Updated: December 31, 2024
Tuesday: I sleep through my morning run and hop on the Peloton Tread for a speedy tempo run in the afternoon. Wednesday: My scheduled trail run gets rained out, so I choose the NordicTrack 2450 to replace the softer surface and rolling hills. But what would I do if I couldn’t use both treadmills?
This treadmill comparison of the Peloton Tread vs. the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill is not just about the treadmills. It’s a competition between their training platforms. With the Tread providing the notorious Peloton content and the 2450 offering immersive iFIT content, these two treadmills represent some of the best digital training content available.
Beyond what the content offers, it’s also about how each treadmill integrates its native content and what it offers for runners and walkers for performance. With two of the most recognizable names in the home fitness industry represented, I cannot wait to dive into this comparison.
Peloton Tread Highlights
- Music-powered studio classes
- The console rises with the deck when inclines
- Convenient Peloton adjustment knobs and jump buttons.
- Anti-glare 23.8” touchscreen
- Entertainment apps: Netflix, NBA, Disney+, Max, YouTube TV
- Lanebreak game
NordicTrack 2450 Highlights
- Virtual outdoor classes
- 4.25 CHP motor.
- Soft, cushioned running deck
- -3% to 12% incline/decline range
- Folding deck
- 24” tilt and pivot touchscreen
- Entertainment apps: Netflix, Prime Video, Spotify
- ActivePulse and SmartAdjust training personalization
Peloton Tread Treadmill Specs
- Footprint: 68” L x 33” W x 62” H
- Deck Size: 20” x 59”
- Motor Size: 3.0 HP
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Product Weight: 290 lbs
- Speed Range: 0 to 12.5 mph
- Incline/Decline Range: 0% to 12%
- Cushioning: firm
- Step-Up Height: 8”
- Warranty: 5-year frame; 3-year motor and belt; 12 months parts and labor
- Ceiling Height Requirement: user height + 20”
NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill Specs
- Footprint: 77.3” L x 37” W x 63.4” H
- Deck Size: 22” x 60”
- Motor Size: 4.25 CHP
- Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
- Product Weight: 332 lbs (in box)
- Speed Range: 0 to 14 MPH
- Incline/Decline Range: -3% to 12%
- Cushioning: soft
- Step-Up Height: 10”
- Warranty: lifetime motor; 10-year frame; 2-year parts; 1-year labor
- Ceiling Height Requirement: user height + 24”
Treadmill Comparison of The Peloton Tread vs NordicTrack 2450
Build Quality
Frame
I certainly have to give props to Peloton for being the treadmill that really set the z-shaped frame trend. Many brands have adopted this trend to make their treadmills look sleeker and more modern. The NordicTrack 2450 is one such treadmill that has adopted the Peloton Tread’s style.
One key difference between these sturdy treadmills is the attachment of the uprights. The Peloton’s uprights are attached to the deck, so the console lifts when the deck is inclined. The 2450’s uprights are not attached to the deck but to the stabilizers beneath the deck.
Though both designs are great, I have to give Peloton the award for originality. The Tread feels very stable, and I like that I am not towering over the console when I train at the top of the incline. However, I also have to acknowledge the NordicTrack 2450’s superior weight capacity at 400 lbs compared to the Tread’s 300-lb weight capacity.
Motor
The NordicTrack Commercial 2450 has a 4.25 continuous horsepower motor, whereas the Peloton has only a 3.0 HP motor. They are both very responsive, but the 2450 is faster to adjust speed and incline. It also has a 14 mph speed limit, while the Tread only goes up to 12.5 mph.
While the Peloton Tread performs well, the NordicTrack 2450 might stand the test of time better than the Tread, particularly when subject to heavy use or shared among a household of users. For the Peloton Tread’s price, we would expect a stronger motor.
Running Surface
The Peloton Tread has a bold, dashed red line down the center of the belt. It’s meant to keep you centered, but it just looks fast and stylish. But when it comes to running surfaces, it’s not style that customers really care about; it’s cushioning. Though I love a firm running deck for myself, I am well aware that many treadmill shoppers are looking for the best cushioning. If that’s the case for you, the 2450 is the better treadmill option. The 2450 has a softly cushioned 20” x 60” running deck. The Peloton’s 20” x 59” firm running deck just can’t compare if you want to maximize shock absorption.
Folding/Storage
The NordicTrack 2450 is a folding treadmill that uses hydraulic assistance to lower the treadmill deck to the ground. The Peloton Tread is a non-folding treadmill. I recommend having a dedicated location for either of these treadmills.
While the 2450 can be rolled around while folded, and the Tread can be lifted, it’s much more practical to keep these treadmills in one location when possible. The 2450 has the advantage for users who are tight on space. The folding deck saves you space when the treadmill is not in use, but the deck may be heavy for some users, requiring you to lift about 50 lbs.
Incline/Decline
The 2450 has a maximum incline of 12%, while the Peloton Tread inclines to 12.5%. However, the NordicTrack 2450 also declines to -3%, while the Peloton Tread does not decline. I like how the 2450 uses the incline and decline settings to create an immersive iFIT workout by mimicking the terrain shown on the screen. The NordicTrack 2450 offers the most incline variety.
Features & Accessories
Treadmills with premium training content often focus on adding to the training experience that content creates. The features highlight the Peloton and iFIT content. Both treadmills have minimal consoles with most of their buttons onscreen.
Console Overview
The Peloton Tread’s console is little more than a screen on the handrail. There are a few more physical features attached to the stability bar, but it is overall very minimal. In the place of buttons, the Peloton Tread uses two spinning knobs. There is a button in the center of the knobs (the jump button) that rounds up to the next speed or incline level.
While the Peloton Tread sacrifices precision, which may infuriate some users, I really like this method. It feels smoother and more intuitive than the traditional buttons.
The NordicTrack 2450 also forgoes buttons. Instead, most of the controls can be found on the screen, save for the start, stop, fan speed increase/decrease, speed +/-, and incline +/-buttons. All the quick adjust buttons are now on screen and can be toggled on and off from the workout settings.
Screen
The NordicTrack 2450 has a 24-inch HD touchscreen. The Peloton has a 23.8-inch touchscreen display that is crisp and beautiful. The Tread screen shows less glare, so it’s almost always easy to see the onscreen content. While I really like that the NordicTrack 2450’s screen tilts and pivots for off-treadmill viewing, the Peloton’s screen quality makes it the winner in my book.
Speakers
Both treadmills have great speakers. If there is a difference in quality, I don’t think you will notice it while you are training. The audio on these treadmills is clear and loud, so you never miss training instructions. The music also sounds great. You can customize your audio mix on either machine.
Bluetooth
The Peloton Tread and NordicTrack 2450 can pair to your headphones. It’s a simple process that helps you keep others around you happy and undisturbed. Bluetooth also enables the Peloton Tread and NordicTrack 2450 to connect to compatible heart rate monitors. The treadmills should be able to pair with most of the same devices.
Storage
The NordicTrack 2450 and the Peloton Tread are both a little light on storage. They have two cup holders apiece. Neither treadmill has a tablet rack, which I miss, because the screens do not show very much content without a subscription. Without a tablet rack, it is very hard to stream third-party content.
Device Connectivity
The Peloton Tread has an audio jack. Both treadmills have a USB-C charging port. Neither treadmill’s speakers play audio from your phone or tablet.
Fan
The NordicTrack 2450 has an AutoBreeze fan. The automatic setting adjusts the fan speed to match your training intensity. The Peloton Tread does not have a fan. The lack of a fan won’t be an issue if you own a floor fan or plan to place the Tread in a room with a ceiling fan.
Safety
The NordicTrack 2450 has settings for limiting the overall treadmill speed and for the ActivePulse feature.
The Peloton Tread will automatically lock the treadmill screen and features if no one interacts with the screen for 45 seconds outside of a Peloton class. This feature prevents unauthorized users (like children) from using the treadmill.
Both treadmills also have safety speeds.
Performance
When it comes to performance, these treadmills diverge in their tactics.
The NordicTrack 2450 delivers a plush, premium running surface. Its features converge to make training as hands-free as possible. The 2450 supports all kinds of running. It is smooth underfoot, which may make running easier for some compared to outdoor running. The NordicTrack 2450 better meets the expectations of what a high-end running treadmill feels like.
The Peloton Tread takes a different approach. The firm running deck delivers a more road-like underfoot experience, which is great for runners preparing for road races.
The Tread doesn’t have a motor hood because the motor is located beneath the deck. It feels a little odd–almost like you might step off the front–but it actually safely eliminates stepping on the motor hood. As someone who chronically hits the motor hood while running on a treadmill, I like this feature.
The Peloton doesn’t make running feel easier, and it doesn’t prioritize a hands-free workout. However, I do like the dials that adjust the speed and incline. They are easy to hit while running, though it is much harder to select an exact speed. Due to its imprecision, the Tread is better for interval or Fartlek-style runs.
Subscription & Content Options: iFIT vs. Peloton
Peloton and iFIT could not be more different. Peloton built a brand around live and on-demand studio classes. The NordicTrack 2450, however, excels at worldwide, outdoor, on-demand content. iFIT trainers explore trails, while Peloton trainers customize their workout playlists. Both platforms have dabbled in what the other is best at, but I’ll concentrate on each brand’s best offerings.
Peloton Tread Content
Peloton almost makes running feel alien to me—someone who has been a runner for over a decade. By using training methods that are more common to exercise bikes, Peloton makes you rethink how a running workout is performed.
I don’t think twice about cranking up the resistance or going after a high rpm when cycling. Bringing that same energy to the treadmill is strange but exciting. The dials encourage me to leave my notions about what pace I can hold behind as the instructor asks if I can give just a bit more. The music helps me forget my mileage goal and stay in the moment.
Peloton provides treadmill classes that are infused with music and energy. The instructors, the leaderboard, and the high fives encourage me to go for gold. It’s hard to make a sport I’ve been doing competitively for over a decade feel new, but Peloton manages it.
Peloton allows you to stack classes so you can pair a treadmill workout with some strength training to round out your entire routine. It’s not only a lively experience; it’s effective.
Peloton has a few entertainment apps: Netflix, Disney+, Max, YouTube TV, NBA, and Peloton Originals. You can’t watch these apps while you are in a class, but they are a great option for making manual workouts more entertaining.
I really like the Lanebreak game on the Peloton Tread. It allows you to earn points by changing lanes with your incline setting and earn even more points by hitting the right speed in speed zones. Each class is themed around a music artist’s catalog. You can choose your difficulty level, too.
NordicTrack 2450 Treadmill Content
If there’s a beautiful trail somewhere around the world that you have been dreaming of hiking or running, there’s probably an iFIT video of it. iFIT automatically adjusts the incline to match the terrain, so you feel like you are running alongside your coach.
The speed settings are preset, but adjustments to the speed will teach iFIT your fitness level with SmartAdjust. iFIT will adjust your current and future workouts to be more attuned to you. iFIT also provides my favorite heart rate training with automatic speed adjustments to keep you in the right heart rate zone with ActivePulse.
iFIT has Feed.FM radio, so you can listen to music while training, but it’s not matched to the class like Peloton. Instead, you can select stations you like or concentrate on the information the iFIT trainer is sharing. You can also use the built-in Spotify app and widget to access your personal music selection.
Many classes offer insight into the faraway destinations you are virtually exploring. iFIT also offers classes for most other types of cardio equipment, strength training, and yoga.
The NordicTrack 2450 has Netflix and Prime Video for entertainment. You can watch either of these apps while in an iFIT class or training manually.
Without Content
Peloton offers very limited options without a subscription. The Tread will operate and provide a very limited selection of featured Peloton classes.
The 2450 offers a few sample iFIT classes and more visible metrics when training in manual mode. You need a free iFIT account to access the featured workouts. Without any sort of account, you can only train in manual mode.
Both 20+ inch touchscreens feel a little wasteful if you are not a subscriber, but I have to declare the 2450 the winner. The 2450 feels like a premium treadmill, even without its training content.
Bottom Line Review: Peloton Tread vs. NordicTrack 2450 Treadmill
This comparison of the Peloton Tread vs. the NordicTrack 2450 reveals what fierce competitors these treadmills are. I see two factors that may decide which treadmill you want: content preference and underfoot feel.
The NordicTrack 2450 excels at virtual outdoor content and has a soft, bouncy running deck. The Peloton Tread has studio classes with custom playlists and a firm, sporty running deck.
There’s no right or wrong, but we are inclined to choose the 2450 over the Peloton Tread because it delivers what consumers expect from a premium running treadmill when you consider the machine alone.
