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Apple Fitness+ vs Matter

Apple Fitness+ logo

Apple Fitness+

Software

Guided workouts powered by Apple Watch

From
$9.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Matter logo

Matter

Software

Unified smart home connectivity standard

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Matter has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Apple Fitness+ restricted to Apple ecosystem, not compatible with Android devices or non-Apple platforms; Matter the Internet Archive's capture of the Connectivity Standards Alliance's Matter page on 1 January 2023 confirmed Matter itself is a free, open IP-based connectivity standard with no license fee to implement; manufacturers instead pay a separate certification fee to certify individual devices.
  • They diverge on capability: Apple Fitness+ covers Studio-style workouts, Matter covers Unified Standard.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apple Fitness+ and Matter actually diverge.

Attributes where Apple Fitness+ and Matter differ
AttributeApple Fitness+Matter
Starting price$9.99/monthFree
Pricing modelUnknownopen-source
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsiOS, iPadOS, tvOSMatter-enabled devices, All major hubs, Cloud, Local control
Founded19762021

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Apple Fitness+

  • Studio-style workouts
  • Real-time Apple Watch metrics
  • Personalized recommendations
  • Time to Walk
  • Meditation sessions
  • Apple Watch
  • Apple Music
  • Health app

Only in Matter

  • Unified Standard
  • Multi-Admin
  • Secure Communication
  • Interoperable
  • All major ecosystems
  • HomeKit
  • Google Home
  • Alexa

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Apple Fitness+

  • Workout trackingnot Matter
  • Nutrition managementnot Matter
  • Health monitoringnot Matter
  • Fitness coachingnot Matter
  • Wellness improvementnot Matter

Matter

  • Cross-ecosystem compatibilitynot Apple Fitness+
  • Future-proof devicesnot Apple Fitness+
  • Simplified setupnot Apple Fitness+
  • Local controlnot Apple Fitness+

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Apple Fitness+

  • Restricted to Apple ecosystem, not compatible with Android devices or non-Apple platforms
  • Apple Watch is required for optimal functionality and metrics tracking
  • No live sessions available, only prerecorded on-demand videos
  • Limited Mac support with streaming from iPhone or iPad required
  • Simplified approach puts limitations compared to specialized or comprehensive fitness apps

Matter

  • The Internet Archive's capture of the Connectivity Standards Alliance's Matter page on 1 January 2023 confirmed Matter itself is a free, open IP-based connectivity standard with no license fee to implement; manufacturers instead pay a separate certification fee to certify individual devices.

Pricing, plan by plan

Apple Fitness+

$9.99/month

No published plan breakdown. See the Apple Fitness+ review.

Matter

Free
  • Open StandardFree
    • Unified connectivity
    • Cross-platform
    • Local control

Which should you pick?

Choose Apple Fitness+ if

  • You need studio-style workouts.
  • You work on iOS, iPadOS, tvOS.
  • You also want real-time apple watch metrics.
Apple Fitness+ review

Choose Matter if

  • You need unified standard.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Matter-enabled devices, All major hubs, Cloud, Local control.
  • You also want multi-admin.
Matter review

Questions people ask

Is Apple Fitness+ or Matter better?
Neither clearly leads. Apple Fitness+ starts at $9.99/month and Matter at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apple Fitness+ or Matter?
Matter has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $9.99/month for Apple Fitness+ and Free for Matter.
Does Apple Fitness+ or Matter run on more platforms?
Apple Fitness+ runs on iOS, iPadOS, tvOS. Matter runs on Matter-enabled devices, All major hubs, Cloud, Local control.
Can I use Matter for free?
Yes. Matter has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Apple Fitness+ starts at $9.99/month.
What is Apple Fitness+ best used for?
Apple Fitness+ is most often used for workout tracking, nutrition management, health monitoring, fitness coaching. Of those, workout tracking and nutrition management are not what Matter is typically brought in for.
What can Apple Fitness+ do that Matter cannot?
Apple Fitness+ covers Studio-style workouts, Real-time Apple Watch metrics, Personalized recommendations, Time to Walk. Matter covers Unified Standard, Multi-Admin, Secure Communication, Interoperable.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Apple Fitness+: How much does Apple Fitness Plus cost?

Apple Fitness Plus costs $9.99/month or $79.99/year in the US. New subscribers may be eligible for a free trial with the purchase of select Apple devices.

Source
Apple Fitness+: Can you share Apple Fitness Plus with family?

Yes, Apple Fitness Plus features Family Sharing compatibility, allowing you to share your subscription with up to five family members at no additional cost.

Source
Apple Fitness+: What workout types does Apple Fitness Plus offer?

Apple Fitness Plus supports a wide range of workout types including strength training, yoga, HIIT, cycling, dance, and mindful cooldowns with curated music playlists.

Source
Apple Fitness+: Does Apple Fitness Plus integrate with Apple Music?

Yes, one of the strongest features is Apple Music integration, with workouts synced to curated playlists that match pace and intensity.

Source
Apple Fitness+: What devices are required to use Apple Fitness Plus?

Apple Fitness Plus requires an Apple device such as iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. An Apple Watch is more or less mandatory for optimal use and metrics tracking.

Source
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Related pages

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