NordicTrack is an American company that manufactures a wide variety of home exercise equipment, including treadmills, rowing machines, and ellipticals.
Elliptical machines are popular among fitness enthusiasts, as they provide a great cardiovascular workout that’s easy on your joints.
NordicTrack currently offers three elliptical series designed to suit a range of fitness needs and budgets.
To help you decide which NordicTrack machine is right for you, we rounded up the four best options using the following criteria:
- Customer feedback. We selected models with mostly positive reviews.
- Features and extras. We considered which features and extras are worth the additional cost.
- Price. Our list includes ellipticals at a variety of price points.
Here are the 4 best NordicTrack Ellipticals of 2021.
NordicTrack’s product line includes three series of ellipticals.
Here’s a quick summary of each:
- FreeStride. The FreeStride trainers allow you to perform treadmill, stepper, and elliptical-style workouts. These machines are best suited for people who want variety, plenty of high tech features, and a longer stride.
- Front drive. The front-drive ellipticals are best for people looking for an intense workout, as they include heavy flywheels — a revolving wheel that controls the movement of the pedals and handlebars — to ensure a smooth and quiet experience.
- Rear drive. The foldable rear-drive models are designed to provide comfort, minimize impact, and save space. They’re ideal for users who prefer a balanced, neutral posture during moderate intensity workouts.
All of NordicTrack’s ellipticals are built to last, featuring a commercial solid steel construction.
However, if you experience an issue, the machines are covered under the following warranties:
- 10-year on the frame
- 2-year on the parts
- 1-year on labor
To help make the machines more affordable, the company offers special financing for qualified customers.
Additionally, all of NordTrack’s ellipticals come with a 1-year family membership to iFit — an interactive training platform that provides access trainer-led routines, interactive studio classes, and on-demand workouts.
After the initial year, you can choose to renew your membership for $180 for an individual plan, or $396 for a family plan.
If you’re looking to save money, you can opt out of the subscription and use the built-in workouts that come with each machine.
Best overall
FS10i FreeStride Trainer
- Price: $2,499
- Size: 58.5 × 29.5 × 74 inches (149 × 75 × 188 cm)
- Weight capacity: 375 pounds (170 kg)
- Resistance levels: 24
- Incline: 0–10%
- Display: 10-inch (25.4-cm) smart HD touchscreen
The FS10i FreeStride Trainer is the best overall option in terms of price, versatility, and features, as it offers three machines in one.
In addition to an elliptical, the FS10i can also be used as a treadmill or step machine, making it easy to switch up your workout.
It also features a center drive design that helps you stay balanced, while the moving handlebars allow you to target your upper body.
The FS10i FreeStride Trainer includes 24 levels of digital resistance and an adjustable stride of up to 32 inches (81 cm) to accommodate users of varying sizes.
It’s also equipped with transport wheels and 35 preset workouts that range in difficulty and duration.
Best foldable
SpaceSaver SE9i
- Price: $1,699
- Size: 78.5 × 32 × 66.5 inches (199 × 81 × 169 cm)
- Weight capacity: 325 pounds (147 kg)
- Resistance levels: 24
- Incline: 0–20%
- Display: 7-inch (18-cm) smart HD touchscreen
If you plan on storing your elliptical between workouts, the SpaceSave SE9i is your best bet thanks to its foldable frame and rear-mounted transport wheels.
However, you’ll still need plenty of workout space since its rear drive is slightly longer than the other models.
The Se9i boasts plenty of training options, including 24 resistance levels and up to a 20% incline.
It also comes with a heart rate monitor and 30 built-in workouts, which were designed by personal trainers to optimize your performance and calorie burn.
The elliptical is equipped with an 18-pound (8-kg) flywheel, which supports moderate intensity workouts.
However, if you plan on performing more intense interval-style training, you’ll want to choose one of the company’s front-drive options, such as the Commercial 9.9.
Finally, it’s important to note that the SE9i’s stride length of 18 inches (46 cm) is considered optimal for users between 5’3” and 5’7” (160 and 170 cm) tall.
Best luxury
FS14i FreeStride Trainer
- Price: $3,299
- Size: 58.5 × 29.5 × 74 inches (149 × 75 × 188 cm)
- Weight capacity: 375 pounds (170 kg)
- Resistance levels: 26
- Incline: -10% decline to 10% incline
- Display: 14-inch (36.6-cm) smart HD touchscreen
If budget isn’t a concern, the FS14i FreeStride Trainer is worth considering.
In addition to being loaded with training features — including both decline and incline options — the elliptical features a 14-inch (36.6-cm) touchscreen display for streaming classes.
As with the FS10i, the FS14i can be used as an elliptical, treadmill, or stair climber for greater variety.
It also accommodates users of varying sizes, as it includes a 32-inch (81-cm) auto-adjustable stride and weight capacity of up to 375 pounds (170 kg).
Other notable features include 26 resistance levels, power incline and decline, and 35 trainer-designed workouts.
Best affordable
Commercial 9.9
- Price: $1,299
- Size: 68.25 × 28.75 × 68.5 inches (173 × 73 × 174 cm)
- Weight capacity: 350 pounds (159 pounds)
- Resistance levels: 22
- Incline: 20%
- Display: 7-inch (18-cm) smart HD touchscreen
Part of NordicTrack’s front-drive series, the Commercial 9.9 is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative that still provides a challenging workout.
It’s similar to the Commercial 14.9 — NordicTrack’s other front-drive model — aside from a few features.
In addition to being $700 cheaper, the Commercial 9.9 has 4 fewer resistance levels, a smaller touchscreen, and a lighter flywheel.
Though, at 25 pounds (11 kg), the Commercial 9.9’s flywheel is still heavy enough to provide a smooth, quiet ride even during sprints.
Other notable features include a 7-inch (18-cm) touchscreen, 22 levels of resistance, and 30 programmed workouts.
The machine also has an adjustable stride length of 17.5–18.7 inches (44–47 cm), which can comfortably accommodate users up to 5’7″ (170-cm) tall.
Here’s a quick looks at how our top four picks compare:
There are several factors to consider before purchasing an elliptical, including:
- Size. Determine how much workout space you have and consider foldable options for easy storage.
- Workout goals and fitness level. Choose an elliptical that offers multiple resistance and incline levels to accommodate your workout goals.
- Specs and features. Consider which features are most important to you, such as the screen size, number of built-in workouts, or transport wheels.
- Flywheel weight. A high quality elliptical will offer a flywheel that’s at least 18 pounds (8 kg), which provides a smooth and quiet ride. Heavier flywheels — 20 pounds (9 kg) or more — will allow you to do more intense workouts, though they’re generally more expensive.
- Stride length. It’s important to ensure that the stride length is appropriate for your height. In general, people over 6-feet (183-cm) tall should opt for a stride length of at least 20 inches (50.8 cm). If multiple people plan on using the same machine, it’s worth considering an elliptical that offers an adjustable stride length.
- Budget. Decide how much you’re willing to spend. If you plan on using an app like iFit, you’ll need to factor in the cost of a yearly membership.
- Customer reviews. Scour online reviews to see what customers have to say, especially if you have specific concerns or training needs.
Elliptical workouts provide a low impact way to boost your heart rate from the comfort of home.
While there are multiple brands to choose from, NordicTrack offers several high quality models to suit a variety of exercise needs and budgets.
When deciding which model to buy, be sure to consider the available training options, stride length, price, and special features.
You can also visit your local sporting goods store to try each model out for yourself.