Peloton Tread vs. NordicTrack Treadmills (2024)

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In the battle between the Peloton Tread and NordicTrack, it’s hard to choose the best treadmill. Peloton is the new high-end kid on the block with a flashy screen, studio speakers and a cult-like following. NordicTrack, on the other hand, has been building fitness equipment–and revolutionizing home workouts–since 1975.

Now, both companies have changed the treadmill game by offering some of the best advancements in motor power, belt move and feel, frame build and technology. Not to mention, they each have apps and guided workouts that make people actually want to use a treadmill.

Whether you’re a beginner runner or a seasoned marathoner looking for a new workout program, there is a treadmill for you. As you search for the right one, you might feel torn between Peloton and a comparable NordicTrack model. 

In this treadmill comparison, we take a comprehensive look at the Peloton Tread compared to the NordicTrack Commercial x32i and the NordicTrack Commercial 2450. In reviewing the three machines, we tried to take into account each treadmill’s engineering, display, comfort and which features would benefit different types of users. We will go through the specifications of the three treadmills along with what we liked and what we think could improve.

A Quick Look: Peloton Tread vs Nordictrack Treadmills

Peloton Tread

Specs:

• Weight: 290 pounds
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds
• Top speed: 12.5 miles per hour
• Max incline: 12.5 percent
• Dimensions: 33 inches wide x 68 inches long x 62 inches high
• Running Belt Dimensions: 20 inches wide x 59 inches long
• Screen size: 23.8 inches
• Price: starting at $3,495

When you take the Peloton Tread for a spin, you understand why so many people are obsessed with it. We were particularly impressed by the firm yet smooth ride, which makes running feel natural and similar to miles logged outside. The tech, compatibility and metrics-tracking position the Tread a worthy adversary to the NordicTrack models. 

For more information, read our full Peloton Tread review.

Its community following and epic playlists make it a good option for people who enjoy live classes with a lot of energy. The huge 23.8-inch touchscreen with front and back speakers make the classes an immersive experience. Even if you’re not into the live studio sessions, Peloton offers a robust library of on-demand guided workouts. Peloton recently rolled out its auto incline technology, which allows the treadmill to set your speed and incline based on your level and the class you’re taking. Finally, you can connect any ANT+ heart rate monitor through Bluetooth. You’ll be able to see your heart rate zones as you run and get a summary of your workout when you’re done.

Of course, the Peloton Tread may not be for everyone, and there are a few reasons to consider other treadmills. While Peloton likes to boast a “small footprint,” it’s still a large machine that will take up a considerable amount of space. You need at least six feet of space behind and seven-foot-high ceilings to use it safely. Runners and walkers who want a more cushioned running surface may want a tread belt with a plusher ride. One major drawback is the cost. On top of the initial investment, you’ll need to pay for the Peloton all-access plan, which costs $44 a month.

Pros

• Clear and responsive touchscreen
• Pairs with any ANT+ heart rate monitor
• Auto incline and speed technology
• Peloton app and live classes

Cons

• Cost
• Doesn’t fold

NordicTrack Commercial X32i

Specs:

• Weight: 462 pounds
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds
• Top speed: 12 miles per hour
• Max incline: 40 percent
• Dimensions: 40 inches wide X 76.5 inches long X 73 inches high
• Running Belt Dimensions: 22 inches wide X 65 inches long
• Screen size: 32 inches
• Price: $3,999

The NordicTrack Commercial X32i boasts one of the most sturdy builds in the treadmill world. That stability is absolutely necessary because the X32i also leads the market in incline and decline capabilities. Runners training for hill and mountain races, walkers looking to torch calories and any athlete ready to build serious endurance and glute strength will love this machine’s 40 percent hill grade. The -6 percent decline capability is another perk that will prepare your leg muscles for the strain of downhill running outdoors.

Basically, everything on this treadmill is bigger. Taller runners will appreciate the lengthy belt and runway. Those looking to take full advantage of NordicTrack’s library of immersive video trail experiences and iFIT classes will like the 32-inch interactive HD screen.

If you don’t have a dedicated home gym or extra space to fit this incline treadmill, then you'll want to check out one of the sleeker designs. Reviewers love this model because of the features, but these come with a hefty price tag. On top of the cost, you will need a monthly iFIT membership—a family plan with five accounts is $396 annually or $39 a month, and an individual plan is $180 annually or $39 a month.

Pros

• Large touchscreen
• Huge inclining ability
• Ability to go downhill
• Auto incline and speed technology

Cons

• Cost
• Very large
• Doesn’t fold

NordicTrack Commercial 2450

Specs:

• Weight: 202 pounds
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds
• Top speed: 12 miles per hour
• Max incline: 12 percent
• Dimensions: 40 inches wide X 76.5 inches long X 73 inches high
• Running Belt Dimensions: 20 inches wide X 60 inches long
• Screen size: 22 inches
• Price: $2,999

The NordicTrack Commercial 2450 is a slightly upgraded version of the beloved NordicTrack Commercial 1750, which is one of the best treadmills on the market. It will likely become a fan favorite for runners and homes with multiple users thanks to its powerful and durable motor and just-right cushioning. Its 22-inch interactive HD touchscreen is the smallest of the three treadmills on this list but it does turn, tilt and swivel so you can easily see it while using the iFIT cross-training classes.

The incline range is standard at 12 percent, but it offers a negative three percent decline, which we loved for hill training. The design is perfect for runners and walkers looking for a premium folding treadmill that can be stashed away to save space. Like the other NordicTrack models, you can join classes via the iFIT subscription, follow trainers on hikes and runs and get progressive workouts designed for you and your goals.

We’re hard-pressed to find flaws in the NordicTrack Commercial 2450, but if we’re being picky the screen can be a nuisance. Because of the swivel design, you’ll find the monitor shakes a bit when you’re using the treadmill at high speeds. Of course, the iFIT subscription is another expense on top of an already high price point.

Pros

• Touchscreen that swivels
• Ability to go downhill
• Auto incline and speed technology
• Folds

Cons

• The screen shakes at high speeds
• Less expensive than the others, but still pricey

Key similarities: Peloton Tread vs Nordictrack

The Peloton Tread and the NordicTrack models are all user-friendly machines with intuitive touchscreens made to help beginners to advanced athletes of all ages reach their fitness goals. Each machine has a weight capacity of 300 pounds and very sturdy frames.

Both Peloton and Nordictrack have apps with classes and guided runs as well as a catalog of fitness instructors. (You should be able to find at least one trainer you like or can at least put up with for an hour a day.) Both the Peloton app and the iFIT app will track your metrics–things like heart rate, muscle groups worked, speeds and distance.

All of these treadmills are expensive, but when you’re purchasing a piece of cardio equipment for your home, it’s often better to pay more for a high-quality motor, durable frame and advanced tech. We appreciate that both Peloton and NordicTrack offer financing options.

Key differences: Peloton Tread vs Nordictrack

One main difference is that with Peloton, the Peloton Tread is your only option. NordicTrack has various models with a price range of $1,099 to $4,499. Many of the NordicTrack motors are more powerful than Peloton’s, which means they might run longer and have a better ability to handle multiple users in one household. Also, NordicTrack belts are wider, longer and have more cushion.

Here’s a breakdown of details between Peloton vs. two of the most popular NordicTrack models.

Subscriptions/apps for each: Peloton App vs iFIT

We gripe a lot about the subscription costs, but both the Peloton and iFIT memberships are solid training companions. Both offer cross-training options—exercise equipment not included. Let’s take a look at what they have to offer.

The Peloton app has a variety of classes; from boot camp to barre and strength training to yoga. It’s an excellent app if you love options; it currently has more than 10,000 on-demand classes. What sets this app apart is its live class feature, which lets you exercise alongside other people in real time. For those of us who thrive in competitive settings, it’s almost a guarantee that you’ll get hooked on the leaderboard stats. For metrics and heart rate monitoring, the app is compatible with a Peloton band as well as Garmin, Polar, Wahoo, the Apple Watch and other devices.

The iFIT app has even more on-demand options at 16,000 classes, but it does not host live classes. (They do host live races, though.) If you want heart rate monitoring, you can use ActivePulse chest strap or forearm monitor or your Garmin, Wahoo or Polar device. The other cool thing about iFIT is the guided runs and walks through other places in the world. It even has the option of running some iconic race courses. Serious runners looking to train on portions of an upcoming marathon will love this feature. iFIT can also be used with Proform treadmills.

When it comes to which app is better, it’s going to be a matter of your personality and exercise style. Have you traditionally enjoyed group fitness classes and studio training? Peloton will be awesome for you. While iFIT has this too, it also has immersive trail features and races. Serious runners and more outdoorsy individuals will enjoy these options. Note that Peloton has just added some scenic routes with drone footage and will likely add more of these in the near future.

The Peloton app costs $12.99 per month for just the app, but to get all the classes on the tread itself (not just your phone or tablet) you need to spend $44 a month to get the all-access membership, which can support multiple profiles for other members of the household but can only be used one person at a time. The iFIT individual plan is $15 per month and $39 for a family plan, which includes five family members.

Technology: Peloton Tread vs Nordictrack

The similarities between Peloton Tread and NordicTrack technology are numerous. Both have the auto incline feature. Both have premium speakers and Bluetooth connectivity for headphones and heart rate monitors. But here are some of the technological differences:

Let’s talk touchscreens first. The Peloton Tread’s display is clearer and more responsive than the NordicTrack. That’s an essential feature because the rest of the machine is pretty bare bones, comparatively. Since Peloton wants you to be totally immersed in the app experience, it makes sense that its screen is big, bright, shiny and loads quickly. The NordicTrack screen is not lacking, but it isn’t as seamless as Peloton.

NordicTrack’s strength is in its ability to design routes using Google maps. You can run anywhere in the world, so long as it’s in Google. Its manual speed adjustments are also more accurate because you press buttons as opposed to turning knobs.

Extra features: Peloton Tread vs Nordictrack

Extra features on a treadmill are made to make the experience more enjoyable and comfortable for the user, so we have to ask: Peloton, why did you leave out a fan? To be fair, not everyone will want or even need extra air during workouts. But runners logging more than 10 miles at a time in a basement, know that this is one place that the NordicTrack x32i and NordicTrack 2450 shine.

Running nerds who love to think about form and body metrics will appreciate Peloton’s body activity display, which gives you a visual of what muscles you’ve worked over the course of 30 days. You’ll probably also love the center red line on the belt, which seems like a small detail, but acts as a great guide for foot placement and stride.

Both NordicTrack models have body tracking as well, including the SmartAdjust tech that will learn your fitness level and adjust every workout to where you are in your training.

Console and display: Peloton Tread vs Nordictrack

Similar to the brand’s exercise bikes, Peloton’s pride and joy is the 23.8-inch anti-glare touchscreen. It's easy to maneuver and displays real-time metrics, progress, speed, pace, incline and the leaderboard. It comes with built-in quality speakers. It’s perched above the console, giving the treadmill a roomy and minimalist feel. The console includes a small tray and two standard-sized water bottle holders.

The NordicTrack Commercial X32i has a 32-inch screen embedded in the console, which helps reduce any screen wobble no matter how high or fast you go. The sides have buttons to adjust speed and incline. You’ll notice the vertical bars, which are very helpful if you're brave enough to use the 40 percent incline. The built-in fan is directly under the screen. You’ll find space for water, fuel and your phone on either side.

The NordicTrack Commercial 2450 has the smallest screen of the three at 22 inches, however, this screen will swivel and tilt so you can see it even when you’re off your tread. The screen has speakers as well as side panels with buttons to manually adjust your speed and incline. Like its cousin the X32i, the fan is built-in below the screen. Below the fan, you have space for water bottles, snacks or any other small items you want to keep near you during your workout.

Company policies: Peloton Tread vs Nordictrack

You may think this is boring stuff, but it’s important. You don’t want to know how many people have been left with a 400-pound box of treadmill stuck in the yard because they didn’t understand how shipping and assembly worked.

Shipping:

The Peloton company website says you will either schedule a delivery with Peloton or be contacted by Peloton to schedule a delivery date and time within four days of your purchase. On delivery day, the team will call you 30 minutes prior to delivery to ensure you are home and ready. You will need to make sure you have a space prepared for its assembly, with at least six feet of clearance behind the treadmill and an area with at least seven-foot ceilings.

With NordicTrack, your order will be shipped from the warehouse within five business days and should arrive at your location within three weeks. You should pick out a place for your NordicTrack tread. According to the company website, the NordicTrack X32i requires at least six feet of space behind the treadmill and a ceiling height of at least 7.5 feet (we recommend eight-foot ceilings for this particular tread). The NordicTrack 2450 requires six feet of space behind and ceilings at least 6.75 feet high.

Assembly

For the Peloton Tread, the team will transport the materials where you want the treadmill and set it up. They will do a functional test and connect it to WiFi. They assemble it for you at no extra cost.

With NordicTrack, you can choose to have the treadmill delivered with no assembly for free. They say setting it up yourself is easy and should take about 60 to 90 minutes. Your other option is their White Glove Delivery & Assembly. This is available in most U.S. cities but will cost $99 to $299 extra plus a tip. With this add-on, you will get full assembly of your treadmill and the packaging will be hauled away.

Warranty

Peloton has a 12-month warranty for the touchscreen, labor and defects. The warranty covers the frame for five years and parts for three years.

NordicTrack covers 12 months of labor, 10 years for the frame, and two years for parts.

It’s worth noting that both treadmill companies offer a 30-day in-home trial period. If you do decide to return it, you will be charged $250 to $300 in shipping fees.

Customer Reviews: Peloton Tread vs Nordictrack

People love their Pelotons. On the company site, they have earned a 4.5/5 stars with 867 total reviews.

One devotee commented "I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new tread! I've had the bike for almost three years and need to change up my workout routine. I am now training for a half marathon thanks to having access to an amazing machine and content."

Some users complained that the monitor shook at high speeds. Others were dissatisfied with the assembly and customer service. The machine function and app are rarely mentioned in negative reviews.

The high horsepower NordicTrack Commercial X32i gained lukewarm feedback in comparison. On its company site, it earned a 3.5 rating out of 493 reviews. It seems people have mixed experiences, with some saying it was a life-changing investment and others unimpressed by its claim of being the best incline treadmill.

One reviewer who gave it five stars writes, "Holy Smokes! This thing is a beast and probably the best purchase I have made for myself in years. I use it daily."

But one three-star reviewer says, "I want to love this thing. I have already had the incline fail and had to recalibrate and I have not even owned this device for 45 days yet."

The NordicTrack Commercial 2450 gets above-average marks from reviewers, with a 3.9/5 stars and 3,641 reviews on Amazon. Customers loved its sturdiness, value and ability to fold.

One reviewer was so stoked about the 2450 that she called it her “best purchase ever.” She continued, "I keep it in my dining room. I get to visit anywhere in the world where I want to while I work out. I love it."

Many reviewers had issues with the accessories and not the machine itself. For example, one four-star reviewer was frustrated by the iFIT chest strap. "The iFIT Heart Rate Monitor (chest strap) gets 0 / 5 stars & it deserves far less. As most other reviewers said, what garbage! It worked only once & it was WILDLY inaccurate. So wild I'd be dead if the readings were true.”

Peloton Tread vs NordicTrack FAQs

Which Nordictrack treadmill is most comparable to the Peloton tread?

The NordicTrack treadmills that are most similar to the Peloton is the NordicTrack Commercial 2450. The 2450 is about $500 less than the Peloton Tread. The Peloton Tread has a smaller footprint while, like most NordicTracks, the similar models are beefier and take up more room. The other main difference is the NordicTracks’ ability to decline to negative three percent to mimic downhill running. Finally, Peloton uses the Peloton App and NordicTrack uses iFIT.

Can you use the Peloton app on a Nordictrack and vice versa?

The short answer to this is, sure. You can use the Peloton app on NordicTrack machines—and anywhere really—and the iFIT app on the Peloton. The on-demand classes are accessible through your iPhone and Android apps, so they can be used wherever you are on whatever piece of equipment you’re on. However, you won’t be able to use the built-in screen on the machines and won’t reap the benefits of auto-adjusting or leaderboard status or any of the features that come with matching the app to their intended machines.

Final Thoughts

Sure, this might seem like a battle between “the shiny new thing” vs. “the tried and true.” But Peloton is not a fad and any modern-day NordicTrack ain’t your grandma’s treadmill. Both machines are fun, functional and technologically advanced. There are, of course, key differences that might sway you one way or the other. For some, the allure of studio classes and the Peloton community will be great for motivation. For others, the reliability, belt responsiveness and runner-friendly features will guide you toward a NordicTrack. In the end, they are both solid treadmills and a wise investment in your health.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.