For users seeking integrated, accessible fitness with excellent trainer guidance and Apple Watch synergy, Apple Fitness Plus is the superior choice, offering better value for most. Peloton excels for those prioritizing a gamified, live-class experience and a vast library of artist-themed workouts, though it comes at a significantly higher cost, especially with its proprietary equipment.
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Workout Variety and Features
Apple Fitness Plus offers a wide array of guided sessions in 4K, featuring strength, HIIT, yoga, cycling, core, meditation, kickboxing, pilates, dance, treadmill running, walking, and rowing. The service provides helpful instructions from expert trainers and real-time interface metrics when paired with an Apple Watch.
These guided sessions are filmed in 4K and include modifications to make exercises easier or more challenging, with three trainers often visible onscreen. Apple Fitness Plus also offers audio-only “Time to Walk” and “Time to Run” options for outdoor activities.
Peloton’s content spans strength, yoga, cardio, meditation, stretching, cycling, running, walking, outdoor activities, pilates, and boxing. While its workout list is slightly smaller than Apple Fitness Plus, Peloton has a larger overall library of archived live workouts due to its longer history.
Peloton workouts, though not in 4K, are produced in its New York and London studios, offering a slick presentation. Both services provide short sessions, from five to 10 minutes, suitable for warm-ups.
Cost and Equipment Considerations
Peloton offers three subscription tiers. A free tier allows access to recorded workouts without equipment interaction. The App One tier costs $12.99 monthly or $129 annually, permitting three connected equipment classes per month and omitting some metrics like cadence tracking.
The App Plus tier is priced at $24.99 monthly or $249 annually, recommended for those wishing to use connected Peloton equipment. Peloton’s proprietary equipment is a significant investment, with the Bike starting at $1,445, the Tread at $2,995, and the Row at $2,995. The strength-focused Peloton Guide costs $249.
Apple Fitness Plus is available for $9.99 per month or $79.99 annually. Unlike Peloton, Apple Fitness Plus does not require specific branded equipment.
Users can utilize any existing treadmill, exercise bike, or rowing machine. The service also integrates with your Apple Watch for metrics, but unlike Peloton, it does not require one for phone-based workouts.
The primary costs beyond the subscription itself are the Apple Watch and a device for viewing content, such as an iPad, iPhone, or Apple TV. However, it is assumed users already possess these devices.
Music and Playlists
Both Apple Fitness Plus and Peloton feature extensive workout playlists with officially licensed music. Peloton has curated dedicated workouts, particularly for spin classes, that highlight numerous major artists, ranging from Iron Maiden to Imagine Dragons.
The selection of music-driven workouts on Peloton is exceptionally broad. A third-party site, Pelobuddy, lists a vast array of these artist-themed options, indicating a deep catalog for music enthusiasts.
Apple Fitness Plus has also established collaborations with prominent artists like Rihanna, Beyoncé, Madonna, and Miley Cyrus. While impressive, this list is not as extensive as Peloton’s offerings and tends to focus on more mainstream pop artists.
For users whose workout experience heavily relies on music and who prefer more niche genres such as EDM or heavy metal, Peloton may provide a wider variety of choices.
Which Subscription is Right for You?
Peloton gained significant popularity as a leading at-home fitness service during the pandemic, but it now faces substantial competition from Apple. Peloton’s live class experience and its extensive content library are difficult to surpass.
However, the cost of entry for Peloton is quite high, particularly if you plan to purchase Peloton’s dedicated equipment. The price point can be a major barrier for many potential users.
Apple Fitness Plus offers a more financially approachable and flexible solution. It allows users to leverage any existing exercise equipment they own or have access to at a gym. While this flexibility means sacrificing the live class element, it significantly reduces the financial commitment.
Overall, Apple Fitness Plus provides better value for the majority of users. However, for those willing to invest in the Peloton ecosystem, there are undeniably valuable features and experiences to be found.
| Feature | Apple Fitness Plus | Peloton |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription | $9.99 | $12.99 (App One) / $24.99 (App Plus) |
| Annual Subscription | $79.99 | $129 (App One) / $249 (App Plus) |
| Equipment Requirement | None specific; works with any bike, treadmill, rower | Recommended dedicated Peloton equipment; works with some third-party machines |
| Live Classes | No | Yes |
| 4K Filming | Yes | No |
| Apple Watch Integration | Yes (required for full functionality) | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Apple Fitness Plus and Peloton?
The primary difference lies in their approach: Apple Fitness Plus emphasizes accessible, integrated home fitness with Apple Watch synergy and flexible equipment use, while Peloton focuses on a gamified, live-class experience and proprietary equipment, offering a more premium, albeit costly, package.
Is Apple Fitness Plus cheaper than Peloton?
Yes, Apple Fitness Plus is significantly cheaper, costing $9.99 per month or $79.99 annually, compared to Peloton’s App One at $12.99 monthly / $129 annually and App Plus at $24.99 monthly / $249 annually. This doesn’t include the higher cost of Peloton’s dedicated equipment.
Can I use my own equipment with Peloton?
While Peloton’s main appeal is its dedicated equipment, you can now use third-party treadmills and rowing machines if they can connect via Bluetooth to your phone. However, you get more comprehensive metrics and integration, like leaderboard ranking, with Peloton’s own equipment.
Does Apple Fitness Plus offer live classes?
No, Apple Fitness Plus does not offer live classes. It provides a large library of on-demand guided sessions, including modifications for different fitness levels, but lacks the real-time, interactive element of Peloton’s live class structure.
Choose Apple Fitness Plus if: you are invested in the Apple ecosystem, want a more budget-friendly option, and prefer to use your own equipment or none at all. Its integration with Apple Watch and the availability of 4K workouts make it a strong value proposition.
Choose Peloton if: you crave the motivation of live classes, enjoy a gamified fitness experience with leaderboards, and want access to a vast library of artist-themed workouts. Be prepared for a higher financial investment, especially if you opt for Peloton’s specialized equipment.
