Apple Fitness Plus or Peloton

February 24, 2025/Roombldr/Comments Off on Apple Fitness Plus or Peloton

Apple Fitness Plus or Peloton: Which Fitness Platform Is Right for You?

 

With so many at-home fitness streaming options available, how do you know what’s best for you? Read along as we break down two of the leaders in the space- Apple Fitness Plus and Peloton. Both platforms promise to bring fitness to your living room, but they cater to different needs, budgets, and workout styles. Whether you’re a casual exerciser or a dedicated fitness buff, this guide breaks down their pricing, features, equipment needs, and more to help you choose. Let’s dive in (as of March, 2025).

 

Apple Fitness Plus vs Peloton

 

Additional Resources

Disclaimer: Prices and plans may vary by region and are subject to change. Please consult official websites for the most current information.

Equipment Needs: What Do You Need to Start?

Your gear setup differs significantly between Apple Fitness Plus or Peloton. Apple Fitness Plus requires an Apple Watch (Series 3 or later) for real-time metrics like heart rate, paired with an iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. No specific workout equipment is mandatory—many classes use body weight, though cycling or treadmill workouts assume you have machines. Apple Fitness Plus is better if you have different equipment brand preferences. 
Peloton’s app works across iOS, Android, and TVs with no hardware required. Its premium experience, though, shines with Peloton equipment (Bike: $1,445+, Tread: $2,995+, Row: $2,995+), syncing metrics like resistance. With recent store closures and rumors about moving away from hardware altogether, the future is somewhat uncertain for their hardware. 
Verdict: Apple Fitness Plus is simpler if you’re in the Apple ecosystem and prefer your own (or different) brand of exercise equipment. Peloton demands a bigger investment for the full experience.

Pricing: What’s the Cost of Apple Fitness Plus or Peloton?

Prices as of March 2025

When comparing Apple Fitness Plus or Peloton, pricing is a key factor. Apple Fitness Plus costs $9.99 monthly or $79.99 annually (about $6.67/month), offering a budget-friendly option. It’s often bundled in Apple One plans (e.g., $37.95/month for Premier) and includes a 3-month free trial with new Apple device purchases.
Peloton, however, offers tiered subscriptions:
  • Peloton App Free: Limited basic workouts.
  • Peloton App One: $12.99/month or $129/year, with three equipment-connected classes monthly.
  • Peloton App+: $24.99/month or $249/year, full app access.
  • All-Access Membership: $44/month, required for Peloton hardware users.
Verdict: Apple Fitness Plus wins on affordability, especially for annual subscribers. Peloton’s pricing scales up with equipment, targeting committed users.

Workout Options: Variety and Style

Both platforms excel in workout variety, but their approaches differ. Apple Fitness Plus offers a curated, on-demand library in 4K, updated weekly. Expect HIIT, yoga, cycling, strength, treadmill, rowing, dance, and more, with sessions from 5 to 45 minutes. It’s beginner-friendly, with no live classes but a Burn Bar for calorie comparisons.
Peloton’s library is massive, blending live and on-demand classes. Options include cycling, running, rowing, yoga, strength, and outdoor audio guides. Live sessions feature leaderboards and shout-outs, with difficulty ratings for customization.
Verdict: For Apple Fitness Plus or Peloton, Apple suits casual users with polished basics. Peloton’s depth and live classes appeal to variety seekers.

 

Technology and Integration: How They Work

Tech integration is where Apple Fitness Plus or Peloton shine differently. Apple Fitness Plus leverages the Apple Watch to display heart rate and Activity Rings on-screen, syncing seamlessly with Apple devices. It lacks equipment control but supports GymKit for some third-party machines.
Peloton’s app supports broader platforms, and its hardware syncs detailed metrics. Apple Watch heart rate tracking is an option, but leaderboards and social features (e.g., high-fives) boost interactivity.
Verdict: Apple Fitness Plus is streamlined for Apple fans; Peloton offers richer hardware and social integration.

Community and Engagement

Apple Fitness+

  • Focus on Personal Progress: Uses the Activity Rings system to track goals, with achievements shared through Apple’s native sharing features (e.g., with friends and family).
  • No Live Leaderboards: Lacks real-time competition features, but you can share results and achievements with other Apple Watch users.

Peloton

  • Live Leaderboards: See how you stack up against others in live classes.
  • Community Groups: Strong social aspect, including hashtags and user groups within the Peloton platform.
  • Badges and Achievements: Encourages you to reach milestones, such as riding streaks and class completions.
Verdict: Peloton leads for community-driven motivation; Apple Fitness Plus suits self-starters.

Pros and Cons | Apple Fitness Plus vs Peloton

Apple Fitness+

Pros

  • Highly integrated with Apple Watch and Apple devices.
  • Affordable subscription relative to competition.
  • Large library of workouts across various categories.
  • Can be used better with different brands or pieces of exercise equipment.

Cons

  • No live classes or social leaderboard features.
  • Requires Apple Watch (Series 3 or later) for the full experience.
  • Not as community-driven as Peloton.

Peloton

Pros

  • Live and on-demand classes with leaderboards.
  • Broad range of class categories, including high-energy cycling, running, and strength.
  • Highly engaged community with social media-like features.

Cons

  • Higher total cost if investing in Peloton hardware plus the All-Access Membership.
  • Less seamless integration with the Apple Watch (though third-party solutions exist).
  • Exercise equipment selection is limited (and possibly non-existent in the future).

 

Conclusion: Making Your Choice Between Apple Fitness Plus or Peloton

When it comes to Apple Fitness Plus or Peloton, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—your perfect fit depends on your lifestyle and fitness priorities. Apple Fitness Plus stands out as an affordable, beginner-friendly option that seamlessly integrates with your Apple devices, making it a no-brainer for casual exercisers already in the ecosystem. Peloton, with its premium hardware, live classes, and vibrant community, caters to those ready to invest in a high-energy experience at home. Whether you value simplicity and savings or crave variety and motivation, both platforms deliver quality workouts. Assess your budget, goals, and tech preferences, then step into the fitness journey that’s right for you.
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