Sole F80 vs F85 Treadmill Comparison: Which One Is Better?

Dimensions/Storability

The Sole F80 and F85 differ slightly in their construction and features; however, they are the same size. The F85 is heavier at 319 lbs, compared to 274 lbs for the F80. Both treadmills are substantial in size and weight, so we recommend having enough floor space and ceiling clearance to use them safely, as we do with all treadmills.

Sole treadmills have wheels underneath the frame that make it very easy to move.

Most folding treadmills only have two transportation wheels, so they must be tilted back to engage the wheels. Even though both treadmills are significant in weight, moving them isn’t too difficult. I would try to keep them in the area where you plan on using them the majority of the time, though.

To fold, you just have to lift the back end of the deck. Assistance kicks in to help you lift it. These decks feel a little heavier than other folding treadmills, so keep this in mind. You aren’t lifting the entire weight of the decks, but they don’t feel as light as others. Each has a yellow handle under the back of the deck to unfold.

When this handle is pulled, each deck will slowly lower to the floor.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

The Sole F80 and F85 have the same tech and content options. When you turn on each treadmill, the screen lights up and features the same layout and options. Our favorite part about the content is that it doesn’t require a subscription. Here’s what you get on both treadmills.

Sole F80 vs. F85 Content

Both of these Sole treadmills come with ten onboard workout programs: manual, hill, fat burn, cardio, strength, 5k, 10k, HIIT, custom, and heart rate. In manual mode, you just press start and adjust the treadmill yourself. In custom mode, you can create workouts and save them in the “tablets” tab.

Each preprogrammed mode has preselected speed and grade settings that the treadmill will adjust automatically.

Seven fitness tests are also available, including options like Coast Guard, Marine, and Air Force. These test your fitness level.

All of the workout modes are standard and easy to use. Both treadmills track your metrics like speed, time, and distance with a running track, chart, or image of a road in the background of the screen.

If you prefer streaming content, you’re lucky with the F80 and F85.

If you prefer streaming content, you’re in luck with both the F80 and F85.

These models have been updated to include 12 preloaded apps on each console. These apps include YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Peacock, Hulu, Spotify, ESPN, CNN, Audible, and Kinomap.

It’s awesome that these apps are included without an additional subscription. Thank you, Sole! To use these apps, you just need to log into your account for each and start streaming.

If these apps aren’t enough, you can also screen mirror content from your phone to each of the screens. I’m able to do this with my iPhone without a problem. You have to use another app to screen-mirror Android phones.

The F80 and F85 also connect to the Sole+ App. This app actually makes it a little easier to set up a profile on each treadmill. You can have multiple profiles on each model, which is great if your entire household wants to use the treadmill. I recommend downloading the Sole+ App on your phone, setting up a profile, and then syncing it to these treadmills.

Creating a profile saves your previous workout history, stats, and login information for the preloaded apps, so you don’t have to log in each time you use the treadmill.

Sole F80 vs. F85 Console

Because the F85 and F80 have the same exact content, they also have almost the same exact consoles. Well, they’re basically the same except for the screen sizes.

The Sole F80 Treadmill has a 10.1” touch screen.

The Sole F85 has a 15.6” touch screen.

You can definitely notice a difference in the sizes. The F85’s screen is larger and a little better for streaming content. However, the F80 works just fine if you aren’t concerned about a large screen.

Beyond the screens, the layout is the same. There are numbered quick-adjustment buttons on either side of the screen. Right is for speed and left is for incline. While we like this layout and the inclusion of these adjustment buttons, they aren’t quite as streamlined as other brands.

They skip some levels, so you have to use the button switches on the handle of each treadmill to get to certain increments, like six mph and level 8 incline. The handle buttons have plus and minus signs, and they’re well within reach on both treadmills. There are also start and stop buttons on either side of the safety key.

There’s also a button for the fans, but the fans on both treadmills are pretty underpowered and not effective for cooling off. If you need to cool down, I recommend using your own fan, no matter which of these treadmills you go with.

The speakers, on the other hand, are effective, and the volume is plenty loud for the streaming content. The only thing that is missing is a button on the console to adjust the volume. Instead, you have to press a small icon on the top right corner of the screen to increase and decrease the volume. This is hard to do while running, so I’d like to see a button on the consoles in the future.

A thoughtful addition to the consoles is the wireless charging pad. This is a place to put your phone and charge it if you have a compatible phone. There’s also a device rack on each treadmill above the screens to put your phone or larger tablet for streaming content on your own device. The top adjusts up and down to fit your device.

The four pockets on either side of the consoles are for your water and smaller items like earbuds. Overall, I like the layout of these consoles and find them easy to use with everything I need nearby.

Build Quality

Both the Sole F80 and Sole F85 are high-quality treadmills with excellent construction, which we recommend for home use.

The F80 and F85 differ a little bit in weight capacities, too. They both have large limits, but the F85 works better for more people with the 375 lb weight limit versus the 350 lb limit on the F80. For most people, though, either treadmill will work.

Sole F80 vs. F85 Frame

It has been updated to be sleeker than previous models for both of these treadmills. We’ve found when using both treadmills that this design is just as effective and stable as prior versions. On both, the touch screens stay very steady with very minimal shake. Models with this similar design, like the more expensive Peloton Tread, have a lot more screen shake than these Sole Treadmills in comparison.

The F85 and F80 have the same “z-shaped” steel frame design, as seen here on the F85.

The steel frame sits under the front of the decks, and steel uprights connect to the frame to extend up and hold the console and handles. The handles are the same on both models. The side handles have a good texture, so they do not feel slippery and provide a good balance.

I really like the front handle which is one continuous piece. It makes grabbing really easy and convenient. There are pulse grips built into each. I can’t wrap my hands around them completely, but I can rest my palms on them to reach my heart rate. You can also pair your Garmin watch with the F80 and F85 for more accurate heart rate tracking.

Sole F80 vs. F85 Motor

The motors are where these two treadmills differ a little bit. They both have large motors to support running, however, you’ll be able to get a bit more use out of the Sole F85’s 4.0 HP motor than the F80’s 3.5 HP motor. We recommend both for heavy training, but we’ve found the F85 to be a bit more capable of handling long-distance use.

The Sole F80 and F85 have a 12 mph max speed.

They both incline up to 15 levels. The F85 offers more training variables with six levels of decline, too. The F80 certainly provides a good amount of workout options, but the F85 definitely helps to crank it up a notch.

Walking and running at a decline is great for strengthening the muscles around the knees and anterior muscles in the legs.

The Sole F85 treadmill has a decline motor under the rear of the deck which works to lift up the back end of the deck to decline it. The feet under the deck also rotate to make the transition from incline to decline smooth and efficient, too.

Sole F80 vs. F85 Deck

The decks are actually very similar to the previous models, for which we’re thankful. The decks are very solid and stable. They’re the largest size we see on folding treadmills, too, at 22” wide and 60” long. This size is optimal for most users and stride lengths.

The Sole F85 and F80 have the same spacious deck.

Both decks feel the same underfoot to run on. Sole Treadmills, in general, have pretty firm cushioning. The give in the deck when each foot lands is less forgiving than other models we’ve tested.

This translates to the F80 and F85 feeling more similar to running outside on concrete, although there is shock absorption in the deck to help your joints from the impact, unlike concrete. If you’re a road runner or are training for a race outside, this is great.

If you have joint sensitivity or issues, these treadmills might feel a little too firm to run on, and you might want to look into a more cushioned treadmill like one from NordicTrack or ProForm.

Warranty

We love that Sole includes a lifetime frame and motor warranty with the purchase of the F80 and F85. The F80 also comes with 3-year parts and a 1-year labor warranty. The F85 comes with a little more coverage for three years for the deck and other components, one year for labor, and 90 days for cosmetic items. We recommend at least two people to set up either of these treadmills because of their size and weight.

Should You Buy The Sole F80 Or The Sole F85?

We love both the Sole F80 and Sole F85. The Sole F80 is a great all-around model that offers the same quality, training content, deck, and folding option as the F85. If you’re looking to save a little bit of money but still take home a high-quality treadmill, the F80 is the one to go with.

If you want a larger screen, motor size, and decline option then check out the Sole F85. This treadmill has a huge variety of training capabilities so it is worth the extra price if that is important to you.

On both models, you can expect to have a lot of onboard workout programs and streaming apps to choose from while working out. You can also expect to get a lot of use out of each model. The cushioning is firm to run on, making it great for outdoor runners.

Plus, each model folds up and can be pushed aside when you need a little extra space. These treadmills have been on our best treadmills list for the past few years because they’re well-performing machines with incredible constructions, so you can’t go wrong with either model.

Sole F80 vs. F85 Treadmills Q&A / FAQ

Which is better, the Sole F80 vs. the Sole F85?

As far as specs and features, the Sole F85 is the premium model with a little bit more of these. It’s higher in price, however. So, neither treadmill is “better” than the other. If you want maximum features and specs, the F85 is the one to go with, but if you want to save some money while still paying for a high-quality treadmill, the F80 is a great choice.

Can you watch Netflix on the Sole F80?

Netflix along with eleven other preloaded streaming apps are available to watch on the Sole F80 and F85. You just need to log into your account for each app, but you don’t have to pay for an additional subscription fee to access the apps.

Is the Sole F85 reliable?

The F85 and F80 are both really reliable and durable treadmills. We’ve tested previous versions of these treadmills, and every version has proven to be reliable for us. Sole makes high-quality fitness equipment that’s built to last and backed by lifetime warranties.