Best Ellipticals · head-to-head

NordicTrack AirGlide 14i vs Bowflex Max Trainer M9

A sourced, side-by-side comparison. NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is cheaper at $1799. Every spec and price links to its source.

Which is better: the NordicTrack AirGlide 14i or Bowflex Max Trainer M9?

On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is the cheaper at $1799.

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 NordicTrack AirGlide 14i Bowflex Max Trainer M9
US price $1799 $1999
BrandNordicTrackBowflex
Released2023
Type front_drive center_drive
Stride length (in) 17.8-18.5 in (auto-adjustable)
Resistance levels 26 20
Power incline Yes No
Max user weight (lb) 300 300
Flywheel (lb) 32
Built in programs 4

Sources — NordicTrack AirGlide 14i: barbend.com (verified 2026-06-19). Bowflex Max Trainer M9: bowflex.com (verified 2026-06-19).

What's the difference between the NordicTrack AirGlide 14i and Bowflex Max Trainer M9?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (3 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.

  • Type: NordicTrack AirGlide 14i front_drive vs Bowflex Max Trainer M9 center_drive
  • Resistance levels: NordicTrack AirGlide 14i 26 vs Bowflex Max Trainer M9 20
  • Power incline: NordicTrack AirGlide 14i true vs Bowflex Max Trainer M9 false

What reviewers say

Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.

NordicTrack AirGlide 14i

Only one whitelisted tester (BarBend) published a genuine hands-on review of this exact elliptical; no RTINGS-style lab data exists. BarBend's certified trainer praised its stable 32-pound-flywheel ride, cushioned pedals with three angle adjustments, and automatic iFIT SmartAdjust, but flagged a loud incline motor, the mandatory $39/month iFIT-only subscription, and no media shelf. No instrument measurements were taken. (1 sourced review.)

Praised: Stable, non-wobbling ride attributed to the 32-pound flywheel; Oversized cushioned pedals with three angle adjustments help prevent foot numbness; Automatic iFIT SmartAdjust controls resistance and incline for an immersive workout.

Flagged: Incline motor is audibly loud during adjustments; Requires a $39/month iFIT subscription for full functionality; screen is iFIT-only; No media shelf and limited storage for phone/tablet.

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.

← All ellipticals compared · Open data