Home » NordicTrack: Feature-Rich Home Fitness, With Real Subscription and Service Trade-Offs

NordicTrack: Feature-Rich Home Fitness, With Real Subscription and Service Trade-Offs

by Harry Bramwell

NordicTrack’s documented strength is feature-rich treadmills with incline and decline training and immersive iFIT workouts. Based in Logan, Utah, NordicTrack is powered by iFIT, according to its replies on Trustpilot. Its Commercial 1750 is the standout. Garage Gym Reviews scored it 4.4 out of 5 after a long-term update and recommends it as a workhorse treadmill, noting it’s one of the few with decline training. OutdoorGearLab called it one of the best home treadmills it has tested, praising its exercise quality and an incline range from -3% to 15% that auto-adjusts during iFIT videos.

NordicTrack lists the Commercial 1750 with a 16-inch pivoting touchscreen, a 0 to 12 mph motor and a lifetime motor warranty, at about $2,299 to $2,499 depending on sales. The Commercial 2450 adds a 24-inch screen and 14 mph speed, while the 1250 is the entry model. Expert Reviews praised the 1750’s quiet motor, smooth belt and a downhill run that mimicked real terrain. NordicTrack also sells ellipticals, bikes and rowers, and iFIT membership costs $39 per month after the included period, per NordicTrack.

Some long-term owners are satisfied. George Bliss (3 stars) said he’d used his treadmill about four times a week for five years and was reasonably satisfied, liking the decline feature. Marc (US, 5 stars) praised NordicTrack for honoring its warranty after a frame broke. Jim Watson (US, 1 star) updated his review to say NordicTrack replaced a faulty console at no cost except labor. Shantan Reddy said a previous NordicTrack treadmill lasted 10 years.

The honest caveat: NordicTrack scores 2.6 on Trustpilot from more than 2,100 reviews, with 50% one-star ratings. Trustpilot’s AI summary describes terrible customer service, long waits, console freezes, software update failures and machines breaking soon after delivery. Many reviewers say key features and streaming require a paid iFIT subscription, and some were locked out of manual mode. Reviewers describe repairs taking months, a restocking fee of about $250 on returns, and one reported electric shocks from a new treadmill. NordicTrack replies to 95% of negative reviews, typically within two weeks.

Quick Highlights

✅ Garage Gym Reviews score of 4.4/5 (Commercial 1750)
✅ One of the best home treadmills tested, per OutdoorGearLab
✅ Incline from -3% to 15%, per OutdoorGearLab
✅ Auto-adjusting incline during iFIT workouts
✅ Decline training is rare among treadmills
✅ Quiet motor and smooth belt, per Expert Reviews
✅ Lifetime motor warranty on Commercial models, per NordicTrack
✅ Large pivoting touchscreens
✅ Wide range of treadmills, bikes and ellipticals
✅ Some owners report many years of use
✅ Warranty honored in some cases, per reviewers
✅ Replies to 95% of negative reviews

❌ Trustpilot score of 2.6, with 50% one-star reviews
❌ iFIT subscription needed for many features, $39/month
❌ Streaming apps locked behind iFIT, per reviewers
❌ Console freezes and update failures, per reviewers
❌ Repairs taking months, per reviewers
❌ About $250 restocking fee on returns, per reviewers
❌ Difficult to reach customer service

Why Trust This Review

This review draws on more than 2,100 Trustpilot reviews of NordicTrack (TrustScore 2.6) and its AI summary, testing from Garage Gym Reviews, OutdoorGearLab, Expert Reviews, Top Ten Reviews and The Zoe Report, and NordicTrack product and pricing information. NordicTrack hasn’t invited Trustpilot reviews recently. Several testers earn affiliate commissions. Warranty terms vary by model and over time.

Safety note: Stop using any treadmill that shocks you, smells of burning or behaves erratically, unplug it and contact the manufacturer. Use the safety key, keep children and pets away from moving belts, and consult a doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially after surgery or injury. GlossGirly has no commercial relationship with NordicTrack that affects this verdict.

Full Review Breakdown

Performance and Training Features

NordicTrack’s treadmills earn strong marks from testers. OutdoorGearLab rated the Commercial 1750’s exercise quality among the best it tested. Garage Gym Reviews highlighted its 3.5 CHP motor and decline training. Expert Reviews found running downhill on the machine felt like real terrain.

Adam Case (US, 1 star) said he loves the X16’s incline range compared with almost all others, even while criticizing iFIT. D King (US, 2 stars) called NordicTrack equipment a quality product despite poor service.

iFIT Subscription and Software

iFIT is central to NordicTrack and its biggest point of friction. NordicTrack lists iFIT at $39 per month after the included membership. Expert Reviews found iFIT’s music selection narrower than Peloton’s.

Many reviewers object to paywalls. Laura Bateman (2 stars) said basic functions like time goals now require iFIT. Janessa Buhler (US, 1 star) and Tyler Marlin Yoho (US, 1 star) said streaming apps like Netflix require an extra subscription. Mark Jordan (US, 1 star) said his X16 elliptical locked him out of manual mode after opting out of iFIT. Patrick Kobus (US, 1 star) said a software update disabled an older model.

Reliability and Repairs

Reliability is mixed. Trustpilot’s summary notes machines breaking soon after delivery and console screens freezing. Beverly Quinn (US, 1 star) said her Freestride Trainer X16 stopped working within six months and still wasn’t fixed six months later. Michael Spencer (US, 1 star) said his new Commercial 1750 shocked him repeatedly. Benjamin Camacho (US, 1 star) said a new X24 got stuck in a reboot loop.

Warranty coverage is generous on paper. Top Ten Reviews listed a lifetime frame and motor warranty plus parts and labor coverage on the 1750. Some reviewers had repairs or parts covered, while others waited months for technicians.

Customer Service, Delivery and Returns

Customer service is the most common complaint. Reviewers report hour-long calls, no weekend support and outsourced agents. Jonathan Hoffman (US, 1 star) said he spent over 20 hours on the phone about a new treadmill that didn’t work. Shahriyar Majlesein (GB, 1 star) said two separate orders hit delivery glitches.

Returns are costly. NordicTrack’s reply to a reviewer confirmed it charges a restocking fee, which reviewers put at about $250. Shantan Reddy received a $500 discount and half a delivery fee refund before returning a non-working X24. Test your machine immediately after delivery.

Best Products Worth Buying

NordicTrack’s most popular treadmill, with a 16-inch pivoting screen, 0 to 12 mph motor, -3% to 15% incline and a lifetime motor warranty. Garage Gym Reviews scored it 4.4 out of 5, and OutdoorGearLab called it one of the best home treadmills it tested. Best for runners and hikers who want incline and decline training. Trade-offs: iFIT costs $39 per month and the machine is large.

A step up with a 24-inch pivoting touchscreen and 0 to 14 mph motor. Best for serious runners who want a bigger screen and higher speed. Trade-offs: expensive, and streaming features depend on iFIT.

The entry Commercial treadmill with a 10-inch tilting touchscreen and 0 to 12 mph motor. Best for budget-conscious buyers wanting NordicTrack quality. Trade-offs: smaller screen and fewer premium features.

Incline-focused treadmills that Adam Case praised for an incline range beyond almost all others. Best for hikers and incline walkers. Trade-offs: several reviewers reported software glitches and iFIT lock-in.

What Customers Actually Think

“Full disclosure that it was completely frustrating to have a frame break again, but kudos to NordicTrack for standing by their warranty and helping us.” — Marc, Trustpilot reviewer (US, 5 stars, NordicTrack machine)

“I love the incline range compared to almost all others.” — Adam Case, Trustpilot reviewer (US, 1 star, X16 treadmill)

“Nordictrack equipment is a quality product but the customer service is TERRIBLE.” — D King, Trustpilot reviewer (US, 2 stars, NordicTrack equipment)

“After spending over 20 hours on the phone with NordicTrack and their fulfillment company, IAT, I have gotten no where with the brand new inoperable treadmill they delivered.” — Jonathan Hoffman, Trustpilot reviewer (US, 1 star, treadmill)

“The iFIT app is glitchy and they won’t let you stream anything without paying them an additional monthly subscription, effectively doubling the subscription cost to stream.” — Janessa Buhler, Trustpilot reviewer (US, 1 star, NordicTrack treadmill)

Is It Worth It?

It can be, if you value incline and decline training and plan to subscribe to iFIT. Budget for the $39 monthly fee, test the machine immediately after delivery, and understand the restocking fee before buying. If you want a simple, subscription-free treadmill, consider alternatives.

Competitors Table

Feature

NordicTrack

Peloton Tread

Sole Fitness

Horizon Fitness

BowFlex

ProForm

Trustpilot rating

2.6/5 (2,126 reviews)

3.2/5 (6.8K reviews)

3.2/5 (1.2K reviews)

3.6/5 (4K reviews)

3.8/5 (3K reviews)

Not checked

Subscription

iFIT ($39/month)

Peloton All-Access

None required

Optional apps

JRNY

iFIT

Decline training

Yes

No

No

No

Limited

Some models

Max incline

15% (1750)

12.5%

15%

15%

15%

Varies

Motor warranty

Lifetime (Commercial)

Varies

Lifetime

Lifetime

Varies

Lifetime

Price level

Mid to premium

Premium

Mid to premium

Mid

Mid to premium

Budget to mid

FAQs

Can you use a NordicTrack without iFIT?

Manual mode exists, but some reviewers say key features and streaming require iFIT.

How much is iFIT?

NordicTrack lists $39 per month after the included membership.

Is the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 good?

Garage Gym Reviews scored it 4.4/5, and OutdoorGearLab rates it highly.

Does NordicTrack charge a return fee?

Yes. Reviewers report a restocking fee of about $250.

What warranty does NordicTrack offer?

NordicTrack lists a lifetime motor warranty on Commercial treadmills.

Final Verdict

NordicTrack makes capable, feature-rich treadmills, and the Commercial 1750 stands out for its incline and decline range and immersive iFIT workouts. When everything works, owners enjoy strong training value.

But the iFIT paywall, software glitches, slow repairs and costly returns weigh heavily. Test your machine right away, keep records and budget for the subscription. For iFIT fans, it’s a solid pick; for subscription-averse buyers, look elsewhere.

Scorecard

Category

Score

Training Features

9.0/10

Incline & Decline Range

9.4/10

Build Quality

7.4/10

Software Reliability

4.8/10

Subscription Value

5.0/10

Customer Service

3.6/10

Return Policy

4.2/10

Warranty Coverage

7.8/10

Overall

6.6/10

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