Peloton App vs Apple Fitness+ vs Nike Training Club: Which Workout App Wins?

The workout app market has matured significantly. Peloton, Apple, and Nike all offer comprehensive fitness programming without requiring their branded equipment. We subscribed to all three for two months, completed over 60 workouts across platforms, and have a clear picture of where each excels.

Content Library

Peloton App ($13/month)

Peloton's library is massive — over 10,000 on-demand classes across cycling, running, strength, yoga, meditation, stretching, bootcamp, rowing, and outdoor audio workouts. New classes are added daily. Class lengths range from 5 minutes to 90 minutes.

The instructor roster is Peloton's biggest asset. Instructors like Robin Arzon, Cody Rigsby, and Alex Toussaint have genuine personality and coaching skill. Classes feel energetic and motivating. The production quality is best-in-class — professional studio, excellent audio mixing, and polished visuals.

Apple Fitness+ ($10/month)

Apple Fitness+ offers around 4,000+ workouts across HIIT, strength, yoga, Pilates, dance, cycling, treadmill, rowing, meditation, and mindful cooldown. New workouts are released weekly in batches. Class lengths typically run 10-45 minutes.

Apple's production quality matches Peloton. The instructor team is diverse and skilled, though they project a friendlier, less intense energy than Peloton's competitive vibe. The unique "Time to Walk" and "Time to Run" audio experiences are excellent for outdoor activity.

Nike Training Club (Free)

Nike made NTC completely free in 2022 and it remains so. The library includes approximately 200 workouts covering strength, endurance, mobility, and yoga. Classes range from 15-60 minutes. The content is professional but the library is significantly smaller than Peloton or Apple.

NTC's strength: the programs. Multi-week structured programs (like "Get Lean" or "Strong & Toned") provide progressive training plans that build on each other. If you need direction rather than a la carte class selection, NTC's programs are well-designed.

Device Integration

Peloton App

Works on iPhone, iPad, Android, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, and web. Heart rate data from an Apple Watch or Bluetooth chest strap appears on-screen during workouts. The app connects to Peloton's bike and tread if you own them, but no proprietary hardware is required.

Integration with third-party equipment is limited. Peloton doesn't natively connect to non-Peloton bikes or rowers (though some bikes support GymKit or Bluetooth broadcasting).

Apple Fitness+

This is Apple's strongest advantage. The Apple Watch integration is seamless — real-time heart rate, calories, and Activity Ring progress display on-screen during every workout. The Burn Bar shows how your effort compares to others who've completed the same workout. SharePlay lets you work out with friends remotely.

The catch: Apple Fitness+ requires an Apple Watch. No Watch, no service. This locks out Android users entirely.

Nike Training Club

NTC works on iPhone, Android, and web. Apple Watch integration exists but is basic — it logs the workout to Apple Health but doesn't show real-time metrics on screen. No smart TV app is available, so you're limited to phone, tablet, or AirPlay/Chromecast to a TV.

Workout Quality

We tested each platform across four categories: HIIT, strength training, yoga, and cycling/cardio.

HIIT: Peloton wins with high-energy, well-paced interval classes. Apple Fitness+ is close behind with excellent HIIT offerings. NTC's HIIT workouts are good but less varied.

Strength: Apple Fitness+ and Peloton are neck-and-neck. Both offer dumbbell-focused strength classes with clear instruction and progressive options. NTC's bodyweight strength programs are excellent for beginners but limited for people with home gym equipment.

Yoga: Apple Fitness+ has the best yoga content with excellent instruction for beginners and intermediates. Peloton's yoga library is larger but quality is less consistent. NTC's yoga offerings are minimal.

Cycling: Peloton dominates cycling content — it's their origin. Apple Fitness+ cycling is competent but lacks Peloton's energy and instructor charisma.

Pricing and Value

| Platform | Monthly | Annual | Free Tier | |----------|---------|--------|-----------| | Peloton App | $13 | $132 | No (free trial only) | | Apple Fitness+ | $10 | $80 | No (free trial with Apple Watch) | | Nike Training Club | Free | Free | Full access |

NTC's free pricing is unbeatable for budget-conscious users. Apple Fitness+ offers the best value for paid subscribers, especially if bundled with Apple One ($20/month for Fitness+, Music, TV+, Arcade, and iCloud+). Peloton is the most expensive but has the deepest content library.

The Verdict

Best for most people: Apple Fitness+ — if you have an Apple Watch. The Watch integration, content quality, and $10/month price hit the sweet spot. The real-time metrics and Burn Bar make workouts more engaging.

Best content library: Peloton App — the sheer volume and instructor quality justify $13/month for serious fitness enthusiasts. The cycling and running content is unmatched.

Best for free: Nike Training Club — the structured programs are excellent, and zero cost removes all friction. Start here if you're not sure about committing to a paid subscription.

Best for Android users: Peloton App — since Apple Fitness+ requires an Apple Watch, Peloton is the best premium option for Android users.

Pick based on your ecosystem, budget, and preferred workout style. All three platforms deliver professional-quality instruction — the differences come down to device integration, content depth, and pricing model.

---

As an Amazon Associate, BestElectronicsReviewed earns from qualifying purchases.