Are you looking to get fit at home? 2020 saw the rise of the at-home fitness boom. There are dozens of companies offering workout solutions at home, allowing you to avoid the health risk of going to the gym.
This post looks at Echelon vs Tempo, two of the leaders in the at-home fitness market. If you're looking to replace the free-weights at your gym with an at-home platform, check out our review.
What Is Tempo?
According to our Mirror review, Tempo is the best at-home free-weight training program available. Co-founded by Josh Augustin and Moawia Eldeeb, the company raised $17.5-million in a Series A funding program back in February of 2020; the company received a total of $77.5-million in funding to get the project moving.
The company is the market leader in at-home weightlifting workout programs, producing innovative systems with hundreds of unique workouts to suit your training goals. The company named itself "Tempo," referring to the speed at which you lift weights.
With gyms across the US closing due to the coronavirus pandemic's spread, Tempo is having a bumper sales year. The company expects sales figures of $100-million for 2020.
Tempo Pros and Cons
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Cons
What Is Echelon?
According to our Echelon review, Echelon is one of the best at-home cardio-based fitness programs. Founded in late 2017 by Lou Lentine, Echelon is one of America's leading at-home fitness brands. The company focuses on offering a range of cardio-based workout equipment and solutions.
The company launched in early 2018. It gained 50,000-members in its first 90-days, making for a smashing success. In 2019, North Castle Partners, a private equity firm, invested an undisclosed sum into the company, boosting its valuation to $100-million. A year later, the company now has an expected $20-billion after its initial public offering.
The company is catching up to leading players like Peloton. However, what's the difference between Tempo and Echelon?
Echelon Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Tempo vs Echelon Comparison
Tempo is a Platform dedicated to weight training with free weights like barbells and dumbbells. There is no option for other types of workouts. When you order your Tempo Studio, you get a complete weight set, including all the equipment you need to start training right away.
With Echelon, you have the option of choosing between four cardio equipment options. There are treadmills, stationary bikes, rowing machines, and training mirrors. Each of the categories has several equipment options to suit your training goals and budget.
Both platforms require an interface with trainers through a screen. However, with Echelon, you have options for cardio workouts, while Tempo has hundreds of free-weight exercises for your to try.
Both workout platforms are unique. However, if your goal is to build explosive power, strength, and muscle, we recommend going with Tempo. Echelon is more for endurance athletes, offering you cardio-based workouts.
Tempo vs Echelon: Price Difference
Echelon offers you a range of product options when signing up for the platform. You have the following equipment and workout options with Echelon.
- Connect bikes start at $839.98
- Smart Rowers start at $1,039.98
- Reflect Mirrors start at $1, 039.98
- Echelon Stride starts at $1,338.98
You have options for financing your equipment purchase. However, the company only offers a 0% APR on promotions. If you're taking the standard financing package, you'll end up paying a 29% APR, which is expensive.
The monthly memberships come in three plans to suit your budget.
- Monthly Membership: $39.99 billed monthly.
- Yearly: $33.33 per month, $399 billed once a year.
- Two-Year: $29.99 per monthly, $699 billed every two years.
Tempo has a higher equipment cost. The Mirror and Tempo Studio costs $1,995, but you have the option of financing it at 0% APR, with no credit check. With this deal, you get the Tempo Studio for 36 affordable monthly payments of $55.
When you order the Tempo Studio, you get white-glove delivery included for an additional $250. This service covers your shipping and the setup of your Tempo Studio in your home.
Echelon vs Tempo – The Verdict
After reviewing both workout systems, Tempo is the better choice for people who want to gain muscle and improve strength. This system is as close as possible to bringing the gym into your home. You get access to professional instructors and personalized training through the Mirror and your membership program.
The Tempo Studio comes with enough weight to start you on your strength journey, with a compact footprint for easy installation in the smallest apartments. Tempo might cost a bit more for the setup, but the equipment is worth the money. You get high-quality barbells, dumbbells, and weight plates, with a convenient storage system and a high-quality screen.
Echelon is the better choice for people that enjoy aerobic workouts on bikes, rowing machines, and treadmills. If you don't enjoy cardio, you won't find much value in Echelon's offerings.
Tempo gives you everything you need to tone, firm, and build muscle, with various workout programs to suit your training goals. With personalized attention and skilled instructors, you'll master free weight training in no time.
Echelon vs Tempo Alternatives
Echelon Reflect 50 vs Mirror
According to Echelon Reflect review comments, Echelon has the better workouts, but the Mirror comes with a bigger screen.
However, Echelon is the more expensive option, with the 50" model costing $1,639.98. The Mirror is bigger and priced at $1,495, making it the more affordable option.
Tonal vs Mirror
Mirror and tonal have a similar interface, with both systems using mirrors to display your workouts and instruction. However, Tonal comes with workout equipment included with your purchase.
However, you'll pay more than double for the Tonal setup, with a price tag of $2,995. The Mirror costs $1,495, but you don't get any workout equipment included with your purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Echelon or Tempo better?
Tempo is the better choice for people that want to focus on weight training solely. With Echelon, you get a more comprehensive offering, with HIIT options, weightlifting, cycling, running, rowing, and more. Tempo is the more expensive setup cost but has a lower monthly membership fee.
How much does Echelon cost?
Echelon offers a range of equipment and membership options to suit your workout preferences.
- Connect bikes start at $839.98
- Smart Rowers start at $1,039.98
- Reflect Mirrors start at $1, 039.98
- Echelon Stride starts at $1,338.98
- Monthly Membership: $39.99 billed monthly.
- Yearly: $33.33 per month, $399 billed once a year.
- Two-Year: $29.99 per monthly, $699 billed every two years.
How much does Tempo cost?
Tempo costs $1,995 for the Tempo Studio. You'll also have to pay a monthly membership fee of $29 per month to access the platform, and Tempo requires a 12-month contractual commitment for the membership.
You also have the option of financing your Tempo studio. The company offers payments as low as $55 per month for 36-months, with 0% APR.
