my honest NordicTrack T Series 5 Review 2025

Buying a treadmill for home use is a big decision. Like many people, I wanted something reliable, sturdy, and practical without spending thousands of dollars on a commercial-grade machine. After weeks of comparing options, I ended up buying the NordicTrack T Series 5, and after using it consistently, I can finally share my unfiltered experience—the good, the bad, and the frustrating parts no one really tells you until you live with the treadmill.

If you’re thinking about buying this machine, hopefully my story will help you make a smarter choice.

First Impressions and Setup

Let’s start with the delivery and setup because, honestly, that’s where my first frustrations began. The treadmill arrived in a massive, heavy box—well over 200 pounds. Getting it inside was a workout in itself. If you’re planning to set this up alone, don’t. You’ll need at least two people, not just for lifting but also for aligning pieces during assembly.

The packaging was secure and well-padded, but the instructions left much to be desired. Some steps were straightforward, others felt confusing, and a few screw placements didn’t align as they should. I eventually got everything assembled, but it took patience (and a few choice words).

Verdict on setup: doable if you’re handy, but expect some hiccups. If you hate assembly projects, you’ll probably find this part stressful.

Design and Build Quality

Once assembled, the treadmill looked sleek enough. It’s a fairly compact unit compared to bigger commercial treadmills, which makes it good for smaller spaces. However, it’s still heavy and awkward to move once it’s in place.

The build quality is… mixed. On one hand, the frame feels solid, and the belt is wide and long enough to handle both walking and jogging. At my height (around 6 ft), I never felt like my stride was cramped. On the other hand, certain parts—like the plastic console and small display—feel cheap. You’re constantly reminded this is an entry-level treadmill, not a high-end one.

Performance: Running and Walking

This is where things get interesting. For walking and light jogging, the NordicTrack T Series 5 works great. The 2.6 HP motor is powerful enough for steady cardio sessions, and the treadmill handles speeds up to 10 mph without struggling too much. The incline feature, which goes up to 10%, adds a nice variety to workouts and works smoothly most of the time.

I found the cushioning on the deck comfortable, which made longer walks easier on my knees compared to pounding pavement outside. For casual workouts and moderate running, this machine checks the right boxes.

But, when pushing it harder—like sprinting or running at higher inclines—I noticed the treadmill can wobble slightly. It doesn’t feel unsafe, but it lacks the rock-solid stability of commercial machines. If you’re a serious runner who logs miles daily, you might find this limitation frustrating over time.

Noise Levels

Noise is one of those hit-or-miss aspects. On flat walking speeds, the treadmill is relatively quiet—definitely not silent, but not disruptive either. The motor hums, and you hear the usual thumping of your feet.

At higher speeds or when adjusting incline, however, it does get louder. I wouldn’t call it unbearable, but if you live in an apartment with thin walls or plan to use it in a shared space, it’s something to think about.

Console and Display: Where It Disappoints

Here’s where the treadmill shows its biggest flaws. The console is basic, outdated, and poorly designed. The buttons are clunky, and some functions aren’t intuitive at all. Worst of all, the display isn’t backlit, which means in anything less than bright lighting, you can barely read it. The numbers are large, but secondary stats (like calories, pace, or heart rate) are tiny and hard to see.

In an era where even budget treadmills have sleek touchscreens, this felt like a step back in time.

iFit Integration (and Annoyances)

Like most NordicTrack products, the T Series 5 pushes hard for iFit integration. It comes with a free trial, and yes, iFit workouts can be fun—guided runs, scenic routes, and automatic incline/speed adjustments. But here’s the reality: once the trial ends, many of the “cool” features are locked behind a monthly subscription that costs extra.

If you don’t want to pay for iFit, you can still use the treadmill in manual mode, which is fine for me. But the constant reminders to “upgrade” get annoying fast. Worse, some features—like connecting to streaming apps—are completely blocked unless you’re paying for iFit. That felt misleading and unnecessary.

Everyday Usability

Over months of use, I got a real sense of how this treadmill fits into daily life. A few takeaways:

• Space-saving design: It doesn’t fold, despite being advertised by some sellers as foldable. That was a big letdown since I planned to tuck it away after workouts. If you need a folding treadmill, this isn’t it.
• Console quirks: Besides being dim, the console sometimes runs “calibration” routines on startup, randomly adjusting the incline, which can be jarring.
• Stability: For my weight (~200 lbs), it felt sturdy enough, but I can see heavier users or serious runners pushing its limits.
• Portability: It has wheels, but moving it is still a pain due to the bulk and awkward weight distribution.

Reliability Concerns

Here’s where honesty matters. Not everyone has issues, but I’ve read (and personally experienced hints of) reliability concerns. For example, the incline motor sometimes makes grinding noises during calibration, and on one occasion the treadmill shut off unexpectedly after about 25 minutes of use. It hasn’t become a chronic issue yet, but it doesn’t inspire confidence.

Customer service is another sore point. When problems arise, getting a quick solution is difficult. Long response times, vague troubleshooting steps, and warranty limitations make support frustrating. Considering the investment, this was disappointing.

Who Should Buy the NordicTrack T Series 5?

This treadmill is best suited for:

• Casual users who mainly want to walk or jog a few times per week.
• Budget-conscious buyers who want a decent machine without spending $2,000+.
• People who don’t care about flashy tech and just want the basics of speed and incline.

Who it’s NOT for:

• Serious runners who need a heavy-duty treadmill for long, intense sessions.
• Tech-savvy users who expect Bluetooth syncing with third-party apps or Netflix streaming without paywalls.
• People with limited space who need a folding treadmill.

My Final Verdict

After months of using the NordicTrack T Series 5, my feelings are mixed. On one hand, it’s a solid entry-level treadmill that delivers what most casual home users need: walking, jogging, and some incline training. The price is reasonable, the brand is reputable, and for simple cardio, it gets the job done.

On the other hand, the console, lack of foldability, iFit paywalls, and occasional reliability quirks make it far from perfect. It feels like a treadmill built on a strong frame but compromised by poor digital design and questionable quality control.

If you’re realistic about its limitations and just want a straightforward treadmill to stay active at home, the T Series 5 can be a worthwhile purchase. But if you expect premium features, flawless reliability, or serious running performance, you’ll probably regret not spending a little more on a higher-end model.

Final Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Would I buy it again? Maybe, if my budget was tight and my needs were simple. But if I had more room in my budget, I’d likely look at higher-end NordicTrack models or even different brands that don’t lock basic features behind a subscription.

✅ Bottom line: The NordicTrack T Series 5 is an okay treadmill for casual use, but not the best long-term investment for serious fitness enthusiasts.