How We Test Smart Fitness Equipment

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From connected bikes and treadmills to rowers and strength training machines, PCMag tests all the most popular smart home gym equipment. To help you pick the best model for your needs and budget, we test these machines in our homes and evaluate them based on several factors, including ease of assembly, hardware design and quality, software interface and features, price, and, of course, the workout experience.

We typically spend a full month (or longer, if time permits) testing each machine we review. Throughout that testing period, we aim to work out on the equipment at least three times per week and often exceed that goal. For a better understanding of how and why we perform our tests, read on.

Delivery and Assembly

The evaluation process begins the minute a machine arrives. Some equipment requires little to no assembly at all, while some machines take hours and require multiple people to put together.

Most companies give you the option of assembling the machine yourself or leaving it to the pros (typically for an extra fee). Some smart home gym equipment manufacturers, such as Tonal, require you to hire a professional.

If a vendor offers professional assembly services, we always take that option instead of going the DIY route. Regardless, our reviews discuss the delivery and assembly process in detail to help prepare you for what to expect.

Design and Specs

Design is one of the most important considerations when choosing a smart fitness machine, especially if you have space and ceiling height limitations. If you're short on square footage, a wall-mountable machine might be your best bet. Foldable machines can also help you save floor space. In our reviews, we discuss each model's dimensions, space requirements, and any height and weight limits.

Safety and comfort are other key factors we take into account. Across the board, smart stationary bike seats can be a literal pain in the butt, especially for newbies, but the machine should feel sturdy, even when pedaling at maximum cadence, and we note if it does in our reviews. We also let you know whether a bike requires clip-in cycling shoes, if it works with regular athletic shoes, or if it supports both.

When we test treadmills, we report on factors such as the roominess of the deck, the style and springiness of the belt, and whether the motor feels sufficiently powerful. When we evaluate a rowing machine, we look for a strong, durable frame and a smooth ride.

We also consider each machine's resistance levels and controls (as well as speed, incline, and decline, if relevant). Some feature knobs, while others have buttons. The most high-tech models even offer automatic adjustments. We test all of these features to determine how well they operate.

Most smart fitness machines integrate metrics sensors so you can view stats such as your distance and output in real time as you work out. Many work with external heart rate monitors, and some fitness machines even support Apple Watch pairing. High-end models typically feature built-in tablets on which you can stream workouts and monitor your metrics, while others work with your phone, tablet, or TV.

A machine's built-in display should be fast and responsive. If its workout library includes floor-based classes, it's helpful if the screen both tilts up and down and rotates side to side; that way, you can easily adjust it for an optimal viewing angle.

Sound can also make or break your experience. A machine's built-in speakers should offer clear audio that gets loud enough for you to hear the music and instructor without headphones. That said, most also let you pair Bluetooth headphones. We make sure to note sound quality and headphone compatibility in each of our reviews.

App and Workout Experience

Onboard software is what separates smart fitness machines from their non-connected counterparts. In our reviews, we describe each platform's user interface in detail and compare its content library, production and entertainment value, trainers, music, social features, and workout experience with that of the competition.

If a machine's built-in screen offers access to streaming workout videos, it may require a fast internet connection. We start by connecting the machine to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. If we experience any buffering, we switch it to a 5GHz Wi-Fi network, if supported, which usually takes care of the issue. In our reviews, we note minimum internet requirements and whether we encountered any lag in testing.

Most connected fitness equipment requires a membership that usually costs between $29 and $44 per month for unlimited access. They typically let you set up multiple profiles under one membership, useful for keeping each person's workout history, stats, and preferences separate.

To determine whether a membership is worth the money, we consider the amount and variety of content it unlocks and how often a company refreshes its library. The best workout apps offer a vast and varied content library with workouts suitable for people with all levels of experience. Most feature on-demand trainer-led workout classes, while others focus on games and competitions.

Peloton and many of its competitors churn out several new classes each day, so there's always new content to check out. Those classes have a high production value and feature knowledgeable instructors who offer tips to keep you safe, tell stories to help pass the time, and offer words of encouragement to help you stay motivated.

Live classes, social features (like leaderboards and in-app video chatting), good music, and integration with services such as Apple Music and Spotify can add to the experience and ensure your new piece of equipment doesn't turn into a costly coat hanger.

Some smart exercise machines take a walled-garden approach and only let you access their app and services. Others preinstall video streaming apps like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and Netflix. A few feature an unlocked tablet on which you can download third-party apps. The more entertainment options a platform offers, the better. Of course, we note all of the available options in each of our reviews, including what's locked behind a paywall.

Many Paths to Fitness

Ultimately, the best fitness machine for you depends on your budget, goals, and preferences. If you don't have the money for a fitness machine, there are many free and affordable workout apps to consider. To explore all your options, check out our ultimate guide to health and fitness tech.

If you're on a fitness journey, it's a good idea to invest in a fitness tracker that can measure your performance, encourage you to stay active, and help you meet your goals. We have a different process for testing fitness trackers, which involves wearing them for workouts and sleep.

Taking steps to improve your sleep and reduce stress can have a positive impact on your health, too. If you're struggling in those areas, check out our lists of the best sleep tech and meditation apps.