ProForm Treadmills vs. NordicTrack Treadmills: Stiff Competition for These Sister Brands (2024)

Editors Brian and Jessica visit the iFit showroom and corporate headquarters in Logan, Utah for training with their lineup. Photo by: Oleksandr Kosheliev / TreadmilReviews.net

ProForm Treadmills vs. NordicTrack Treadmills, which one of these sister brands is the better of the two? I believe they call it sibling rivalry. ProForm and NordicTrack are both manufactured by one of the world’s leading gym equipment brands iFIT Health & Fitness, formerly known as ICON Health and Fitness. They are in direct competition with each other for residential workout equipment. However, NordicTrack does have an edge on being known as the more durable, higher quality machine for runners while the ProForm lineup offers more budget-friendly pricing. Read below to see my hands-on review and comparison following trips to the corporate showroom of iFit.

A Brief Overview

Why You Should Trust Our Review

At TreadmillReviews.net, we bring you comprehensive reviews of treadmills so you can decide which one is right for you. Our staff thoroughly test all the treadmills we review. We install them, walk on them, run on them, and try out all of the features. We get to know each and every treadmill we review extremely well. Our reviewers log miles on the deck. We listen and record the sound of the motor, we test and measure the incline/decline, try out all aspects of the console and try the treadmill’s features, such as iFit.

Every treadmill we review undergoes the same rigorous process. That way we can compare and contrast them and give you an honest review of what we think. Some of these particular treadmills has been around for many years, and we’ve done previous reviews of most of them.

Our reviewers are treadmill and fitness experts. Brian, the author of this review, is a professional bodybuilder, and is a 7-time national qualifier in both men’s bodybuilding and classic physique within the NPC competitions. He has coached and been coached on cardiovascular training, HIIT, and nutrition, particularly as it pertains to weight loss for competitions. He is an expert at treadmills, has been on this treadmill, and you can trust his opinion on all of the treadmills he reviews.

Spending more unlocks special features like the 40% incline, 32” touchscreen, and integrated iFit technology found on the NordicTrack X32i. Photo by: Oleksandr Kosheliev / TreadmilReviews.net

Choosing a Treadmill

When choosing a residential treadmill, there are a few things to think about before making your final decision.

• Do you plan to walk, jog, or run on your treadmill? How often?  
• Space: Do you live in a house or apartment?
• Price: What is your budget?
• Look at the reviews of manufactures and models you have in mind. It helps to know if there are any particular issues you may face.

Company/NordicTrack vs. ProForm

NordicTrack and ProForm

Headquartered in Logan, Utah, NordicTrack and ProForm are sister brands manufactured by iFIT Health and Fitness.

Models/ ProForm vs. NordicTrack

ProForm Models 

ProForm produces exercise equipment, including treadmills, for a wide variety of clients. The majority of their models are designed for the budget-conscious buyer.

ProForm Pro Series: Two models Pro 2000, Pro 9000 ($1,699 – $2,299)

ProForm Carbon Series: Two models Carbon TLX ($999), Carbon T7 (3-year iFit membership and machine is free)

ProForm City Series (lower priced): City L6 $599

NordicTrack Models

NordicTrack manufactures for various levels of activity, from walking to running. However, the majority of their models are good for the more serious runner. The options include traditional treadmills, incline trainer treadmills, and treadmill desks.

Commercial: Choose from the following three models, Commercial X32i ($3,999), Commercial X22i ($3,499) Commercial 1750 ($2,499), Commercial 2450 ($2,799)

EXP Treadmill Series: Also has an option of three models to choose from with the EXP10i ($1,699), EXP 7i ($1,299)

The ProForm SMART Pro 9000 works for walkers and runners alike.
Photo by: Oleksandr Kosheliev / TreadmilReviews.net

Workout Programs/ ProForm vs. NordicTrack

ProForm

All ProForm models are iFit-compatible and most come with some membership package included in the purchase. This varies model to model and throughout the year. iFit works with Google maps to give you an interactive virtual workout on terrains around the world. Your incline and resistance will adjust to the elevation and elements of  any particular geography – you can choose to run up mountains or city streets – anywhere Google maps will take you. Recent trends have manifested a move away from built-in programming in favor of app-related content.

NordicTrack

NordicTrack’s treadmills are iFit-compatible and recent models come with some form of membership included in the purchase with varies by model and pricing special. Much like ProForm and other exercise equipment these days, the trend has been away from built-in programs in favor of app-related programming, larger screens, and more Bluetooth features. As a rule, the NordicTrack treadmills offer more workout features than ProForm and this is reflected in the pricing difference. 

Price/ProForm vs. NordicTrack

Proform

Price range: $599 – $2,299

NordicTrack

Price range: $1,299-$3,999

NordicTrack is a pricer alternative but its possible to purchase 40-50% of the MSRP.

Motors/ProForm vs. NordicTrack

The standard guideline to follow when deciding on how much horsepower you need in your treadmill are as follows:  

• 2.5 HP – walking
• 3.0 HP and above – jogging and running

ProForm

The HP range for all the models are 1.6 – 3.6.   

NordicTrack

The HP range on NordicTrack treadmills run 2.6-4.25.

Both brands have various lines that cater to different activity and fitness levels. However, most of NordicTrack’s selections will satisfy the more serious of runners.   

The ProForm Smart Pro 2000 folds up with a simple lift.
“Photo by: Oleksandr Kosheliev / TreadmilReviews.net

Warranties/ProForm vs. NordicTrack

The warranties are very similar which is no surprise since they are owned by the same parent company. They are also very good options demonstrating that both NordicTrack and ProForm stand behind their products.

ProForm

Warranty options available; however you must review how your particular model is covered.

• 10 years for frame and motor
• Three to five years on parts
• One to two years on labor

NordicTrack

There are a variety of warranties; each treadmill has its specific option.

• 10 years for frame and motor
• Three to five years on parts and electronics
• One to two years on labor

Conclusion

NordicTrack is the prettier of the two sisters; particularly for those who are serious about their running and do it regularly. Although NordicTrack is pricier it is possible to purchase one 40 -50% of the original price. So, in the end you may pay only a few more dollars for premium equipment. However, even with the discount of the premium brand, it really comes down to your particular needs and a ProForm may work perfectly for you. ProForm is also a good quality machine for walkers, joggers and some runners. It is a matter of size, budget and how often you intend to use your treadmill that will lend to making the best choice for your treadmill.