Bowflex Max M6 vs M9 – How Do They Compare?
Trying to decide between the Bowflex Max M6 vs M9 Trainers?
Wondering how they’re different – and which is best for you?
The Bowflex Max M6 has been around for a few years now – a testament to it’s popularity. It’s currently the most affordable model in the Max Trainer lineup.
The Bowflex M9 is newer with a few more upgraded features.
Both Max Trainers give you the key benefits of the Bowflex Max – faster calorie burn in less time. They both give you the stair-stepping motion with the upper body elliptical training arms that Max Trainers are known for.
They also both give you the more compact footprint (vs standard elliptical trainers) that make them great machines for smaller workout areas.
So what are the main differences between them? And which is best for you?
This post will show you the key differences between the Bowflex Max M6 vs M9 Trainers to help you make a more informed decision.
Bowflex Max M6 vs M9: Price
As of this writing, the M6 Max trainer is the more affordable version of the two – coming in around $1499 with Free Shipping here.
The Bowflex M9 trainer is a higher-end model with a few more perks. It comes in around $1999 with Free Shipping here.
So from a budget perspective, the M6 model has the advantage. What do you get for the extra money with the M9 model? Let’s find out.
Bowflex Max Trainer M6 vs M9: Console
The console is where you see one of the largest differences between these two trainers.
The M6 console is much simpler with a small, dual-color, backlit display:
The Max Trainer M9 upgrades to a much larger, full-color, HD, touch-screen console as seen below:
With the M9, you can connect to Bowflex JRNY (their online streaming service) and run trails all over the world, watching the scenery through the console window.
You can also stream on-demand workout classes. Plus, for entertainment you can connect through JRNY to your Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime or Disney Plus account and watch your favorite shows as you workout.
This is obviously very popular and huge upgrade, entertainment-wise, over the M6 model.
On the other hand, the M6 does have a media shelf where you can put your tablet.
You can connect to Bowflex JRNY and stream programs (or just go online with your tablet and watch shows that way). So there is a bit of a workaround on the M6 console.
But overall, the console on the M9 is obviously much more impressive than the M6 Max trainer.
Bowflex Max M6 or M9? Resistance
The Bowflex Max trainer M6 comes with 16 resistance levels – which is pretty good. But the M9 goes slightly better with 20 resistance levels.
So you have a bit more room to grow with the M9 trainer.
Plus there’s a difference in how you set the resistance between the Bowflex M6 and M9 trainers.
On the M6, you change resistance using the button controls on the console.
On the M9 you turn the illuminated dial in front of the console. This makes it easier if you want to change your resistance quickly (like with HIIT workouts, for example).
Bowflex JRNY Differences
Bowflex JRNY is Bowflex’s online streaming and tracking service. You connect through the console on the M9 model and from there you can do all sorts of fun things.
You can stream a new fitness class to your machine every day. You can run trails all over the world and watch the scenery pass you by in the screen for some virtual reality-style fun.
You can also connect with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon or Disney plus and watch shows as you run.
With the M6 model, you can still get JRNY – but you have to get the subscription through your tablet and watch it that way.
Here’s the thing most people don’t realize however.
In order to use the M9 you have to have a JRNY membership. There’s a paid membership (with all of the benefits listed above) and a free membership (with limited options).
But in order to use the machine you have to login with JRNY – the free or paid version. This means that if you can’t login to JRNY (because your internet is limited or down, for example), you can’t use the machine.
However, you don’t need to do this with the M6 model. So if internet is limited (or down) in your area, the best Max Trainer here would be the M6 model.
If you don’t have any issues with the internet in your workout area – and you want to be able to watch shows or take classes from your machine, then the M9 model would be best.
Bowflex Max M9 vs M6: User Profiles
The Max Trainer M6 gives you 2 user profiles. This means it can store and retrieve the information for up to 2 different users. This is handy as you don’t have to re-enter all of your information every time you go to workout.
The Max Trainer M9 gives you unlimited user profiles. So if you have more than 2 users in your home who want to track their results, this would be a better option.
Heart Rate Tracking Differences
The Bowflex M6 comes with EKG hand grip sensors to track your heart rate. The Bowflex M9 also comes with EKG grip sensors – but you can also use a wireless chest strap to monitor your heart rate that way.
Many people prefer a wireless monitor as it tends to be more accurate (and it frees up your hands so you can work your upper body.)
Bottom Line?
So what’s the bottom line when comparing the Bowflex Max M6 vs M9 trainers?
Each one has it’s benefits.
The M6 comes in at a more affordable price. And because of the JRNY differences, if internet is limited in your home, you can still use it to train.
The M9 has a much more impressive console – full-color, HD and touch-screen. You can stream your favorite shows, take fitness classes or travel all over the world with JRNY. So you open up a whole new level of entertainment options with this trainer.
Plus it also gives you unlimited user profiles and better heart rate tracking options.
So it really comes down to what you’re looking for at the end of the day.
Want to learn more? Check out the links below:
Click for a Special Offer on the Bowflex M9
Click for Free Shipping on the Bowflex M6
Related:
Proform H14 HIIT Trainer Review – A Good Buy For You?
Bowflex Max M9 Review – How Does It Rate?
