Short answer
Choose NordicTrack if you want trainer-led iFIT classes, large touchscreens, decline on the Commercial models and the widest range, from walking to heavy running. Choose Bowflex if you want adaptive JRNY coaching, steep 15% incline and a long warranty: the Bowflex T7 lists 15 years on frame and motor.
Key takeaways
- NordicTrack scores higher overall and has the deeper range, larger screens and decline.
- Bowflex stands out for adaptive JRNY coaching, 15% incline and the T7’s 15-year frame and motor warranty.
- Both platforms are paid, and both treadmills still work without them.
- Confirm the T7’s listed motor rating if you plan to run often.
- Best picks: T Series 16 or Commercial 2450 for classes, Bowflex T7 for coaching and coverage.
Bowflex and NordicTrack are the two best-known names in connected home fitness, and both sell treadmills built around their own software. NordicTrack uses iFIT, with trainer-led classes on touchscreens up to 24 inches. Bowflex uses JRNY, which assesses your fitness and builds adaptive workouts that change as you improve. If you are choosing between them, you are really choosing a training platform as much as a machine.
This comparison uses our reviews of the Bowflex T7 and nine NordicTrack treadmills to compare lineups, motors, decks, incline, consoles, subscriptions and warranty patterns. It ends with the best model of each brand by need. For the full market, see our best treadmill brands guide.
Bowflex vs NordicTrack at a Glance
The table sums up the differences that matter most. NordicTrack data comes from the nine models we reviewed; Bowflex data comes from our Bowflex T7 review, with notes on the current Bowflex range where we verified them on the manufacturer’s retail site.
| Criteria | Bowflex | NordicTrack |
|---|---|---|
| Models we reviewed | T7 | T Series 5, 6.5 S, 7, 10, 16; Commercial LE, 1250, 1750, 2450 |
| Motor (listed) | 1 HP on the T7 listing (confirm on the product page) | 2.6 HP to 4.25 HP |
| Deck | 20 × 60 in, ComfortTech cushioning | 18 × 55 in to 22 × 60 in; KeyFlex, SelectFlex or RunFlex cushioning |
| Speed | 0 to 12 mph | 10 mph (T 5, 6.5 S, 7) to 14 mph (Commercial 2450) |
| Incline / decline | 0 to 15%, no decline | Up to 10 or 12%; 3% decline on Commercial models |
| Max user weight | 350 lb | 300 to 400 lb |
| Screen | 7-in touchscreen | 5-in LCD to 24-in touchscreen |
| Platform | JRNY (paid; equipment works without it) | iFIT (paid; manual mode without it) |
| Warranty pattern | 15-year frame and motor, 5-year parts, 2-year labor | Often 10-year frame with 1 to 2 years on motor and parts; several Commercial listings show 2 years on everything |
| Top FitScore | Bowflex T7: 79.9 (durable guide) | NordicTrack T Series 16: 92.4 |
Check Amazon for current pricing and availability.
Lineup: Range Depth vs a Focused Platform
NordicTrack has one of the deepest treadmill ranges on the market. The T Series covers walkers and joggers: the T Series 5 (72.9) and T 6.5 S (76) are simple entry models, the T Series 7 (80.4) leads our walking guide, the T Series 10 (82.4) leads our jogging guide and the T Series 16 (92.4) leads our screen guide. The Commercial series adds 22 × 60-inch decks and 400 lb capacities: the Commercial LE (83.3), Commercial 1250 (83), Commercial 1750 (85.4) and Commercial 2450 (86.7).
Bowflex is a smaller, more focused treadmill brand. We reviewed the Bowflex T7, which ranks in our best treadmill with classes, best durable treadmill and best treadmill without subscription guides. On the Johnson Fitness & Wellness retail site, the current BowFlex range includes the T6 (20 × 60-inch deck), T9 and T16 (22 × 60-inch decks) and the Treadmill 22, which lists -5% to 20% incline and a 22-inch touchscreen. We have not reviewed those models yet.
Ownership explains part of the change. BowFlex sold its assets to Johnson Health Tech in 2024, the group behind Horizon Fitness, Schwinn and Matrix. NordicTrack is an iFIT brand, alongside ProForm.
Motors and Decks
NordicTrack has the clear edge on motors. The T Series runs from 2.6 HP to 3.6 HP, and the Commercial 1750 and 2450 use 4.25 HP motors, with 14 mph on the 2450. The Bowflex T7 listing shows a 1 HP motor, which is low for a 12 mph treadmill. Treat it as a walking, jogging and incline machine, and confirm the current rating on the product page if you plan hard running. For runners, our best treadmill for running guide ranks the Commercial 1250 and 2450 at #4 and #5.
On decks, the T7 is competitive. Its 20 × 60-inch running surface with ComfortTech cushioning and 350 lb limit is more generous than the 20 × 55-inch T Series 7 and T 6.5 S, and equal in length to the T Series 10 and 16. NordicTrack goes wider on the Commercial models with 22 × 60 inches and RunFlex cushioning.
NordicTrack also offers adjustable cushioning: SelectFlex on the T Series 7, 10 and 16 lets you switch between softer and firmer settings. That is one reason the T Series 16 ranks #1 in our best treadmill with cushioning and best treadmill for bad knees guides.
Incline, Decline and Training Range
Bowflex wins on incline. The T7 climbs to 15%, steeper than any NordicTrack we reviewed: the T Series 5, 6.5 S and 7 reach 10%, and the T Series 10, 16 and every Commercial model reach 12%. If incline walking is your main workout, the extra 3% matters.
NordicTrack wins on decline. The Commercial LE, 1250, 1750 and 2450 all add 3% decline, which the T7 lacks. Decline helps runners prepare for downhill races and adds variety to hill workouts. Our best treadmill with incline guide includes the Commercial 1250 at #5.
NordicTrack describes iFIT as a coach-controlled training experience, in which the trainer can change speed and incline for you during a class. JRNY works differently: it builds adaptive workouts from a fitness assessment and adjusts targets over time, and Bowflex lists real-time coaching to keep you in your target heart rate zones.
Consoles and Subscriptions: JRNY vs iFIT
iFIT (NordicTrack). iFIT is a paid membership. Since March 2024 it has offered a Train plan for phones and tablets and a Pro plan for equipment with built-in screens. According to NordicTrack, you can always use the treadmill in manual mode without it, with access to a limited number of iFIT workouts. Screen size is NordicTrack’s strength: 10-inch touchscreens on the T Series 10 and Commercial 1250, 16 inches on the T Series 16 and Commercial 1750, and 24 inches on the Commercial 2450. The entry T Series and Commercial LE use 5 to 7-inch LCDs with a device shelf.
JRNY (Bowflex). JRNY offers adaptive workouts, trainer-led classes, Explore the World virtual courses, real-time coaching and progress tracking for several users. Bowflex states that all BowFlex equipment is fully functional without a subscription, and a free JRNY account keeps some trainer-led classes and lets you stream through your own accounts. Trial offers change, and the membership renews automatically after the trial unless you cancel. The T7 runs JRNY on a 7-inch touchscreen and streams services such as Netflix with your own accounts.
For big-screen classes, NordicTrack is the better brand by a wide margin; the Commercial 2450 ranks #2 in our classes guide, with the T7 at #4. For self-paced coaching on a smaller screen, JRNY is a good fit. Budget for the membership either way.
Watch out: Neither platform is required to walk or run, but both are required for their headline features. Check the current plan and trial terms on the product page before you buy.
Warranty Patterns, Build and Support
Warranty is where Bowflex stands out. The T7 lists 15 years on the frame and motor, 5 years on parts and 2 years on labor, which is why it ranks #5 in our best durable treadmill guide despite its modest motor rating. The current BowFlex T9, per the manufacturer’s retail listing, shows a lifetime frame and motor, 3 years on parts and 1 year on labor, so check the terms on the model you buy.
NordicTrack coverage varies by listing. The T Series models we reviewed list a 10-year frame with 1 to 2 years on motor and parts, the Commercial LE, 1250 and 1750 listings show 2 years on everything, and the Commercial 2450 lists a 10-year frame and a lifetime motor. The T Series 16 lists 2 years across the board.
On build, the T7 weighs about 280 lb and NordicTrack Commercial models about 258 to 300 lb, so both are heavy, stable treadmills. Owner feedback on the T7 includes some reports of screen failures, so keep your purchase records and register the warranty.
| Model | Frame | Motor | Parts | Labor | FitScore |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowflex T7 | 15 years | 15 years | 5 years | 2 years | 70.1 |
| NordicTrack Commercial 2450 | 10 years | Lifetime | 2 years | 1 year | 86.7 |
| NordicTrack Commercial 1750 | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years | 85.4 |
| NordicTrack Commercial 1250 | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years | 83 |
| NordicTrack T Series 16 | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years | 92.4 |
| NordicTrack T Series 10 | 10 years | 2 years | 2 years | 1 year | 82.4 |
| NordicTrack T Series 7 | 10 years | 2 years | 2 years | 1 year | 80.4 |
Best Model From Each Brand by Need
Classes and screens. The NordicTrack T Series 16 is the best screen treadmill we tested, and the Commercial 2450 adds a 24-inch display, 4.25 HP and decline. The Bowflex T7 is the Bowflex pick for adaptive coaching.
Walking, jogging and heavier users. NordicTrack covers these needs with dedicated models: the T Series 7 for walking and beginners, the T Series 10 for jogging and the Commercial LE for heavier users. Bowflex’s answer for all three is the T7, with its 350 lb limit and 15% incline.
Best Screen
NordicTrack T Series 16
FitScore 92.4/100
A 16-inch tilting touchscreen, 3.6 HP motor and SelectFlex cushioning on a 20 × 60-inch deck.
Ranked in our Best Treadmill With Screen guide
Check Price on AmazonBest for iFIT Classes
NordicTrack Commercial 2450
FitScore 92.8/100
A 24-inch touchscreen, 4.25 HP motor, 14 mph and -3% to 12% incline on a 22 × 60-inch deck.
Ranked in our Best Treadmill With Classes guide
Check Price on AmazonBest for JRNY Coaching
Bowflex T7
FitScore 72.2/100
Adaptive JRNY workouts, 15% incline and a 15-year frame and motor warranty in a folding frame.
Ranked in our Best Treadmill With Classes guide
Check Price on AmazonEveryday NordicTrack Picks for Walking, Jogging and Heavier Users
If you lean toward NordicTrack but do not need a flagship, these three cover most homes. Each works with iFIT and in manual mode. See our best treadmill for walking and best treadmill for beginners guides for more options.
Best for Walking
NordicTrack T Series 7
FitScore 78.9/100
SelectFlex cushioning, 10% incline and a 10-year frame warranty in a compact folding frame.
Ranked in our Best Treadmill for Walking guide
Check Price on AmazonBest for Jogging
NordicTrack T Series 10
FitScore 82.4/100
A 3.0 HP motor, 20 × 60-inch deck, 12% incline and a 10-inch tilting touchscreen.
Ranked in our Best Treadmill for Jogging guide
Check Price on AmazonBest for Heavier Users
NordicTrack Commercial LE
FitScore 80.4/100
A 400 lb capacity, 22 × 60-inch RunFlex deck, 3.6 HP motor and 3% decline.
Ranked in our The Best Treadmill For Heavy People guide
Check Price on AmazonWhich Should You Choose?
Choose NordicTrack if classes, screen size, decline or a specific model for your use matter most. Choose Bowflex if adaptive coaching, steep incline and long frame and motor coverage matter more than motor power and screen size.
- Big-screen classes: NordicTrack Commercial 2450 or T Series 16.
- Adaptive coaching and long warranty: Bowflex T7. See our Bowflex T7 review.
- Incline walking: Bowflex T7 for 15% incline; NordicTrack T Series 7 for a lighter walker.
- Running and intervals: NordicTrack Commercial 1750 or 2450. See best treadmill for HIIT.
- Heavier users: NordicTrack Commercial LE (400 lb) or Bowflex T7 (350 lb).
- No plan at all: either works in manual mode, but see best treadmill without subscription for models built for it.
Checklist Before You Choose Bowflex or NordicTrack
- Decide whether you want trainer-led classes (iFIT) or adaptive workouts (JRNY).
- Budget for the membership and check current trial terms.
- Choose screen size: 7 inches on the T7, up to 24 inches on NordicTrack.
- Confirm the motor rating on the product page if you plan to run hard.
- Decide whether you need 15% incline (Bowflex T7) or decline (NordicTrack Commercial).
- Check the weight limit with a margin above your body weight.
- Compare frame, motor, parts and labor coverage on the exact listing.
- Measure your space, folded and unfolded.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying for the screen without budgeting for iFIT or JRNY.
- Running hard on a treadmill with a low listed motor rating without checking it.
- Assuming NordicTrack warranties are uniform; terms vary by listing.
- Expecting decline on the Bowflex T7.
- Choosing the biggest screen when you mostly walk with your own tablet.
- Skipping warranty registration on a connected treadmill.
The Bottom Line
- NordicTrack scores higher in our testing: the T Series 16 (92.4) and Commercial 2450 (86.7) lead the Bowflex T7 (70.1) for classes.
- Both brands use a paid platform, iFIT for NordicTrack and JRNY for Bowflex, and both treadmills still work without it.
- NordicTrack Commercial models add 3% decline; the Bowflex T7 has none.
- The Bowflex T7 lists 15 years on frame and motor, far longer than most NordicTrack listings we reviewed.
- BowFlex has been part of Johnson Health Tech, parent of Horizon and Matrix, since 2024.
Our Top Picks
Best ScreenNordicTrack T Series 16FitScore92.4/100Check on Amazon- Best for iFIT ClassesNordicTrack Commercial 2450FitScore92.8/100Check on Amazon
- Best for JRNY CoachingBowflex T7FitScore72.2/100Check on Amazon
- Best for WalkingNordicTrack T Series 7FitScore78.9/100Check on Amazon
- Best for JoggingNordicTrack T Series 10FitScore82.4/100Check on Amazon
- Best for Heavier UsersNordicTrack Commercial LEFitScore80.4/100Check on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
NordicTrack is better for most buyers, with higher FitScores, larger screens, more powerful motors and decline. Bowflex is better if you want adaptive JRNY workouts, 15% incline and a long frame and motor warranty.
iFIT is better for trainer-led classes on large screens. JRNY is better for adaptive workouts that adjust to your fitness level. Both are paid memberships.
Yes. Bowflex states its equipment is fully functional without a subscription, and NordicTrack treadmills always work in manual mode with a limited number of iFIT workouts.
The Bowflex T7 lists 15 years on frame and motor, 5 years on parts and 2 years on labor. NordicTrack listings we reviewed range from 2 years on everything to a 10-year frame and lifetime motor on the Commercial 2450.
No. It offers 0 to 15% incline. NordicTrack Commercial models add 3% decline.
Johnson Health Tech bought BowFlex’s assets in 2024. The same group owns Horizon Fitness, Schwinn and Matrix.
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