By clicking on the product links in this article, we may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Sponsorships and affiliate commissions help support our research so we can help you find the best products. Read our full affiliate disclosure here.
In theory, cardio workouts should be easy to accommodate: Just head outside or to the gym for a walk, a jog, or a bike ride. But realistically, it can be challenging to find the time and place to engage in cardio, especially with unpredictable weather, crowded gyms, and a busy schedule. However, by adding a treadmill to your home gym you can enjoy a range of cardio workouts whenever it suits you. And the best NordicTrack treadmills offer a solid combination of durability, high-tech features like preprogrammed workouts and classes, and a variety of resistance levels to help you crush your cardio workout.
As you browse different options, there are several factors to consider, like footprint and affordability, to name a couple. Do you need a folding treadmill to save space? Or, are you on a tight budget and need a more affordable treadmill? Luckily, NordicTrack offers a number of treadmills that work for a variety of needs. We broke down their five best models so you can decide which one may be right for you.
The Best NordicTrack Treadmills - Our Top Picks
- Best Budget NordicTrack Treadmill: NordicTrack EXP 7i
- Best NordicTrack Treadmill for Small Spaces: NordicTrack EXP 14i
- Best NordicTrack Treadmill Incline: NordicTrack Commercial X32i
- Best NordicTrack Treadmill for Runners: NordicTrack Commercial 2450
- Best NordicTrack Treadmill for Walkers: NordicTrack Commercial X22i
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated. More importantly, each member of our team is a fitness enthusiast. Fitness may be our job, but it is also our passion. Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use.
Best Budget NordicTrack Treadmill - NordicTrack EXP 7i
SPECS
- Display: 7" HD smart touchscreen
- Max incline: 12%
- Top speed: 12 mph
- Dimensions: 77.3" L x 35.3" W x 59.6" H
- Weight: 222 lbs.
- Max weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Key features: FlexSelect Cushioning, AutoBreeze workout fan, Bluetooth audio
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
Any time you buy an at-home treadmill, you're making a significant investment in your personal fitness. With that said, a good treadmill doesn't have to break the bank. That's why we recommend the NordicTrack EXP 7i as the best budget Nordictrack treadmill that doesn't skimp on features or performance. Beyond the modest price point, what sets the NordicTrack EXP 7i apart? There’s a lot of room for adjusting the resistance, including top speeds of 12 miles per hour and inclines of up to 12% (if you subscribe to iFIT, your trainers can actually adjust the resistance for you based on the workout). We also like how this treadmill can simulate the sensation of running on the road with the FlexSelect Cushioning feature.
A smart touchscreen and intuitive, one-touch controls make it easy to operate your equipment. You can access countless live workout sessions through the iFIT program, while comfort features include cushioning for your joints, a workout fan, and a tray to stow your devices. While the footprint of this treadmill isn’t the smallest that we’ve seen, you are able to fold it up if you'd like to stow it elsewhere when not in use.
What We Like
- Modest price point
- Plenty of resistance levels offered
- Generous warranty
- Durable, long-lasting materials
- Touchscreen display
- Intuitive controls
- Stat-tracking options
- Low-impact cushioning, easier on joints
- Bluetooth audio connectivity
What We Don't Like
- While the treadmill does come with a free 30-day iFIT membership, it costs $39/month after the initial month
- Some runners might not be blown away by the road-running simulations
- Touchscreen display on the smaller side compared to other options on this list
Best NordicTrack Treadmill for Small Spaces - NordicTrack EXP 14i
SPECS
- Display: 14" HD smart touchscreen
- Max incline: 12%
- Top speed: 12 mph
- Dimensions: 79.9" L x 35.08" W x 59.25" H
- Weight: 229 lbs.
- Max weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Key features: SpaceSaver design, FlexSelect cushioning, integrated device shelf
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
If you're limited on space, and need a more compact cardio machine, we like the NordicTrack EXP 14i. Made with a unique SpaceSaver design, this treadmill is easy to fold up and push out of the way. Simply put, this makes storage a breeze. Its footprint itself is also slightly smaller and more compact than other NordicTrack treadmills on this list.
The treadmill boasts a number of other features to help you get more out of each workout. FlexSelect cushioning minimizes impact on your joints. A smart touchscreen allows you to track stats or participate in a range of live workout sessions through the iFIT app. And there are countless other perks, from integrated device holders to a cooling fan. It's also one of the more affordable Nordictrack treadmills with a price point under $2,000.
What We Like
- Plenty of resistance offered
- Easy to store, foldable with a compact footprint
- Generous warranty
- Durable and well-made
- Integrated device holders
- Touchscreen display
- Intuitive controls
- Stat-tracking options
- Low-impact cushioning
- Bluetooth audio connectivity
What We Don't Like
- While the treadmill does come with a free 30-day iFIT membership, it costs $39/month after the initial month
- Can track heart rate in order to report and maintain your optimal heart-rate zone, but you have to purchase the matching forearm heart rate monitor to use this function
- Touchscreen display on the smaller side compared to other options on this list
Best Incline for a NordicTrack Treadmill - NordicTrack Commercial X32i
SPECS
- Display: 32" HD smart touchscreen
- Max incline: 40%, plus comes with a 6% decline option
- Top speed: 12 mph
- Dimensions: 76.5" L x 40" W x 73" H
- Weight: 462 lbs.
- Max weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Key features: Dual AutoBreeze workout fans, Quiet Drive incline tech, Bluetooth connectivity
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
If you really want to build a commercial-quality home gym, it stands to reason that you might need commercial-quality equipment. We think the NordicTrack Commercial X32i is a great option for those who want high-end and resilient machinery, and particularly for those who desire a truly significant incline. Where most home treadmills max out at a 12-percent gradation, this one goes all the way to 40—ideal for those who like to hike or run outdoors. And for more of a unique challenge, adjust the machine to decline up to 6 percent. This is a rare feature as far as treadmills go: Most cardio machines don't come with a decline option.
There are plenty of other commercial-grade features, too. Note the extraordinarily large and vivid, 32" touchscreen. Dual fans help cool you down. And, Quiet Drive technology helps keep your workouts smooth and virtually silent. Connect your headphones via Bluetooth audio, allowing you to listen to your favorite music or trainer. The one caveat? This Nordictrack treadmill has a steep price point of nearly $4,000, so it's not fit for everyone.
What We Like
- Lots of adjustability
- Comes with free shipping and delivery
- Generous warranty
- Incredibly durable, great for multiple users
- Integrated device holders
- Compatible with Android software
- One of the largest screens offered by NordicTrack
- Massive incline, plus decline option
- Smooth and quiet performance
- Dual fans
- Bluetooth audio connectivity
What We Don't Like
- While the treadmill does come with a free 30-day iFit membership, it costs $39/month after the initial month
- Very heavy, not easy to move or store
- Commercial-grade quality is nice, but price point is much higher than other options
BUY: NordicTrack Commercial X32i
Best for Runners - NordicTrack Commercial 2450
SPECS
- Display: 22" HD smart touchscreen
- Max incline: 15%
- Top speed: 12 mph
- Dimensions: 81" L x 39" W x 59" H
- Weight: 353 lbs.
- Max weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Key features: SpaceSaver design, premium audio speakers, fast incline/decline response
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
This category might seem obvious—you would think all treadmills are designed for runners. And while most treadmills can function just fine, certain features can make one treadmill more suitable for serious runners than others. That's why we recommend the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 for avid runners. This premium-grade home treadmill offers everything you need for a long-distance run: Fast incline/decline response, a tilt/pivot display, Quiet Drive tech, two cooling fans, and more.
Also note that the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 provides easy, intuitive controls, allowing you to change your pace whenever you need to. The display has plenty of fitness-tracking options. And, ActivePulse technology allows you to optimize your workout for a good, robust heart rate. Keep in mind that in order to use this feature, you need to purchase a separate forearm heart rate monitor.
What We Like
- Lots of adjustability
- Ability to tilt and pivot your screen for workouts off the treadmill
- SpaceSaver technology allows for easier transportation
- Generous warranty
- Durable, sturdy structure
- Integrated device holders
- Smooth and quiet performance
- Dual fans
- Bluetooth audio connectivity
- Premium speakers
What We Don't Like
- While the treadmill does come with a free 30-day iFit membership, it costs $39/month after the initial month
- Very heavy
- Large footprint; not as ideal for smaller home gyms
BUY: NordicTrack Commercial 2450
Best NordicTrack Treadmill for Walkers - NordicTrack Commercial X22i
SPECS
- Display: 22" HD smart touchscreen
- Max Incline: 40%
- Top speed: 12 mph
- Dimensions: 81" L x 39" W x 76" H
- Weight: 505 lbs.
- Max weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Key features: AutoBreeze fan, fast incline/decline response, ActivePulse technology
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
For those who'd rather walk than run, the NordicTrack Commercial X22i is our top pick for walkers. This Nordictrack treadmill offers plenty of options for adjustability, including a phenomenal 40-percent incline and top speeds of up to 12 miles per hour. We especially like the low step-up this machine offers, which is great if limited mobility is an issue. Quiet Drive tech ensures a smooth and silent workout.
Meanwhile, a tilt-and-pivot, large HD display provides an easy way to tune into training sessions or simply track stats. Premium audio features and a cooling fan promote comfort. And there are plenty of trays and storage options for devices, water bottles, and more.
What We Like
- Low step-up makes it easy to get on and off the machine
- Lots of adjustability
- Generous warranty
- Well-built and durable
- Integrated device holders
- Smooth and quiet performance
- Fast incline/decline response times
- Dual fans
- Bluetooth audio connectivity
- Premium speakers
What We Don't Like
- As with all NordicTrack treadmills, machine comes with a free 30-day iFIT membership but costs $39/month after the initial month
- Very heavy, not as easy to store or move
- Steep price point
BUY: NordicTrack Commercial X22i
What to Look for When Shopping for the Best NordicTrack Treadmills
We list out some of the key factors you should keep in mind below:
Size
It's important to consider how much space you have to work with when deciding on a treadmill. Most NordicTrack treadmills fall somewhere close to 77 inches by 35 inches. However, a treadmill that folds can be reduced to half its normal length, making it a bit easier to store. This is ideal for those limited on space.
iFit Membership
If you're someone who likes to watch TV or other forms of media content while running or walking on the treadmill, features like smartphone docks or media holders are helpful (most if not all NordicTrack treadmills come with this feature). Bluetooth compatibility allows you to sync your favorite workout playlist to a treadmill’s speakers, and add-ons like pre-programmed or on-demand workout classes (available through the iFIT program) can add variety to your routine.
One of the main benefits of purchasing a NordicTrack, though, is the popular iFIT app. Most NordicTrack treadmills come with an included 30-day iFIT membership, which offers an array of features that all work to bring a personal training experience to your home. Some of these include: live and on-demand classes (including indoor and outdoor workouts), automatic trainer control (trainers can increase your speed and resistance automatically), daily recommended workouts, the ability to create multiple profiles (great for families or roommates), and the ability to communicate in real-time with your trainer through text.
Keep in mind that some of the more high-tech features like the ones just listed will typically cost you a bit more (iFIT membership is $39/month), but may be worth it if you plan on using these regularly.
Resistance
A treadmill's variation in resistance levels can make or break your workout. For example, how much can you increase the speed or incline by? The more variation a treadmill's resistance offers, the more you’re able to challenge yourself by amping up the intensity. NordicTrack treadmills generally allow you to achieve a top speed of 10 to 12 miles per hour and a gradation of 10 to 15 percent. This is ideal for those who like to incorporate HIIT (high-intensity interval training) into their cardio routine.
Ergonomics
Naturally, you'll want a treadmill that can accommodate your stride. And some NordicTrack treadmills offer ergonomic features like their proprietary FlexSelect cushioning technology which works to cushion your feet as they hit the belt, minimizing the impact on your joints. For maximum comfortability, some NordicTrack machines also come with a SMART-Response Drive System, which decreases vibrations as you’re using the treadmill, creating a more stable, secure surface to run on. It also keeps you cool by intuitively sensing the type of workout you’re completing (for ex.: a light jog or an intense sprint), and blowing cool air out as necessary.
Again, similar to connected features, the more ergonomics offered by a treadmill, generally the higher the price point. So be sure to decide which features are a must-have for you, and which you can skip out on.
FAQs About Nordictrack Treadmills
How accurate is the "calories burned" display on the NordicTrack treadmills?
While the NordicTrack treadmills offer a ballpark estimate of how many calories you're burning, that number will typically be an overestimate by about 15 to 20 percent (as is the case with any treadmill). That's because your treadmill doesn’t take into account your personal health factors (height, weight, individual metabolism. etc.) that dictate how many calories you burn.
One way to get an accurate calculation of how many calories you've burned, though, is to wear a fitness tracker which takes into account your individual stats when measuring daily expenditure.
Is it good to only run on a treadmill?
There is certainly nothing wrong with running exclusively on a treadmill, though adding variety with outdoor workouts can help you further develop your leg muscles. Plus, variety is key in maintaining motivation and enjoyment when exercising so don't be afraid to mix in off-treadmill workouts.
How long should I walk/run on a Nordictrack treadmill?
For weight loss and general fitness, we recommend that your treadmill workouts be at least 20 to 40 minutes. If you’re short on time and want to maximize calorie burn, try adding in intervals to increase intensity.
Keep in mind though, that if your main goal is weight loss, you also need to ensure you're eating in a caloric deficit. You can achieve a caloric deficit by increasing the number of calories you burn every day through exercise, by eating less—or by doing a little bit of both. In that case, an at-home treadmill can be immensely helpful in supporting your goals and weight loss journey.
About the Author
Josh is a journalist and writer whose work has appeared in magazines and local newspapers such as Christianity Today, IMAGE Journal, Relevant Magazine, FLOOD, The Nashville Scene, True Tunes, Rise Up Daily, and Looking Closer with Jeffrey Overstreet. Josh is an avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast.
Get ACTIVE on the Go
Couch to 5K®
The best way to get new runners off the couch and across the finish line of their first 5K.
Available for iOS | Android
Discuss This Article