Software · head to head
Apple Fitness+ vs Tempo
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Apple Fitness+ restricted to Apple ecosystem, not compatible with Android devices or non-Apple platforms; Tempo heart rate monitor requires direct line of sight to connect and frequently loses connection during workouts
- They diverge on capability: Apple Fitness+ covers Studio-style workouts, Tempo covers 3D motion tracking.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Apple Fitness+ and Tempo actually diverge.
| Attribute | Apple Fitness+ | Tempo |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $9.99/month | $39/month |
| Platforms | iOS, iPadOS, tvOS | iOS, Tempo hardware (Move and Studio) |
| Founded | 1976 | 2015 |
Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), free tier (No), 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 Music
- Health app
- SharePlay
Only in Tempo
- 3D motion tracking
- Real-time form correction
- Rep counting
- Weight recommendations
- Personalized programs
- Apple Health
- Hardware support
Both cover
- Apple Watch
- Ios support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Apple Fitness+
- Workout tracking
- Nutrition management
- Health monitoring
- Fitness coaching
- Wellness improvement
Tempo
- Workout tracking
- Nutrition management
- Health monitoring
- Fitness coaching
- Wellness improvement
Both are used for workout tracking, nutrition management, health monitoring, fitness coaching, wellness improvement, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.
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
Tempo
- Heart rate monitor requires direct line of sight to connect and frequently loses connection during workouts
- Form feedback can be inconsistent and often misses nuance in exercise execution
- Weight guidance recommendations are frequently inaccurate
- Loud cooling fan sounds like a server or gaming PC, creating noise disturbance during workouts
- High cost of entry plus ongoing $39/month subscription with penalties for returns
Pricing, plan by plan
Apple Fitness+
$9.99/monthNo published plan breakdown. See the Apple Fitness+ review.
Tempo
$39/month- Tempo Fit Membership$39/month
- 2,000+ guided workouts
- AI-powered form feedback
- Personalized training plans
- Tempo Move Hardware$395/one-time
- AI-powered 3D body tracking camera
- Docks iPhone XS or newer
- Smart weights tracking
- Tempo Studio Hardware$2495/one-time
- Wall-mounted smart display
- Complete home gym setup with barbell and weights
- Advanced 3D body tracking
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.
Choose Tempo if
- You need 3d motion tracking.
- You work on iOS, Tempo hardware (Move and Studio).
- You also want real-time form correction.
Questions people ask
- Is Apple Fitness+ or Tempo better?
- Neither clearly leads. Apple Fitness+ starts at $9.99/month and Tempo at $39/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Apple Fitness+ or Tempo?
- Apple Fitness+ starts at $9.99/month and Tempo at $39/month.
- Does Apple Fitness+ or Tempo run on more platforms?
- Apple Fitness+ runs on iOS, iPadOS, tvOS. Tempo runs on iOS, Tempo hardware (Move and Studio).
- What is Apple Fitness+ best used for?
- Apple Fitness+ is most often used for workout tracking, nutrition management, health monitoring, fitness coaching.
- What can Apple Fitness+ do that Tempo cannot?
- Apple Fitness+ covers Studio-style workouts, Real-time Apple Watch metrics, Personalized recommendations, Time to Walk. Tempo covers 3D motion tracking, Real-time form correction, Rep counting, Weight recommendations. Both handle Apple Watch, Ios support.
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.
SourceTempo: What is Tempo and what hardware does it require?
Tempo is an AI-powered home gym available in two versions: Tempo Move ($395) which docks an iPhone XS or newer and uses the phone's camera for tracking, and Tempo Studio ($2,495+) which is a wall-mounted display. Both require a $39/month subscription for access to workouts and coaching.
SourceApple 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.
SourceTempo: How does Tempo track form and provide feedback?
Tempo uses 3D depth-sensing technology and AI to track over 70 body points per second, analyzing your movement during exercises. It provides real-time form feedback on your screen to help you correct squat depth, deadlift mechanics, and pressing form instantly.
SourceApple 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.
SourceTempo: Does Tempo work with Apple Watch and Apple Health?
Yes, Tempo integrates with Apple Health and Apple Watch to pull sleep, activity, and heart rate data that powers personalized training adaptations. Your workout metrics including duration, calories burned, and heart rate are automatically synced to Apple Health.
SourceApple 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.
SourceTempo: What is the space requirement for Tempo?
Tempo requires a 3-foot-by-3-foot space for the unit itself, plus 6 feet of clear floor space in front for working out, totaling approximately a 6-foot-by-6-foot dedicated workout area.
SourceApple 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.
SourceTempo: How many workouts and classes does Tempo offer?
Tempo provides access to 2,000+ guided workouts ranging from strength training to cardio and recovery, with a mix of live and on-demand classes included in the $39/month subscription.
SourceRelated pages
More on Apple Fitness+
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