BowFlex vs Sole Treadmills – How Do They Compare?

If you're comparing BowFlex and Sole treadmills, you're likely looking for more than just a cardio machine that simply gets you moving. You want a treadmill that can keep up with your workouts and is designed to fit the way you like to train.

BowFlex vs Sole: Which treadmill brand is better?

BowFlex and Sole both make treadmills for runners, but they take different approaches. BowFlex stands out for designing treadmills with ultra responsive speed and incline transitions, spacious running surfaces, flexible app compatibility, and an industry-leading lifetime frame and motor warranty. Sole may appeal to shoppers looking for a more compact deck design over an ample running surface.

The Bottom Line: BowFlex is the better choice for runners who want a responsive treadmill that combines performance and the flexibility to choose how they train — without requiring a monthly subscription.

Both brands offer a variety of treadmills, so the best choice ultimately depends on how you plan to use yours. Take a look at how BowFlex and Sole compare on the features that matter most.

BowFlex vs Sole Treadmills: At a Glance

What's the Difference Between BowFlex and Sole Treadmills?

BowFlex and Sole take different approaches with treadmill features and functionality.

BowFlex combines responsive speed and incline transitions with flexible training options and a connected experience that doesn't require a subscription. Designed with runners in mind, BowFlex treadmills feature intuitive QuickDial™ controls positioned near the console, making it easy to adjust speed and incline with a simple roll of the dial using the palm of your hand. This keeps you in control during your workout — even mid-stride.

Sole may appeal to fitness enthusiasts who prioritize a more compact deck over an ample running surface. Its dial controls for speed and incline vary by model, so the adjustment experience isn't consistent across the lineup.

For shoppers comparing the two brands, the biggest question is whether you prioritize how responsive your treadmill is, how much running surface you want, what connectivity options you're interested in, adjustment dial preferences, and the overall experience you're looking for.

Which Treadmill Has Better Speed and Incline Responsiveness?

If you regularly change your pace or incline during a workout, the responsiveness of your treadmill matters. When you're moving from a walk to a jog, increasing your pace for an interval or changing the incline for a hill workout, you want the treadmill to respond quickly.

BowFlex developed its MaxReact™ Drive System with this in mind. In internal testing, BowFlex treadmills achieved speed and incline transitions that were an average of 2X faster than comparable Sole treadmills across a range of walk-to-jog, jog-to-run, and run-to-sprint transitions.*

Fast transitions can be useful for:

• Interval workouts
• Speed training
• Hill workouts
• Progressive runs
• Alternating walking and running workouts
• Workouts that frequently change speed or incline

Bottom line: If rapid pace and incline changes are important to your workouts, BowFlex's responsive design is a key advantage.

Which Treadmill Provides the Better Running Experience?

A good treadmill should feel comfortable and stable whether you're walking, jogging, or running. When comparing BowFlex and Sole, consider the complete experience, including:

• Running surface
• Cushioning
• Speed and incline responsiveness
• Stability
• Maximum speed
• Noise
• Workout programming options

The BowFlex T16 treadmill features a 22" x 60" running surface, speeds up to 12 MPH, 15 incline levels, and a maximum user weight of 375 pounds. That combination gives runners substantial room to move while supporting everything from easy runs to faster workouts.

Additionally, BowFlex treadmills are designed to deliver a solid, stable feel underfoot, giving runners confidence whether they're picking up the pace for a shorter speed workout or putting in a longer training session. With durable construction, BowFlex treadmills provide the dependable experience you want from a treadmill that you'll use for years to come.

Which Treadmill Has Better Incline Options?

Incline training can make treadmill workouts more challenging without requiring you to increase your running speed.

Both BowFlex and Sole offer treadmills with substantial incline ranges. BowFlex models, including the T16, offer up to 15 incline levels, giving you the ability to incorporate:

• Hill workouts
• Incline intervals
• Walking workouts
• Progressive incline workouts

If you're comparing two specific models, look at both the maximum incline and how quickly the treadmill transitions between incline levels.

Bottom line: Both brands offer meaningful incline training options. If you frequently change incline during workouts, BowFlex's emphasis on responsive transitions is an important consideration.

Do BowFlex Products Require a Subscription?

No. You do not need a subscription to use a BowFlex treadmill.

This is an important distinction for exercisers who want connected features without being required to pay a monthly subscription.

A BowFlex treadmill can be used without a monthly subscription, but they also feature broad compatibility with popular fitness apps and devices, so you can connect how you want, when you want — including:

• Apple Watch and Samsung Watch connectivity
• Garmin BLE heart rate connectivity
• JRNY adaptive coaching for personalized workouts
• Peloton, Zwift, Strava and Apple Fitness+ metrics syncing

That means you can choose the training experience that works for you rather than having to commit to one ecosystem.

Is JRNY required to use a BowFlex treadmill?

No. JRNY is optional. You can use a BowFlex treadmill without a JRNY membership. If you want a connected treadmill without a required monthly subscription, BowFlex gives you the flexibility to decide how you use your equipment.

Which Treadmill Is Better for Entertainment?

If you like to watch shows, listen to music, or stream content while walking or running, the treadmill screen can become an important part of your experience.

The BowFlex T16 offers a large touchscreen with access to entertainment options, allowing you to stream your favorite shows, scroll on social media, and read on Kindle using your existing subscriptions.

And because a BowFlex treadmill doesn't require a monthly subscription, you aren't required to pay for a subscription simply to use the machine.

Bottom line: If you want a treadmill that combines exercise with entertainment while keeping your training options flexible, BowFlex is worth considering.

Which Treadmill Has the Better Warranty?

A treadmill can be a significant investment, so it's worth taking a second look at what's covered through the warranty. When you're reviewing a treadmill's warranty, be sure to look at both the frame and motor — the two most important parts of a treadmill for long-term durability.

The BowFlex T6, T9 and T16 treadmills include a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor.

BowFlex vs. Sole: Which Is Better for You?

There's no single treadmill that's right for everyone. Here's a quick way to think about the decision:

Who Should Buy a BowFlex Treadmill?

A BowFlex treadmill may be the better choice if you:

• Run or walk regularly at home
• Do interval or hill workouts
• Want ultra-responsive speed and incline changes
• Want a treadmill that works without a required subscription
• Already use Peloton, Zwift or another fitness platform
• Want built-in entertainment (on select models)

Who Should Buy a Sole Treadmill?

A Sole treadmill may be a good fit if you:

• Prefer a more compact deck design over an ample running surface
• Prefer Sole's specific training ecosystem

Frequently Asked Questions: BowFlex vs Sole Treadmills

Is BowFlex or Sole better for treadmills?

BowFlex may be the better choice for people who prioritize responsive performance, flexible training options, third-party app compatibility and no required subscription. Sole may be a better fit for shoppers who prioritize a more compact deck design over an ample running surface.

Is BowFlex better than Sole for running?

BowFlex is a strong choice for running, particularly for runners who incorporate intervals, pace changes and incline workouts. BowFlex's MaxReact™ Drive System is designed for fast speed and incline transitions.

Is BowFlex better than Sole for walking?

BowFlex may be especially appealing to walkers who want incline workouts, entertainment, and the flexibility to use their treadmill without a required subscription.

Does BowFlex require a subscription?

No. A subscription is not required to use a BowFlex treadmill. JRNY and other compatible fitness platforms are optional.

Which treadmill is better for interval training?

BowFlex is a strong option for interval training because its MaxReact Drive System is designed to deliver fast speed and incline transitions. Quick changes between running speeds and inclines can be especially useful for interval and hill workouts.

Which treadmill is better if I don't want a monthly subscription?

Both BowFlex and Sole treadmills can be used without a required monthly subscription. BowFlex stands out for giving users the option to add JRNY or use compatible third-party platforms based on how they prefer to train.

What should I look for when comparing BowFlex and Sole?

Compare the features that matter to your workouts, including speed and incline responsiveness, running surface, cushioning, app compatibility, subscription requirements, entertainment, warranty coverage and total cost of ownership.

The best treadmill isn't necessarily the one with the most features. It's the one that fits how you actually want to train.

*Based on a head-to-head test between the BowFlex T6 and Sole F63 models and BowFlex T9 and F80 models conducted in July 2026. Similar tests were conducted with the BowFlex T16 vs Sole F85.