Shopping for a NordicTrack elliptical can feel a little like walking into a smoothie shop with 47 menu options: everything sounds healthy, everything has a shiny name, and somehow you are suddenly wondering whether you are an “AirGlide person” or a “FreeStride person.” The good news is that NordicTrack’s elliptical lineup is easier to understand once you separate the machines by how they feel, who they fit best, and whether you want a classic elliptical motion or a futuristic “floating through space but sweating responsibly” experience.
NordicTrack ellipticals are best known for low-impact cardio, interactive iFIT training, incline and resistance adjustments, cushioned pedals, and large built-in touchscreens. They are not usually the cheapest ellipticals on the market, but they often deliver more training variety than basic home cardio machines. The right model can help you build endurance, train consistently, and get a full-body workout without the pounding impact of running.
After comparing current specs, expert reviews, customer feedback, and practical home-gym usability, these are the four best NordicTrack ellipticals to consider: the NordicTrack AirGlide 14i, AirGlide 7i, FreeStride Trainer FS14i, and FreeStride Trainer FS10i.
Quick Comparison: Best NordicTrack Ellipticals
| Model | Best For | Key Strength | Potential Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordicTrack AirGlide 14i | Best overall NordicTrack elliptical | 14-inch screen, 26 resistance levels, incline and decline | Premium price and iFIT-centered experience |
| NordicTrack AirGlide 7i | Best value pick | Compact front-drive design with strong core features | Smaller 7-inch touchscreen |
| NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer FS14i | Best premium hybrid elliptical | 32-inch auto-adjustable stride and three-in-one movement | Large, heavy, and expensive |
| NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer FS10i | Best FreeStride value | Same flexible stride concept at a lower tier | Smaller screen and fewer resistance levels than FS14i |
How We Chose the Best NordicTrack Ellipticals
To pick the best NordicTrack ellipticals, we looked beyond the showroom sparkle. A big touchscreen is nice, but if the machine wobbles like a folding chair at a family barbecue, that is a problem. We focused on build quality, stride comfort, resistance range, incline options, user weight capacity, footprint, ease of use, iFIT compatibility, and real-world practicality.
NordicTrack machines generally lean heavily into interactive training. That means the best experience usually comes with an iFIT membership, which unlocks trainer-led workouts, scenic routes, auto-adjusting resistance, and additional smart features. You can still use many models manually, but buyers who want a simple no-subscription elliptical may prefer a different brand. NordicTrack shines brightest when you actually want guided programming, changing terrain, and the feeling that your cardio machine has a little more personality than a hotel treadmill from 2009.
1. NordicTrack AirGlide 14i: Best Overall NordicTrack Elliptical
Why It Stands Out
The NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is the best NordicTrack elliptical for most people because it balances performance, technology, comfort, and size better than any other model in the lineup. It has the classic front-drive elliptical feel, but with enough modern features to keep workouts from turning into a countdown to boredom.
The AirGlide 14i typically includes a 14-inch HD touchscreen, 26 digital resistance levels, a 32-pound effective inertia-enhanced flywheel, and a power ramp that moves from decline to incline. That incline and decline range is one of its biggest advantages. Instead of pedaling through the same flat pattern forever, you can shift muscle emphasis and training intensity by changing the ramp angle. Your glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves all get their moment to complain politely.
Best Features
The 14-inch touchscreen is large enough to make iFIT workouts immersive without making the console feel like someone bolted a living-room TV to your cardio machine. The magnetic resistance system feels smooth and relatively quiet, which matters if you live with roommates, family, or neighbors who already think your blender is “a lot.”
The oversized cushioned pedals are adjustable, which can help reduce foot discomfort during longer sessions. The AutoBreeze workout fan is also useful, especially when your workout turns from “gentle scenic ride” into “why did this trainer just find another hill?” Bluetooth audio support, transport wheels, and upper-body moving handles round out the package.
Who Should Buy It?
The AirGlide 14i is ideal for people who want a full-featured home elliptical without stepping into the larger, more expensive FreeStride category. It works well for regular cardio, interval training, low-impact endurance sessions, and guided iFIT classes. It is also a smart pick for households where multiple users want different workout intensities.
What to Consider
The AirGlide 14i is not a tiny machine. It is fairly narrow for an elliptical, but it still needs dedicated floor space and clearance around the pedals and handles. Also, much of the “wow” factor depends on iFIT. If you do not plan to use interactive workouts, the 14i may feel like buying a sports car and only driving it to the mailbox.
2. NordicTrack AirGlide 7i: Best Value NordicTrack Elliptical
Why It Stands Out
The NordicTrack AirGlide 7i is the practical sibling of the AirGlide 14i. It keeps many of the features people actually useincline and decline training, magnetic resistance, cushioned pedals, iFIT compatibility, and a compact front-drive footprintbut trims down the screen size and some premium specs.
For many buyers, that trade-off makes sense. Not everyone needs a giant screen to work out. Some people just want a smooth elliptical that can serve up guided classes, change resistance, and not turn their spare bedroom into a fitness equipment warehouse.
Best Features
The AirGlide 7i usually offers 22 digital resistance levels, a 7-inch HD touchscreen, and the same general incline and decline training style that makes the AirGlide series appealing. It also has oversized cushioned pedals and moving handles for a total-body workout.
The 7-inch screen is smaller, but it still gives you access to iFIT programming. For users who mostly follow audio cues, watch workout stats, or place the machine near a TV or tablet, the smaller screen may not be a dealbreaker. In fact, some buyers may prefer the cleaner, less dominant console.
Who Should Buy It?
The AirGlide 7i is best for beginners, casual exercisers, and budget-conscious shoppers who still want a modern NordicTrack elliptical. It is also a good fit if you want incline training but do not need the largest touchscreen or the heaviest flywheel in the AirGlide family.
What to Consider
The main limitation is the screen. If you love scenic workouts and want the most immersive experience, the 7-inch display can feel small. It is perfectly usable, but it will not create the same “I am climbing a mountain trail from my laundry room” feeling as the 14i or FS14i. The resistance range is also slightly lower than the AirGlide 14i, though still strong enough for most home users.
3. NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer FS14i: Best Premium Hybrid Elliptical
Why It Stands Out
The NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer FS14i is not a traditional elliptical. It is more like an elliptical, stair stepper, and low-impact running trainer got together and formed a very ambitious cardio band. Its defining feature is the 32-inch auto-adjustable stride, which lets you move in short stepping patterns, longer elliptical strokes, or a more open running-style motion.
This flexible stride makes the FS14i especially appealing for tall users, households with multiple users, and anyone who gets bored with fixed-stride ellipticals. Instead of forcing your body into one path, the FS14i adapts more naturally to how you move. The result feels less mechanical and more fluid than a standard elliptical.
Best Features
The FS14i typically includes a 14-inch HD touchscreen, 26 digital resistance levels, a 20-pound effective flywheel, a -10% decline to 10% incline range, and a high user weight capacity. It also supports iFIT interactive workouts, where resistance and incline can adjust automatically during training sessions.
The real magic is the movement pattern. You can take small, climbing-style steps for a stair-stepper feel, lengthen your stride for a traditional elliptical workout, or open things up into a low-impact running motion. This makes the FS14i one of the most versatile NordicTrack ellipticals for people who want variety without buying three separate machines and explaining to guests why the guest room is now “Cardio Island.”
Who Should Buy It?
The FS14i is best for serious home-gym users, tech-loving exercisers, taller users, and people who want maximum workout variety. It is also great for households where one person likes short, steep stepping workouts and another prefers a long gliding stride.
What to Consider
This machine is big and heavy. Although the listed footprint is not outrageous, the long stride path requires extra clearance in front and behind the machine. You also need enough ceiling height because the FS14i stands tall. Assembly and moving are not casual one-person jobs unless your hobby is wrestling large boxes and regretting life choices.
The price is another serious consideration. The FS14i makes the most sense if you know you will use its hybrid design and iFIT features regularly. If you only want basic elliptical workouts a few times a week, the AirGlide 14i or AirGlide 7i may be the smarter buy.
4. NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer FS10i: Best FreeStride Value
Why It Stands Out
The NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer FS10i gives you much of the FreeStride experience at a lower tier than the FS14i. It still has the signature 32-inch auto-adjustable stride, which is the main reason people choose a FreeStride machine in the first place. That alone makes it one of the best NordicTrack ellipticals for users who want flexible movement but do not necessarily need the top model.
The FS10i usually comes with a 10-inch touchscreen, 24 digital resistance levels, cushioned oversized pedals, iFIT compatibility, and a strong weight capacity. It is still a premium machine, but it is positioned as a more approachable option than the FS14i.
Best Features
The 32-inch stride is the headline feature. For taller users or anyone who dislikes the short, choppy feel of some compact ellipticals, the FS10i can feel freeing. It allows you to change your motion naturally during a workout, which can make longer sessions more comfortable and less repetitive.
The 10-inch touchscreen is smaller than the FS14i’s display but larger than the AirGlide 7i’s screen. That gives it a nice middle ground for iFIT workouts. The magnetic resistance is quiet, the frame is sturdy, and the overall feel is more premium than many standard home ellipticals.
Who Should Buy It?
The FS10i is best for people who want the FreeStride experience but are trying to avoid paying for the highest-end model. It is also a smart option for taller users, mixed-height households, and exercisers who want one machine that can mimic multiple movement styles.
What to Consider
Like the FS14i, the FS10i is heavy and requires more clearance than its footprint suggests. The stride can extend far forward and backward, so measuring your room is essential. Do not just measure the machine; measure the machine in motion. Your wall does not care how optimistic you were during checkout.
The FS10i also has a smaller screen and fewer resistance levels than the FS14i. For many users, that difference will not matter much. But if you want the most premium FreeStride experience, the FS14i remains the better choice.
NordicTrack AirGlide vs. FreeStride: Which Style Is Better?
The biggest buying decision is not really “which NordicTrack elliptical is best?” It is “which NordicTrack elliptical style is best for you?” The AirGlide models are more traditional front-drive ellipticals. They feel familiar, stable, and straightforward. They are easier to understand, usually easier to place in a home gym, and excellent for classic low-impact cardio.
The FreeStride models are more flexible and unusual. Their auto-adjustable stride lets you shift between stepper, elliptical, and running-style movement. They feel more natural for some users and less predictable for others. If you like the security of a fixed stride, the AirGlide series may feel better. If you want freedom and variety, the FreeStride series is hard to beat.
What to Look for Before Buying a NordicTrack Elliptical
1. Space and Clearance
Always measure your workout space before buying. Include ceiling height, side clearance, front clearance, and rear clearance. FreeStride models especially need extra room because the stride path extends beyond the base.
2. Screen Size
If iFIT workouts are a major reason you are buying NordicTrack, screen size matters. The AirGlide 14i and FS14i offer a more immersive experience. The AirGlide 7i and FS10i are still useful but less cinematic.
3. Resistance and Incline
More resistance levels allow finer workout adjustments. Incline and decline options also add variety and change muscle emphasis. This is especially useful if you plan to use the elliptical several times per week.
4. User Height and Stride Comfort
Fixed or shorter stride ranges may work well for average-height users, while taller users often appreciate the 32-inch stride on FreeStride machines. When possible, test the motion before buying or check return policies carefully.
5. iFIT Subscription
NordicTrack machines are designed around iFIT. If you enjoy guided workouts, scenic routes, trainer-led programming, and automatic adjustments, that is a major plus. If you dislike subscriptions, factor that into your buying decision.
Final Verdict: Which NordicTrack Elliptical Should You Choose?
For most buyers, the NordicTrack AirGlide 14i is the best overall choice. It gives you the strongest balance of features, comfort, technology, and usability. The AirGlide 7i is the best value pick if you want core NordicTrack features without paying for the biggest screen. The FreeStride FS14i is the premium choice for people who want the most versatile movement pattern, while the FS10i is the better value for users who want FreeStride flexibility at a lower tier.
The simplest way to decide is this: choose AirGlide if you want a classic elliptical experience with modern tech. Choose FreeStride if you want a more flexible, floating, hybrid motion. Either way, make sure the machine fits your space, your training style, and your willingness to use iFIT. The best elliptical is not the one with the longest spec sheet. It is the one you will actually use after the first week, when the delivery excitement fades and your sneakers start giving you judgmental looks from the corner.
Real-World Experience: What It Is Like to Use a NordicTrack Elliptical at Home
Using a NordicTrack elliptical at home is different from using a basic gym elliptical because the machine is designed to turn cardio into an experience, not just a repetitive leg loop. On a simple elliptical, you step on, press quick start, stare at the timer, and begin negotiating with yourself at minute seven. On a NordicTrack, especially with iFIT, the workout can feel more structured. A trainer may guide you through a trail, the resistance may change automatically, and the incline may shift to match the route. That helps many people stay engaged longer.
The first thing most users notice is the smoothness. A good NordicTrack elliptical does not feel jerky when you increase resistance. The motion stays controlled, which is important if you are trying to maintain rhythm during intervals or longer steady-state cardio. The cushioned pedals also matter more than people expect. During longer sessions, foot numbness and pressure can ruin the workout faster than a bad playlist. Adjustable or oversized pedals help keep your feet more comfortable, especially when you change incline.
Another real-life advantage is convenience. Having an elliptical at home removes the tiny obstacles that often derail consistency: driving to the gym, waiting for equipment, dealing with weather, or pretending not to notice the person next to you doing mysterious cable-machine acrobatics. With a home elliptical, ten minutes is still ten minutes. You can do a short recovery session, a moderate cardio workout, or a tougher interval ride without making the workout feel like a whole event.
That said, NordicTrack ellipticals are not perfect for every home. They are heavy, and delivery logistics matter. Before ordering, it is smart to know exactly where the box will go and whether you need help moving it. Assembly can also take patience. This is not a toaster. You do not simply plug it in and celebrate. Give yourself time, read instructions carefully, and consider professional assembly if you do not enjoy holding bolts while questioning your life direction.
The iFIT experience is another major factor. People who love trainer-led workouts often find NordicTrack machines motivating. Scenic routes, studio classes, automatic adjustments, and progress tracking can make workouts feel fresh. But users who prefer manual control may not value the subscription as much. The machine can still function, but the premium feel is strongest when the connected features are used regularly.
Noise is usually manageable, especially compared with treadmills. Magnetic resistance is generally quiet, though incline motors, fans, and normal mechanical movement still make some sound. For apartments, the AirGlide models may be easier to live with than a treadmill, but you should still place the machine on a stable surface and consider a protective mat.
In daily use, the best NordicTrack elliptical becomes the machine that fits your habits. If you want simple, reliable workouts, the AirGlide 7i may be enough. If you like bigger visuals and more resistance range, the AirGlide 14i feels more complete. If you get bored quickly and want a machine that can shift between stepping, gliding, and running-style movement, the FS10i or FS14i is more exciting. The key is being honest about your personality. Some people need entertainment. Some people need simplicity. Some people need both, plus a fan blasting directly into their face like a tiny motivational hurricane.
Overall, NordicTrack ellipticals are best for people who want low-impact cardio with variety, coaching, and enough technology to stay interested. They are especially useful for home exercisers who want joint-friendly movement, total-body engagement, and guided programming. Choose carefully, measure twice, and remember: the most advanced elliptical in the world cannot do the workout for youbut it can make showing up a lot less boring.
Note: Product specifications, pricing, availability, warranty terms, and iFIT membership details can change. Always verify the latest information from the seller or manufacturer before purchasing.
