BowFlex vs NordicTrack Treadmill (2026): Which to Buy?

BowFlex vs NordicTrack treadmill comes down to one trade. BowFlex gives you the steeper incline, a lifetime frame and motor warranty on every T model, and the freedom to use Peloton or Zwift. NordicTrack gives you decline, a 400 lb weight rating on its Commercial line and the biggest built-in screens. For most home runners, the BowFlex T9 is the one I’d buy. If you’ll train inside guided classes most days, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is the better pick.

I matched the two brands model by model: BowFlex T6, T9 and T16 against NordicTrack’s T Series 10, T Series 16 and Commercial 1250, 1750 and 2450. Every spec here comes from the brands’ own product pages, checked in October 2026. A few big review sites still list old motors and weight limits for these machines, so the numbers below may not match what you’ve seen elsewhere.

This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Top Picks at a Glance

Best Overall

BowFlex T9

Wide deck, 15% incline and a lifetime motor. Use any app you like.

22″ x 60″ deck · 350 lb · 3.5 HP

Check Price on BowFlex

Best NordicTrack

NordicTrack Commercial 1750

Decline, 400 lb rating and a lifetime motor warranty. Built for iFIT classes.

22″ x 60″ belt · 400 lb · 4.25 CHP

Check Price on Amazon

Check Price on Johnson Fitness

Best Value

BowFlex T6

Same incline and warranty as the T9 in a smaller frame. Great for walkers.

20″ x 60″ deck · 325 lb · 3.0 HP

Check Price on BowFlex

BowFlex vs NordicTrack Treadmill: Spec Comparison Table

Here are all eight treadmills side by side. Scroll the table sideways on a phone.

Three patterns stand out. BowFlex wins on incline and warranty across the board. NordicTrack’s Commercial line wins on weight capacity and decline. And only the 1750 and 2450 match BowFlex’s lifetime motor coverage. You can see the full 1750 spec sheet on NordicTrack’s Commercial 1750 page.

Entry Tier: BowFlex T6 vs NordicTrack T Series 10

This is the easiest call in the whole comparison. I’d buy the T6.

Both have a 20 x 60 inch deck and a 325 lb limit, so the running space is the same. But the T6 climbs to 15% incline against 12% on the T Series 10. If you walk on incline for fat loss, those extra 3 points make a real difference on a short session.

Then there’s the warranty. BowFlex covers the T6 motor for life. NordicTrack covers the T Series 10 motor for 2 years. Motors are the most expensive part to replace on a treadmill, so this one matters.

The T Series 10 does win in two places. It has a 10-inch tilting touchscreen, and its SelectFlex deck switches between soft and firm cushioning. If you want guided iFIT walks on a built-in screen at this level, it’s the only option of the two. For a deeper look at all three BowFlex T models, see my BowFlex T6 vs T9 vs T16 comparison.

Mid Tier: BowFlex T9 vs NordicTrack Commercial 1250 and 1750

Now it gets interesting. All three have a 22 x 60 inch deck, which is what I want for anyone who runs 3 or more days a week.

The BowFlex T9 gives you 15% incline, a lifetime motor and frame, and full Bluetooth media keys. It has no touchscreen. You prop your own tablet on the shelf and use whatever app you like.

The Commercial 1250 adds a 10-inch touchscreen, -3% decline and a 400 lb rating. But its motor warranty is only 2 years. The Commercial 1750 steps up to a 4.25 CHP motor with a lifetime warranty, a 16-inch pivoting screen and an AutoBreeze fan that speeds up as you work harder. Full details are in my NordicTrack Commercial 1750 review.

My pick depends on how you train. If you train on your own or already pay for Peloton or Zwift, the T9. If you weigh over 350 lb, want decline for downhill training, or love guided classes, the 1750. I’d skip the 1250 unless the 1750 is out of your budget, because the 2-year motor warranty is the weak link.

From my coaching side, clients who bought a BowFlex T9 or T16 have given me almost zero negative feedback. I’m happy recommending either for race and marathon training.

Top Tier: BowFlex T16 vs NordicTrack Commercial 2450

Both of these are about the screen. The difference is what’s underneath it.

The BowFlex T16 is mechanically a T9 with a 16-inch HD touchscreen and a 375 lb rating. Its screen runs JRNY plus streaming apps like Netflix and Prime Video, using your own accounts.

BowFlex launched the T6, T9 and T16 after phasing out the older Treadmill 10 and Treadmill 22. All three have received very good reviews from buyers. I would certainly recommend the BowFlex T16 for someone training for competitions.

The Commercial 2450 is the top model in NordicTrack’s Commercial line. You get a 24-inch pivoting touchscreen, a 4.25 CHP motor with a lifetime warranty, 14 mph top speed, -3% to 12% incline and a 400 lb rating. If you do fast intervals, that 14 mph matters. Every other treadmill here stops at 12. My NordicTrack 2450 review covers its console and programs in detail.

My take: the 2450 is the better machine for heavy runners and sprinters. The T16 is the better deal if you mainly want a screen for shows and don’t want a pricey monthly plan.

Warranty, Apps and Monthly Fees

This is where the two brands differ the most, and it’s the part most buyers forget to check.

Warranty

BowFlex gives every T model a lifetime frame and motor warranty, 3 years on parts and 1 year on labor. NordicTrack gives a 10-year frame, 2 years on parts and 1 year on labor. Its motor coverage is lifetime only on the Commercial 1750 and 2450. On the T Series 10, T Series 16 and Commercial 1250, the motor is covered for 2 years.

Apps and subscriptions

BowFlex machines work without a subscription. JRNY is the paid layer. According to BowFlex’s JRNY membership page, the JRNY App costs $11.99 a month or $99 a year, and JRNY All-Access costs $19.99 a month or $149 a year. The T6 and T9 also pair with Peloton and Zwift through your phone or tablet.

NordicTrack is built around iFIT. The touchscreen, trainer-led classes and auto-adjusting incline all come through it. iFIT lists its Pro plan at $39 a month after the trial membership that comes with the treadmill. Without a membership, you can still run manual workouts.

Product Comparison: 3 BowFlex and 5 NordicTrack Treadmills

Here’s a quick view of where each model fits before the full reviews.

1. BowFlex T9: Best Overall for Most Runners

• Motor: 3.5 HP
• Running deck: 22″ x 60″, FlexZone XL cushioning
• Speed: 0.5–12 mph
• Incline: 0–15%
• Max user weight: 350 lb
• Console: 7.6″ color LCD, 10 programs including Sprint 8
• Warranty: lifetime frame and motor, 3-year parts, 1-year labor

For a runner who doesn’t need a built-in screen, this is the best treadmill in either lineup. The 22-inch deck gives you room to drift when you’re tired. The 15% incline beats every NordicTrack here.

Two 3-speed fans, 5 W speakers and Bluetooth media keys round it out. Skipping a song mid-interval without touching your phone sounds small. It isn’t.

The full program list is in my BowFlex T9 treadmill review.

What Makes It Different

It’s the only treadmill in this comparison that pairs a 22-inch deck with a lifetime motor and no screen to pay for.

Best for: Runners who train 3+ days a week, under 350 lb, and who are happy using their own tablet.

2. NordicTrack Commercial 1750: Best NordicTrack for Classes

• Motor: 4.25 CHP
• Running belt: 22″ x 60″, RunFlex cushioning
• Speed: 0–12 mph
• Incline: -3% to 12%
• Max user weight: 400 lb
• Screen: 16″ pivoting touchscreen
• Warranty: 10-year frame, lifetime motor, 2-year parts, 1-year labor, 1-year touchscreen

This is the NordicTrack I’d point most people to. It fixes the two things I don’t like about the cheaper models: the short motor warranty and the 325 lb limit.

With iFIT, trainers control the speed, incline and decline for you during a class. The 16-inch screen pivots, so you can turn it toward the floor for strength or yoga sessions. The AutoBreeze fan raises its speed as your effort climbs.

Watch the step-up height, though. At 10 inches, it’s noticeably higher than BowFlex.

What Makes It Different

Decline. You can train for downhill race sections, which no BowFlex T model can do.

Best for: People who’ll use iFIT classes most days, heavier runners up to 400 lb, and anyone training for hilly races.

3. BowFlex T6: Best Value for Walkers

• Motor: 3.0 HP
• Running deck: 20″ x 60″, FlexZone cushioning
• Speed: 0.5–12 mph
• Incline: 0–15%
• Max user weight: 325 lb
• Console: backlit LCD, 8 programs
• Warranty: lifetime frame and motor, 3-year parts, 1-year labor

If you mostly walk, this one makes sense. You get the same 15% incline and the same lifetime motor warranty as the T9 in a smaller, lighter frame.

It folds to 44 inches long, the shortest of the three BowFlex models. The console is basic. You won’t miss much if your tablet does the entertaining.

What Makes It Different

It beats NordicTrack’s entry treadmill on incline and warranty, and it costs less than the T9.

Best for: Incline walkers and light joggers under 325 lb with limited floor space.

4. NordicTrack Commercial 2450: Best for Sprinters and Big Screens

• Motor: 4.25 CHP
• Running belt: 22″ x 60″, RunFlex cushioning
• Speed: 0–14 mph
• Incline: -3% to 12%
• Max user weight: 400 lb
• Screen: 24″ pivoting touchscreen
• Warranty: 10-year frame, lifetime motor, 2-year parts, 1-year labor, 1-year touchscreen

The 2450 is the 1750 with a bigger screen and a faster belt. That’s really the whole story.

The extra speed only pays off in sprint intervals. Most joggers won’t need it, since 12 mph is already a 5-minute mile.

The 24-inch screen is the biggest in this comparison. If you’re going to live inside iFIT classes, it’s a lovely place to do it.

What Makes It Different

The 14 mph top speed. No other treadmill in this comparison goes past 12.

Best for: Fast runners, heavier users up to 400 lb and anyone who wants the biggest screen available.

5. BowFlex T16: Best Screen Without an Expensive Plan

• Motor: 3.5 HP
• Running deck: 22″ x 60″, FlexZone XL cushioning
• Speed: 0.5–12 mph
• Incline: 0–15%
• Max user weight: 375 lb
• Screen: 16″ HD touchscreen with streaming apps
• Warranty: lifetime frame and motor, 3-year parts, 1-year labor

If you want a touchscreen but don’t want iFIT’s monthly cost, start here.

The T16 is a T9 underneath, with a 16-inch screen and a 375 lb rating added. JRNY All-Access costs about half of iFIT Pro per month, and you can still watch Netflix or Prime Video on the screen with your own accounts.

One trade-off surprised me. BowFlex lists no Bluetooth media keys on the T16, while the T9 has them.

What Makes It Different

It’s the only touchscreen treadmill here with a lifetime motor warranty and a 15% incline.

Best for: Runners who want built-in streaming, users up to 375 lb, and anyone who’d rather pay less each month.

6. NordicTrack Commercial 1250: Cheapest Way to a 400 lb Rating

• Motor: 3.6 CHP
• Running belt: 22″ x 60″, RunFlex cushioning
• Speed: 0–12 mph
• Incline: -3% to 12%
• Max user weight: 400 lb
• Screen: 10″ tilting touchscreen
• Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year motor, 2-year parts, 1-year labor, 1-year touchscreen

The 1250 gets you NordicTrack’s Commercial frame, 22-inch belt, decline and 400 lb rating at the lower Commercial tier.

The catch is the motor warranty. It drops to 2 years. That’s a big step down from the lifetime coverage on the 1750, and it’s why I’d stretch to the 1750 if I could. My NordicTrack 1250 review goes through the rest.

What Makes It Different

Decline and a 400 lb limit for less than the 1750.

Best for: Heavier walkers and joggers who want decline and iFIT on a tighter budget.

7. NordicTrack T Series 16: Best for Small Spaces

• Motor: 3.6 CHP
• Running deck: 20″ x 60″, SelectFlex soft/firm cushioning
• Speed: 0–12 mph
• Incline: 0–12%
• Max user weight: 325 lb
• Folded size: 41″ x 34.3″ x 68.3″
• Screen: 16″ tilting touchscreen
• Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year motor, 2-year parts, 1-year labor, 1-year touchscreen

It folds to 41 inches long. That’s shorter than any BowFlex T model, and it’s the main reason to pick it.

You still get a 16-inch tilting screen and the SelectFlex switch between soft and firm cushioning. For the full head-to-head with its smaller sibling, see my NordicTrack T Series 10 vs T16 comparison.

What Makes It Different

Big screen, small fold. Few treadmills pair the two this well.

Best for: Apartment walkers and joggers who want iFIT classes and need the treadmill out of the way after.

8. NordicTrack T Series 10: The One I’d Skip

• Motor: 3.0 CHP
• Running deck: 20″ x 60″, SelectFlex soft/firm cushioning
• Speed: 0–12 mph
• Incline: 0–12%
• Max user weight: 325 lb
• Screen: 10″ tilting touchscreen
• Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year motor, 2-year parts, 1-year labor, 1-year touchscreen

I’m including the T Series 10 because a lot of people compare it with the BowFlex T6. In my view, the T6 wins.

Both have a 20 x 60 deck and a 325 lb limit. The T6 gives you 3 more points of incline and a lifetime motor warranty, against 2 years here. The T Series 10’s real draw is the touchscreen and iFIT. If you won’t use them every week, you’re paying for the wrong thing.

What Makes It Different

Tied for the lowest step-up height in this comparison at 8.3 inches, plus soft/firm cushioning.

Best for: Beginners who’ll actually follow iFIT walking classes and want a touchscreen at the lowest NordicTrack tier.

Buying Guide: How to Choose Between BowFlex and NordicTrack

Start with how you’ll train, not with the screen size.

• Weight first. If you’re over 350 lb, NordicTrack’s Commercial 1250, 1750 and 2450 are rated to 400 lb. The BowFlex T16 stops at 375 lb.
• Incline vs decline. Hill walkers get more from BowFlex’s 15%. Runners training for downhill races need NordicTrack’s -3% decline.
• Classes vs app freedom. If you’ll follow trainer-led classes, NordicTrack and iFIT do it best. If you use Peloton or Zwift, BowFlex is the easier fit.
• Warranty. On NordicTrack, only the 1750 and 2450 cover the motor for life. Every BowFlex T model does.
• Deck width. If you run 3+ days a week, get a 22-inch deck. That means the BowFlex T9 or T16, or a NordicTrack Commercial.

Sore knees? Softer cushioning helps, and both SelectFlex and FlexZone are on the gentler side. I covered what to look for in my treadmill for bad knees guide.

Who BowFlex and NordicTrack Are NOT For

Skip BowFlex if you need decline, you weigh over 375 lb, or you want a screen bigger than 16 inches.

Skip NordicTrack if you won’t pay for iFIT, you want more than 12% incline, or you’re buying a T Series or 1250 and care about long motor coverage.

Skip both if you only plan to walk slowly at your desk. A walking pad will cost far less and fit under a desk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Affiliate Disclosure

This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend treadmills I’d be comfortable suggesting to my own clients.