The 4 Best NordicTrack Ellipticals for Your Home Gym
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.
How we vet brands and products
Austra Health only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
Was this helpful?
NordicTrack is a trusted brand that offers a range of fitness equipment. We outlined the best of its series of ellipticals, highlighting the prices, features, and feedback important for making your decision.
- Best overall:FS10i FreeStride Trainer
- Best foldable:SpaceSaver SE9i
- Best luxury:FS14i FreeStride Trainer
- Best affordable:Commercial 9.9
NordicTrack is an American company that manufactures a wide variety of home exercise equipment, including treadmills, rowing machines, and ellipticals.
Given the high cost of medical care, it’s hardly a shock that patients are drowning in medical debt. Almost 20% of American households have delinquent medical bills that affect their credit report, according to NBC News. Having medical bills in collections makes it more difficult for patients to engage in other economic activities, such as purchasing a home or securing a loan to start a business.
Elliptical machines are popular among fitness enthusiasts, as they provide a great cardiovascular workout that’s easy on your joints ( 1 , 2 ).
NordicTrack currently offers three elliptical series designed to suit a range of fitness needs and budgets. We broke down the top four options to help you choose the right one for your home gym.
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 NordicTrack ellipticals are built to last, featuring a commercial solid steel construction. Plus, all the ellipticals on our list have an auto-adjustable stride length, which means that the machine automatically adjusts to your movements.
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 free 30-day Family membership to iFit — an interactive training platform that provides access trainer-led routines, interactive studio classes, and on-demand workouts.
After the initial trial, you can choose to renew your membership for $180 per year for an individual plan, or $396 for a family plan (or $39 per month).
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.
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 2022.
A note on price
The prices included in this article are based on the current manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). Actual prices may vary depending on where you shop.
Was this helpful?
Best overall
FS10i FreeStride Trainer
- Price: $1,899
- 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: $1,499
- Size: 80 × 32 × 67 inches (199 × 81 × 169 cm)
- Weight capacity: 325 pounds (147 kg)
- Resistance levels: 24
- Incline: 0–10%
- Display: 14-inch (35.5-cm) smart HD touchscreen
If you plan on storing your elliptical between workouts, the SpaceSaver 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 10% 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 adjustable but considered optimal for users between 5’3” and 5’7” (160 and 170 cm) tall.
Best luxury
FS14i FreeStride Trainer
- Price: $2,499
- 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 front-drive
Commercial 9.9
- Price: $1,872
- Size: 68.25 × 28.75 × 68.5 inches (173 × 73 × 174 cm)
- Weight capacity: 350 pounds (159 kg)
- Resistance levels: 22
- Incline: 0–20%
- 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 basic model 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.
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.
Commercial 14.9
The Commercial 14.9 is similar to the Commercial 9.9, but it has slightly more to offer with 26 resistance levels and a 14-inch (35.6-cm) touchscreen. It also has a 32-pound (14.5-kg) flywheel that offers a smooth, quiet ride and allows you to maximize performance.
Keep in mind the maximum stride length is 18.7 inches (47.5 cm), which may not be enough for people who are taller than average.
Studio Elliptical
The Studio Elliptical is the least expensive elliptical from NordicTrack. But it’s still a solid choice, especially if you want a compact model. The no-frills machine is equipped with a 16-pound (7.3-kg) flywheel that offers 20 levels of silent magnetic resistance, keeping noise to a minimum. It also comes with a tablet holder and a 5-inch (12.7-cm) high contrast display screen.
This model is currently offered on closeout, so it may not be available for much longer.
SpaceSaver SE7i
The SpaceSaver SE7i is similar in size to the SpaceSaver SE9i and offers many of the same benefits, including the foldable frame. It comes with 24 preset workouts, 22 resistance levels instead of 26, and a smaller 10-inch (25.4-cm) touchscreen. The 18-pound (8.2-kg) flywheel is enough to handle most training programs.
Here’s a quick look at how all NordicTrack ellipticals compare:
| FS10i FreeStride Trainer | SpaceSaver SE9i | FS14i FreeStride Trainer | Commercial 9.9 | Commercial 14.9 | Studio Elliptical | SpaceSaver SE7i | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | $1,899 | $1,699 | $2,499 | $1,872 | $1,799 | $899 | $1,299 |
| Size | 58.5 × 29.5 × 74 inches (149 × 75 × 188 cm) | 78.5 × 32 × 66.5 inches (199 × 81 × 169 cm) | 58.5 × 29.5 × 74 inches (149 × 75 × 188 cm) | 68.25 × 28.75 × 68.5 inches (173 × 73 × 174 cm) | 67 × 29 × 69 inches (170 × 74 × 175 cm) | 67.7 × 25 × 68.4 inches (172 × 64 × 174 cm) | 80 × 32 × 67 inches ( 203 × 81 × 170 cm) |
| Stride length | adjustable up to 32 inches (81 cm) | adjustable up to 18 inches (46 cm) | auto-adjustable up to 32 inches (81 cm) | adjustable from 17.5–18.7 inches (44–47 cm) | adjustable from 17.5–18.7 inches (44–47 cm) | adjustable from 17.5–18.7 inches (44–47 cm) | adjustable up to 18 inches (46 cm) |
| Number of resistance levels | 24 | 24 | 26 | 22 | 26 | 20 | 22 |
| Number of programmed workouts | 35 | 30 | 35 | 30 | 35 | n/a | 24 |
| Incline options | 0–10% | 0–10% | -10–10% | 0–20% | 0–20% | n/a | 0–10% |
| Weight capacity | 375 pounds (170 kg) | 325 pounds (147 kg) | 375 pounds (170 kg) | 350 pounds (159 kg) | 350 pounds (159 kg) | 300 pound (136 kg) | 325 pounds (147 kg) |
| Additional features | • 10-inch (25.4-cm) touchscreen • 3 machines in 1 • transport wheels |
• 14-inch (36.6-cm) touchscreen • foldable design • transport wheels |
• 14-inch (36.6-cm) touchscreen • 3 machines in 1 • transport wheels |
• 7-inch (18-cm) touchscreen • transport wheels |
• 14-inch (36.6-cm) touchscreen • transport wheels |
•5-inch (12.8-cm) high contrast display screen •transport wheels |
• 10-inch (25.4-cm) touchscreen • foldable design • transport wheels |
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.
NordicTrack isn’t the only brand that sells elliptical trainers for home use, so it’s important to understand how NordicTrack ellipticals compare to other similar brands.
Sole
Sole prides itself on offering top-of-the-line fitness products backed by impressive trial periods and warranties. The frames for all Sole ellipticals are covered under a lifetime warranty, with a 5-year warranty for the electronics and parts plus a 2-year warranty for labor. (The exception is for their “light commercial” equipment, which has a 3-year warranty for electronics and parts plus a 1-year warranty for labor.) The 30-day trial period and warranties are as good or better than those of NordicTrack.
Generally speaking, the ellipticals offered by Sole are similar in style to those of NordicTrack. Options include auto-adjustable stride length, power incline, and a subscription to the brand’s STUDIO class streaming service.
Unlike NordicTrack, Sole ellipticals don’t include a built-in touchscreen. Instead, there’s a tablet holder with a USB port and integrated Bluetooth speakers, so you can still access STUDIO from your own device while you work out.
One other notable feature of Sole ellipticals is the adjustable foot pedals available on some models. These can be adjusted based on your own walking form, which can help you stay more comfortable during longer workouts.
The MSRP list price for Sole ellipticals tends to be much higher than most NordicTrack models (some models are listed at $4,000 or more), but sale prices and going rates are often pretty similar to NordicTrack.
ProForm
ProForm offers a wide variety of elliptical machines that tend to be priced lower than NordicTrack ellipticals. ProForm and NordicTrack are owned by the same parent company, so some of their equipment has similar features.
It’s important to note that several of the machines touted as “ellipticals” by ProForm are more similar to a stair climber than an elliptical machine, with a vertical stride of 10 inches and a horizontal stride of only 5 inches. This is similar to the stride needed to walk up a set of stairs, so it’s appropriate for most heights. That said, if you’re looking for a true elliptical, you’ll want to steer clear of these models (Carbon HIIT H7 and Pro HIIT H14).
One thing that’s important to note about ProForm is that the longest stride length the brand offers is 20 inches. This is considerably shorter than many of the NordicTrack ellipticals and would significantly impact the experience for taller users who need a longer stride. A 20-inch stride is best for users up to 6 feet tall (and even then, the stride may feel short), so taller users may want to consider other brands.
ProForm also offers a “combo” machine, the Hybrid Trainer XT, that has an elliptical and a recumbent bike option. While these offer the ability to mix up your workout routine, the machine design requires a shorter stride length (15 inches) and will probably work best for users under 5 feet 6 inches tall.
Like NordicTrack, most of the ProForm ellipticals come with an HD touchscreen interface and the option to subscribe to iFIT classes to follow along with streaming workouts. There’s also an option to allow the class instructor to adjust your machine’s resistance levels for a more trainer-led workout.
Of the ProForm models, the Pro 12.9 is likely the most comparable to what’s offered by NordicTrack. It features a 20-inch power-adjustable stride, 0- to 20-degree incline, and 24 resistance levels. It can support users up to 350 pounds. At $1,499, it’s more affordable than many NordicTrack options, although an iFIT subscription will be an added cost after the initial 30-day trial period.
ProForm provides warranties that are similar to NordicTrack’s, including a 10-year warranty for the frame, 2 years for parts, and 1 year for labor. Like NordicTrack, they also have a 30-day return policy.
Bowflex
Unlike other brands, Bowflex does not offer traditional elliptical trainers. Rather, they offer a series of Max Trainers, which are designed to function like a cross between an elliptical and a stair climber.
The Max Trainers are low impact cardiovascular alternatives to a traditional elliptical. These come at a slightly higher cost than most NordicTrack ellipticals, although this varies by model.
Like NordicTrack, Bowflex offers online streaming classes through their JRNY app. The most recent models also include a full HD touchscreen monitor that integrates with entertainment apps like Netflix and Hulu so you can log in and watch your favorite shows while working out.
The vertical stride for the Bowflex Max Trainers is 10 inches with a horizontal stride of 4 inches. This is appropriate for a more vertical step pattern, as stride length is naturally shortened when climbing vertically. That said, for those wanting a more traditional elliptical workout, the Max Trainer probably isn’t the best option.
While the warranty depends on which Max Trainer model you select, it appears to be less robust than NordicTrack’s. The frame and parts are covered for 2 to 3 years, electronics are covered for 1 year, and labor is covered for just 90 days.
Customer reviews also do not always favor Bowflex’s customer service, so it might be a little more difficult to get help if there’s a problem.
