As the market for connected fitness and available home fitness products, we want to widen our spotlight and showcase as many products as possible. One of the growing fitness realms is mirrored fitness. Products like the Mirror, Echelon Reflect, ProForm VUE, NordicTrack VAULT, and FORME Studio all offer workout content where you can also simultaneously view your own form. While they may look similar, they each offer their own unique features and design. Let’s take a look at Mirror vs. Echelon’s offerings, and compare some others as well.
Our reflective contenders
For this comparison, we are evaluating five fitness companies offering a similar product – a fitness mirror. As you’ll soon see, each company’s offering varies in our criteria. Some vary more than others, but they all each share one common trait.
All offer an at-home fitness device centered around a mirror. Speaking of that, we will begin with the company by the same name.
Mirror
Mirror is the product of founder and CEO Brynn Putnam, a former ballet dancer and founder of Refine Method in NYC. After being founded only a few years ago, Mirror found millions of dollars in early funding, including lululemon in 2019. A year later, in the fall, lululemon athletica inc. ($LULU) acquired Mirror for $500 million.
Unlike most of the other companies on this list, the Mirror product is the only item in its manufacturer’s current repertoire. That being said, Mirror has spared no expense in designing its flagship product.
Aside from being the most affordable product on the list at $1,495, The Mirror offers a diverse library of 50+ genres of fitness classes, all at your disposal for the $39/month membership fee. The device itself also offers flexibility in your home, as it can be mounted to a wall or stand alone on its carbon steel stand.
Additionally, Mirror is the only fitness product in this group to offer 1:1 classes with a personal trainer. They do cost an additional $40 per session, but it’s a huge perk to have the option of a personal trainer in your home virtually if you want it.
Lastly, The Mirror is the only product on the list that is display only, meaning no touch screen. It is controlled entirely by the iOS and Android app. So while it may not be as easy as some devices in reaching out and touching tapping your desired workout, you can worry less about fingerprints all over your mirror when it’s off.
Mirror pros
Lowest price, extensive genres of workouts, 1:1 personal training, free 30-day no hassle trial period.
Mirror cons
No accessories included, membership requires one-year minimum subscription at sign-up, lowest megapixel camera, no touchscreen.
Echelon Reflect
When looking at Mirror vs. Echelon, the latter is a more expansive fitness brand currently offering connected bikes, rowers, and treadmills. Additionally, Echelon has the Reflect, a 50-inch touchscreen fitness mirror.
As a direct competitor to Peloton, Echelon also saw huge growth in sales last year amid a global pandemic. On top of additional funding, Echelon has been able to grow its membership by offering classes led by celebrity Mario Lopez.
At just under 48 inches tall, the Echelon Reflect is the smallest and lightest mirror of the pack. That being said, it is not the smallest price-wise since it currently costs an oddly specific $1,639.98.
As for membership, it’s similar to its competitors at $39.99/month. However, the longer you commit, the more you save. An annual membership will save you $80, while committing to two years will save you around $260. With that said, the Echelon content library is not the most robust of the the group, so you may want to check it out before committing to the long term.
The Echelon Reflect is the only product on this list that must be mounted to a wall, but it does come with a better camera than The Mirror.
Echelon Reflect pros
Smallest and lightest footprint, you can work out with Mario Lopez.
Echelon Reflect cons
Must be wall mounted, installation not included, you can work out with Mario Lopez.
FORME Studio
Compared to the others, FORME is the new kid on the connected-fitness block. That’s not saying a lot, considering the block itself is pretty new.
The Studio is the flagship product from FORME and stands out among the others as an innovative fitness product built with lifestyle in mind as it can easily blend into the home as a full-length mirror. At 70 inches tall, the FORME Studio is the second-tallest of the lot.
At $2,495, the Studio is one of the more expensive mirrors on our list, but consumers certainly get plenty for their money. FORME is designed to curate workouts based on a person’s ability, fitness goals, and mood. Each day, it plans a personalized workout based on your preferences and current fitness journey. However, you can go rogue on your own desired workout if you want.
Additionally, FORME utilizes its two stereoscopic cameras and computer vision to provide accurate guidance on form and technique, making training safer. If that’s a little too HAL-9000 for you, no sweat. You can turn this function off.
The FORME Studio is the only mirror to offer a Barre package for an additional fee that includes a ball, socks, and a Barre that attaches directly to the mirror.
Lastly, FORME is also the only fitness company to offer a home gym variant in the Studio Lift. For $2,000 more, customers can add two variable resistance arms and equipment storage, all within the device.
FORME Studio pros
Largest and highest-definition touchscreen, best camera quality, can be mounted or stand on its own, comes with lots of accessories including HRM, delivery, and white-glove installation included.
FORME Studio cons
Can only connect to FORME-provided heart rate monitor, not compatible with Apple AirPods Pro, second-most expensive on list.
ProForm VUE
ProForm is a subsidiary of ICON Health and Fitness, an established brand with over 40 years of experience in this market. Along with NordicTrack and Freemotion, these fitness products all utilize iFit content, and this includes ProForm’s VUE Mirror.
The VUE from ProForm is a freestanding, rotatable touchscreen mirror with access to iFit’s vast content library. At $1,499, it is just $5 more than The Mirror, but it comes with a bundle of free weights. Another perk is the storage for those weights that tuck slyly behind the back of the unit.
At 22 inches, the VUE has the smallest screen in the group, but there are some perks that make up for it. For one, purchase of a VUE includes a year’s iFit membership. It also comes with a slightly better warranty than Mirror, Echelon, and FORME.
ProForm Vue pros
More affordable, iFit membership included for a year, delivery included.
ProForm Vue cons
Smallest touchscreen, no camera, can’t be mounted, hefty return and restocking fees.
NordicTrack VAULT
You may notice some similarities between the NordicTrack VAULT and the ProForm VUE. Since both fitness brands exist under the ICON umbrella, they share a lot of the same tech. That being said, the NordicTrack VAULT Complete offers the most bang for the most bucks.
At $2,999, the VAULT is the most expensive mirror on the list, but it just might be worth every penny. There is also a standalone VAULT for $1,999, but it’s essentially the ProForm VUE with storage space inside instead of on the back. For the sake of variety, we’re showcasing the Complete VAULT.
On top of being the largest mirror in this group, the VAULT also operates as… well, a vault, storing all the fitness equipment that comes in the Complete package.This includes dumbbells, kettle bells, resistance bands, and yoga blocks that all stack nicely behind the mirror itself.
Like its sibling the VUE, the VAULT also comes with a year’s access to the iFit family membership. That’s valued at nearly $400.
Unfortunately and unlike the others, the VAULT requires a $199 delivery fee. However, at about 260 pounds in its packaging, it might be worth the money to have someone else bring it inside for you.
NordiTrack VAULT Complete pros
Best storage, one year of iFit included, most substantial accessories included, best warranty.
NordiTrack VAULT Complete cons
Largest/bulkiest, can’t be mounted, $199 delivery fee, hefty return and restocking fees, plus no refunds on delivery charges.
Comparison Chart: Mirror vs. Echelon, FORME, and more
Mirror | Echelon Reflect (50″) | FORME Studio | ProForm VUE | NordicTrack VAULT – Complete | |
Equipment Size | 52.6″ H x 21.1″ W x 1.7″ D | 47.75″ H x 24″ W x 2″ D | 70″ H x 26″ W x 2″ D | 72.65” H x 24.25” W x 14” D (base) | 72.65” H x 24.25” W x 14” D |
Touchscreen Size | 40” full HD 1080p (display only) | 32″ full HD 1080p Touchscreen | 43″ 4K UHD Touchscreen | 22″ HD Touchscreen | 32″ HD Touchscreen |
Equipment Price | $1,495 | $1,639.98 | $2,495 | $1,499 | $2,999 |
Monthly Fee | $39/month (1-year commitment) | $39.99/month, $399.99/annual, $699.99/2 year | $39/month Multi-user membership | 1 year iFit family membership included ($396/year thereafter) | 1 year iFit family membership included ($396/year thereafter) |
Content | Dance Kettlebell Yoga Flow Boxing Barre Bootcamp Kickboxing Cardio Strength Family fun Pilates Pre/postnatal Stretch Sculpt Meditation Tai Chi | High-energy cardio Yoga Core Strength Pilates Boxing Meditation | Yoga Barre Pilates Meditation Dance Body weight strength training Free weight strength training | Cardio Strength training Interval HIIT training Pilates Yoga Stretching Recovery | Cardio Strength training Interval HIIT training Pilates Yoga Stretching Recovery |
Camera | 5 megapixel | 8 megapixel | 2 x 12 megapixel | N/A | N/A |
Bluetooth Connectivity | Most devices | Most devices | FORME HRM only/ Most headphones except AirPods Pro | Most devices | Most devices |
Included Accessories | N/A | N/A | Premium yoga mat Heart rate monitor Microfiber towel Screen camera covers | 10 lb. Barbell (2) 5 lb. Dumbbell Bars (4) 2.5 lb. Weight Plates | 6 Sets of Dumbbells (5-30 lbs.) 2 Custom Kettlebells (20 & 30 Lb.) Heavy Resistance Bands (20, 30, 50 Lb.) Resistance Loop Bands (Light, Medium, Heavy) Exercise Mat Two Yoga Blocks |
Layout | Base or wall mount | Wall mount | Base or wall mount | Solid base | Solid base |
Installation | Included | N/A | White glove installation included | N/A | N/A |
Delivery | Included | Included | Included | Included | $199 |
One-on-one personal training | $40/session | N/A | Additional $$ based on program/trainer | N/A | N/A |
Weight | 70 lbs. | 52 lbs. | 102 lbs. | 140 lbs. | 260 lbs. |
Return Policy | 30 days w/ $250 fee (Unless utilizing free 30 day trial) | 30 days w/ $100 restocking fee | 30 days w/ $250 return fee | 30 days w/ $250 shipping fee + 10% restocking fee | 30 days w/ $250 shipping fee + 10% restocking fee |
Warranty | 1 year parts and labor | 1 year parts and labor | 1 year parts and labor | 2 year frame, 1 year parts and labor | 10 year frame, 2 year parts, 1 year labor |
Mirror vs. Echelon vs. FORME vs. ProForm vs. NordicTrack
As you can see from the exhaustive breakdown above, these products all have their own pros and cons depending on the category that is most important to you, the consumer.
Mirror might have an advantage over Echelon, but not NordicTrack. FORME may have the coolest tech, but not the best price. There is no clear winner in the genre just yet.
Overall, the ProForm VUE provides the most value by including a year membership of iFit along with some free weights to work out with.
That being said, Mirror’s product is about the same price and makes up for what it lacks in accessories in its vast library of class genres.
Products like the FORME Studio and NordicTrack VAULT come at a higher price point, but offer either/and/or a higher-end product and top-notch technology in return.
Hopefully you can utilize this information compiled into one place to help you gauge your own mirror fitness purchase, whether it’s an Echelon Reflect, a Studio, a VUE, or a VAULT.
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