Software · head to head
Tonal vs Mirror
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Tonal requires hardware purchase (Tonal 2 equipment) to use the service; Mirror no built-in resistance equipment like Tonal's electromagnetic arms
- They diverge on capability: Tonal covers Digital weight system, Mirror covers Live classes.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Tonal and Mirror 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 Tonal
- Digital weight system
- AI-powered training
- Form feedback
- Personalized programs
- Strength assessment
- Apple Health
Only in Mirror
- Live classes
- On-demand library
- Real-time form check
- Personal training option
- Heart rate display
- Bluetooth heart rate monitors
Both cover
- Apple Watch
- Ios support
- Hardware support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Tonal
- Home gym strength trainingnot Mirror
- Personalized resistance trainingnot Mirror
- Multi-user household fitnessnot Mirror
Mirror
- Workout trackingnot Tonal
- Nutrition managementnot Tonal
- Health monitoringnot Tonal
- Fitness coachingnot Tonal
- Wellness improvementnot Tonal
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Tonal
- Requires hardware purchase (Tonal 2 equipment) to use the service
- Subscription requires minimum 12-month commitment when paired with equipment purchase
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
Pricing, plan by plan
Tonal
$59.95/monthNo published plan breakdown. See the Tonal review.
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
Which should you pick?
Choose Tonal if
- You need digital weight system.
- You work on Proprietary hardware.
- You also want ai-powered training.
Choose Mirror if
- You need live classes.
- You work on Standalone hardware, iOS app.
- You also want on-demand library.
Questions people ask
- Is Tonal or Mirror better?
- Neither clearly leads. Tonal starts at $59.95/month and Mirror at $39/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Tonal or Mirror?
- Tonal starts at $59.95/month and Mirror at $39/month.
- Does Tonal or Mirror run on more platforms?
- Tonal runs on Proprietary hardware. Mirror runs on Standalone hardware, iOS app.
- What is Tonal best used for?
- Tonal is most often used for home gym strength training, personalized resistance training, multi-user household fitness. Of those, home gym strength training and personalized resistance training are not what Mirror is typically brought in for.
- What can Tonal do that Mirror cannot?
- Tonal covers Digital weight system, AI-powered training, Form feedback, Personalized programs. Mirror covers Live classes, On-demand library, Real-time form check, Personal training option. 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