XTERRA TRX5500 Treadmill Review: Old School With New Tech?

Dimensions/Storability

Folding treadmills are very convenient. Not only do ones like the XTERRA TRX5500 allow you to run, but they take up less space when you’re done running, thanks to the foldable deck. Its dimensions unfolded are 77.2” L x 35.5” W x 56.1” H. Folded, it is just 51.2” L.

The deck is also foldable for easy storage and has four wheels, so moving the treadmill around is no problem. The multiple transport wheels are very convenient, considering the XTERRA weighs 223 lbs. It isn’t a light treadmill or one that you should plan on moving often, but when you need to, it is fairly easy to do.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

Preloaded apps and onboard workouts are packed into the tablet-sized touchscreen for a surprisingly large amount of content options to keep your runs anything but boring. We love that a subscription isn’t required.

Preloaded Apps, Content, And Third-Party App Features

The XTERRA TRX5500 has an interactive touchscreen where you can view your stats, workouts, change your speed/incline, and also access and use your favorite preloaded and third-party apps. Choose what you want for entertainment on the TRX5500.

The TRX5500 is the only treadmill in XTERRA’s lineup where you have the option to stream from seven pre-downloaded apps like Netflix and NBC News. I had no problem accessing all of the apps and logging into them.

When I was watching Hulu, I could keep an eye on my stats listed on the border of the screen, or choose to not see them at all and focus on my show. When the stats are in view, you can change your incline and speed on the touchscreen as well.

A notification at the bottom of the screen would pop up whenever my speed or incline changed to keep me informed. This was especially helpful during preprogrammed workouts when the speed and incline would automatically change.

The TRX5500 is Bluetooth enabled, so you can pair it to your phone/tablet and use apps like Zwift. When I used Zwift, I had to have my phone already connected to the treadmill through Bluetooth. Once I opened the Zwift app on my phone, I was able to pair the TRX5500 and see my speed and heart rate in the app while I was running.

When I increased my incline on the treadmill, this wasn’t shown in the Zwift app. While connecting Zwift through Bluetooth, I could only see and hear the app on my phone. In order to see my Zwift avatar and hear the app on the TRX5500, I had to use the screen mirroring feature.

The screen-mirroring feature is just that; whatever content you watch on your phone or tablet, you can watch on the XTERRA TRX5500’s 10” screen.

I really enjoyed this feature and liked that I could stream classes from iFit directly onto the TRX5500’s screen. Although I experienced some lag when I mirrored my phone to the screen, the image quality was comparable to that of my iPhone, and the sound quality was excellent through the TRX5500 speakers.

With this feature, I could get the speakers to go pretty loud by adjusting the volume on my phone rather than simply using the volume mode on the treadmill.

When trying to mirror an Android phone, one of our reviewers had more difficulty using this feature because it required downloading the XTERRA mirroring app just to mirror the phone. With an iPhone, this wasn’t necessary. While using Bluetooth, we were only able to connect my iPhone; the Android would not connect.

You can also download the XTERRA and XTERRA+ apps onto your phone to keep track of your workouts on the TRX5500, and sync them with apps like Apple Health. All of the data is synced through Bluetooth.

Regardless of whether you have an internet connection or not, you can use all of the training and workout programs on the XTERRA TRX5500. This is great if you don’t have wifi in your home gym and just want to be able to use the treadmill without all the added entertainment features.
I really liked how each of the 30 preprogrammed workout plans is customizable.

You can decide how long you want each workout to be in time ranging from 10 minutes up to 99 minutes and where you want your maximum speed to be prior to starting the workout.

One thing to note is that you can’t skip ahead in these workouts, and the intervals and incline levels are predetermined for you.

On top of the preprogrammed workouts, there is a manual mode that only requires you to select a time frame before starting. In this mode, you control where you want your speed/incline to be as you go.

The custom mode is where you create personalized workouts that are broken up into 20 segments. Within each segment is where you input your speed and incline based on a percentage from your preselected max speed and incline.

I found this mode to be best for my HIIT and interval workouts because once I created a workout, the treadmill adjusted my speed and incline automatically, so I could just focus on having a great workout.

When you use the included wireless heart rate chest monitor, the heart rate program is great for target heart rate training. Before your session, you input where you want your target heart rate to be and then follow the speed recommendations from the XTERRA TRX5500. The machine will work to keep you within five beats of your target heart rate.

Related: Take Your Fitness to the Next Level: Incline Treadmill Workouts

TRX5500 Console

During our testing process, our team found the XTERRA TRX5500 console to be very simple and easy to use. Every function is well within reach and very accessible while working out. Although you can use the touchscreen to control almost all of the settings, the flat-lying buttons are also there as a quick option to use.

Everything is very accessible on the console. Being the shortest member of our team at 5 feet tall, I had no problem reaching everything while I ran.

The speakers point at you while you’re on the treadmill, and the volume level goes up to 15. Although we were able to hear our shows on the preloaded apps while running and with the fan on, we wish the volume on the speakers would go louder.

You can turn the fan on/off by using the touchscreen or by pressing the pinwheel button on the console. The fan has one setting and is practically silent. The air output, however, is weak. I couldn’t feel the air unless I placed my hand directly in front of the vent.

The cupholders on either side of the console make grabbing water quick and easy. I didn’t have to reach down low or around anything, and they could hold my 22 oz water bottle as well as my iPhone.

Another convenient spot for your phone or tablet is on the reading rack which is a small indentation found above the fan. When a larger tablet or book is placed here the screen is covered, so just something to be aware of.

Check Best Price

Build Quality

The heavy gauge welded steel frame makes the XTERRA TRX5500 treadmill solid and secure for all sizes of users. This treadmill does well handling larger runners and overall is well-constructed and quiet.

Frame

With the steel frame, uprights, and crossbar, we didn’t experience any shake or blurriness of the screen when running because the console is securely in place and doesn’t move.

The handles are plastic and include silver pulse grips on each to track your heart rate, as well as speed and incline buttons to give you a third option for quick adjustments. Although they are plastic, they feel secure and their features are easy to see and reach.

Motor

The XTERRA TRX5500 has a 3.25 HP. This motor feels like a workhorse and that it’s going to last a long time. It has a very similar feel to treadmills from Sole. The XTERRA is a new treadmill for us, so we will be monitoring how it holds up overtime and I’ll update this review as we continue to use it over a longer period of time.

When undergoing exercises like walking, running, sprinting, jump squatting, and interval work, the motor was able to handle everything while staying quiet and consistent. The speed is adjusted by 0.1 increments, which lets you have plenty of variety when determining how fast/slow you wish to move.

The incline motor on the TRX5500 is extremely quiet and adjusts evenly while the speed is changed as well. When running at higher speeds I couldn’t hear the incline motor as it moved the deck all the way up to 15% or back down to 0%. The setting for the incline increases one at a time from 0 to 15.

Related: Torch Calories Fast: 5 Intense HIIT Treadmill Workouts

Deck

The hood is comparable in size to the F85 Treadmill from Sole Fitness. None of us had an issue with touching it while we walked and ran.

The 20” x 60” deck on the XTERRA TRX5500 Treadmill gives plenty of room to exercise and the traction of the belt grips nicely and handles all types of movement. Considering the AssaultRunner Elite Treadmill from Assault Fitness which is known for helping to promote better running form has a belt that’s 17” wide, the running surface on the XTERRA should provide enough space.

The side rails are about a ¼” narrower than Sole’s treadmills and about ¾” narrower than NordicTrack’s and ProForm’s. We noticed that we had to watch where we put our feet when we stepped on the side rails to make sure we didn’t catch the side of the moving deck.

So, this is just something to make note of when you use this treadmill, especially if you have wider feet.

Although XTERRA claims on their site that the deck height is 5.8”, when I measured it from the floor to the deck at the back end of the treadmill, it was close to 8” high.

This height is very similar to the F85 from Sole. When the TRX5500 is fully inclined, it measures at about 13” high from the deck to the floor. So, if you have a lower ceiling, this is something to take into consideration.

The XTRASoft deck cushioning is firmer than the Commercial 1750 from NordicTrack and the ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill. However, I was able to put it through workouts without having any discomfort in my legs or feet.

The cushioning feels very similar to the Sole F85 Treadmill, which has a harder feel. So, if you have significant joint issues and prefer running on a softer surface, this is something to keep in mind.

Related: Step Up or Stride Out – Comparing Treadmills vs Stair Steppers

Warranty

XTERRA offers lifetime warranties on the frame and motor. It also includes a 5-year warranty on the deck, a 2-year warranty on parts, and a 1-year warranty on in-home labor for home use.
XTERRA’s customer service is available in the U.S. as well as internationally. They can be reached by phone 5 days a week from 8 am to 7 pm CST, or you can fill out the form on their website and they will get back to you within 1 business day.

The assembly of the TRX5500 was pretty straightforward and all of the parts needed were included. It took 2 of us on our team to assemble the treadmill.

Should You Buy The XTERRA TRX5500 Treadmill

All in all, we found the XTERRA TRX5500 treadmill to be a solid treadmill that’s easy and straightforward to use.

It’s most similar to the Sole F85. They both have similar features like the preloaded apps, they’re the same price, and both have 10” touchscreens. Our experience with Sole Fitness’s treadmills is that they are solid and reliable. The TRX5500 from XTERRA is that as well.

When you purchase the XTERRA TRX5500, it does come with a slightly higher upfront cost, but it doesn’t require a monthly subscription fee, which can be costly. If you’re a die-hard studio class junkie, then treadmills that have integrated subscription content, like ones from NordicTrack and ProForm who use iFIT, are the way to go.

If instead you want to have the choice to create your own custom workouts, and also follow along with an instructor on an app sometimes, then the TRX5500 is a solid option.

On the XTERRA TRX5500 Treadmill, you can watch Netflix, access the onboard workout programs without a Wi-Fi connection, and mirror content from your phone or tablet. This, combined with a sturdy design, makes this treadmill a good choice for many.

Check Best Price

Looking for more options? Here are the top-rated Xterra treadmills you need to see

XTERRA TRX5500 Treadmill Q&A / FAQ

Do you have to pay a subscription membership to use the XTERRA TRX5500?

The XTERRA comes with seven preloaded streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube. All you have to do is log into your account for each app and start streaming while you run. You can also screen mirror your phone to the treadmill’s touchscreen, so you can watch pretty much anything and listen to the content from the treadmill’s speakers. No subscription is required for these features.

What is the maximum weight limit of the TRX5500?

The TRX5500 handles up to 350 lbs of user weight, which is a large amount of weight for a folding treadmill. Most people should be able to walk and run on this treadmill.

Is our review of the XTERRA TRX5500 a paid review?

We were not paid to create this review. XTERRA sent us the treadmill, but this review and all of our opinions showcase our experience using the treadmill. We work with all kinds of treadmill brands to test as many as we can to help you know what to expect when buying.

We have affiliate links where we earn a commission when consumers purchase through them. This is how we make money and allows us to test treadmills and create reviews.

Check Best Price

Related Articles:

• Xterra TRX4500 Review: A Powerful Treadmill with Limited Tech
• Xterra TRX3500 Treadmill Review: A Closer Look at Features, Benefits, and Drawbacks
• Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Review: A Perfect Match Where Performance Meets Budget