If you're in search of a budget treadmill that doesn't compromise on quality and performance, then you need to take a serious look at the low priced offerings from NordicTrack. Today we compare two of the most popular treadmills in their range; the C700 and the T6.5 Si. We'll put them head to head to help you to decide which one best meets your fitness needs.
At a Glance
Both of these budget treadmills are designed for power walking rather than for serious runners. The T6.5 Si is cheaper, has a wider running belt, and a better warranty. With most other features being the same, the T6.5Si wins out in our head to head comparison and is the better choice.
Nordictrack C700 | Nordictrack T6.5 Si |
|---|---|
 |  |
Released: 2016 | Released: 2018 |
Dimensions: 1.9 m x 91 cm x 1.7 m | Dimensions: 1.7 m x 91 cm x 1.9 m |
Belt Size: 51 cm x 1.4 m | Belt Size: 56cm x 1.4m |
CHP: 2.75 | CHP: 2.6 |
Top Speed: 10 mph | Top Speed: 10 mph |
Workout Programs: 10 | Workout Programs: 10 |
Display/Screen
Both the C700 and the T6.5 Si provide you with an LCD display screen. Only the T6.5 Si provides you with a touchscreen. Both displays give you feedback on your training performance. The C700 gives you the following data points:
- Calorie Burn Rate bar
- Incline
- Distance
- Time
- Pulse
- Pace
- Speed
The T6.5 Si is a little more extensive than the C700, with the following metrics displayed:
- Speed
- Time
- Distance
- Calories
- Heart rate
- Incline
Number of workout programs and iFit
Both of these treadmills come with 20 onboard workout programs that have been designed by world-class personal trainers. However, they both also come with a 12-month iFit subscription. This provides you with access to thousands of workouts from around the world. These workouts include yoga, cross-training, and circuit workouts in addition to the running classes.
Running Belt
The running belt on both the C700 measures 20 x 55 inches. While this offers plenty of width, the length is a problem. Larger people (those over six feet tall) will have a problem getting a full natural stride length when running on this machine.
The running belt on the C6.5 Si measures 22 x 55 inches. The extra two inches in width provides extra room for large people to move, but the length is no greater than on the C700.
The C700 and the T6.5 Si provide you with adjustable FlexSelect cushioning. This gives you the option of running with maximum joint protection or turning the cushioning off to better simulate on-road conditions.
Motor
The C700 is powered by a 2.75 CHP motor. This provides a smooth, natural running belt motion and a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour. The T6.5 Si's motor is a little less powerful, at 2.6 CHP. However, it also includes reduced vibration and self-cooling technology to provide a very smooth movement and enhanced motor maintenance.
Incline Levels
Both the C700 and the T6.5 Si come with auto incline functionality. This allows you to dramatically increase the intensity of your running workout. They both provide you with a maximum incline of 10 percent. However, neither of them provides you with a decline.
HR monitoring
The only heart rate monitoring on either of these treadmills is the standard handheld monitoring. This is a rather inaccurate method. Unfortunately, neither of them are set up to accommodate wireless heart rate monitoring.
Comfort
The NordicTrack C700 provides you with an auto breeze fan that speeds up as you run faster. It also has built-in 2-inch speakers as well as an aux music port. This allows you to connect your smartphone or tablet. There is no built-in fan on the T6.5 Si.
The Nordictrack T6.5 Si provides you with a water bottle holder, which the C700 does not have. They both provide a device shelf to securely hold your tablet or smartphone.
Connectivity
Both of these treadmills provide you with Bluetooth connectivity.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the C700 are 73.5" L x 35.5" W x 60.4" H. This compares to 67.5" L x 36" W x 73" H on the T6.5Si. From this, we can see the C700 is a slightly larger treadmill.
Max user weight
Both of these treadmills provide a maximum user weight of 300 pounds. They are also both foldable.
Build Quality
The 300-pound weight capacity is a good indication that both of these machines have a pretty sturdy frame. However, the fact that they are both foldable makes them slightly less robust than a non-folding version. The quality of the running track on the C700 isn't great as it is single ply and comes with relatively small rollers.
Warranty
The C700 provides you with the following warranty:
- 10-Year Frame Warranty 25-Year Parts Warranty 1-Year Labor Warranty
The warranty on the T6.5 Si is more generous, providing the following:
- Lifetime Frame Warranty 25-Year Motor Warranty 1-Year Parts Warranty 1-Year Labor Warranty.
Price
Both of these treadmills can be purchased for between five hundred and one thousand dollars. The C700, however, is a couple of hundred dollars more expensive than the T6.5 Si.
What others are saying
Both of these treadmills are popular with online reviewers. Buyers of the T6.5 Si love the smooth and quiet running belt operation, the free 12-month iFit membership, and, of course, the price point. When it comes to the C700, many of the same things were mentioned. However, a number of people found the running belt to be too restrictive, especially when people taller than six feet tried to power walk on it.
Final Thoughts:
The NordicTrack C700 and the T6.5 Si are very similar in terms of the features and dimensions that they provide. The key difference between them is the sightly larger running belt on the T6.5 Si. Neither machine is built for serious running, with the max 10 mph speed more suitable for fast power walking. The warranty on the T6.5 Si is more generous than on the C700, and it costs less. For those reasons, we would go with the T6.5 Si in a head to head match up.