We’ve all had those days when our knees ache, our joints feel stiff, and yet the thought of skipping another workout nags at us. That’s exactly where low-impact cardio becomes your best friend — and more specifically, where NordicTrack ellipticals step in as one of the smartest investments you can make for your daily movement routine. The Nordic Track ellipticals lineup has been thoughtfully engineered to deliver full-body, joint-friendly workouts that don’t feel like punishment. Whether we’re coming back from injury, managing chronic discomfort, or simply prioritizing sustainability over intensity, there’s a machine in the NordicTrack elliptical category that fits right into that goal. Their machines pair seamlessly with iFIT, the world’s largest interactive workout library with over 10,000 trainer-led sessions, which means our daily movement never has to feel repetitive or boring.
From the smooth glide of the AirGlide Series to the unique vertical stepping motion of the Step Climbers to the versatile three-in-one motion of the X Series, NordicTrack’s current elliptical lineup covers every fitness profile. In this guide, we’ve broken down the six best NordicTrack ellipticals currently available in stock so you can choose the one that fits your body, your home, and your routine.
Also read: Top 5 Nordic Track Machines For A Complete Home Wellness Studio.
AirGlide 14i Elliptical
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The AirGlide 14i occupies the sweet spot in NordicTrack’s lineup — it’s a machine that doesn’t compromise on the features that matter most while remaining under the USD 2,000 mark. As the flagship of the AirGlide Series at launch and one of the best-reviewed home ellipticals in its class, it’s a machine we can grow with over time.
So, there are a lot of things we loved about this product. Firstly, the 14i features a 14″ tilting HD touchscreen fully integrated with iFIT’s ecosystem of 17,000-plus trainer-led workouts. Secondly, it’s powered by a substantial 32-lb inertia-enhanced flywheel, which contributes to an exceptionally smooth and quiet glide. Moreover, the 5% decline to 15% incline range with 26 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance gives us enormous training variety, from gentle recovery sessions to high-intensity interval climbs. Finally, the auto-adjustable stride ranging from 17.8″ to 18.5″ fits most users comfortably, and the cushioned pedals — along with Soft Touch handle grips — mean the machine is built with joint care in mind. It weighs 244 lbs and supports up to 300 lbs of user weight.
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Step Climber XL
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For those of us who want more muscle activation without adding stress to our knees and hips, the Step Climber XL delivers exactly that. It’s NordicTrack’s premium stair-climbing elliptical — a compact machine with a vertical stepping motion that zeroes in on the glutes, quads, and hamstrings in a way traditional ellipticals simply can’t replicate. The Step Climber XL features a large, tilting 16″ HD touchscreen ready for iFIT programming, which gives us access to over 10,000 guided workouts from trainers across the globe. The SmartAdjust technology automatically personalizes resistance across 22 digital levels based on our fitness level and workout history, so every session evolves with us. Its AutoBreeze fan keeps us cool during the toughest climbs.
One of the biggest selling points is the machine’s compact footprint — measuring just 51.3″ x 31.2″ x 65.5″ — making it a practical choice for home gyms where space is tight. The oversized, cushioned pedals provide comfort throughout longer sessions, and the USB-C charging port ensures our devices stay powered up. With a 325-lb user capacity and the same quality warranty structure as other NordicTrack machines, it’s a serious investment in our long-term joint health.
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Step Climber
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The Step Climber offers virtually the same experience as its XL sibling at a more accessible price point. The primary difference is the screen: this model comes with a 10″ HD touchscreen instead of the 16″ panel found on the XL. For most users — particularly those who train at a closer distance to the console — that smaller screen is more than adequate, and we get to save around USD 500. Like the XL, this machine delivers a vertical stair-stepping motion designed to fire up the lower body while keeping impact minimal. It carries the same 22 digital resistance levels, the same AutoBreeze fan, the same SmartAdjust iFIT integration, and the same compact footprint. Its tilting 10″ screen lets us follow iFIT trainer-led workouts, stream Netflix, or connect to Amazon Prime and Spotify during sessions.
The Step Climber weighs in at around 222.6 lbs and supports users up to 325 lbs. Its USB-C charging port and Bluetooth headphone connectivity mean we can personalize the experience fully. For anyone drawn to the unique benefits of step climbing — stronger quads, glutes, and cardiovascular endurance — without the high-impact nature of running, this is an outstanding daily-use machine.
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AirGlide 16
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The AirGlide 16 is the step-up model in NordicTrack’s AirGlide Series and one of the most feature-rich front-drive ellipticals currently available from the brand. It pairs the large, tilting 16″ HD touchscreen of the flagship X Series with the compact, smooth-gliding design of a traditional elliptical — making it ideal for daily low-impact movement without a massive footprint in the home. The machine offers 26 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance and a -5% decline to 15% incline range. Decline training is genuinely rare on home ellipticals, and it’s one of the features that makes the AirGlide 16 stand out, as it engages the eccentric muscles and improves joint stability in ways flat elliptical training doesn’t. The handles have built-in incline, decline, and resistance controls so we never have to break stride to adjust the intensity.
SmartAdjust technology continuously adapts the workout to our fitness level, and all adjustments sync automatically during iFIT sessions. The AutoBreeze fan, oversized cushioned pedals, water bottle holders, and USB-C port make longer sessions genuinely comfortable. It also syncs with Strava, Garmin, and Apple Health to centralize our fitness data. At this price, it’s a serious value for a machine with this level of smart connectivity.
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AirGlide 7i
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For those of us stepping into the world of NordicTrack ellipticals for the first time, or working within a tighter budget, the AirGlide 7i makes a compelling case. It brings nearly all the signature features of its AirGlide siblings at the most accessible price in the lineup, making daily low-impact cardio genuinely attainable without a sky-high investment.
The 7i features a 7″ tilting HD touchscreen with full iFIT compatibility, including SmartAdjust automatic trainer control and access to over 12,000 on-demand and live workout sessions. Its 25-lb flywheel and 22 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance deliver a smooth, quiet ride that’s kind to the joints. Like the 14i, it carries the distinctive -5% to 15% incline/decline range — an uncommon feature in ellipticals at this price point. The auto-adjustable stride from 17.8″ to 18.5″ works comfortably for most users.
With a 69″ x 25″ x 71″ footprint, the AirGlide 7i fits into most rooms without a struggle. It weighs 235 lbs and supports up to 300 lbs of user weight. Bluetooth headphone connectivity, two 2″ digitally amplified speakers, an AutoBreeze fan, and a USB-C charging port round out an impressive spec sheet for a machine at this price. For daily-use low-impact cardio on a budget, it simply hits differently.
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X16 Elliptical
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If we’re talking about the crown jewel of NordicTrack’s elliptical collection, the X16 is it. This machine belongs to the X Series and delivers an extraordinary three-in-one training experience, seamlessly shifting between stepper, elliptical, and treadmill motions — all in a single session. It’s the kind of versatility that keeps daily movement fresh and genuinely challenging.
The X16 features a tilting 16″ HD touchscreen that can pivot to the perfect angle, whether you’re on the machine or doing off-equipment workouts like yoga and strength training with iFIT. Its auto-adjustable stride spans an impressive 0 to 32 inches, meaning users of virtually any height can find a comfortable range of motion. With 26 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance and a -10% decline to 10% incline range, this machine targets multiple muscle groups and simulates real-world terrain.
For those managing joint sensitivities, the oversized cushioned pedals absorb impact beautifully, and the smooth magnetic resistance means the ride is virtually silent. The AutoBreeze fan auto-adjusts to workout intensity, and the machine supports users up to 375 lbs. A 10-year frame warranty, two-year parts coverage, and one-year labor round out a purchase that’s built to go the distance with us.
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Are NordicTrack ellipticals good for people with joint pain or arthritis?
Absolutely, and they’re actually one of the most recommended options by fitness professionals for people dealing with joint sensitivities. Ellipticals are inherently low-impact because the pedals move in a smooth, continuous arc that supports the feet throughout the entire range of motion — unlike running, which involves repeated, forceful ground strikes. NordicTrack’s ellipticals take this further with oversized cushioned pedals, Soft Touch handle grips, and Silent Magnetic Resistance that eliminates any jarring mechanical feedback. Models like the AirGlide 14i and AirGlide 16 also offer decline training, which helps strengthen the eccentric muscles around the knee — something physical therapists often recommend for joint rehabilitation and stability.
Do NordicTrack ellipticals work without an iFIT subscription?
Yes, all NordicTrack ellipticals function in manual mode without an iFIT membership. We can still control resistance levels, set the incline and decline (where applicable), and track basic workout stats. However, we’d be missing out on the machine’s most compelling features — SmartAdjust automatic trainer control, the 10,000-plus on-demand and live workouts, Google Maps integration, data syncing with Strava and Apple Health, and streaming access to Netflix and Spotify. An iFIT Pro membership costs $39 per month for a family plan and $15 per month for an individual plan. For anyone serious about using the elliptical daily, the membership significantly enhances the experience and keeps motivation high over the long run.
Some images on this article are copyrighted by Nordic Track.