Any hard worker wants to know that their money is being spent in the best way possible. So, if you treat a major health expense like investment decision, you have to wonder, will there be a clear return on your purchase? We tested the Peloton Tread+’s slat-belt deck, coaching, live classes, and more to see if its performance is enough to justify the spend.
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Peloton Tread+
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Peloton
- Our thoughts: The AI-powered camera can provide real-time feedback on your workout
- Who it’s for: Professionals and serious runners who want a premium home treadmill to replace regular studio classes or gym visits
Pros
- Touchscreen is 32 inches
- Very sturdy
- Large running space
Cons
- More expensive than other treadmills we’ve tested
- Not portable; difficult to move around
- Not ideal for use without the Peloton membership
Peloton Cross Training Tread+ Specs
Our Experience with the Peloton Tread+
The Peloton Tread+ with Peloton IQ is one of the brand’s popular cross training treadmills. It’s the plus version of their tread line, meaning it’s upgraded with a rubberized slat belt, larger deck space, and a Peloton IQ camera that can provide live feedback during cross-training workouts and strength as well. Comparatively, it’s the most advanced (and the priciest) treadmill sold by Peloton. That said, after we took this machine through our testing process, we think you can expect good return on investment.
Pete tested the Peloton Tread+. He’s a certified nutrition coach and a certified personal trainer—he’s also run many 5K and 10K races. Pete has used a number of different treadmills over his years of training as a former collegiate athlete.
What We Liked
Here’s what Pete rated highly after trying the Peloton Tread+:
- Workout Experience (5 out of 5): Our tester completed a 20-minute workout on the Peloton Tread+ and had an overall great experience. “It’s well-built, extremely sturdy, and it offers a ton of great workout classes with the Peloton app subscription. The Tread+ also has the ‘Free’ feature, which turns the treadmill into a self-powered tread,” he said. “The most unique feature of the Tread+ is the AI-powered Peloton IQ. Using a camera that’s located above the touch screen, the Peloton IQ feature can provide real time form feedback for your reps if you’re doing a workout class off the treadmill. It can also count your reps, suggest using higher or lower weight, and even plan customized workouts for you. This feature can essentially learn over time and the more you use it, the more customized it becomes,” Pete noted.
- Value (5 out of 5): The cost of this treadmill is $6,695 as of this writing and that doesn’t include the additional cost of the Peloton app subscription. That’s definitely a significant investment. “Where I think the price point could be justified is if this piece of equipment is essentially your whole fitness routine,” Pete explained. “If you’re using the treadmill and Peloton App on a regular basis, then this is one of the best treadmills on the market.”
- Special Features (5 out of 5): Pete was impressed with the unique tech features this machine has to offer, outside of the screen and programming. “There are games such as ‘Lanebreak’ where you run to the beat of the music, or scenic runs where you can run/walk in cool places like the NYC marathon course, different trails and beaches, or even outside castles in Bavaria.” There’s also an entertainment tab where you can access apps like Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube.
What We Would Change
Here’s what Pete would improve about the Peloton Tread+
- Portability (1 out of 5): Once set up, this treadmill is very difficult to move around. It’s around 460 pounds, which makes it difficult to lift. “There are wheels towards the front of the treadmill, but you still need the strength to actually lift the treadmill up to use the wheels,” Pete said. Luckily, Peloton does offer white glove delivery and assembly at an additional cost.
Who It’s For & Who It’s Not For
The Peloton Tread+ could be a good fit for:
- Professionals and committed runners who prefer live classes and coaching to stay consistent, or who want Peloton’s classes to replace or reduce studio workouts
- Runners who want a premium, slat-belt treadmill with an extra-long, cushioned deck and up to 15% incline for speed and hill training
- Users building a dedicated home gym who want one flagship machine that can handle running, walking, and cross-training classes on and off the tread
The Peloton Tread+ may not be ideal for:
- People who don’t want to pay for an ongoing subscription or don’t need classes
- Beginners and value-focused buyers who want a simpler, more affordable treadmill or are still deciding how often they’ll use a fitness machine
- Shoppers who need a folding, easy-to-move treadmill or those recovering from injuries who would be better served by a lower-impact machine such as an elliptical or recumbent bike
Why the Right Cardio Machine Matters to Professionals
Choosing the right cardio machine can help avoid buyer’s remorse. A well-made and durable machine with classes and feedback can support long-term habit creation, rather than becoming the elephant in the room.
From our experience, the Peloton Tread+ looks to provide professionals with boutique gym workouts and longevity.
If you’re not sure if a treadmill is the right fit, other cardio machines can offer similar benefits. Rowing machines offer a full-body workout; see our guide to the best rowing machines to compare your options.
Comparing Peloton Tread to Other Products
If you’re considering the Peloton Tread+, you’re likely also looking at premium options from NordicTrack and Bowflex. Here’s how the Tread+ stacks up on price and warranty against two popular alternatives.
Fortune’s Final Thoughts
Our tester Pete loved the Tread+ for its stable, cushioned deck and enjoyed the content in the Peloton app, too. If you’re a committed runner or professional who relies on classes to stay consistent, the Tread+ could be a great fit for you. It also justifies the premium price if you want to use the membership for strength training, yoga, and other classes off the tread.
If you’d prefer a sturdy treadmill for occasional long walks or easy runs, there are more affordable treadmills that would also work well. Alternatively, we recommend you consider a walking pad.
The Peloton Tread+ is best viewed as a long-term training commitment. If you’ve got the budget, footprint space, and think you’ll use the classes, we think it’s a great pick, even if your schedule is demanding.
Frequently asked questions
Is Peloton treadmill better than the NordicTrack?
The Peloton Tread+ could be a better fit for you if you want live classes and a premium machine. The NordicTrack treadmills could be better if you want more of an incline/decline range, potential foldability/portability, and longer warranties.
What is so special about Peloton treadmill?
The Peloton Tread+ is a durable, sturdy machine along with live classes and coaching, which makes it stand out from a lot of competitors.
What is the lifespan of a Peloton treadmill?
While there’s no set lifespan of a Peloton Tread+, it is backed by a five-year frame/motor/belt warranty. If you keep up with maintenance, it will likely last much longer than the warranty period.
