Peloton is better for individuals who prefer working out at home with a variety of class types and are willing to invest in equipment. OrangeTheory is a better fit for those who thrive in a structured, in-person class environment focused on HIIT, with equipment provided.
Attribute | Peloton All-Access Membership | OrangeTheory Fitness |
---|---|---|
Subscription Cost (Monthly/Annually) | $44 per month (potential increase to $49 in January 2026) | Monthly memberships vary depending on location. Basic: Starting around $59.99/month. Elite: Starting around $109.00/month. Premier: Starting around $179.00/month (unlimited classes). |
Class Variety (Strength, Cardio, Yoga, etc.) | Strength training, cardio, yoga, Pilates, barre, meditation, cycling, running, walking, and more | Focuses on high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Classes incorporate endurance, strength, and power training. Combines cardio and strength training. |
Live Class Availability | Access to live streaming classes from Peloton studios in New York and London | Classes are 55-60 minutes long. Class times are designed for people with 9-5 schedules. |
On-Demand Class Library Size | Unlimited access to a large and growing library | App offers at-home workouts for members and non-members. Variety of videos available for at-home workouts. |
Equipment Requirements (Bike, Treadmill, Weights) | Designed for use with Peloton Bike, Bike+, Tread, and Row. Many classes don't require any equipment | Heart rate monitor is essential. Studios provide treadmills, rowers, weights, and other equipment. Alternatives like bikes and striders are available in place of treadmills. Heart rate monitors can be purchased separately. |
Instructor Quality and Variety | Engaging instructors with a variety of teaching styles | Coaches lead the workouts. Instructors should be energetic, memorize names, correct form, and create a personal experience. Coaches are trained to offer exercise modifications. |
Community Features and Support | Leaderboard, member search, and ability to connect with other users | Supportive community environment. Camaraderie among participants. |
Progress Tracking and Metrics | Real-time performance tracking and integrated features | Heart rate monitoring technology. Real-time results displayed on screens. Tracks heart rate, zone, "Splat Points," and calories burned. Workout summaries emailed after each class. |
Mobile App Functionality | Access to classes through the Peloton App on various devices | Book and cancel classes. Manage favorite studios. Track workout stats. Manage out-of-studio workouts. Sync classes with calendar. View workout history. Access at-home workouts. |
Integration with Wearable Devices | Compatible with Apple Watch and other heart rate monitors | Integrates with Apple Watch via OTbeat Link. OTbeat Link syncs Apple Watch with the in-studio heart rate monitoring system. Steps, calories, and heart rate data accumulate in the Apple activity app. |
Trial Period Availability | 30-day free trial for new users. Lululemon members may be eligible for an extended 60-day trial | First class is often free. Free introductory workout is recommended. |
Cancellation Policy | Cancel anytime, retain access until the end of the current billing period | Requires 30 days' written notice. Cancellation form needed. One more monthly payment may be processed after cancellation request. No cancellation fees. Membership can be paused for 30-60 days (up to twice a year) with a freeze fee. Immediate cancellation may be possible with a doctor's note (health concerns), proof of relocation (over 18 miles from a studio), or bankruptcy evidence. |