NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill Review (2023): Entry-Level Model With iFIT Capabilities

When it comes to budget treadmills, we know a thing or two about what makes a good deal. The NordicTrack T 6.5 S is a no-frills home treadmill that will help you get your steps in. This series is considered  entry-level for the brand, and although you won’t find this model on the NordicTrack website anymore—it was discontinued, and now the EXP series is the most budget-friendly—you can still purchase the T 6.5 S through retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

This treadmill has some respectable specs, including its foldability, as well as a 300-pound user weight capacity and 2.6 CHP motor. In this NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill review, I’ll break down who will benefit from this machine, some important considerations for this specific model, and what to expect in this price range.  

We’ve Put Dozens of Treadmill to The Test

The Garage Gym Reviews team of expert product testers has had hands-on experience with a multitude of different treadmills and brands. With a combined experience of assembling cardio machines, using cardio machines ourselves, and coaching clients to use these cardio machines, we have a pretty good sense of what works and what doesn’t.

NordicTrack T 6.5 S

Nordictrack T 6.5 S

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Product Highlights

• Entry-level foldable treadmill
• iFIT-compatible
• 20 on-board workouts
• 2.6 CHP motor

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Space-saver/folding deck
• 20 on-board workouts
• iFIT- and iPod-enabled
• 300 pound weight capacity
• Affordable
• Cushioned running deck
• Incline capability
• One-touch controls

Cons

• Requires a separate viewing device to take advantage of the benefits of iFit
• Small 5-inch display
• Customers consistently report that the T 6.5 S is very noisy
• Motor will not support sustained running

Bottom Line

The NordicTrack T 6.5 S is a value purchase with some notable features. WIth a foldable design and compact footprint, it is a great choice for those with small spaces looking to dive into the world of cardio.

A Quick Look at the NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill 

Prior to 2020, NordicTrack offered a budget-friendly line of treadmills called the T Series. The NordicTrack T Series treadmill models did a great job giving you all the mechanical specs you’d need for casual walking all the way to serious running. The T 6.5 S was eventually redesigned into the NordicTrack T 6.5 Si, which featured a 10-inch HD touchscreen. The Si treadmill has also been discontinued.

NordicTrack—sister brand to ProForm—revamped its entire inventory at the end of 2020 and replaced the T Series with a new line of affordable treadmills called the EXP series. The T Series is still one to consider, though, if you’re looking for a good entry-level machine at a discounted price from a respected brand. The model we’re diving into in this review, the T 6.5 S, is a utilitarian treadmill perfect for someone just starting out on a fitness journey, or who needs a simple option for walking and jogging. 

My Tips

• The T 6.5 S model is no longer available on the NordicTrack website, but can be found on Amazon and Walmart.com. 
• Although this model is not available to buy directly from NordicTrack, you should still receive the manufacturer’s warranty. 
• Although the machine itself is a no-frills option for treadmills, you can utilize your own device to stream iFIT.

Is the NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill Worth It?

This budget-friendly treadmill is going to be worth it for some people and not worth it for others (even with the price tag). I think it’s safe to say if a treadmill purchase helps you get closer to your fitness goals, the purchase is worth it. However, I will also say that this is not a high-tech product. This basic, no-frills model could be a really great investment if the latest technology is not your top priority.

NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill Specs

Because the T 6.5 S is no longer available on the NordicTrack website, these specs are based on what we gathered from Amazon and our knowledge of the NordicTrack brand.

Workout Experience on the NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill  

Although no one on our team has used this particular model, we have incredible familiarity with the NordicTrack brand and countless comparable models. Our testers have a lot of recent experience with iFIT programming and from what we’ve gathered, the setup process on the T 6.5 S will prompt you to create an iFIT account before you can get the treadmill to move and function for the first time. 

The monitor will prompt you to use the website to set up an account and get started with your free 30-day trial. Once set up with an account (where you’ll have to provide your credit card information), you’ll have the option to to cancel your membership before the 30-day trial is up. 

Although it’s not a huge deal to sign up for iFIT and later cancel if you don’t want to commit to interactive programming, I thought I would dig around to see if there was a workaround for the setup process. 

According to a handful of reviews and forums, you can hold down on the iFIT logo for 30 seconds to bypass the membership prompt. The logo is located under the right-hand corner of the monitor. I haven’t given this a try, but I thought it is worth mentioning if you want to use the machine sans iFIT.

Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that whatever route you choose with iFIT, there are 20 pre-programmed workouts to choose from that do not require an iFIT membership or internet access. 

The 5-inch backlit display gives you nothing but the basics: speed, distance, incline, heart rate, and calories burned. You can change speeds or incline at whole integers with easy-to-read one-touch controls on either side of the backlit monitor. For more refined controls, below the console there are up and down arrows allowing you to control your speed and incline at smaller decimals. 

Next to the display is an auxiliary input if you want to plug your smartphone or iPod in and use the built-in sound system. Although our product testers have not had our hands on this treadmill, I’ve read the speakers are just okay. 

Footprint, Portability, Durability, & Construction

For the price, I think the alloy steel construction that NordicTrack is known for is quite a deal. The build is super solid and doesn’t shake even if you decide to run. 

For folding treadmills, this folding mechanism is one of our favorites. This treadmill doesn’t fold flat, but instead features a space-saver design, and the EasyLift Assist with built-in hydraulics makes folding a breeze. The deck folds up toward the console and rests at an upward angle. From this position, it’s fairly easy to tip the treadmill slightly on to the wheels under the stabilizers and move it into a corner and out of the way. 

The T 6.5 S is a pretty compact machine—it’s quite a bit shorter than the popular NordicTrack Commercial 1750, one of our favorite treadmills and more similar in size to what you’d find in a commercial gym. That means it’s not going to take up your entire gym space to get your steps in.

The Ergonomics

The 55-inch-long running surface on the T 6.5 S will not make this machine suitable for all runners. Walking and jogging will be okay for most people, especially if you stand under six-feet tall. However, if you’re fairly tall, this running deck will feel awkward to take your full, natural strides at top speeds. 

Another feature I like about this treadmill is the ability to turn on or off the cushioning with NordicTrack’s FlexSelect cushioning feature. This is a great option if you want to lessen the impact on your joints or simulate road running. 

You’ll also find the traditional built-in features that you’ll find in the best treadmills like water bottle holders, smartphone or tablet shelf, bold start and stop buttons, and the safety key.

Technology Benefits and Conveniences

This machine, although not outfitted with a touchscreen and built-in iFIT capabilities, can connect to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. Why would you want to connect your phone and a treadmill, you ask? With an iFIT subscription, the personal trainers who lead interactive workouts can also control the treadmill incline, decline, and speed without you touching the console. 

This connectivity option also allows the treadmill and device to communicate so you get an accurate reading of the workout stats. For the price, this capability is a nice added touch.

iFIT Capabilities

Like most NordicTrack treadmills, the NordicTrack T 6.5 S can be connected to iFIT for access to hundreds of live or on-demand workouts. We personally didn’t test the treadmill’s iFIT capabilities but customer reviews indicate the process is painless and quick.

Once connected, you’ll use the screen to choose which workout you want to follow.

Comparison to the Horizon 7.0 AT and ProForm Carbon T7 

Given the specs of the NordicTrack T 6.5 S, we think the Horizon 7.0 AT treadmill and the Proform Carbon T7 are pretty comparable. For what it provides, the T 6.5 S is a great value. Check it out for yourself. 

RELATED: ProForm Carbon T7 review

Horizon 7.0 AT

Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill

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Product Highlights

• Priced under $1,000
• Spacious 60-inch running deck
• Bluetooth connectivity
• QuickDial controls for both the speed and incline

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 60” running surface
• 3.0 CHP motor
• Bluetooth connectivity with apps like Zwift, Peloton, and Nike Running Club
• 325 lb weight limit

Cons

• Heavy machine at over 250 lbs
• No included touchscreen
• 3-year parts warranty and 1-year labor warranties are less than the Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill

Bottom Line

For under $1,000, the Horizon 7.0 AT is a great option for people who want to use their treadmill to run.

ProForm Carbon T7

ProForm Carbon T7 Folding Treadmill

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Product Highlights

• Compact and foldable
• Cushioned running deck for longer runs
• Integrated speakers
• Cooling fans

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact
• Foldable
• Cushioned running deck
• Integrated speakers
• Cooling fans
• Free 30-day iFIT membership
• Financing available

Cons

• No onboard pre-programmed workouts
• Smaller running surface

Bottom Line

The ProForm Carbon T7 is an affordable folding treadmill with nice cushioning. Its folding design, added conveniences, and optionality for interactive programming are attractive to those with limited floor space.

Customer Experience 

When it comes to buying equipment on a third-party website, like Amazon, the warranty is something to go over carefully. Some manufacturers honor their standard warranty, while others do not unless it’s purchased directly through the manufacturer website or when a product is discontinued. 

In the case of the NordicTrack T 6.5 S, it is a discontinued model but the standard NordicTrack warranty on treadmills still exists: 10 years on the frame; two years on parts, and one year on labor.

When financing options are available on Amazon, there will be a text box under the price of the item detailing them. We noticed that out of our team of expert testers, those who have Prime memberships were offered financing options of $54 per month for 12 months (plus shipping, handling, and tax) with 0% interest when approved for the Prime Store Card. 

Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that Amazon generally accepts returns within the first 30 days of delivery for unused and unopened products.

Ordering and Assembling the NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill 

Based on the experience of our team’s product testers assembling other NordicTrack treadmills and customer reviews, I think you’ll need to carve out at least two hours on the assembling process—and a helping hand is recommended.  

On Amazon, there’s a professional assembly option available for $100 if you’d rather leave it to the experts. 

Final Verdict of Our NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill Review

This simple yet sturdy model is a great option for a budget treadmill. It’s built with solid alloy steel construction and has added conveniences we like to see on a  treadmill, like cupholders and a device shelf. 

• The T 6.5 S folding treadmill has an incredibly easy-to-use hydraulic system and a compact footprint.
• Its decent 2.6 CHP motor is suitable for walking and light jogging.
• A 300-pound user weight capacity works for a variety of users.
• iFIT capabilities are a nice added touch for this price point. 

Customer Reviews

Although there are no reviews of the NordicTrack T 6.5 S on the NordicTrack website, the reviews on Amazon are current, and customers are still buying this model. Overall, the reviews vary a lot, but it has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Most people, even in the good reviews, mentioned their qualms with the iFIT membership commitment.

In general, most customers were happy with the price of the machine and thought it was a valuable addition to their home gym. Most reviewers also reported the T 6.5 S felt sturdy, didn’t shake, and was easy-to-use (after the initial setup).  

NordicTrack T 6.5 S Rating

NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill

In our NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill review, we’ll hash out if this budget treadmill is going to become your favorite piece of cardio equipment.

Product Brand: NordicTrack

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 649.00

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
3.8

NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill Review FAQs

Lauren Strong, CPT

Lauren is an NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer with six years of experience working with clients of all skill levels. Lauren specializes in coaching the squat, bench, and deadlift and enjoys introducing beginners to barbell training. Before her career as a CPT, Lauren spent three years in a marketing role for credit unions after graduating from the University of Maine with a BA in Journalism. Lauren spends her leisure time trying new recipes, reading fiction, or taking nature walks. She lives in Maine with her husband and two cats.

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