Peloton is like having a personal trainer in your living room—especially when you use Peloton equipment with your smart TV.
So if you are planning on using Peloton with your smart TV, here are five choices for a compatible smart TV.
What Do You Need to Run the Peloton App on Your Smart TV?
The Peloton app is available on smart TVs that use Android TV, Fire TV, and Roku.
You also have the option to mirror using AirPlay and Chromecast. But the idea is to have the least devices possible, so we’re focusing on TVs that have the Peleton app available for this article.
Since Peloton is a fitness-oriented service, the smart TVs listed here handle sports well, which is especially important when classes involve a lot of motion.
And if you are mirroring from your Peloton equipment, the smart TVs in this article all have Miracast compatibility.
1. Our Top Pick: Sony X950H
The Sony X950H is an Android TV with quick response time and smooth viewing for fast-moving content.
- Color accuracy is remarkable, so you probably won’t have to calibrate the X950H when you get it.
- The X950H also has a good contrast ratio, black uniformity, and local dimming, which is great for late-night workouts.
- It uses the Black Frame Insertion feature to enhance motion, but it flickers at 120 Hz.
- If you also use video games for your workouts, the X950H has a low input lag and a good response time. It does not have a variable refresh rate.
- The X950H is weak when it comes to viewing angles. That means that if you’re viewing from the side, you won’t have a great view. Considering that Sony uses the X-Wide Angle technology, it’s disappointing that its viewing angles are mediocre. However, since the Peleton is a stationary bike, it won’t be an issue if you position yourself well!
The X950H comes in 49, 55, 65, 75, and 85-inch models.
2. The Budget Pick: Hisense H8G
The Hisense H8G is a great choice for those who want a smart TV that can handle motion well at a reasonable price. Depending on the screen size, the H8G costs $400 to $800.
- The Hisense H8G runs Android TV out of the box, so it can natively support Peloton.
- It comes with Black Frame Insertion to handle motion smoothly.
- The response time is remarkable, but you might notice a little motion blur during fast movement.
- The H8G can handle glare without many issues. Still, you should be aware that direct sunlight can be a distraction, so that is something to consider when positioning the TV—especially when working out in the morning!
- If you like working out at night, the H8G has superb deep blacks.
- If you also use video games for your workout, the H8G has a low input lag when set to Game mode.
- Viewing angles are also a weakness of the H8G, which is a common issue with VA panels.
The H8G comes in 50, 55, 65, and 75-inch models.
3. Hisense H9G
If you are eyeing the H8G but are willing to spend a little more, then spring for the Hisense H9G. Depending on the screen size, it generally runs from $700 to $1,000.
The H9G features pretty much the same package as the H8G, but with improvements.
That means the good response time you get with the H8G is even faster on the H9G.
The blacks are much more vibrant and can handle games well, too.
Like the H8G, the H9G is also weak when it comes to viewing angles.
The H9G comes in 55 and 65-inch options.
4. Toshiba Fire TV 2020
The Toshiba Fire TV differs from the usual Android TV, as this smart TV uses the Fire TV operating system. But just because it’s different doesn’t mean it won’t perform well!
The Toshiba Fire TV handles sports well, given its fast response time, and it does not suffer from the dreaded dirty screen effect.
If you like integrating video games with your workout, the fast response time and low input lag will help you enjoy the experience.
When working out at night, the Toshiba Fire TV works great in dark rooms, thanks to the high contrast ratio and black uniformity.
The downside is its limited 60 Hz refresh rate, and the Toshiba Fire does not have a variable refresh rate.
Another weakness here is the narrow viewing angles and brightness, which isn’t as high as other smart TVs. There’s no local dimming here, and HDR is quite mediocre.
The Toshiba Fire TV comes in 43, 50, 55-inch models.
5. TCL 6 Series 2020
The TCL 6 Series 2020 is another deviation from the Android TV units that dominate this list. And while it is different, it proves itself to be just as competent as the majority.
The TCL 6 Series uses Roku, a smart TV platform that supports the Peloton app natively.
When it comes to sports, the TCL 6 Series features a fast response time and motion handling without much blur. It also uses Black Frame Insertion to compensate during fast-paced frames.
The TCL 6 Series can work in both bright and dark rooms, thanks to its contrast ratio and reflection management. Unfortunately, the local dimming is not on par with other smart TVs on this list.
The drawback of this smart TV is its viewing angles, and it is also prone to a dirty screen effect, which might be distracting. Your experience may vary here.
The TCL 6 Series comes in 55, 65, and 75-inch models.
How Much Should You Spend on a Smart TV Compatible with Peloton Equipment?
Considering the high specs needed to handle sports and movement well, you should spend around $1,000 on average and not above $2,500.
Our Top Pick costs around $2,000, while our Budget Pick costs around $600. Both prices depend on screen size.
Final Thoughts
If you are considering getting a smart TV for your Peloton workouts, you should consider its compatibility with the Peloton app and its motion handling.
If the smart TV you want does not have access to the Peloton app, fret not, as you can always consider using Chromecast or Airplay to flash that workout onto your screen.
Sources: