Smart Home Gyms Are Getting Smarter: These Expert Picks Are Worth Every Penny
CNET·July 20, 2026
AI Summary
Smart home gym equipment is becoming increasingly sophisticated, offering personalized workout experiences through integrated technology and AI-driven features. Expert-recommended devices in this space combine high-quality hardware with intelligent coaching capabilities, making them worthwhile investments for serious home fitness enthusiasts.
If you’re tired of paying for a gym membership and would rather get the same experience at home, then a smart home gym that offers multiple functions in one device can fit the bill. As CNET’s resident fitness expert, I’ve tested many popular smart home gyms over the years, so I know what to look for in price, size, memberships, features and more. This has allowed me to narrow down this list to only the best smart home gyms that are actually worth the price.
Our roundup includes the best equipment across various categories: mirrors, bikes, rowing machines, treadmills and more. These aren’t comparable, and there is no winner, but every product listed is the best in its category based on my expertise and rigorous testing.
Why we like it: The NordicTrack X24 is one of NordicTrack’s newest treadmills, and it offers a max 40% incline. This high incline lets you enjoy a variety of workouts, including hiking. If you want to walk or run at a decline, it also has a minus 6% max option.
NordicTrack’s trademark SmartAdjust feature automatically adjusts your incline and speed. This function activates during an iFIT workout since the speed and incline are adjusted automatically based on the instructor’s cues. Considering the commercial size of this treadmill, you can enjoy it whether you walk, run or jog.
The 24-inch touchscreen is big enough that you can view an iFIT class (through NordicTrack’s workout app) clearly or your favorite Netflix show, as long as you have the iFIT Pro membership ($40 per month). If you’re an iFIT member, you also have access to iFIT’s AI Coach, which functions as a personal assistant and schedules your workouts.
Who it’s best for: This treadmill is best for the serious runner or those who enjoy hiking. The steep 40% incline and other treadmill features are beneficial whether you’re training for a race with various inclines or you enjoy a challenge when walking. You can also connect to third-party streaming apps, such as Netflix and Prime Video, to keep you entertained during your workout.
Who shouldn’t get it: This treadmill is large because it’s commercial-sized. Therefore, if you opt to buy it, make sure you have plenty of room to keep it. I had just enough space to test it in my home, but I would still recommend making sure you have more than enough space around it. This is important if you plan to do the iFIT classes and need to pivot the screen for your floor workouts.
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I didn’t love the design of the speed and incline buttons because they’re flush with the treadmill and sometimes required me to press them multiple times to adjust these features. This isn’t helpful when you’re sweaty mid-workout and trying to adjust your speed quickly.
The Cross Training Peloton Bike Plus is one of our top smart home gym picks. / Giselle Castro-Sloboda/ CNET
Why we like it: The Cross Training Bike Plus is the newest version of the Peloton Bike. Peloton made some upgrades, such as an extra-cushioned seat and an HD touchscreen that now rotates 360 degrees, so you can work out from anywhere on the floor. The 23.8-inch full HD touchscreen also includes a camera, which gives you access to Peloton’s AI-powered feature, Peloton IQ.
Peloton IQ is Peloton’s personal trainer experience during strength training sessions, counting reps, identifying the weights you’re lifting and checking your exercise form. The camera captures your body in frame during your workout, allowing you to use this feature.
Who it’s best for: The Cross Training Peloton Bike Plus is best for new Peloton fans who enjoy cycling and group fitness classes. If you like the idea of having an AI coach, you’ll like the Peloton IQ feature. Plus, having the bike makes it multi-functional for other workouts besides cycling.
Who should not get it: If you already own the original version of the Peloton Bike or Bike Plus, you won’t get a trade-in deal for the upgraded version. That means you’ll spend $2,695 to upgrade a bike you already own just to get the camera function. I also thought Peloton IQ could use some improvements. Until some changes are made, it may not be worth replacing your old bike for a new one.
If you purchase the Cross Training Peloton Bike, you can still take advantage of some of the Peloton IQ features without the camera. The all-access membership also went up in price (originally $45, now $50) — regardless of whether you own one of the new machines.
What we like about it: The Tonal 2 is the second version of Tonal, a strength training smart home gym that became popular in the fitness community, along with endorsements by athletes such as LeBron James and Serena Williams. It resembles a cable machine combined with a touchscreen TV and is intended to replace your dumbbells, barbells and weight plates while saving space in your home. It has 13 sensors to track your form and technique, while the smart handles and bar accessories (an optional, additional $495) have a gyroscope motion sensor that keeps track of your reps.
The latest version of Tonal also includes a smart view, which allows you to view yourself as you do your workout and has an Aero feature, which allows you to use it for cardio or HIIT classes. Tonal 2 uses up to 250 pounds of total resistance and calibrates your weights for different exercises based on your initial fitness assessment. Before you start a workout, Tonal can also tell which muscle groups are fatigued on the day of your workout and make sure to work around them.
Tonal offers thousands of on-demand and live workouts for beginners to advanced athletes. It even has five dynamic weight modes that make your workout harder and function like a personal trainer. If you don’t want to take a class, you can use the Tonal on its own and customize your own workout while still receiving the same feedback you would in class. You can also connect your Amazon Music or Apple Music account and listen to your own music during your workout.
Who it’s best for: Tonal 2 is best for the serious weightlifter or someone who is into strength training, but wants more guidance during their workouts. They’ll appreciate the 250 pounds of total resistance and especially being able to view themselves as they do their workout. It is a big investment at $4,295, so it’s best for the exerciser who plans on being committed to using it.
Who should avoid it: I would avoid buying the Tonal 2 if you know you aren’t going to be consistent with your strength training workouts. I also wouldn’t recommend it if you don’t have the space for it or the budget. The original Tonal was cheaper, and I didn’t find the upgrades to be worth the big price jump this time around. It also requires 7 feet of wall space and floor space. If the next iteration has more unique features and functions, then I might say the price point is worth it.
Aug. 1, 2025: We updated this list to reflect equipment that is still available and removed discontinued products. We updated Tonal to Tonal 2 and removed the NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 elliptical because it has been discontinued.
April 2, 2026: We updated the list to replace the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 with the NordicTrack X24. We added the Cross Training Peloton Bike Plus. The Tempo Studio has been discontinued and removed from the list.
Each smart home gym is tested differently based on its category since no two are alike. We narrowed down the best smart home gyms based on each of their respective categories. These include treadmills, ellipticals and mirror gyms, all of which have been tested by various CNET editors over the years.
Budget: Smart home gyms tend to be expensive, with prices starting at $1,000. Therefore, it’s an investment you want to make sure is worth it for your home and exercise preferences. Consider how much you’re willing to spend and what’s included in that price.
Space: Many smart home gyms are relatively large pieces of equipment. Before purchasing one, make sure you have enough room to set it up and move around it. For example, if you’re purchasing a machine such as a treadmill, it’s ideal to look for one that folds for easier storage. Whereas if you’re purchasing a smart fitness mirror, you’ll want to make sure that wherever you mount it, there’s still room to exercise in front of it.
Versatility: Smart home gyms usually offer multiple functions. If you’re buying a smart home gym, make sure it also offers a variety of classes so you can build a well-rounded workout. If you want personal training, make sure the smart home gym offers it as an option.
Membership: Since smart home gyms typically replace a gym membership, make sure the membership supports multiple user profiles so your whole family can use it.
Tempo Studio: We previously named the Tempo Studio the best smart home gym for strength training with free weight, but it has since been discontinued. Instead, you can opt for the Tempo Move or Core(the smaller version of the Studio).
Since the types of smart home gyms vary widely, there aren’t best practices that apply to all of the ones on this list. Instead, there are some key things to keep in mind–particularly for treadmills, ellipticals and rowing machines.
Best treadmill practices: Make sure to get clearance from your doctor first if you’re pregnant, have been sick or are recovering from an injury or surgery. Your treadmill workout should consist of a five to 10-minute warm-up. Pace yourself, don’t run too fast too soon, avoid holding on to the handrails and keep your arms by your side, but use them so you’re a more efficient runner. Focus on running tall, light and relaxed to avoid any unnecessary tension.
Best rowing machine practices: Learn the importance of the setup, which is broken into four parts: catch, drive, finish and recovery. If you’re really interested in getting into rowing, it’s recommended to learn the right technique from an expert.
Best elliptical practices: Stand tall, keep your core engaged, and avoid slouching. Hold onto the handles and keep your feet flat and sturdy on the pedals when you pedal forward.
This depends on what you’re looking for in a smart fitness mirror. Most offer a variety of classes that are updated regularly but have a different purpose. Some focus on perfecting the artificial intelligence aspect of it to give you form feedback, while others prefer to concentrate on personal training or high-quality group fitness classes. The smart fitness mirror you choose will also depend on your preference, budget and space availability.
Owning a smart home gym can make it easier for you to stay active because you have a full gym at home. You can also share the experience with other family members looking to get fit.
Your smart home gym or smart fitness mirror will come with instructions on how to maintain and care for it. Some recommend only using microfiber or cleaning cloths to keep it clean and dust-free. Never use cleaning products that have not been approved by the manufacturer.
