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NordicTrack knows what it's doing when it comes to fitness equipment, specifically with elliptical machines. The exercise giant has been around since 1975 when the founder invented the first ski machine in his garage. Since then, there have been several iterations of the cardio machines and they just continue getting better. NordicTrack's elliptical offerings are no different—all are well-built, quality machines. While each elliptical on this list has its own call-out features, they also share some functions that make them stand out from other brands. For starters, they're all compatible with iFIT, NordicTrack's interactive fitness program, which does require an ongoing subscription fee (that we think is worth it). iFIT gives you access to on-demand and live workouts, filmed in locations around the world. Not only can you follow along with your instructor on-screen, but each elliptical on this list features Automatic Trainer Control, which allows your trainer to control the resistance and incline of your machine during live workouts.
The Best NordicTrack Ellipticals - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall NordicTrack Elliptical: NordicTrack FS14i
- Best NordicTrack Elliptical with iFIT: NordicTrack FS10i
- Best Smart NordicTrack Elliptical: NordicTrack Commercial 14.9
- Best NordicTrack Elliptical for Cross-Training: NordicTrack Commercial 9.9
The ellipticals on this list also utilize silent magnetic resistance (SMR) which translates to near-silent operation—a huge perk if you live with others and are trying to get your workout in during the early morning or late-night hours, or you just want to be able to hear your instructor a little better. Aside from these common features, each elliptical also has its own unique characteristics that earn it a rightful place on our list.
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Best Overall NordicTrack Elliptical: NordicTrack FS14i Freestride Trainer
SPECS
- Dimensions: 58.5"L x 29.5"W x 74"H
- Resistance levels: 26
- Stride: 32"
- Weight: 287 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 375 lbs.
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
If you have a more generous budget, the NordicTrack FS14i Freestride Trainer is the top-of-the-line machine for you. It's not a traditional elliptical—it's actually more reminiscent of NordicTrack's very first ski machine—but it gives you options on what type of workout you want to do. By changing your stride motion, you can mimic an elliptical, stair stepper, and treadmill, enabling you to work different muscle groups and vary your cardio routine.
It has a 20-pound inertia-enhanced flywheel, 26 digital resistance levels, and an incline range of -10% to 10%, making it one of NordicTrack's only ellipticals that offers a decline. This feature is especially beneficial when using it like a treadmill so you can mimic running up and down hills. It also has a 32-inch auto-adjustable stride length, which gives you more range of motion. The downside to the longer stride length is that because of the way the machine is set up, you'll need more clearance around the machine. In other words, you can't put it right up against a wall.
Typical of NordicTrack's higher-end machines, the FS14i also has a 14-inch HD touchscreen with one-touch controls on the console and embedded into the top of the moveable arms for easy access at any speed.
What We Like
- Elliptical, treadmill, and stair stepper in one machine
- Has both incline and decline functions
- 32" adjustable stride length
- Auto-adjust technology
- 14" interactive touchscreen
- 26 resistance levels
What We Don't Like
- Needs more overall clearance space
- Expensive
BUY: NordicTrack FS14i Freestride Trainer
Best Nordictrack Elliptical with iFit - NordicTrack FS10i
SPECS
- Dimensions: 58.5"L x 29.5"W x 74"H
- Resistance levels: 24
- Stride: 32"
- Weight: 284 lbs. (in box)
- Weight capacity: 375 lbs.
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
You may be thinking, "Don't all NordicTrack ellipticals use iFIT?" You'd be correct, but we selected the NordicTrack FS10i for this category because we believe it utilizes the iFIT programming the best. Much like the FS14i, this machine has the three-in-one versatility of being an elliptical, stepper, and treadmill by adjusting your cadence. At 10 inches, the screen is slightly smaller, but with the added bonus of iFIT's interactive studio classes, global navigation, and cross-training workouts, you may not even notice.
It has 24 digital resistance levels, a 32-inch auto-adjustable stride (which means the stride length will change slightly in response to each user), and a 20-pound inertia-enhanced flywheel, which is a great amount of power at this price point. The incline can also be adjusted up to 10%. Due to the stride capabilities, the FS10i will take up more space in your home but is well worth the effort.
What We Like
- Ability to stream live and on-demand studio classes
- 3-in-1 elliptical, treadmill, and stepper
- Built-in 10" HD touchscreen
- Higher max weight capacity
- 32" adjustable stride and 10% incline
What We Don't Like
- Large horizontal footprint
- Heavier and not as easy to move
Best Smart NordicTrack Elliptical - NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 Elliptical
SPECS
- Dimensions: 67"L x 29"W x 69"H
- Resistance levels: 26
- Stride: 17.5 - 18.7" (adjustable)
- Weight: 210 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs.
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
The NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 Elliptical is a well-rounded smart machine that most people will be happy with. It checks all the foundational boxes with oversized, adjustable foot pedals, moveable arms with cushioned grips, and a large (14-inch) touchscreen monitor that displays metrics and allows you to stream movies or follow along with instructor-led workouts (via iFit).
There's a generous incline range from 0-20%, 26 digital resistance levels, and the stride length is adjustable so you have some options to customize your workout and the muscles you're targeting. The adjustable stride length also makes this a good option for multi-user households since the ideal stride length for you depends on your height.
But the real star of the show here is the flywheel. The Commercial 14.9 has a 32-pound inertia-enhanced flywheel, which is the heaviest of NordicTrack's offerings (and many on the market). This flywheel translates to a very smooth rotation without shaking or jerking, even at top speeds. Heavier flywheels also tend to stand up to regular use better than lighter ones.
The footprint is reasonable, too. It's not a small machine by any standards, but at 67 inches long, it's more compact than many others that have less to offer.
What We Like
- 14" interactive HD touchscreen
- Heavy flywheel
- Wide incline range
- 26 resistance levels
- Reasonable footprint
What We Don't Like
- On the expensive side
- Doesn't fold
BUY: NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 Elliptical
Best NordicTrack Elliptical for Cross-Training: NordicTrack Commercial 9:9
SPECS
- Dimensions: 68.25″ L x 28.75″ W x 68.5″ H
- Resistance levels: 22
- Stride: 17.5-18.7"
- Weight: 244 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs.
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
If you're an athlete wanting to incorporate more cross-training into your workout regimen, the NordicTrack Commercial 9:9 is the machine for you. Coming in slightly smaller than the Commercial 14:9, this similar model has a 7-inch smart HD touchscreen built into the console, 0-20% incline capabilities, and 22 digital resistance levels, plus oversized cushioned pedals to help lessen the impact on your joints. With the range of incline and resistance, soft-touch grip handles, and dynamic iFIT programming options, you're sure to elevate your heart rate and work up a sweat during every workout.
What We Like
- Studio and cross-training workout options with iFIT
- Budget-friendly
- 0-20% incline
- High weight capacity
- AutoBreeze™ fan
What We Don't Like
- Can be hard to assemble
- Smaller touchscreen
BUY: NordicTrack Commercial 9:9
Benefits of NordicTrack Ellipticals
Ellipticals, in general, provide an excellent cardio workout with less impact on the joints than a treadmill. With an elliptical, you can perform dynamic upper- and lower-body workouts, burn more calories, and boost your overall stamina. NordicTrack ellipticals improve upon what is already there by offering you several high-end features and an integrated app to make your training time more comfortable and effective. NordicTrack cardio machines are well-built and worth the investment if you're looking for a machine that can meet your evolving needs as you progress on your fitness journey.
What to Look for When Shopping for a NordicTrack Elliptical
NordicTrack makes great ellipticals, but the best one for you depends on what you're looking for and what kind of space you have. Here are all the things to consider when shopping for a NordicTrack elliptical.
Drive System
There are two main types of drive systems in an elliptical: front drive and rear drive. Front drive ellipticals have the flywheel at the front of the machine. While this allows for a more compact design and often higher incline capabilities, front-drive machines can be noisier and prompt you to lean forward when working out.
Rear drive ellipticals have the flywheel in the back of the machine. This makes for a significantly larger footprint, but rear-drive ellipticals more closely mimic natural motion and are often quieter than their front-drive counterparts.
Footprint
Unless you're getting an under-desk model, ellipticals are notoriously large. If you're working with limited space, you'll need to consider the footprint of the machine, including the overhead clearance. Before landing on a model, measure out your space and make sure you can fit your machine of choice comfortably. There are some folding models, but keep in mind that while this lessens the vertical space an elliptical takes up while being stored, it doesn't change the horizontal footprint.
Stride Length
Stride length isn't a huge consideration for NordicTrack machines since they all offer a generous one of at least 18 inches. However, it's still worth calling out. Your ideal stride length depends on your height, so if you're tall, make sure you're upgrading to a machine with a longer stride length so you don't feel like you're making cramped movements.
Connectivity
NordicTrack is well-known for its interactive training program iFIT. While most of the ellipticals the retailer offers are compatible with this program, not all of the machines offer Automatic Trainer Control—auto-adjusting technology that allows your trainer to control your resistance and incline (if applicable) during your workout. If you want these advanced features, look for the specific callout. Keep in mind that iFIT comes at an additional monthly subscription cost, the price of which varies depending on which plan you choose.
Features
Depending on your preferences, you might think advanced features are necessary or just an added bonus. Consider things like incline (some machines don't offer this, while others have both incline and decline capabilities), the number of resistance levels, and auto-adjusting stride length.
Think about the console, too. Some of NordicTrack's ellipticals have a large HD touchscreen that is ideal for streaming workouts and your favorite Netflix shows. Others have less generous, 10-inch screens that make the elliptical more affordable but don't have the "wow factor" of the larger screens. Decide what's important to you and make sure you're getting exactly what you want before committing to the purchase.
FAQs About NordicTrack Ellipticals
Are NordicTrack Ellipticals worth it?
Yes, NordicTrack ellipticals are worth it. They're well-built, sturdy machines that utilize silent magnetic resistance and inertia-enhanced flywheels so not only are they whisper-quiet, they won't shake or rock even at higher speeds. They're also packed with features and, for an additional fee, you can utilize iFIT, one of the best interactive training programs available.
What is the best elliptical?
The Commercial 14.9 is our pick for the best NordicTrack elliptical. There are many great machines out there so the best elliptical for you depends on several things, like what features you're looking for, the size of your space (including the overhead clearance), and whether you need it to fold so you can stash it away. We recommend four models on this list, each with a different main feature, so make sure you read through the specs and think about your specific needs when making your choice.
Is an elliptical or a treadmill better?
Ellipticals and treadmills are both solid cardio machines, so there's no cut-and-dry answer to which one is better. Ellipticals provide a lower impact workout since your feet never leave the pedals and provide more of a full-body workout, engaging more muscle groups than a treadmill. On the other hand, a treadmill offers more versatility in incline and speed so you can customize your workout a bit more. Treadmills also mainly target the lower body and are more effective if you're training specifically for running. The answer to which one is better comes down to what you're looking for.
About the Author
Lindsay is a functional nutritionist, writer, and editor. She has written 15 books and numerous articles on fitness, wellness, and nutrition. Her work appears on Forbes.com, CNET.com, Healthline.com, Garagegymreviews.com, CNN.com, mindbodygreen,com, and LIVESTRONG.com, among others.
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