Best Ellipticals Compared: ProForm vs. NordicTrack, Round II

June 13, 2022

Best Ellipticals, Reviews

If you’ve kept up with our elliptical blog, you know we love to see different ellipticals go head to head, all of them vying to earn space in your home gym. However, when it comes to one specific rivalry, we know the stakes are especially high.

That’s right: We’re bringing ProForm and NordicTrack back for another round.

Both of these brands are impressive, reliable, and known for some truly remarkable exercise equipment. However, when it comes to choosing an elliptical, only one can take up that space in your home gym—so we’re bringing ProForm and NordicTrack back for more friendly rivalry.

Who will win this time? Let’s see!

ProForm Carbon HIIT H7 Cardio Trainer

The first elliptical to enter our ring is the ProForm Carbon HIIT H7 Cardio Trainer. It doesn’t look like every other machine on the market, and that’s because the Carbon HIIT H7 has a secret: It’s a stepper too. This 2-in-1 machine puts you on a unique 10-inch vertical and 5-inch horizontal elliptical path—something most competitors can only dream of.

Details And Specs

The Carbon HIIT H7 combines elliptical and stepper functionalities, yes, but that’s not all it’s known for. Here’s why we chose this machine to go head to head with NordicTrack:

Technology

7” Smart HD touchscreen
Audio auxiliary port
Dual 2” Bluetooth® speakers
EKG grip pulse heart rate sensor*

Functionality

24 digital resistance levels
SMR™ silent magnetic resistance
325 Lb. user weight capacity
Elliptical and stepper functionality
30 Lb. Effective inertia-enhanced flywheel
Front-mounted transport wheels

Comfort

Oversized, cushioned pedals
Multifunction handlebars
CoolAire™ workout fan
Water bottle holder

iFIT®

With not one but two functionalities combined in a single machine, you may find yourself wondering how to get the best of both worlds. Luckily, the Carbon HIIT H7 is fully iFIT compatible, so you’ll have your own personal trainers available to you 24/7 and on-demand workout sessions to help guide your workout routine. iFIT sold separately.

But it doesn’t all have to be about form and focus. You can also escape for a little adventure and enjoy the sights and sounds of an exciting location—for example, Costa Rica. In iFIT trainer, AnaMaria Ramirez’s Cardio HIIT Workout, you’ll perform 30-minute routines on your elliptical while exploring beaches, waterfalls, jungles, and more in Costa Rica. Better yet, sign up now for your free iFIT 30-day trial and check it out, as well as other incredible iFIT workouts, before you even purchase your ProForm Carbon HIIT H7 Cardio Trainer.

NordicTrack FS10i Interactive Elliptical Trainer

Next up, we have the NordicTrack FS10i Interactive Elliptical Trainer. If you were impressed by the multitasking power of the ProForm Carbon HIIT H7, wait until you see this: The FS10i combines not two, but three functionalities—elliptical, stepper, and treadmill. This machine stands out from the crowd by putting three different workouts in one piece of equipment, allowing you to mix and match exercises to your heart’s content.

Details And Specs

The FS10i may have its ProForm competitor outnumbered in terms of machine functions, but the battle’s not over yet. Here are a few important features to consider before we make our final call:

Technology

10” Smart HD touchscreen
Bluetooth® audio capabilities
Two 2” digitally amplified speakers
Automatic trainer control

Functionality

24 digital resistance levels
Power-adjustable incline
0% – 10% incline range
OneTouch® controls
20 Lb. Effective inertia-enhanced flywheel
375 Lb. user weight capacity
SMR™ silent magnetic resistance
Elliptical, stepper, and treadmill functionality

Comfort

32″ auto-adjustable stride
AutoBreeze™ workout fan
SoftTouch™ upper body grips
Oversized, cushioned pedals
Water bottle holder

iFIT

Need to know all the best ways to use a machine that’s part elliptical, part stepper, and part treadmill? iFIT has your answers! Explore different iFIT workouts designed for each machine. With a 30-day iFIT Family Membership that is included with your purchase, you’ll be putting your FS10i—and your own body—to work. Let iFIT help you track your progress, set goals, and level up your workouts by recommending new sessions and trainers. Say goodbye to fitness boredom for good!

Which Elliptical Wins

We did the research. You met the competitors. Now it’s time to see what happens in our second round of the ProForm vs. NordicTrack challenge!

Similarities

Although this is a battle, these two machines are friendly rivals—not just because they share the same dedication to quality and comfort, but because their ellipticals are great choices for low-impact workouts as elliptical exercise reduces weight-bearing and less swing (12).

Other similarities include 24 digital resistance levels, iFIT compatibility, elliptical and stepper functionality, workout fans, and water bottle holders.

Differences

Time to get down to business. Here’s where our rivals differ:

Weight Capacity: The NordicTrack FS10i has a user weight capacity of 375 Lbs., where the ProForm Carbon HIIT H7 is 325 Lbs.
Incline: Only the NordicTrack FS10i has an incline feature allowing you to simulate realistic walking, running, hiking, and climbing environments on iFIT.
Touchscreen: The NordicTrack FS10i has a 10” touchscreen, while the ProForm Carbon HIIT H7’s touchscreen is 7”.
Functionality: Elliptical, stepper, treadmill—only one machine can do all three, and that’s the NordicTrack FS10i.

And The Winner Is….

It’s a tie!

We’re big fans of both machines, but we have to admit that NordicTrack seems, at first glance, to have the upper hand this time. The NordicTrack FS10i boasts a long list of impressive features, from its extensive weight capacity up to its 10% incline functionality—not to mention the fact that it’s three machines in one. Talk about getting your money’s worth!

However, if you’re looking to save room in your home, the ProForm Carbon HIIT H7 is half the size of a regular elliptical. It may be your best bet if you’re trying to outfit a small or awkward space, and that’s reason enough to call this competition a tie.

Conclusion

NordicTrack and ProForm—they’re friendly rivals, one always trying to outperform the other with impressive exercise equipment. At the end of the day, you’re the one who benefits from this competition because you get to take advantage of amazing features and functions that they offer.

For more elliptical reviews, keep an eye on our blog—and don’t forget to check out our other Best Ellipticals Compared series, and see how other top ellipticals size up to each other!

iFIT memberships start at $15/mo. + tax, and auto-renew unless canceled in advance. Cancel at any time. Credit Card required for activation. Internet and WiFi required.

This article is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. Elliptical.com assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment. *Heart rate monitors used for exercise such as the wireless heart rate monitoring chest strap, grip sensors, or forearm monitors are not medical devices, and their accuracy may be affected by a number of factors. They are also not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

ProForm Carbon HIIT H7 Cardio Trainer

Details And Specs

Technology

Functionality

Comfort

iFIT®

NordicTrack FS10i Interactive Elliptical Trainer

Details And Specs

Technology

Functionality

Comfort

iFIT

Which Elliptical Wins

Similarities

Differences

And The Winner Is….

Conclusion

iFIT memberships start at $15/mo. + tax, and auto-renew unless canceled in advance. Cancel at any time. Credit Card required for activation. Internet and WiFi required.

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