iFit vs JRNY – Fitness App Comparison

iFIT and JRNY are subscription-based fitness apps with studio and outdoor training content. Both have trainer-led classes that pair with cardio equipment as well as strength training classes. iFIT can be found on equipment from NordicTrack, ProForm, Freemotion, and Matrix. JRNY is found on Bowflex and Schwinn equipment. However, you can also use the app by itself or with other equipment brands. I’ve used both apps alone and with equipment, so I’m ready to break down the pros and cons of each.

iFIT is shown on the left and JRNY on the right. These are examples from the phone app.

The iFIT App and Membership

For $14.99 per month, you get an individual account only available on a phone, tablet, or TV. For $39 per month, you can get an iFIT Pro membership that grants access to iFIT on compatible equipment. Discounts are available if you pay for one year or two years all at once for the Pro membership.

What’s Included with iFIT?

iFIT has thousands of training classes with more added regularly. No matter how often you train, you are unlikely to run out of workouts to try.

These features are available on iFIT through the app:

• Workout tracking (real-time stats, post-workout summaries, and workout history)
• Worldwide outdoor classes led by top coaches
• On-demand studio classes
• Cardio equipment, strength equipment, and mat classes
• Series and challenges for ongoing training

These features are available on touchscreen iFIT equipment:

• Automatic speed, incline, and resistance adjustments
• Personalized workout speed and resistance
• ActivePulse (automatic speed adjustments for heart rate zone training)
• Create your own virtual route with Google Maps
• Feed.FM music radio stations

Free Content

The iFIT app has 1 free featured workout for walking/running, cycling, and rowing on their touchscreen equipment. There is no free content available on their app. A 30-day free trial of the iFIT app is available to new members.

Who is iFIT For?

Exercisers Who Want Guidance: iFIT provides training content for the treadmill, exercise bike, rowing machine, and elliptical. There are also classes for yoga, strength training, and mindfulness.

Families: An iFIT Pro membership supports 5 total users with no added cost. Your training profiles are kept separate with their own logins.

Outdoorsy Athletes: All of iFIT’s content is on-demand. It is filmed in beautiful global locations, allowing users to explore distant trails with iFIT trainers.

The JRNY App and Membership

The JRNY app is $11.99 per month for just the app. An all-access membership is $19.99 per month and is the subscription you need to access JRNY on compatible fitness equipment. A discount is available for users who pay for a whole year upfront.

What’s Included with JRNY?

JRNY has a more limited workout selection than iFIT, but their low cost keeps the value high.

These features are available through the app without any JRNY equipment:

• Trainer-led studio classes
• Bodyweight classes for cardio, HIIT, pilates, strength, stretching, and yoga
• Dumbbell classes
• Workout history and goal tracking

These features are included with JRNY equipment:

• Structured workouts
• Explore the World Scenic classes
• Fitness assessment (customizes structured workouts to you with burn rate)
• Burn Rate (a personalized effort level recommendation)
• Entertainment apps from Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and Disney+
• Music radio stations

Free Content

JRNY gives app users free access to a few dumbbell and bodyweight strength training classes. There is a 2-month free trial of their full subscription.

Who is JRNY For?

• Exercisers on a Budget: The affordable price of JRNY compared to iFIT and other fitness platforms makes it very appealing.
• Families and Friends: Most JRNY equipment supports an unlimited number of profiles. However, without a connected cardio machine, only one profile is allowed.
• Bowflex and Schwinn Equipment Owners: Your access to JRNY content depends on what equipment you have. The app is best for users who are loyal to JRNY brands.

How to Choose the Right Fitness App

• Do you have compatible equipment? If so, does it make more sense to go with the already integrated app?
• Do you want automatic speed, incline, and resistance adjustments on your equipment?
• Do you like having a lot of workout options, or do you prefer to stick to a more limited selection?
• Do you want access to other entertainment apps while you work out?
• How important are personalization and real-time stats tracking to you?
• What is your monthly budget?
• Do you have friends or family that want to use your membership too?

Bottom Line: iFIT vs JRNY

iFIT and JRNY both perform best when paired with compatible equipment. iFIT is better than JRNY as a paid app without equipment because it gives you access to their entire library of classes. The JRNY app is a better option for non-subscribers because there is a bigger selection of free workouts. Each app has other options that could make it more suited to your intended use. When it comes down to it, the best app is the one that best matches your desired training style.