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NordicTrack Commercial 1750 vs Bowflex SelectTech 552: Which Should You Buy? (UK 2026)

Published 22 September 2026 • ⚙️ Home Gyms • Contains affiliate links
Five times the price, yet a lower rating — the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 at £1,999 scores 4.4/5 while the Bowflex SelectTech 552 at £399.99 scores 4.6/5, which raises a fair question about where your home-gym budget does the most work. These two products solve completely different fitness problems: one is a full-size smart treadmill with interactive coaching, the other replaces 15 pairs of dumbbells in a footprint smaller than a suitcase. This guide helps UK shoppers decide which belongs in their home first — or whether to budget for both.

⚙️ Products Compared

NordicTrack Commercial 1750

£1999.00
★ 4.4/5
Check Price ★

Bowflex SelectTech 552

£399.99
★ 4.6/5
Check Price ★

📊 Specs Comparison

FeatureNordicTrack Commercial 1750Bowflex SelectTech 552
Price£1,999.00£399.99
Rating4.4/54.6/5
Key Feature 1Smart folding treadmill with 14" HD touchscreen + iFit coachingAdjustable dumbbells — replaces 15 fixed pairs in one compact unit
Key Feature 222 km/h top speed; -3% decline to +15% incline range2–24kg in 15 settings; dial adjusts in under 10 seconds
Weight/CapacityMachine: 110kg; max user weight: 135kg24kg per dumbbell; 40 × 20 cm storage footprint
WarrantyLifetime frame, 10-yr motor, 2-yr parts & labour (register within 28 days)2 years on all parts

✓ NordicTrack Commercial 1750

  • ✓ 3.75 CHP motor with -3% decline to +15% incline delivers a training range wider than most commercial gym treadmills
  • ✓ 12 months iFit included (worth £349) with Netflix and Spotify streaming built into the HD touchscreen
  • ✓ Quiet Drive technology keeps motor noise minimal at normal running speeds — a real advantage in semi-detached houses
  • ✓ EasyLift Assist folding design collapses to 93 cm deep, reclaiming floor space when not in use
  • ❌ iFit subscription (£15/month individual or £39/month family) becomes a recurring cost after the free trial year — effectively mandatory to justify the screen
  • ❌ Widespread online reports of defective-on-arrival units and slow, unresponsive customer service make the buying experience a lottery

✓ Bowflex SelectTech 552

  • ✓ Replaces 15 pairs of dumbbells (2–24 kg) in a 40 cm footprint — the single best space-saving upgrade for any home gym
  • ✓ Weight changes in under 10 seconds via the intuitive dial mechanism — ideal for drop sets, supersets, and circuit training
  • ✓ Rated 4.6/5 and the best-selling adjustable dumbbell for over a decade — genuine long-term reliability backed by millions of buyers
  • ✓ No ongoing subscription fees — one purchase, permanent ownership, zero monthly commitment
  • ❌ Caps at 24 kg per dumbbell — intermediate to advanced lifters will outgrow them for heavy compound movements within 12–18 months
  • ❌ Heavy plastic construction throughout; dropping onto hard or rubber flooring from any height can crack the dial mechanism and void the warranty

📝 User Reviews

NordicTrack 1750 owners consistently praise the smooth belt, powerful motor, and depth of iFit workout content, but defective-on-arrival units and poor customer service are the two most repeated complaints. Bowflex 552 buyers overwhelmingly highlight the speed and ease of weight changes and space savings, with criticism focused on the 24 kg ceiling and the volume of plastic relative to the price.

🏆 Verdict

If your home-gym priority is cardiovascular fitness and you have at least 2 m² of clear floor space on the ground floor, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a genuinely gym-quality machine — budget for the iFit subscription upfront rather than treating it as optional. For strength training on a tighter budget, in a flat, or as the next addition to an existing cardio setup, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 at £399.99 is exceptional value: a full dumbbell rack in the corner of any room, no subscription, no noise, and a higher user rating than the machine that costs five times as much.

NordicTrack Commercial 1750 best for cardio-focused home gym owners, runners building to 10K or beyond, and households that want interactive coached treadmill workouts on a machine that genuinely replicates a commercial gym feel. Bowflex SelectTech 552 best for strength trainers, flat and small-space dwellers, and anyone building a versatile home gym on a budget who wants a full weight range without the clutter of a traditional rack.

❓ FAQs

Is the iFit subscription mandatory on the NordicTrack Commercial 1750?

Not technically — the treadmill runs without it and speed/incline can be controlled manually. But the 14" touchscreen exists primarily as an iFit display, so skipping the subscription after the free trial (£15/month individual, £39/month family) means paying £1,999 for hardware you're only half using.

Were the Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells recalled — is it safe to buy now?

Yes, in June 2025 Johnson Health Tech recalled the original 552 after reports of weight plates dislodging mid-use. The replacement is the Results Series 552, featuring a redesigned metal-tab plate-locking mechanism. UK stock available at the time of writing should be the updated version — look for 'Results Series' branding on the packaging before purchasing.

Can either product be used in a flat or upper-floor room?

The Bowflex 552s are flat-friendly: compact, adjustment-silent, and vibration-free during use. The NordicTrack 1750 weighs 110 kg, spans 2 m unfolded, and generates significant foot-strike impact — upper-floor installation risks structural stress and noise complaints from neighbours below, so ground-floor use is strongly recommended.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices accurate as of 22 September 2026.