Right below the NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer FS14i comes the FS10i, and with it a price drop to $1,799. Having used both, I’d say there are some differences but if price is an issue, this might be the better buy overall. This unit features a 10″ high definition touchscreen, as opposed to 14″, and is built to work with the iFit workout app. This means users can access both live and on-demand training sessions as well as enjoy one of my favorite features, automatic trainer control. The 2024 FS10i features a 32” adjustable stride which is great for users of all heights, whether 5’10” such as myself, or really anywhere up to 6’6″ I’d say. It also features a stable 20-pound flywheel and 24 levels of silent magnetic resistance.

Down about $800 in price from prior years, the FS10i strikes me as a bargain here in 2024. Alongside the moving handlebars, it’s a full-body workout. Other highlights which make it worth the price include a free 30-day membership to iFit so you can enjoy world-class personal training from your living room. The FS10i also includes Bluetooth-enabled audio and speakers, a bottle holder, and a cooling fan. As for consumer protections, the FS10i also includes a 10-year frame warranty. Check out our favorite and least favorite features of the FS10i below.

Why You Should Trust Our Review Of The FS10i Elliptical

At EllipticalReviews.com, we bring you comprehensive reviews of exercise equipment so you can decide which one is right for you. Our staff thoroughly test all the ellipticals we review. We install them, ride them, and try out all of the features. We get to know each and every elliptical we review extremely well. Our reviewers log miles riding. We listen and record the sound of the machine, try out all aspects of the console and try the machine’s features.

Every elliptical we review undergoes the same rigorous process. That way we can compare and contrast them and give you an honest review of what we think.

Our reviewers are fitness experts. Brian, the author of this review, is a competitive bodybuilder, and is a 7-time national qualifier in both men’s bodybuilding and classic physique within the NPC competitions. He has coached and been coached on cardiovascular training, HIIT, and nutrition, particularly as it pertains to weight loss for competitions. He is an expert when it comes to ellipticals, has been on this elliptical, and you can trust his opinion on all of the machines he reviews.

In Brief

The NordicTrack FS10i comes in at $1,799, quite a bit less than its brand-made, the FS14i at $2,499. Noticeable differences are of course a 10″ touchscreen and 24 levels of magnetic resistance as opposed to a 14″ touchscreen and 26 levels. Otherwise, the machines are nearly identical in terms of size, with this one measuring 58.5″ x 29.5″ x 74″ and weighing 284 pounds in-box. Like all iFit-enabled machines, the screen here on the FS10i only works with that app and you won’t be able to access the internet or use other programming. Purchase includes a complimentary 30-day family membership valued at $39. In my experience, if you’re not interested in the iFit app, these types of machines lose value pretty quickly as they will only work in manual mode without it. But, if you dig iFit, then it’s a bargain for sure. Another big plus with this machine is the 10% incline it features, which is a bit rare in the world of ellipticals.

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NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer FS10i Elliptical (2024) - Notable Specs:

Overall Rating:	4-stars
Compact / Folding:	No
Incline:	0 – 10%
Stride Length:	32" (Auto-Adjustable)
Flywheel:	20 LB
Programs:	iFit-only
Fan:	Yes
Weight Capacity:	375 LB
Dimensions:	58.5" L x 29.5" W x 74" H

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In-Depth Review of the NordicTrack FS10i

Why We Like It

The NordicTrack FS10i is a that company’s second tier elliptical, but frankly it’s a great bargain given the price and does feature some nice touches like Bluetooth audio. With 24 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance and a really nice 10% incline function, there’s really no way to dodge a great workout. At 5’10”, I like the 32″ adjustable stride, and so will users of nearly any height. For the price, there’s no question you’re getting a terrific workout partner here so long as you want the iFit package which includes automatic trainer control.

It Has A User-Friendly 10″ High-Definition Touchscreen

I observe in nearly every iFit-related post, when it comes to screens, you either want them or you don’t. The good news is there’s an elliptical out there to meet your needs, and if you’re Team Screen, then the FS10i might be for you. The upsides to an attached touchscreen are obvious. When using this screen I get the full immersion experience of the program. Designed to work with iFit, I can hike through the Rocky Mountains or ski through the Swiss Alps. The live trainers are easy to interact with and I’ve found the connectivity to be high-quality. Equipped with 2″ Bluetooth audio speakers, I like the surround-sound experience of songs and videos. Really, the only downside to this screen and those like it is it only works with the manufacturer’s app, in this case iFit. The machine still works without the app, but you’ll lose almost all the value of the screen. The elliptical will work in a manual mode and in my opinion, that’s just a waste of a great screen.

iFit-Enabled

The iFit program is one of my favorites. Like other programs, it has workout series to match any desire, from cardio to boxing and barbells, It also has a nutrition component as well as heart rate training. What’s unique is the live training sessions with interactive coaches, as well as automatic trainer control. What this means is the workout program will automatically adjust the resistance to match the trail, and if you’re using ActivePulse Technology along with it, your cardio levels. I find this amazing. When my heart rate hits a certain level, the program will notify me and adjust accordingly, even while it’s handling the mountain trails. You’ll also get Google Earth Workouts anywhere on the globe. The on-demand workouts now number in the tens of thousands, and you’ll simply never get bored here. The program will intelligently store all of your metrics and incorporate those into future workouts. The program costs $15 per month for an individual plan or $39 per month for a family plan. You can check out the video above to see if it’s for you. Like most apps, you can download it onto any device, including a smart television.

Terrific 32″ Adjustable Stride and 10% Incline

When we reference an adjustable stride feature on an elliptical, this means you can vary the measure of steps taken while exercising. With 32 inches here, you’ll find a wide range of options with which to use. This typically better accommodates taller users and lets you get the full swing of the machine. Another great element of the FS10i is that it features a 10% incline function, and in my experience, that’s rare for ellipticals. I’ve found there’s no quicker way to increase the intensity of a workout than by adjusting the incline. Irrespective of speed, this certainly make the quads burn faster.

NordicTrack FS14i Dimensions

The dimensions of the NordicTrack FS101 measure 58.5″ x 29.5″ x 74″. Given the 32″ adjustable stride, I would recommend placing the machine in a room with a minimum of 8′ ceilings.

NordicTrack FS10i Machine Weight

The NordicTrack FS14i weighs 284 pounds in the box and can support up to 375 pounds in user weight.

What We Like:

• Great Incline Range

  Most ellipticals don’t feature incline due to the nature of the motion. When I’m using the elliptical it’s like a combination stepper and glider. The fact that this elliptical also offers a 10% really impresses me. Your own body weight serves as a natural resistance on these machines, and when you throw in the incline, there’s just no question you’ll get one of the best workouts you ever had, particularly when doing heart rate training and High Intensity Interval Training.

• Bluetooth Audio

  Equipped with 2″ Bluetooth speakers, I have no trouble hearing the trainers and program music here. The system creates a truly immersive, surround-sound system.

• Heart Rate Monitoring

  The NordicTrack FS10i’s Bluetooth features enable the use of ActivePulse Technology, which is one of the best heart rate monitoring systems on the market.

• 24 Levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance

  Ellipticals can wear me out even at the lower levels. Given the smooth sailing offered by way of silent magnetic resistance, I just can’t see anyone outgrowing this machine’s 24 levels offered.

What We Don’t Like:

• Lower Warranty for the Price

  Like most NordicTrack equipment, the FS10i comes with a 10-year warranty on the frame. Given the price, I’d really rather see closer to a lifetime warranty on the frame.

• iFit-Dependent

  No matter how much I like iFit, the fact is, without the app, the screen loses value.

This Elliptical Could Be For You If You Want:

• You want the bells and whistles of a high-quality elliptical
• Interactive training by way of a 10″ HD touchscreen
• 24 levels of silent magnetic resistance
• 32″ adjustable stride
• Incline options

Our Verdict:

I rank the NordicTrack FS10i quite highly, particularly if you’re comparing it to the FS14i. Its hundreds of dollars cheaper and all you’re really sacrificing is the 14″ screen in exchange for a 10-incher. The fact that it offers both incline and a 32″ adjustable stride really makes it a winner in my book. The thing about these NordicTrack machines is their iFit connectivity. As a fan of iFit, I feel it’s worth the subscription. That said, if you don’t like those apps or don’t want to pay the fees, then you’re probably better off considering a Sole or Horizon as they give you more options there. But in terms of the workout potential here, you can’t go wrong with the FS10i.