Mirrors in gyms are nothing special, but mirrors as gyms are the talk of the at-home fitness town. Since smart mirrors first hit the scene in 2018, people everywhere have been looking into them.
And as more people choose to work out at home rather than go to the gym, more mirrors are coming to market. Two relatively new mirror gyms are the Tempo, which launched in early 2020, and NordicTrack’s Vault, which came out a year later.
We took a long, hard look into both smart gyms to see what they’re all about. Here’s everything you need to know to decide which mirror is the finest of them all.
NordicTrack Vault vs. Tempo Studio at a glance
What’s the same?
- On-demand workouts. Both come with pretty sweet libraries of workouts to choose from.
- Space savings. Vault and Tempo both store everything vertically, meaning your mirror gym won’t take over your entire living room.
- Options. Both Vault and Tempo offer multiple bundles that let you customize how much equipment you buy with the mirror.
- Financing. Both mirror gyms offer financing so you’re not coughing up a huge chunk of change all at once.
What’s different?
- Cost. NordicTrack’s Vault has the cheapest option (though it’s still certainly not cheap).
- Look. The Vault looks like a mirror, while the Tempo looks more like a large easel. But the Tempo comes in two different colors, and options are fun.
- Freebies. NordicTrack gives you a 30-day free membership trial with your Vault purchase — Tempo does not.
- Workout goodies. The Vault comes with dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance bands. The Tempo takes your home gym a step further with a barbell, folding bench, and squat rack.
- Techy benefits. The Vault gives you a mirror to monitor your form and count your reps yourself, but Tempo does all that for you with its super-cool 3-D Tempo Vision.
- Live classes. Vault classes are on-demand only, while Tempo offers live classes.
- Personalization. Tempo lets you input your goals and offers personalized plans and weight recommendations. With the Vault, you’re all on your own.
Cost and membership fees
Smart gyms don’t exactly come cheap, but some come with a little more clang and bang for your buck. Here’s how the Vault and Tempo compare on price.
Vault
You have two options with the Vault — you can go basic with the Vault Standalone or go big with the Vault Complete. The Vault Standalone is $1,999, while the Vault Complete is $2,999 (both include delivery and assembly).
What drives the price difference? The workout goodies that come with it.
Unless you already own equipment or plan to buy some separately, you’ll be limited to bodyweight workouts with the Vault Standalone. But the Vault Complete comes with everything you need to immediately start pumping iron.
The Vault Complete includes:
- a 30-day family iFIT membership for the workouts
- an exercise mat
- two yoga blocks
- three mini resistance bands
- three full-size resistance bands
- a dumbbell set
- two kettlebells
- a microfiber cleaning towel
- two types of shelves for organization
The Vault Standalone only comes with:
- a 30-day iFIT family membership for the workouts
- a microfiber cleaning towel
- one type of shelf for organization
Both require a credit card to activate your free iFIT membership trial. After 30 days, the membership will automatically renew for $39 per month plus tax, unless you cancel it before your trial is up.
Both come with financing options through TD Bank, but you’ll have to pass a credit check to go that route.
If you finance your Vault, you’ll get 48 months with no interest. Financing the Vault Standalone will run about $42 per month (plus tax), while the Vault Complete will come in at about $63 per month (plus tax).
Buying a Vault online is quick and easy. But here’s a pro tip we learned while researching this smart mirror: If you go through a sales agent (even on their online chat), you might get some special deals not offered online, like free shipping or a discounted membership after the trial.
tl;dr
At the very least, you’re looking at spending $1,999 plus $39 per month on your iFIT membership. At the high end, you’re paying $2,999 plus $39 per month for iFIT.
Tempo
With the Tempo, you choose from three packages, each with a different price tag. All three packages can be financed through Affirm with no interest for 36 months. The company promotes no money down, but the fine print says that’s subject to eligibility and a down payment might be required.
Here’s the breakdown on price, not including shipping or taxes:
- Starter Package: $2,495, or $52 per month
- Plus Package: $3,245, or $68 per month
- Pro Package: $3,995, or $83 per month
As with the Vault, the workout equipment drives the price differences between these packages. But with the Tempo packages, the access to classes also differs:
- The Starter Package gives you access to all cardio and mobility classes but not all strength classes. It comes with a workout mat, a set of dumbbells, and up to 75 pounds (lbs.) of small plates to increase the weight of the dumbbells (plus four collars to keep the plates secure).
- The Plus Package gives you access to all cardio, mobility, and strength classes. It comes with everything in the Starter Package plus a folding bench, a barbell, a recovery roller, a heart rate monitor, and two larger plates.
- The Pro Package also lets you take all cardio, mobility, and strength classes. It includes everything in the Plus Package plus a folding squat rack, two additional larger plates, weight plate storage, and a kettlebell system.
Unlike the Vault, the Tempo packages don’t come with a free trial of the virtual classes. A family membership costs $39 per month.
tl;dr
On the low end, you’ll be paying $2,495 plus $39 per month in membership fees. On the high end, you’ll be paying $3,995 plus $39 per month for the membership.
Vault vs. Tempo: Specs
When you’re dropping a couple thousand dollars on a home gym, you want to know exactly what you’re getting. Here are all the specs of the two smart gyms.
Vault
The Vault packs a lot of punch in a relatively small package. Here are the most important specs:
- Footprint: 72.65 x 24.25 x 14 inches (in.) (smaller than your average bookshelf)
- Weight: 258 lbs.
- Mirror dimensions: 61.5 x 22.5 in.
- HD touch screen: 32 in.
The reflective mirror can rotate 360 degrees and hides a smart HD touch screen that becomes visible when you power it up. The frame is made of carbon steel and houses 3-in. digitally amplified speakers. The system requires Wi-Fi and has Bluetooth capabilities, so yes, it’s heart rate monitor-friendly. 💓
Tempo
Unlike the Vault, Tempo isn’t one big mirror. In fact, it’s not a mirror at all. Here are the need-to-know specs:
- Dimensions: 72 x 26.64 x 16.8 in.
- Weight: 100 lbs.; with equipment added, 190 lbs. (for the Starter) or 225 lbs. (for the Plus and Pro)
- HD touch screen: 42 in.
The HD touch screen displays the workouts, and there’s a storage area below it for the workout equipment. And it comes in two color options — white and dark gray.
The frame is made of high tensile aluminum and holds 60-watt stereo speakers. The system requires Wi-Fi but also comes with an ethernet port if you’d rather hardwire it for internet. It’s also Bluetooth-enabled.
Because it’s freestanding, you can move it to different areas of your home if you want to. But you’ll probably want to bring some extra muscle bc this B is heavy.
Vault vs. Tempo: Features
Now for the fun part. Here are the brag-worthy features of both the Vault and the Tempo.
Vault
No more struggling to see your workout on a tiny phone or tablet screen. With the Vault, you’ll select and follow your workout on a 32-in. interactive HD touch screen. And the mirror itself rotates 360 degrees, so you can find the perfect angle to fit your space and avoid any unwanted glare.
What’s great about mirror gyms is, well, the *mirror* part. While doing a workout with your Vault, you can use the mirror to compare your form to the trainer’s and tweak as needed in real time.
The Vault Standalone has space and shelves to store any small pieces of gym equipment you already own. If you get the Vault Complete, it has the perf amount of room to store the equipment it comes with:
- six dumbbell sets (5 to 30 lbs.)
- two kettlebells (20 and 30 lbs.)
- three mini resistance bands (light, medium, and heavy)
- three full-size resistance bands (20, 30, and 50 lbs.)
- two yoga blocks
- an exercise mat
Worried about space? Don’t be. The Vault stores everything vertically, giving you lots of gym in a little area.
Tempo
The Tempo’s big claim to fame is its 3-D Tempo Vision. It has a motion sensor that tracks your movements. It might sound creepy, but it provides some super-cool benefits.
During your workout, Tempo monitors your form and gives instant feedback to make sure you’re performing each exercise correctly. That means you’re less likely to tweak a muscle from poor form. You can also say goodbye to counting reps — Tempo does that for you.
The Tempo is focused on strength training, and the different packages reflect that. Each comes with a set of equipment that fits into the storage compartment below the screen.
The Starter Package, designed for people new to strength training, includes:
- access to all cardio and mobility and most strength workouts
- ability to lift up to 90 lbs.
- a 5-mm workout mat
- two 7.5-lb. dumbbells
- 75 lbs. of weight plates
- four collars
The Plus Package, for anyone already experienced in strength training, includes:
- access to all cardio, mobility, and strength workouts
- ability to lift up to 150 lbs.
- a 5-mm workout mat
- two 7.5-lb. dumbbells
- 75 lbs. of weight plates
- a 25-lb. barbell
- a folding bench
- two 25-lb. competition plates
- six collars
- a heart rate monitor
- a recovery roller
The Pro Package, designed for people wanting a complete home gym, includes:
- access to all cardio, mobility, and strength workouts
- ability to lift up to 230 lbs.
- a 5-mm workout mat
- two 7.5-lb. dumbbells
- 75 lbs. of weight plates
- a 25-lb. barbell
- a folding bench
- a folding squat rack
- two 25-lb. competition plates
- two 45-lb. competition plates
- a kettlebell system
- six collars
- a heart rate monitor
- a recovery roller
- weight plate storage
Vault vs. Tempo: The workouts
Having the equipment is only step one. You gotta do the workouts to reap the rewards. Here’s how the Vault and Tempo workouts compare.
Vault
The Vault features iFIT, NordicTrack’s virtual personal training program. There are tons of workouts in the full iFIT library, but so far only 158 are specific to the Vault. That number will grow over time.
You can choose from trainer-led workouts including HIIT, yoga, Pilates, and strength training. While live workouts are available on some NordicTrack home gym equipment — like the bike and treadmill — the Vault workouts are currently all prerecorded.
Tempo
The Tempo library of workouts includes thousands of both on-demand and live workouts, from strength training and HIIT to yoga, boxing, and even prenatal workouts. Not sure where to start? No sweat (yet). With Tempo, you can input your goals and the system will create a custom workout plan for you.
The Tempo workouts are more like having an actual personal trainer in your home. Not only does it monitor your form and count your reps, but Tempo will also give you weight recommendations and even set your pace. The system will track your progress and adjust your workout plan as needed.
Vault vs. Tempo: Shipping, warranty, returns
Home gyms aside, how do the companies compare? Here’s a quick rundown of key company policies for both Vault and Tempo.
Vault
Shipping
Your Vault should ship within 3 business days of purchase and arrive 10 to 14 business days after that. The shipping company will call you to schedule a delivery, and you better pick up. If they can’t reach you after three attempts, your mirror is going back to the warehouse, and you may be stuck paying return shipping and a 10 percent restocking fee.
The Vault is a new product, so it hasn’t racked up a ton of reviews yet. But according to the Better Business Bureau, customers have a lot of delivery headaches with other NordicTrack products, including problems scheduling, delays, and receiving damaged goods. On the bright side, NordicTrack appears to address every complaint.
Returns
If you don’t love your Vault, you can request a return up to 30 days after it was delivered. But your return comes with a cost. You won’t be refunded any shipping or delivery charges, and you’ll have to pay a $250 return shipping fee. You may be charged more if your Vault is returned with any damage or missing parts.
Warranties
The standard warranty package for the Vault covers the frame for 10 years, parts for 2 years, and labor for 1 year. You can also pay $299 for an extended warranty that adds 3 years to each.
But reviewers complain that NordicTrack’s warranties aren’t as comforting as they seem. Customers have issues getting responses from the company and scheduling technicians for repairs.
Tempo
Shipping
With Tempo, patience is a virtue. The company says the home gym will ship 2 to 3 weeks after purchase. You can choose between standard shipping and white glove delivery.
With standard shipping, you’ll pay $150 for a 300- to 500-lb. box more than 6 feet tall to be dropped off at your door. Good luck with that.
Or you can pay $250 for white glove delivery and get your Tempo assembled for you in the room of your choice.
Tempo’s shipping policy has some serious CYA undertones. The company basically says they’ll give you an expected delivery day but it’s subject to change. And they say they’ll make every attempt to get the device to you on time and undamaged but that it’s not their fault if things go sideways.
Returns
Tempo promotes a 30-day return policy that allows you to request a full refund minus any shipping or delivery fees. But the fine print says the money-back guarantee applies only to Tempo Studios installed by either Tempo or one of their authorized delivery and installation agents. Yet another reason to opt for the white glove delivery.
If you return your Tempo because of a defect, the company will cover the packaging and shipping costs of returning it. But if you return it simply because you don’t like it, prepare to pay $250 to $350 to ship it back.
Warranties
Tempo offers different limited warranties for different parts, so pay attention:
- Cabinet: 3 years
- Interactive display: 12 months
- Bench, squat rack, weight plate holder, kettlebell, and heart rate monitor: 12 months
- Barbells, collar, and weights: 3 years
- Labor and installation: 12 months
One key to the warranties is that they’re valid only with in-home, indoor use. Sorry, garage gyms, you’re SOL.
Vault vs. Tempo: Reviews
Time to get real. Here’s what the reviews have to say.
Vault
Customers love the sleek, compact design and that it doubles as an elegant mirror when not in use. Reviewers also enjoy the workouts and are grateful for an at-home gym with so many options.
But it’s not all praise for the Vault. Reviewers seem to complain most about the software being buggy, saying the system has problems with booting up and timing out.
Tempo
Reviewers praise the real-time form recommendations and love the competition that comes with the leaderboards in the live classes. They say the workouts are fun and the coaches are hella motivating.
It’s hard to find a negative review of the Tempo. The only complaints customers have is that the price is high, but they say the benefits of the Tempo make it totally worth it.
So which is better? Tips for choosing between Vault and Tempo
Still unsure which one is right for you? Here’s how to choose between the two.
Where will you put it?
The systems are similar in size, but the look couldn’t be more different.
The Vault looks like an elegant mirror, so it’s fit for practically any room in your home.
The Tempo is clearly not a piece of normal home decor, so you may not want it front and center at your next dinner party. And depending on which Tempo package catches your eye, you might need more floor space to set up your bench and squat rack.
What are your goals?
If you’re simply looking to work out consistently, the Vault can help you do just that. But if you really want to dial in your workout routine and hit some specific goals, Tempo and its personalized plans might be your answer.
What kind of workouts do you like?
The workout libraries for both Vault and Tempo include a variety of classes to choose from. But considering the workout equipment available with the Tempo, it’s better for those who are into serious strength training.
How motivated are you?
The convenience of working out at home is great, but only if you take advantage of it. If you struggle to make it to your home gym, the live classes Tempo offers could be that extra nudge to break a sweat.
A lot of customers like the accountability that comes with having a set workout time. Plus, your competitive side might be motivated to move up the leaderboard.
Other options
The Vault and Tempo aren’t the only mirror gyms around. Here are some others to consider.
MIRROR
Meet the OG smart mirror. Like the Vault, the MIRROR has a sleek look and doubles as an actual mirror when not in use. But unlike the Vault and Tempo, it doesn’t come with any gym equipment.
MIRROR membership gives you access to thousands of workout classes, both on-demand and live. It also features a front-facing camera that can be used for one-on-one personal training and to create a real class-like feel during live workouts.
MIRROR is known for being best for people who thrive on bodyweight-only workouts — so keep that in mind if you’re looking for more of a lifting experience.
Tonal
Want to get techy? Tonal uses artificial intelligence to assess your strength and automatically adjusts the resistance throughout your workout. And it uses 17 sensors to track your form and pace to give you real-time feedback.
Tonal offers thousands of workouts you can do live or on-demand. You can also create custom workouts. And Tonal will track the progress of your muscles.
ProForm Vue
The Vue is like the better budget version of the Vault Complete. It’s a mirror, it comes with equipment, and it gives you access to iFIT, but it’s about $1,500 cheaper.
But there are some differences. The Vue sneakily hides its equipment on the back of the mirror. And that equipment includes a barbell, dumbbell bars, and weighted plates. No mat and no resistance bands.
The bottom line
Smart gyms and mirrors allow you to get a full-body workout by taking all kinds of classes, without ever leaving your home. They come in different shapes and sizes, but many of them double as — you guessed it — a mirror.
NordicTrack’s Vault and Tempo are two solid smart gym options. While they have a lot of similarities, there are also some key differences — think design, techy stuff, and included workout equipment.
But they’re not the only smart gyms on the market. Our verdict: With a little research, you’re sure to find a mirror, mirror for your wall.
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