Bowflex is a versatile strength training system offering full-body resistance workouts with dumbbells and machines, while Peloton specializes in high-energy cardio through stationary bikes and treadmills with live/on-demand classes. Bowflex is better for muscle building; Peloton excels at cardio fitness and community engagement.
Bowflex vs Peloton — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Home strength training equipment brand offering adjustable dumbbells, resistance machines, and digital fitness apps.
Premium connected fitness platform offering stationary bikes, treadmills, and on-demand/live instructor-led cardio classes with community features.
Primary Workout Type. Equipment Footprint (sq ft). Monthly Subscription Cost. Live Class Offerings Per Week. Muscle Building Focus. Community Features. Equipment Initial Cost Range
Choose Bowflex if your primary goal is strength training, building muscle mass, or needing a compact, affordable home gym setup with flexible workout options. Choose Peloton if you're committed to cardio-focused fitness, value instructor-led motivation, live competitive classes, and prioritize the community aspect of group workouts.
Bowflex: 32 levels | Peloton: 100 levels
Bowflex: Not published | Peloton: 5.8 million
Bowflex: Limited/None | Peloton: $12.99-$44
Bowflex: -5% to 20% | Peloton: 0% to 15%
Bowflex: 3+ (bike, treadmill, strength) | Peloton: 2 (bike, treadmill)
Bowflex: Undisclosed | Peloton: $656.5 million
Bowflex: 15-50 (variable) | Peloton: 200+
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: Bike+ model only
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: Heart rate monitor
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: Cycling specialist
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: Standard coverage
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: 5.8 million members
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: 2.66 million subscribers
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: Live and on-demand
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: Limited studio-based
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: Basic recommendations
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: Instructor-curated playlists
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: Standard captions and adjustments
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: Fifth consecutive year of revenue decline
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: Very High - leaderboards, challenges, social features
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: Newer entrant - growing
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: 3 (bikes, rowers, treadmills)
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: 12 years (founded 2012)
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: No - manual adjustments
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: Yes - daily live classes
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: 90+ Peloton studios
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: 20+ (cycling, running, strength, yoga, cardio, meditation)
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: 23.8 inches (Bike Plus)
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: $1,445 (Bike Plus)
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: 33 months to match SoulCycle cost
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: 150+ weekly live cycling
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: $44/month (with bike) / $24/month (standalone)
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: $1,495-$2,445 (Bike or Treadmill)
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: 6 (Cycling, Running, Strength, Yoga, Stretching, Cardio)
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: Limited (no native watchOS app)
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: Proprietary Peloton hardware + optional iPad/phone
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: $1,495 (Bike) to $4,295 (Bike+ with accessories)
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: 150-200 estimated
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: 50+ (cycling-heavy)
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: 22 (Peloton Bike+)
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: Peloton bikes/treadmills only + app on iPhone/iPad
Bowflex: N/A | Peloton: Peloton Bike, Bike+, Tread, Tread+
How to choose between Bowflex and Peloton
Bowflex vs Peloton — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Bowflex vs Peloton. Contains 94 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Bowflex vs Peloton — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Bowflex vs Peloton.
Yes, Bowflex offers cardio options through their app with bodyweight and dumbbell cardio circuits, though they lack specialized cardio equipment like bikes or treadmills. Peloton's strength lies in dedicated, instructor-led cardio on premium connected equipment with real-time performance tracking.
Peloton's $1,495-$4,295 investment is justified if you're committed to regular cardio workouts (4+ sessions/week), value live instructor motivation, and want community competition. For casual users or budget-conscious buyers, Bowflex's lower entry cost ($99-$2,000) offers better ROI. Studies show Peloton users average 3.2 workouts/week, justifying the premium for engaged users.
Both can support weight loss, but differently: Peloton excels at sustained cardio calorie-burning (200-400 cal per 45-min class), while Bowflex builds muscle that increases resting metabolic rate. A combination of both (cardio + resistance training) is optimal for weight loss, so neither alone is superior—it depends on your preference for cardio vs. strength training.
Do I need a subscription with either system?
Bowflex equipment functions without a subscription (you can use dumbbells freely), though the app subscription ($14.99/month) unlocks guided classes. Peloton is subscription-dependent: basic hardware functions are limited without the $44/month membership. Bowflex offers more flexibility for subscription-free use.
Bowflex adjustable dumbbells have excellent durability records (8-10 year lifespan with proper care), and SelectTech systems are simple mechanical devices. Peloton bikes have faced durability concerns with electronic components, reported issues with touchscreen screens (2-3 year failure rates), and lack of long-term data. Bowflex equipment is generally more reliable long-term.
How to Choose Between Bowflex and Peloton
Primary Workout Type: Bowflex has Strength/Resistance Training, while Peloton has Cardio (Cycling & Running).
Equipment Footprint (sq ft): Bowflex has 4-8 sq ft (dumbbells/SelectTech), while Peloton has 7-10 sq ft (bike/treadmill).
Monthly Subscription Cost: Bowflex has $14.99-$19.99, while Peloton has $44/month (Peloton App+).
Live Class Offerings Per Week: Bowflex has 0-50 (varies by membership), while Peloton has 200+ live classes weekly.
Muscle Building Focus: Bowflex has Excellent (full resistance range), while Peloton has Minimal (cardio-only option).
Community Features: Bowflex has Basic (app leaderboards), while Peloton has Robust (real-time competition, clubs).
Equipment Initial Cost Range: Bowflex has $99-$2,000, while Peloton has $1,495-$4,295.