Updated: February 24, 2024
ProForm and NordicTrack are very similar because they are owned by the same parent company. These treadmills have a lot of overlap between their features even if their constructions vary quite a bit. Generally, ProForm is the more affordable option compared to NordicTrack, but there may be more nuance to your decision. ProForm and NordicTrack treadmills tend to appeal to the same groups of people, so we have compiled all of their similarities and differences to help you sort them out.
The History of ProForm and NordicTrack
iFIT is the parent company of NordicTrack and ProForm. They were formerly known as ICON Fitness. These brands are based in Utah but are manufactured in a couple of different countries. NordicTrack was created by Ed Pauls in 1976. The company was sold a few times before becoming what it is today as a part of the iFIT family in 1998. ProForm became a noteworthy brand in the 1980s during the fitness boom. It was acquired by iFIT in 1988.
Who ProForm Is Best For:
- iFIT Subscribers on a Budget: ProForm makes more affordable treadmills with some under $1000 and others a part of the ProForm+ program which offers a free machine when you subscribe to iFIT for 3 years.
- New Runners: ProForm treadmills are great for running and for walking. If you aren’t logging dozens of miles per week, try a mid-range treadmill that fits your training needs from ProForm, like the ProForm Pro 2000.
- Exercisers with Small Spaces: ProForm treadmills have folding frames, and the Carbon series treadmills are even more compact for storing in smaller spaces.
Who NordicTrack Is Best For
- Exercisers Who Need Soft Cushioning: NordicTrack treadmills are the softest in their price range. They are great for walkers or runners who want to recover or increase their mileage with lower impact.
- Runners Who Want High-Tech Training Features: NordicTrack treadmills have fast incline and speed transitions, smart heart rate-based adjustments, and even more auto features.
- Hikers, Trail Runners, and Dedicated Athletes: The NordicTrack X22i and X32i have incline ranges of -6% to 40%, some of the best on the market.
What They Have In Common
ProForm and NordicTrack have more in common than they do different. This comes from being owned by the same brand and using the same training service. Likewise, they have a lot of the same features to support and work with the iFIT training service.
Training Content
iFIT is a premium training service with instructor-led video classes. These classes are filmed outdoors in beautiful locations all over the world. Your instructor will guide you along a trail or running path while telling you about the scenery. In addition to treadmill workouts, iFIT also creates content for exercise bikes, ellipticals, and rowers. The non-cardio classes include strength and yoga workouts. iFIT has thousands of classes to build your whole exercise routine.
Both NordicTrack and ProForm treadmills work with iFIT. All NordicTrack treadmills have touchscreens to view the training content. Most of ProForm’s treadmills also have touchscreens. The ones that do not can pair with the iFIT app on a phone or tablet to replace the touchscreen.
iFIT Features
iFIT supports features like automatic speed and incline adjustments to match the presets from the workout. It also has SmartAdjust which learns your fitness level and adjusts the program to you. ActivePulse adjusts the treadmill speed to keep you in a set heart rate range. Other iFIT features include a fan with an auto setting to match its speed to your intensity, genre music radio stations, and heart rate monitoring. Many NordicTrack and ProForm treadmills have Bluetooth for heart rate monitors and audio to connect with headphones. All of the treadmills have speakers to hear the iFIT training audio out loud.
Note: treadmills without touchscreens do not have Active Pulse, auto fans, or music radio stations.
Folding Frames
All but the NordicTrack incline treadmills are folding treadmills. NordicTrack’s EXP series and ProForm’s Carbon series treadmills are the most compact with smaller deck sizes. ProForm and NordicTrack treadmills have hydraulic lowering for their treadmills except for the ProForm TL which is a manual folding treadmill.
Quick Adjust Buttons
The treadmills have a button for every speed and incline level. The only exception is the Incline Trainers which could not possibly fit a button for all -6% to 40% incline levels. There are also buttons on the touchscreens, but it is super handy to have a physical button in case you have trouble with the screens once you are super sweaty.
Where the ProForm and NordicTrack Treadmills Differ
ProForm and NordicTrack treadmills aren’t quite so similar that they are interchangeable. NordicTrack certainly has some higher-end features that make them better than ProForms for some walkers and runners. But, if those features don’t impress you, ProForm’s more affordable price point might.
Cushioning
From most cushioned to least cushioned, this is my ranking of NordicTrack and ProForm treadmills: NordicTrack Incline Trainers, NordicTrack Commercial Series, ProForm Pro Series, NordicTrack EXP Series, and ProForm Carbon Series. Thus, ProForm is generally firmer than NordicTrack. NordicTrack is one of the softest home treadmill brands. The X32i Incline Trainer is super soft and bouncy.
Affordability
ProForm is generally more affordable than NordicTrack. ProForm treadmills range from just under $1000 to just over $2000 while NordicTrack runs from just over $1000 to nearly $5000. For a better comparison, a treadmill with a 3.6 CHP motor, 0 to 12 mph speed range, and -3% to 12% incline range from ProForm is $500 less than one from NordicTrack.
Console and Frame Designs
NordicTrack has a modernized frame and console build. The frame is sleek and z-shaped. ProForm has a more traditional treadmill construction with two angled uprights and sometimes a crossbar for added support. The treadmill arms and console layout are not as streamlined as those on the NordicTrack treadmills. These stylistic decisions don’t affect the performance of either treadmill brand much. However, one treadmill design may fit your home’s aesthetics or your training needs better.
Incline
Overall, ProForm and NordicTrack treadmills have similar incline ranges. More affordable treadmills range from 0 to 12% while running treadmills typically have incline ranges of -3% to 12%. What sets NordicTrack apart are the incline trainers. These treadmills have incline ranges of -6% to 40% which dominate their category.
Noise Level
NordicTrack treadmills are very quiet. The EXP series’ incline adjustments are a bit louder. ProForm treadmills are louder than NordicTrack treadmills in our experience. If you want a very quiet machine, consider the NordicTrack Commercial Series.
ProForm Treadmills Overview
ProForm makes to treadmill series. The Carbon series is more affordable but may be missing some of the smart features you are looking for. They are more compact and have less powerful motors. Carbon series treadmills are better for walking. The Pro series treadmills are designed for runners and have ProForm’s best features. If you want a more affordable running treadmill, the Pro series is a great choice.
Pro Series Treadmills (Best for Running)
Carbon Series Treadmills (Best for Walking)
NordicTrack Treadmills Overview
NordicTrack has three treadmill series. Their most powerful line is the incline series. These treadmills have -6% to 40% incline ranges, great cushioning, large touchscreens, and powerful motors. The Commercial series are running treadmills with soft cushioning and good motors. The EXP series is compact and best for walking.
Incline Trainers (Best Incline)
Commercial Series Treadmills (Best for Running)
- NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill
- NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
- NordicTrack Commercial 1250 Treadmill
EXP Series Treadmills (Best for Walking)
ProForm vs NordicTrack Treadmills Bottom Line
I recommend NordicTrack treadmills for committed runners and dedicated exercisers. If you are looking for soft cushioning, NordicTrack is also your brand. ProForm is great for walkers and runners who want a quality machine from a budget-friendly to mid-range price. ProForm is a great option for training with iFIT and using smart features if the modernized aesthetics of NordicTrack are not important to you. Both brands are high quality and great choices for anyone who wants subscription training content.
ProForm vs NordicTrack Frequently Asked Questions
Is ProForm better than NordicTrack?
ProForm is typically more affordable than NordicTrack. Both treadmill brands have similar features, but NordicTrack has a more premium feel with softer cushioning. ProForm is a great option for budget shoppers while NordicTrack offers high-end treadmills with impressive inclines and large touchscreens.
Are ProForm treadmills good?
ProForm treadmills are good. They have moderately soft cushioning, compact folding frames, and smart touchscreens. They also have cool features like iFIT content, Bluetooth audio, speakers, and auto-adjusting speeds and inclines. We’ve seen ProForm treadmills last 10+ years with the right care and maintenance.
Are NordicTrack and ProForm made by the same company?
Yes, NordicTrack and ProForm are made by iFIT, formerly known as ICON Fitness. They are headquartered in Logan, Utah.
What treadmills are compatible with iFIT?
ProForm, NordicTrack, and Freemotion are owned by iFIT and support iFIT programming. Matrix also supports iFIT content and has other content options as well but is not owned by iFIT.
Can you use an iFIT treadmill without a subscription?
Yes, you can use an iFIT treadmill without a subscription in manual training mode. You can also test a featured iFIT class if you have a free account and a WiFi connection.
