One thing to know about ProForm and NordicTrack is that these two treadmill brands are owned by the same parent company: iFit. This means that as far as training content and tech features, treadmills from these two brands offer the same. NordicTrack and ProForm both include the option to stream iFit content. iFit has a significant library of instructor-led workout classes – a whopping 17,000 and counting. The classes are filmed indoors and outdoors in areas all over the world. In addition to the training content, NordicTrack and ProForm feature high-quality treadmills with nice features. These brands do vary in the models they each offer as well as the price points their treadmills fall under. In this comparison of ProForm vs NordicTrack Treadmills, I’ll go over everything you need to know about these two popular brands.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our team has been testing and using treadmills from ProForm and NordicTrack for years. We’ve reviewed pretty much every model from both brands as well as multiple previous models throughout the years. It is from our personal experience testing treadmills from these brands that we’re able to create this comparison for you. Our goal is to help you make informed buying decisions so you can find the best treadmill manufacturer and model for you.
Pros & Cons of ProForm Treadmills
- All of the treadmills offer good tech features at a lower price point than other brands.
- iFit is optional to stream for access to thousands of trainer-led workouts filmed indoors and outdoors.
- All of the treadmills fold up to save space and most are compact.
- The treadmills automatically adjust the speed and incline and some of the models offer incline and decline training options.
- Some models are built for heavy training.
Pros & Cons of NordicTrack Treadmills
- All of the treadmills have premium features and functionality.
- All of the treadmills have touch screens that offer the option to stream iFit’s library of indoor and outdoor workouts.
- Some of the models have high incline and decline ranges up to 40% and -6% for more intense training options.
- Some models fold up and all of them feature more deck cushioning than most brands.
- Some models are heavy and require a designated space.
- Consoles: LCD Screens – Touchscreens
- Motors: 1.6 HP – 3.6 HP
- Frames: Steel
- Running Surfaces: 45” L – 60” L
- Max Speeds: 8 mph – 12 mph
- Max Inclines: 10% – 12%
- Max Declines: 0% – 3%
- Weight Capacities: 250 lbs – 300 lbs
- Treadmill Weights: 125 lbs – 263 lbs
- Foldable
- Transportation Wheels
- Warranties: 10-year frame, parts & labor vary between 1-2 years
- Consoles: 7” – 32” Touchscreens
- Motors: 2.6 HP – 4.25 HP
- Frames: Steel
- Running Surfaces: 55” L – 65” L
- Max Speeds: 10 mph – 12 mph
- Max Inclines: 12% – 40%
- Max Decline: -6%
- Weight Capacities: 300 lbs
- Treadmill Weights: 228 lbs – 462 lbs (In box weight)
- Folding and Non-Folding Decks
- Front Transportation Wheels
- Warranties: 10-years frame, 2-year parts, and 1-year labor
ProForm vs NordicTrack Treadmills Overview:
ProForm and NordicTrack have a lot in common. They offer the same training platform, iFit, and each treadmill will automatically adjust during iFit workouts. NordicTrack offers more premium models, including some that don’t fold and incline up to 40%. All of this brand’s treadmills have touch screens, well-powered motors, and deck cushioning that makes them forgiving on the joints to run on. Even the lowest-end models have pretty powerful motors to handle walking, jogging, and some running.
ProForm on the other hand has all folding treadmills, with one model that can be folded flat for better storage. ProForm Treadmills are more price-friendly and compact overall. This brand’s premium model is a good option for running, but some of the lower-end models are best for primarily walking and light jogging. The deck cushioning isn’t as soft underfoot as NordicTrack’s, but it definitely helps to lessen the impact on the joints.
ProForm Treadmills
- ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill
- ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill
- ProFrom Carbon TLX Treadmill
- ProForm Carbon T7 Treadmill
- ProForm City L6 Treadmill
NordicTrack Treadmills
- NordicTrack EXP 7i Treadmill
- NordicTrack EXP 10i Treadmill
- NordicTrack Commercial 1250 Treadmill
- NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
- NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill
- NordicTrack Commercial X22i Treadmill
- NordicTrack Commercial X32i Treadmill
In-Depth Comparison of ProForm vs NordicTrack Treadmills
iFit
iFit is the training platform that comes available to stream 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. Sometimes there are participants in the background who are taking the workout in person.
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.
You can also explore on your own using the Google Map feature. This feature displays a map of the world for drawing your own routes. During the workout, Google Images pop up to display the location.
When you’re taking an iFit class or creating your own outdoor route, the treadmill will automatically adjust the speed and incline settings to match the format of the workout and the instructor’s cues. During outdoor workouts with incline and decline, the grade of the deck will adjust to match the terrain. This feature can be bypassed, but it’s really convenient to use. You can also purchase the heart rate monitor armband to track your heart rate on the screen and focus on training within a certain heart rate zone.
The music is one aspect where I’d like to see some improvement. Currently, the music plays in the background of each class. Preloaded songs are divided into different genre stations and you can change the song by selecting a different genre station. It is kind of like listening to the radio. I think it would be nice if some of the indoor studio classes had curated playlists of music that you listen to with the instructor. You can adjust the volume of the music by hearing more or less of the instructor’s voice and/or music. The songs in each station seem to be updated regularly so the music doesn’t feel stale.
iFit is completely 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.
ProForm Vs. NordicTrack Consoles
NordicTrack and ProForm consoles have good functionality and most have touchscreens. They do vary a bit from each 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 give you the choice to stream iFit from your device. There is a device rack to place your phone or tablet for this purpose.
All of the consoles have quick-adjusting buttons that help to adjust the speed and incline settings more swiftly. Most of the consoles have built-in speakers and fans, as well as cupholders to hold your water.
NordicTrack Consoles
NordicTrack consoles, on the other hand, all feature a touch screen. The touchscreens range from 7” up to 32” depending on the model. The touchscreens allow users to directly stream iFit from the treadmill.
Each treadmill also features numbered quick-adjusting buttons that are on either side of the screen. The layout of these is a bit more intuitive than ProForm. All of NordicTrack’s Treadmills, besides the entry-level NordicTrack EXP 7i have built-in fans with multiple airflow settings. All of the treadmills have speakers and 2 cupholders. No other storage options are available, except for the EXP Series of treadmills that have a device rack ledge to place your phone or tablet for streaming content outside of iFit.
Construction Quality & Durability
NordicTrack Treadmills have a slightly more premium feel to the overall construction, being that the models are higher-end and higher in price, next to comparable models from ProForm. ProForm, however, doesn’t lack in quality and still offers a lot of features and construction that are 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. Most have decks that fold up and lock into the place. The one exception is the ProForm City L6 which has a collapsible console and uprights for it to fold completely flat.
NordicTrack offers folding and non-folding models to choose from. 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 other models that fold up are a little more space-saving.
Most of ProForm’s Treadmills have 300 lb weight limits, while the City L6 has a 250 lb limit. All of NordicTrack’s Treadmills have 300 lb weight limits. This limit isn’t the largest we see on home treadmills, but it means that each model should handle most people.
ProForm vs NordicTrack Motors
NordicTrack Treadmills overall have more powerful motor sizes, whereas ProForm’s vary a bit more in size. The compact City L6 has a 1.6 HP motor that we recommend for mainly walking. The premium Pro 9000 has a 3.6 HP motor however, that’s comparable to the NordicTrack 1750 and 2450 Treadmills from the brand’s premium folding Commercial Series of treadmills.
The lowest-end EXP 7i has a 2.6 HP motor that’s best for walking, jogging, and some running and the high-end X32i Incline Treadmill has a 4.25 HP motor that’s powerful for all levels of use, as well as distance running.
Most models incline from 10-12% while the higher-priced models also decline to -3%. NordicTrack’s Treadmills range from 10-12 mph and have inclines that range from 12% up to a whopping 40%.
Some higher-end models also decline. The decline range offered is from -3% to -6%.
ProForm vs NordicTrack Decks
NordicTrack Treadmills overall are larger in comparison to some of the models from ProForm. The Incline Trainers have the largest decks at 22” wide and 60”-65” long. The Commercial Series has 20” wide and 60” long decks. All of these deck sizes support all running stride lengths.
ProForm’s deck lengths range from 45” long to 60” long depending on the model. The most compact treadmill has a 17.5” wide and 45” long deck that is best for walking. Some people might be able to jog, but this treadmill is designed to fit better in smaller spaces and allow you to get some steps in your home.
60” is what we have found to be supportive and spacious enough for all stride lengths, while 55” is better for most joggers. Some will be able to run on this length of the deck though. The Pro Series has 20” wide and 60” long decks to be compact to fit in more homes while still supporting all strides.
The step-up heights are similar on most ProForm and NordicTrack Treadmills. Most of the decks are around 10” high, however, the ProForm City L6 has a lower step-up height and the NordicTrack X32i and X22i 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.
Performance & Functionality
Overall, both of these brands offer high-tech treadmills with nice functionality and features. Even more affordable models from ProForm still include the ability to incline and decline, while still folding up. Of course, if you’re looking for maximum training capabilities the NordicTrack X22i and X32i Treadmills are the ones to check out. These two incline up to 40% and decline to -6%.
The Commercial Series from NordicTrack compares the most to ProForm’s premium Pro Series. These treadmills have nice touchscreens and good training options with 12 mph max speeds, 12% inclines, and -3% declines. The cushioning in the NordicTrack 2450, 1750, and 1250 have more cushioning than the Pro 9000 and Pro 2000 though. The NordicTrack models also have highly adjustable touchscreens to utilize more features and workouts on iFit. NordicTrack does offer more deck cushioning on all of their models in general, but ProForm still has significant cushioning to help lessen the impact on your joints.
All of the treadmills from both brands have 2 front transportation wheels so they can be moved when needed. The City L6 is the most compact and easiest to move, while the Incline Trainers are very heavy and shouldn’t be moved very often. All of the other treadmills from ProForm and NordicTrack have decks that fold up and require being tilted back to engage the wheels in order to move them.
Warranties
NordicTrack includes their standard warranty of 10 years for the frame, 2 years for parts, and 1 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 from what other brands offer.
BottomLine/Recommendation
ProForm and NordicTrack include a wide range of high-tech treadmills. You can find several models from both brands on our best treadmills list. 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 nice features like AutoAdjust where each treadmill adjusts the speed and incline on its own for hands-free training. NordicTrack Treadmills overall are a bit higher in price than ProForm Treadmills. NordicTrack has non-folding models that incline all the way 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 to choose from.
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