NordicTrack Ultra 3 Treadmill Review 2025: High-End Training

Dimensions/Storability

I hope you aren’t planning to move the Ultra 3 around a lot because it’s not really designed for it. This is a very heavy, non-folding treadmill. It needs a dedicated, ideally permanent, place to live. At 78.5” long x 35” W x 64.7” H and 747 lbs (as shipped), this treadmill is best for walkers and runners who have a home gym.

To calculate the ceiling height needed for this treadmill, I look at the step-up height and incline range of the treadmill. The Ultra 3 has a 9” step-up height to the deck. The incline range reaches a maximum of 15%, meaning at its highest point, the deck is 18” high or less. I like to add another 6” to ensure runners have room for any vertical movement and comfort.

Thus, the NordicTrack Ultra 3 Treadmill needs a ceiling height 24” or 2’ taller than the tallest user planning to use the treadmill. So, if you are 6’ tall, you need an 8’ ceiling. When I get the Ultra 3 in for testing, I’ll take a measurement of the deck height when inclined to get a more accurate number. Typically, my estimates overshoot the required ceiling height—better safe than sorry.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

The onboard offerings for the Ultra 3 are limited. You need a free iFIT account and Wi-Fi to access most of the training content. This free account gets you access to the manual training mode, a few structured workouts, and a featured iFIT class. However, what iFIT offers for free could change, and we’ve seen it change over the past couple of years a lot.

While a membership to iFIT isn’t mandatory, I strongly recommend it with this treadmill. The two work together to create the high-end experience. iFIT offers thousands of workouts, led by over a hundred different coaches. There are workouts for every fitness level, ensuring everyone can find classes suitable for their training and preferences.

iFIT classes explore real-world trails and routes. When your iFIT coach runs uphill, your treadmill incline will adjust, allowing you to join them on every climb. The speed will also adjust based on the class’s structure. Over time, iFIT learns your fitness capacity, tailoring the speed to you.

If you want a personalized workout even faster, pair a Bluetooth heart rate monitor. The treadmill speed will adjust to keep you in the appropriate heart rate zone for that segment of class. It’s my favorite way to train because it ensures the classes are not too hard or too easy for my current fitness level.

For ongoing training, iFIT provides two types of guidance. Many of the classes are organized into series so that you can join one, and the next time you hop onto the treadmill, it will recommend the next class in the series. You can also opt into the AI Coach, which will chat with you via text, learn your training goals, and schedule classes to help you reach that goal.

iFIT classes aren’t the only option on the Ultra 3. There are also apps you can use to switch up your training.

The Google Maps integration lets you draw a route anywhere in the world. The treadmill’s incline automatically adjusts to replicate the real-world terrain, while the screen shows you a Street View of the route. You can also switch the view to an overview of the route (map or satellite).

Ergatta Races is another training app you can download on the Ultra 3 (through iFIT). In this app, you race against other iFIT members’ past performances. There are several different routes to choose from, and some are geared towards walking instead of running. A leaderboard shows in the top left corner to keep the vibe competitive but fun.

In addition to training apps, iFIT also offers entertainment. Netflix, Prime Video, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, Pluto TV, and iHeartRadio are all available on iFIT with an active membership, but you will need your own login (and maybe subscription) to each of these services. You can train with iFIT while watching a TV show or movie. The treadmill speed and incline will automatically adjust.

Console

The screen is 24”, creating a wide and clear window into iFIT’s outdoor classes. The screen tilts and pivots side to side for on- and off-treadmill viewing. I’m really impressed with the screen quality NordicTrack has been able to deliver in their latest treadmills and other cardio equipment.

Here’s a look at iFIT with all the metrics and widgets overlaying the class view from the NordicTrack 2450’s 24” touchscreen.

Breaking from the normal layout of a NordicTack console, the speakers and fans are located inside the uprights. This change keeps the console looking sleek and modern. There are four speakers for a more immersive audio experience.

I expect the fans to be more powerful and to cover more area than the typical NordicTrack fan. The fans have an automatic feature that allows them to adjust their speed to your training intensity. Instead of having to change the fan speed manually (though you can), the fan speeds up as the workout intensifies.

The NordicTrack Ultra 3 Treadmill uses Bluetooth technology to let you pair headphones or a heart rate monitor to the console. With Bluetooth audio, you can adjust the trainer and entertainment volume just like you can with the speakers. As for the heart rate monitor, most monitors pair. Apple Watches are supposed to connect to iFIT, too, but I have not verified this.

For storage, the NordicTrack Ultra 3 has a wireless charger that can hold your phone. There’s a small storage compartment and a cup holder. I like the minimalist but functional approach to treadmill storage.

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Build Quality

The NordicTrack Ultra 3 Treadmill is a high-end treadmill, and I think most shoppers will be impressed by its build quality above all else. However, I was surprised that the Ultra 3 does not have a commercial-grade build like the Ultra 1. While there is a mixture of residential and commercial-grade equipment at this price, I’m a bit surprised that the Ultra 3 does not meet commercial standards.

If you are looking for a treadmill for your home, a commercial-grade build may not be as important to you, especially since the Ultra 3 is about half the price of the Ultra 1.

Frame

We’ve seen Z-shaped frames; now, NordicTrack wants us to meet the V-shaped frame. The Ultra 3’s triangular uprights are designed for stability and performance. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that it looks really nice, too.

The wooden panel embedded in the uprights elevates the Ultra 3’s steel and plastic construction. It’s just a hint of wood, but I think it makes a huge difference.

Like the Ultra 1 and NordicTrack’s other treadmills, the Ultra 3 has a 400-lb weight capacity. This weight capacity is great. I’m really happy to see that many treadmills are moving beyond the 300-lb standard of years gone by.

The Ultra 3 has substantial treadmill arms and footrails, ensuring that you feel supported and stable while using it.

Motor

We typically look for a 3.0 HP motor for a running treadmill and a 4.0 HP motor for a treadmill designed for marathon runners or households with multiple dedicated users. The Ultra 3 (and the Ultra 1) surprised me with a 3.0 CHP DC motor.

There is a lifetime warranty on the Ultra 3’s motor, and we think it’s sufficient for heavy use. Treadmill brands share so little information about the quality of their motors and use recommendations. We are moving away from categorizing treadmills by horsepower, but it’s hard to find another way to designate the different treadmill categories.

I haven’t been able to test the NordicTrack Ultra 3 for myself, so I don’t have the inside scoop on the motor’s noise level or responsiveness. I will update this review with all the details once I’ve tested it.

Something I can review is the speed and incline range. With a top speed of 15 mph, the Ultra 3 is one of the fastest residential treadmills on the market. I’m an expert treadmill reviewer, and aside from manual treadmills, I can’t think of a residential treadmill with a faster top speed.

As for the incline range, it spans from -3% to 15%. I’m not as impressed with this range as I am with the NordicTrack X24 -6% to 40% incline range, but it’s still superior to most treadmills you will find on the market. In particular, I love the decline element. iFIT wants you to feel like you are truly on the trail with the iFIT coach, and the ability to go downhill and uphill really helps.

Deck

NordicTrack ranks at the very top for cushioning for me. I haven’t run on the Ultra 3 Treadmill myself, but I expect a soft underfoot experience. I think the deck cushioning is going to appeal a lot to runners and walkers who want to lessen the impact on their joints.

The running surface is 22” wide by 60” long. This size is sufficient, even for reaching the 15 mph top speed. From the looks of it, the Ultra 3 has a long but low-profile motor hood. When I get to test the Ultra 3, one of the first things I’ll investigate is whether you’re likely to hit the motor hood or not.

Warranty

You get a lifetime warranty on the Ultra 3’s motor. Additional details on the warranty are not readily available. Usually, NordicTrack machines have a 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor and tablet warranty. I’m assuming the Ultra 3 has that same warranty, in addition to the lifetime motor warranty. I wish more was covered by a lifetime warranty (frame or deck), but it’s not a bad warranty by any means.

Should You Buy the NordicTrack Ultra 3

The NordicTrack Ultra 3 Treadmill is a high-end treadmill with features that make me excited to run. The soft cushioning and beautiful design are so inviting, and since this is a large, non-folding treadmill, it’s hard to overlook. I was particularly drawn to the wood detail on the treadmill uprights.

As an iFIT-compatible treadmill, you’ll need a membership to iFIT to unlock its training and entertainment features. With iFIT, you get thousands of workout videos that adjust the speed and incline automatically. Over time, iFIT will even learn your fitness level and tailor the classes accordingly. I love that you can pair a heart rate monitor for tailored adjustments right away.

Since the Ultra 3 is an expensive, heavy, non-folding treadmill that requires a lot of space, it’s best suited for dedicated runners. Ideally, you probably have a home gym. It’s an awesome treadmill that might just be worth your investment.

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NordicTrack Ultra 3 Treadmill Q&A / FAQ

What is the lifespan of a NordicTrack treadmill?

We expect a NordicTrack treadmill like the Ultra 3 to last 10 years or longer. However, your treadmill will require additional maintenance during this timeframe, such as lubricating the treadmill deck and cleaning it. The lifespan of a treadmill will depend on a variety of factors: use level, maintenance, and storage location.

Do NordicTrack treadmills need maintenance?

Yes, NordicTrack treadmills require maintenance. Most treadmills require regular lubrication beneath the belt on the treadmill deck. You may also need to tighten bolts, wipe down the exposed surfaces, and vacuum out the motor hood. It’s not uncommon to need to replace a worn-out deck or belt if you use your treadmill a lot.

Do you have to have iFIT to use the NordicTrack Ultra 3?

I recommend iFIT for the NordicTrack Ultra 3. While the treadmill is usable without an iFIT membership, its features are very limited. You need a free iFIT account to use the manual mode.

Can you watch Netflix on the NordicTrack Ultra 3 Treadmill?

Yes, you can watch Netflix on the Ultra 3 Treadmill if you have an active iFIT membership. You will also need your own subscription to Netflix. Other apps available on the Ultra 3 include Amazon Prime, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, Pluto TV, and iHeartRadio.

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