NordicTrack vs Sole: Power, Price & Brand Breakdown 2025

A Battle of Fitness Brands: NordicTrack vs Sole

When comparing NordicTrack vs Sole, the main difference comes down to tech-forward features versus no-frills durability. If you want immersive training content, touch screens, and live workouts, NordicTrack’s iFIT-connected machines might be the better option. But if you're after rugged build quality, a lifetime warranty, and straightforward usability at a more affordable price point, Sole shines.

Both brands offer high-quality fitness equipment from treadmills and elliptical trainers to rowers and exercise bikes, so it’s no surprise they’re often mentioned in the same breath. But which one is truly the best choice for your home gym?

In this guide, we’ll break down key differences in training programs, console displays, price range, and build quality across popular models like the NordicTrack Commercial series and Sole F80’s. Let’s dive in and help you find the clear winner for your fitness goals.

Brand Overview: NordicTrack and Sole Fitness

NordicTrack at a Glance

NordicTrack has built its reputation as a leader in connected fitness, offering machines designed for tech-savvy users who want more than just a workout. With sleek designs, touch screen displays, and full integration with the iFIT training platform, NordicTrack delivers on-demand classes, live workouts, and virtual road races.

Their product line includes treadmills, elliptical machines, studio bikes, rowing machines, and even strength training equipment like the Fusion CST and Vault. If you're creating a home gym focused on engagement and variety, NordicTrack gives you the tools to train with a personal trainer every step of the way.

Sole Fitness at a Glance

Meanwhile, Sole Fitness prioritizes performance and durability. Known for their steel frames, high weight capacity, and quiet motors, Sole machines are engineered for heavier use without the need for a monthly subscription. While Sole lacks built-in streaming services, their machines offer Bluetooth connectivity, manual mode, and compatibility with third-party apps like Kinomap and Zwift via the Sole app.

The brand’s lineup includes Sole treadmills, elliptical trainers, exercise bikes, rowers, and strength equipment, all designed for serious runners and fitness enthusiasts.

Key Similarities Between NordicTrack and Sole

While their approach to fitness may differ, NordicTrack and Sole Fitness share several important qualities that make them top contenders in the home gym market.

Quality Construction

Both brands are known for quality construction. Whether you're comparing a NordicTrack piece of equipment or a model from Sole Fitness, you’ll find machines built with steel frames, high weight capacity, and powerful motors that support everything from recovery runs to high-intensity training. 

Whether you're looking at a slightly more powerful motor on a Sole treadmill or the automatic trainer control offered by NordicTrack, these machines are made for heavier use and extended workout sessions. Despite being built for residential use, their construction often meets or exceeds the industry standard for commercial-grade ellipticals and treadmills.

Comprehensive Equipment Lineups

Both companies also offer a comprehensive equipment lineup, covering every major cardio category. From elliptical machines, exercise bikes, to rowing machines and different treadmills, there’s something for every fitness level. Whether you’re just getting started or training for a marathon, you’ll find a model tailored to your needs.

NordicTrack’s catalog extends even further into strength training, with options like the Fusion CST, giving tech-savvy users a broader training ecosystem. Sole also offers a lineup of strength equipment, including benches, power racks, and free weights—designed for users who want reliable performance without the need for streaming features or guided programs.

Strong Warranties

Both NordicTrack and Sole back their machines with solid warranty coverage, but Sole typically offers more generous terms across the board. Most Sole Fitness treadmills, like the popular Sole F80’s, come with a lifetime warranty on both the frame and motor, five years on parts and electronics, and two years on labor. This level of protection makes Sole an excellent choice for users who prioritize long-term durability and want added peace of mind.

NordicTrack warranties are also competitive, especially on their Commercial Series models. These typically include a lifetime warranty on the frame, ten years on the motor, two years on parts, and one year on labor. While NordicTrack’s parts and labor coverage is slightly more limited than Sole’s, it still reflects a strong commitment to quality, particularly when paired with their iFIT technology and interactive features.

Key Differences Between NordicTrack and Sole

Although NordicTrack and Sole share several standout features, their core differences reveal which brand fits specific fitness needs, budgets, and preferences. From smart features to design philosophy, these contrasts help define the better option for your home gym.

Technology and Interactive Features

Training Programs and App Integration

NordicTrack is built for those who want a fully immersive experience. Its equipment features Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth speakers, and built-in access to the iFIT program, which offers live classes, road races, and studio workouts led by a certified fitness instructor. iFIT also includes Google Maps integration for virtual routes and automatic trainer control that adjusts incline, speed, and resistance in real time.

Sole's approach includes the SOLE+ app, which offers over 3,000 free fitness video classes led by professional instructors. These classes are designed for all Sole equipment and utilize heart rate metrics and data from your equipment to enhance your workouts. The app is available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, providing a cost-effective solution for users seeking guided workouts without ongoing subscription fees.

Console Displays

NordicTrack leads with its large HD touch screen consoles, available in sizes up to 32 inches depending on the model. These screens are the gateway to the brand’s iFIT training platform, allowing users to stream on-demand workouts, track real-time metrics, and engage with scenic global routes.

Sole’s consoles are more traditional, using LCD screens or LED displays that focus on functionality over flash. While they don’t offer entertainment streaming, they do include quick-adjusting buttons, clear workout data, and compatibility with Bluetooth heart rate monitors.

Product Focus and Innovation

NordicTrack continues to push the envelope with innovations across its lineup. From elliptical trainers that offer variable stride lengths to smart strength training systems like the Vault, NordicTrack is constantly evolving its fitness equipment to support a smart home gym experience.

Sole focuses on durability and consistent performance. You won’t find built-in video workouts or flashy extras, but you will get a machine that does its job reliably. This applies to both their cardio and strength equipment, which is built with straightforward design and long-lasting materials. For many serious runners or long-term users, the focus on practicality makes Sole a good option with lasting appeal.

Equipment Style and Design

The visual difference is clear: NordicTrack machines feature a sleek, modern look with large screens and tech-focused layouts. These models often feel like an extension of a smart home, complete with touch screen interfaces and streaming capabilities.

Sole’s machines lean into function-first engineering. The design may appear more basic, but it reflects the brand’s focus on core performance. You’ll find thoughtful touches like cup holders, water bottle holders, and straightforward dashboards that prioritize ease of use.

Price Point and Value

Sole treadmills and other machines are typically priced lower than similar NordicTrack models, offering excellent performance without the additional cost of subscriptions. Even with commercial-grade features like the Cushion Flex Whisper Deck that reduces joint impact, Sole keeps pricing competitive for users focused on value.

NordicTrack machines, especially those in the Commercial Series, tend to cost more due to their tech features, including the integrated iFIT technology. While the price range is higher, some users find the advanced features and training content worth the investment, especially if they want a built-in personal trainer experience with every session.

Category Comparison: Sole vs NordicTrack Equipment

To help you choose the right brand for your needs, it’s important to compare how NordicTrack and Sole stack up across key cardio machines. Both brands offer standout options, from treadmills to elliptical trainers—but the right fit depends on your training style, budget, and preferred features.

Treadmills

When it comes to treadmills, the NordicTrack Commercial Series and the Sole F Series are often at the center of the conversation. NordicTrack shines with tech-heavy models featuring touch screen consoles, Wi-Fi connectivity, and full access to NordicTrack’s iFIT platform. Users can enjoy live workouts, virtual routes, and automatic incline and speed adjustments guided by a personal trainer.

In contrast, the Sole F80’s and similar models in the F Series focus on performance and practicality. They offer manual mode, quick-adjusting buttons, and a slightly more powerful motor in some models compared to their NordicTrack counterparts. Sole’s Cushion Flex Whisper Deck stands out for reducing joint impact, making it a good option for recovery runs or those needing lower-impact training.

If you're curious about the different NordicTrack treadmills, this NordicTrack treadmill comparison guide offers a deeper look at NordicTrack’s popular models, helping you choose the best features for your home use.

Ellipticals

Both brands also offer strong contenders in the elliptical machine category, though they target different user preferences. NordicTrack’s FS Series, also known as FreeStride Trainers, delivers unmatched stride variety and smooth transitions between elliptical, stepper, and treadmill motion. These machines feature automatic trainer control, touch screen displays, and integration with iFit. 

Sole’s E Series ellipticals, such as the Sole E35 and E95, focus on build quality, weight capacity, and incline adjustments without overwhelming users with tech. They include Bluetooth connectivity, support for heart rate monitors, and adjustable pedals that reduce strain during longer workouts. 

Exercise Bikes

Both brands offer upright and recumbent exercise bikes, but the experience they deliver is quite different. NordicTrack Studio Bikes, like the S22i and S27i, are built for connected workouts and feature touch screen displays, live workouts, and scenic rides powered by the iFIT training platform. Users can join cycling classes, follow virtual coaches across global routes, and benefit from automatic trainer control that adjusts resistance in real time.

On the other hand, the Sole SB and LCB Series focus on performance without the frills. These bikes are built for riders who prefer traditional programs, with simple interfaces, manual mode, and Bluetooth. They also offer adjustable seating, quiet magnetic resistance, and weight capacity that supports heavier use. 

Rowers

When it comes to rowing, NordicTrack’s RW Series stands out for its interactive approach. Models like the RW900 feature a touch screen, iFIT integration, and on-demand classes that guide you through studio or outdoor rowing sessions. The iFIT platform adds versatility, letting you switch between rowing, strength, and recovery workouts in a single app. With automatic resistance control, you get a seamless experience fit for your fitness level.

In contrast, Sole’s SR500 and SRVO rowers lean into straightforward performance. These machines use air and magnetic resistance to deliver a smooth, consistent rowing stroke, and they’re ideal for users who want a no-nonsense workout without streaming content. The LCD screens are easy to read, and the machines are designed for durability, ease of use, and comfort. 

Customer Experience: NordicTrack vs Sole

NordicTrack reviews highlight the immersive experience and the convenience of automatic trainer control. However, many users note that several machine features are locked behind a monthly subscription, which may not appeal to everyone. Despite that, the app holds strong ratings for its variety and coaching quality.

Sole users appreciate that there’s no additional cost and that the app works well for basic tracking. While Sole’s equipment earns praise for build quality, a few users mention that customer service response times could be better.

Who Should Choose NordicTrack?

Now that we’ve compared these brands, here are some recommendations based on features and offers we’ve shared throughout this guide. 

NordicTrack is ideal for users who want a fully connected fitness experience. If you enjoy touchscreen workouts, interactive training, and the motivation of live or on-demand classes, this brand delivers. The iFIT platform offers guided routines, scenic routes, and smart adjustments that make each session feel like you’re training with a personal coach. It’s a great choice for home gyms focused on variety, engagement, and high-tech features.

Who Should Choose Sole?

Sole is the better fit for buyers who want durable, easy-to-use machines without the bells and whistles. It’s perfect for athletes who value performance, quiet motors, and high weight capacity over streaming workouts or monthly app fees. Whether you’re running, cycling, or rowing, Sole offers reliable machines built for long-term use with minimal distractions. If you want quality without complexity, Sole is a smart pick.

Are you also weighing other brands as options? You might also want to see how NordicTrack stacks up against other major players in the home fitness space. Explore more head-to-head matchups here:

NordicTrack vs BowFlex

NordicTrack vs ProForm

NordicTrack vs Peloton

NordicTrack vs Horizon

Final Thoughts: NordicTrack vs Sole – Which Brand Wins?

After breaking down features, price, and performance, it’s clear that both NordicTrack and Sole deliver excellent value, just in different ways. You can base your choice on what you prioritize most in your fitness journey.

If your ideal home gym includes high-tech features, touch screen workouts, and trainer-led classes, NordicTrack is the brand to beat. The iFIT platform creates an immersive training environment with on-demand sessions, virtual routes, and automatic adjustments that take the guesswork out of your routine. It's an ideal pick for users who want a smart, connected fitness experience.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for rugged durability, quiet operation, and machines that deliver strong performance without ongoing subscriptions, Sole is a smart choice. The brand focuses on long-term value with generous warranties, straightforward controls, and no extra fees for app access.

Ultimately, both brands earn high marks, but if interactive training, versatility, and modern features are at the top of your list, NordicTrack is the clear winner. If you’re ready to build your high-tech home gym, shop NordicTrack equipment at Strength Warehouse USA and experience premium performance every step of the way.