ProForm vs NordicTrack Treadmills 2023

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

NordicTrack Treadmills

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.

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.

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

ProForm consoles vary from treadmill to treadmill.

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.

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

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.

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

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%.

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 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.

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 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.

The Carbon Treadmills have 20” wide and 55”-60” long decks depending on the model.

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.

The motors on all of these models adjust at a reasonable speed so you can do interval training pretty effortlessly.

NordicTrack Treadmills are a bit quieter in comparison to ProForm.

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.