NordicTrack Commercial 1750 vs MERACH Auto-Incline Treadmill
Updated · Price Drop Radar
Bottom line
These are two different classes of treadmill. The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a full-size machine with a 20 x 60 in belt, a speed up to 12 mph, an incline from -3% to 12%, and iFit classes on a swiveling touchscreen. Reviewed has called it the best treadmill it has tested, and Garage Gym Reviews scored it 4.4 out of 5. The MERACH is a folding treadmill with a shorter 18 x 47 in belt, a top speed of 8.7 mph and an 18% incline, at a fraction of the price. We found no independent test of the MERACH, so what we know about it comes from the maker. Pick the NordicTrack for running, decline training and coaching. Pick the MERACH for walking, hill climbs and a small budget.
NordicTrack Commercial 1750
MERACH 18% Auto-Incline Treadmill
Side by side
| Spec | NordicTrack Commercial 1750 | MERACH 18% Auto-Incline Treadmill |
|---|---|---|
| Belt size [1][3] | 20 x 60 in | 18 x 47 in |
| Speed [1][3] | 0.5 to 12 mph | Up to 8.7 mph |
| Incline [1][3] | -3% decline to 12% incline | Up to 18%, in 18 levels, no decline |
| Motor [3] | Not stated in the sources we read | 3.5 HP brushless, per MERACH |
| Screen [1][2][3] | 14 in HD touchscreen that tilts and swivels, per Reviewed (Garage Gym Reviews lists 16 in) | LCD showing time, speed, distance and calories |
| Programming [1][2][3] | iFit classes with auto-follow; 30-day trial, then $39 a month | MERACH app with coach plans |
| Cushioning [2][3] | RunnersFlex deck, which you can turn off | 7-layer belt and 12 shock absorbers, per MERACH |
| Noise [1][2][3] | Quiet: Reviewed heard no squeaks and little noise when changing speed or incline | Below 45 dB, per MERACH |
| Folding [1][2][3] | Folds with SpaceSaver design and EasyLift assist; 80 x 38 x 65 in | Hydraulic fold in 30 seconds |
| Weight limit [3] | Not stated in the sources we read | 350 lb |
| Independent tests [1][2][3] | Reviewed and Garage Gym Reviews | None found; maker specs only |
| Price [1][2] | $2,499 at Reviewed's test; around $2,000 at Garage Gym Reviews | Check the live price |
NordicTrack Commercial 1750
- Reviewed's best treadmill of all it has tested
- Decline training, which few treadmills offer
- Big belt, 12 mph, and good iFit classes
- Expensive, and iFit costs $39 a month after the trial
- Reviewed saw jumpiness in the deck on startup
- Garage Gym Reviews says the warranty is voided if you use or store it in a garage
MERACH 18% Auto-Incline Treadmill
- Steeper 18% incline for hill walks and climbs
- Much lower price
- Folds in 30 seconds, per MERACH
- No independent test, so quality and durability are unconfirmed
- Shorter 47 in belt and a top speed of 8.7 mph
- No decline, and a basic LCD
Which one is right for you
| If you are | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Run regularly, including faster paces | NordicTrack Commercial 1750 | 60 in belt and 12 mph |
| Want decline training | NordicTrack Commercial 1750 | -3% decline |
| Walk or hike indoors on a budget | MERACH 18% Auto-Incline Treadmill | 18% incline for much less money |
| Want live classes | NordicTrack Commercial 1750 | iFit with auto-follow |
| Small space | MERACH 18% Auto-Incline Treadmill | Folds in 30 seconds, per MERACH |
What to look for
How you'll use it
Why it matters: Runners need a longer belt and higher speed. Walkers need a steep incline more than speed.
How to check: Think about your pace and stride length.
Watch out: The NordicTrack's belt is 60 in and reaches 12 mph. The MERACH's belt is 47 in and tops out at 8.7 mph.
Incline and decline
Why it matters: Incline raises effort at a gentle speed. Decline trains downhill running.
How to check: Decide whether you want climbs, downhills or both.
Watch out: The MERACH climbs to 18%. The NordicTrack goes from -3% to 12%, and Reviewed says few treadmills it has tested go downhill.
Ongoing cost
Why it matters: A subscription adds to the price over time.
How to check: Add up the monthly fee for the years you'll own it.
Watch out: Reviewed says iFit renews at $39 a month after a 30-day trial. A one-year plan was $336.
Proof of quality
Why it matters: Independent testing shows how a treadmill holds up.
How to check: Look for tests of the exact model you buy.
Watch out: Reviewed and Garage Gym Reviews tested the NordicTrack. We didn't find an independent test of the MERACH.
Where it lives
Why it matters: Warranties often exclude garages and damp spaces.
How to check: Read the warranty terms before you choose a spot.
Watch out: Garage Gym Reviews says the NordicTrack warranty is voided if it is used or stored in a garage.
Traps and timing
- The Amazon listing for the NordicTrack covers the Commercial 1250, 1750 and 2450 together. Reviews on this page are for the 1750, so confirm the model and screen size you select.
- The MERACH listing covers 15% and 18% models with different belt sizes. The specs here are from MERACH's page for the 18% T31B1, so confirm the exact model on the listing.
- Garage Gym Reviews lists a 16 in screen for the updated 1750, while Reviewed lists 14 in. Check the current spec sheet.
- Reviewed's $2,499 and Garage Gym Reviews' $2,000 are from different dates. Check the live Amazon price.
- Garage Gym Reviews says the NordicTrack warranty is voided if the treadmill is used or stored in a garage.
Before you check out
- Decide whether you will run or mostly walk.
- Check the belt length against your stride.
- Decide whether you want decline or an 18% climb.
- Add up subscription costs.
- Confirm the exact model and screen on the listing.
- Check the live Amazon price.
How we put this together
We don't test treadmills in a lab. We compared the makers' published specs, the Amazon listings and independent reviews, all listed under Sources, and where they disagree we say so. Prices come from Amazon and are refreshed by our system throughout the day.
Price Drop Radar earns a commission on qualifying Amazon purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. That never decides which product we recommend.
Quick answers
Which treadmill is better for running?
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750, with a 20 x 60 in belt and a speed up to 12 mph. The MERACH's belt is 47 in long and tops out at 8.7 mph.
Which has a steeper incline?
The MERACH, at up to 18%. The NordicTrack goes up to 12% and also declines to -3%.
Does the NordicTrack need a subscription?
It runs without iFit, but classes and auto-follow need it. After a 30-day trial it renews at $39 a month, per Reviewed.
Has the MERACH been independently tested?
We didn't find an independent test. The specs here come from MERACH's own page.
Can I fold either one?
Yes. The NordicTrack folds with SpaceSaver and EasyLift, and the MERACH uses a hydraulic fold.
Sources
- NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill Review, Reviewed
- NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Review, Garage Gym Reviews
- MERACH Treadmill with 18% Auto Incline (T31B1), MERACH