Peloton vs. BowFlex Treadmill: Which One Provides Better Value in 2024?

Key Takeaways

• Peloton Treadmills offer an immersive fitness experience with their large touchscreens and live class streaming.
• BowFlex Treadmills are known for their innovative technology like the JRNY platform, offering personalized workouts and entertainment options.
• The price of Peloton treadmills starts at $2,995- $5,995.
• BowFlex's treadmills are priced at €1,399 up to € 3,299.
• SOLE treadmills are a great choice because they offer quality, performance, and value, standing out in the market. They have strong builds, powerful motors, and easy-to-use interfaces, plus long warranties and no subscription needed, providing a complete workout experience.

At SOLE, while we're proud of our own product lineup, we also recognize the importance of making well-informed decisions when it comes to your fitness equipment. That's why we're presenting a detailed comparison between Peloton, Bowflex, and SOLE treadmills.  Featured Products Peloton Treadmills: Starting at $2,995, Peloton treadmills are designed with advanced technology and connectivity features, targeting users who seek an interactive and immersive workout experience. BowFlex Treadmills: With a starting price of € 1,399, Bowflex treadmills combine innovative features with solid build quality, appealing to those who want a versatile and comprehensive workout solution. SOLE Treadmills: Starting at $1,199.99, SOLE treadmills are the top choice for durability, ergonomic design, and competitive pricing. Ideal for both fitness enthusiasts and beginners, they offer a superior running experience with smooth, quiet operation and user-friendly consoles for easy progress tracking. Advanced cushioning systems reduce joint impact, while powerful motors ensure consistent performance. Known for their build quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction, SOLE treadmills also boast exceptional warranties and customer service, making them the best choice for a gym-quality workout at home. For unmatched quality and performance, choose SOLE treadmills.

Top Features of Peloton Treadmill

• Large HD Touchscreens: Up to 32 inches for an immersive workout experience.
• Live and On-Demand Classes: With elite instructors to keep you motivated.
• Peloton App Integration: Track progress and join a community of users.
• High-Quality Sound System: Keeps you energized with your favorite tunes.
• Compact Design: Sleek look that fits modern home aesthetics.

 The Peloton Tread features a 23.8" HD touchscreen

Top Features of BowFlex Treadmill

• Personalized Workouts: The JRNY platform offers workouts tailored to your fitness level, adapting over time.
• Integrated Touchscreens: Features large touchscreens, including a 22-inch console on the Treadmill 56.
• Motorized Incline and Decline: Up to 20% incline and -5% decline for real-world terrain simulation.
• Bluetooth Connectivity: Sync with fitness apps and wireless headphones.
• Comfort Tech™ Deck Cushioning: Provides a softer landing and reduces impact on joints.

The BowFlex treadmill 56 22" immersive HD touchscreen

Detailed Feature Analysis: What Sets Them Apart

Both Peloton and BowFlex treadmills are top contenders in the market, but they cater to different needs and preferences. Let's break down their features to see how they compare.

Training Software

• Peloton Treadmills: Peloton treadmills offer a comprehensive training experience with live and on-demand classes led by elite instructors, along with community features for enhanced motivation and competition.
• BowFlex Treadmills: The JRNY platform by BowFlex provides personalized workouts that adapt to your fitness level and offer compatibility with popular fitness apps like Peloton and Zwift, ensuring flexibility without being limited to one proprietary platform.

Hardware Quality and Durability

• Peloton Treadmill: Peloton treadmills feature a high-end, sleek design with durable construction, ensuring stability and longevity for intense workouts.
• BowFlex Treadmill: Known for strong, durable frames and powerful motors, BowFlex treadmills are designed to withstand rigorous use, providing a stable platform for various workout intensities.

Additional Equipment Features

• Peloton Treadmill: Includes features like large HD touchscreens (up to 32 inches), built-in speakers, and automatic resistance adjustments during workouts.
• BowFlex Treadmill: Often includes Comfort Tech™ deck cushioning, motorized incline and decline settings, integrated touchscreens, and Bluetooth connectivity for a versatile workout experience.

Subscription Services

• Peloton Treadmill: Offers an All-Access Membership for unlimited live and on-demand classes, personalized coaching, and a strong sense of community. This service comes at an additional monthly fee.
• BowFlex Treadmill: Provides personalized workouts and adaptive training for a monthly fee. Additionally, BowFlex treadmills offer the flexibility to use free or paid third-party apps like Peloton or Zwift, catering to varied workout preferences.

Warranty and Customer Care

• Peloton Treadmill: The warranty includes a 12-month warranty on parts, electronics, and labor, with options for extended warranties. Peloton provides dedicated customer support for any issues, ensuring a high level of service and satisfaction.
• BowFlex Treadmill: Offers a comprehensive warranty, often including a 15-year frame and motor warranty, with varying coverage for parts and labor. BowFlex is known for strong customer care, offering support through phone, email, and live chat to address any concerns promptly.

Peloton vs. BowFlex Treadmill Comparison Table

Here's a detailed comparison between Peloton and BowFlex treadmills based on their key features:

Feature	Peloton Tread	BowFlex Treadmill
Motor Power	Not specified	Not specified
Maximum User Weight Capacity	300 lbs	325-400 lbs
Display	23.8" HD touchscreen, 32" HD touchscreen	19 cm blue back-lit LCD, 19 cm full color back-lit LCD, 23 cm full color back-lit LCD
Built-in Programs	Peloton All-Access Membership ($44/mo) is required to access Peloton content and features on Tread+	9-11 "Push and Go" workout programs
Bluetooth Connectivity	Yes	Yes
Audio Speakers	Yes	Yes
Cooling Fan	No	Yes
Folding Design	No	Yes
Frame Warranty	5 years	15 years
Price	$2,995- $5,995	€ 1,399 up to € 3,299

Pros and Cons: A Balanced View

Every fitness equipment has its strengths and weaknesses. To make an informed decision, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of each option. Let's take a look at what users love and what they think could be improved for both Peloton and BowFlex treadmills.

Pros of Peloton Treadmill

• Immersive training experience with live and on-demand classes.
• Large touchscreen for interactive workouts and progress tracking.
• Community engagement through the Peloton App.
• Quality sound system for an enhanced audio experience.
• Sleek design that fits well in a modern home setting.

Cons of Peloton Treadmill

• Higher price points compared to some competitors-, especially with SOLE treadmills which start at $1,199.99.
• Requires a monthly subscription to access all features. SOLE treadmills do not require a subscription. 
• Limited to Peloton's ecosystem for workout content.
• Bulkier footprint may not be suitable for smaller spaces.
• No decline feature for downhill running simulation.

Pros of BowFlex Treadmill

• Personalized workout programs with adaptive coaching.
• Integrated entertainment options like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
• Unique decline feature for more varied workouts.
• Comfort Tech™ deck cushioning for joint protection.
• More affordable with a range of pricing options.

Cons of BowFlex Treadmill

• No live classes which may be a drawback for some users.
• Smaller touchscreen compared to Peloton's largest model.
• Also requires a subscription for full access to features. SOLE treadmills do not require a subscription.
• Some users report a less intuitive user interface.

Customer Reviews and Testimony

Real customer feedback can provide valuable insights into the real-world use of these treadmills. Here's what some users had to say about their experiences with Peloton and BowFlex treadmills.

Peloton Treadmill Review

Recent Buyer Nixon said on Peloton's Site

"Just let me run

Took 30 minutes to figure out how to just make it move, had to make an account then a passcode oh no no I need WiFi and then it showed me all these classes with famous people I don’t care about and finally I found the just run feature. Not a bad treadmill but it takes forever to just make it go"

BowFlex Treadmill Review

Recent Buyer Amber said on Amazon

"I bought this when out last treadmill died. We had purchased the last one used for $500 and it lasted a few years. I figured this would be a good investment. It was fairly easy to assemble, but you will need at least two people. It is very heavy. The screen is large and the controls are easy to use. The motion is smooth and it is much quieter than our last treadmill. I really enjoy the world locations and the music selection is energizing. I am more than a little disappointed that the programs don't automatically change speed and incline. I feel that for $3,000 plus $150 per year subscription, that should be a feature. I don't like having to adjust everything manually while I'm exercising. The screen isn't great quality, there is some color distortion and the video has frozen up on me once."

Expert Opinion: Our Take on the Best Buy

When to Choose Peloton Treadmill

• If you're looking for a community-driven experience with live classes.
• When you want a large, interactive touchscreen for engaging workouts.
• If the audio experience is important to you during workouts.
• When you're willing to invest in a higher-end product.

When to Choose BowFlex Treadmill

• If personalized, adaptive workouts are your priority.
• When you want the flexibility to watch your own streaming content.
• If you're looking for a machine with incline and decline capabilities.
• When you prefer a more budget-friendly option.

Who is Each Brand Suitable for?

• Peloton Treadmill: Perfect for users who thrive on interactive and community-based workouts. Peloton offers a robust app with live and on-demand classes, personalized coaching, and a strong sense of community.
• BowFlex Treadmill: Best suited for individuals who prefer flexibility and personalized workouts. With the JRNY platform, BowFlex provides adaptive training and compatibility with third-party apps like Peloton and Zwift.

Why is SOLE a Better Choice?

SOLE treadmills are superior due to their exceptional durability, advanced cushioning systems, and user-friendly design. They provide long-lasting performance with heavy-duty frames and powerful motors. SOLE treadmills offer a smooth, comfortable workout experience without the need for ongoing subscriptions, unlike Peloton.

Additionally, SOLE focuses on essential features without overwhelming users with unnecessary interactive technology, making them ideal for those seeking a high-quality, straightforward treadmill. Their competitive pricing also ensures you get premium features without the higher costs associated with other brands.

Here are the SOLE treadmill models you can choose from:

• SOLE F63 Treadmill: Durable and affordable, the F63 features a 6.5" LCD display, and is priced at $1,199.99. It offers speeds up to 12 mph, a 15-level incline, a 3.0 HP motor, and a 20" x 60" running surface with Bluetooth audio. Pros include comfort, stability, and suitability for home use.

• SOLE F65 Treadmill: Priced at $1,499.99, the F65 offers a spacious running surface and Bluetooth connectivity. It features a 7.5" LCD display, a 3.25 HP motor, a 22" x 60" running surface, and a folding design. Pros include interactive and reliable performance.

• SOLE F80 Treadmill: This premium model, priced at $1,899.99, features a 9" LCD display and a Cushion Flex Whisper Deck for reduced joint impact. It includes a 3.5 HP motor, a 22" x 60" running surface, and Bluetooth connectivity. Pros include durability and comfort.

• SOLE F85 Treadmill: High-end model priced at $2,399.99, featuring a 10.1" touchscreen, Bluetooth speakers, and advanced cushioning. It has a 4.0 HP motor, a 22" x 60" running surface, and multiple user profiles. Pros include a top-tier exercise experience.

• SOLE F89 Treadmill: Featuring advanced tracking capabilities and a 10.1" touchscreen, the F89 is priced at $3,299.99. It includes a powerful motor, extensive program options, and a large running surface. Pros include optimized training.

• SOLE ST90 Treadmill: This high-end treadmill features a unique slat belt design and a 10.1" touchscreen, priced at $3,999.99. It has a 2.0 HP AC motor, a 22" x 60" running surface, and commercial-grade construction. Pros include suitability for advanced users and durability.

• SOLE TT8 Treadmill: Priced at $2,899.99, the TT8 offers incline and decline capabilities with robust construction. It features a 10.1" touchscreen, a 4.0 HP motor, a 22" x 60" running surface, and a non-folding design. Pros include a wide range of workout intensities.

Ready to take the next step towards a fitter, healthier you? Check out SOLE's lineup and find the treadmill that fits your life.

Featured Products Peloton Treadmills: Starting at $2,495, Peloton treadmills are designed with advanced technology and connectivity features, targeting users who seek an interactive and immersive workout experience. BowFlex Treadmills: With a starting price of $1,699, Bowflex treadmills combine innovative features with solid build quality, appealing to those who want a versatile and comprehensive workout solution. SOLE Treadmills: Starting at $1,199.99, SOLE treadmills are the top choice for durability, ergonomic design, and competitive pricing. Ideal for both fitness enthusiasts and beginners, they offer a superior running experience with smooth, quiet operation and user-friendly consoles for easy progress tracking. Advanced cushioning systems reduce joint impact, while powerful motors ensure consistent performance. Known for their build quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction, SOLE treadmills also boast exceptional warranties and customer service, making them the best choice for a gym-quality workout at home. For unmatched quality and performance, choose SOLE treadmills.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which treadmill brand offers more interactive workout options?

Peloton is the leader in interactive workout options with its live classes and vast library of on-demand content. The brand has built its reputation on providing an engaging, community-driven fitness experience that keeps users coming back for more.

Can you use BowFlex and Peloton treadmills without a subscription?

While both BowFlex and Peloton treadmills can be used without a subscription, access to their full range of interactive features, including personalized workouts and live classes, requires an active membership. Without the subscription, the treadmills function as standard running machines.

How do the warranties compare between Peloton, BowFlex, and Sole?

Warranty coverage is an important factor to consider. Peloton offers a 5-year frame warranty, 12-month limited warranty on its treadmill components and electronics, while BowFlex provides a generous 15-year frame and drive motor warranty, 5 years in mechanical parts, 1 year in electronic and HD touchscreen, and 2 years on labor. 

Are folding treadmills as sturdy as non-folding models?

Folding treadmills have come a long way in terms of sturdiness and stability. Brands like SOLE have engineered their folding treadmills to match the robustness of non-folding models, ensuring they can handle intense workouts just as effectively.

Why do SOLE treadmills stand out?

SOLE treadmills stand out for their high-quality construction, competitive pricing, and impressive warranty terms. They offer a range of models to suit different needs and spaces, from folding treadmills for compact living to non-folding models for dedicated workout rooms. SOLE provides a straightforward, effective workout experience without the bells and whistles of subscriptions or touchscreens, making them a top choice for those who want to focus on the fundamentals of fitness.