Peloton Tread Treadmill Review – Pros & Cons (2023)

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Last Updated: January 3, 2023

On the heels of their 2021 recall, Peloton recently released a new treadmill to replace the original Tread+. While the Tread+ was a slat-belt treadmill, the new Peloton Tread (no plus), is more of a traditional treadmill with a single, sliding belt that rotates along the deck. This new Tread inclines up to 12% and has a similar interface and functionality as the original Tread+, with the addition of several valuable safety features. Peloton enthusiasts will love the crisp touchscreen and engaging Peloton content with many familiar cycling instructors crossing over to teach treadmill classes. The new Tread doesn’t fold up, so you’re committed to the footprint, and it is heavy to move, but the frame feels stable as you run, walk, or hike up an incline.

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Why You Should Trust Our Review Of The Peloton Tread

When it comes to treadmills, our team knows what makes good ones. We test all kinds of treadmills and assess everything from the motor, and the subscription (if it offers one), to the adjustment buttons, and even the level of noise our feet make when running on the deck. We use it like you would at home so we can help you determine if it’s best for you.

When testing the Peloton Tread, we compared it to comparable models like the NordicTrack 2450, NordicTrack X22i, Sole F85, and Horizon 7.8 AT, among others. This way we could get a good idea of how the Peloton Tread compares to these other popular treadmills and bring you this comprehensive review.

Our Peloton Tread Video Review

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In-depth Review of the Peloton Tread

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Construction

Peloton Tread Frame

The Peloton Tread is stable weighing in at around 290lbs (131kg). There are four adjustable levelers under the deck that can be modified in height so the Tread doesn’t rock around on your floor. The side rails are wide enough to stand on and I appreciate the low step-up height of just 8” (20cm). A modern design and minimalist styling make the Tread feel more like furniture than exercise equipment which is nice because it doesn’t fold up, so you are committed to the footprint in your home. While the airy design is attractive, there are a few caveats. Since the uprights connect directly to the frame rather than to separate stabilizers, when the deck moves, it causes the uprights to wobble slightly. This impacts the stability of the screen. We describe this as “screen wobble” in our video, but really it’s not the screen that wobbles as much as the uprights which support the screen. This could easily be resolved by separating the uprights from the frame or by adding an additional support beam to the uprights to create a full triangle. However, as I mentioned above, the frame itself is stable, it’s just the design of the uprights.

Treadmill Deck

• Cushioning/Feel
  • There are a few unique design features I appreciate about the Peloton Tread. The red centerline is visually appealing and provides a useful guide for a straight stride.
  • The Tread has acceptable cushioning; it is certainly better than running outdoors, but not as cushioned as other models. I foun d the cushioning to be on par with some of the best treadmills in the $1000-$1500 range, but not compatible with those in the $3400 range.
• Belt Length/Width
  • The Tread is 20” wide by 59” long. This is two inches narrower and one inch shorter than the Nordictrack 2450 or 2950 which are two comparably priced models. This isn’t a limiting size, as I mentioned our reviewer Matthew was able to run with enough room for a full stride. But it doesn’t provide extra length or width so you’ll need to rely on the center red line to make sure you have good running mechanics and stay straight on the belt as there’s no room to wander.
• Side Rails
  • The side rails provide a nice step-off point on either side of the belt and are wide enough for pretty much any size foot. However, they aren’t quite as textured as we’re used to and I wonder if possibly the rails could be slightly slippery when wet. Sweat is a reality when treadmill running and too much on the side rails could possibly be an issue.

Motor

The Tread has a 3.0 HP motor, which is roughly our recommended cut-off for running treadmills. Since long-term data on durability isn’t currently available, we have to go on how the motor feels and performs during testing. When running fast, long, or interval programs the motor provided immediate and responsive power. There was no lag at any point. Extended use by multiple users could tax the motor, but as it is, the 3.0HP performs well and feels sufficiently powered.

Console/Controls

Screen

The touchscreen is the crowning jewel on the Peloton Tread, which makes sense because buyers of this machine are essentially investing in the Peloton app and brand. Essentially, the minimalist design caters to full immersion with the app. There is a paucity of buttons, controls, or extemporaneous features on the Tread. Most functionality is embedded in the touchscreen which keeps the console clean. A compact water bottle tray and small shelf are the only physical features aside from the STOP button and safety key. Even the control knobs on the handrails are removed from the console to keep the overall design extremely sparse.

The touchscreen includes a front-facing soundbar, camera with a privacy shield, and USB-C port on the backside which is close enough to charge a compatible device in the front storage tray. There is no fan, which again keeps the console thin and light, but is one feature we missed during long, difficult training sessions.

I placed the Tread next to a Nordictrack 2950 to compare touchscreens. The NordicTrack 2950 has a 22” touchscreen and iFit is currently the only app that can really compete with Peloton when it comes to videography, user interface, and graphics. The Peloton screen is superior to the 2950. Content loads faster and the graphics and interface are brighter and crisper on the Peloton Tread. Touchscreen interface, HDMI quality, and graphics are the one area where Peloton consistently excels with both their Bike+ and Tread.

Controls

• Speed and Incline Knobs
  

  The knobs are positioned on either side of the handles.

  • Personally, I like the feel of the speed and incline knobs on the Peloton Tread. They have just a touch of texture, so even if your hands are sweaty, you should still be able to grab and move the knob without your fingers slipping. The jump button is easy to reach with the thumb and a quick “pop” jumps you up to the next even level for both speed and incline.
  • However, finding the right speed or incline is a bit of a guessing game. I found I got better at it the more I used the Tread, but at first, you just kind of spin the knob and hope you end up about the speed you want.
  • Sometimes I could turn the knob and nothing would happen; other times I turned it once or twice and it bumped me up several tenths of a mile per hour. While this doesn’t seem like much, the motor is relatively responsive, so you may find yourself sprinting at 6.8mph when you just wanted an easy 6.2mph. Micro adjustments matter when running, so having a more precise mechanism of increasing/decreasing speed would seem pertinent. It isn’t a dangerous design, but it is just a little functionally imprecise, even if it’s visually appealing.
• Touchscreen Controls
  • You can choose 3 preset incline and speed options on the screen to quickly tap when needed. This is handy, but not ideal. Preset buttons for each speed and incline — or a jump button that takes you up AND down — would be very useful.

Fans

There is no fan on the Tread. Fans are really useful, especially on a piece of equipment this size. As a piece of fitness equipment, the Tread will most likely be tucked into a corner or along a wall. This limits options a little for setting a fan close by. Also, at this price point it’s kind of annoying to have to also buy a fan separately. It would be nice if the Tread had a fan in the console.

Storage Tray

A plastic storage tray spans the width of the treadmill. It has two cup holders, one on each side. This tray is slightly small – but we tested it and it will hold a compact water bottle and phone.

Incline/Decline

The Tread will incline to 12.5% but it doesn’t decline. Comparatively, the NordicTrack 2950 and 2950 both incline to 15%, decline to -3% and have automated incline/decline and speed within the app. The Tread is missing a little functionality here since a little decline goes a long way in adding training variables and providing gentle conditioning to knees and quads.

Pre-programmed workouts

There are no pre-programmed workouts on the Tread. Unless you have a Peloton subscription, you can’t access any content. The only thing you see is the main screen. You can increase speed or incline and a gray bar along the bottom will display how fast you’re going, but that is all that is available without a subscription.

Peloton App Content

Predicated on the same user interface as the Bike, Tread classes are divided by category, instructor, distance, time and even music preference. The app doesn’t yet contain the same expansive library of running classes compared to cycling options, but there are still plenty of instructors and sessions available. A general overview of the Peloton Tread library includes:

• Live classes and On-Demand classes. Both classes feature a Leaderboard that ranks users by kilojoules.
  • Live classes are scheduled so you can join a live-stream and participate in a class as it is happening.The Schedule tab displays upcoming live classes. Live classes rank users in real time based on their kilojoule output.
  • On-Demand classes are recorded classes you can select anytime. Leaderboard rankings can be divided by: “Here Now” and “All Time.”
    • Here Now ranks those who are doing the class at the same time.
    • All Time ranks everyone who has ever taken the class.
• Class options include bootcamp, intervals, walking and running.
• Outdoor routes are now available
• Just Run: This is basically manual mode. You create your own route and pace while the Tread keeps track of your metrics.
• Scenic Run: This is a drone-shot landscape video that plays on the screen.
  • These are divided by: Time, Distance, and Guided
  • The Timed runs are a set duration, so regardless of how fast you run the route is over at the conclusion of the predetermined time.
  • Distance routes follow a certain outdoor video course, but you can complete the route faster if you run faster. This is kind of a cool feature. I ran a 10k and completed the route in my usual time. The faster you run, the faster the program plays, so it looks like you are actually running as the videography plays out in front of you.
  • There are currently only a handful of Guided runs, but we anticipate Peloton will add more of these as time goes on.

What we love about Peloton classes:

• Instructors are interactive and engaging. We’ve tested several fitness subscription services by various companies and Peloton is among the best. Their instructors are engaging and since the camera is on them 100% of the time, they interact regularly with both the studio class and online members.
• Peloton trainers give cues about form and function while you exercise. While you aren’t in a real class with a trainer who can actively correct posture and form, Peloton instructors do a good job at cueing general instruction that helps users self-correct.
• There is a wide variety of classes with daily updated content. You won’t get bored with class options or a variety of instructors.
• The Leaderboard gives you an idea of where you rank compared to other users. This is a fun feature that makes Peloton competitive and challenging.
• The classes all include Closed Captioning, which is a great benefit to those who need this service.

Storage / Folding

The Tread does not fold up. The large wheels on the front of the deck make it possible to lift and roll it if needed. But the machine is heavy and isn’t designed to be moved often. We recommend placing your Tread where you plan to use it and not moving it repeatedly for both your safety and that of the Tread.

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