filter classes by instructor, duration, music, language, type, and difficulty. In general, classes range from 5 to 90 minutes.
The Peloton App costs $12.99 per month after a 30-day free trial period for new users. This fee only covers a single user, so if you have multiple people wanting to use the app, you'll need a subscription for each person. You can find the Peloton App on the Peloton website, Apple App Store, Google Play, or Amazon App Store.
And, if you need hands-on adjustments or in-person supervision during exercise, you may want or ask your doctor, physical therapist, or other healthcare provider if they think this platform is appropriate for your needs.
It’s important to note that the Peloton App differs from the All Access Membership, which is part of the Peloton equipment package. The All Access Membership is a $44 per month subscription used in conjunction with a Peloton Bike, Bike+, Tread, Row, or Guide. It allows users to stream classes directly to a connected screen on one of the Peloton cardio machines.
In addition to the features offered by the Peloton App, the All Access Membership also has a live leaderboard, allows your entire household to create profiles, offers exclusive content like scenic rides and lane breaks, and has more performance metrics tracking abilities. This membership is only available with a Peloton Bike, Bike+, Row, Tread, or Guide.
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Peloton Equipment List
The Peloton Free app, Peloton App One, and Peloton App+ do not require a Peloton cardio machine. If you have a Peloton Bike, Bike+, Row, or Tread, you’ll want to choose the Peloton All-Access Membership. If you have the Guide, you’ll subscribe to the Peloton Guide membership.
All Peloton apps feature classes that use bodyweight, only along with various fitness equipment. In general, you may see the following equipment used in Peloton classes:
- Dumbbells
- Kettlebells
- Yoga Mat
- Resistance Bands
- Yoga Block
- Yoga Strap
- Foam Roller
- Looped Resistance Bands
- Heart Rate Monitor
- Exercise Bike
- Treadmill
- Rowing Machine
- Cycling Shoes
Peloton Workouts
Peloton workout programs and classes currently being offered include:
Strength: No-equipment strength classes, free weight routines, and Pilates and barre classes round out the strength program with the Peloton app.
Cycling: Low-impact, Bike bootcamp, HIIT, intervals and arms, and endurance rides are just a few classes you can take on a Peloton Bike/Bike+ or your own exercise bike.
Running: From fun runs and endurance runs to HIIT, hills, and intervals, the running section of the Peloton app has everything you need to improve endurance and build strength with the Peloton Tread or your own treadmill.
Rowing: Combining the best of cardio and strength, Peloton rowing classes include Tabata rows, endurance rows, beginner rows, and more. Stream on the Peloton Row or use your own rowing machine.
Yoga: Supportive yoga instructors offer sequences and classes of all levels ranging from prenatal and restorative to slow flow and power flow.
Meditation: Guided meditations ranging from 5 minutes to 30 minutes will teach you techniques to calm and center your mind while bringing a sense of restful rejuvenation to your body.
Stretching: Classes specifically designed for pre and post-running, riding, and to help benefit muscle development and recovery. You can also choose stretching classes based on where you’re experiencing muscle tightness, so you can focus your attention on loosening up and lengthening out specific areas.
Walking: Peloton Tread walking classes offer everything from low-impact walking workouts to walking programs to build endurance.
Outdoor: Get outdoors for an audio-guided cardio walking or running workout from Peloton’s running instructors. These classes are set to music and include live metrics.
Cardio: Cardio workouts and classes that go beyond cycling, rowing, walking, and running. From boxing and HIIT to dance cardio and family fit, Peloton has many cardio workouts to get your blood pumping.
Peloton Plans
| Plan Type | Price | Offers |
|---|---|---|
| Peloton App Free | Free | Access to a limited number of classes. |
| Peloton App One | $12.99/mo or $129/year | Access to all classes including strength, cardio, Pilates, meditation, outdoor running, and more. Up to 3 cardio equipment classes each month including cycling, running, walking, and rowing.  |
| Peloton App+  | $24/mo or $240/year | Access to all classes including strength, cardio, Pilates, meditation, outdoor running, and more. No limit on cardio equipment classes including cycling, running, walking, and rowing. Access to exclusive classes, programs, and challenges and you can use a compatible cadence monitor with any cycling workout to track live metrics. |
| Peloton All-Access Membership | $44/mo | Includes App+ membership and content exclusively for Peloton equipment. |
| Peloton Guide Membership | $24/mo | Includes App+ membership and content exclusively for Guide. |
Peloton
Best for At-Home Workouts
Peloton is one of the most comprehensive and affordable online fitness platforms. With access to live and on-demand programming and classes, coupled with state-of-the-art equipment, Peloton stand ahead of the rest.
30-day Home Trial
Peloton Bike Rental Program
Various Equipment to suit your preference
App that works with and without equipment
Peloton App Pros and Cons
The Peloton App is one of the most comprehensive and affordable online fitness platforms. With access to live and on-demand programming and classes ranging from cardio and strength to yoga and Pilates, it’s easy to see why we think this is a great app. That said, there are a few downsides to consider.
Pros
- Free 30-day trial
- Affordable monthly fee
- Can use it without owning a Peloton Bike, Bike+, Tread, or Row
- Compatible with several devices such as mobile, tablet, computer, or smart TV
- Pairs with Apple Watch
- Stream thousands of live and on-demand classes
- New classes and workouts added daily
- Personalized recommendations delivered to your email and on the app
- Classes come with an explicit music warning notification and filter
- Monthly challenges
- Guided runs keep track of pace, elevation, and other metrics with a GPS-supported iOS device
- Heart-rate tracking with an Apple Watch
Cons
- Some workout classes use equipment like dumbbells, mats, or bands
- Can only create one user profile
- Music is pre-selected by instructors
- Not as interactive as the All Access Membership
$15 per month
iFIT
Best for connected exercise machines
- Instructor-led studio classes
- Instructor-led audio workouts
- 140+ workout series
iFIT App Overview
The iFIT app provides users of all fitness levels an interactive training platform with access to workouts like running, walking, cycling, cross-training, rowing, strength, and yoga.
With one app, you’ll be able to train using iFIT-enabled equipment, a compatible mobile device or TV, and Bluetooth-connected machines. More specifically, you can use the iFIT app in one of three ways:
- iFIT-connected equipment
- Bluetooth-enabled cardio equipment such as treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, rowers, fitness mirrors, and home gyms
- Off-machine workouts using a compatible device
While the iFIT app is accessible in a variety of situations, the easiest way to use it is with iFIT-connected exercise equipment. Currently, the iFIT app is available on ProForm, Freemotion, NordicTrack, Weider, and Matrix exercise equipment.
You can expect to pay $15 per month for the iFIT app, which is good for one user profile. Like Peloton, it comes with a 30-day trial, so take advantage of this offer if you are new to iFIT. The app is compatible with iOS and Android-compatible mobile devices.
Additionally, it works with Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, Android TV, and Roku devices. You can find the iFIT app on the iFIT website, Apple App Store, Google Play, or Amazon App Store.
Signing up and creating a profile is straightforward and only takes about five minutes. This process includes a questionnaire that helps iFIT with class recommendations.
Once you complete the initial steps, you’ll have instant access to on-demand studio classes, outdoor classes, global workouts, mindfulness content, cooking tips, and more.
Some of the notable standouts with the iFIT app include:
- Extensive library of studio classes
- Instructor-led audio workouts
- Series training
- Global workouts featuring scenic terrain
- International workouts available in languages like French, Italian, Spanish, German, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, and Russian
- Meditation and sleep content
- Automatic adjustment on iFIT-enabled machines
- Live events and races
- Variety of music
One thing we really like about iFIT is that classes are available as a longer program or individually. For example, if you choose running, workouts are divided by series or program or by class types like tempo, intervals, endurance, weight loss, race, or recovery.
Beyond searching by class or program, you can filter by features such as trainer, body part, workout location, equipment, duration, intensity, language, and completed classes. Another way to narrow your class search is to sort by trending, top-rated, newest, easiest, hardest, shortest, and longest.
Although iFIT workouts are designed with and without equipment, you’ll get the most benefits if you have access to cardio machines like a rower, treadmill, or bike and resistance equipment such as exercise bands, dumbbells, and kettlebells.
Plus, with an iFIT-enabled machine, you can take advantage of the automatic adjustment feature, which means the speed, incline, and resistance are automatically adjusted for you, with the ability to override it if needed.
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iFIT Equipment List
iFIT-connected exercise equipment allows you to maximize the iFIT app features by streaming workouts directly to the cardio or strength machine’s HD-connected screen.
This includes treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, rowers, fitness mirrors, and strength systems from NordicTrack, ProForm, Freemotion, Weider, and Matrix.
The iFIT app has both bodyweight-only and resistance or cardio equipment-based classes. In general, you may see the following equipment used in iFIT classes:
- Dumbbells
- Kettlebells
- Yoga Mat
- Resistance Bands
- Yoga Block
- Yoga Strap
- Foam Roller
- Looped Resistance Bands
- Heart Rate Monitor
- Exercise Bike
- Rowing Machine
- Cross-Trainer or Elliptical Machine
- Treadmill
- Cycling Shoes
iFIT Workouts
Studio Classes: iFIT studio classes include pre-recorded instructor-led workouts set to music. iFIT app studio workouts currently being offered include:
- Cycling
- Treadmill
- Elliptical
- HIIT
- Rowing
- Strength
- Yoga
- Barre
Audio Workouts: Audio-led classes you can do on the go, at home, or the gym.
Live Events and Races: iFIT’s only live option featuring races and events for cycling, treadmill, elliptical, and running activities.
Global Workouts: Workouts that allow you to choose the terrain or destination and follow along with an iFIT trainer while you explore beaches, waterfalls, mountains, and even jungles around the world.
Progressive Series: Train for races or milestones with progressive workouts that improve fitness over time.
iFIT Plans
| Plan Type | Price | Offers |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Monthly Plan | $15/mo | Access to all of iFIT’s on-equipment fitness content, including Global Workouts, Live Workouts, Studio Classes, and more. Members can also get iFIT workouts that require no equipment, including pilates, yoga, boxing, and strength training classes. |
| Individual Annual Plan | $180/year | Same as the individual plan but billed annually. |
| Family Monthly Plan  | $39/mo | Same as individual plans but members can add up to 4 additional users to the account. |
| Family Annual Plan | $396/year | Same as a family monthly plan but billed annually. |
iFIT
Best for connected exercise machines
The iFIT app gives you access to one system you can use on iFIT-enabled equipment, Bluetooth-connected machines, and a compatible mobile device or TV.
Instructor-led studio classes
Instructor-led audio workouts
140+ workout series
iFIT App Pros and Cons
The iFIT app pairs easily with iFIT-connected equipment to provide users with thousands of on-demand workouts, live events, and training programs.
It also works with other cardio equipment and off-machine workouts like running, walking, cycling, cross-training, rowing, strength, and yoga. That said, the iFIT app has some downsides to know about before you decide to subscribe.
Pros
- Free 30-day trial period
- Works with several cardio and strength machines
- On-demand classes
- Several class styles and modalities available
- World-class personal trainers and instructors
- Stream with iFIT-integrated equipment
- Available for iOS and Android devices
- Global-based training programs
- Live events and races
- Offers several progressive series to help train for events like marathons
- Mindfulness, cooking, and nutrition-based content
Cons
- Does not offer live classes or workouts
- Some premium features require iFIT-compatible exercise equipment
Peloton vs iFIT
Peloton and iFIT have several similarities, but also some critical differences worth noting. If you’re looking for expert instructors, excellent music, and lively classes, you can’t go wrong with either app.
Both Peloton and iFIT earn top honors for class selection, fitness modalities, and diverse content. Plus, both apps provide quality content and instruction for beginners to advanced levels.
The Peloton App has more content, slightly better classes, and a live feature that iFIT does not have. Plus, Peloton is known for having a lineup of enthusiastic, highly skilled instructors who make the classes engaging.
They also create a community feeling and have quite a following outside of the studio. We also like the interactive tools, achievements, badges, monthly challenges, and events that help with motivation.
The scenic outdoor workouts available with iFIT are superior to the audio-only sessions from Peloton. That said, the live class feature from Peloton is one reason you may want to opt for this app over iFIT. iFIT also stands out with the amount of wellness categories and fitness content.
Some notable areas include global workouts, studio classes, live events, progressive series, challenges, iFT Mind, Google maps, and cooking classes. However, iFIT is more expensive than Peloton, but only by a few dollars.
When it comes to using the apps with corresponding cardio equipment, some features work better when used with compatible machines, and this is true for both the Pelton and iFIT app.
However, we don’t think this is a deal-breaker since both platforms do an excellent job of providing users a high-quality experience without using Pelton or iFIT-enabled equipment.
Features Comparison Table
| Features | Peloton | iFIT |
|---|---|---|
| Live and on-demand classes | Yes | No (only live races) |
| Workouts for home, gym, and other settings | Yes | Yes |
| Equipment and non-equipment based classes and workouts | Yes | Yes |
| Free classes | Yes (limited) | No |
| Multiple connected machines representing more than one company | No (only Peloton brand equipment) | Yes |
| Number of instructors | 55+ | 180+Â |
| Nutrition content | No | Yes (cooking classes and nutrition education) |
Peloton vs iFIT Comparison Chart
Now that you have a broad overview of the pros, cons, and details of the Peloton and iFIT app, it’s time to take a side-by-side look at these platforms.
| App Name | Price | Trial Period | Compatibility | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peloton | $12.99 per month for the basic app; $44 per month for all access membership that requires Peloton equipment | 30 days for new trials | iOS and Android | - Live and on-demand classes-Expert instructors -Active community | -Thousands of live and on-demand classes, with new ones added daily-Class types include: strength, boxing, running, cycling, yoga, meditation, rowing, row bootcamp, bike bootcamp, tread bootcamp, Pilates, barre, cardio, stretching, waking, and hiking |
| iFIT | $15 per month | 30 days for new trials | iOS and Android | -Connected exercise machines -On-demand cardio and resistance training classes | -Studio classes -Audio workouts -Series training-Global workouts -International workouts in different languages -Meditation and sleep features-Live events and races -Cooking classes |
How to Choose a Fitness App
Whether you go with Pelton or iFIT, there may be a time when you decide to try another platform. And while you can use your time with Peloton or iFIT as a foundation for what you like and don’t like about a fitness app, it’s also a good idea to have criteria to help you choose the right app to fit your needs. With that in mind, here are some things to consider when choosing a fitness app.
Type of App
Fitness apps come in a few formats with different features. You’ll want to establish your goals before deciding on the app type. For example, if you want a class-based platform that offers live and on-demand workouts led by instructors, then apps like Peloton and iFIT are the way to go.
But if you want a routine-based app that provides workouts and exercise libraries and also allows you to design programs, an app like Fitbod is more appropriate. That said, make sure to look for apps that provide video demonstrations or audio instructions with written steps for learning the exercises.
Additionally, some apps focus on one area, like strength training or cardio programming, while others offer workouts and content in a variety of modalities such as stretching, meditation, cardio, strength, sleep, stress reduction, yoga, and Pilates.
Class Type
If you go with a class-based app, the next thing to consider is class type. For example, if you want live and on-demand workouts, then go with a platform like Peloton that features a schedule with live programming and also an expansive library of on-demand workouts.
Compatible Devices
Workout apps use compatible devices to stream content. Most platforms are available for iOS and Android devices, and some even allow you to link other health apps to the platform. You’ll also want to inquire about compatibility between any wearable devices like a smartwatch or fitness tracker. Some apps integrate your streaming device with a wearable one.
Free Trial
While not a deal-breaker, being able to access the programming for a few days before committing to a fee-based structure is a nice feature to consider when shopping for an app. Several fitness apps have a free trial period of seven to 30 days.
Subscription Costs
It’s not uncommon to pay a monthly fee for premium fitness apps. Most platforms charge between $12.99 and $29.99 per month for unlimited access. That being said, some apps have a free and fee-based version with more features.
If you find a platform with a free version, consider trying it first to see if you need the upgrades. Some people find that the free version is enough. Many apps also offer discounts if you pay per quarter, semi-annually, or annually.
Equipment Needs
Most apps feature workouts and classes with and without equipment. However, certain cardio programming requires access to machines like a treadmill, rower, or bike, while some strength classes use dumbbells, kettlebells, or exercise bands. If possible, go with an app that allows you to choose different routines.
The Bottom Line
Peloton and iFIT are excellent fitness apps that are affordable, easy to use, and offer superior content. That’s why it’s difficult to say which one is the best. Ultimately, we think both apps provide an outstanding workout platform and are worth the monthly fee.
When looking at each app side-by-side, iFIT comes out on top if you want classes in a studio setting as well as outdoor scenic workouts. We also like the global workouts and the ability to choose from several languages, including French, Italian, Spanish, German, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, and Russian.
On the other hand, the Peloton App is better overall for cardio, strength, and yoga-type workouts. It’s more affordable, provides live and on-demand classes, and we think the instructors are slightly more motivating, entertaining, and engaging.
Because Peloton and iFIT are so similar, you may want to sign up for the free 30-day trial period and give each app a test drive to see which one you like best. With that being said, we think you can’t go wrong with either app.
More iFit Guides from GymBird Experts
- iFit App Review
- iFIT for Beginners
- iFIT vs. Beachbody
- Must-Have iFit Equipment
- Top iFit Workout Programs
More Peloton Guides
- Peloton Bike Review
- Peloton App Review
- Best Alternatives to Peloton
- Peloton for Beginners
- Peloton Workout Programs
- Peloton vs Beachbody
- Must-Have Peloton Equipment
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