NordicTrack T 6.5 S Review- Pros & Cons (2024)

The NordicTrack T 6.5 S is the lowest cost and easiest to see buying among the Amazon.com-based T Series. But in the case of this entry-level model, don’t mistake price for performance. If you’re looking for a smaller unit upon which to walk and jog for under $900, this could be it for sure. To that degree, I’d say this is a good rival to the Horizon T101 priced at $699. Definitely not for the high-level marathon runner, let’s face it, the average treadmill customer wants something they can use two to three times a week for 30 minutes or less. Coming iFit-enabled with a 30-day trial of that program, you’ll be able to do that for years with this model. Some new changes are being made to the 2024 machine over the 2023 model which I’ll outline below, but frankly they’re not that significant and it’s essentially the same machine.

Again, this model reminds me a lot of the Horizon T101, and the biggest difference would be the 5″ high-definition touchscreen on the T 6.5 S is designed to work with iFit, while the T101 comes built with a more substantiative tablet-holder so you can just use your own apps. Either way, you’re looking at $599 to $899 for these two depending on what options you pick. That’s still a solid notch below their brand-mates. As a competitive bodybuilder and powerlifter these are the kind of machines I like for hiking and hard walking workouts.

Read below to see the complete machine walkthrough and be sure to check out the links to important articles concerning decks, motors, rollers, and belts, if you have any questions about the mechanics. Rest assured, there’s a reason the NordicTrack T 6.5 S continues to dominate the markets.

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Why You Should Trust Our Review Of The NordicTrack T 6.5 S

At TreadmillReviews.net, we bring you comprehensive reviews of treadmills so you can decide which one is right for you. Our staff thoroughly test all the treadmills we review. We install them, walk on them, run on them, and try out all of the features. We get to know each and every treadmill we review extremely well. Our reviewers log miles on the deck. We listen and record the sound of the motor, we test and measure the incline/decline, try out all aspects of the console and try the treadmill’s features, such as iFit.

Every treadmill 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. This particular treadmill has been around for many years, and we’ve done previous reviews of the NordicTrack T 6.5 S.

Our reviewers are treadmill and 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 at treadmills, has been on this treadmill, and you can trust his opinion on all of the treadmills he reviews.

Editors Brian and Jessica visit the iFit showroom and corporate headquarters in Logan, Utah for training with their lineup. Photo by: Oleksandr Kosheliev / TreadmilReviews.net

In Brief

The 2024 NordicTrack T 6.5 S is a solid, entry-level treadmill priced for 2024 at $899, but available on Amazon.com for as low as $799. The biggest difference you’ll notice between the T 6.5 S, the T 7.5 S, and the T 8.5 S is the screen size, which ranges from 5″ to 7″ and 10″ respectively. Just figure that most smartphones are 5-7″ in length and you’ll get the idea. These treadmills are designed for users who want to forgo the big 24″ high-definition touchscreens and perhaps don’t want the $15 to $39 per month subscription of iFit, but would rather wheel them in front of a television set or listen to music. One point of note is the belt is 20″ x 55″ instead of 60″, and that makes it a better machine for the walking and jogging crew as opposed to long distance runners. As with all iFit products, including ProForm and Freemotion, the NordicTrack treadmills are built to work with the iFit program and feature Bluetooth-enabling, automatic trainer control, and both live and on-demand programming for any type of workout you can image. The only downside to iFit-enabled machines is their screens aren’t able to work with other programs, like Netflix or Hulu. The value to a small unit like the T 6.5 S is the screen will still read out your metrics while in manual mode, so yes you can use it without the subscription much easier.

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NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill- Pros & Cons (2024) - Key Specs:

In-Depth Review of the NordicTrack T 6.5 S

Why We Like It

The NordicTrack T 6.5 S is a smaller, entry-level unit without the bells and whistles, priced at the under-$900 range. The refreshed model coming for 2024 features a few changes but nothing particularly striking. Measuring 73.5″ x 36″ x 54″ it sports up to 300 pounds in user weight and comes with 30 days of the iFit app included. The unit is built with a 5″ interactive display and a 2.6 CHP, SMART-Response motor. Other great features include two 2″ speakers, FlexSelect Cushioning, and a maximum speed of 10 mph and 10% incline. This unit also features handlebar heartrate sensors and Bluetooth ActivePulse Technology.

It Comes With A Dynamic 5″ Console

If you’re looking for plain and simple performance, this T 6.5 S console is built for you. Equipped with quick controls that are easy to access, you can easily reach all of the necessary controls with the flick of a wrist. In terms of visibility, the 5″ screen is about the size of a smartphone. In addition to the screen, the treadmill comes with an AutoBreeze fan and two 2″ speakers compatible for Bluetooth headphones. The included 30-day iFit plan gives you a taste of the program. In my experience, this model would be perfect for those who want the NordicTrack features but are unsure of paying a fee for continued use of iFit. The machine can work in a manual mode without it. But if you were to have a large screen that only worked with iFit, it would certainly seem a waste.

Heart Rate Training Options

Unlike pricier models, the T 6.5 S does in fact have built-in handlebar sensors, as well as the Bluetooth-enabled iFit package which syncs sync with ActivePulse and the SmartBeat armband. This gives you two different options, and again, this is a stronger unit for those unsure of whether they’d like to pay for iFit once the trial is up. Heartrate training is all the rage for good reason, and whether you want to lose weight or just maintain health, having these sensors is a plus. I’m often questioned as to the accuracy of handlebar heartrate sensors, and what I’d say is they’re consistent within themselves. This means they accurately measure whether your pulse is going up or down while your hands are in contact, but they’re never going to be as good as a sensor which is attached to your wrist or arm.

The NordicTrack treadmills sync with iFit’s SmartBeat armband monitor for heartrate monitoring.

Good Incline Features

The 2024 NordicTrack T 6.5 S has a 10% incline, which in my experience is sufficient for most users. If you’ve never done incline training, I’d recommend it. Even if you only range between 1-6% you’ll certainly feel the difference. And with a shorter unit on which you can’t stride out as far for running, the fastest way to increase intensity is with incline. Whether using one of iFit’s travel workouts or the iFit’s Google Maps, these incline/decline settings really do mimic the hills and hollers of tracks in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, or even Antarctica.

Take A Look At What iFit Can Do on the NordicTrack T 8.5 S

Video Courtesy of iFit

Easily Folded Up and Stored Away

I love folding treadmills and have written extensively about them here. Don’t think folding means flimsy. Quite the opposite. With the patented EasyLift Assist button, you can simply lift up the rear of the unit and watch it slide up into place. It’s also incredibly simple to unfold thanks to the hydraulics, and you can read my step-by-step here with pictures. The whole process times out at about 8 seconds up, and 12 seconds down, per my own stopwatch, on nearly every NordicTrack treadmill I’ve seen. Folding treadmills roll easily about a floor on two front-mounted wheels. But they’re also easier to keep clean, repair, and lubricate the belts. If you do want to roll the unit to the side of the room when not in use, you’ll find the process easier than moving a bookshelf.

What We Like:

·         5″ Touchscreen

This is obviously an either-or scenario. You either want a big screen or you don’t. If you’re not into that and the associated cost, then this 5″ screen and console are more than sufficient for data readout and iFit programming. If you’re not going to use the iFit package, then in my experience the larger screens just get in the way. This screen will give you your metrics without interfering with your television programming as you exercise.

·         iFit Treadmill Workouts

This treadmill’s 10% incline feature syncs with the elevations and dips of the landscape you choose to explore through iFit’s Google Maps feature, ensuring that it really does feel like you’re running outside on that terrain. This feature is ideal for those who struggle to stay motivated to keep exercising as it allows you to explore new locations. The incline is fast and quiet, going up and down at a rate of about 1 second each degree.

·        iFit Data Tracking

iFit keeps tabs on fitness stats with every session. Whenever a workout is completed, the data is logged into the treadmill and then paired with any other device on iFit. This makes getting exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle recommendations easier.

·       Bluetooth Audio

Bluetooth audio capabilities allow you to listen to your favorite workout playlists through Premium Audio Speakers wirelessly, as well as sync with any number of other devices. The ability to connect instructor-led training to your Bluetooth headphones is a nice plus. I’ve never had a problem syncing with my unit and I even have satellite Internet. It usually takes about 5 seconds to connect.

·         Cushioning Preferences

Prepping for a road on a cushy deck makes things too easy. This treadmill offers the ability to turn the cushioning on or off according to your preferences so you can save your joints and use the cushioning only when you need it. Keep in mind that by having it off, you’re adding 30% more impact to your joints, so you shouldn’t train this way in the long term.

·         Cooling Options

If you want to stay cool while you run or walk, the T 6.5 S’s dual AutoBreeze workout fans will do the trick. While this may seem like a treadmill luxury rather than a necessity, it’s definitely nice to have while you work out.

·         Weight Capacity

This is a pretty heavy-duty treadmill and can support users of up to 300 pounds.

What We Don’t Like:

·         Hard to Assemble

NordicTrack is like most treadmill manufacturers these days and they’ll offer you in-home assembly. The problem with an Amazon.com order is you’ll probably have to specifically ask for this. When you purchase a machine directly from the manufacture it’s often included. My advice is to take the time to order in-home assembly. I’ve assembled Echelon, NordicTrack, and ProForm units myself and come to the conclusion you’re just better off having it done by the moving team.

This Treadmill Could Be For You If You Want:

• A low-cost treadmill without the bells and whistles
• 10% Incline
• A quiet treadmill motor that can accommodate long-distance running, interval training, and speeds up to 10 mph
• Interactive programming and Bluetooth heartrate monitoring

Our Verdict:

The NordicTrack T 6.5 S is a go-to for those online shoppers who prefer Amazon.com and aren’t interested in fancy extras. Even if you’re not into iFit, this is a mobile little unit that can folded and rolled over to the television screen for entertainment during runs. At well under $1,000 it’s a budget-friendly unit from a top name in fitness and certainly worth a look. Other comparable units I’d recommend would be the Horizon T101 and T202.

Recent Updates

• July 13, 2021: Added some FAQs to the page.
• October 30, 2023: Updated specs and facts.
• November 4, 2023: Updated specs and facts.