NordicTrack 1750 vs. Sole F85 | What Do Experts Prefer?

Dimensions/Storability

The NordicTrack 1750 is 78.5″ long, 35.6″ wide, and 64.7″ high. The Sole F85 is a little bigger at 82.5″ long, 38″ wide, and 66″ high.

An appealing aspect of the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 and the Sole F85 is that they fold up. The decks fold up and lock into place, saving floor space. Folding the 1750 is a little easier than lifting the F85; however, the lift assist in both decks makes folding them convenient for most people. All you have to do is lift the back end of each deck and push it up toward each console.

The lift assist is also convenient for unfolding the decks. Once unlocked, each treadmill deck will slowly lower to the floor on its own.

To unfold the 1750, press your foot against the vertical metal bar at the bottom of the deck.

The F85 has a yellow handle at the top of the deck to pull for unfolding.

When they’re folded, you can move them. Even though the F85 is slightly larger and heavier, it’s easier to move because it has four transportation wheels rather than 2, like the 1750. This means that you can just push the F85 around rather than having to tip it back when folded, which is required to move the NordicTrack 1750.

It’s important to factor in enough floor space and ceiling height for both treadmills. We recommend having enough space for the dimensions, plus a few extra feet surrounding either treadmill. If you’re a 6-foot-tall runner, you’ll also want to have at least an 8.4″ tall ceiling to have plenty of head clearance for both treadmills.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

Diving right into the main aspect of where these treadmills differ is the content. NordicTrack includes one of the best subscription training content platforms, while Sole offers free workouts and includes third-party apps for additional entertainment.

Sole F85 Content

Starting with the Sole F85, the content offered isn’t only free, but it includes more variety. There are several trainer-led workout videos, as well as other standard workout programs and fitness tests. The workout videos feature an instructor who guides you through the workout on a treadmill or on a mat if you want to follow up your run with some strength training or stretching.

These workouts aren’t quite to the same level as Peloton or iFIT, but they’re free. So, if paying a subscription fee for workouts isn’t your thing, you might want to consider the Sole.

There are also included workout programs. These are standard, kind of like what you’d find on commercial treadmills at the gym. There are fitness tests, as well as the ability to customize the treadmill’s workout settings.

A big plus to the Sole F85 is the 12 preloaded streaming apps. These include Netflix, Hulu, Max, YouTube, Spotify, Peacock, Disney+, Prime Video, CNN, ESPN, Audible, and Kinomap.

All you need to do is log into your account for each app to stream directly from the F85’s touch screen.

If all of this isn’t enough, you can also screen mirror content from your phone to F85’s touch screen. Essentially, you can watch whatever you want on the F85.

NordicTrack 1750 iFIT Content

Being from NordicTrack, the 1750 offers iFIT. iFIT is a subscription streaming service with thousands of trainer-led workouts for $39 per month. Its library is so vast that iFIT is considered one of the most popular and best fitness platforms, rivaling the ever-popular Peloton. iFIT features indoor-filmed workouts, but where it shines is the outdoor-filmed workouts.

There are workouts led by instructors filmed on every continent.

From Italy to Chile, you can find walking, jogging, hiking, HIIT, and running workouts in areas all over the world. The camera follows the trainer as they guide you through cities, up mountains, and across beaches.

If you want to create your own workouts and not follow a trainer, there is a manual mode and the Google Map feature. The Google Map feature lets you create your own routes. You can draw your route on a Google Map, and then, during the workout, Google Images pops up to show you the area.

Something to consider is that streaming from Netflix or other streaming services isn’t available on the 1750. Without a subscription to iFIT, you can use the manual mode and a featured iFIT workout.

Sole F85 vs. NordicTrack 1750 Console

Both treadmills feature touch screens to access all of the content and adjust the speed and incline levels. As far as their designs and console features go, these treadmills are fairly similar.

Here’s a breakdown of each.

Sole F85 Console

The Sole F85 has a 15.6″ touch screen. It’s a good size for streaming workouts and shows on Netflix. One aspect to keep in mind is that the screen isn’t adjustable. You can’t tilt it forward and back or pivot it to either side. This makes it a little harder to reach while running. I recommend having your workout and/or streaming app cued up before you start your workout on the F85.

The console comes with numbered adjustment buttons on both sides of the touch screen.

These allow you to jump from specific speeds and inclines with a press of a button. The speed levels are on the right, and the incline/decline are on the left. The increments skip some levels, though, so you’ll need to use the switch buttons on the front handle to get to certain speeds and grades. These adjust to specific increments.

The F85’s console is streamlined, but it includes everything you need. The front-facing speakers offer a nice volume range for listening to the included content or your own. The content plays on the treadmill’s screen and through the speakers when screen mirroring.

The fans are nice to have, but the air output projects to either side of the treadmill rather than at you. If you want to cool off, you’ll need to use a separate fan.

There are two cup holders and two smaller compartments for items like earbuds. The device rack above the screen is adjustable to hold your phone or larger tablet if you want to watch something directly from your device. There’s also a wireless charging port. This is convenient for compatible devices because you can charge while you use the F85. The port also works as a place to put your phone.

NordicTrack 1750 Console

The NordicTrack 1750‘s console has similar features. The 14″ touch screen is similar in size. This isn’t the largest screen, but it’s clear and easy to see and use. It is also very adjustable. The entire console tilts forward and backward and pivots from side to side.

This way, if you want to follow up your iFIT workout with an iFIT yoga session or strength workout, you can turn the screen and follow along from off of the treadmill.

The 1750 has numbered adjustment buttons surrounding the screen. I prefer these because they include all of the main speed and incline/decline levels. To adjust the 1750 to specific increments, there are adjustment buttons below the screen on the console, too.

With a subscription to iFIT, the 1750 has an Auto-Adjust feature that adjusts the speed based on your intensity from previous workouts and the grade based on the class’s terrain. For instance, if you are hiking up a mountain, the 1750 will incline to match. You can also adjust the 1750 on your own whenever you want to.

The speaker isn’t Bluetooth-compatible for connecting your device, but you can pair it with Bluetooth headphones. This is possible with the F85, too. The speaker offers a great range of volume and is clear for streaming iFIT workouts. The fan is also well-powered and has 3 settings for airflow.

The 1750 has two cup holders for your water, but that is it for storage. There isn’t a place to hold your phone or tablet to stream outside content. If you want to stream a movie or TV show, we recommend placing the 1750 in front of your TV.

Build Quality

For good reason, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 and Sole F85 are two of the most popular treadmills on the market. Content aside, both are stable, functional, and quiet. Our testing found them to be two of the best we recommend to most people. They differ slightly, starting with the weight limits. The F85 has a 375-lb weight limit, and the 1750 has a 400-lb limit.

Sole F85 Vs. NordicTrack 1750 Frame

The NordicTrack 1750 and Sole F85 have similar designs. They feature steel frames at the base and steel uprights that extend up to hold the console and handles in place. Neither treadmill really shakes while running, and both feel stable to use, whether you’re just walking or running.

I like the handles on both treadmills. The side handles are well within reach, and the front of each treadmill features a horizontal handle that you can grab for extra balance when needed. The 1750’s are slimmer, so I can wrap my hands around it, but the F85’s work just fine, too.

Sole F85 Vs. NordicTrack 1750 Motor

Even though the motor sizes vary slightly, both treadmills are designed for heavy use. When testing both, they handle long-distance training, so if you want to train for an event like a marathon, go right ahead on the F85 and 1750.

The NordicTrack 1750 has a 3.5 HP motor.

The Sole F85 has a 4.0 HP motor.

Both have a fairly low noise output. When measuring their sound output at 3, 6, and 9 mph, the F85 is slightly quieter, but not by much. Both treadmills are appropriate for most home spaces and are non-disruptive for most home settings.

Both treadmills have a max speed of 12 mph, which equates to a 5-minute mile running pace, so most people will have plenty of speed to work with. Both also offer incline and decline. The 1750 has a 12% incline and a -3% decline, while the F85 offers 15 levels of incline and six levels of decline. When measured, both treadmills’ actual incline goes up to a 12.6% grade.

The F85 offers a steeper decline, but both include enough of a grade for downhill training. The 1750 measures about -1% at its max, and the F85 measures about -5%.

Regarding adjusting the speed and grade, the NordicTrack 1750 adjusts faster than the Sole F85. The 1750 takes around 23 seconds to adjust from 1 to 12 mph. The F85 takes around 41 seconds in comparison. For interval training, the 1750 is the better option.

Sole F85 Vs. NordicTrack 1750 Deck

Another aspect where these treadmills differ is the deck. Both have 60″ long decks, which accommodate all running strides. We’ve found this length to be optimal for most.

The F85 has a 22″ wide deck versus the 20″ wide deck on the 1750.

In terms of size and weight, the F85 is slightly heavier and larger than the 1750, so if you have limited space in your home, consider this.

Even though it is 2″ narrower, we don’t find the 1750’s deck to be constricting or limiting at all for running.

Even though the deck sizes vary slightly, the cushioning is the big aspect where they differ. Treadmill deck cushioning is the amount of shock absorption, when each foot lands while running. This can be felt underfoot when using the treadmill. From a brand standpoint, NordicTrack has some of the softest cushioning, while Sole has some of the firmest.

We recommend the NordicTrack 1750 to most people, especially those with joint discomfort and sensitivity while jogging and running. The Sole F85 feels more similar to running outside on the road. This treadmill is ideal for road runners and those who want to simulate the experience of running outside.

Warranty

Sole’s warranty is impressive. With the purchase of the Sole F85, the brand includes a lifetime frame and motor warranty. NordicTrack offers good coverage with the 1750 as far as the 10-year frame warranty; however, we appreciate Sole’s. Both brands back up the construction to help instill confidence.

Should You Buy The NordicTrack 1750 or Sole F85?

The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 and Sole F85 are folding treadmills for walking, jogging, and running. They have powerful motors designed for home use. We consider both two of the best treadmills on the market because they’re quiet, functional, and, frankly, fun to use. What sets them apart is their workout programming and deck cushioning.

The NordicTrack 1750 comes enabled with iFIT. iFIT is a subscription streaming platform with thousands of trainer-led workouts filmed in studios and locations all over the world. iFIT requires a monthly fee but is worth it if you want structured training, access to features like Google Maps to create your own workouts, and hands-free adjusting of the treadmill as you run.

The Sole F85 includes all its screen content and features without an additional fee. The workout videos feature an instructor in a studio environment. These aren’t quite at the same quality as iFIT, but there’s also streaming from apps like Netflix and screen mirroring from your device included. Netflix streaming isn’t possible on the 1750’s screen.

Content aside, running on each treadmill differs. The Sole F85 has firm deck cushioning that resembles road running. The NordicTrack 1750 feels much softer to run on, in comparison. The latter is best if you have joint issues, but outdoor runners and those training for a race might prefer the F85.

NordicTrack 1750 vs. Sole F85 Q&A / FAQ

What is better, Sole or NordicTrack?

NordicTrack is better for walkers and runners who want a cushioned treadmill deck and premium training classes. Sole treadmills are better for exercisers who do not want to pay for an additional subscription and want more content options on the built-in treadmill screen.

Is the Sole F85 worth it?

The Sole F85 is worth it for users who want a spacious home treadmill with built-in third-party streaming and entertainment apps. We like it for screen mirroring Zwift and Peloton. The Sole F85 is not a good choice for exercisers who want soft deck cushioning.

Does the Sole F85 decline?

The Sole F85 has six levels of decline, reaching about -5% grade.

Can you stream entertainment on the NordicTrack 1750?

Yes, you can stream Netflix and Amazon Prime Video on the NordicTrack 1750 if you have been accepted into the beta-testing program. Hopefully, streaming will be available on all iFIT touchscreens soon.