24-06-2025
NordicTrack Vs. Sole: Comparing Two Top Fitness Brands
NordicTrack and Sole are two of the most popular at-home fitness equipment brands, each offering a lineup of treadmills, ellipticals, rowers and bikes. If you're torn between the two, it's important to understand what sets them apart, so I've put together this handy guide to NordicTrack vs. Sole, with tips and insights based on my years of experience testing exercise equipment. As is the case with most fitness brands, the right one for you depends on your needs, from the type of machine that fits in your space to the type of workout you're after.
Does NordicTrack or Sole better meet your needs? Here's what you need to know to reach the right ... More conclusion. Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
In this guide, I cover everything you need to know about these well-established brands before investing in a piece of equipment. After a brief overview to lay out the basics, I compare each brand's equipment—organized by category—and highlight the key features they offer.
From there, I dive into important details like durability and warranty coverage, and take a closer look at two best-selling models—the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 vs. Sole F80 treadmills. Whether you're narrowing down your options or starting your search from scratch, this guide will help you pick the right brand and equipment to work up a sweat.
NordicTrack and Sole are both well-established fitness brands that come from different backgrounds. NordicTrack was founded in 1975 when Ed Pauls invented the original NordicTrack ski machine. Over the next decade, Ed and his wife, Florence, grew the company before selling it in 1986, and in 1998, it was purchased by its current parent company, Icon Health & Fitness. While the original NordicTrack ski machine is (sadly) no longer in production, the brand now offers a much wider selection of fitness equipment.
Sole Fitness , on the other hand, began in 2001 and is currently headquartered in Salt Lake City. Originally, its machines were found in hotel gyms, where they received praise for their ability to support many different users and withstand regular use. The company expanded over the years to design durable home gym equipment, and an online library of fitness content under its Sole+ label helps you engage in activities from home.
NordicTrack treadmills are a great option if you're looking for interactive workouts and techy features. The Commercial 1750 model is one of the most popular options on the market—and the best model overall in our guide to the best treadmills—thanks to its 16-inch touch screen, incline and decline settings, and access to a range of online workouts through iFit, NordicTrack's workout subscription service. If you're looking for a machine that's more immersive, the X24 provides a bigger screen and steeper incline options. Both of these models are great for guided workouts and daily training, with loads of entertainment options to choose from.
Sole, on the other hand, prioritizes durability and performance with models like the F63 that's solid and built to last. Meanwhile, the F80 offers more power thanks to a stronger motor and upgraded belt cushioning, making it a great option for more serious runners. Sole machines are often compared to models in hotels or gyms due to the company's origins, so they're a great pick if you want a reliable treadmill that doesn't prioritize high-end tech.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a full-size treadmill with a large screen and adjustable deck. NordicTrack Ellipticals
If you're looking for guided workouts and variety, NordicTrack's X16 elliptical is a top-of-the-line model complete with a 16-inch HD touch screen, incline options and access to iFit services. You can follow trainers through hikes, full-body cardio sessions and studio classes to work up a sweat and stay engaged.
Sole takes a more traditional approach to ellipticals with models like the E25 and E35 that feel smooth and reliable. The E25 is a great entry-level choice for just over $1,000 that features a solid range of stride and resistance options, while the bigger E95 features a heavier flywheel and power incline. Sole's ellipticals are easy on your joints, making them a great low-impact cardio option if you don't need a large touch screen or subscription-based classes. Rowing Machines
NordicTrack's immersive rowing machines are made for those who want more than a handle and a place to sit. For example, the RW900 features a massive 24-inch touch screen, Bluetooth headphone connectivity and built-in speakers for premium sound. It also adjusts resistance automatically during workouts, so you don't have to fumble with knobs or dials as you go.
Sole keeps things simpler with options like the SR550—the only rower in the brand's lineup. It combines air and magnetic resistance to deliver a smooth, quiet ride, though the 10.1-inch touch screen is a bit lackluster. Ultimately, it's a great option if you want a dependable rower that feels good and doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
The Sole SR550 is the only rowing machine in the brand's lineup. Sole Bikes
NordicTrack shines in the bike category with models like the X24 and S24 Studio. The former features a 24-inch touch screen and incline and decline settings, while the latter uses the same size touch screen, though it lacks incline settings, which makes it a bit more affordable. If you're into structured workouts and visuals that make rides more compelling, these are great options for the money.
Sole's bikes focus more on quality and comfort without tying you to a subscription. The SB900, for example, is a great entry-level bike with a basic compact display and a hefty flywheel for smooth pedaling and consistent cadence. If you prefer a more relaxed ride, the LCR recumbent bike is a bit more comfortable and built like a tank, with 40 resistance levels that help you dial in the workout. These Sole bikes are great options if you want to hop on for a ride and get a solid workout in without fumbling over figures, stats and instructions. NordicTrack Vs. Sole: Durability And Warranty Durability
NordicTrack machines are generally well made, focusing on tech features like large screens, speakers and content that make a workout more enjoyable and immersive. All of the NordicTrack equipment I've tried over the years feels sturdy enough for regular use, including high-end options like the Commercial 1750 treadmill or X24 Studio bike. Cushioned decks and solid frames make them comfortable and adaptable, but keep in mind the added tech might be a point of concern when it comes to long-term reliability.
Sole has a reputation for making incredibly durable cardio equipment, with a vast selection of machines that feel and operate like those you'd find at the gym. (Sole machines were originally built for commercial use, after all.) Whether it's the heavy-duty frame on the F80 treadmill or solid flywheel on the SB900 bike, you're investing in equipment that's built to last and looks beyond features that can break down or cause issues over time.
The NordicTrack X16 elliptical offers an immersive workout experience. NordicTrack Warranty
A strong and reliable warranty makes it easier to purchase expensive equipment with peace of mind. NordicTrack's warranties technically vary by machine, but the standard warranty on most machines is ten years for the frame, two years for parts and one year for labor. And if you purchase the Commercial 1750, Commercial 2450, X16 or X24 treadmills, the motor is covered for life.
Sole, on the other hand, offers an equally solid five-year warranty on the frames of its treadmills, ellipticals, bikes and rowers. From there, motors come with a two-year warranty, and parts and labor are covered for one year. Sole also offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, though a nonrefundable return shipping fee of $250 and a 10% restocking fee will be deducted from the final refund.
While both brands offer strong warranties, I had an incredibly hard time finding warranty information on NordicTrack's website. Only after chatting with customer service was I able to pinpoint exact frame, part and motor warranties—it shouldn't be that difficult to find such information. With that said, you can purchase a machine with confidence from either brand, knowing you're covered by good protection. NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Vs. Sole F80: Best-Selling Treadmill Models
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 and Sole F80 are two of the most popular treadmill models on the market, and they both appear in our guide to the best treadmills of 2025. Featuring strong performance, durability and solid value for the price, you can't go wrong with either one, though they technically cater to different types of users when you break them down.
The Commercial 1750 is the better pick if you're after an interactive, tech-driven workout. It comes with a 16-inch HD touch screen display, incline and decline settings and access to NordicTrack's library of iFit workouts. Really, it's designed for people who want to follow along with trainers, enjoy scenic workout routes and make use of a machine that adjusts automatically during guided runs. Its features keep you motivated for $2,499, when it isn't on sale.
The Sole F80 is a great pick if you care more about durability and simplicity. Its 10.1-inch touch screen is a bit smaller, but it still features a powerful motor, cushioned running belt and even a wireless phone charger. At $1,900, it costs quite a bit less than the Commercial 1750—you're sacrificing some modern tech for a simpler, streamlined workout experience.
The Sole F80 doesn't have quite as many features as the Commercial 1750, but it's still a capable ... More treadmill. Sole NordicTrack Vs. Sole: Which One Is Right For You?
Ultimately, choosing between NordicTrack and Sole comes down to your preferences and how you like to work out.
If you prefer guided workouts, scenic runs or studio-esque training with an instructor, NordicTrack is probably the better fit. The brand's many machines are built around iFit, and features like big screens, incline adjustments, speakers, cooling fans and interactive workouts feel a lot more engaging. It's a great choice if you need the extra motivation or just want a tech-heavy experience.
Meanwhile, Sole is hard to beat if you value simplicity, durability and long-term reliability. That's not to say NordicTrack isn't reliable, but Sole offers generous warranties and you don't need to pay for a subscription to take full advantage of its machines. They're ideal for those who prefer gym-quality performance without technical distractions or vulnerable add-ons that cost more. Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The gear team at Forbes Vetted dedicates countless hours to testing, evaluating and reviewing a wide range of products, including at-home fitness equipment. We've covered not only such brands as NordicTrack and Sole, but specific product categories, too, like rowing machines , walking pads and exercise bikes . This guide was written by Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta , who's spent years covering health and wellness products. With a degree in kinesiology and a deep understanding of human movement, he enjoys evaluating equipment that helps you stay active and healthy.
, who's spent years covering health and wellness products. With a degree in kinesiology and a deep understanding of human movement, he enjoys evaluating equipment that helps you stay active and healthy. This story was edited by Christine Colby, a Forbes Vetted commerce editor who has specialized in product testing and reviews for four years. She's currently long-term testing the Titan Plus Luxe Mattress and recently covered the best elliptical machines for Forbes Vetted.
We return to this guide on a regular basis to ensure the information we provide is up-to-date and relevant, so you have the tools to find the right brand for your needs, whether that's NordicTrack or Sole. This guide was published in June 2025.
