ProForm vs. NordicTrack Treadmills | A Fitness Family Feud

Dimensions/Storability

Both brands’ treadmills have two front transportation wheels, so they can be moved when needed. The Incline Trainers are very heavy and shouldn’t be moved very often. All other treadmills from ProForm and NordicTrack have decks that fold up and must be tilted back to engage the wheels to move them.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

iFIT

iFIT is the training platform that can be streamed on ProForm and NordicTrack Treadmills. iFIT includes over 17,000 on-demand workout videos that feature over 180 instructors who guide you through each class, providing instruction and motivation. The classes are filmed in indoor studio settings where the camera points at the instructor.

Our team really enjoys the outdoor workouts.

These are filmed on literally every continent. Each outdoor class follows an instructor as they guide you up trails and through cities all around the world.

When taking an iFIT class or creating your own outdoor route, the treadmill automatically adjusts the speed and incline to match the workout format and the instructor’s cues. During outdoor workouts, the grade of the deck will adjust to match the terrain. You can bypass this feature, but it’s convenient to use.

iFIT provides two music options: Feed.FM radio or Spotify. The radio has multiple genre radio stations that update regularly with the latest hits. You can skip up to six songs per hour. The Spotify app allows you to log into your account and interact with the app like you might on a phone or tablet.

You can adjust the volume of the music by hearing more or less of the instructor’s voice and/or music.

The other apps available through iFIT are Netflix and Prime. You can access your membership and stream your shows and movies. You can even take an iFIT class at the same time. The two apps can display at the same time, with one taking up most of the screen and the other a small rectangle in the bottom right corner. This feature is called app-in-app.

The “Create” tab allows walkers and runners to create their own target or interval programs. I like using this feature in conjunction with the entertainment options for a fully custom training routine.

iFIT is optional and not required on each treadmill from ProForm and NordicTrack. Without a subscription, you can still access onboard workout programs, and there’s usually a featured iFIT workout video to stream. You just need a free iFIT account to do so. Without any iFIT account, you can access manual training only.

ProForm Vs. NordicTrack Consoles

NordicTrack and ProForm consoles have good functionality, and most have touchscreens. They do vary a bit from brand to brand, though.

ProForm Consoles

Some treadmills have touchscreens, while others have LCD screens. The touchscreen sizes range from 7″ up to 22″ in size for streaming iFIT directly on the screen. The treadmills with LCD screens allow you to stream iFIT from your device. There is a device rack to place your phone or tablet for this purpose.

ProForm consoles vary from treadmill to treadmill.

All consoles have quick-adjusting buttons that help adjust the speed and incline settings more swiftly. Most of the consoles have built-in speakers and fans, as well as cup holders to hold your water.

NordicTrack Consoles

NordicTrack consoles, on the other hand, all feature a touchscreen. The touchscreens range from 7″ to 24″, depending on the model. The touchscreens allow users to directly stream iFIT from the treadmill.

Some models have tilting and pivoting touchscreens that let you utilize iFIT training off the treadmill, too.

Most of the buttons are on the screen. All of NordicTrack’s Treadmills have built-in fans with multiple airflow settings.

All of the treadmills have speakers and two cup holders. No other storage options are available, except for the EXP Series of treadmills with a device rack ledge to place your phone or tablet for streaming content outside of iFIT.

Build Quality

NordicTrack Treadmills have a slightly more premium feel to the overall construction, being that the models are higher-end and higher in price than comparable models from ProForm. ProForm, however, doesn’t lack quality and still offers many features and construction similar to NordicTrack’s.

ProForm vs. NordicTrack Frames

Treadmills from both of these brands feature steel frames that are pretty streamlined and sturdy. All of ProForm’s Treadmills are foldable. All have decks that fold up and lock into the place.

NordicTrack offers folding and non-folding models. The folding treadmills have decks that fold and unfold with an assist. The high-end models don’t fold and are heavy. They require a designated space to use them. NordicTrack’s folding models are a little more space-saving.

ProForm’s Carbon series treadmills have 300-lb weight limits, while the Pro series treadmills have 350-lb weight limits. NordicTrack’s Incline and Commercial series treadmills have 400-lb weight limits, but the EXP series has a 300-lb weight limit.

ProForm vs. NordicTrack Motors

NordicTrack Treadmills generally have more powerful motor sizes, whereas ProForm treadmills vary a bit more in size. The premium Carbon Pro 9000 has a 3.6 HP motor, while the NordicTrack 1750, 2450, X16, and X24 treadmills have 4.25 CHP motors. The lowest-end EXP 10i has a 2.75 HP motor that’s best for walking and jogging.

ProForm’s Treadmills range from a max speed of 8 mph up to 12 mph, depending on the model.

ProForm’s models incline from 0-12% with a top speed of 12 mph. NordicTrack Treadmills’ speed maxes out between 10 to 14 mph. The EXP series has a 0 to 12% incline range. The Commercial series has a -3% to 12% incline range. Finally, the Incline series has a -6% to 40% incline range.

This is the highest incline we’ve seen on any home treadmill.

Some higher-end models also decline. The decline range offered is from -3% to -6%.

ProForm vs. NordicTrack Decks

NordicTrack Treadmills overall are larger than some of the models from ProForm. The Incline Trainers and Commercial Series has 22″ wide and 60″ long decks. All of these deck sizes support all running stride lengths.

The EXP Series has 20″ wide and 55″ long decks that are best for walking and jogging, although some users with shorter strides should be able to run, too.

ProForm’s decks are all 20” x 60″ long. The ProForm treadmill decks are very similar to each other across the board. 60″ is what we have found to be supportive and spacious enough for all stride lengths.

Even the more affordable Carbon Treadmills have 20″ wide and 60″ long decks.

The step-up heights are similar on most ProForm and NordicTrack Treadmills. Most of the decks are around 10″ high. However, the NordicTrack X24 and X16 have higher step-up heights of around 15″ high, so you want to be sure to factor in your ceiling height, especially for these treadmills to make sure you have head clearance.

Warranties

NordicTrack includes their standard warranty of 10 years for the frame, two years for parts, and one year for labor on all of their treadmills. ProForm includes a 10-year frame warranty and 1-2 years for parts and labor, depending on the treadmill. These warranties are standard and in the middle of the pack compared to what other brands offer.

Should You Buy The ProForm or NordicTrack?

ProForm and NordicTrack include a wide range of high-tech treadmills. Both brands offer streaming from iFIT for guided workouts led by instructors. iFIT offers indoor and outdoor-filmed workout classes with a subscription. iFIT also includes features like SmartAdjust, where each treadmill adjusts its speed and incline for hands-free training.

NordicTrack Treadmills overall are a bit higher in price than ProForm Treadmills. NordicTrack has non-folding models that incline up to 40% and decline to -6%, as well as folding models that offer great deck cushioning and training features.

ProForm’s Treadmills are a bit more budget-friendly with folding decks. The lowest-end model is the most compact and folds flat for better storage. For premium features and construction, NordicTrack is the way to go, but if you’re looking to save on a high-tech treadmill, ProForm has some nice models.

ProForm vs. NordicTrack Q&A / FAQ

Which brand is better, ProForm or NordicTrack?

ProForm has almost all of NordicTrack’s features at a lower price. NordicTrack has better cushioning than ProForm. NordicTrack’s incline treadmills also have unmatched incline ranges from -6% to 40%.

Is NordicTrack owned by ProForm?

iFIT owns NordicTrack and ProForm.

What treadmill is equivalent to NordicTrack?

ProForm has similar features to NordicTrack. Other options include Peloton, Horizon, and Sole.

What is the life expectancy of a ProForm treadmill?

I have used a secondhand ProForm treadmill that was over ten years old, but your experience may vary. To increase your treadmill’s life expectancy, follow the maintenance prescribed in the user’s manual.