Sole F80 vs F85 Treadmill Comparison – 2024

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Last Updated: August 31, 2023

In the several years that we’ve been testing Sole Treadmills, we’ve come to know them as really high-quality machines that last. Two of our favorite treadmills from the brand are the Sole F80 and Sole F85. They’re also some of the best treadmills on the market. These models are very similar but they vary in price, so if you’re here you might be thinking is the F85 worth the cost difference, or will the F80 work just fine for me? Well, I’m going to give you insight into each model for how they compare and differ so you can make that decision confidently. So, keep reading this Sole F80 vs F85 Treadmill comparison to learn more.

The Sole F80 (left) and F85 have the same layout but a few different specs and features that you should keep in mind.

Why You Should Trust Our Comparison Review

Whenever we do a comparison review here at TRG, it is because we have both of the models in our studio that we’ve heavily tested and made individual reviews of. It’s also because both models are often asked about. We get asked the question of whether the F80 or F85 is a better treadmill that people should buy, often. So much so, that we decided to put together this comparison review. We have not only spent a lot of time using these treadmills, but we’ve used them side by side so we know exactly how they differ.

Pros & Cons of the Sole F80:

Pros & Cons of Sole F85

Recommendation: Sole F80 vs Sole F85

The Sole F80 and F85 have a lot in common. They are both great for running, fold up, are backed by a lifetime frame and motor warranty, and include touch screens with streaming content. They differ in motor size, weight, weight limit, and training options. The Sole F80 treadmill has a nice 3.5 HP motor and 15 levels of incline, while the Sole F85 takes it up a notch with a 4.0 HP motor, 15 levels of incline, and 6 levels of decline. The F85 is essentially the beefed-up version of the F80. Oh, and it comes with a larger touchscreen for streaming content. We recommend both models, but it is up to you which features and options you are looking for.

In-Depth Comparison of the Sole F80 vs F85 Treadmills

Sole F80 vs F85 Content

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

Both of these Sole Treadmills come with 10 onboard workout programs that include: 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 your own workouts and then save them in the “tablets” tab.

Each of the preprogrammed modes comes with preselected speed and grade settings that the treadmill will automatically adjust to.

There are also 7 fitness tests available that include 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 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.

The fact that these apps all come included without an additional subscription to use, is awesome. Thank you, Sole! All you need to do to use these apps is 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, but there doesn’t seem to be a way to do this with Android phones yet, unfortunately.

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 your 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 on each treadmill to get to certain increments like 6 mph and level 8 incline. The handle buttons have plus and minus signs and they’re well within reach on both treadmills, too. 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 4 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.

Construction Quality & Durability

As for the construction, both the Sole F80 and Sole F85 are really high-quality treadmills that we recommend for home use. They do differ a little bit in the construction, however, they are the same size so they’ll take up the same amount of space in your home. The F85 is heavier at 319 lbs versus the F80 is 274 lbs. 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.

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

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

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 steel frame sits under the front of the decks and steel uprights connect to the frame to extend up to hold the console and handles. The handles are the same on both models. The side handles have a good texture to 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 6 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 Sole F85 and F80 have the same spacious deck.

The decks are actually very similar to the previous models, which we’re thankful for. 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.

Both decks feel the same underfoot to run on. Sole Treadmills, in general, have pretty firm cushioning, so 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.

Performance & Functionality

Overall, both of these treadmills are very similar. The Sole F80 is a great value for the price with all the training options and content that comes included. It is also a very high-quality treadmill. This one is appropriate for most people and homes. The Sole F85 is the beefed-up version with a larger screen, motor, and decline feature. So, if you want the maximum training capabilities and performance, this one is worth the extra cost.

One aspect that we have noticed when testing these treadmills and others from Sole, is that they are slower to adjust than other brands. This means that they take a little longer to increase and decrease the speeds and grades of the deck. So, keep this in mind for interval training. You might want to hop on the side rails when doing speed intervals so you don’t have to wait for the treadmill to adjust. The side rails on both treadmills provide plenty of surfaces to stand on either side of the belt.

Another thing I want to mention is that the screens aren’t adjustable on either treadmill. They’re angled back to get good visibility for most heights, but they can be hard to navigate while running. It is also hard to adjust the volume level of the speakers while running since there isn’t a button on either console as I mentioned earlier. I recommend having the workout program and streaming content cued up and ready to go before you start using either treadmill.

As far as storing and moving the F80 and F85, they each have 4 transportation wheels which allow them to be pushed while folded.

Most folding treadmills only have 2 transportation wheels so they require being tilted back to engage the wheels. Even though both of these 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 up the back end of the deck. There is assistance that 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 weights of the decks, but they don’t feel as light as others. To unfold, each has a yellow handle under the back of the deck.

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

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 3 years for the deck and other components, 1 year for labor, and 90 days for cosmetic items. We recommend at least 2 people to set up either of these treadmills because of their size and weight.