I own both a NordicTrack treadmill and a Bowflex elliptical. I bought the treadmill first because I was training for a half marathon, then added the elliptical when my knees started complaining during high mileage weeks. Both stay in regular use. Here is how I actually choose between them, and which one I would buy if I could only own one.
Quick Comparison
| Machine | Best For | Joint Impact |
|---|---|---|
| NordicTrack 1750 | Run training | High |
| Sole F80 Treadmill | Daily walking and running | Medium |
| Bowflex Max Trainer M6 | HIIT cardio | Low |
| Schwinn 470 Elliptical | Low-impact cardio | Very low |
| NordicTrack FS14i | Premium elliptical | Very low |
1. NordicTrack 1750 Treadmill - Best for Run Training
If you want to actually train for races, you want a treadmill. The 1750 has a 3.5 HP motor, 12 mph top speed, and a 15 percent incline that I have used for hill repeats. The cushioned belt softens impact but you still get the full transfer effect to outdoor pavement running. iFit programming optional. This is the machine I use for tempo runs three days a week.
2. Sole F80 - Best General Purpose Treadmill
The Sole F80 is a workhorse for households where one person runs and another walks. Belt is wide and the deck is genuinely shock absorbing, which my partner appreciates during her 45 minute walks. Motor is strong enough for serious running but the controls are simpler than the NordicTrack. No required subscription. Solid for general fitness.
3. Bowflex Max Trainer M6 - Best Hybrid for HIIT
The Max Trainer is part elliptical, part stair climber, and short interval workouts on it leave me wrecked. The compact footprint fits in a corner of my office. Heart rate climbs faster than on either of my full-size machines and the lower-impact motion saves my knees on hard cardio days. Not great for long steady cardio but excellent for time-efficient sessions.
4. Schwinn 470 Elliptical - Best Budget Elliptical
A mid-range elliptical that hits the value sweet spot. Moving handlebars actually drive the resistance, the stride length is comfortable for users over six feet, and the 25 levels of magnetic resistance give you room to progress. Quiet enough to use while my partner watches TV in the next room. This was my first elliptical and still works after four years.
5. NordicTrack FS14i - Best Premium Elliptical
If you want the elliptical equivalent of the 1750 treadmill, this is it. Adjustable stride from 0 to 32 inches, decline mode, and a tilting touch screen. iFit-driven workouts integrate trainers and scenic routes. Big footprint, big price, but if elliptical is your primary cardio it earns its place in your gym.
How to Choose
Decide based on your knees, your goals, and your boredom tolerance. If you run outdoors and want indoor backup or hill training, you need a treadmill. If your knees ache or you want to do cardio while watching shows without bouncing the screen, get an elliptical. Footprint matters. Treadmills are larger flat. Ellipticals are taller. For a single machine in a one-person home gym, I would choose the elliptical because consistency over years beats short bursts of high-impact running for general fitness. Always test in person if possible. Pedal placement, handlebar grip, and stride length feel very different across brands.
Frequently asked questions
Which burns more calories?+
Running on a treadmill at moderate intensity burns slightly more calories than the same perceived effort on an elliptical, but if you push the elliptical with arm engagement and incline, the gap closes.
Which is better for bad knees?+
Elliptical, by a clear margin. The foot pedals never leave your feet, so there is no impact compression on your joints. Walking on a treadmill is also low impact, but running is hard on cranky knees.
Can I lose weight using only an elliptical?+
Yes. Consistency and intensity matter more than the machine. Pair four to five elliptical sessions per week with a calorie deficit and you will lose weight steadily.