The Sole F85 and NordicTrack Commercial 1750 are the two most popular mid-premium home treadmills, each hovering around $1,500–$1,800. The NordicTrack 1750 has a 22-inch touchscreen and iFit connectivity. The Sole F85 has a 10.1-inch screen, no subscription requirement, and a quieter motor. For buyers who want a great treadmill without the iFit ecosystem, the Sole is compelling. For buyers who want guided workouts and auto-incline, NordicTrack has the edge.
NordicTrack Commercial 1750
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 edges ahead for buyers who want connected fitness with auto-incline training. The 22-inch screen and iFit integration justify the modest price premium if you'll use the content. The Sole F85 wins for buyers who want a premium mechanical treadmill without subscription dependency — better warranty, quieter operation, and no ongoing fees.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Sole F85 | NordicTrack Commercial 1750 |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | 3.5 CHP | 3.75 CHP |
| Incline/Decline | 0–15% | -3% to +15% |
| Max Speed | 12 mph | 12 mph |
| Screen | 10.1" | 22" |
| User Weight Limit | 375 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Motor Warranty | Lifetime | 2 years |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $39 (iFit) |
| Price | ~$1,699 | ~$1,799 |
Motor and Performance
The Sole F85 uses a 3.5 CHP continuous duty motor — smooth, quiet, and reliable for home use. Wirecutter and Garage Gym Reviews consistently cite Sole's motors as among the quietest in the mid-price range. The max speed is 12 mph, incline goes 0–15%, and the machine handles 375 lbs user weight.
The NordicTrack 1750 uses a 3.75 CHP motor with 0–15% incline and -3% decline. The -3% decline adds training versatility for downhill simulation. The motor is slightly more powerful but also slightly noisier at high speeds. Max speed is also 12 mph. Both are adequate for daily running by most recreational athletes.
Display and Connected Fitness
The NordicTrack 1750's 22-inch touchscreen is the centerpiece of its value proposition. iFit integration enables trainer-controlled incline changes, scenic worldwide routes, and a large class library. The screen is bright and responsive. The subscription is $39/month for a family plan — if you use it, it's worth it; if you don't, it's a significant extra cost.
The Sole F85 has a 10.1-inch touchscreen that displays workout metrics clearly but doesn't offer connected class content. Sole's app tracks workout history but lacks the immersive class experience. For buyers who've already cut the cord on fitness subscriptions, the Sole's simpler interface is a feature, not a limitation.
Warranty
The Sole F85 has one of the best warranties in the mid-price treadmill category: lifetime frame and motor, 3 years parts, 1 year labor. This warranty reflects confidence in the product and provides meaningful long-term protection. Sole's customer service has a strong reputation on r/treadmills.
NordicTrack's warranty on the 1750 is 10 years frame, 2 years parts, 1 year labor. Good, but Sole's motor warranty (lifetime) is better for the biggest mechanical risk. NordicTrack's touchscreen and electronics are outside the frame warranty and have had reported failures in year 3–5 units.
Fold and Storage
Both treadmills fold. The Sole F85 uses a hydraulic folding mechanism — the deck folds up with a lift and locks in place. The NordicTrack 1750 has a similar SpaceSaver design with EasyLift Assist. Both are manageable for one person to fold, though neither is light at 250–290 lbs.
Assembled footprint for both is around 78" x 35". Folded, the NordicTrack 1750 is slightly more vertical, taking up a smaller floor footprint. For garage gyms where a treadmill stays in one spot, the fold is irrelevant. For living rooms, folding matters.
Sole F85 Strengths
- Quieter motor — better for early morning or apartment use
- Lifetime motor and frame warranty
- No subscription required — fully functional without ongoing fees
- 375 lb user weight capacity
NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Strengths
- 22" touchscreen — much larger display
- -3% decline in addition to 0–15% incline
- iFit auto-incline and speed control with trainer-led classes
- 3.75 CHP motor — slightly more powerful
Sole F85 Weaknesses
- 10.1" screen — significantly smaller than NordicTrack
- No incline decline (0–15% only)
- No connected class experience without third-party app
NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Weaknesses
- $39/month iFit subscription for full functionality
- Motor warranty only 2 years (vs Sole's lifetime)
- Screen and electronics have reported failure rate in 3–5 year range
- Slightly louder at high speed
Best For
- a: Buyers who want a durable, quiet, subscription-free treadmill with a best-in-class warranty for daily running
- b: Connected fitness users who want auto-incline training, iFit guided routes, and a large touchscreen as the centerpiece of their treadmill experience
FAQ
Does the Sole F85 work with any fitness apps?
Yes. It connects via Bluetooth to Sole's app for tracking, and works with third-party apps including Zwift Running and Kinomap. You can also watch YouTube or Netflix on your phone while running — the F85 has device holders. It's not as seamless as built-in iFit, but it works.
Is the NordicTrack 1750 good without an iFit subscription?
You get manual control of incline and speed, basic metric display on the screen, and app-free running. The 22-inch screen becomes a glorified display without iFit content. Many users find the no-subscription experience disappointing given what the hardware promises.
How much floor space does each treadmill require?
Both need roughly 78" x 35" when assembled, plus clearance behind the belt. ASTM F2115 safety standards recommend at least 6 feet of clear space behind the treadmill. Both fold to reduce footprint when not in use.