ProForm and NordicTrack are two of the world's most popular manufacturers of cardio exercise machines.
Both have built a strong reputation over the years and produce a wide variety of machines, but you can only go with one brand, so which one will it be?
Specifically, we want to compare these two brand names based on the treadmills that they produce. So, which one has better treadmills, ProForm or NordicTrack?
ProForm and NordicTrack: Company History
Before we talk about their respective treadmills, let's take a look at the company histories.
Interestingly, both of these brands are owned by the same parent company, ICON Health & Fitness, which recently changed its name to iFit Health & Fitness Inc. The company was meant to go public in 2022 but withdrew its IPO application as the market conditions weren't good.
Despite being owned by the same company, the two brands have differences that may impact your decision in which one to choose.
ProForm
Although ProForm has been around since the late 1970s, they didn't produce cardio machines at first. In fact, they first started creating trampolines.
However, not long after, they started producing various pieces of cardiovascular fitness equipment, such as exercise bikes, rowing machines, ellipticals, and of course treadmills.
One of the most notable aspects of this brand is that they were the inventors of the SpaceSaver design, which allowed treadmills to be folded into a more compact package to help save space. ProForm treadmills are known for being relatively affordable in comparison to NordicTrack.
NordicTrack
NordicTrack was also founded in the 1970s, and it also didn't start out by producing cardio machines.
In fact, this brand started out by producing products for cross-country skiers, although they also started producing cardiovascular exercise equipment not long after.
One of the biggest defining features of this brand is that the NordicTrack treadmills feature incline and decline, along with built-in workout programs.
NordicTrack was purchased by ICON Health & Fitness in 1998, with ProForm also being purchased by ICON in 1999.
Overall, NordicTrack tends to produce high-end and relatively expensive cardiovascular workout equipment that comes complete with all of the best features.
Similarities Between NordicTrack and ProForm Treadmills
These two brands and their treadmills do share a few similarities. For instance, both brands offer a 30-day membership to iFIT with a purchase.
Through the iFit app, the trainers can control the incline and decline, as well as the speed, when you are engaged in an iFIT training program.
Furthermore, most of the treadmills from both brands feature incline and decline adjustments for greater versatility, along with cushioned decks and high-quality motors.
Something to note about the treadmill from both brands is that you'll need to register the warranty when it arrives to get a free extension to your warranty.
As both brands are owned by the same parent company, the after-sales care is handled by the same team. So whether you have a question about a ProForm or NordicTrack product, you will speak to the same people.
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Key Differences Between NordicTrack and ProForm
There are also some key differences between the treadmills offered by these two brands, with one of them being that ProForm treadmills generally feature smaller touch screens than those from NordicTrack.
With that being said, although NordicTrack treadmills have a greater amount of features, they're also much more expensive.
However, a big bonus with ProForm is that virtually all of their treadmills are foldable, which is not the case with machines like the NordicTrack X22i InclineTrainer.
Although the range of models available is constantly changing, currently the price range for ProForm treadmills is about $900 to $3000 (£700 to £2300).
Whereas NordicTrack prices tend to be anywhere from $1300 to $4500 (£1000 to £3400) with the NordicTrack X32i being their flagship model at the moment.
Who Are NordicTrack Treadmills Ideal for?
If you're somebody who wants the best gym equipment there is, something that comes complete with all of the bells and whistles, then a NordicTrack treadmill is for you.
If you want the best of the best, something that is ideal for extremely versatile incline and decline training, particularly for serious runners, then NordicTrack is the way to go. Just remember that these features do of course come at a premium price.
Who Are ProForm Treadmills Ideal for?
If you are a beginner runner who is just entering the space, then a ProForm treadmill is likely best for you. These are affordable models, entry-level machines that are still good quality.
They may not be the best of the best, and they may not come complete with all of the bells and whistles, but they're also not going to drain your bank account.
Furthermore, if you're looking for a more compact treadmill, particularly something that can fold into a more compact package, then ProForm treadmills are best for you.
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ProForm Pro 9000
One of the best treadmills for any home gym, the ProForm Pro 9000 is a relatively affordable yet heavy-duty and high-quality treadmill.
For instance, it comes with a large 60 -inch by 20 =inch running deck, along with advanced decline and incline settings, along with great cushioning for joint protection. You also get a high-quality 22-inch high-definition touch screen.
The motor, which provides 3.6 continuous horsepower, is a bit above the industry standard of 3.0 continuous horsepower, allowing it to achieve speeds of up to 12 mph.
This is one of the more advanced models from this brand, as it comes complete with Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth speakers, and even trainer control that allows iFIT trainers to set the slope and speed of your treadmills.
|
Size |
77.3” L x 35.5” W x 59.6” H |
|
Belt Size |
20” W x 60” L |
|
Maximum Weight |
300 lbs |
|
Top Speed |
12 mph |
|
Incline & Decline |
-3 to 12% |
|
Motor |
3.6 CHP Mach Z™ |
|
Display |
22” HD touchscreen |
|
Warranty |
10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor (Warranty Registration Required) |
NordicTrack Commercial 1750
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 has been recently updated with a few standout features, including the fact that it features a 3.5 CHP motor along with a 14-inch tilt and pivot HD touch screen. This treadmill can move at up to 12 mph, with a decline ranging from -3% up to 15%.
While the touch screen is much smaller than on the ProForm, the video quality is also much better. What also needs to be said is that the components used to build this machine, including the motor, are much higher in quality.
What's also important to note is that the running deck comes in at 60 by 22 inches, making it extremely spacious. Some other notable differences include that the NordicTrack features much thicker rollers to increase durability and lower tread noise.
|
Size |
80” L x 38” W x 65” H |
|
Belt Size |
22” W x 60” L |
|
Maximum Weight |
300 lbs |
|
Top Speed |
12 MPH |
|
Incline & Decline |
-3 to 15% |
|
Motor |
3.5 CHP |
|
Display |
14” tilt & pivot HD touchscreen |
|
Warranty |
10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor (Warranty Registration Required) |
Please double-check the specifications before purchasing as they can change the specs over time and might differ from the ones listed above.
Comparing ProForm and NordicTrack
Right now, we want to take a look at various aspects of both companies to see how they compare with each other.
Now, keep in mind that both NordicTrack and ProForm are of course owned by the same parent company, so many of the below policies and factors will be virtually the same.
However, we still want to provide you with all of the information we need to make an informed decision.
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Warranties
Both ProForm and NordicTrack feature 10-year warranties on their frames, along with varying coverage for labor and parts.
For ProForm, this is quite acceptable, as the treadmills themselves aren't overly expensive, but for NordicTrack, with its expensive treadmills, we would usually expect some better warranties.
Return Policies
In the US, both companies feature an industry-standard 30-day return policy, but there is a $250 shipping fee and a 10% restocking fee.
However, in the UK there is a 14-day return period and the customer only needs to pay the return shipping provided it hasn't been opened and used. Otherwise more fees can apply.
Assembly
ProForm treadmills are delivered to your front door, but there are three-dimensional assembly instructions included.
On the other hand, there are some NordicTrack treadmills that feature professional assembly done for you in your home.
A number of their machines are also listed on the BILT app which gives virtual assembly instructions.
NordicTrack vs ProForm Treadmills: Final Thoughts
What it really comes down to is that ProForm treadmills are fine for entry level runners that need something basic yet high quality which is also affordable.
However, if you want something more durable, higher quality, and more rich in features, then the pricier NordicTrack treadmills are the way to go.
