Why Consider a Bowflex Treadmill?
You probably think of those magnetic resistance benches or the adjustable dumbbells that promise you a whole gym in one unit at the sound of "Bowflex." But Bowflex ventures into cardio too, treadmills (apart from bikes, ellipticals, and other machines). The company has been a household name for home fitness innovation over the years, and its treadmill series aims to combine that strength-training know-how with running convenience.
Johnson Health Tech
Interestingly enough, Bowflex (formerly Nautilus, etc.) has had a storied corporate existence, in 2024, Bowflex went Chapter 11 bust, and was acquired by Johnson Health Tech for roughly $37.5 million.
That leaves both opportunity and caveat (support, parts, next design), which we'll briefly outline as we select the most reliable best models below £1800.
What Makes Bowflex Treadmills Worth a Look?
When a consumer chooses a Bowflex treadmill, they're not just buying a belt and a motor, they're buying…
- Brand ecosystem & trust - Bowflex has multiple generations of brand equity in home fitness, giving most consumers a level of confidence when it comes to service, design, and parts.
- Smart / connected features - Most Bowflex models feature support for built-in screens or app connectivity (JRNY, etc.), so you can jog along scenic routes or monitor trainers from your living room.
- BowFlex Long-lasting home models - Their treadmills are sturdy with nice incline, padding, and mechanical longevity for regular users rather than fitful walkers.
- Fair price points - By firing below a threshold (in your case, below £1800), you establish a "sweet spot" wherein the treadmill isn't weak but also isn't outrageously expensive.
How We Picked the Top 2
To narrow down, these two treadmills were picked from this list on the following…
- Value under £1800 - no extras that set them way outside the budget range
- Durable mechanical components - good motors, frames, and moving parts
- Smart features & performance - incline, speed, connectivity, cushioning
- Parts availability & support - especially in the wake of Bowflex's recent restructuring
Best Bowflex Treadmills – Top 2 Under £1800
1, Bowflex BXT8Ji Folding Treadmill
Intelligent Training, Space-Saving Design - If treadmills did have personalities, the Bowflex BXT8Ji would be that nice personal trainer who's somehow both supportive and a little self-satisfied about their playlists. This one crams a lot into a space-saving frame, beginning with a 2.5 CHP motor that can reach 20 km/h (12 mph) and a decent 15% motorised incline. Translation: it will gladly handle everything from power walking to gasping hill sprints without sounding like a jet taking off.
Video Demo
Where it really shines, though, is with convenience combined with intelligence. The SoftDrop fold system makes storage simple, you can reduce the footprint by 40% and roll it out of the way without the usual uncomfortable furniture-wrestling routine. Meanwhile, compatibility with the JRNY app enables you to escape being stuck in the same dull "stare at the wall while you jog" drill. Instead, you can stream adaptive workouts, trainer classes, or even virtual scenic rides through the globe (yeah, Paris without flight delays).
The BXT8Ji also comes loaded with 26 pre-programmed workouts, four user profiles, and contact plus telemetry heart rate monitoring. Comfort Tech cushioning minimizes joint impact, while handy features like a USB charging port, media shelf, and bottle holder let your session continue uninterrupted.
In short, the BXT8Ji is ideal for those seeking value-packed features in a compact, home-handy footprint. It's reliable, smart, and comfortable, a treadmill that makes you actually want to keep going rather than figure out reasons you shouldn't.
2, Bowflex BFX T9 Folding Treadmill – High-End Under £1800
While the BXT8Ji is the friendly personal trainer, the Bowflex BFX T9 is the über hi-tech, hip-lookin' coach who shows up with the latest gear and runs a marathon before breakfast. This treadmill takes everything Bowflex has picked up from the mid-range machines and cranks the level up to deliver a richer, high-end experience, without crossing the £1800 budget threshold.
First, the basics: a 20 km/h top speed, 15% incline, and a generous running surface (152 x 56 cm) powered by a strong motor. It’s built for serious runners who need stability and room to stride, but still folds neatly away thanks to Bowflex’s storage system. At 128 kg, it’s a bit of a beast, but solid construction is part of its charm, you’re not going to shake this thing into submission.
Video Demo
The actual selling feature here is smart integration. Adaptive training plans, personalized coaching, and scenic Explore the World routes come with the JRNY app. The basics treadmills don't include this, however. The T9 is compatible with Kinomap, Zwift, Apple Watch, and Galaxy Watch and is thus a connected fitness center. Bluetooth speakers and dual cooling fans add to the "I'm in a proper gym" experience, while the quick-dial controls allow you to react in real-time during intervals or HIIT workouts.
Add in 30 incline levels, 14 display options, and wireless heart rate monitoring, and the T9 starts to look like a treadmill that's been future-proofed to adjust to shifting fitness goals. It's more expensive than the BXT8Ji, but the added cost bought better connectivity, additional training options, and slightly larger running space.
If you yearn for the full Bowflex experience at under £1800, the T9 is the winner. It's immersive, dynamic, and versatile, a treadmill designed for endurance runners and technology-enthusiast fitness enthusiasts alike.
Bowflex Treadmills Comparison Table
| Feature | Bowflex BXT8Ji Folding Treadmill | Bowflex BFX T9 Folding Treadmill |
|---|---|---|
| Price Guide | ~£1600 | ~£1700 |
| Motor Power | 2.5 CHP | 2.5 CHP |
| Max Speed | 20 km/h (12 mph) | 20 km/h (12 mph) |
| Incline | Up to 15% | Up to 15% |
| Cushioning | Comfort Tech cushioning | Premium deck cushioning |
| Weight | 115 kg | 128 kg |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 198.1 x 95.5 x 159.5cm | 196 x 94 x 171.6cm |
| Programmes | 26 built-in workouts | Adaptive + immersive training |
| App Compatibility | JRNY app | JRNY, Kinomap, Zwift |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, USB, media shelf | Bluetooth, Apple & Galaxy Watch |
| Fans | None | Dual cooling fans |
| Display | DualTrack LCD console, LED backlit | Advanced console, 14 display functions |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Contact + telemetry support | Contact grips + wireless |
| User Profiles | 4 user profiles | Unlimited (via apps) |
| Extra Features | Water bottle holder, transport wheels | MP3 connectivity, Explore World routes |
Final Verdict - Two Bowflex Beasts, One Confident Investment
For under-£1800 home treadmills, Bowflex doesn't just tick all the boxes, it makes the whole list, laminates it, and includes a water bottle to take on the journey. The Bowflex BXT8Ji and the Bowflex T9 offer the kind of power and capability that makes "gym membership" sound like something from history.
Workhorse Cardio
If you're looking for a treadmill with excellent build quality, solid warranties, a workhorse reputation, and motivating technology, you'll find either model to be a confident purchase. The BXT8Ji is the convenient, compact choice if you're looking for a clever, intelligent trainer for less. Meanwhile, the T9 leads the pack with its compelling tech and more advanced incline settings, which will be the pick of the bunch for runners who want the full "connected fitness" experience short of entering the £2,000+ arena.
Seal of Approval
In short, two excellent treadmills that we each give our seal of approval. Choose based on your budget, space, and how intensely you wish to engage with interactive training programs. Either way, you'll be getting a good, long-term investment in your fitness and health.
Feedback
Your turn - Which Bowflex treadmill would you want in your home gym? Let us know in the comments below, we'd love to hear which one gets your vote...
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