Apple Fitness+ vs Peloton
An honest side-by-side comparison of two of our top fitness apps picks — pricing, strengths, weaknesses, and who each one is really for.
Apple Fitness+
Ranked #3 of 14 in this directory
Studio-style workouts powered by your Apple Watch metrics
Peloton
Ranked #1 of 14 in this directory
World-class fitness classes streaming live and on-demand
Our pick: Peloton. Our editors rank Peloton higher overall in Fitness Apps — but Apple Fitness+ can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case below. How we review
Compare the details
| Apple Fitness+ | Peloton | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | See website | See website |
| Category | Workout Training | Workout Training |
| Editorial rank | #3 of 14 | #1 of 14 |
Strengths
Apple Fitness+
- ✓Real-time Apple Watch metrics displayed on screen during workouts
- ✓High production quality with diverse and engaging trainers
- ✓Seamless integration across iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV
- ✓Activity ring closing and milestone celebrations add motivation
- ✓SharePlay allows working out with friends remotely
Peloton
- ✓Massive library of live and on-demand classes across 10+ fitness categories
- ✓World-class instructors with engaged, motivating communities
- ✓App-only subscription available without purchasing hardware
- ✓Leaderboard and social features create accountability and competition
- ✓New classes added daily keep the content fresh and varied
Watch out for
Apple Fitness+
- !Requires Apple Watch, excluding Android and non-Apple users entirely
- !Monthly subscription at $9.99 or included in Apple One Premier bundle
- !No live classes, all content is pre-recorded
- !Workout variety is growing but smaller than Peloton's library
Peloton
- !App subscription costs $12.99/month, higher than many competitors
- !Best experience requires expensive connected hardware ($1,400+)
- !Class-based format may not suit those who prefer self-directed workouts
- !Strength training equipment integration is limited compared to cycling
Best use cases
Apple Fitness+
- →Watch your Apple Watch metrics in real-time during a 30-minute cycling workout on Apple TV
- →Complete the Time to Walk guided walking audio series during daily walks
- →Use SharePlay to do a HIIT workout simultaneously with a friend across the country
Peloton
- →Stream a 30-minute HIIT class during lunch break using just a yoga mat and the app
- →Follow a structured 6-week strength training program with progressive overload
- →Join a live cycling class and compete on the leaderboard with other riders worldwide
About each tool
Apple Fitness+
Apple Fitness+ delivers studio-quality workout videos that integrate real-time metrics from Apple Watch directly on screen. Users see their heart rate, calories burned, and activity rings closing during workouts displayed on iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. The service covers HIIT, strength, yoga, Pilates, cycling, rowing, dance, and meditation with new workouts added weekly. The Apple Watch integration creates a uniquely personalized and motivating experience.
Peloton
Peloton offers thousands of live and on-demand fitness classes spanning cycling, running, strength, yoga, meditation, and more. While known for its connected bike and tread hardware, the Peloton App provides access to the full class library without any equipment. Instructors are charismatic professionals who build engaged communities, and the leaderboard and scheduling features create accountability. The content library grows daily with new classes across dozens of categories.
Still deciding? Browse all 14 options with honest pros, cons, and pricing.
See all Fitness Apps →