Staying consistent with Pilates is easier when your reformer guides, tracks, and motivates you. In 2025, the best “app-enabled” reformers pair studio-grade hardware with streaming classes, form feedback, and workout metrics—turning home sessions into connected, coach-led training. Below are the top options across budgets and training styles, plus what to know before you buy.
What “app-enabled” really means
- Native classes and programs delivered through a companion app or touchscreen
- Optional metrics and feedback (e.g., pace/flow, control, range of motion)
- Profiles, progress tracking, and structured programs
- Often a monthly membership for content and features
Why Pilates at home? Research links Pilates with improved core strength, posture, and flexibility, and reductions in back pain when performed consistently (American Council on Exercise overview: https://www.acefitness.org/education-and-resources/lifestyle/blog/6598/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-pilates/).
- Frame Reformer — Best all-in-one, fully connected experience
- Why it stands out: A premium, modern reformer with a large integrated screen, studio-style programming, and a polished app experience purpose-built for home use.
- App and content: On-demand and guided classes across levels with structured programs from Frame Fitness (https://framefitness.com/).
- Tracking and integrations: Bluetooth heart-rate support and session tracking within the Frame platform (Frame Fitness product pages outline connected features: https://framefitness.com/).
- Resistance and build: Full-size, spring-based reformer with studio-inspired carriage and adjustable accessories (see product details: https://framefitness.com/).
- Price and membership: Premium pricing plus a monthly content membership; check live pricing on the manufacturer site (https://framefitness.com/).
- Best for: People who want a turnkey, screen-first experience that mirrors a boutique studio at home.
- Reform RX — Best for performance metrics and coaching detail
- Why it stands out: One of the few “smart” reformers built from the ground up to capture and display detailed training data alongside classes.
- App and content: Live and on-demand classes with programming inside the Reform RX platform (https://reformrx.com/).
- Tracking and metrics: Machine-integrated sensors provide workout tracking and feedback; Reform RX markets itself as a “smart Pilates reformer” with real-time performance data (https://reformrx.com/).
- Resistance and build: Studio-grade reformer with traditional springs and premium hardware.
- Price and membership: High-end price tier plus a content subscription; see current pricing and membership at the official site (https://reformrx.com/).
- Best for: Data-driven users and instructors who want quantification alongside traditional reformer training.
- Flexia Smart Reformer — Best form feedback for home users
- Why it stands out: Uses built-in sensing to score and coach your “Control,” “Flow,” and “Pace,” helping you refine technique over time.
- App and content: Flexia’s classes and programs are delivered through the Flexia app/platform (https://flexiapilates.com/).
- Tracking and metrics: The “Flexia Score” gives session-by-session feedback on quality of movement, not just volume (Flexia Smart Reformer overview: https://flexiapilates.com/pages/smart-reformer).
- Resistance and build: Traditional spring system with a smooth carriage and adjustable footbar/straps (product details: https://flexiapilates.com/).
- Price and membership: Mid-to-high price range; membership required for smart features and content (see current pricing: https://flexiapilates.com/).
- Best for: Learners who want measurable technique feedback and a supportive class library.
- Lagree Microformer + Lagree On Demand — Best for high-intensity, compact training
- Why it stands out: A compact, Lagree-style reformer alternative with intense, time-efficient workouts and a strong at-home program ecosystem.
- App and content: Lagree On Demand streams guided sessions purpose-built for the Microformer (https://ondemand.lagreefitness.com/ and https://lagreehome.com/).
- Tracking: No native machine metrics; pair with a heart-rate strap or watch for external tracking if desired.
- Resistance and build: Progressive resistance via tension cords and a sliding carriage designed for Lagree’s low-impact, high-intensity method (see product details: https://lagreehome.com/).
- Price and membership: Compact unit with separate streaming subscription through Lagree On Demand; see official pages for current pricing (https://lagreehome.com/).
- Best for: Time-crunched users who prefer Lagree’s harder, faster format and need minimal footprint.
- Merrithew At Home SPX Reformer + Merrithew Connect — Best studio feel with a reputable education library
- Why it stands out: A classic, studio-grade reformer paired with Merrithew’s sizable streaming library and educational depth.
- App and content: Merrithew Connect provides on-demand classes and programs (https://www.merrithew.com/connect).
- Tracking: No embedded sensors; use a wearable or third-party app for heart rate and logging.
- Resistance and build: Traditional springs, quiet carriage, and robust adjustability from a leading reformer maker (reformer bundle info: https://www.merrithew.com/shop/ProductDetail/2033/at-home-spx-reformer-bundle).
- Price and membership: Premium hardware plus separate Connect subscription (pricing on product and Connect pages).
- Best for: Traditionalists wanting pro-level hardware with a curated, brand-backed class platform.
- AeroPilates Precision Series + AeroPilates On Demand — Best budget-friendly, app-supported option
- Why it stands out: A more accessible entry point to reformer-style training with a large library of classes.
- App and content: AeroPilates On Demand offers streaming workouts for home users (https://aeropilates.com/pages/on-demand).
- Tracking: No built-in machine metrics; pair with a fitness tracker for stats.
- Resistance and build: Uses cords/bungees rather than metal springs on many models; lightweight and approachable for beginners (brand overview: https://aeropilates.com/).
- Price and membership: Lower hardware cost than premium spring-based machines; separate On Demand subscription (see site for current pricing).
- Best for: Beginners and budget-conscious buyers who still want structured, app-guided sessions.
- LIT Strength Machine — Best hybrid rower–reformer concept with app metrics
- Why it stands out: A low-impact rower that doubles as a cable-based “reformer-style” trainer with built-in Bluetooth performance tracking.
- App and content: The LIT app delivers rowing, strength, and Pilates-inspired classes (https://www.litmethod.com/).
- Tracking and metrics: Bluetooth monitor captures stroke rate, distance, time, and other stats inside the LIT ecosystem (product page outlines connected features: https://www.litmethod.com/products/lit-strength-machine).
- Resistance and build: Water rower base with anchor points and accessories for Pilates-style movements; note it’s not a traditional spring carriage reformer.
- Price and membership: Midrange machine with ongoing app membership (see current pricing on the product page).
- Best for: Cross-training and low-impact conditioning with a single connected device.
- Balanced Body Allegro 2 (with third‑party apps) — Best “bring your own app” studio-grade reformer
- Why it stands out: A gold-standard studio reformer that pairs well with the streaming app of your choice for guided training.
- App and content: Use platforms like Pilates Anytime for thousands of reformer classes (Pilates Anytime: https://www.pilatesanytime.com/).
- Tracking: No native machine metrics; rely on a smartwatch/HR strap or a connected fitness app for logging.
- Resistance and build: Classic spring system with smooth carriage and extensive adjustability (Allegro 2 details: https://www.pilates.com/store/reformers/allegro-2-reformer).
- Price and membership: Premium hardware; content subscription depends on the app(s) you choose.
- Best for: Experienced users who care most about professional hardware and flexible content options.
How to choose the right connected reformer
- Content fit: Sample each platform’s classes before you buy. Styles vary from classical to athletic to Lagree-style intensity. Try free trials where available (e.g., Merrithew Connect: https://www.merrithew.com/connect; AeroPilates On Demand: https://aeropilates.com/pages/on-demand; Lagree On Demand: https://ondemand.lagreefitness.com/).
- Hardware first: If you’re serious about Pilates, prioritize a smooth carriage, robust footbar/strap adjustments, and spring quality. Studio-grade springs and rails can outlast trends in software (see Allegro 2 spec overview: https://www.pilates.com/store/reformers/allegro-2-reformer).
- Metrics vs. coaching: Decide whether you’ll use detailed metrics (Reform RX, Flexia) or just need a great coach on screen (Frame, Merrithew).
- Space and storage: Full-size reformers take space. Compact options like the Microformer conserve footprint (https://lagreehome.com/).
- Total cost of ownership: Factor in the monthly content fee. Many platforms require memberships for classes and smart features.
Methodology
- We prioritized reformers with native apps or seamless app ecosystems, validated manufacturer claims via official product pages, and favored options with proven class libraries. We included a range of budgets and training styles and highlighted when a device is “reformer-style” rather than a traditional spring carriage.
FAQ
- What’s the difference between a smart reformer and an app-supported one?
- Smart reformers (e.g., Reform RX, Flexia) include sensors and deliver feedback in-app. App-supported models leverage streaming classes but typically lack built-in metrics.
- Do I need a subscription?
- Most connected experiences require a monthly membership for classes and features. Check the brand’s pricing pages for current rates.
- Are connected reformers good for beginners?
- Yes. Guided programs and progressions can make learning safer and more consistent. As with any exercise, consult a professional if you have injuries or conditions (ACE overview on benefits and considerations: https://www.acefitness.org/education-and-resources/lifestyle/blog/6598/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-pilates/).
Bottom line
- For the most integrated, screen-first experience, choose Frame.
- For granular training data, pick Reform RX or Flexia.
- If you want compact intensity, go Microformer with Lagree On Demand.
- For classic studio feel with a deep class library, Merrithew + Connect or a Balanced Body Allegro 2 with Pilates Anytime are hard to beat.
- On a tighter budget, AeroPilates plus its On Demand library offers a friendly, app-guided start.