Bowflex
Bowflex Max Trainer M9
$1999
Best Ellipticals · head-to-head
Bowflex Max Trainer M9 vs Horizon EX-59
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Horizon EX-59 is cheaper at $799. Every spec and price links to its source.
Horizon Fitness
Horizon EX-59
$799Cheaper
Which is better: the Bowflex Max Trainer M9 or Horizon EX-59?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Horizon EX-59 is the cheaper at $799.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices verified at capture; live price may differ.
Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Bowflex Max Trainer M9 | Horizon EX-59 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $1999 | $799 |
| Brand | Bowflex | Horizon Fitness |
| Released | — | — |
| Type | center_drive | front_drive |
| Stride length (in) | — | 18 in |
| Resistance levels | 20 | 10 |
| Power incline | No | No |
| Max user weight (lb) | 300 | 300 |
| Flywheel (lb) | — | 14.3 |
| Built in programs | 4 | 5 |
Sources — Bowflex Max Trainer M9: bowflex.com (verified 2026-06-19). Horizon EX-59: horizonfitness.com (verified 2026-06-19).
What's the difference between the Bowflex Max Trainer M9 and Horizon EX-59?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (3 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- Type: Bowflex Max Trainer M9 center_drive vs Horizon EX-59 front_drive
- Resistance levels: Bowflex Max Trainer M9 20 vs Horizon EX-59 10
- Built in programs: Bowflex Max Trainer M9 4 vs Horizon EX-59 5
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Bowflex Max Trainer M9
Only one whitelisted tester covers the exact Bowflex Max Trainer M9: Garage Gym Reviews (Stacey L. Nash, CPT, 2026). It calls the M9 solid hardware undermined by software, praising the multi-service streaming, the included 1-year JRNY membership and heart-rate armband, and its compact low-impact footprint, while flagging mid-workout console crashes, a dial-style resistance knob, a shorter-than-competitor warranty and a forced sign-in every time. No independent hands-on measurements were captured on the page. (1 sourced review.)
Praised: Streams Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+ and HBOmax directly on the 10-inch touchscreen; Free 1-year JRNY membership and heart-rate armband included in the box; Compact, low-impact calorie-burner that does not dominate the workout space.
Flagged: Users report the console crashing mid-workout; Dial-style resistance adjustment instead of buttons or touchscreen; Shorter warranty than competitors, and must sign in every time.
Horizon EX-59
Two whitelisted outlets, Garage Gym Reviews and BarBend, both hands-on tested the Horizon EX-59 and agree it is a stable, no-frills budget elliptical that punches above its price. Both flag its light 14.3-pound flywheel, the missing flywheel warranty, and its basic no-touchscreen LCD tech. Both reviews are qualitative — neither reports lab-measured values. (2 sourced reviews, 2 lab-tested.)
Praised: Stable, locked-down feel that is surprising at a budget price; Strong value for a sub-$1,000 machine; 18-inch stride length meets the industry standard.
Flagged: Light 14.3-pound flywheel, below the ~16 lb testers prefer; No warranty coverage on the flywheel; Basic LCD, no touchscreen and limited tech features.