Software · head to head
Mirror vs Tonal
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Mirror no built-in resistance equipment like Tonal's electromagnetic arms; Tonal requires hardware purchase (Tonal 2 equipment) to use the service
- They diverge on capability: Mirror covers Live classes, Tonal covers Digital weight system.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Mirror and Tonal actually diverge.
Identical on both: 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 Mirror
- Live classes
- On-demand library
- Real-time form check
- Personal training option
- Heart rate display
- Bluetooth heart rate monitors
Only in Tonal
- Digital weight system
- AI-powered training
- Form feedback
- Personalized programs
- Strength assessment
- Apple Health
Both cover
- Apple Watch
- Ios support
- Hardware support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Mirror
- Workout trackingnot Tonal
- Nutrition managementnot Tonal
- Health monitoringnot Tonal
- Fitness coachingnot Tonal
- Wellness improvementnot Tonal
Tonal
- Home gym strength trainingnot Mirror
- Personalized resistance trainingnot Mirror
- Multi-user household fitnessnot Mirror
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Mirror
- No built-in resistance equipment like Tonal's electromagnetic arms
- Strength training classes are circuit-based rather than traditional weightlifting programs
- Lululemon discontinued hardware sales, affecting new customer acquisition
Tonal
- Requires hardware purchase (Tonal 2 equipment) to use the service
- Subscription requires minimum 12-month commitment when paired with equipment purchase
Pricing, plan by plan
Mirror
$39/month- Hardware$1495/one-time
- Mirror screen
- Installation option available
- Subscription$39/month
- 10,000+ classes
- Live and on-demand
- All class types
- Personal Training$40/half-hour session
- 1-on-1 coaching
- Form correction
Tonal
$59.95/monthNo published plan breakdown. See the Tonal review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Mirror if
- You need live classes.
- You work on Standalone hardware, iOS app.
- You also want on-demand library.
Choose Tonal if
- You need digital weight system.
- You work on Proprietary hardware.
- You also want ai-powered training.
Questions people ask
- Is Mirror or Tonal better?
- Neither clearly leads. Mirror starts at $39/month and Tonal at $59.95/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Mirror or Tonal?
- Mirror starts at $39/month and Tonal at $59.95/month.
- Does Mirror or Tonal run on more platforms?
- Mirror runs on Standalone hardware, iOS app. Tonal runs on Proprietary hardware.
- What is Mirror best used for?
- Mirror is most often used for workout tracking, nutrition management, health monitoring, fitness coaching. Of those, workout tracking and nutrition management are not what Tonal is typically brought in for.
- What can Mirror do that Tonal cannot?
- Mirror covers Live classes, On-demand library, Real-time form check, Personal training option. Tonal covers Digital weight system, AI-powered training, Form feedback, Personalized programs. Both handle Apple Watch, Ios support, Hardware support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Mirror: What does the Mirror hardware cost?
The Mirror costs $1,495, with optional white-glove delivery and installation for an additional $250. Financing options available at $32/month for 48 months.
SourceMirror: Is there a subscription fee beyond hardware?
Yes, Mirror requires a $39/month subscription for access to live and on-demand workout classes. Personal training sessions are available for an additional $40 per half-hour.
SourceMirror: What types of workouts does Mirror offer?
Mirror offers over 10,000 live and on-demand workout classes across 60 different categories including strength, cardio, dance, boxing, and yoga.
SourceMirror: Who owns Mirror now?
Lululemon acquired Mirror in June 2020 for $500 million and currently operates it as part of their fitness offerings, though hardware sales have been discontinued.
SourceMirror: Does Mirror provide strength training with weights?
Mirror offers strength training classes but does not include built-in weights or resistance arms like Tonal. Users can filter for classes based on their available equipment.
Source