Is a 24" screen worth it on a treadmill? Does it improve results?

If you're comparing smart treadmills and see the price jump by several hundred dollars for a larger screen, it's fair to ask whether that difference really matters. Is a 24-inch display just a flashy upgrade that looks good in the showroom but barely affects how you train?

The answer depends on how you use your treadmill. For most people, screen size affects workout consistency more than expected—not because of the hardware itself, but because of how a larger display changes the workout experience.

Here's what the research, comparisons, and available data show.

Why screen size matters

On a smart treadmill, the screen is your workout environment. It's where you watch your trainer and track your metrics. It’s what keeps you focused.

A smaller screen makes it harder to stay engaged. You squint to read pace numbers, miss a trainer cue, or glance at your phone. These small interruptions accumulate over a 45-minute session and make the workout feel less seamless.

A 24-inch display reduces those disruptions. Your stats are easy to read. The trainer fills your field of view. You don’t need to lean in or refocus. You just run.

That may sound like a comfort feature, but comfort during exercise affects performance. Research on adherence to exercise programs suggests that enjoyment and perceived effort are associated with how likely people are to complete workouts and stick with regular training¹. A screen that keeps you engaged may contribute to that consistency.

How a larger display supports consistency

One workout doesn’t change your fitness. Doing them regularly does.

Consistency is what drives results, and a 24-inch screen can support it. A more immersive workout experience may help some users stay engaged, and exercise enjoyment has been associated with stronger exercise habits and greater intention to continue exercising over time¹.

The NordicTrack X24 Treadmill is designed around that idea. The 24-inch touchscreen isn’t an add-on; it’s the centerpiece of the experience, meant to keep you focused through difficult intervals, not just easy runs.

Over time, that added engagement leads to more completed workouts and steadier progress. The screen doesn’t burn calories, but it helps you stay on the machine long enough to reach your goals.

Trainer visibility and real-time metric tracking

During a tough workout, you often need quick access to information—heart rate, pace, or remaining time. On a 10-inch screen, those numbers are small and easy to miss. On a 24-inch display, they’re in clear view, so you can make adjustments instantly.

For athletes following structured programs, this visibility matters. Clear feedback during high-intensity intervals helps maintain pacing, make quick adjustments, and track progress accurately. Reliable sensors and calibration are part of that. The best display can’t help if the treadmill’s speed and distance readings are off, which is why NordicTrack’s Commercial Series machines focus on consistent, accurate performance.

Comparing the 24" experience to smaller screens and tablet setups

Not everyone needs a 24-inch screen, but it helps to understand the trade-offs.

The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 runs iFIT and tracks your metrics on a 14-inch display. For many users, that’s enough. The workouts and mechanical performance are the same.

The Commercial 2450 includes a 16-inch display for a somewhat more immersive experience at a moderate price.

At 24 inches, though, immersion increases. Global route runs feel more lifelike, trainer-led sessions feel like studio classes, and metrics remain fully visible. The experience shifts from practical to deeply engaging.

Tablet setups offer flexibility and a lower price, but they bring complications—managing connections, separate devices, and screens that don’t integrate with treadmill controls. That extra effort can make workouts easier to skip.

How iFIT changes on a 24" display

iFIT powers NordicTrack’s connected workouts. On any screen, it offers trainer-led sessions and automatic incline and speed adjustments.

On a 24-inch display, the experience feels different. When a trainer leads a workout through mountain routes, the view fills your vision instead of sitting in a small window. SmartAdjust personalizes intensity, and ActivePulse monitors heart rate to stay in the right zone. These features are more effective when the screen clearly shows the details.

A larger screen also helps in sessions that track multiple metrics—pace, incline, heart rate, and effort—at once. You can monitor everything at a glance instead of scrolling, keeping your focus on running instead of the interface.

For frequent iFIT users, this is where the 24-inch upgrade delivers the most benefit.

Is the price difference justified?

The X24 costs more than smaller NordicTrack models, and that difference matters. If you already train consistently and don’t need visual engagement to stay motivated, a 14-inch or 16-inch display is fine. The workouts and performance are identical.

If visual immersion helps you stay engaged or stick with workouts long-term, the 24-inch screen makes a meaningful difference. The key question is whether it will make you more likely to use your treadmill regularly over the next few years.

If the answer is yes, the upgrade pays off. Consistency matters more than screen size, and exercise enjoyment has been linked to greater adherence and frequency of participation¹.

Treadmill accuracy and sensor reliability

Screen size tends to get the attention in premium models, but accuracy and sensor reliability are just as important.

Distance readings, speed calibration, and sensor performance determine whether your stats reflect true effort. If your treadmill shows 6.5 mph when you’re running 6.0, your training data becomes flawed. Over time, inaccurate tracking skews progress.

NordicTrack’s Commercial Series treadmills are built for accurate performance in everyday use, not just test conditions. The display enhances your workout, but the hardware underneath ensures the data is trustworthy.

Next steps: finding the right screen size for your goals

If you want a fully immersive home training experience, the X24 is a premium option to consider. If you’re weighing price against screen size, the Commercial 2450 and Commercial 1750 provide balanced choices with the same iFIT platform.

If you’re deciding which model fits your space and budget, the NordicTrack treadmill buying guide outlines key factors, and the best home treadmills page summarizes the full range.

The right screen size is the one that keeps you using your treadmill regularly. Everything else follows from that.

References

1. Frontiers in Psychology. Enjoyment as a Predictor of Exercise Habit, Intention to Continue Exercising, and Exercise Frequency: The Intensity Traits Discrepancy Moderation Role.

Disclaimer: The primary purpose of this blog post is to inform and entertain. Nothing on the post constitutes or is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided on the blog is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, and please consult your doctor or other health care provider before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information available on this blog. NordicTrack assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.