Mirror vs. Tempo Studio — our editors tried them and we compared notes. Here’s what to know about how they might fit into your space, class offerings, and what to expect after your purchase.
Whether you prefer instructor-led classes or are limited on space, smart mirrors offer a unique solution for getting in a home workout.
Unlike traditional home gym equipment, which requires a large area, smart mirrors allow access to hundreds of fitness classes in one sleek, compact device.
These interactive machines provide benefits similar to those of working with a personal trainer, such as counting your reps, tracking your progress, and recommending when to increase the resistance or weight.
Some even include 3D sensors to provide feedback on your form in real time.
If this sounds like a dream come true, two products that you’re likely to come across are the Mirror by Lululemon Studio and the Tempo Studio.
While both offer high tech features, they differ in size, price, class offerings, and included accessories.
We got the chance to put both devices to the test, so let’s compare the Mirror and Tempo Studio to help you decide which smart mirror is best for you.
While both mirrors offer large screens for displaying classes and performance metrics, one of the most noticeable differences between the Mirror and the Tempo Studio is the design.
Specifically, the Tempo Studio is a workout armoire that includes both storage for fitness equipment and a large mirror with sensors. When activated, this mirror provides a portal to workout classes and personalized form corrections.
Unlike many other smart mirrors, the Tempo Studio also comes with resistance equipment, such as dumbbells and weight plates.
In contrast, the Mirror is a wall-mounted screen — it also comes with a stand if you prefer to lean it against a wall — that at first glance appears to be just a regular mirror.
However, once it’s powered on, the Mirror allows you to stream more than 1,000 instructor-led classes, though it’s still reflective so you can keep an eye on your form.
Regardless of which device you choose, you’ll need a monthly membership to either the Lululemon Studio App or Tempo Fitness app to access workout classes and additional training features, such as progress tracking and live feedback on your form.
Both memberships are $39. However, the Tempo Studio offers the option to pay your membership up front for 1 or 2 years, which shakes out to $35 and $30 per month, respectively.
Tempo Studio
In addition to its design, the Tempo Studio stands out for its 3D sensors and artificial intelligence (AI)-based personal coaching engine.
These high tech features allow the device to track your form, reps, and heart rate. The machine then uses this data to provide recommendations on your form and weight load.
The studio is also equipped with Bluetooth capabilities, integrated 60-watt speakers, and a 42-inch (106.7-cm) touchscreen display.
Tempo currently offers three studio packages to choose from: the Tempo Starter, the Tempo Plus, and the Tempo Pro.
Each package includes a set of accessories, as well as the Tempo Studio armoire itself, which measures 72 x 26 x 16 inches (182.9 x 66 x 40.6 cm).
Here are the accessories included with each package:
- Tempo Starter Studio:
- workout mat
- 7.5-pound (3.4-kg) dumbbells
- 6 weight collars
- 75 pounds (34 kg) of weight plates
- Tempo Plus:
- workout mat
- 7.5-pound (3.4-kg) dumbbells
- 25-pound (11.4-kg) barbell
- heart rate monitor
- foam roller
- folding workout bench
- 6 weight collars
- 75 pounds (34 kg) of weight plates
- two 25-pound (11.4-kg) competition weight plates
- Tempo Pro:
- workout mat
- 7.5-pound (3.4-kg) dumbbells
- 25-pound (11.4-kg) barbell
- heart rate monitor
- foam roller
- folding workout bench
- folding squat rack
- kettlebell system
- 6 weight collars
- 75 pounds (34 kg) of weight plates
- two 25-pound (11.4-kg) competition weight plates
- two 45-pound (20.5-kg) competition weight plates
Due to differences in workout equipment, the recommended amount of floor space also varies by package:
- Tempo Starter Studio: 6 feet x 8 feet (182 cm x 243.84 cm)
- Tempo Plus: 6 feet x 10 feet (182 cm x 304.8 cm)
- Tempo Pro: 6 feet x 10 feet (182 cm x 304.8 cm)
Keep in mind that you’ll need to place your workout mat at least 6 feet (182.9 cm) away from the screen in order for Tempo’s sensors to work.
Mirror
Unlike the Tempo Studio, the Mirror doesn’t require floor space.
Instead, it’s mounted on your wall and measures 52 inches (132.1 cm) long x 22 inches (55.9 cm) wide.
Once it’s safely installed, you can access thousands of instructor-led classes, as well as live 1:1 personal training sessions, using the Mirror’s 40-inch (101.6-cm) display. These cost an additional $40 per session on top of your membership if you choose to use them.
It’s important to note that because it isn’t a touchscreen like the Tempo Studio — you control the device via the Lululemon Studio app on your smartphone or tablet.
Depending on the package you choose from, the Mirror comes with additional workout gear, such as a heart rate monitor, fitness bands, a mat, yoga blocks, and smart weights that track your reps and form.
You can also sync your smartwatch or other Bluetooth-enabled heart rate monitor during classes, but only certain devices are compatible. For example, the Apple Watch is compatible as well as Garmin chest straps, while Garmin smartwatches are not.
Curious about your performance? The Mirror displays key metrics, such as your calories burned and target heart rate, at the bottom of the screen.
The Tempo Studio
Former Healthline editor Mellanie Perez reviewed the Tempo Studio. She felt the device stood out for its ability to help you correct form. She says it often alerted her of form issues, such as when her wrists fell below her shoulders during certain exercises or when she was leaning too far back. At the same time, it would also reassure her when form was correct.
She found that the feedback was pretty precise, but sometimes suffered if she wasn’t the recommended 6 feet away (something to keep in mind if you’re tight on space).
The device also takes note of how you pace through sets to either recommend less weight if you’re struggling or more weight if you’re breezing through and might be ready to challenge yourself more.
Another pro to this machine, Perez says it makes lifting a quiet experience, which is great for apartment and condo dwellers.
“Thanks to the exercise mat’s thick polyurethane top layer and rubber base, the Tempo Studio proves that lifting weights doesn’t have to be noisy. Plus, as the weight plates are also lined with rubber, I don’t have to worry as much about damaging my floors or annoying my neighbors.”
The Mirror
Healthline editor Catherine Conelly tested the Mirror. She found one of the biggest pros to be the sheer class variety. “There are so many different types of classes available through Lululemon’s Studio workouts but also partner studios like Pure Barre and DOGPOUND.” This is great for people who need to mix up their workouts to stay consistent and active.
She points out that unless you want to pay for the personal training sessions, you likely won’t receive the personalized form feedback you’ll get with the Tempo. However, she found there’s always something new to choose from, including guest instructors with impressive resumes.
The other major plus according to Conelly is that it blends into your decor. She loves that it looks appealing placed front and center in her living room where she’s more likely to use it, all the while it doesn’t look like a big hunk of ugly gym equipment taking up space.
When it’s not in use, it really just looks like any ol’ mirror. “Visitors have completely mistook it for a standard mirror, and then they light up when they realize it’s THE Mirror, marveling at how nice it looks.”
Both home gyms work by streaming live and on-demand workout classes directly onto the device. As a result, you’ll need a strong and reliable internet connection regardless of which smart mirror you choose.
In terms of class offerings, both home gyms include a wide selection of classes led by world-class instructors.
The apps make it easy to search for your desired workout and include options suitable for a variety of fitness levels.
The Mirror stands out for offering weekly live classes and thousands of on-demand options from across 60 genres, including:
- boxing
- tai chi
- barre
- boot camp
- yoga flow
- kettlebell
- Pilates
- dance cardio
- hip hop
- weight training
- ballet
In contrast, the Tempo Fit app has fewer exercise types, with a greater emphasis on strength workouts.
However, this doesn’t mean that you’re limited to weight training, as the app includes some cardio, high intensity interval training, yoga, and recovery options as well.
The devices also offer slightly different workout experiences.
The Mirror, for example, displays the instructor at the center of the screen to lead you through each movement. However, as the screen is still reflective, you can easily keep an eye on your posture.
In contrast, the Tempo Studio’s screen is not reflective. Instead, the device uses 3D sensors and AI technology to provide real-time feedback on your form.
The Tempo Studio ranges in price from $1,695 to $3,195, depending on the model. The cheapest package comes with four pairs of smart weights: 1.5 lbs, 2.5 lbs, 5 lbs, and 10 lbs.
Meanwhile, the Mirror is significantly cheaper at $995 for just the Mirror without any additional gear. If you wanted to purchase its smart weights, they range from $85 to $340 a pair, depending on weight.
Still, as both options are relatively expensive, Tempo and Mirror offer special financing for qualified customers.
It’s important to note that the prices for the Mirror and Tempo Studio don’t include tax, delivery, or membership fees.
Both companies charge a $250 fee for professional assembly and installation.
Membership options
Memberships are required to use both the Mirror and the Tempo Studio, with subscriptions costing $39 per month for either product. If you want to pay your Tempo Studio membership up front for the year, the price goes down to $35 per month. For 2 years paid in full, it’s reduced further to $30 per month.
With your membership, you get full access to instructor-led classes, performance tracking, and brand-specific features.
For example, the Tempo Studio subscription provides guidance from coaches and live feedback on your form.
Meanwhile, the Mirror membership includes up to six user accounts and the option to purchase personal training sessions for $40 per session. You’ll also get extra benefits, such as 10% off Lululemon apparel, 20% at partner fitness studios when you attend in person, invitations to community events, and free hemming.
Both the Mirror and Tempo Studio require an initial 12-month commitment, with the option to cancel at any time thereafter.
Warranty and return policies
The Tempo Studio offers a 30-day return window, as well as the following warranties:
- Cabinet: 3 years
- Interactive display: 12 months
- Barbell and weights: 3 years
- Bench, squat rack, weight plate holder, kettlebell system, heart rate monitor: 12 months
- Labor and installation: 12 months
In comparison, the Mirror also includes a 30-day, risk-free trial. However, the frame, screen, and hardware are covered by only a 1-year limited warranty.
In general, users of both the Tempo Studio and Mirror have positive things to say about their experiences.
Specifically, customers note that the Tempo Studio’s equipment is high quality and durable.
While some report occasional problems with the 3D sensors miscounting reps, most are impressed with the device’s high tech features and the fact that Tempo is continually updating its class offerings.
Several reviewers note that the arrival of the additional workout equipment that comes with the Tempo Studio, such as the barbell, weights, and bench, has been delayed for several months.
Meanwhile, users of the Mirror rave about the variety of available exercises and appreciate that the device doesn’t take up valuable floor space.
One minor frustration several reviews mention is that the Mirror doesn’t include accessories, such as a yoga mat or kettlebells, which are required for several of the classes.
Additionally, some users have had difficulty getting in touch with Mirror when they needed to reschedule delivery and installation.
Finally, the most common complaint about both smart mirrors is that the $39 monthly membership is on the expensive side, especially considering the cost of the device itself.
It’s also worth noting that Mirror’s monthly subscription cost begins as soon as the Mirror is delivered, while Tempo’s membership begins when you turn on your device and create an account.
Both the Mirror and Tempo Studio offer live and on-demand classes for a variety of fitness levels.
However, because they differ in size, price, accessories, and class offerings, they have varying appeals.
Who is Mirror for?
In general, the Mirror is likely to be a better fit if you:
- enjoy mixing up your workouts or prefer bodyweight workouts like yoga, Pilates, and cardio
- have limited floor space
- want to keep cost closer to $1,000
- are less interested in one-on-one feedback or personal training (or are willing to pay the additional per-session cost)
- want the additional member benefits, such as discounts at Lululemon stores and other in-person partner studios when you want to work out in person
Who is Tempo for?
On the other hand, the Tempo Studio makes more sense if you:
- want to focus on strength training
- want built-in form feedback comparable to one-on-one personal training sessions
- plan on buying additional gym equipment anyway, such as a barbell or weight plates
- are willing to spend extra for form and weight adjustment recommendations
Overall, both smart mirrors provide an effective way to work out — the decision ultimately comes down to your budget and fitness goals.
How do you know which smart fitness mirror is best for you?
While the Tempo Studio is more expensive, it’s the better option if you’re focused on strength training. It also stands out for its ability to recommend weight and form adjustments in real time.
However, if you prefer bodyweight exercises or already own dumbbells and kettlebells, the Mirror offers a better variety of classes. It’s also cheaper and requires less floor space.
Can you see your reflection in smart fitness mirrors?
The Mirror lets you see your reflection while you train, so you can monitor your form while performing an exercise. The Tempo Studio isn’t reflective but analyzes your movements using 3D sensors.
How much space do you need for a smart fitness mirror?
The Tempo Studio armoire takes up a floor space of 2 feet 2 inches x 1 foot 4 inches (66 x 40.6 cm) on its own. Tempo recommends setting aside a 6 x 8-foot (182.9 x 243.8-cm) space to work out, or a 6 x 10-foot (182.9 x 304.8-cm) space if you’re using a bench or squat rack.
You need to be at least 6 feet away from the Tempo Studio for its sensors to properly track your movements.
The Mirror doesn’t require any floor space, and you can opt for a carbon steel floor stand if you don’t want to mount it on a wall. That said, you’ll still need a few feet of standing room in front of the Mirror to make the most of your workouts.
The Mirror and the Tempo Studio offer a compact and high-tech upgrade to the traditional home gym.
Regardless of which smart mirror you choose, make sure to discuss your new workout routine with a healthcare professional.