NordicTrack X24 Treadmill Review 2026: Worth Buying?

Steep hills build strength faster than flat miles. That simple fact explains why the NordicTrack X24 exists. This machine climbs to a 40% grade and drops to a 6% decline, a range almost no home treadmill matches. It also carries a 24 inch pivoting touchscreen, a 4.25 CHP motor, and full iFIT integration.

I spent weeks walking, hiking, and running on this treadmill. I tested the incline at its limit. I watched Netflix while jogging. I also found several things that annoyed me.

This review covers the good parts and the frustrating parts with equal honesty. By the end, you will know whether the X24 deserves space in your home, or whether a cheaper treadmill serves you better.

In A Nutshell:

• The incline range is the main reason to buy this treadmill. The X24 climbs to 40% and drops to a 6% decline. Testing showed the grade readings stay accurate, which matters for hikers and trail runners who train for real elevation.
• The 4.25 CHP motor handles daily hard training. Speed goes from 1.0 to 12 mph. Speed and incline changes happen fast, which makes interval sessions smooth instead of sluggish.
• The 24 inch screen tilts and pivots. You get iFIT classes plus Netflix, Prime Video, and Spotify. This is the largest display in the current NordicTrack lineup.
• You need an iFIT membership to get real value. Without a subscription, you access roughly eleven workouts and manual mode. The membership cost adds up every year.
• This machine is huge and it does not fold. It weighs over 400 lbs in the box and needs a dedicated room with high ceilings.
• Price sits near $3,000 to $4,299 depending on promotions. That is a serious investment, and the value depends entirely on whether you use the incline.

NordicTrack X24 Treadmill: Quick Overview

Last update on 2026-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The X24 replaces the older X22i and X32i incline trainers. NordicTrack rebuilt the console layout, raised the weight capacity to 400 lbs, and improved the warranty. The frame measures 69.9 inches long, 38.1 inches wide, and 73.3 inches tall. The running surface is 22 by 60 inches, which fits tall runners comfortably.

One note before you shop. NordicTrack sells the X24 through its own website and select retailers. Amazon mostly carries the Commercial series instead, so the listing above shows the closest available model there.

The warranty structure is strong for a home machine. You get a lifetime motor warranty, ten years on the frame, two years on parts, and one year on labor. That coverage signals confidence from the brand.

The X24 is not a commercial treadmill. It is built for residential use by one household, even a busy one with several runners. Think of it as a serious tool for people who want mountain training without leaving the house.

Unboxing And Delivery Experience

The delivery day feels like an event. The X24 arrives on a pallet inside one enormous box that weighs around 445 lbs. Two delivery people carried it into my garage. Do not try this alone. You will need help, and you should clear the path before the truck arrives.

Opening the box takes patience. Foam blocks and cardboard braces protect the deck, the uprights, and the console. The screen sits in its own padded compartment. NordicTrack packs the hardware in a labeled tray, which speeds things up later.

The first thing you notice is the metal. The uprights feel thick. The stabilizer bars look wider than anything on a standard treadmill. The charcoal gray frame gives the machine an industrial look that feels expensive rather than plastic.

The console sits heavy in your hands. The 24 inch panel has real weight to it. My honest advice is simple: pay for the assembly service if your budget allows. Lifting the deck and mounting the screen is hard work for two people.

Assembly And Setup Process

Assembly takes two people roughly two hours. Some owners report three. The manual uses clear diagrams, and most bolts thread easily. The hardest step is attaching the uprights to the deck, because you must hold heavy steel steady while starting the bolts.

Cable routing is the next challenge. Wires run through the uprights to the console. You must connect them before tightening everything. Take your time here. A pinched cable causes screen errors later, and troubleshooting that means partial disassembly.

Mounting the screen requires a second set of hands. The bracket lines up well, but the panel is awkward to hold at shoulder height. Once it clicks into place, the setup becomes easy again.

Software setup is painless. You connect to WiFi, create or sign into an iFIT account, and run a calibration cycle. The treadmill inclines and declines through its full range during calibration, which is oddly entertaining to watch. Budget half a day total from delivery to first workout.

Design And Build Quality

The X24 feels solid under load. I ran at 10 mph and felt no wobble. The larger stabilizers do real work, because holding a treadmill steady at a 40% grade demands a strong base. Nothing shifted or rocked during testing.

The foot rails use textured plastic. Some buyers hear plastic and assume cheap. In practice, textured plastic grips better than metal rails, which often feel slick under sweaty shoes. The rails are wide enough to stand on while you start and stop.

The incline handles sit above the console area. My team disagreed about them. I liked the placement because they block less of the screen than the old X22i design. Other testers wanted them narrower, or wanted a horizontal bar closer to the display.

The motor hides under the deck, so there is no bulky hood at the front. Just a slim plastic end cap. This design frees up deck space and lets you stand farther back for a better screen view. Build quality here matches machines costing far more.

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Incline And Decline Range Explained

This is the headline feature. The X24 climbs to 40% and drops to a 6% decline. For context, most home treadmills stop at 12% or 15%. A 40% grade is steeper than almost every hiking trail you will ever face.

Accuracy matters as much as range. Many treadmills read off by a full percent or more. Testing showed the X24 stays close to its stated grade, including at maximum incline. That precision helps anyone training for a specific mountain or race.

NordicTrack builds in speed limits for safety. At 15.5% and above, speed caps at 8.0 mph. Above 25%, it caps at 6.0 mph. On the decline side, 3% caps speed at 8.0 mph and 6% caps it at 6.0 mph. Running at 6.0 mph on a 40% grade is brutal enough.

The decline function deserves attention too. Downhill training loads your quads differently and prepares your legs for descents. Few machines offer it. That combination makes the X24 a genuine cross training tool.

Motor Power And Speed Performance

The 4.25 CHP motor is the strongest in the NordicTrack range. It supports heavy daily use and multiple runners in one household. Speed runs from 1.0 to 12 mph, which covers a five minute mile pace at the top end.

Response time impressed me most. Speed and incline changes happen quickly, faster than older NordicTrack models. The adjustments felt abrupt during my first few sessions. After a week, that speed became an advantage for interval work, because the machine keeps up with your plan instead of lagging behind.

Noise is worth discussing honestly. The X24 runs quietly for its size, but it was noticeably louder than the Commercial 2450 in side by side testing. Whether that reflects one unit or the whole line is unclear. Either way, the machine is too large for a shared living room, so noise rarely becomes the main concern.

Some runners will miss a higher top speed. The 2450 reaches 14 mph. For sprinters, that gap matters. For hikers and incline trainers, 12 mph is plenty.

Running Deck And Cushioning Comfort

The 22 by 60 inch belt gives you room to move. Long strides fit. Wide gaits fit. The belt texture grips well, which keeps your shoes planted during steep climbs when gravity pulls you backward.

NordicTrack markets the incline trainers as having its softest cushioning, and the company claims 27% more cushioning than the nearest competitor. My experience was slightly different. The deck felt softer than pavement but less bouncy than the Commercial series.

Some runners prefer a firmer feel because it delivers more ground feedback. Others want that springy push on long runs. I fall in the second group, so I missed the extra rebound. Neither preference is wrong, but you should know the deck leans soft and flat rather than trampoline like.

The step up height is around 14 inches. That is tall. Older users and anyone with balance concerns should test this height before buying. Joint comfort is genuinely good, which makes the X24 a strong pick for long walking sessions at high grades.

The 24 Inch Pivoting Touchscreen

The screen is the largest in NordicTrack’s lineup. It tilts up and down for different heights. It also rotates side to side so you can follow floor workouts beside the machine.

Two limits showed up in testing. First, the screen sits close to you. At 5 feet 4 inches, I had to step back on the belt for a comfortable viewing distance. Taller users will notice this less. Second, the screen does not rotate fully, so the incline handles block part of the view during off treadmill workouts.

Stability is good. Level the machine properly and the display barely shakes. Heavy heel strikers will see some movement, but not enough to break focus during a class or a movie.

There are no physical speed or incline buttons. Everything happens on glass. I worried about reaching the controls at a 40% grade. The lower console placement solved that problem, because you stand farther back and lower on the belt at steep angles.

iFIT Membership And Workout Library

iFIT drives the whole experience. The platform offers more than 10,000 workouts, filmed on all seven continents. A trainer guides each session, shares route details, and coaches your effort. Studio classes exist too if outdoor scenery bores you.

SmartAdjust changes the incline to match the real terrain in the video. Walk a Swiss trail and the deck rises when the trail rises. This feature turns a treadmill session into something closer to travel. Override a setting and iFIT remembers your preference for future workouts.

The Create tab lets you build target workouts by time, distance, or calories. You can also program custom intervals with set speeds and grades. The Google Maps route builder is expected to return, which will let you draw any route on earth.

Here is the honest catch. A free account unlocks only about eleven workouts plus manual mode. Without internet, you get manual mode alone. The membership costs real money each year, and the X24 loses most of its appeal without one.

Entertainment, Sound, And Fan Performance

The X24 includes Netflix, Prime Video, and Spotify. A 24 inch screen makes a real difference for shows and films. You can even run a Netflix window alongside an iFIT class, which sounds excessive until you try it during a slow 60 minute walk.

The speakers sit below the display and face forward. Many brands hide speakers behind the console for a cleaner look, which hurts sound quality. Front facing speakers are simply easier to hear, and these stayed audible over motor noise and footfalls.

Audio mixing is a nice touch. Separate sliders control overall volume, iFIT audio, app audio, and music. Bluetooth headphones pair easily and keep the same mixing options. Closed captions work for iFIT classes, Netflix, and Prime Video.

The fan has multiple speeds plus an auto mode that responds to your intensity. It cools well, but the vent angle does not adjust. Shorter users get a good breeze. Taller runners may feel the air hitting their chest instead of their face.

Heart Rate Tracking And ActivePulse

The X24 pairs with most Bluetooth chest straps. NordicTrack sells one if you do not own a strap already. My Garmin watch connected without trouble. Apple Watch users will be disappointed, because those watches do not broadcast heart rate to the machine.

ActivePulse is the standout smart feature. It reads your heart rate and adjusts speed and incline to keep you in a target zone. Incline changes stay small so the trail simulation still feels authentic. This became my favorite way to train, because it scales any workout to my current fitness.

The system has rough edges. ActivePulse does not look ahead at upcoming hills, so it sometimes raises speed right before a steep climb. The acceleration can feel sudden. I also wanted the option to build a custom heart rate workout, which is not available yet.

An AI coach is rolling out to schedule workouts around your goals. Access is invitation only for now. The concept looks promising, but I cannot judge results from limited testing.

What The NordicTrack X24 Does Not Do Well

Every honest review needs this section. The X24 has real weaknesses.

It does not fold. At over 400 lbs with a 69.9 by 38.1 inch footprint, it dominates any room. Transport wheels exist, but moving this machine across carpet is close to impossible. Have it delivered and assembled exactly where it will live forever.

Ceiling height is a hidden problem. At full incline, you need your height plus roughly three feet. A six foot runner needs nine foot ceilings. Many basements fail that test, and a basement is exactly where most people want to put a treadmill this large.

The cup holders are too shallow. Tall bottles feel unstable. There is also no dedicated phone shelf, which feels like a deliberate push toward the built in screen.

The subscription dependency is the biggest drawback. Buy this machine without iFIT and you own an expensive manual treadmill. Buyers who dislike subscriptions should look at Sole or Horizon instead.

Pros And Cons Of The NordicTrack X24

Here is the balanced summary after weeks of testing.

Pros

• Incline range from 40% down to a 6% decline, which no mainstream competitor matches.
• Accurate grade readings, verified during testing at multiple incline levels.
• Strong 4.25 CHP motor with fast, responsive speed and incline changes.
• Large 22 by 60 inch deck with soft cushioning that reduces joint stress.
• 24 inch touchscreen that tilts and pivots, with clear front facing speakers.
• Netflix, Prime Video, and Spotify built in for entertainment during long sessions.
• ActivePulse heart rate training and SmartAdjust terrain matching through iFIT.
• 400 lb user capacity with a lifetime motor warranty and ten year frame coverage.

Cons

• High purchase price plus an ongoing iFIT membership cost.
• Does not fold, weighs over 400 lbs, and demands a dedicated room.
• Requires high ceilings for tall users at maximum incline.
• Most features stop working without an iFIT subscription or internet.
• Shallow cup holders and no phone storage space.
• Slightly louder than comparable NordicTrack Commercial models.
• Apple Watch will not connect for heart rate tracking.

Who Should Buy The NordicTrack X24

Trail runners and hikers get the most value. Real mountain grades rarely exceed 30%, so training at 40% makes actual trails feel manageable. The incline handles work like trekking poles and give you confidence at angles that would otherwise feel unsafe.

Walkers benefit enormously too. High incline walking burns far more calories than flat walking at the same speed, without the joint impact of running. Anyone who wants hard cardio with low impact will love this machine.

Committed iFIT users should buy it without hesitation. The X24 unlocks every platform feature, including SmartAdjust and ActivePulse. If you already enjoy guided classes, this is the best hardware for them.

Skip the X24 if you mainly run flat miles. A Commercial 1750 or a Sole F80 delivers similar running quality for far less money. Skip it if you lack space, lack ceiling height, or dislike subscriptions. Sprinters wanting speeds above 12 mph should also look elsewhere in the lineup.

Price, Warranty, And Value In 2026

Last update on 2026-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

List price sits around $4,299, though NordicTrack discounts it regularly to roughly $3,000 to $3,300. Promotions often include free shipping worth a couple hundred dollars. Never pay full list price for a NordicTrack product, because sales run constantly through the year.

iFIT membership costs extra on top. Annual plans work out cheaper than monthly billing. Add that cost to your budget before you commit, because the machine depends on it.

Warranty coverage adds real value. The lifetime motor warranty is unusual at this price. Ten years on the frame, two years on parts, and one year on labor gives you solid protection for a household machine.

Is the X24 worth the money? Yes, if you use the incline regularly. The 40% grade is the only reason to pay this premium. Buyers who leave the deck flat are paying thousands for features they ignore. Match the machine to your actual training habits and the value becomes clear.

Final Verdict

The NordicTrack X24 does one thing better than almost anything else on the market. It brings mountain grades into your home with accuracy and control. The motor is strong, the deck is roomy, and the 24 inch screen makes long sessions enjoyable rather than boring.

It also asks a lot from you. Space, ceiling height, money, and a subscription commitment. The cup holders are shallow, the fan angle is fixed, and the machine will never move once installed.

I recommend it to hikers, trail runners, and dedicated incline walkers who want serious training at home. For everyone else, a simpler treadmill makes more sense. Buy the X24 for the hills, not for the screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the NordicTrack X24 fold up?

No. The X24 has a fixed frame and does not fold. It weighs over 400 lbs and measures 69.9 by 38.1 inches. Transport wheels help slightly on hard floors, but you should plan a permanent location before delivery.

Can you use the X24 without an iFIT membership?

Yes, but with heavy limits. A free account gives you around eleven workouts plus manual mode. Without internet, only manual mode works. You lose SmartAdjust, ActivePulse, the class library, and the entertainment apps.

What is the maximum incline on the NordicTrack X24?

The X24 reaches a 40% incline and a 6% decline. This is the widest range in the NordicTrack lineup and steeper than nearly every home treadmill available.

How much space does the X24 need?

Plan for the 69.9 by 38.1 inch footprint plus clearance behind the deck. Ceiling height matters too. At full incline, allow your height plus about three feet of headroom.

Is the X24 good for tall runners?

Yes. The 22 by 60 inch deck suits long strides, and the screen tilts for comfortable viewing. Tall users should confirm ceiling height and note that the fixed fan angle may aim low.

How long does assembly take?

Expect two to three hours with two people. Professional assembly is available and worth considering, since the console and deck are heavy and awkward to lift.

Does the X24 work with an Apple Watch?

No. The X24 pairs with most Bluetooth chest straps and some fitness watches, including Garmin models, but Apple Watch does not connect for heart rate tracking.