Peloton Treadmill Vs. NordicTrack: Which Machine Is Right For You?

Forbes

16-05-2025

Peloton and NordicTrack are two of the most recognizable fitness brands. Browse their online stores and you'll find a range of at-home equipment, from rowing machines to exercise bikes—but we're here to talk about treadmills. Peloton's two treadmills, the Tread and Tread+, are feature-packed models with large screens, speakers and access to live classes. NordicTrack, on the other hand, offers six different treadmill models that vary in price and features. This guide explores the Peloton Treadmill vs. NordicTrack debate to help you choose the best option for your needs, whether you're a runner, walker or just looking to stay active.
In this guide, we break down each brand's treadmill lineup based on key components, like speed range, incline and decline, standout features and price to give you a side-by-side comparison. Our objective is to help you determine which brand aligns with your goals, and which model meets your needs. Whether you're narrowing down your options or starting from scratch, we'll help you find the right treadmill.
Peloton and NordicTrack are well-established fitness brands that emerged from very different backgrounds.
Peloton's Tread and Tread+ both reach a top speed of 12.5 miles per hour. For context, running at 12 miles per hour is the equivalent of completing a five-minute mile, meaning these machines are fast enough for even professional runners. You can adjust the speed in 0.1 mile-per-hour increments via a scroll-style knob on the handrail, which allows for a more natural running experience than traditional push-button controls that can interrupt your flow.
NordicTrack organizes its treadmills into three distinct series, each of which target a different price point and feature set. At the high end is the X Series that's packed with premium features and starts at $3,499. On the budget end, you'll find the T Series, starting at $1,499. And sitting in the middle is the Commercial Series, which starts at $1,999 and reaches a top speed of 14 miles per hour—roughly equivalent to a 4:17 mile pace.
If speed is your top priority, NordicTrack's Commercial Series comes out ahead with a max of 14 miles per hour. With that said, few people are likely to need a treadmill that fast—it's really aimed at people who regularly do HIIT or sprints. Both brands feature top speeds that are sufficient for most runners.
Incline and decline settings simulate walking uphill and downhill, helping you burn more calories as you adjust the intensity of your workouts.
Both of Peloton's treadmills have incline functionality, though one can go steeper than the other. The basic Tread reaches a maximum incline of 12.5%, while the Tread+ tops out at 15%. Surprisingly, neither treadmill has a decline feature, so you won't be able to set a grade below 0% to make a workout easier.
NordicTrack offers varying incline and decline ranges depending on the series you choose. The high-end X Series ranges from -6% to an impressive (and exhausting) 40% incline, which is comparable to walking up a black diamond ski hill. The Commercial Series ranges from -3% to 12%, which nearly matches Peloton's incline capabilities and adds decline. And for those who don't need decline, the T Series offers a basic 0% to 12% incline range.
If you're looking for maximum incline and decline variability, NordicTrack's X and Commercial Series are the way to go. If decline isn't a top priority, the Peloton Tread and Tread+, as well as the NordicTrack T Series, should meet your needs.
At one time, most treadmills offered the same basic set of features, like a fan and the ability to incline. But these days, treadmills are increasingly packed with tech and add-ons to make your workouts more engaging and enjoyable. To break down standout features, let's talk about these treadmills in greater detail.
As Peloton's premium treadmill, the Tread+ is packed with standout features, chief among them a 32-inch full HD touchscreen display that tilts and contains a soundbar. The display lets you stream shows, listen to music or join live workout classes, though you'll need Peloton's All-Access Membership ($44/month), along with your own subscriptions for services like YouTubeTV and Netflix. Underfoot, the Tread+ also features a cushioned slat belt that's wider, softer and more forgiving. You can even use it in 'Free Mode' to turn off the motor and power the belt with your own stride. Speed and incline can be adjusted with control knobs located on the handrails.
The Tread is the more affordable of Peloton's two treadmills, but it still offers plenty of features. Its 23.8-inch HD touchscreen is slightly smaller, but it still tilts and includes front-facing stereo speakers. You have access to the same classes and streaming options with an All-Access Membership, and speed and incline can be adjusted via the control knobs. Unlike the Tread+, this model uses a standard running belt that's a bit smaller and doesn't support manual mode. It's also a foot shorter overall, which makes it a better fit for smaller spaces, though it still qualifies as a full-size treadmill.
NordicTrack's high-end X Series includes two models: the X16 and X24. Both are equipped with HD tilting touchscreen displays (16 and 24 inches, respectively), cushioned belts for added support and automatic fans that adjust based on your workout intensity. To access live and on-demand classes, you'll need an iFit membership, which costs $15/month for the Train tier, or $39/month for the Pro tier. While you can use the treadmill in manual mode without a subscription, the display frankly isn't very useful without access to iFit content.
The Commercial Series tops our list of the best treadmills for home, and for good reason. Offering strong value across its three models (the 1250, 1750 and 2450), each one features a pivoting HD touchscreen (1o, 16 and 24 inches, respectively), though the 1250's screen is smaller than an iPad Pro. With a top speed of 14 miles per hour, this is NordicTrack's fastest treadmill line, and the cushioned belt makes quick miles just a little more comfortable. Again, you'll need an iFit subscription to access classes and content, and an automatic fan keeps you cool. The Commercial Series is also compelling because it folds up and rolls away to save space.
The NordicTrack T Series 10 is the only model in the brand's entry-level lineup, but it's still surprisingly capable. A 10-inch tilting HD touchscreen allows you to access content via a subscription, and its 12% max incline is more than enough for most users. While the belt isn't as cushioned as that of the Commercial Series, it is adjustable, and the automatic fan is nice to have as well. The T Series also folds and rolls away to save space, though it lacks NordicTrack's lifetime motor warranty, which may be a drawback if you use your treadmill a lot.
Peloton products are typically more expensive than other options on the market, and the brand's treadmills are no exception. The Tread+ costs $5,995, while the Tread lists for $2,995.
NordicTrack gives you more models to choose from, many of which are competitively priced. The top-of-the-line X24 costs $3,999, while the X16 retails for $3,499. Below that, the Commercial 2450 costs $2,999, followed by the Commercial 1750 at $2,499 and the Commercial 1250 at $1,999. The T Series 10 rounds out the lineup at $1,499.
With that said, both Peloton and NordicTrack often discount their treadmills, and it's not unusual to score savings of up to $800. If you're looking for a good discount, consider shopping sales holidays like Memorial Day Weekend, Black Friday and Cyber Monday for the best possible savings.
Ultimately, choosing between a Peloton and a NordicTrack treadmill comes down to your budget and preferences. But we can help you choose.
For everyday walking and running without advanced features, the NordicTrack T Series 10 is a great choice. If you're looking for best-in-class entertainment and features, consider the Peloton Tread+ or NordicTrack X Series. And for a balance of performance and some features, like incline and decline, an HD display, fans and foldability, look at the Peloton Tread or NordicTrack Commercial Series.
All the treadmills in this guide come with built-in displays, but they're only worth the initial investment if you also buy a monthly subscription service. While there are tutorials online that show you how to bypass these subscriptions to use the display, the process can be tricky and often unsatisfying. If you're happy using a phone or tablet for classes and entertainment, you can save money by choosing a treadmill without a display, though Peloton and NordicTrack don't offer screen-free models through their official websites.
The gear team at Forbes Vetted spends countless hours testing, rating and reviewing products, including at-home fitness equipment. We've covered not only treadmills, but rowing machines, walking pads and exercise bikes too.