Treadmills are our bread and butter at Garage Gym Reviews. We’ve tested more than 50, including several models from Bowflex. One of the newer treadmills in the Bowflex lineup, the T6, thoroughly impressed our tester—a 15-time marathon finisher, by the way.
In our Bowflex T6 treadmill review, product tester Caitlin Giddings shares her workout experience on what she calls one of the best budget treadmills. We’ll also dive into the machine specs and stats to show you how it stacks up to other options.
Our Bowflex T6 Treadmill Review, Summarized
After logging some miles on the Bowflex T6, our tester determined that it offers a superb value for the price with many characteristics you often only find on the best high-end treadmills. With a 4.6-star overall rating, it’s one of the highest-rated treadmills we’ve tested.
How We Test Treadmills
We consider how well a treadmill can accommodate a wide range of fitness levels and workout types, like flat, fast runs and hill sessions. To achieve such setups and intensities, a machine should have worthwhile speed and incline ranges. We award a benchmark 3-out-of-5 rating to treadmills capable of speeds up to 10 MPH, as well as machines offering incline settings between 0 and 15%. Top scores are given to profiles with faster speed capabilities as well as those with larger incline ranges (some, of which, are even capable of decline settings).
To examine this factor, our testers complete several workouts on each treadmill using either onboard programming or the brand’s integrated fitness programming software. We’ll complete a handful of sessions, taking note of the training’s engagement, ease of operation, and available variety. Treadmills can earn a 3 out of 5 here if they offer at least a handful of preset workout modules, with higher ratings reserved for machines compatible with digital training services with large libraries of streamable training programs.
A home treadmill should be comfortable, after all. Accordingly, we assess deck cushioning and available running space to determine overall comfort at different paces. A score of 3 out of 5 indicates that a treadmill features a relatively accommodating running surface measuring at least 55 inches long by 18 inches wide with some built-in cushioning system for underfoot comfort. Higher scores are awarded to more spacious running decks or machines with well-executed cushioning tech.
We utilize our in-depth treadmill testing methodology to evaluate these popular machines in key categories such as footprint, durability, dynamic programming, and more. Our findings are then rated on a scale of 1 to 5 for easier interpretation as to which profiles are truly the best of the best.
Our team of experts consists of certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, Olympic-level athletes, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To date, the GGR team has tested and examined more than 50 treadmills from some of the category’s most-recognized brands.
In 2024, alone, we helped connect 7,325 athletes with the perfect treadmill for their training demands. We’re more than happy to continue that service in 2026 with continued research and reporting.
The Bowflex T6 offers great value and is routinely discounted under $1,000. Its incline range, folding design, and JRNY compatibility make it a solid pick for walking, jogging, and general fitness training at home.
What to Know Before You Buy
- The Bowflex T6 has an integrated tablet holder, but no built-in touchscreen. Its LCD display offers basic workout metrics, but you’ll need a tablet to stream entertainment or workout classes.
- Bowflex uses JRNY programming, which is solid, but not our favorite. This treadmill is also compatible with Zwift and Peloton for data tracking and workout logging.
- If you live in a small space, the Bowflex T6 probably isn’t for you. While our tester found it manageable to move around, it’s still quite large and needs a dedicated space.
Bowflex T6 Treadmill Video Review
Is the Bowflex T6 Treadmill Worth It?
The answer is always, “It depends,” but in the case of the Bowflex T6 treadmill, we can confidently say it’s worth it for almost anyone who’s in the market for a treadmill. The price is absolutely right for the features, and it’s backed by a lifetime frame-and-motor warranty for added peace of mind.
Still think the T6 is totally the right tread for your training? Let’s continue with some key specs and workout experience notes.
Bowflex T6 Treadmill: Key Features & Specs
| Price | $1,299 |
| Dimensions | 76″ L x 35″ W x 71″ H (Folded: 44″ L x 35″ W x 71″ H) |
| Deck Size | 20” W x 60” L |
| Foldable? | Yes |
| Step-Up Height | 8.7” |
| Product Weight | 233.7 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 325 lbs |
| Speed Range | 0.5-12 MPH |
| Incline Range | 0-15% |
| Motor | 3.0 HP |
| Display & Programming | 8.8” x 2” LCD display with tablet holder for streaming workouts; works with JRNY, Peloton, Zwift (sold separately) |
| Warranty | Lifetime frame & motor; 3 years mechanical; 1 year labor |
Experience Using the Bowflex T6 Treadmill
GGR expert tester Cait Giddings spent enough time with the Bowflex T6 to get acquainted with all its features. In particular, she enjoyed speed workouts on this treadmill, stating, “I cranked the speed up to a sprint, and at no point did I feel like I was going to slide off the back of the machine or take a wide step off the side of the deck.”
She adds, “I also appreciated how short the side arms are. It’s easy to hit a fast running pace and swing your arms without worrying that you’re going to slam an elbow into one.”
With many treadmills, making adjustments to your speed and incline can feel cumbersome and annoying, and even prevent you from doing so mid-run in some cases. That’s not so with the T6, according to Cait. “I particularly like the front handholds that allow you to change pace and incline using a smooth-feeling dial.”
If you struggle with joint or shin pain during running, a cushioned treadmill like the Bowflex T6 can also be a good way to reduce joint impact. Research has shown that treadmill running reduces tibial shock (impact to the shinbone) compared to road running1.
Owning a treadmill means you can run anytime without worrying about an extra commute, traffic, or gym hours. Plus, the Bowflex T6 provides a lot of customization with regard to incline, speed, and training protocols, so you’ll get plenty of variety, too.
Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC
Bowflex T6 Treadmill Rating
Footprint and Portability
This is a BIG treadmill—emphasis on “big,” per Cait. “It doesn’t have a very compact footprint because the running deck is so long and wide,” she says. She’s quick to point out, though, that a large deck can be ideal for running.
The Bowflex T6 measures 76 inches (6.3 feet) long by 35 inches (about 3 feet) wide by 71 inches (just under 6 feet) high. When folded, it’s just 44 inches (3.6 feet) long, but the width and height measurements remain the same.
Still, Cait rates this folding treadmill at 4 out of 5 for footprint and portability, saying, “I was able to lift the deck to fold it up with no issues, tilt it back onto its wheels, and move it around the warehouse by myself. So, it’s definitely portable, but even when folded, it takes up a lot of space in a room.”
Delivery and Setup
Bowflex offers three shipping options for the T6 treadmill:
- Standard (to your door) for $199
- Room-of-choice delivery for $249
- Room-of-choice delivery and assembly for $349
Note that none of these options are available for buyers in Alaska or Hawaii; those outside of the contiguous U.S. will need to look elsewhere for a treadmill.
We’re bummed to see a lack of free standard shipping, as that’s become pretty standard across treadmill brands. That said, it’s typical for anything beyond standard front-door shipping to cost extra. Cait still rates the delivery and setup process at 4 out of 5 because while it does take some time to assemble, Bowflex’s instructions are clear and easy to follow. “The professional might be worth springing for, depending on your budget and patience with assembly projects, but the process should be manageable for most,” she says.
Durability
The Bowflex T6 surpasses our benchmark standards for a 3-point score in the durability category. Its 325-pound maximum user weight capacity and 3.0-HP treadmill motor earn it a perfect 5 out of 5.
“It feels like a tank—big, heavy, and like it’s unlikely to wear down quickly with use,” Cait says. “When I cranked up the speed to the max and ran on it, the tread felt solid and sturdy beneath me with no swaying, rocking, or hitches. Everything felt smooth and well-built.”
Customizations
Our customizations rating refers to the ability to customize workout variables to meet different training needs. For treadmills, that mainly means the speed and incline ranges. The Bowflex T6 meets industry averages for top speed (12 MPH) and exceeds the average for incline (15% compared to the typical 12%).
“It’s rare to see a range this big on a treadmill in this price range,” Cait says in reference to her 5-out-of-5 rating. “The incline simulates a real hike or mountain run. Anyone looking for a good range on their treadmill for high-level running will be more than happy with this machine.”
The only downside, Cait points out, is that it doesn’t decline for simulated downhill running. If you’re looking to mimic the outdoor running paths you’re likely to encounter with your best trail running shoes, you’ll need to opt for a different (oftentimes, more expensive) home treadmill profile.
Ergonomics
The Bowflex T6 treadmill features a running area that is 20 inches wide by 60 inches long, which Cait calls, “A nice size for running.” It is, in fact, the recommended size for most runners, though a 22-inch width can be ideal for larger or taller athletes.
RELATED: Best Treadmill for Tall Runners
Cait says she felt stable and balanced on the T6’s running deck, even when putting forth full-sprint efforts. Plus, the belt feels thick and well-cushioned, she notes. The running belt’s FlexZone cushion is 1.6 millimeters thick; double our 0.8-millimeter benchmark for a 3-point score.
The T6 treadmill also sports quick-change dials for intra-workout adjustments, which only bolstered our 5-out-of-5 rating justification. “I particularly like the front handholds that allow you to change pace and incline using the integrated QuickDial system,” Cait adds. We’d have to agree: This style is substantially more comfortable and easier to use compared to traditional on-console click buttons.
Tech Capabilities
With its Bluetooth connectivity, smartwatch compatibility, and multi-app support, the Bowflex T6 almost earned a perfect score for its tech package. Cait knocked off one point for a score of 4 out of 5 because there’s no integrated touchscreen display. That said, Bowflex does include a convenient media shelf for DIY streaming setups.
“If you have your own Bluetooth-synced tablet, there’s no shortage of tech integration here,” Cait says. “The treadmill integrates with popular workout apps like JRNY, Peloton, Zwift, and more for interactive workouts. It also syncs with an Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch for fitness tracking.”
As a full-fledged subscriber to the Garmin ecosystem, I’m disappointed to learn that Garmin isn’t in the Bowflex club. However, even that wouldn’t be a dealbreaker for me regarding the T6 treadmill; it’s still a high-quality machine.
To measure your heart rate while running, you can connect a compatible heart rate monitor or use the hand sensors on the railings. With the latter, you’ll get real-time (albeit less accurate) readouts, along with time, distance, calories, speed, incline, pace, laps, split timer, and segment time.
Conveniences
You won’t be missing any creature comforts when running on the T6. For starters, the console is incredibly well designed with lots of ways to quickly adjust the speed and incline across the handholds and display.
“You can crank up both using a little wheel or instant number adjustments that make it a snap to go from 1 MPH to 12 MPH as fast as the belt can speed up,” Cait raves.
The console also has a second media shelf (in addition to the main device holder) and two water bottle holders. Plus, there’s a fairly powerful built-in fan in the middle of the console with three power settings. It also has Bluetooth speakers, so you can play music without headphones.
Dynamic Programming
Bowflex’s proprietary workout streaming platform is JRNY, which you can use with the T6 treadmill. It’s robust enough for engaging weekly workouts, though we think iFIT workouts beat out the library available via JRNY in terms of variety and engagement. That said, you don’t have to stick with the JRNY app for this treadmill.
In fact, the console doesn’t have a touchscreen, so most of the interactive programming comes through syncing with third-party fitness apps like Zwift and Peloton. We honestly really like the flexibility here. If you already subscribe to, say, Zwift, there’s no need to stack on another subscription to enjoy all of the features of the T6.
The basic digital LCD screen has a few limited workout modes of its own, too, like rolling hills or intervals, for those who prefer something quick and basic. In total, we rate the dynamic programming at 4.5 out of 5.
Value
You’re truly getting a lot for your money here, folks. Take it from Cait: “This machine feels super-sturdy and well-built for a sub-$1,300 treadmill. It doesn’t have quite the smooth, cushioned pad of a really high-end, gym-level treadmill, but that’s rare for anything under $2,000.”
Cait continues, stating, “For the functionality, durability, ease of use, and most importantly, wide speed/incline range, I think $999 is a good [sales] price. That said, if you don’t have your own tablet and you’re looking for an integrated screen, this isn’t the treadmill for you.”
Customer Experience
The warranty on this Bowflex machine is as good as it gets for treadmills: Lifetime coverage on the frame and motor (the most important bits). You also get two years on all other parts, plus a year of coverage for labor. Additional protection plans are available for an added cost.
The company also has a 30-day return policy for a full refund, which is the industry standard and generous given you’ll probably notice any defects or damage well before the 30 days are up. You are, unfortunately, on the hook for the freight shipping cost. Your refund will be less that amount, and you might be subject to a restocking fee. This is all annoying, but not out of the ordinary for cardio machines like this.
If you need to get in touch with Bowflex, you can do so through various channels, including email, phone, and Facebook. There’s no live chat option, unfortunately.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are generally positive for the T6, with most in the 4 to 5 range. At the time of writing, the Bowflex T6 has a 4.5-star rating on Bowflex and a 4.2-star rating on DICK’S Sporting Goods.
Most buyers find it to be quiet and easy to use, with some people complaining about the Bluetooth connectivity being finicky and others calling out issues with damaged packaging upon delivery. That’s typically not the fault of the manufacturer, but rather the carrier. It’s still frustrating, though.
On the Bowflex website, one buyer says, “This treadmill has reignited my love for running! The Peloton app works seamlessly with this treadmill, making workouts a blast.”
Bowflex T6 Treadmill Vs
To provide some contrast to the Bowflex T6, let’s examine two other popular treadmill profiles that we’ve extensively tested: The Horizon 7.0 AT and NordicTrack Commercial 1750.
When you compare the Bowflex T6 and the Horizon 7.0 AT, you’re really looking at two solid, budget-friendly treadmills that are great for everyday home workouts. The T6 has a responsive drive system with up to 15% incline and robust app connectivity (train with JRNY, Peloton, Zwift, or track metrics with a compatible fitness tracker). Meanwhile, the Horizon 7.0 AT keeps things straightforward but effective with Bluetooth connectivity and a simple LCD console that also plays nicely with third-party apps, making it easy to stream workouts from a variety of sources.
Both are good options if you don’t want to be locked into a single subscription platform. Read our full Horizon 7.0 AT treadmill review for more details.
Putting the T6 up against the NordicTrack Commercial 1750, you’ll notice some differences in tech and ergonomics (as well as price). The T6 gives you a generous running deck, plenty of incline, and the ability to use your own phone/tablet with apps you already love, which is great if you want flexibility without a big upfront cost.
The NordicTrack 1750, on the other hand, brings an integrated touchscreen, iFIT compatibility unlocking thousands of trainer-led workouts, automatic adjustments to speed and incline, and a slightly more powerful motor designed for more frequent and varied training. You will, however, be paying for these features, with the list price of the 1750 sitting about $1,200 higher than that of the T6.
Our NordicTrack Commercial 1750 review has all the specifics.
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| BowFlex T6 Treadmill | Horizon 7.0 AT | NordicTrack Commercial 1750 | |
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Rating
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| Speed Range | 0-12 mph | 0.5 – 12 mph | 0 – 12 mph |
| Incline Range | 0-15% | 0-15% | -3% – 12% |
| Deck Size | 20” W x 60” L | 60″ L x 22″ W | 60″ L x 22″ W |
| Programs | Works with JRNY, Peloton, Zwift (sold separately) | 8 preset programs | iFIT |
| Display | N/A | 7.25″ high contrast LCD screen | Pivoting 16″ touchscreen |
Final Verdict of Our Bowflex T6 Treadmill Review
The Bowflex T6 thoroughly impressed our expert product tester, and its price point strengthens its value proposition. We think it’s a solid choice for almost any home gym and can support everything from high-intensity interval training to marathon training.
- The T6 is robustly built, with an above-average 325-pound user weight capacity and strong 3.0-HP motor.
- Those who need to train hills for trail runs or destination races will appreciate the 15% max incline, which is 3% above the industry average.
- The lifetime warranty on the frame and motor are rarely seen at this price point.
- The T6 is as good for everyday health, fitness, and weight loss as it is for serious runners training for a big race.
Bowflex T6 Treadmill Review: FAQs
Is the Bowflex T6 a good treadmill?
We think so! But it’s not just us: The Bowflex T6 Treadmill is generally well-liked as a solid home treadmill, especially for its price point, Bluetooth connectivity, and adjustable incline up to 15%. Customer reviews often highlight its sturdy build and comfortable running deck, though it doesn’t have a premium touchscreen like higher-end models.
Which is a better treadmill, Bowflex or NordicTrack?
It depends on what you want: NordicTrack models stand out for advanced programming, larger touchscreens, and more immersive incline options, while Bowflex treadmills are usually praised for good value and solid performance. Some people find Bowflex easier to use and more reliable for everyday home workouts, but NordicTrack can be more appealing if you want interactive training features.
What is the most reliable treadmill for home use?
We recommend treadmills from brands known for durability and strong warranties, including models with commercial-grade motors and solid cushioning. Such brands include NordicTrack, Bowflex, Sole, Horizon, and ProForm, among others. Read our guide to the best treadmills to find the right fit for you.
How much is the Bowflex T6 treadmill?
The Bowflex T6 Treadmill typically retails for roughly $1,299, and prices can vary slightly across retailers and during promotional periods. Additionally, we’ve routinely seen this cardio machine discounted to sub-$1,000 prices, so be on the lookout for such deals.
References
- Johnson CD, Outerleys J, Jamison ST, Tenforde AS, Ruder M, Davis IS. Comparison of Tibial Shock during Treadmill and Real-World Running. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2020;52(7):1557-1562.
