- Bowflex PR1000 Review: Is It Worth Buying - July 30, 2022
- The 6 Best Echelon Alternatives to Consider Before You Buy - July 18, 2022
- Mirror vs NordicTrack Vault: Which One Should You Buy? - July 18, 2022
When you’re trying to decide between Mirror vs Tonal gyms, you’ll notice that neither one takes up an exorbitant amount of space. From that point in the comparison on, though, both fitness mirrors are very different.
One has a heavier focus on strength training, while the other barely require any equipment at all. One acts as the trainer by increasing your weights and tracking progress to move you toward your goals, and the other allows you to follow along with workouts plus hire a trainer for 1-on-1 sessions where they can see you and give you feedback.
Choosing between these two will be tough, so we’ll walk you through the features, pros, and cons of each one and then tell you where we stand
With 50+ genres, 5-60 minute classes, and absolute beginner to expert levels, we have the perfect workout for everyone. Enjoy new live classes daily, or choose from our library of thousands of on-demand classes anytime. 
Want to know more about interactive gyms, and how to find the best one for your needs Check out our full guide here.
Whether you go with the Mirror or Tonal gym (Full Review Here), you can still get in great shape from consistency with your workouts. That said, here are some of the main differences between the Mirror and Tonal gyms:
Contents
Main Differences Between the Mirror vs Tonal Gym
The main differences between the Mirror vs Tonal Gym are:
- The Mirror is more cardio-focused, whereas the Tonal gym is more focused on strength training.
- The Mirror does not have to be mounted on the wall, whereas the Tonal gym does.
- The Mirror allows you to use the camera to interact with trainers and see other members in class, whereas the Tonal gym does not (currently).
- Mirror’s price does not include the membership, whereas the Tonal gym’s price does include the first year of membership in the price.
- The Mirror is only as loud as you make it by controlling the volume, whereas the Tonal gym will make some noise that other people in the house or neighbors on the other side of the wall may hear.
- The Mirror does not come with accessories, whereas the Tonal gym comes with a Smart Accessory bundle.
- The Mirror blends in with any room and looks like a regular mirror when not in use, whereas Tonal is obviously more than home décor and won’t blend in as well.
Features of Mirror
- Practically invisible on the wall (you can lean it against the wall in a stand)
- Allows you to check your form and follow along with a trainer as you exercise
- Takes up two feet of wall space
- Gives you personalized feedback based on goals and preferences, so you’ll see results more quickly
- Has a camera that allows you to connect with friends and take classes together
- Gives you access to thousands of classes (some life, some on-demand) to include: barre, kickboxing, boot camp, cardio + strength, family fun, Pilates, pre/postnatal, dance cardio, yoga, stretching, sculpting, weight training, ballet, meditation, hip hop, arms + abs, Latin dance, tai chi, kettlebell, competitive, and boxing
- Allows you to see and compete against others in the class
Pros
- It only needs two feet of space along the wall
- Tons of variety so you’ll probably never get bored
- You can try it for 30 days and return it for a full refund if you don’t like it
- It’ll be delivered and installed for you, so you won’t have to worry about not being handy or technical enough to get it set up.
- You can use their playlists or sync up with your own Apple Music playlists.
- Real-time metrics
- Most workouts don’t require equipment, so there won’t be an extra expense or need to store an assortment of weights, etc.
- Live feedback on form, technique, etc., from trainers through two-way audio and video if you sign up for a personal training session (you can cover the camera when it’s not in use).
- Looks and acts like a regular mirror when not in use, so it blends in with home décor.
Cons
- $39.99 monthly membership, but it does cover up to six family members and can be used on a smartphone, tablet, or even the television
- Not a lot of weightlifting workouts
- If you’re not that interested in the customization and ability to easily check your form (long-time fitness enthusiasts may see less value in these features, for example), you may be able to use an app on a large screen for a similar, and less expensive, effect.
- Personal training sessions cost extra.
With 50+ genres, 5-60 minute classes, and absolute beginner to expert levels, we have the perfect workout for everyone. Enjoy new live classes daily, or choose from our library of thousands of on-demand classes anytime.
Features of Tonal Gym
- The trainer shows you how to complete the exercises in a video on a large screen
- Digital weights up to 200 lbs
- Measures reps, sets, range of motion, power, time under tension, and volume to make sure you’re progressing over time
- Workouts are tailored to you
- Accessories included
- Family accounts included in the price
- Changes weights for you as you progress so you’re not left guessing
- Demos all movements for you
- Spotter mode
- Variety of lifting modes, like eccentric, chains, and burnout
Pros
- Designed to help you progress and get stronger over time
- Automatically tracks everything for you
- Focuses on strength training without a lot of additional distractions
- Year of membership is wrapped up in the price (as well as delivery and installation)
- It would be difficult to replicate this experience without purchasing a lot of equipment, and you still wouldn’t get the nudges to go up in weight when it’s time or the feel of having a spotter.
Cons
- Expensive
- Not as much variety in class types since the focus is on lifting (but it’s still got enough to keep you interested!)
- Installing Tonal yourself isn’t recommended, so scheduling may be inconvenient
- Doesn’t show you your form—only the trainer’s
- The monthly fee (currently $49.00/month) will start after the first year
Comparison Chart
Sometimes seeing all the details side-by-side can make the true winner stand out when making a big purchasing decision. Let’s see how it goes for Mirror vs Tonal gym options:
| Mirror | Tonal | |
| Price | Starts at $1495.00 | Starts at $2995.00 |
| Payment plan? | Yes, pay as little as $42.00/month with 0% APR | Yes, you can pay $149.00/month with 0% APR |
| Where to buy | Mirror.co | Tonal.com |
| Dimensions | 52”H x 22”W x 1.4”D | 21.5”W x 50.9”H |
| Warranty | 1-year standard, option to extend for up to four more years | 3-year limited |
| Membership included in price? | No | First-year |
| Types of classes | Barre, kickboxing, Bootcamp, cardio + strength, family fun, Pilates, pre/postnatal, dance cardio, yoga, stretching, sculpting, weight training, ballet, meditation, hip hop, arms + abs, Latin dance, tai chi, kettlebell, competitive, and boxing
|
Strength training, yoga, Pilates, barre, meditation, kickboxing, dance cardio, family fun, pre/postnatal, triathalon, high intensity, recovery, mobility, quick fit, Bootcamp, theragun |
| Accessories included? | No | Yes, the Smart Accessory bundle includes Smart Handles, Smart Bar, rope, bench, roller, and workout mat |
| Shipping and installation included? | No, but sometimes coupon codes are available | Yes (they deliver to the contiguous 48 states) |
| Space needed | 2’ of wall space; roughly the size of a yoga mat on the floor, plus a little room on either side | 7’ x 7’ of floor space, 7’ of wall space, and a ceiling of 7’10” |
Alternatives to Consider
If there’s no clear winner of the Mirror vs Tonal gym debate in your mind, there are a few other options you may want to consider before making a purchase.
Tempo
If you’re a fan of more traditional strength training but don’t have space for a full home gym, you’ll enjoy the Tempo’s setup.
Pros
- Comes with weights that are easily hidden from view when you’re done.
- Tracks movements with 3D sensors to give you feedback
- Not attached to the wall
- Variety of class types
Cons
- Requires more space than Mirror or Tonal
- Expensive
- Membership required
Read more: Tempo vs Mirror Comparison.
NordicTrack Fusion CST
The NordicTrack Fusion CST is part of the iFit family, so if you’re already enjoying one of their treadmills, bikes, or rowers, you might prefer this one.
Automatic Trainer Control: Your iFit Trainers will automatically cycle through 20 power levels of resistance to dial in the perfect workout for you. 
Pros
- Comes with a one-year iFit membership (included in price)
- Combines cardio and strength workouts
- Adjusts your resistance for you
- Silent
Cons
- Heavy
- Takes up a lot of space
- Lacks the variety some other options offer
Peloton App
You may or may not need equipment to use the Peloton app (it depends on the workouts you prefer to do), but it’s only $12.99/month and you get access to everything from meditation to strength training. You can use the app on any treadmill or bike as long as you have a spot to prop your device up or have a smart TV in your workout space.
Transform your fitness routine with thousands of live & on-demand instructor-led workouts in strength, cycling, running, HIIT & more.
Pros
- Variety in workouts and trainers
- New classes added all the time
- Inexpensive
- You’re not required to buy equipment to use it; you’ll just have to choose workouts based on what you have on hand
Cons
- You may find yourself wanting additional equipment (like a treadmill or bike) once in the Peloton ecosystem.
- You’ll have to decide when it’s time to increase your weights or look for more intense classes.
- Not customized
BodyBoss Home Gym
The BodyBoss home gym is a compact, inexpensive, portable option.
The BodyBoss 2.0 was designed to simulate all the bulky equipment and machines you see at the gym and combine them into one revolutionary workout concept - the BodyBoss 2.0, a portable gym. 
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Easy to get, fast, from Amazon
- Doesn’t attach to the wall
- Can easily be stored somewhere out of the way
Cons
- Some reviewers say the bar may snap while in use
- Making adjustments and monitoring your form is up to you.
- Strength training only
FAQs
Here are some of the most-asked questions about Mirror vs Tonal gyms. Hopefully, these FAQs can help you decide which one is right for you.
Question: What is better, Tonal or Mirror?
Answer: It depends on the type of workouts you enjoy. If you’re into strength training, you’ll get more out of Tonal, though you also get additional types of workouts with that. If you prefer cardio but wouldn’t mind the occasional strength workout (not necessarily with heavy weight), you’ll be happier with Mirror.
Question: What is the difference between the Mirror and Tonal?
Answer: The Mirror allows you to keep an eye on your form and make adjustments, and the majority of their workouts require no equipment. You won’t see your reflection in the Tonal screen, as it’s just a trainer in a video showing you what to do, and it’s primarily focused on strength training.
Question: Is the Mirror workout worth it?
Answer: It can be, especially if you’re new to exercising and want to ensure that your form is correct and that you’re progressing in a way that supports your goals. If you’ve been into fitness for years, you may not get as much out of it, but it could still be a fun way to spice up your workout routine.
Question: Is Tonal worth the money?
Answer: If you like the idea of having a trainer walk you through your workouts, increase your weights when it’s time, and play around with reps, sets, volume, etc., and you’re looking for an in-house strength training option that doesn’t involve buying or storing a ton of equipment, yes.
Question: Is there a monthly fee for Tonal?
Answer: Yes, it’s $49.00/month, but your first year of membership is included in the total price of Tonal.
Question: Can you get Tonal without a subscription?
Answer: You will have very limited access to features like rep count, workout time, and a few moves.
Question: Can you build muscle with Tonal?
Answer: Yes, as long as your nutrition is in line with your goals and you use the Tonal consistently, you can build muscle. Tonal will adjust your workouts to get harder as you get stronger. The Build Muscle program uses “compound lifts, power-based exercises, dynamic weight modes, and even some volume.”
Question: Can Mirror trainers see you?
Answer: Yes, you can get live feedback in classes (the trainer’s eyes won’t be on you the whole time, but you may show up on the screen for them periodically) and schedule sessions with personal trainers.
Question: Can you lose weight with Tonal?
Answer: Yes, strength training is one of the best ways to lose weight.
Question: Does Tonal have cardio?
Answer: Yes, there are other options besides strength training, including cardio (as well as recovery, flexibility, and more).
Question: Can I install Tonal myself?
No, you’ll need to have it professionally installed.
Question: What company owns Tonal?
Answer: Tonal is backed by Amazon and Steph Curry.
Question: Is Tonal good for beginners?
Answer: Yes, Tonal works with your fitness level.
Question: How much weight does Tonal go up to?
Answer: Up to 200 lbs
Question: Is there a monthly fee for Mirror workout?
Answer: Yes, it’s $39.99/month. That price does not include one-on-one sessions with a trainer.
Question: Did Lululemon buy Mirror?
Answer: Yes, in June 2020.
Question: How loud is Tonal?
Answer: Tonal says it’s about as loud as a dishwasher, so people on the other side of the wall or in nearby rooms may hear some noise.
Question: Does Tonal have a camera?
Answer: Yes, but it’s currently only there in case they roll out a live training feature.
Mirror vs Tonal Gym: Which Should You Buy?
At first glance, Mirror vs Total gym seem similar, but they’re completely different. The one that’s best for you will come down to how much you value variety and cardio vs gaining strength through lifting.
They both take up a minimal amount of space and basically bring the trainer to you–down to the customized changes to your workouts as you go–but beyond that, they don’t have much in common.
If you’re mostly interested in strength training and would love to have a trainer walk you through the process of getting fit, the Tonal gym is the clear winner. You’ll still have cardio and recovery classes if you wish to complement your strength goals with those; there’s just not the wide selection that Mirror provides.
If, however, you just need variety to stay motivated and don’t mind rarely lifting weights, definitely get Mirror.
With 50+ genres, 5-60 minute classes, and absolute beginner to expert levels, we have the perfect workout for everyone. Enjoy new live classes daily, or choose from our library of thousands of on-demand classes anytime.
If you’re still really not sure which way to go, we recommend the Tonal gym because it would be difficult to get this kind of customized lifting experience and progression-tracking anywhere else.
Read More:
