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- Best overall: Tonal 2 Smart Home Gym
- Best budget: Concept2 RowErg with PM5 Monitor
- Best premium: Hydrow Pro Rowing Machine
- Best for guided rowing: Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine
- Tonal 2 Smart Home Gym combines digital resistance and guided strength training in a wall-mounted format.
- Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine is the compact pick for immersive, instructor-led rowing.
- Choose Tonal 2 for strength-focused workouts or Hydrow Wave for rowing and cardio.
- Compare footprint, membership needs and workout style before choosing a Black Friday 2026 fitness machine.
- Concept2 RowErg with PM5 Monitor is a straightforward rowing option without a large built-in touchscreen.
Tonal 2 Smart Home Gym and Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine suit different workout goals: Tonal 2 offers up to 250 pounds of digital resistance, while Hydrow Wave centers on guided rowing. For Black Friday 2026, the right choice comes down to whether strength training or low-impact cardio belongs at the center of your routine.
I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across seven connected and traditional fitness machines. This guide covers room requirements, training style, standout features and membership considerations, so shoppers can shortlist a machine before comparing retailer offers. Tonal 2 is the Best bet for strength-focused homes; Hydrow Wave is an Easy recommendation for people drawn to rowing classes.
How We Picked
- Compared each machine’s core workout style, including digital strength, rowing, cycling and treadmill training.
- Reviewed published specifications such as resistance, display size, capacity and equipment dimensions.
- Considered owner feedback about setup, storage, everyday usability and the value of guided content.
- Included options across connected and non-connected equipment, rather than treating a large screen as a requirement.
- Prioritized products with a clear use case for shoppers comparing home fitness equipment for Black Friday 2026.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Screen / monitor | Resistance system | Standout dimension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tonal 2 Smart Home Gym | Digital strength training | 24-inch touchscreen | 250-pound digital resistance | Wall-mounted system |
| Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine | Compact guided rowing | 16-inch HD touchscreen | Computer-controlled rowing resistance | 80 x 19 x 43 inches |
| Hydrow Pro Rowing Machine | Premium guided rowing | 22-inch touchscreen | Computer-controlled rowing resistance | 86 x 25 x 47 inches |
| Concept2 RowErg with PM5 Monitor | Self-directed rowing | PM5 monitor | Air resistance | 96-inch length |
| Peloton Bike+ | Connected indoor cycling | 23.8-inch touchscreen | Digitally controlled resistance | Rotating screen |
| Peloton Tread | Guided running and walking | 23.8-inch touchscreen | Speed up to 12.5 miles per hour | 59-inch running belt |
| Speediance Gym Monster 2 Smart Home Gym | All-in-one digital strength | 21.5-inch touchscreen | 220-pound digital resistance | Freestanding system |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Tonal 2 Smart Home Gym
The Tonal 2 Smart Home Gym is the best connected strength machine for people who want guided resistance training, with up to 250 pounds of digital resistance.
Best for: Strength training in a compact wall-mounted setup
- Maximum digital resistance
- 250 pounds
- Touchscreen
- 24 inches
- Training library
- 200-plus movements
- Offers a broad range of strength exercises.
- Replaces several free-weight stations in one wall-mounted system.
- Guided workouts and digital resistance support structured training.
- Requires suitable wall space and professional installation planning.
- A connected membership is part of the full experience.
Is the Tonal 2 Smart Home Gym worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Tonal 2 Smart Home Gym is worth considering for households that want guided strength workouts and up to 250 pounds of digital resistance in one system. Check wall requirements, installation details and ongoing membership needs before choosing it.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine
The Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine is the best compact connected rower for people who want instructor-led cardio, with a 16-inch HD touchscreen.
Best for: Guided rowing workouts in a smaller home
- Touchscreen
- 16 inches
- Machine dimensions
- 80 x 19 x 43 inches
- Maximum user weight
- 375 pounds
- Offers immersive, instructor-led rowing sessions.
- Has a smaller footprint than the Hydrow Pro.
- Provides a low-impact workout that engages multiple muscle groups.
- A rowing stroke needs enough clear space around the machine.
- The connected class experience depends on membership access.
Is the Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine is worth considering for rowers who want guided classes on a 16-inch touchscreen and a more compact frame than the Hydrow Pro. Measure the workout area and review membership requirements before deciding.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Hydrow Pro Rowing Machine
The Hydrow Pro Rowing Machine is the best premium connected rower for households that want a larger display, with a 22-inch touchscreen.
Best for: A premium, immersive rowing setup
- Touchscreen
- 22 inches
- Machine dimensions
- 86 x 25 x 47 inches
- Maximum user weight
- 375 pounds
- Pairs guided rowing content with a large display.
- Offers an immersive class-focused workout format.
- Includes a sturdy frame for regular home rowing.
- Takes up more floor space than Hydrow Wave.
- Connected content adds an ongoing membership consideration.
Is the Hydrow Pro Rowing Machine worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Hydrow Pro Rowing Machine is worth considering for households that prioritize a large 22-inch display and instructor-led rowing. The Hydrow Pro Rowing Machine's larger frame needs a dedicated workout area, so compare the room dimensions with the machine before bringing it home.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Concept2 RowErg with PM5 Monitor
The Concept2 RowErg with PM5 Monitor is the best straightforward rower for people who value durable, data-focused exercise, with a PM5 monitor.
Best for: Reliable rowing without a built-in class screen
- Monitor
- PM5
- Machine dimensions
- 96 x 24 x 14 inches
- Maximum user weight
- 500 pounds
- Tracks workout data on the PM5 monitor.
- Uses air resistance for a self-paced rowing workout.
- Separates the rowing machine from a required built-in class platform.
- Does not include a large touchscreen for instructor-led classes.
- The long rail needs clear space during use.
Is the Concept2 RowErg with PM5 Monitor worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Concept2 RowErg with PM5 Monitor is worth considering for rowers who want a durable machine and workout metrics without a built-in class screen. The Concept2 RowErg with PM5 Monitor's 96-inch length needs planning, but the PM5 provides clear feedback during a self-directed session.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Peloton Bike+
The Peloton Bike+ is the best connected indoor bike for riders who want instructor-led cycling, with a 23.8-inch rotating touchscreen.
Best for: Guided indoor cycling and studio-style classes
- Touchscreen
- 23.8 inches
- Screen movement
- Rotates for off-bike workouts
- Resistance
- Digitally controlled
- Pairs cycling sessions with off-bike workout options.
- Uses a large, movable screen for class viewing.
- Supports structured instructor-led training.
- A connected membership is needed for the full class experience.
- The cycling-focused format is less versatile than an all-in-one strength system.
Is the Peloton Bike+ worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Peloton Bike+ is worth considering for riders who want instructor-led cycling and a 23.8-inch screen that rotates for off-bike sessions. Compare membership requirements and the bike’s workout focus with your household’s other fitness goals.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Peloton Tread
The Peloton Tread is the best connected treadmill for runners who want guided classes, with a 59-inch running belt.
Best for: Guided running, walking and treadmill classes
- Touchscreen
- 23.8 inches
- Running belt
- 59 inches
- Top speed
- 12.5 miles per hour
- Offers a large display for instructor-led classes.
- Supports both walking and faster running workouts.
- Fits shoppers who prefer treadmill training over rowing or strength.
- Needs more floor space than a bike or wall-mounted gym.
- Connected classes are tied to membership access.
Is the Peloton Tread worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Peloton Tread is worth considering for runners who want guided workouts on a 59-inch belt and a 23.8-inch touchscreen. Measure the floor area and check the treadmill’s placement requirements before selecting it for a home gym.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Speediance Gym Monster 2 Smart Home Gym
The Speediance Gym Monster 2 Smart Home Gym is the best all-in-one alternative for strength-focused homes, with up to 220 pounds of digital resistance.
Best for: Digital strength training without wall mounting
- Maximum digital resistance
- 220 pounds
- Touchscreen
- 21.5 inches
- Equipment type
- All-in-one smart home gym
- Combines digital resistance with guided workout features.
- Offers an alternative for homes that do not want a wall-mounted system.
- Supports strength-focused sessions in one machine.
- Needs dedicated floor space for the equipment and exercise movements.
- Buyers should compare included accessories and content access.
Is the Speediance Gym Monster 2 Smart Home Gym worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Speediance Gym Monster 2 Smart Home Gym is worth considering for strength-focused households seeking up to 220 pounds of digital resistance without a wall-mounted setup. Confirm floor space, included accessories and content access before comparing it with Tonal 2.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Tonal 2 vs Hydrow Wave: Which is better for Black Friday 2026?
Tonal 2 Smart Home Gym is the better fit for strength training, while Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine is the better fit for guided rowing and cardio. Tonal 2 supplies up to 250 pounds of digital resistance in a wall-mounted setup; Hydrow Wave uses a 16-inch HD touchscreen to deliver rowing classes.
Choose based on the workout you will repeat, not just the screen or equipment style. Tonal 2 suits shoppers who want strength sessions and a broad exercise library at home. Hydrow Wave suits people who want a low-impact, full-body rowing workout and prefer instructor-led sessions. Both involve space planning and connected-content considerations, so review installation or setup details and membership needs before deciding.
What are the main differences between Tonal 2 and Hydrow Wave?
Tonal 2 Smart Home Gym trains strength with up to 250 pounds of digital resistance, while Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine trains with a rowing stroke and guided classes. The difference is the workout itself: Tonal 2 replaces a range of strength equipment, whereas Hydrow Wave is a dedicated rower.
Room layout also separates the machines. Tonal 2 mounts to a suitable wall and needs clear space for exercises; Hydrow Wave has an 80 x 19 x 43-inch frame and needs room for rowing movement. Consider who will use the equipment, how often workouts happen, and whether a connected membership fits the household’s routine.
Is Hydrow Wave better than Hydrow Pro?
Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine is the better compact choice, while Hydrow Pro Rowing Machine is the better premium pick for shoppers who want a larger display. Hydrow Wave has a 16-inch screen and an 80 x 19 x 43-inch frame; Hydrow Pro has a 22-inch screen and an 86 x 25 x 47-inch frame.
Both rowers focus on instructor-led workouts, so the choice is mostly about display preference, room and the experience you want. Hydrow Wave is a sensible match for a smaller workout area. Hydrow Pro gives class content more screen space, but the wider and longer frame needs a larger footprint. Measure the intended spot before choosing either machine.
Which home fitness machine needs the least room?
Tonal 2 Smart Home Gym uses a wall-mounted design, while Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine has a published footprint of 80 x 19 x 43 inches. The wall-mounted format can free floor area when the machine is not in use, but Tonal 2 still needs clear space for safe exercise movements.
Hydrow Wave is the compact rower in the Hydrow lineup, though rowing requires room to extend the rail and move through a full stroke. Concept2 RowErg with PM5 Monitor is 96 inches long, and Hydrow Pro Rowing Machine measures 86 x 25 x 47 inches. Measure both the equipment position and the workout clearance, not only the storage footprint.
Do these machines require a membership?
Tonal 2 Smart Home Gym, Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine, Hydrow Pro Rowing Machine, Peloton Bike+ and Peloton Tread all center on connected content, so shoppers should review current membership terms. Membership access affects class libraries and connected features; details vary by product and plan.
Concept2 RowErg with PM5 Monitor is the straightforward option for self-directed rowing and performance data without a built-in instructor-led class screen. Speediance Gym Monster 2 Smart Home Gym includes connected features, so check its current content and access terms as well. Compare ongoing access requirements alongside hardware features when evaluating Black Friday 2026 offers.
Buying Guide
Pick the workout you will keep doing
Tonal 2 Smart Home Gym suits strength sessions, while Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine suits guided rowing. Choose the activity that fits your routine before comparing displays or accessories.
Measure the full workout area
Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine measures 80 x 19 x 43 inches, but rowing needs movement clearance beyond the frame. Check machine dimensions, storage position and workout space before ordering.
Compare connected features and memberships
Peloton Bike+ and Peloton Tread pair hardware with instructor-led content. Read current membership terms and confirm which classes or features remain available without a connected plan.
Match the equipment to your household
Concept2 RowErg with PM5 Monitor works well for self-directed rowing, while Tonal 2 Smart Home Gym offers guided strength. Consider who uses the machine and which workout formats keep everyone engaged.
Compare the total ownership details
Hydrow Pro Rowing Machine and other connected machines need more than a product-page spec check. Review setup, delivery, installation, warranty, membership and included accessories when comparing Black Friday 2026 options.
FAQ
Is Tonal 2 better than Hydrow Wave?
Tonal 2 Smart Home Gym is better for guided strength training, with up to 250 pounds of digital resistance. Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine is better for instructor-led rowing and cardio, with a 16-inch HD touchscreen. Choose by workout style and room layout.
What is the biggest difference between Tonal 2 and Hydrow Wave?
Tonal 2 Smart Home Gym is a wall-mounted digital strength system with up to 250 pounds of resistance. Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine is a dedicated rower with a 16-inch HD touchscreen. One focuses on resistance training; the other centers on rowing.
Is Hydrow Wave worth buying for a small home?
Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine is a strong small-home choice among connected rowers, with an 80 x 19 x 43-inch frame. Rowing still needs clearance for a full stroke, so measure the workout area and check storage needs before buying.
Does Tonal 2 require a subscription?
Tonal 2 Smart Home Gym is built around connected workouts, and a membership supports access to its full guided training experience. Review current plan terms, included features and account requirements before comparing the equipment with non-connected strength options.
What is a good alternative to Tonal 2?
Speediance Gym Monster 2 Smart Home Gym is a digital strength alternative with up to 220 pounds of resistance and a 21.5-inch touchscreen. Concept2 RowErg with PM5 Monitor is another option for shoppers who want self-directed cardio rather than connected strength training.
Is the Concept2 RowErg better than Hydrow Wave?
Concept2 RowErg with PM5 Monitor suits self-directed rowers who want workout data without a built-in class screen. Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine suits people who want guided sessions on a 16-inch touchscreen. Compare class needs, frame length and membership preferences.