NordicTrack T Series 6.5S Review: The Better Budget NordicTrack?

NordicTrack T Series 6.5S Review: The Better Budget NordicTrack?

The T Series 6.5S sits at £799, £100 above the T Series 5 at £699. For that extra £100, you get a meaningfully bigger running deck and higher weight capacity in exchange for a slightly less powerful motor (2.6 vs 2.7 CHP). If you’re choosing between the two entry-level NordicTracks, the decision comes down to your body, not the spec sheet.

The deck at 140 × 51 cm is 10 cm longer and 5 cm wider than the T5’s 130 × 46 cm. That’s a genuine step up. The width matches more expensive models like the T Series 8 and T9 at 51 cm. If you’re taller than 5 ft 10 or heavier than 100 kg, the 6.5S is the obvious choice.

What you’re working with

This is a use-your-own-device treadmill. The 5″ LCD console shows speed, distance, time, and calories, while a device shelf holds your phone or tablet for iFIT. Connect via Bluetooth and the treadmill responds to iFIT commands automatically. Twenty built-in workout programmes are loaded onto the machine for subscription-free use.

The 10 mph top speed and 10% incline are fine for walking, jogging, and moderate running. If you run at pace and need more than 10 mph, the T Series 8 at £1,164 is the next meaningful step up with 12.5 mph and a touchscreen.

The 0.1 CHP motor difference between the 6.5S and T5 is negligible in daily use. Both run at the same top speed with the same incline range and feel virtually identical during normal training.

Who is the 6.5S actually for?

The T Series 6.5S targets three specific buyers: taller users (5 ft 10+) who need a longer deck, heavier users (100-136 kg) who need the higher weight capacity, and anyone who jogs regularly rather than just walks. The 140 cm deck length gives taller users noticeably more room for natural stride length, and the 136 kg max user weight versus the T5’s 113 kg accommodates a much wider range of body types.

If you’re under 5 ft 10, weigh less than 100 kg, and primarily walk, the T5 at £699 saves you £100 and the smaller deck won’t limit you. If you’re taller, heavier, or jog regularly, the extra £100 for the 6.5S is well worth it for the bigger running surface and higher weight capacity.

Running on the 6.5S

At 10 mph top speed, the 6.5S accommodates walking, brisk walking, jogging, and moderate running. Most casual home joggers run at 5-7 mph, which is well within the 6.5S’s comfortable range. The 2.6 CHP motor handles these speeds smoothly and quietly. Where the 6.5S limits you is pace running. If you regularly run faster than 8 mph and want headroom for speed work, the T Series 8 at £1,164 with its 12.5 mph top speed and 3.0 CHP motor is the next meaningful step up.

The 10% incline is sufficient for adding intensity to walks and jogs. Hill walking at 4 mph and 8-10% incline provides a genuine cardiovascular challenge. More expensive NordicTrack models offer 12% (T Series 8+) and decline capability (Commercial range), but 10% covers the needs of most budget buyers.

iFIT without a touchscreen

The 6.5S doesn’t have a built-in touchscreen. Instead, you use iFIT through your own phone or tablet placed on the device shelf above the 5″ LCD console. Connect via Bluetooth and the treadmill responds to iFIT commands automatically, adjusting speed and incline to match your chosen workout or virtual route.

This works well but is obviously less immersive than the built-in touchscreens on models from the T8 upward. The 20 built-in workout programmes stored on the treadmill provide variety without any subscription, which is a practical option if you don’t want to pay for iFIT at all.

Noise and build quality

The 6.5S is quiet at walking speeds and reasonably quiet at jogging pace. The 2.6 CHP motor is unobtrusive. At higher speeds (8-10 mph), belt noise and foot strikes become more noticeable. SelectFlex cushioning on the soft setting helps dampen impact. For ground-floor use in a house, the 6.5S is fine at any time. For flat or apartment use, a treadmill mat is recommended and use during antisocial hours should be avoided.

Build quality is solid for the price. The 6.5S feels stable during use with no lateral wobble. SpaceSaver folding with EasyLift Assist allows the deck to fold vertically, roughly halving the floor space. At this price point, the build quality exceeds most competitors.

Assembly

Assembly is a two-person job and takes approximately 45-60 minutes. The 6.5S is lighter than the higher-end models, making it somewhat easier to handle during setup. Instructions are clear. Once assembled, transport wheels allow repositioning on hard floors.

More NordicTrack reviews: Every NordicTrack Treadmill Compared | T Series 5 Review | T Series 8 Review | Best Treadmill Under £500