NordicTrack EXP 7i Review: Is This Treadmill Worth Buying in 2024?
NordicTrack
The products featured in this article have been independently reviewed. When you buy something through the retail links on this page, we may earn commission at no cost to you, the reader. Sports Illustrated editorial staff are not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more here.
Key Features:
- Seven-inch smart HD touchscreen
- 12% incline
- EasyLift assist for one-push vertical storage
- Hands-free automatic adjustments with iFIT
Interactive cardio machines are easily some of the priciest buys when it comes to adding fitness equipment to your home gym, but this treadmill proves otherwise. The new NordicTrack EXP 7i shakes up the norm by offering a high-tech home treadmill at an affordable price point. This smart folding treadmill comes loaded with Bluetooth connectivity, immersive workout experiences and a wide incline range of 12 percent. The EXP 7i is the entry-level treadmill in the popular NordicTrack EXP series, which includes three treadmills with different display sizes and features.
Our in-depth NordicTrack EXP 7i review will take a close look at this treadmill, its features, its pros and cons and what the overall workout experience is like. We’ll share everything you need to know before making a purchase, as well as if this treadmill is ultimately worth adding to your home gym. Plus, if you’re undecided between NordicTrack treadmills, we’ll compare the NordicTrack EXP 7i to other top treadmills offered by the brand to see which machine truly ranks supreme. Keep reading our NordicTrack EXP 7i treadmill review for specs, warranty, FAQs and more.
What Is the NordicTrack EXP 7i?
The EXP 7i is an affordable smart home treadmill offered by NordicTrack, a top fitness brand that sells cardio machines, strength training equipment and accessories for home gym use. It’s one of three NordicTrack treadmills that make up the EXP line, which offers interactive home treadmills for a fair price. The entry-level EXP treadmill is the NordicTrack EXP 7i, followed by the mid-level NordicTrack EXP 10i treadmill and finally the NordicTrack EXP 14i. These treadmills are the latest to replace the now discontinued NordicTrack T series. The T series had similar specs, but a noticeable price difference that makes EXP more affordable.
The new EXP 7i is an upgraded model over its predecessor with a slightly smaller footprint, improved console and sleeker design. All three treadmills come with smart HD touchscreens, and the number in the name represents the size of the screen. The 7i treadmill, for example, has a seven-inch display, while the 10i has a 10-inch display and the 14i a 14-inch display. As the baby treadmill in its group, the EXP 7i falls nicely between budget-friendly and higher-end, packing in a mid-grade motor and wide incline range, but remaining much more affordable than the 10i and 14i.
Like all NordicTrack exercise equipment, the EXP 7i is compatible with iFIT and its touchscreen display can be used to follow live and on-demand classes led by personal trainers. However, you’ll need to pay a monthly fee of $15 for an individual membership or $39 for a family membership that supports up to five users. An iFIT subscription nets other immersive experiences as well, which we’ll dive into soon, but this treadmill can also be used without iFIT to exercise on a manual setting. It can be folded vertically as well to store when it’s not in use.
Specs:
- Price: $1,199
- Footprint: 70.8 by 34.9 by 59.7 inches
- Motor: 2.6 CHP Plus
- Display: Seven-inch tilt smart HD touchscreen
- Speed: Zero to 10 miles per hour
- Incline: 12 percent
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
- Tread belt: 20 by 55 inches
- Warranty: 10 year frame, two year parts and one year labor
Working Out with the NordicTrack EXP 7i
NordicTrack
Overall, the NordicTrack EXP 7i offers a solid workout experience. Reviewers report that the machine is sturdy and stable, and its mid-grade 2.6 CHP motor makes this a great treadmill for walking, but it can support running as well. Its OneTouch controls on both sides of the console also provide seamless changes for speed and incline, so switching up your workout is a breeze. If you take advantage of an iFIT membership, you can also enjoy immersive workout programs that rival the likes of Peloton, but the smaller screen size of seven inches doesn’t make the experience as elite as those offered with more luxury buys. The wide incline range of 12 percent also allows for fairly steep climbing, although those who want more advanced uphill workouts should consider an incline trainer.
The Pros of NordicTrack EXP 7i
- Fast and responsive seven-inch tilt HD touchscreen
- Sleek and streamlined console with OneTouch controls for speed and incline
- Runner’s Flex Cushioning reduces impact on joints
- Compatible with Bluetooth headphones and heart rate monitors
- Automatic trainer control offers hands-free workouts
- Mid-grade 2.6 CHP motor is great for walking
- New model includes integrated media tray
- AutoBreeze workout fan adjusts speed to match workout intensity
The Cons of NordicTrack EXP 7i
- No lifetime motor or frame warranty
- iFIT membership required for full content access
- Doesn’t include built-in workout programs
- Lower weight capacity of 300 pounds
- Motor may not be strong enough for sprints
Who NordicTrack EXP 7i is Best For
As an entry-level home treadmill at a fair price that’s equipped with smart and high-tech features, the NordicTrack EXP 7i is a great fit for many. It lends an affordable option to those who want the perks of a high-end treadmill, but don’t want to splurge $3,000 or more on a cardio machine. Instead, for less than half the price, the EXP 7i offers similar features like interactive classes, touchscreen capabilities, a sleek design and a quality build. Its wide speed and incline ranges make it suitable for walkers and joggers alike, or those who want to use their treadmill for cross-training or HIIT workouts. Thanks to its SpaceSaver design and EasyLift Assist, it’s also a smart option for people with smaller home gyms, or those who exercise in high-traffic areas like living rooms where floor space is needed when the foldable treadmill isn't in use.
Who NordicTrack EXP 7i is Not Best For
With its lack of preset training programs, you may want to avoid the NordicTrack EXP 7i if you don’t want to get an iFIT subscription, but are still looking for more than just a manual exercise option. Those seeking out cinematic workout experiences might also find that the seven-inch touchscreen is too small for their liking, and should therefore consider investing in the higher-end and larger-screen NordicTrack EXP 14i, or a different NordicTrack treadmill altogether. Plus, despite its SpaceSaver design and compact build, folding a treadmill just isn’t for everyone. If you’re working with a small space and the idea of constantly folding and unfolding your treadmill feels like a hassle, you may want to consider a more vertical machine, like a stair stepper.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing NordicTrack EXP 7i
NordicTrack
Before investing in any fitness equipment, it’s important to get to know a machine well through careful research. Luckily, we’ve done the work for you. Here’s everything you should know about the NordicTrack EXP 7i treadmill to help you determine if this is the right product for you.
Price
For its features and high-tech capabilities, the NordicTrack EXP 7i’s price point of $1,199 feels like a steal. Plus, you can often find sales on the official NordicTrack website that can drop the price even lower, and you may even be able to get some free accessories with your purchase. Still, it’s important to consider possible other expenses. NordicTrack purchases may incur additional charges depending on which selections you choose at checkout. While you’ll get a free 30-day iFIT Family trial with your purchase, NordicTrack will prompt you to consider buying a one- to three-year membership up front, which costs anywhere from $396 to $899.
If you’re not satisfied with the EXP 7i’s more limited warranty, you can also purchase an extended three-year warranty for $179.95. Lastly, while standard delivery is free (meaning you’ll need to bring your treadmill inside and assemble it on your own), you can opt for room of choice delivery and assembly for an additional $199. These fees, plus an extra $15 or $39 per month for an iFIT membership if you decide to purchase a subscription, can dramatically change the price of the machine. Be sure to carefully budget all costs before deciding on an EXP 7i.
Power
NordicTrack EXP 7i comes with a mid-grade motor of 2.6 CHP. This allows the machine to change speed quickly, support steeper incline workouts and maintain its top speed of 10 miles per hour without overheating. The 2.6 CHP motor is strong enough to be used for walking and basic running, but also for HIIT workouts that require speed and incline changes. Still, it might not be powerful enough for sprinting or long-distance running (for that, you’ll want to seek out a treadmill with a motor of at least 3.0 CHP). Using this treadmill for more than it’s capable of could put it at risk of overheating, since the motor will be working much harder to keep up.
Console and controls
The NordicTrack EXP 7i offers a smooth and streamlined console that isn’t too busy, but has just enough controls to create a more seamless workout experience. In the middle is the seven-inch touchscreen, and on either side of the touchscreen are OneTouch controls for speed and incline. You’ll find incline controls on the left side with one to two percent intervals, while the right side has speed controls in one-mile increments. The console also has OneTouch controls for start and stop and speaker volume. The biggest upgrade to the new 7i, however, is the addition of an integrated media tray. One drawback to the earlier model (and the 10i and 14i treadmills) was its lack of a tablet holder. Now, NordicTrack has solved that pesky issue.
Construction and design
NordicTrack is known for keeping comfort top of mind in all of its fitness equipment, and the 7i is no different. This treadmill comes with a sturdy steel build and a compact commercial tread belt of 20 by 55 inches, which can accommodate walkers or runners of most heights (but very tall users and those with longer strides may want to consider the longer 10i or 14i). It also has Runner’s Flex Cushioning built into the running deck that reduces impact on your joints. In addition, there’s a larger workout fan with AutoBreeze technology that adjusts the fan speed to how hard you’re exercising, which is a great comfort feature that we love about this treadmill.
EXP7i is also built with a SpaceSaver design that allows for vertical storage, and its EasyLift Assist function lets you fold the machine upwards with just one push. One thing to keep in mind is that many foldable treadmills, including the EXP 7i, have lower weight capacities due to their folding nature (a treadmill that doesn’t fold will be able to use thicker steel construction that ultimately allows the machine to have greater durability). NordicTrack EXP 7i has a lower user weight capacity of 300 pounds, so this is important to consider for users with heavier weights.
Technology and features
NordicTrack EXP 7’s winning high-tech feature is its fast and responsive seven-inch HD smart touchscreen that can also tilt up and down. Unfortunately, the touchscreen serves just two purposes: It can be used to stream iFIT through WiFi, or it can be used on a manual setting to track metrics like calories burned. The touchscreen doesn't have third-party app integration for apps like Netflix or YouTube. That being said, the treadmill has Bluetooth audio capabilities that allow you to play your own music through its speakers, or connect Bluetooth headphones to.
While your high-tech treadmill features may be more limited if you decide against iFIT, here’s what you do get if you enroll in the fitness program. iFIT unlocks a number of cool features, such as an auto-adjust functionality that automatically changes your speed and incline to follow iFIT programming. It also nets you Google Maps integration that lets you do scenic workouts anywhere in the world, as long as the location can be found on Google Maps. iFIT also allows for advanced metrics tracking and can be integrated with many leading heart rate monitors.
Training programs
One of the biggest downsides to the EXP 7i is its lack of built-in training programs. Your options are limited. You can either purchase iFIT or exercise on a manual mode. This is true of many NordicTrack machines, which rely heavily on iFIT for their training options.
Warranty and return policy
Another issue with the entire EXP line is its warranty. The 7i comes with a 10-year frame warranty, two year parts warranty and one year labor warranty, and there’s no warranty at all for the motor (which is one of the most important parts of the machine to have covered). While you can purchase an extended warranty, the additional fee and the extra three years the extended warranty covers are still below industry standards. Many treadmills at this price range come with a lifetime warranty on both frame and motor, which is something we would have liked to see here. While NordicTrack has a 30-day return policy, returns include a return shipping charge of $250 and a 10 percent restocking fee, so it’s important to be totally confident in your decision.
NordicTrack EXP 7i Customer Reviews
NordicTrack doesn’t include customer reviews on its official website, so we sought out customer reviews from Amazon, Google and major retailers to help you learn what customers really have to say about this treadmill. Overall, EXP 7i reviews are mixed, but mostly positive. Some users report ill-fitting parts, with a buyer named Ashley saying that while putting the treadmill together itself was easy, not all parts fit properly. “The handrails didn’t fit well onto the machine,” she says. Another customer named Joe says the software could use improvement. “It feels sturdy to run on and looks sleek,” he writes, but “the software is clunky at best. It’s slow to respond and buggy.”
A customer named Dan cautions others to enlist the help of two people when putting this treadmill together if you don’t want to pay for assembly. “It’s a beast,” he writes. “It took two of us to carry it into the house.” Still, Dan says the purchase was well-worth it. “I’m very impressed with the track itself,” he adds. “The bed actually flexes under foot while running and provides an excellent feel to the workout. The motor is quiet, but not the quietest I’ve ever used. The iFIT software is very good and adds an extra dimension to the workout.”
How NordicTrack EXP 7i Stacks Up Against Other Products
NordicTrack
If you’re on the fence between a few NordicTrack treadmills, here’s how the NordicTrack EXP 7i compares to other popular products from the NordicTrack brand.
NordicTrack EXP 7i vs NordicTrack EXP 14i
There are several major differences that set the NordicTrack EXP 7i and the more high-end 14i apart. First and most obvious is the screen size, with the 14i display being twice the size of the 7i display. Then there’s the price: The 7i costs $1,199, while the 14i costs $1,899. The 14i also offers a significantly more powerful motor of 3.5 CHP and longer footprint of 20 by 60 inches, plus the ability to exercise on a decline and a higher top speed of 12 miles per hour. Not to mention, FlexSelect Cushioning, which is an upgraded cushioning feature that allows you to adjust the firmness of the tread belt. If your budget allows, the EXP 14i is a much more robust machine, but walkers and joggers may not need the extra power that the 14i offers over the 7i.
NordicTrack EXP 7i vs NordicTrack Commercial 1750
NordicTrack EXP 7i and NordicTrack Commercial 1750 are similar treadmills from different NordicTrack lines with a few telltale differences. The 1750 is a commercial machine, meaning it's designed to be used by multiple people and is built for longer workouts (similar to what you’ll find in a traditional gym). It also has a larger 14-inch smart HD touchscreen that’s capable of tilting and pivoting, while the 7i’s display can only tilt, and a higher incline range of 15 percent. Plus, the tread belt is much wider at 22 by 60 inches, which can make a difference for taller users. The 1750 also has more premium sound over its 7i cousin. Still, the biggest difference is the price. The 1750 costs $2,499, while the 10i costs $1,199. If your budget is more flexible, the NordicTrack 1750 may be a better option for a larger household, since it's designed to withstand heavy use, but the differences in features don’t otherwise justify a $1,300 price increase.
NordicTrack EXP 7i FAQs
Here’s everything else there is to know about the NordicTrack EXP 7i.
How do I reset my NordicTrack EXP 7i?
Resetting the NordicTrack EXP 7i is a bit of a tricky process. On the side of the console is a tiny pinprick hole. Unplug the machine from power, open a paperclip and put the long end into the hole. Press and hold the paperclip until you feel the switch inside the console click. Then, plug the treadmill in and you’ll see an iFIT logo appear on the screen signaling a successful reset.
Is the NordicTrack EXP 7i treadmill loud?
NordicTrack EXP 7i offers a relatively quiet workout. While some customers say it’s not the most quiet treadmill they’ve exercised on, it’s quiet enough not to disrupt others in your household.
How much does the NordicTrack EXP 7i weigh?
The NordicTrack EXP 7i has a 228-pound in box product weight. While it can be folded for vertical storage by just one person, this machine will likely take two people to move.
Does the NordicTrack EXP 7i have Bluetooth?
NordicTrack EXP 7i is equipped with Bluetooth technology that lets you connect Bluetooth headphones and many leading heart rate monitors. However, the touchscreen is only compatible with iFIT, so you won’t be able to use it to watch TV on third-party apps.
Final Thoughts
NordicTrack EXP 7i offers high-tech features at an affordable price point. For half the cost of many luxury treadmills, you can get many of the same benefits such as an HD touchscreen, immersive guided workouts and a wide speed and incline range. While this machine fills a much-needed gap in the fitness market for smart cardio machines at a low cost, we believe that the NordicTrack EXP 14i is a much better buy if you have a bigger budget. You’ll get a touchscreen that’s double the size and overall better cinematic experience with iFIT.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
