iFIT and Peloton are competitors, but they have vastly different training styles. Even where they overlap, they tend to appeal to different types of athletes. If you are having trouble deciding between the two, this extensive comparison of these two fitness apps should be enlightening. I’ve been training with both of these apps for over a year very consistently.
The iFIT App
iFIT is best for exercisers who want beautiful scenic content. The classes are led by top coaches as they train in locations all over the world. Explore popular running and cycling routes in every continent or work out with an iFIT trainer backed by a picturesque view. While iFIT also has studio content, it is not as prevalent as Peloton’s studio classes.
Cost
There are two membership options available for iFIT. The first is the app-only membership, called iFIT Train. This membership has limited features because it is not designed for use with iFIT cardio equipment. It is the cheaper option at $15/month. iFIT Train only supports one user profile.
The iFIT Pro membership is $39/month. This membership gives you access to iFIT’s entire library of classes and all of the smart features. If you have an iFIT machine with a touchscreen, this is the membership you want to get. An iFIT Pro membership supports up to 5 users to accommodate the whole family!
iFIT Features and Content
iFIT features vary by the type of membership you have and where you are accessing your membership from. The following guide shows which features are available in the most affordable membership tier and what additional features are available with a Pro membership. iFIT has plans to expand their features and potentially membership tiers, so check out iFIT for the current pricing and membership options.
iFIT Train Membership
iFIT creates training classes for cardio equipment, strength training, and more. All iFIT classes are on-demand. They do not currently offer live classes. These features are available with an iFIT app subscription through your phone, tablet, or smart TV. For additional features, consider an iFIT Pro membership.
- Trainer-led Classes: iFIT coaches lead the classes, sharing training advice and education about the outdoor setting shown in the class.
- Scenic Classes: Most iFIT classes are filmed outdoors in beautiful locations all over the world. Some iFIT classes are filmed in studio, but these are less common.
- Cardio Classes: These classes are perfect for training on a third-party cardio machine. iFIT has classes for the treadmill, elliptical, rower, and exercise bike.
- Mat Classes: From strength to yoga to mindfulness, iFIT has classes that you can do on your workout mat with little to no equipment.
- Challenges: Join iFIT challenges or series for ongoing training.
- Workout History Tracking: iFIT allows you to store your class history to review them later.
iFIT Pro Membership
An iFIT Pro Membership gives you access to the following features in addition to the features available with an iFIT Train membership.
- Automatic Adjustments: Whether you are accessing iFIT content from a cardio machine touchscreen or from your smart device paired with an iFIT machine, the machine’s incline, speed, or resistance can automatically adjust to follow the trainer’s cues.
- Smart Adjust: Touchsceen iFIT treadmills, rowers, exercise bikes, and ellipticals can learn your fitness level over time to make more appropriate speed and resistance adjustments during classes.
- ActivePulse: iFIT treadmills are Bluetooth-enabled, allowing you to pair a heart rate monitor to the machine. When ActivePulse is enabled, the speed will adjust to bring you into the right heart rate zone for the class.
- Google Maps: Using Google Maps Street View, you can create a virtual running route anywhere in the world. The equipment incline will adjust to match the terrain shown on screen as closely as possible.
- Multiple Users: Your workouts are attuned to you with a Pro membership with personalized speed and resistance adjustments. Make up to 5 individual workout profiles for the members of your household.
My iFIT Wishlist
These are features iFIT does NOT have. iFIT is a great training app, but it lacks a few features that some users may be looking for. I have compiled the top features I wish iFIT would add.
- Entertainment and Third-Party Apps: iFIT equipment does not permit users to access Netflix or any other entertainment streaming service. We would like to see iFIT add this feature as well as connectivity to other apps, like Zwift.
- Live Classes: iFIT used to have live classes and a leaderboard. Due to conflicts with Peloton, iFIT had to remove these features. I can’t fault iFIT for not having them, but exercisers looking for these features won’t find them here.
- Outdoor Classes or Podcasts: It would be nice to take iFIT outdoors. With so much of their content filmed outdoors, it would be nice to actually hit the trails with iFIT.
- Custom Workout Creation: iFIT equipment does not allow you to create a custom workout besides the route creation in Google Maps. I would love the ability to create custom workouts utilizing iFIT’s ActivePulse feature and Smart Adjust.
The Peloton App
Peloton is best for exercisers who enjoy a social, music-filled atmosphere. Most Peloton content is filmed in a studio. The Peloton app is great for exercisers training at home, outside, and in the gym.
Cost
Peloton has three membership tiers. The most affordable option is the App One membership which costs $12.99/month. The Peloton App+ is the middle tier and costs $24/month. These two subscription tiers are designed for the app on your phone, tablet, or smart TV only. To use Peloton equipment with their content, you will need an All-Access membership for $44/month.
Peloton Features and Content
Below you can find a breakdown of the features included in each membership tier. The higher tiers include all of the features found in the lower tiers.
Peloton App One Membership
The App One membership is $12.99/month. It is designed for exercisers who do not have Peloton equipment and mainly want to use the Peloton strength, mat, and outdoor classes.
- 3 Peloton Cardio Classes Per Month: These classes are filmed in the Peloton studio and designed for the bike, treadmill, and rower.
- Strength and Mat Classes: Peloton studio strength classes require up to 3 sets of dumbbells: light, medium, and heavy. There are also bodyweight classes that do not require equipment. Mat classes include Pilates, Yoga, Stretching, and more.
- Outdoor Audios: Peloton instructors talk you through a walk or run workout as you train outdoors. You can even track your pace and distance through the app.
- Workouts Series and Challenges: Train more consistently by joining programs or challenges. These features encourage you to establish a routine.
- Stacks: Build a workout playlist with Peloton’s stack feature. This is a great way to build a daily routine including a warm up, cool down, cardio, and strength training.
- Strive Score: When you pair a heart rate monitor with Peloton, you earn a Strive Score, a calculation of your effort level within the class.
Peloton App+ Membership
The App+ membership provides unlimited access to the features available in the Peloton app. It is not compatible with Peloton equipment. It includes all of the features available for the App One subscribers as well as the following:
- Unlimited Cardio Classes: You get access to Peloton’s full library of classes for the treadmill, exercise bike, and rower.
- Third-Party Equipment Connection: You can pair the app with Bluetooth-enabled third-party exercise bikes to record your real-time cadence in the Peloton app.
- Exclusive Content: Peloton may release content and series only available to App+ and All-Access subscribers.
Peloton All-Access Membership
The Peloton All-Access Membership is designed for Peloton Equipment owners. If you want to access all of the features on your Peloton treadmill, bike, or rower, you need this subscription.
- The Lanebreak Game: Lanebreak adds a whole new level of fun as you try to gain point by adjusting your treadmill speed and incline or your bike’s resistance. The game is set to music by a particular artist or within a certain genre, making it even more exciting.
- Auto Adjust: The Peloton Bike+ supports auto resistance adjustments, and the Peloton treadmills have automatic incline adjustments. You can opt out of these adjustments if you want.
- Entertainment Apps: Peloton machines have apps for Netflix, Max, Disney+, YouTube TV, and the NBA. If you want to freestyle your workout, these apps are there to keep you entertained.
- Leaderboard and High Fives: Interact with other Peloton members in the live or on-demand classes by racing up the leaderboard and sending high-fives to competitors.
- Scenic Classes: Peloton specializes in studio content, but you can find a few scenic classes and scenic audios, too.
- 20 User Profiles: The app-only tiers only support a single profile, but the All-Access membership is good for the whole household.
- Form Coaching: The Peloton Row has form coaching which is very helpful for beginners.
My Peloton Wishlist
Peloton does NOT have the features in this section. Peloton has a lot of features and training variety, but there are still some features it is lacking. I’ve highlighted the features I wish that Peloton had below.
- Custom Workouts: I wish I could create my own workouts. A bonus would be listening to the songs I saved in other Peloton classes during a custom session.
- Heart Rate-Based Training: Peloton already has the Strive Score. It would be cool to see it implemented into the workout structure.
- Third-Party Training Apps: I would love the option to train with Zwift or other training apps.
- Automatic Speed Adjustments for the Treadmill: The speed knob is super easy to use, but I would love optional automatic speed adjustments. The Tread recommends a range. If you could preselect the top, bottom, or middle of the range, that would be sweet.
- More Social Features: Virtual training groups, lanebreak competitions, and other social features would be really cool additions to the social atmosphere Peloton already has.
How to Choose Between iFIT and Peloton
We’ve taken a deep dive into Peloton and iFIT features. If you are still wondering which service to choose, we have a few suggestions.
Cyclists
If you are an outdoor cyclist who wants to replicate the experience of going uphill and downhill, iFIT and NordicTrack bikes are the better option. iFIT training content showcases beautiful outdoor routes. Their endurance and long rides are better. Peloton is a great option for studio cyclists who want to replicate the experience at home. If your go-to workout is an interval workout and you thrive on music, go with Peloton.
Runners
iFIT is the best option for heart-rate training thanks to their ActivePulse feature. iFIT is also an escape to the sunny outdoors if you find yourself training on the treadmill due to inclement weather. I prefer iFIT for my long runs and easy days. They make steady state running fun. Peloton has a refreshing approach to running that makes your indoor runs as exciting as training outdoors. If you want to try something outside of the box for your running routine, Peloton is a great choice. I prefer Peloton for interval running.
Rowers
Peloton makes rowing content that is great for use with their rowing machine or a third-party machine. The drag factor remains more constant than iFIT content, making it easier to follow along with. The Peloton Row also provides form feedback to help exercisers improve their technique. iFIT rowing machines are very non-traditional. They vary the stroke rate and resistance rather than setting a stable drag factor. iFIT is best for non-traditional rowing athletes.
Elliptical Users
Peloton does not make content for ellipticals, so I suggest iFIT.
Lifters
Peloton makes strength workouts you can do at home or in the gym. If you want to train anywhere, go with Peloton. iFIT strength workouts are great for endurance athletes who need to supplement their training to prevent injury. Neither app is a great pick for power lifting, Olympic lifting, body-building, or other advanced strength training methods. Most of the content from Peloton and iFIT only uses dumbbells, not squat racks, benches, or other gym staples.
Bottom Line: iFIT vs Peloton
iFIT specializes in outdoor trainer-led content with their entire library on-demand but constantly expanding. iFIT excels at hands-free training and heart rate training. iFIT offers elliptical training while Peloton does not. Other top iFIT features include Google Maps route creation and personalized workouts. Peloton specializes in studio training content that is live or on-demand. Peloton has better music and social features. If you are looking for entertainment or an app you can take anywhere, Peloton is the better option. iFIT and Peloton are powerhouses in the fitness app arena. We’ve thoroughly tested both apps to help you pick the right one for you.
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