Peloton and Planet Fitness cater to different fitness preferences and budgets. Peloton offers a premium at-home experience with diverse classes and a strong community, justifying its higher cost. Planet Fitness provides an affordable and accessible gym environment with a focus on basic fitness equipment and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a great option for beginners or those seeking a budget-friendly gym.
| Attribute | Peloton | Planet Fitness |
|---|---|---|
| Membership Cost | Peloton App Free: No cost, limited access; Peloton App One: $12.99/month or $129/year; Peloton App+: $24/month or $240/year; All-Access Membership: $44/month; Peloton Guide Membership: $24/month | Classic Membership: $15/month + taxes/fees; PF Black Card: $24.99/month + taxes/fees; Annual Fee: $49 |
| Equipment Variety | Peloton Bike, Bike+, Tread, Row, Guide (strength training), Peloton App (access to classes without equipment) | Cardio: Treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, rowing machines, stair climbers. Strength: User-friendly machines, Smith machines, dumbbells, cable towers, kettlebells, battle ropes, medicine balls. Limited free weights. |
| Class Availability | Live and on-demand classes: cycling, running, walking, strength, yoga, meditation, boxing, and more. Various class lengths. Outdoor audio-led workouts. | Free fitness training in small groups, 30-minute Express Circuit. No yoga, Zumba, or boot camp. |
| Class Quality | Engaging instructors, high production quality, structured around music. | Caters to various fitness levels, combining workout equipment with trainer guidance. 'PE@PF' program for equipment guidance and goal setting. |
| Cleanliness | Recommended wiping down equipment after each use with ammonia-free cleaner. Deeper clean once a month. | Emphasizes cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, cleaning stations, staff cleans high-touch areas, 'Clean Thumb Club' program. |
| Crowdedness | Designed for home use, no physical crowdedness. | Busy mornings and evenings. Quieter Saturday/Sunday afternoons and midday. Crowd Meter in app. |
| Contract Flexibility | App memberships can be upgraded, downgraded, or canceled at any time. 30-day home trial for equipment. Rental program available. | May require 12-month commitment. Cancellation policies vary. |
| Personal Training Options | Peloton Guide offers AI-powered personal training. Personalized workout plans on the Peloton App. | No one-on-one personal training. Group training sessions with certified trainers. |
| Amenities | Equipment often found in apartment building fitness centers with amenities like saunas and spas. Peloton apartments offer fitness centers, community centers, and more. | Locker rooms, showers, free Wi-Fi. Black Card: Tanning beds, massage chairs, hydromassage chairs, Total Body Enhancement machines, discounts. No pools, saunas, hot tubs, or basketball courts. |
| Location Convenience | Designed for at-home use. | Over 2,000 locations across the US. Black Card allows access to any location. |
| Operating Hours | Classes are available on-demand 24/7. | Many locations offer 24/7 access. Hours may vary. |
| Community Atmosphere | Fosters community through live classes, leaderboards, tags, high-fives, and social integration. 'Teams' feature. | 'Judgment Free Zone', non-intimidating, welcoming to all fitness levels, 'lunk alarm'. |