Echelon vs ProForm (2024): Two High-Tech Fitness Brands Face Off

When it comes to the realm of fitness equipment, there are numerous brands vying for your attention and claiming to have the best home gym equipment. With so many brands to choose from, how do you begin to vet all of your choices?

That’s where your friends here at Garage Gym Reviews come in. We’re a group of fitness professionals with decades of collective experience in the industry. We test all sorts of fitness products, write reviews, curate roundup lists, and lay out comparisons. 

In this Echelon vs ProForm comparison we’re going to provide you with spec charts and share our personal experience with each brand so you can see both the differences and similarities between these two high-tech brands. 

Brand Comparison: Echelon vs ProForm 

QuickLook: Echelon vs ProForm

Both Echelon and ProForm have a lot to offer for home gym owners, including a plethora of cardio workout equipment and high-quality interactive programming with fitness classes and metric tracking. 

For cardio machines, both brands manufacture indoor cycling bikes, treadmills, and rowing machines, plus ProForm has several elliptical models. Each brand also has two offerings for smart home gyms. 

Because there is so much equipment to compare between Echelon vs ProForm, we’re going to stick with just the cardio equipment for the purposes of this comparison. In the charts below you’ll see an overview of price ranges, weight capacity, and other important specs like running deck surface for treadmills.  

RELATED: Best Cardio Machines

Key Similarities Between Echelon and ProForm

• Immersive programming and on-demand workouts requires a monthly membership
• Most cardio machines require memberships for full machine functionality
• Huge selections of on-demand classes
• Interactive programming not limited to machine-based home workouts
• Incline training available on treadmills
• Financing options available
• Available to purchase on Amazon
• Some cardio machines will require your own smart device for programming

Important Differences Between Echelon and ProForm

• Echelon offers live classes on a daily basis, while iFIT only has live events and races
• Echelon offers Bluetooth handlebar resistance controls on rowers and exercise bikes
• ProForm exercise bike lineup also includes an upright bike and recumbent bike
• ProForm offers longer warranty periods with 10 years on most machine frames
• ProForm manufacturers elliptical trainer machines
• ProForm and iFIT technology uses automatic trainer control feature to change resistance settings 

Echelon vs ProForm Treadmills

ProFrom Treadmill

ProForm Carbon T10 Treadmill

GGR Score: 4.0

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Product Highlights

• Cushioned running deck
• 3.0 horsepower motor
• Free three-year iFIT family membership
• 10" HD smart touchscreen 
• Built-in workout fans
• Dual audio auxiliary port speakers
• EKG grip heart rate sensors

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3 year iFIT family membership included with purchase
• Interactive smart screen
• Incline ranges from 0-12 percent with quick incline one touch button
• Speed ranges .5-12 miles per hour with quick speed on touch button
• Cushioned running deck
• Foldable
• 30 day return policy

Cons

• Smaller running belt: 20” x 55”
• A 3.0 horsepower motor does not match price point
• Returns will be charged a $250 shopping fee and 10% restocking fee

Bottom Line

Is the ProForm Carbon T10 a good treadmill? It really depends on your fitness goals. If you prioritize performance and durability over technology then this is not the treadmill for you. But, if you are looking for a tech savvy machine and trainer led program optionality, you will be hard pressed to find another treadmill with an interactive touchscreen and three years of iFIT membership at this price.

Echelon Treadmill

Echelon Fitness Stride

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Folds flat to just 10"
• Lightweight and very portable
• Smaller motor is ideal for walkers
• Bluetooth connectivity to apps

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Auto-fold technology
• When folded, is just 10” deep
• Lightweight and easy to move
• Super simple assembly and usability
• Bluetooth connectivity to Echelon United

Cons

• Weaker motor
• Short running surface at 55”
• Short 1-year warranty
• Basic console

Bottom Line

The Echelon Stride is ideal for walkers and those who jog recreationally, especially people looking for a treadmill that folds flat.

ProForm and Echelon both have multiple treadmill models to choose from. And much like any other fitness brand, each treadmill model increases in price as more features are tacked on. 

The entry-level model for each brand (ProForm City L6 and Echelon Stride) offers Bluetooth connectivity for the brand’s respective training apps, but neither features touchscreen displays. If you’re looking for touchscreen displays, don’t worry because every other model these brands manufacture have touchscreen consoles. 

Founder of Garage Gym Reviews, Coop Mitchell tested the Echelon Stride (and wrote an in-depth Echelon Stride review) and found that the machine is not shaky or unstable while walking or running, even though it folds down into a super-compact and stowable size. 

However, Coop didn’t like the fact that the Echelon Stride only has a 1.75 continuous horsepower motor. While the weight capacity will allow folks up to 300 pounds to use this machine, the treadmill motor will likely get bogged down for heavier folks who want to run. 

Keep in mind that Echelon Stride doesn’t have a touchscreen, has a short one-year warranty, and might not suit everyone’s running abilities—plus it’s priced at $1,299. 

For the same price, the ProForm lineup has a treadmill that will likely appeal to more folks with this budget. The Carbon T10 is also priced at $1,299 but it comes with a built-in HD touchscreen display for iFIT workouts, 2.75 CHP motor that will support moderate amounts of running, and a 10-year warranty on the frame. 

Plus, ProForm uses patented shock absorbers to noticeably reduce the impact of running and walking. In fact, the Carbon T10 has dream-like cushioning according to one of our GGR product testers who wrote, “[it’s] comfortable and would be a good option for someone with joint or knee issues.”

You can read more about this cushioning in our ProForm Carbon T10 treadmill review.  

Echelon vs ProForm Exercise Bikes

ProForm Exercise Bike

ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22

GGR Score: 3.5

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Product Highlights

The ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 is a exercise bike that comes with 24 levels of digital resistance, automatic tension control, and an impressive 22-inch HD touchscreen that swivels so you can follow off-bike workouts.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Automatic tension control
• 24 levels of digital resistance
• Large and well-lit touchscreen
• Belt drive system
• Seat and pedals can be removed and replaced with your own

Cons

• Incredibly unstable and wobbly during use
• Resistance wasn’t too challenging
• Flywheel wasn’t the quietest
• Poor welding throughout the bike
• Bike is made with a lot of plastic

Bottom Line

A Peloton alternative that comes with IFIT programming, 24 levels of digital resistance, and automatic tension control.

Echelon Exercise Bike

Echelon EX-8s

GGR Score: 3.6

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Product Highlights

• 24-inch curved HD touchscreen
• Monitor pivots 180-degrees
• Dual-ring rear flywheel design
• 15 LED lights to indicate workout metrics
• Dual speakers
• 32 magnetic e-drive levels
• Bluetooth resistance controls
• Dual water bottle holders

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Immersive experience
• 32 levels of resistance
• Dual-sided, SPD-compatible pedals
• Large, interactive HD touchscreen
• Multiple position handlebars
• Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
• 1.8 GHz processing speed is fast

Cons

• Required paid membership required for use
• Disappointing warranty
• Uncomfortable seat

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a fully immersive riding experience on a high-quality bike, the Echelon EX-8s is a solid choice. It is costly and does require a membership, so keep that in mind when making your purchase.

Echelon and ProForm both have multiple models to choose from when it comes to exercise bikes. There is a slight difference in the types of bikes each offer, though. ProForm has a few studio cycle bikes, a traditional upright stationary bike, and a recumbent bike to round out the indoor bike lineup. 

On the other hand, Echelon offers a lineup of strictly studio cycle-style bicycles. 

What’s interesting is we’ve tested each brand’s top-of-the-line studio bike model and while there are some great features on each, neither really shine as the bike of all bikes. In fact, neither Echelon or ProForm made it on our curated list of best exercise bikes. 

Our experience with the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 was great when it comes to the touchscreen display, iFIT membership experience, and auto adjust technology. However, the overall construction was subpar starting with the 250-pound user weight limit, which is below the industry standard of 300 pounds. 

GGR performance editor and expert product tester, Anthony O’Reilly writes in the ProFrom Studio Bike Pro 22 review that “looking at the flywheel, I also noticed the brake pad had a gob of glue on it that made it look like it had been haphazardly applied.” Anthony also goes on to note below average welding and an unspecified steel construction. 

Let’s switch gears and focus on the top-notch bike offered by Echelon: the Echelon EX-8s (we’ve personally tested this bike, too). While this bike felt a lot more stable to former product tester, Caroline Lubinsky, she notes that, “The frame of the bike itself didn’t shake when you started against higher resistance, but the huge screen did.”

If you’ve had your eyes on the Echelon EX-8s, it’s likely the 22-inch curved touchscreen is a feature that is attractive on this particular bike, so it’s worth knowing that you will get a little shaking as you crank up the flywheel knob. We find that tough to swallow with the $2,299 price tag. 

RELATED: Best Budget Exercise Bike

And speaking of that, unlike the automatic resistance control the ProForm uses in conjunction with iFIT programming, you will need to use the knob (or controls on the handlebar) on Echelon bikes to control your resistance settings. However, you might like knowing that the magnetic resistance used in the EX-8s is durable and fairly quiet. 

You can read more about our experience in the Echelon EX-8s review. 

Echelon vs ProForm Rowing Machines

ProForm Rowing Machine

ProForm Pro R10 Rower

GGR Score: 3.9

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Product Highlights

• 24 levels of digital resistance
• Ergonomic, molded seat with oversized, steel seat rail
• Multi-position adjustable handlebars
• Pivoting pedals with adjustable straps
• Front transport wheels
• 10-inch smart HD touchscreen, 
• Audio auxiliary port
• Folding design
• Purchase includes a 3-year iFit family membership

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Free 3-year iFIT family membership included
• 24 levels of resistance
• Trainer-led automatic resistance control
• 90-inch pull strap
• Multi-position handlebars
• Comfortable seat

Cons

• Paltry warranty
• Reports of the belt losing tension at full extension
• Only a 250-lb weight capacity

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a tech-enhanced, high-quality, interactive rower, the ProForm Pro R10 may be for you.

Echelon Rowing Machine

Echelon Row-s Connected Rowing Machine

GGR Score: 4.9

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Product Highlights

• Swivel touchscreen
• Easy to assemble
• Resistance adjustments on the handle
• Silent
• Sturdy
• Variety of training programs

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 22” touchscreen that swivels
• Simple assembly
• Resistance can be changed via the handle
• Lots of different programs/training modalities

Cons

• Lots of plastic used to shroud the internals
• The handlebar has an aggressive angle that I personally don’t love
• Cannot be stored upright (although it can fold in half)

Bottom Line

This is a solid option for a rowing machine if you're unwilling to pay the price of the premium Hydrow.

Although a rarity for rowing machines, both ProForm and Echelon manufacture rowers that fold in half. This is especially handy because rowing ergs are long and take up a lot of floor space in your home gym. 

While ProForm rowers come in at a lower price point, the user weight capacity of 250 pounds won’t be suitable for all home gym owners. The ProForm R10 is the more expensive model but comes with a built-in touchscreen and iFIT capabilities for an array of fitness programs on the rower and workouts off the rower (including pilates and dumbbell strength training). 

Plus, ProForm machines offer auto-adjust technology which makes high-intensity interval training a breeze—especially when you’d otherwise have to pause your workout and take your hands off the handlebars to control the 26 levels of magnetic resistance. 

RELATED: Best Magnetic Rowing Machine

If automatic trainer control interests you, check out our in-depth ProForm Pro R10 review. 

The Echelon Row-s is the most comparable to the Pro R10. While it doesn’t feature automatic trainer control synced with the personal trainer on the screen, you will have Bluetooth controlled buttons in the center of the handlebar for changing resistance. 

Coop tested the Row-s and notes that, similar to the ProForm, you’ll be able to utilize the brand’s programming for on or off rower workouts. “I liked how large it is (22 inches) plus the ability to turn a complete 180 degrees to view other non-rowing programming off the machine,” says Coop. 

Additionally, the Row-s allows you to connect a heart rate monitor via Bluetooth for target heart rate training and general workout metrics. You can read more about Coop’s experience in the Echelon Row-s Connected Rowing Machine review. 

Echelon vs ProForm: Company Policies

Here is what you can expect for warranty policies, return policies, and financing with either brand: 

Warranty

With the exception of ProForm’s exercise bike lineup, all of the brand’s cardio equipment is covered with a 10-year frame warranty (and the exercise bikes come with 5-year frame warranties). Additionally, you will have either a one- or two-year policy on parts depending on the model and a one-year warranty policy on labor. 

It’s also worth noting that according to the ProForm website, the warranty policy does not cover freight damage, misuse, or abnormal usage. 

As for Echelon, the brand misses the mark quite a bit in the warranty department with just a one-year warranty for any piece of cardio equipment you purchase from the brand. You will have the option to purchase additional coverage at checkout, but you’ll only gain another two years for an additional $400 fee. 

RELATED: What Makes a Good Treadmill Warranty?

Return Policies

While Echelon misses the mark with warranties, the two brands are similar when it comes to return policies. 

Both Echelon and ProForm give you a 30-day window from your delivery date to make a return if you’re not totally satisfied with your equipment. With either company, you will be responsible for shipping fees. ProForm also has a 10% processing fee for returns. 

Financing Options

Both brands offer financing as low as 0% APR for qualified buyers based on credit history. ProForm provides financing uses TD Bank and offers loan terms between 12 to 39 months. 

Echelon offers financing through Citizens Bank with promotional rates ranging from 0% to 19.99% and standard purchases at 29.99% APR. 

Final Thoughts on Echelon vs ProForm

While there are many similarities between Echelon and ProForm cardio machines, there are also a handful of distinct differences. The truth is either brand has the potential to elevate your home gym experience depending on your personal goals and motivation. 

Here is an overview of the main differences between Echelon and ProForm as a whole: 

• Echelon interactive programming offers a leaderboard-style competition and live classes on a daily basis (which is comparable to Peloton). ProForm’s iFIT-enabled machines have mostly on-demand classes and a small selection of live events and races. 
• ProForm cardio machines automatically adjust resistance settings (and incline settings on treadmills) when using iFIT programming based on your personal trainer’s coaching cues. Some Echelon machines have Bluetooth handlebar controls, but it’s still a manual control. 
• ProForm offers longer warranty periods with 10 years on most machines (with the exception of the rowers). Echelon offers a sub-par one-year warranty on all machines. 
• While price ranges on some machines overlap, Echelon is generally more expensive. 

Echelon vs ProForm FAQs

Lauren Strong, CPT

Lauren is an NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer working with clients of all ages and skill levels. She specializes in coaching the squat, bench, and deadlift and enjoys introducing beginners to barbell training. Before becoming certified, she worked in marketing roles after graduating from the University of Maine with a BA in Journalism. Writing for Garage Gym Reviews blends her two passions: writing and lifting. Lauren spends her leisure time in the kitchen, reading fiction, and taking nature walks. She's also an avid downhill skier, learning how to ski when she was just two years old. She lives in Maine with her husband and two cats.

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