Peloton vs Nordictrack: Which is best?

Last Updated on August 23, 2023

Peloton and Nordictrack are two of the most popular home gym fitness brands, but they offer different features and benefits. But, which one is best? Continue reading our Peloton vs Nordictrack comparison guide to find out.

Both the Peloton and Nordictrack are exercise bikes that come with touchscreen displays, speakers, as well as magnetic resistance systems to simulate real bike training.

They both offer their own live or on-demand classes to suit different people, both on and off the bike.

As they are similarly priced you may wish to know which is best suited to you and which features make each bike distinct. Read on to learn more.

What do they both offer?

The general idea with these bikes is that they can offer you a spinning class, as well as other exercise classes you can do at home while still virtually attending these classes with others online – this has become very popular in recent years.

With your purchase with either Peloton or Nordictrack, you get the bike itself as well as paying for a subscription. The initial cost for the bike is more expensive with Nordictrack than with Peloton.

Both offer the bike itself, with magnetic resistance wheels, cycling pedals, Bluetooth connectivity, a touchscreen display, as well as various controls for resistance as well as volume. Both are also equipped with speakers.

Peloton vs Nordictrack: Design and build

Interestingly, there are some physical differences in the bikes which are relatively minute but may suit certain people.

For instance, a taller or larger person looking to exercise could appreciate that the Nordictrack has a slightly larger bike frame as well as a maximum weight than the Peloton. This could be an important factor in some purchases.

Although both bikes offer almost exactly the same touchscreen display and size, Nordictrack has a rotating screen for non-bike classes.

But the Peloton Plus, a much more expensive upgrade on both bikes, offers a slightly larger touchscreen that rotates.

A small point of comparison is that the Peloton’s resistance control is controlled via a physical knob you turn, on the Peloton Plus this can be virtually controlled by the instructor.

On the Nordictrack you can easily change this through digital buttons on the handlebar.

Peloton vs Nordictrack: Classes on offer

A big point of comparison for many customers is what classes they offer, content is a huge factor.

Both subscriptions offer more than simply spinning classes, they offer many other workouts from walking to yoga to warm-downs to strength training and conditioning.

Both also offer live leaderboards, metrics based on your performance in class, as well as live and on-demand content. You can test out both membership platforms for free via their respective 30-day free trial.

You can’t swivel the Peloton bike screen around to do other classes non-bike related, although the Peloton app is easily accessible on basically any smart device.

The Nordictrack can swivel for these classes, allowing circuits to be created easily. Nordictrack’s interactive fitness classes are delivered using its dedicated iFit platform. They offer a variety of workouts, high-energy studio classes, and personal trainers directly on your machine.

Nordictrack also has a really fun and creative map feature where you can [plan your own routes as well as get real Google Maps imagery – Peloton has the hype, but Nordictrack has cool features too.

Peloton vs Nordictrack: Price

This feels necessary to mention. The Nordictrack has a larger initial cost for the bike, while with Peloton this initial investment is less.

But importantly, Nordictrack gives you a free month of subscription for the first month, Peloton does not, so you end up spending more with Peloton.

Our verdict

Both are great and very similar. Nordictrack has more versatility though, with their rotating screen you can chain together circuits for a serious gym experience.

With the basic Peloton package, it can be harder to create a circuit, having to change screens often.

We feel the basic package Nordictrack offers is better than Peloton’s, but Peloton certainly has a lot of hype so if you want the same experience as your friends choose this. Overall, Nordictrack bikes seem better value. But, at the end of the day whichever bike you choose comes down to personal preference.

If you’re looking for more fitness articles, then head over to our best Peloton alternatives buying guide. As well as, our best workout earbuds piece.