Tonal Smart Handle vs Standard Handles: Which to Buy

By Tonal | Published: 2026-10-13

Category: Comparisons

Compare the Tonal Smart Handle against the standard handles that come with Tonal 2. Learn the real trade-offs, who benefits, and how to decide on a replacement or upgrade.

Quick answer

If you want faster position changes and the ability to turn weight on or off without leaving your setup, the Tonal Smart Handle is the better choice. If your current standard handles still work and you don't mind reaching for the screen or adjusting weight manually, save the money and keep them. The Smart Handle is a convenience upgrade, not a requirement for training.

What the Smart Handle changes in practice

The Tonal Smart Handle (Single) has built-in controls that let you turn weight on or off with the press of a button. That sounds minor until you're mid-set and want to drop the load or switch from a press to a row. With standard handles, you pause, reach for the screen or a button on the machine, then reset your grip. With the Smart Handle, the control is in your hand.

This matters most in circuits, drop sets, and any training where you alternate between movements quickly. It also helps if you train alone and don't want to break position to adjust weight. The trade-off is cost and the fact that you're buying one handle at a time, so a pair is a bigger investment than a single replacement.

Where standard handles still make sense

Standard handles are the ones that come with Tonal 2. They're simple, durable, and do the core job: connect you to the digital resistance. If you're new to Tonal, you don't need to upgrade immediately. Spend your first few months learning the movements and the interface. You'll quickly notice whether the extra reach to change weight bothers you.

Another case for staying with standard handles: if you share the machine with someone who prefers a fixed setup and doesn't want to think about button placement. Simplicity has value. The Smart Handle adds a control surface that you have to learn, and some users prefer fewer variables during a heavy set.

Replacement vs upgrade: know which you're doing

If a standard handle is lost, damaged, or worn out, you need a replacement. In that case, the question is whether to replace it with another standard handle or pay more for the Smart Handle. If you already know you want the convenience, buying the Smart Handle as your replacement is the smarter long-term move. If you're just restoring the original setup, a standard handle keeps costs down.

If nothing is broken, you're considering an upgrade. That's a different decision. Upgrade when the friction of adjusting weight mid-workout is actually slowing you down or breaking your focus. Don't upgrade just because a new accessory exists.

Trade-offs at a glance

Convenience vs cost: The Smart Handle lets you turn weight on or off with a button press, but it costs more than a standard replacement handle. If budget is tight and your current handles work, the convenience may not justify the price. Upgrade only if mid-set adjustments are a real friction point for you.
Single vs pair: The Smart Handle (Single) is sold as one handle. If you want both sides to have the same control, you'll need two. That doubles the investment compared to replacing one standard handle. Decide whether you need one or both before buying.
Learning curve vs simplicity: Standard handles are straightforward: grab and train. The Smart Handle adds a button and a new habit. Most people adapt quickly, but if you prefer zero distractions during heavy sets, standard handles stay out of the way. Match the handle to your training style, not the other way around.

Product facts

Tonal Smart Handle (Single): Get in and out of position easily and efficiently with built-in controls that let you turn weight on or off with the press of a button. You can change resistance without leaving your setup, which saves time and keeps your focus on the movement.
Tonal 2: Tonal combines revolutionary equipment, expert-led videos, and personalized guidance into full body workouts you can do on demand. The Smart Handle is an accessory to this system, not a standalone product. It only makes sense if you already train on Tonal.

Who should buy which

Buy the Smart Handle if

You train in circuits or drop sets and want to change weight without reaching for the screen.
You're replacing a lost or worn standard handle and want to upgrade at the same time.
You train alone and value staying in position between movements.

Stick with standard handles if

Your current handles work fine and you're on a tight budget.
You're brand new to Tonal and haven't yet felt the need for faster adjustments.
You prefer the simplest possible setup with no extra controls to manage.