Mirror vs. Tonal: Which workout mirror is right for you?
They're both great options—but one may be better for your personal fitness goals.
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Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar / Betsey Goldwasser
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If you enjoy exercising at home, a workout mirror is a sleek, modern way to upgrade your home gym. And though the Mirror originally started the craze, it now has some worthy competitors like Tonal, a workout mirror that comes with resistance cables to level up your workouts.
The Mirror and Tonal are both worthwhile investments to consider, but a few key aesthetic and workout differences could sway you one way or the other. Ahead, we’ll break down the differences so you can decide which workout mirror deserves space on your wall.
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Size and storage
The Mirror and Tonal are roughly the same size, though Tonal must be wall-mounted.
A universally appealing feature of workout mirrors is a slim design that works well in small spaces—all you need to use one is enough space to move in front of it. Overall, the Mirror is smaller and less obtrusive than the Tonal. It measures about 4½ feet tall, 2 feet wide, and 1½ inches thick. It doesn’t include any storage for accessories you may use during workouts, like a yoga mat, dumbbells, or resistance bands, so you'll need to find additional space to stash your gear.
The screen part of Tonal is roughly 4 feet tall, 2 feet wide, and 2 inches thick, just about the same as the Mirror. The machine uses built-in cables to add resistance, which are attached to 3-foot-long arms adjacent to the device’s core that can be angled outward for workouts but flatten against the wall when not in use. Tonal recommends allocating 7 feet of space on the floor and wall, respectively, so you can move freely during workouts. And if you opt for the smart accessories package—you’ll want to, to get the most out of Tonal—you’ll need a place to keep those extra cable handles, foam roller, yoga mat, and bench, as the base unit can't store those.
Winner: For those with less space, Mirror takes this round.
Looks and design
The Mirror is a sleek, minimalist option you can control from your phone.
For a workout mirror that truly blends into your space, you can’t beat the Mirror. Without any in-your-face logos or equipment storage, it looks just like a plain full-length mirror when not in use. It can be wall-mounted or leaned against the wall in its thin metal frame, and its simplicity makes it a versatile option that looks good in any room.
Though it will give you a great workout, Tonal isn’t as decorative as the Mirror. For one, it isn’t reflective: It looks more like a TV screen that broadcasts workouts, and unlike the Mirror, you can’t see yourself clearly while exercising. Additionally, its arms give it a mechanical appearance, and the smart accessories package includes a bench that will likely be visible somewhere in your workout space. Though Tonal doesn't stick out like too much of a sore thumb, it’s certainly not as pretty or inconspicuous as the Mirror.
Winner: The Mirror tops Tonal in the looks department.
Instructor and class quality
Tonal and the Mirror offer a slew of workouts led by motivating instructors that get you excited for class.
Both Tonal and the Mirror stream workouts that feature excellent instructors and well designed sessions. The instructors are positive, motivating, and detailed with their workout cues, which makes each class fly by and leaves you looking forward to taking another one. I enjoyed all the sessions I took with both Tonal and the Mirror. Be it a pilates, yoga, strength, or mobility session, I left each class feeling accomplished and refreshed, and many strength training sessions left me feeling sore the next day.
One edge that Tonal has on the Mirror is the option to customize your own workouts. Instead of just selecting from various on-demand or live sessions, Tonal lets you pick your own movements to add to your workout. You can select how many reps and sets you want to complete and break the exercises into "blocks" (what some may call "supersets") to break up your workout.
One note for the visual learners in the crowd: If you're someone who responds better to being able to see yourself while you exercise, the Mirror is the way to go here. However, to make up for its lack of reflectivity, Tonal flashes written corrections on the screen based on smart feedback from the handles, which we thought worked just fine.
Winner: Slight advantage to Tonal, for its customizable workout options.
Class variety
Both Tonal and the Mirror offer a variety of classes from strength training to kickboxing to yoga.
The classes I took with both Mirror and Tonal were all excellent, but an important distinction is that each brand emphasizes different types of workouts. With Tonal's resistance cable system that lets you lift up to 200 pounds, you’ll get the most out of it if you want to focus on developing strength. Tonal offers other classes including cardio, yoga, and mobility, but the strength classes are the device’s main advantage over other workout mirrors.
On the other hand, bodyweight workouts like yoga, pilates, and cardio, are the Mirror's, um, strengths. Its resistance training classes are fun, but you’ll need to purchase extra equipment like resistance bands or dumbbells to keep challenging yourself.
Both options offer on-demand and live sessions that broadcast on a set schedule. Mirror also has one-on-one personal training that you can purchase for an additional $40 per 30-minute session; Tonal doesn't offer this service.
Winner: It's a tie.
Cost
The Tonal is the pricier option, and may not be worth it for all.
There’s no sugarcoating it: Workout mirrors are expensive pieces of equipment. But if you find one that works for you, your money is well spent. Between Tonal and the Mirror, Mirror is the less expensive option, starting at $1,495 for the device itself, the included stand, and lens cap.
But the Mirror also offers packages that include exercise accessories you’ll likely want to use while working out. The Mirror Essentials package includes a heart rate monitor, resistance bands, the Lululemon Reversible Mat 5mm, a Lululemon mat strap, the Lululemon Lift and Lengthen yoga block, and the Lululemon Double Foam Roller mini for $1,695. The Mirror Pro package throws in a pair of Mirror weights (which weigh your choice of 10, 15, or 20 pounds), and a Lululemon workout towel for $1,795. The Mirror Family package gives you two sets of all accessories—not including the actual Mirror, stand, lens cap, and mini foam roller—for $2,045. Additionally, the Mirror’s membership costs $39 a month, which includes up to six profiles for one device.
The Tonal starts at $2,995, but you’ll likely end up shelling out an extra $495 for the smart accessories—the handles, barbell, rope, bench, mat, and foam roller—for a grand total of $3,490. Tonal’s monthly membership fee is also $39 a month, but lets you create unlimited accounts.
Winner: If budget is your main concern, Mirror offers the better deal.
So, which should you buy: Tonal or Mirror?
You'll likely prefer Tonal or the Mirror depending on what workouts you enjoy.
Both Tonal and the Mirror are fun and worthwhile options—if expensive—to level up your home workouts. They both offer challenging exercise classes, motivating instructors, and a variety of workouts. But there are a few key differences to consider before making your purchase. Tonal’s resistance cables make it a better choice for those who want to get stronger at home, and its smart feedback system, smart weight tracking, and customizable workouts made it our Best Upgrade workout mirror.
As Reviewed's health and fitness writer and resident workout mirror tester, I believe Tonal's smart features and cable resistance system make it worth the higher price tag. If you're investing thousands of dollars into a home workout system, it should be into a machine that allows you to keep challenging yourself and progressing, particularly when resistance training at home can be a logistical issue. In short, Tonal makes building essential muscle so much more accessible.
However, if you don’t enjoy strength training with heavy weights, it's understandable you may not be able to justify Tonal's greater cost. For those who prefer bodyweight workouts such as yoga, pilates, or cardio and/or the aesthetic of your mirror is important to you, you won't be disappointed with the Mirror.