If you‘re reading this, you‘re likely trying to decide between investing in either a Peleton or NordicTrack home workout system. As you‘re surely aware, both companies produce high-quality equipment and engaging digital platforms with world-class instructors to help you achieve a variety of health and fitness goals.
I‘ve done extensive research into the product offerings, features, consumer feedback, costs, and more from both brands. My goal is to provide the most helpful information possible so you can determine which solution will work best for your specific needs and budget.
Overview of Peloton and NordicTrack
Peloton exploded onto the connected fitness scene in 2012 with their signature internet-connected exercise bike. They‘ve since expanded their product line to include the Peloton Tread treadmill and a variety of accessories. Their digital app features thousands of on-demand and live streamed cycling, running, strength, yoga, meditation and more.
NordicTrack entered the home fitness equipment space all the way back in 1975. Their product lineup over the years has covered treadmills, bikes, rowers, ellipticals, strength accessories and more. Like Peloton, NordicTrack has more recently focused on connected fitness with their iFit digital platform that works seamlessly with their equipment.
Both companies aim to provide engaging, entertaining and effective home workouts led by charismatic and knowledgable instructors. Let‘s take a deeper look into their product and service offerings.
Equipment Options
When it comes to the actual exercise equipment, NordicTrack simply has a much wider variety available beyond cycling and running:
- NordicTrack – Treadmills, bikes, rowers, ellipticals, strength accessories, adjustable dumbbells, benches, etc.
- Peloton – Exercise bikes, treadmill, light weights, yoga accessories
Peloton has chosen to specialize primarily in spin bikes and treadmills. The advantage here is their products are exceptionally well-designed specifically for their streaming platform and classes. Spin instructors can control resistance levels remotely to match training programs.
NordicTrack covers home gyms more completely, allowing you to essentially equip an entire home gym. Their products integrate well with iFit training programs, automatically adjusting machines where applicable (i.e. treadmill incline/speed).
Both companies produce quality equipment, albeit at premium prices compared to competitors. Warranties are strong for both, instilling confidence in investing significant dollars.
If your goals require variety (strength training, rowing, etc.) beyond just cardio machines, NordicTrack is likely the better choice. Strict indoor cycling and running enthusiasts find everything they need with Peloton.
Digital Platforms and Classes
Where both Peloton and NordicTrack shine brightest is in their digital platforms that provide guided workouts from charismatic instructors:
- Peloton – Thousands of live and on-demand cycling, running, strength, yoga, meditation classes. Motivating leaderboards and social community features.
- NordicTrack – iFit platform with wide variety of workouts to utilize their equipment effectively. Also offer outdoor virtual classes powered by Google Maps. Don‘t focus as heavily on competitive social aspects.
Peloton has earned a near cult-like following from it‘s upbeat instructors and dedicated community of riders. Classes are focused primarily around cycling and running but expand into other areas as well. Strength training in particular has gained more attention from Peloton lately.
NordicTrack uses it‘s iFit platform as a way for customers to get the most out of their equipment. Certified personal trainers lead bootcamp style classes across treadmills, bikes, rowers and strength equipment. The Google Maps integration makes for an incredibly immersive experience when doing outdoor walking, running or biking classes. Training variety is a key differentiator although the social community elements are not as strong.
Both platforms offer competitive pricing in the $10-$15/month range, or around $40 monthly for complete access including equipment integration. I give a slight edge here to iFit due to the training variety on offer aligned well with NordicTrack‘s greater equipment options. Peloton still excels for those focused mainly on cycling, running and streaming classes.
Assembly and Installation Process
Performing my own product assembly ranks only slightly ahead of a trip to the dentist in terms of enjoyability, so I put significant weight on how equipment is delivered and installed. Here‘s how the two services compare:
- Peloton – Offers professional delivery that brings equipment to your room of choice. Crew will assemble/install equipment and ensure everything is connected and working properly before leaving. White glove service.
- NordicTrack – Provide three delivery options 1) drop-off at threshold 2) to the exact room you want 3) white glove with expert assembly. However most equipment from NordicTrack has clearly marked and explained assembly instructions to DIY.
Professionally I have to give NordicTrack a slight edge here due simply to the choice they provide customers. Some may appreciate Peloton‘s approach of having equipment perfectly setup for you. But for those willing to assemble items themselves as a cost-savings measure, NordicTrack enables that option effectively.
Peloton‘s professional delivery gets strong marks though and clearly scores very high on the "ease" factor. For larger equipment that‘s awkward or complicated to build, having an expert take care of installation is incredibly helpful. And quite "nice to have" rather than "need to have" for simpler builds. Both strong here.
Consumer Feedback and Reviews
I analyzed third-party consumer review data from TrustPilot as an independent way to evaluate actual customer experiences with both connected fitness programs:
- Peloton
- 4.2 out of 5 stars (2900+ reviews)
- Positive reviews focus heavily on high quality instructors, motivation/community provided through platform
- Most critical reviews due to long waiting times currently for equipment/installation and lackluster customer service interactions
- NordicTrack
- 4.5 out of 5 stars (11,000+ reviews)
- Positive reviews cite high quality equipment, effectiveness of iFit platform and trainers
- Critical reviews complain about reliability/quality issues in some treadmill models and customer service wait times
It‘s clear both companies enjoy loyal customers who find tremendous value in the home fitness solutions provided. NordicTrack in particular seems to drive satisfaction through their equipment and digital workout platform combination.
Peloton customers are intensely loyal to the instructors and motivational community cultivated there. The most common complaints for both companies come back to customer service responsiveness needing attention, as consumer demand has stretched support teams thin.
Given the stellar reviews for both overall, prospective buyers can confidently invest with either for effective home workouts. NordicTrack ratings skew a bit higher currently based on equipment and digital versatility.
Cost Considerations
Let‘s cover the financial part of the decision last, since budget plays a practical role in choice. What should you expect to pay?
- Peloton Bike
- Bike starting at $1445 + $44/month membership
- Bike+ model at $2495 + $44/month
- Peloton Tread
- Tread starting at $2495 + $44/month membership
- NordicTrack Equipment
- Treadmills from $999 to $3000 typically
- Exercise bikes from $999 to $2000+
- iFit membership $396 per year ($33/month)
There‘s no getting around the fact that exercise equipment designed to withstand daily abuse will require significant upfront spending. NordicTrack provides excellent bang for your buck across their product line. Their bikes match up very closely to Peloton models at lower price points. And NordicTrack treadmills maintain quality construction at lower costs.
The digital membership for both hovers right around $40 monthly for full access. This gets you world-class instruction across a variety of disciplines. For the level of coaching, motivation and entertainment provided, the subscription rates feel worthwhile assuming regular usage weekly.
Bottom Line Recommendations
So in final summary, here are my recommendations based on all the factors and key considerations covered above:
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For indoor cycling enthusiasts who also want to supplement with running, strength, yoga – Peloton is likely the premier choice. Their signature spin classes really drive that motivational community element better than any competitor. If you know cardio machines are your priority, Peloton won‘t disappoint based on their specialized excellence there.
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For home gym owners wanting a wider range of equipment beyond bikes/treadmills – NordicTrack enables building out a space covering all areas – weights, rowing, elliptical in addition to cardio machines. Their iFit platform helps better utilize all of the equipment with training variety to assist any goal. Right now they deliver better overall value across more fitness verticals.
Either way you go, I don‘t think you can make a "wrong" choice between Peloton or NordicTrack in the connected fitness space. Both companies continue earning strong satisfaction ratings from the value their products and digital memberships provide. Your decision mainly comes down to preferred fitness activities, budget available, and importance of community.
I hope the extensive information and recommendations provided here help you make that final fitness investment choice! Please reach out with any other questions. I‘m always happy to help.
