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Forbes
24-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
NordicTrack Vs. Sole: Comparing Two Top Fitness Brands
NordicTrack and Sole are two of the most popular at-home fitness equipment brands, each offering a lineup of treadmills, ellipticals, rowers and bikes. If you're torn between the two, it's important to understand what sets them apart, so I've put together this handy guide to NordicTrack vs. Sole, with tips and insights based on my years of experience testing exercise equipment. As is the case with most fitness brands, the right one for you depends on your needs, from the type of machine that fits in your space to the type of workout you're after. Does NordicTrack or Sole better meet your needs? Here's what you need to know to reach the right ... More conclusion. Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers In this guide, I cover everything you need to know about these well-established brands before investing in a piece of equipment. After a brief overview to lay out the basics, I compare each brand's equipment—organized by category—and highlight the key features they offer. From there, I dive into important details like durability and warranty coverage, and take a closer look at two best-selling models—the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 vs. Sole F80 treadmills. Whether you're narrowing down your options or starting your search from scratch, this guide will help you pick the right brand and equipment to work up a sweat. NordicTrack and Sole are both well-established fitness brands that come from different backgrounds. NordicTrack was founded in 1975 when Ed Pauls invented the original NordicTrack ski machine. Over the next decade, Ed and his wife, Florence, grew the company before selling it in 1986, and in 1998, it was purchased by its current parent company, Icon Health & Fitness. While the original NordicTrack ski machine is (sadly) no longer in production, the brand now offers a much wider selection of fitness equipment. Sole Fitness , on the other hand, began in 2001 and is currently headquartered in Salt Lake City. Originally, its machines were found in hotel gyms, where they received praise for their ability to support many different users and withstand regular use. The company expanded over the years to design durable home gym equipment, and an online library of fitness content under its Sole+ label helps you engage in activities from home. NordicTrack treadmills are a great option if you're looking for interactive workouts and techy features. The Commercial 1750 model is one of the most popular options on the market—and the best model overall in our guide to the best treadmills—thanks to its 16-inch touch screen, incline and decline settings, and access to a range of online workouts through iFit, NordicTrack's workout subscription service. If you're looking for a machine that's more immersive, the X24 provides a bigger screen and steeper incline options. Both of these models are great for guided workouts and daily training, with loads of entertainment options to choose from. Sole, on the other hand, prioritizes durability and performance with models like the F63 that's solid and built to last. Meanwhile, the F80 offers more power thanks to a stronger motor and upgraded belt cushioning, making it a great option for more serious runners. Sole machines are often compared to models in hotels or gyms due to the company's origins, so they're a great pick if you want a reliable treadmill that doesn't prioritize high-end tech. The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a full-size treadmill with a large screen and adjustable deck. NordicTrack Ellipticals If you're looking for guided workouts and variety, NordicTrack's X16 elliptical is a top-of-the-line model complete with a 16-inch HD touch screen, incline options and access to iFit services. You can follow trainers through hikes, full-body cardio sessions and studio classes to work up a sweat and stay engaged. Sole takes a more traditional approach to ellipticals with models like the E25 and E35 that feel smooth and reliable. The E25 is a great entry-level choice for just over $1,000 that features a solid range of stride and resistance options, while the bigger E95 features a heavier flywheel and power incline. Sole's ellipticals are easy on your joints, making them a great low-impact cardio option if you don't need a large touch screen or subscription-based classes. Rowing Machines NordicTrack's immersive rowing machines are made for those who want more than a handle and a place to sit. For example, the RW900 features a massive 24-inch touch screen, Bluetooth headphone connectivity and built-in speakers for premium sound. It also adjusts resistance automatically during workouts, so you don't have to fumble with knobs or dials as you go. Sole keeps things simpler with options like the SR550—the only rower in the brand's lineup. It combines air and magnetic resistance to deliver a smooth, quiet ride, though the 10.1-inch touch screen is a bit lackluster. Ultimately, it's a great option if you want a dependable rower that feels good and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. The Sole SR550 is the only rowing machine in the brand's lineup. Sole Bikes NordicTrack shines in the bike category with models like the X24 and S24 Studio. The former features a 24-inch touch screen and incline and decline settings, while the latter uses the same size touch screen, though it lacks incline settings, which makes it a bit more affordable. If you're into structured workouts and visuals that make rides more compelling, these are great options for the money. Sole's bikes focus more on quality and comfort without tying you to a subscription. The SB900, for example, is a great entry-level bike with a basic compact display and a hefty flywheel for smooth pedaling and consistent cadence. If you prefer a more relaxed ride, the LCR recumbent bike is a bit more comfortable and built like a tank, with 40 resistance levels that help you dial in the workout. These Sole bikes are great options if you want to hop on for a ride and get a solid workout in without fumbling over figures, stats and instructions. NordicTrack Vs. Sole: Durability And Warranty Durability NordicTrack machines are generally well made, focusing on tech features like large screens, speakers and content that make a workout more enjoyable and immersive. All of the NordicTrack equipment I've tried over the years feels sturdy enough for regular use, including high-end options like the Commercial 1750 treadmill or X24 Studio bike. Cushioned decks and solid frames make them comfortable and adaptable, but keep in mind the added tech might be a point of concern when it comes to long-term reliability. Sole has a reputation for making incredibly durable cardio equipment, with a vast selection of machines that feel and operate like those you'd find at the gym. (Sole machines were originally built for commercial use, after all.) Whether it's the heavy-duty frame on the F80 treadmill or solid flywheel on the SB900 bike, you're investing in equipment that's built to last and looks beyond features that can break down or cause issues over time. The NordicTrack X16 elliptical offers an immersive workout experience. NordicTrack Warranty A strong and reliable warranty makes it easier to purchase expensive equipment with peace of mind. NordicTrack's warranties technically vary by machine, but the standard warranty on most machines is ten years for the frame, two years for parts and one year for labor. And if you purchase the Commercial 1750, Commercial 2450, X16 or X24 treadmills, the motor is covered for life. Sole, on the other hand, offers an equally solid five-year warranty on the frames of its treadmills, ellipticals, bikes and rowers. From there, motors come with a two-year warranty, and parts and labor are covered for one year. Sole also offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, though a nonrefundable return shipping fee of $250 and a 10% restocking fee will be deducted from the final refund. While both brands offer strong warranties, I had an incredibly hard time finding warranty information on NordicTrack's website. Only after chatting with customer service was I able to pinpoint exact frame, part and motor warranties—it shouldn't be that difficult to find such information. With that said, you can purchase a machine with confidence from either brand, knowing you're covered by good protection. NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Vs. Sole F80: Best-Selling Treadmill Models The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 and Sole F80 are two of the most popular treadmill models on the market, and they both appear in our guide to the best treadmills of 2025. Featuring strong performance, durability and solid value for the price, you can't go wrong with either one, though they technically cater to different types of users when you break them down. The Commercial 1750 is the better pick if you're after an interactive, tech-driven workout. It comes with a 16-inch HD touch screen display, incline and decline settings and access to NordicTrack's library of iFit workouts. Really, it's designed for people who want to follow along with trainers, enjoy scenic workout routes and make use of a machine that adjusts automatically during guided runs. Its features keep you motivated for $2,499, when it isn't on sale. The Sole F80 is a great pick if you care more about durability and simplicity. Its 10.1-inch touch screen is a bit smaller, but it still features a powerful motor, cushioned running belt and even a wireless phone charger. At $1,900, it costs quite a bit less than the Commercial 1750—you're sacrificing some modern tech for a simpler, streamlined workout experience. The Sole F80 doesn't have quite as many features as the Commercial 1750, but it's still a capable ... More treadmill. Sole NordicTrack Vs. Sole: Which One Is Right For You? Ultimately, choosing between NordicTrack and Sole comes down to your preferences and how you like to work out. If you prefer guided workouts, scenic runs or studio-esque training with an instructor, NordicTrack is probably the better fit. The brand's many machines are built around iFit, and features like big screens, incline adjustments, speakers, cooling fans and interactive workouts feel a lot more engaging. It's a great choice if you need the extra motivation or just want a tech-heavy experience. Meanwhile, Sole is hard to beat if you value simplicity, durability and long-term reliability. That's not to say NordicTrack isn't reliable, but Sole offers generous warranties and you don't need to pay for a subscription to take full advantage of its machines. They're ideal for those who prefer gym-quality performance without technical distractions or vulnerable add-ons that cost more. Why Trust Forbes Vetted The gear team at Forbes Vetted dedicates countless hours to testing, evaluating and reviewing a wide range of products, including at-home fitness equipment. We've covered not only such brands as NordicTrack and Sole, but specific product categories, too, like rowing machines , walking pads and exercise bikes . This guide was written by Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta , who's spent years covering health and wellness products. With a degree in kinesiology and a deep understanding of human movement, he enjoys evaluating equipment that helps you stay active and healthy. , who's spent years covering health and wellness products. With a degree in kinesiology and a deep understanding of human movement, he enjoys evaluating equipment that helps you stay active and healthy. This story was edited by Christine Colby, a Forbes Vetted commerce editor who has specialized in product testing and reviews for four years. She's currently long-term testing the Titan Plus Luxe Mattress and recently covered the best elliptical machines for Forbes Vetted. We return to this guide on a regular basis to ensure the information we provide is up-to-date and relevant, so you have the tools to find the right brand for your needs, whether that's NordicTrack or Sole. This guide was published in June 2025.
Telegraph
29-01-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
The best treadmills for walking, running and cardio workouts in 2025, recommended by experts
The home fitness industry was on the cusp of a breakthrough even before the pandemic, thanks to advances in technology and a desire for exercise to fit into our lifestyles, rather than the other way round. Lockdown put rocket-boosters under that. Before you knew it everyone was following Joe Wicks workouts, yoga-ing with Yoga with Adriene or investing in a We asked experts from the world of sport and physiotherapy to recommend the best treadmills currently available. Their full reviews are further down this article, followed by some advice on how to lose weight on a treadmill. But if you're in a hurry, here's a quick look at our top five: Which are the best treadmills in 2025? At a glance Best overall treadmill - Best budget treadmill - Best Peloton treadmill - Best mid-range treadmill - Best joint-friendly treadmill - How much should I spend on a treadmill? Treadmills can cost between £600 and £3,500. How much you spend should depend on how regularly you'll use it and whether you want live classes, like with Peloton or NordicTrack. Look for one which monitors your time, pace and incline. It will need to be wide and long enough and have a motor powerful enough to maintain a consistent speed for someone of your weight, size and power output, says Matt Roberts, celebrity personal trainer to Adele and David Cameron. 'In the most basic terms,' Matt says, 'a treadmill should not leave you feeling that your foot is close to the end if you have a long stride length. The motor needs to be a minimum of around 2.5 horsepower if you intend to run at all and should be that same level for walkers in order to retain a consistent speed. Lesser motors will alter their output as the foot strikes.' Ready to be put through your paces? Whether you're looking for the crème de la crème of studio-standard treadmills or a budget model to get you started, these are the best treadmills available for your home gym. Best treadmills 1. NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Best treadmill overall, 10/10 We like: ease of the programmes built in We don't like: the price Max speed 19km/h Incline between -3 and +15 14' Pivot HD touchscreen Foldable Real time classes with iFit (30 days free, then £11 per month) For the best all-round training experience – with a price to match – look to NordicTrack. Its Commercial 1750 model has 'Runner's Flex' cushioning on the deck that can be adjusted to offer extra impact support or to simulate a real road-running experience. It has an impressive incline range of -3 to +15 per cent and a max speed of 19km/h (roughly 12mph – plenty fast enough, unless you're Mo Farah). NHS and Aston Villa FC physiotherapist Alex Boardman recommends the NordicTrack due to the ease of the programmes being built in. 'Treadmills that provide interval training sessions can be really beneficial for providing structure to workouts. They allow you to progress mobility and fitness in a controlled environment.' With this treadmill you also get a month's subscription to iFit, which offers immersive on-demand and live training classes (delivered via a 14' HD touchscreen) that automatically adjust your speed and incline as you go – there's no space to slack. It has other fun features, like Google Maps integration which means you can mimic outdoor running anywhere in the world. 2. JTX Sprint-3 Electric Best value treadmill, 8/10 We like: compact treadmill for a reasonable price We don't like: phone/tablet holder doesn't have Bluetooth connectivity Max speed 16km/h Incline between 0 and 12 5' LED screen Foldable 40 programmes This is a good quality, compact treadmill for a reasonable price. It comes with 40 pre-programmed workouts and has a max speed of 16km/h and an adjustable incline up to 12 per cent. The belt folds up for easy storage but thanks to the robust steel frame, it feels sturdy to run on. The 5' backlit display is intuitive and easy to use and links to a reasonably good heart rate monitor. It does almost everything the more expensive machines do, except live and on-demand workouts. As celebrity personal trainer Matt Roberts says, 'Screens aren't a necessity: most smartphones will give you more and are more accurate with data.' 'A good treadmill can be used for a variety of different exercise programmes,' adds Alex Boardman, stating that as a priority over high technology screens. The downsides are that, while it has a phone/tablet holder, it doesn't have any Bluetooth connectivity to link it up to smartphone apps like Strava. It's also slightly awkward to lubricate. However, it's a great value option for everyday use at a reasonable price. 3. Peloton Tread Best Peloton treadmill, 9/10 We like: classes can help users stay on course with their fitness We don't like: the price Max speed 20km/h Incline between 0 and 12.5 24' HD screen Not foldable Real-time classes with Peloton (from £39 per month) For a premium, studio-style treadmill experience, the Peloton Tread is hard to beat. It's exceptionally well-built. Speed and incline controls are on handy adjustable panels by your side. It has a wide speed and incline range of 0-20km/h and 0 to 12.5 per cent respectively and feels sturdy yet smooth to run on, with ample cushioning on the deck. Peloton's key strength is its incredible array of classes, so the treadmill comes with a 23.8' touchscreen and front-facing speakers so you can join in in HD. According to Alex Boardman, these live and on-demand classes can help users stay on course with their fitness. Peloton instructor Hannah Frankson explains: 'There are classes of different lengths and workout types, whether you want to enjoy a fun music run or go for long intervals. The smooth treadmill belt is easier than running on the road or tarmac, reducing impact on your joints.' The motivation of a class atmosphere, a leaderboard and a great playlist is certainly Peloton's biggest selling point. Remember you will have to pay monthly for a class subscription, on top of the one-off cost of the treadmill – which is already very expensive at £3,045 (or £278.85 per month for 12 months with Peloton's 0 per cent finance deal). But if you like boot camp-style HIIT classes and are happy to splash out, you'll be be getting a very good running machine. 4. Reebok FR20Z Floatride Best joint-friendly treadmill, 8/10 We like: The cushioning We don't like: Lack of foldability Max speed: 18 km/h Incline 15 levels Not foldable LED console 24 preset programs + three user-defined programmes A sturdy home treadmill with a refreshing pop of colour and Floatride+ cushioning technology. 'The Floatride+ cushioning provides excellent shock absorption, ideal for those prioritising low-impact workouts,' says Alan Morton, specialist run coach and lead tutor at 'The running deck is a good size for taller runners at 140cm long and 46cm wide and it has a high maximum speed of 18 km/h for high-intensity interval training. It has a quiet 2.25 HP motor and a comprehensive selection of preset fitness programmes plus the user-defined personal programmes.' It's also compatible with apps such as Zwift and Kinomap. The bright console display gives you speed, time, distance, calories, pulse, heart rate and body fat and the machine has integrated Bluetooth surround sound speakers. There are short grab rails for safety and a dock for your devices. 'It's not foldable because it has a fixed running deck,' says Alan. 'This makes it less easy to store away but more stable for running on.' It does have transport wheels for moving out of the way when not in use. 5. Matrix Fitness TF30 Folding Treadmill Best treadmill used in gyms, 8/10 We like: blurs the boundaries between home and commercial treadmills We don't like: its quite pricey Max speed 20km/h Incline between 0 and 15 8.5' LCD screen Foldable View fit connectivity to connect with apps Back to the luxury end, the Matrix treadmill blurs the boundaries between home and commercial treadmills. Matt Roberts favours an expensive commercial machine over the smaller at home treadmills and this is the perfect compromise. 'To be honest, it's hard to find a home treadmill that is going to be good enough to justify buying,' he says. His biggest concern is that motors on at home treadmills are generally low, citing 2.5 horsepower as the lowest acceptable level. This Matrix level far outdoes that, with a 3.25 motor. Matrix is also the brand used in PureGyms. 'We use treadmills from Matrix which provide all our cardio machines. This is a robust treadmill with an efficient and user-friendly LED display. It provides all you would expect from a commercial treadmill, such as heart rate sensor, pre-set workouts, a good incline percentage and a broad range of speed options,' says Dan Blackhall, manager at PureGym. Amazingly, this Matrix treadmills even folds up, so it can be stored vertically when not in use. It's perfect for someone looking for an in between of home and commercial treadmills. 6. Domyos High-Performance Connected Treadmill T900D Best mid-range treadmill, 8/10 We like: Spacious running deck We don't like: Less incline than higher-end models Max speed 18 km/h Incline: 0 to 10 Foldable LED console 32 preset programmes, Bluetooth compatibility with Domyos Econnected and other fitness apps A mid-range treadmill from Decathlon that's designed for people who run regularly. 'With a generous running surface of 50cm x 143cm, solid motor power and app compatibility, it's perfect for those seeking a reliable, connected treadmill at a mid-range price point,' says run coach Alan. It has grab rails for safety and the console shows you time, distance, speed, average speed, calories burned and heart rate (measured with a heart rate monitor belt or manual sensors). Nice touches include side speakers so you can ditch the headphones, a fan, cable jack for your device, USB port and a tablet holder. It folds and has wheels so you can store it away when not in use. 'It offers excellent value for money, with a high maximum speed and app integration for tracking workouts,' says Alan. 'The spacious deck is ideal for running, jogging or walking for those with a long stride. However, there is a more limited incline range compared to higher-end models.' 7. Decorcn Folding Treadmill Best budget treadmill, 7/10 We like: The value for money We don't like: Short running deck Max speed 16 km/h Incline 20 levels (2.2° to 5.4°) Hydraulic folding system LED display, 12 preset programmes 'This is a versatile treadmill for walking, jogging or intense running with a good selection of incline levels and the upright grab rails are useful if you want to walk on a steeper incline,' says Alan. 'The 4.5 HP motor provides impressive durability and power, ensuring a smooth and quiet ride even during high-intensity running sessions or when used by heavier users.' The running belt is wide at 45cm, but on the shorter side in length at 120cm. 'This may not suit very tall runners,' says Alan. 'There's only 12 preset workout programmes, which is lower than some treadmills, but enough to add variety to your treadmill workouts. There's no Bluetooth connectivity but at this price point, the treadmill is good value for money. It has a six-layer elastic running belt, which will provide reasonable shock absorption.' It has Bluetooth speakers for your motivational tunes and the hydraulic folding system makes it easy to fold away along with transport wheels, so it doesn't need to be out all the time. It has five-year parts and motor cover, which is a bonus as treadmills can be expensive to maintain, especially if you use them frequently. 8. Horizon 7.0AT Treadmill Best treadmill for taller, heavier runners, 8/10 We like: High speed and incline settings We don't like: Low number of preset programmes Max speed 19 km/h Incline 0 - 15 Foldable Bluetooth connectivity and app integration for real-time classes. 'The Horizon 7.0AT Treadmill is built for tough home workouts with app integration,' says Alan. 'It has a powerful motor at 3.0 HP for intense runs and Bluetooth compatibility, making it perfect for fitness apps like Zwift and Peloton, syncing seamlessly with training plans and wearable devices, such as heart rate monitors. It only has seven preset programmes but you won't necessarily need them as you can use apps.' It has a high maximum user weight at 147kg and the running deck is very long at 152cm. 'This makes it a good buy for tall runners who sometimes feel like they can't stride out on treadmills,' says Alan. 'The incline goes up to an impressive 15 per cent. Add to that a high max speed of 19 km\h with responsive, quick-adjust handles for changing them and you have a versatile treadmill for advanced runners.' It has short grab rails for safety, built-in speakers, pulse monitor, a hydraulic folding system for easy storage and a two-year parts and labour warranty. FAQs How to lose weight on a treadmill 'Alternate between walking, running and sprinting on a variety of inclines,' advises celebrity trainer Matt Roberts. 'This will provide a good variety of cardio challenges. Anything you do will burn calories, which all goes towards weight loss.' Roberts explains he prefers HIIT sessions for his own clients. He says, 'Generally, I don't ask people to do long durations on treadmills. They are used instead for shorter more intensive periods within training sessions. This is not to discount long duration treadmill runs, but they don't form part of training sessions in general.' Which treadmill is best for home use? The Nordictrack Commercial 1750 tops our list as the best home treadmill, as recommended by our experts. Not only does it have a high-powered motor, highly variable speed and incline and excellent cushioning, it also has a 14' screen from which you can run live and on demand classes via iFit. For more ways to improve your health, read our guide to the Are folding treadmills good for serious workouts? Yes, provided you have a good model, folding treadmills can provide a great workout.
