Matrix TF30 Treadmill Review: An Expert’s Hot Take

Dimensions/Storability

A handy feature of the TF30 is that it folds up to almost 90 degrees to make storing it easier. So, the back end of the deck doesn’t angle out quite as far as the NordicTrack 2450 or Sole F85. The TF30 also has four transport wheels to make it easier to move around.

The Matrix can also be moved when it is folded up.

The Matrix TF30 has unfolded dimensions of 77” long, 35” wide, and 62 inches high. Folded, it becomes 42” L x 35” W x 71” H. The TF30 has a 15% incline, so it requires a minimum ceiling height of about 8’ for a 6’ runner to use the full incline comfortably.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

Depending on what console you purchase with the TF30, you get different options. We have the XIR display.

Preloaded Apps, iFIT, And Workout Content

When you order the TF30, there are 3 different console options depending on your preference and budget. They each vary in screen size and overall functionality. As mentioned above, we have the XIR display that has a 16” touchscreen as well as many preloaded apps and features.

We’re impressed with all the options on the XIR display.

Preloaded Apps

The XIR display comes with several preloaded apps that you can simply log into your account for and use. So, apps like Netflix, Hulu, Facebook, and Flipboard require you to log into your account or create one if you don’t have one.

All of the app choices let you watch and read all kinds of content while you work out. Once you click on one of the apps, the treadmill requires you to start a workout if you aren’t already in one.

When you’re logged into your created account on the treadmill, your weight and login information within the app will be saved. You’ll remain logged into the apps when you use your profile on the treadmill, too. I really like all of the app options available.

One app in particular that gives you even more options is the web browsing feature. You can search Google or browse your favorite websites that aren’t already preloaded onto the treadmill. There is only one tab available to use in this feature, and every time you start a new workout, it defaults to a blank Google search page. So, a previously opened website won’t be saved for your next workout.

Plus, if all of the 14 apps aren’t enough, you can plug in an HDMI cord and mirror content from your phone/tablet to stream basically whatever you want. You can also plug in a device like an Amazon Fire Stick and use the screen like a television.

iFIT

Good news, iFIT members! The Matrix TF30 is iFIT enabled, so you can log into your account and access the extensive library of workouts. The workouts are on-demand and available for the treadmill as well as on the mat, like yoga and stretching.

iFIT features like SmartAdjust automatically adjust the treadmill when the trainer gives cues, just as it does on other iFIT-enabled equipment such as the x22i and 2450 treadmills from NordicTrack. Active Pulse can also be used on the TF30 when you connect the compatible heart rate monitor chest strap.

What’s really nice is that iFIT is not required in order to use the Matrix TF30 like it is on the NordicTrack 2450 and x22i. So, if you’re not a member and are not interested in subscribing to iFIT, don’t worry because you can still fully use the treadmill’s features outside of iFIT.

Workout Content

Beyond entertainment and fitness apps, there are onboard Matrix Training Workouts. These include a manual mode so you can simply hop on and go, a custom mode, rolling hills mode, intervals incline mode, various goal-oriented workouts, and some target heart rate workouts.

A really cool workout feature is the Virtual Active feature. Here, you can explore trails in the American Northeast and Northern Rockies. Once you pick from one of these two regions, the workout will start on one of the trails, and you can skip to other available trails from there. These workouts are not led by an instructor but instead by a camera moving through real outdoor trails to simulate the experience of running/walking outside.

In Virtual Active, you can listen to the available music or mute it and listen to the sound effects or mute them. You can also see the name of the trail you are on and where it is located.

Another great aspect of the TF30 is that it has the Sprint 8 program integrated as well. Sprint 8 is a HIIT workout program that automatically adjusts the treadmill depending on your intensity. Once you choose your fitness level, you can use the preset or custom workouts. You can also choose to watch or just listen to Sprint 8’s creator Phil Campbell explain and discuss the benefits of the program if you’re interested in learning more.

Both the Virtual Active and Sprint 8, as well as the onboard workouts, can be used without a wifi connection, which we really like.

The TF30 treadmill is also Bluetooth-enabled to connect to a compatible heart rate monitor and headphones.

Console

The XIR console on the TF30 functions like a tablet and is easy to use. When compared to treadmills from NordicTrack, the screen is definitely thicker on the TF30 and it reminds me of televisions from the ’90s. Looks can be deceiving however because this is one of my favorite consoles to navigate. Plus, it doesn’t move even when running at high speeds.

While there isn’t a fan built into the console, we didn’t miss it because of the other features, like the front-facing speakers.

We really like the functionality of the XIR console on the TF30. My only complaint with the console is that the touchscreen sits a little further back and doesn’t adjust. This made it harder for me to reach the screen at times. I do have shorter arms and am short at just over 5’ tall, so taller users and users with longer arms shouldn’t have a problem. Doing things like typing into Google or playing Solitaire required me to move further forward on the deck.

In spite of this, it’s still one of my favorite consoles. Our team also likes how the motor performs. It’s quiet, which makes watching Netflix really nice and powerful enough to handle long-term use. We’ll continue to update this review the longer we have this treadmill to let you know how it holds up over time.

Many fitness machines have speakers on the back that project the sound away from you, but the Matrix TF30’s can be heard loud and clear. The volume also goes up exceptionally high, so you’re sure not to miss a cue from your iFIT instructor or a witty line on your favorite TV show.
We do wish there were more options for quick-touch speed/incline controls that can be found on other treadmills like ones from Sole and NordicTrack.

These make jumping from different inclines/speeds easy. The XIR console does have a nice feature that lets you switch back to your previous speed and incline level. So, when you manually do high to low-speed and incline intervals, this is pretty handy.

This feature can be found on the right and left sides of the touchscreen above the current speed and incline displays. You can also type in which level of incline and resistance you want to go to, although this is a little challenging to do while running.

Otherwise, you have to press the up arrow on the touchscreen or on the console and watch the speed increase by 0.1 increments. If you hold down the speed buttons, they will change by 1.0 increments, but it’s still a little frustrating, especially when you want to hop between fast and slow speeds.

Increasing/decreasing the incline is a little more seamless. By pressing down the arrows on the left side of the touchscreen or console, you can change the incline by 0.5%. When you hold them down, they quickly change to easily go all the way up to the max 15% or down to 0%.
There are 2 cup holders that hold my 22oz water bottle securely so it doesn’t rattle.

There’s also extra storage connected to each cup holder for items like wallets and keys. I was also able to fit my phone in them. When you connect your tablet/phone there is a device tray below the speakers that is convenient and secure as well.

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Build Quality

We like that it feels stable and is easy and comfortable to use.

Beyond the extensive entertainment choices, the Matrix TF30 is also a really solid and quiet treadmill.

Frame

Matrix describes the frame as being heavy-duty, and our team agrees. It feels really sturdy, yet it isn’t bulky. The steel uprights attach to the frame and connect to the console and the single handle.

I really like this handle. The pulse grips are on either side, so they’re easy to use. From the sides, the handle connects to the front to make one handle. It’s convenient to use, especially if you have balance issues and need to grab the handle frequently while walking. That’s why we suggest it for seniors.

You can literally grab this handle anywhere, and it’s slim enough to have a firm grip.

This makes the handle a little more functional than the Life Fitness Run CX treadmill, which has two handles on either side and two separate smaller handles with pulse grips in front.

Motor

The TF30 has a 3.25 HP motor that feels hearty, consistent and is actually pretty quiet, even when used at its max speed of 12.5 mph. When side by side, it was a little bit quieter than the NordicTrack 2450 treadmill. This motor size is also good to handle running for longer periods of time too.

The incline motor is quiet as well. It’s not quite as quiet as the Sole F85, which is practically silent, but it’s fairly close.

Although the Matrix TF30 can increase by up to 15%, we found that this feature might not be accessible to all users. At a 15% incline, the belt can slip and not maintain the inputted speed, especially with heavier users. This means that the weight of the user causes the belt to move faster than the speed at which it was set.

The TF30 does have a 350 lb weight capacity, but when our largest reviewer, who is 230 lbs, used the treadmill fully inclined, a message reading “Speed Range Error” popped up, and the workout immediately ended.

When he only had it inclined to about 10% – 10.5%, he didn’t have this problem. I even had the same problem. I could feel the belt speeding up and not keeping a steady speed when walking at lower speeds than 2.5 mph. I’m about 125 lbs in comparison. So, we don’t recommend using this treadmill at the max 15% incline.

I didn’t have an issue with speed when I declined it to 13%, as shown here.

This is pretty disappointing, and we hope to see Matrix work on fixing this issue in the future. The entertainment, workouts, and overall quality of the TF30 surpass this issue for us, though. If you want to use a treadmill at higher inclines, then we recommend checking out the X22i and X32i incline trainers from NordicTrack.

Deck

We consider this to be a more compact treadmill because it has a smaller deck. The Life Fitness Run CX, Sole F85, and even the NordicTrack x22i all have running surfaces that are 22” x 60”.

The running surface on the Matrix TF30 is 20” x 55”. In our testing, we’ve found that decks shorter than 60” aren’t long enough for some users’ stride lengths.

If you have a longer running stride and a bit more room to run on, this deck might not be best for you to do so. Walking and light jogging shouldn’t be an issue for most users, though.
The deck also has pretty low foot noise and a low profile.

The step-up height is about 8”, which is very similar to that of the F85. The noise of the deck when I ran sounded pretty quiet, like the Run CX treadmill.

The cushioning is also sufficient. While it doesn’t feel as soft as treadmills from NordicTrack like the x22i and 2450, it doesn’t feel quite as stiff as the Sole F85 or Life Fitness Run CX either.

Warranty

Matrix offers a nice warranty for the TF30. There is a lifetime warranty for the frame, motor, and cushioning, a 5-year warranty for parts, and a 2-year warranty for labor.
They also include a white-glove delivery and installation so you don’t have to worry about putting it together yourself.

Should You Buy the Matrix TF30 Treadmill

The Matrix TF30 is a great option for a treadmill user who wants a powerful but compact treadmill. The different console options are priced differently, and we really liked the premium option, the XIR console, that we received. This large touchscreen console has tons of training and entertainment options.

The TF30 is a good choice for walkers and runners. While it has a nice incline range, we were a little disappointed with how the treadmill performed when inclined to its max. The belt slipped, which was especially problematic for larger users. The belt length may also be a little too short for runners with a long stride.

Another feature we really liked about the TF30 was how quiet it was. Even your foot noise is pretty low on the TF30. This feature, plus its compact design, makes it a great pick for anyone who wants an unobtrusive treadmill. The TF30 also has four transport wheels that make it easier to move around. It would make a great addition to a home with or without a dedicated workout space.

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Matrix TF30 Treadmill Q&A / FAQ

Is the Matrix TF30 a good treadmill?

The Matrix TF30 is a good treadmill for runners and walkers who want a compact folding treadmill. The console options are very different, but the touchscreen options give users access to a wide variety of content. The TF30 may not be the best option for larger runners because the belt tends to slip when the treadmill is inclined, and the 55” deck may be too short for some users’ strides.

Is Matrix a good treadmill brand?

Matrix makes both commercial and residential treadmills. They are a reputable brand that has been making treadmills since 2001. Matrix treadmills have club-quality builds and great training and entertainment options.

What is the warranty on the Matrix TF30?

The Matrix TF30 has a lifetime warranty on the frame, cushioning, and motor. There is a 5-year warranty for parts and a 2-year warranty for labor.

What are the dimensions of the Matrix TF30?

The Matrix TF30’s dimensions are 77” x 35” x 62” unfolded and 42” x 35” x 71” folded. It has a 20” x 55” running deck with about an 8” step-up height.

Is your Matrix TF30 Treadmill review a paid review?

Our Matrix TF30 Treadmill review is not a paid review. We receive treadmills and other fitness equipment from brands for free most of the time. The brand does not pay us for our review or provide instructions for conducting the review. Our process is all our own. To continue to do what we love, the links on this page are affiliate links.

We receive a commission when you make a purchase through these links. Because we have this same relationship with the most popular treadmill brands (NordicTrack, Sole, Matrix, Horizon, Bowflex, etc.), we are able to give our honest opinions on a machine. We are impartial to which treadmill brand you personally decide is right for you.

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