Echelon vs NordicTrack (2024): Two Brands With Excellent Smart Cardio Equipment

As at-home fitness becomes more popular (and accessible) fitness equipment manufacturers keep upping the ante to provide the best cardio machines on the market—including exercise bikes, treadmills, and rowing machines. If you’re landing on this comparison between Echelon vs NordicTrack, that means you have probably narrowed down your search and weeded out the big dogs like Peloton. 

Now that you’re closer to reaping the benefits of indoor cycling, running, or rowing, we’re going to take a look at the brands as a whole then we’re going to dig a little deeper and compare some popular machines side-by-side. 

Brand Comparison: Echelon vs NordicTrack

Quick Look: NordicTrack vs Echelon

When it comes to the selection of the best smart treadmills and studio exercise bikes, NordicTrack and Echelon have a lot of similarities. Although both brands manufacture a variety of cardio equipment, in this comparison we’ll focus on indoor bikes and treadmills.  

The price ranges are similar in addition to the monthly subscription fees that go along with the respective programming—both of which are high-quality and engaging. 

One of the main differences is the fact that NordicTrack offers a longer warranty period than Echelon. We think it’s a little surprising that Echelon only offers one year on both its treadmills and bikes. Afterall, most of these products are priced over $1,000, so it makes sense that you’d want the longest warranty possible.

Key Similarities Between NordicTrack and Echelon

• Monthly memberships required for full bike functionality
• Vast libraries of on-demand classes 
• Heavy flywheels and silent magnetic resistance on stationary bikes
• Incline training on treadmills
• Financing available with both brands
• Both brands available on Amazon
• Interactive programming offers more than just machine-based workouts
• Two options for your bike pedals: SPD pedals and toe cages

Important Differences Between Echelon and NordicTrack

• NordicTrack offers a superior warranty period with 10 years on the frame
• All NordicTrack bikes have an automatic trainer control feature to change resistance
• Echelon offers daily live classes, while iFIT has live events and races
• Some Echelon bikes and treadmills require your own tablet for programming 
• Echelon offers Bluetooth handlebar resistance controls on exercise bikes
• NordicTrack offers strength training workouts in addition to cardio 

Echelon vs NordicTrack Treadmills

NordicTrack Commercial 1750

NordicTrack Commercial 1750

GGR Score: 4.4

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Product Highlights

• Spacious running deck
• Compatible with iFIT
• 14-inch touchscreen
• Incline and decline training
• Financing available

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compatible with iFIT
• 3.5 CHP motor
• Free trial of iFIT subscription with purchase
• Treadmill with incline and decline training
• Foldable to save space (EasyLift Assist)
• Run that feels similar to road running
• Financing options available through NordicTrack
• Generous speed range
• Wide running deck
• Cooling fan

Cons

• Big footprint
• Heavy and not the easiest to move
• Price is around $2,000
• Warranty is voided if the treadmill is used/stored in a garage

Bottom Line

If you’re looking to add a workhorse of a treadmill to your home gym, we recommend the NordicTrack Commercial 1750.

Echelon Stride

Echelon Fitness Stride

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Folds flat to just 10″
• Lightweight and very portable
• Smaller motor is ideal for walkers
• Bluetooth connectivity to apps

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Auto-fold technology
• When folded, is just 10” deep
• Lightweight and easy to move
• Super simple assembly and usability
• Bluetooth connectivity to Echelon United

Cons

• Weaker motor
• Short running surface at 55”
• Short 1-year warranty
• Basic console

Bottom Line

The Echelon Stride is ideal for walkers and those who jog recreationally, especially people looking for a treadmill that folds flat.

When it comes to best treadmills for home gyms, our GGR product testers gravitate to the Nordictrack Commercial 1750 time and time again. It has a solid frame that doesn’t shake at top speeds and the touchscreen provides exceptional interactive programming. 

That said, there are eight machines currently in the NordicTrack treadmill lineup. Each machine offers something a little different than the next. For example, the X22i and X32i are incline trainers that give you the opportunity for indoor hill training up to 40% grade. 

As for Echelon, you’ll find you have the choice between three models. The entry-level model is  a simple and solid choice for walkers and joggers. It will also require your own tablet or smartphone if you want to connect with the Echelon app for programming. You can find all the details about this model in our Echelon Stride review. 

The other two Echelon models provide the touchscreen experience you expect on modern treadmills. Plus, you’ll find the brand offers similar specs to NordicTrack (like price points, top speeds, running deck length, and user weight capacity) but it’s worth noting the brand’s warranty policy only lasts one year, which is far under the standard treadmill warranty policy. 

Treadmills: Echelon vs NordicTrack Comparison Chart

Echelon vs NordicTrack Indoor Bikes

Both brands offer several options for exercise bikes all within the same price range. Some of the main differences is the built-in tech: Some Echelon bikes don’t have touchscreens, while all the NordicTrack bikes have screens built in. Later, we’ll compare two popular models and go over all the specs in detail. 

Two Bikes Compared: NordicTrack S22i vs Echelon EX-8s

NordicTrack 22i

NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• 24 digital resistance levels
• Incline and decline adjustments
• Fully rotating touchscreen

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Large 22" smart HD touchscreen
• Incline and decline ability
• Compatible with iFIT
• Adjustable seat
• Adjustable handles
• Dual-sided pedals
• Fan
• Comes with 2 3-lb dumbbells
• 24 digital resistance levels

Cons

• Expensive
• iFIT membership not necessary, but most beneficial
• Difficult to assemble
• Can’t be stored in the garage (brand states doing so will void the bike’s warranty)
• Hard to move and weighs more than 200 pounds

Bottom Line

This is the bike to get if you want an indoor cycling bike with interactive programming, incline and decline capabilities, and all the extras.

Echelon EX-8s

Echelon EX-8s

GGR Score: 3.63

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Product Highlights

• 24-inch curved HD touchscreen
• Monitor pivots 180-degrees
• Dual-ring rear flywheel design
• 15 LED lights to indicate workout metrics
• Dual speakers
• 32 magnetic e-drive levels
• Bluetooth resistance controls
• Dual water bottle holders

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Immersive experience
• 32 levels of resistance
• Dual-sided, SPD-compatible pedals
• Large, interactive HD touchscreen
• Multiple position handlebars
• Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
• 1.8 GHz processing speed is fast

Cons

• Required paid membership required for use
• Disappointing warranty
• Uncomfortable seat

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a fully immersive riding experience on a high-quality bike, the Echelon EX-8s is a solid choice. It is costly and does require a membership, so keep that in mind when making your purchase.

Now that we’ve taken a look at each company from a bird’s eye view, we’re going to look at two popular indoor cycle bikes picks from each brand: The NordicTrack S22i and the Echelon EX-8s. 

Our team of expert product testers has had their hands on both exercise bikes. We’ll get into the details of our experience later, but for now I will tell you that the NordicTrack S22i is highly regarded and is even our overall top pick for the best exercise bike for home gyms. This is going to be quite the showdown between studio cycle bikes. 

NordicTrack S22i vs Echelon EX-8s Comparison Chart

Other bikes offered from NordicTrack and Echelon include: 

• Echelon GT+
• Echelon EX-5
• Echelon EX-5s-10
• Echelon EX-5s-22
• NordicTrack S27i
• NordicTrack S10i

Technology Features

If you’re debating between the NordicTrack Commercial S22i and the Echelon EX-8s, just know that with either exercise bike you choose, you’ll have quality audio with built-in speakers and excellent visuals with HD touchscreens. 

Both brands also offer immersive at-home cycling experiences with studio sessions, outdoor trainer-led rides, and open scenic rides. Plus, both fitness apps have more than cycling workouts. You can use the monitor to follow along with HIIT, yoga, or pilates. 

You’ll be able to see the screen easily even when you’re off the bike. The NordicTrack S22i has a 22-inch HD touchscreen that rotates 360-degrees and the screen on the EX-8s flips 180 degrees so you can step in front of your bike to view workout programs. All that said, you’ll need a stable WiFi connection to have full functionality of either bike.

Although there are quite a few similarities, there are also some differences between the two bikes and the technology they offer. One of the standout features I enjoy with iFIT and NordicTrack cardio machines is the AutoAdjust controls. We actually get into the nitty-gritty details of our experience in the NordicTrack S22i review if you’re curious about learning more. 

The AutoAdjust feature lets your iFIT instructor change the bike’s magnetic resistance depending on the coaching cues. This automatic control also applies to geographical locations on scenic rides and when you’re using the Google Maps feature. You can drop a pin nearly anywhere in the world and the AutoAdjust feature will accommodate the bike’s resistance to the route you mapped out. 

The Echelon app offers a wide array of on-demand workouts and over 40 daily live classes (which is not offered through iFIT). You can also take part in challenges and see how you stand up to the others on the Echelon leaderboard. 

It’s worth noting that one of GGR’s product testers noticed the similarities between the Echelon app and what Peloton offers. “Echelon is definitely trying to be like Peloton, but isn’t not quite there,” she says. 

RELATED: Echelon vs Peloton

Echelon offers two versions of the Echelon app (which is similar to what Peloton does). The All-Access membership costs $34.99 per month and the Fit Pass costs $11.99 per month. The main difference is the fact that the less expensive Fit Pass version eliminates the leaderboard-style competition, global status, and other advanced workout metrics. 

When it comes to resistance controls, the Echelon falls slightly behind the NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle. The EX-8s uses Bluetooth connectivity so you can make resistance adjustments via a button on the handlebar versus reaching down for the knob. 

Although it’s not quite hands-free, we think it will make cycling classes a little easier. In addition to workout classes, the Echelon app also has scenic rides that take your destinations all over the world. For the full rundown of features on this bike, check out our Echelon EX-8s review. 

Exercise Bike Conveniences

When it comes to some simple conveniences while you ride, you can be sure that both bikes have you covered with dual water bottle holders and dumbbell holsters (for light dumbbells). 

However, that’s where the conveniences end on the Echelon—the NordicTrack features a media tray for smartphones and an adjustable workout fan. 

Ergonomics and Comfort

Both bikes offer seat adjustability in both height and front-to-back adjustments so you’re not reaching for the handlebars. The S22i does have one extra adjustment on the seat: It can be tilted up and down, which is pretty unique. 

The handlebars on both bikes have multi-position grips so you can either find your most comfortable spot or change grip when you’re out of the saddle. It’s also worth mentioning that from our experience, both seats are firm and do not provide a lot of cushioning—just be warned!

Lastly, we like that both bikes offer adjustable toe cages in addition to SPD clip-in options on the reverse side of the pedal. It’s not like the Peloton Bike, where you have to buy clip-in shoes to use the bike. 

RELATED: Peloton Bike Review 

Company Policies

Here is a look into both brand’s company policies: 

Warranty

The NordicTrack brand beats out Echelon on the warranty by a long shot. Echelon bikes have a ridiculously short one-year limited warranty. You will have the option to pay additional fees to extend the warranty, but for an additional $339 you’ll only get two extra years of coverage. 

On the flip side, the S22i has the traditional NordicTrack warranty of 10 years on the frame, two years on parts, and one-year on labor. It’s worth noting that it can take a while to hear back from NordicTrack when you’re looking to get questions answered (even when you use the live chat function). 

Return

When it comes to return, both Echelon and NordicTrack have similar policies with a pretty standard 30-day return window. With either brand you’ll be in the hook for shipping fees when you send the bike back. NordicTrack also charges a 10% restocking fee. 

Financing Options 

Both brands also offer financing, which is a relief because these bikes are not cheap. 

NordicTrack offers financing at checkout through TD Bank. If you qualify, you can receive 0% financing with 12- or 39-month loan terms. These terms are based on your credit history and standard purchase rates are 29.99% APR. 

Echelon uses Citizens Bank for third-party financing. You will have to apply for this option during the checkout process. At the time of writing this, promotional loan rates range from 0% to 19.99% APR  and standard purchases are 29.99% APR. 

Final Thoughts on Echelon vs NordicTrack

Although the brand offers similar bikes, there are some key differences to be aware of. Here is a quick summary of our considerations: 

• NordicTrack has better warranty coverage with a 10-year warranty on the frame versus Echelon with a limited one-year warranty. 
• NordicTrack bikes give you a hands-free experience with AutoAdjust, the brand’s automatic trainer control feature that changes resistance for you. Echelon bikes offer Bluetooth-enabled buttons on the handlebars for resistance changes. 
• The all-access Echelon Fit app offers more than 40 live classes per day and leaderboard metrics to see how you’re holding up to the community. 

Echelon vs NordicTrack FAQs

Lauren Strong, CPT

Lauren is an NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer working with clients of all ages and skill levels. She specializes in coaching the squat, bench, and deadlift and enjoys introducing beginners to barbell training. Before becoming certified, she worked in marketing roles after graduating from the University of Maine with a BA in Journalism. Writing for Garage Gym Reviews blends her two passions: writing and lifting. Lauren spends her leisure time in the kitchen, reading fiction, and taking nature walks. She's also an avid downhill skier, learning how to ski when she was just two years old. She lives in Maine with her husband and two cats.

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