Updated: January 19, 2024
The Sole F85 and Peloton Tread are great options for the walker or runner who wants tons of content options. With similar z-shaped frames and firm running decks, these treadmills have many similarities. Yet, there’s also a lot that sets them apart. In this treadmill comparison of the sole F85 versus the Peloton Tread, I’ll give you my expert opinion on which treadmill is the best in several categories and overall.
Sole F85 Highlights
- The Sole F85 does not require a subscription.
- The Sole F85 folds and has four transport wheels for easier maneuvering.
- There are training and entertainment apps.
- Screen mirroring and wireless charging allow you to train any way you would like.
- The Sole F85 has a 4 HP motor, which is more powerful than the Peloton’s 3 HP motor.
- The weight capacity is 375 lbs.
- The incline range is -5% to 12%.
- The F85 has a tablet rack and two small items storage compartments.
Peloton Tread Highlights
- The Peloton Tread looks modern and sleek.
- The screen and speaker quality are excellent.
- The training content is top-of-the-line.
- The Lane Break game and streaming apps are a lot of fun.
- The speed and incline adjust quickly with the help of the knobs and jump buttons.
- The console is attached to the deck so it raises when the treadmill inclines.
Sole F85 Treadmill Specs
- Footprint: 82.5” x 38” x 66”
- Deck Size: 22” x 60”
- Motor Size: 4.0 HP
- Weight Capacity: 375 lbs
- Product Weight: 319 lbs
- Speed Range: 0 to 12 mph
- Incline/Decline Range: -6% to 5%
- Cushioning: Cushion Flex Whisper Deck
- Roller Size: 2.75” (front) 2.36” (rear)
- Warranty: lifetime frame, lifetime motor, 3-year deck, 3-year other components, 1-year labor, 90-day cosmetic items
Peloton Tread Treadmill Specs
- Footprint: 68” L x 33” W x 62” H
- Deck Size: 20” x 59”
- Motor Size: 3.0 HP
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Product Weight: 290 lbs
- Speed Range: 0 to 12.5 mph
- Incline/Decline Range: 0 to 12.5%
- Cushioning: firm
- Step-Up Height: 8”; low deck height
- Warranty: 5-year frame; 3-year motor and belt; 12 months parts and labor
- Ceiling Height Requirement: user height + 20”
Treadmill Comparison of The Sole F85 vs Peloton Tread
Build Quality
Frame
Peloton may have been the trendsetter with the z-shaped frame, but Sole took the design and made it its own. The Peloton Tread has longer handrails covered with a soft coating. It has thin uprights with a simplistic console. The frame is made of carbon steel and can support a maximum user weight of 300 lbs. The Sole F85 has burlier uprights covered in a textured plastic. The handrails are shorter and rounded. The F85’s frame is made of aluminum and can support a maximum user weight of 375 lbs, making the F85 by far the better choice for larger walkers and runners.
The Peloton Tread has a 5-year warranty on the frame, a 3-year motor and belt warranty, and a 12-month parts and labor warranty. The SoleF85 has a lifetime warranty on its frame and motor. The deck and parts are covered for 3 years, and labor is covered for 1 year. Cosmetic items are only covered for 90 days.
Considering the Sole’s better frame warranty and higher weight capacity, I like it more. However, the Peloton Tread is one of the best looking treadmills on the market, so I have to give it credit for its aesthetic.
Motor
The Sole F85’s 4-horsepower motor is better than the Peloton Tread’s 3-horsepower motor. I was quite disappointed to hear that the Peloton Tread has such a low-power motor considering its premium price. Again, I have one small concession to make. The Peloton Tread’s speed and incline adjustments are much faster than the Sole F85’s adjustments.
Running Surface
Both treadmills are suitable for running with spacious belts. The Sole F85’s belt is slightly larger at 22 inches wide and 60 inches long. Larger users may be more comfortable with the extra width. As for the Peloton Tread, it has a 20-inch by 59-inch running belt with a red dashed line down the center. The Tread’s motor is stored beneath the deck, so the front of the belt is open. This creates a larger functional running area compared to the F85 despite the running surface’s 1-inch shorter length.
Neither treadmill is soft or bouncy. They are firm and best for runners and walkers who want to simulate training outdoors.
I don’t think there is a clear winner of this category, but I do think the Peloton Tread falls a little short of the expectation set up by its high price.
Folding/Storage
The Peloton Tread is a non-folding treadmill, so it is not the best option for compact storage. The Sole F85 folds and has four transport wheels. So, if you need a more compact treadmill that can move around if necessary, the Sole F85 is the clear choice.
Incline/Decline
The Sole F85’s 15 levels of incline reach a maximum height of just over 12%. The 6 levels of decline go to about -5%. The Peloton Tread inclines to 12.5% but does not decline. While not declining is normal among non-folding treadmills, it puts the Tread at a disadvantage compared to the F85.
Features & Accessories
Both the Sole F85 and the Peloton Tread have extensive features, but the Peloton Tread becomes a pretty basic treadmill without a subscription. I’ll go over what each treadmill has to offer below, but please note that most of the Peloton Tread’s features only work with an active subscription. The Sole F85’s features may require a WiFi connection but do not require a subscription.
Console Overview
I like both consoles for very different reasons. The Peloton Tread’s console is very streamlined and minimalistic. It has some of the best speed and incline controls that I have ever used, because the dials are so convenient to use while running and quite intuitive. The Sole F85, on the other hand, is very maximalist. The Sole F85’s console is busier.
I really like the unique features that Sole included on the F85, but I don’t really like the buttons. The quick-adjust buttons skip popular speeds. The speed and incline switches are not nearly as easy and comfortable to use compared to the Peloton Tread’s knobs and jump buttons. While the Peloton Tread’s manual speed and incline adjustments minimally interfere with my training, adjusting the F85 interrupts my training.
Screen
The Peloton Tread sweeps another category with its 23.8-inch touchscreen display. The entire console is attached to the Tread’s deck, so the screen raises with you as the treadmill inclines. This keeps the screen always at a comfortable viewing height. The quality is noticeably better than that of the F85’s 15.6-inch touchscreen display. However, the Sole F85’s screen is useful without a subscription and even without WiFi. Without WiFi and a subscription, the Peloton Tread’s screen is worthless.
Speakers
The speakers on the Peloton Tread are way better than those on the Sole F85 speakers. The Sole F85’s speakers are functional, and I can hear everything over the motor sound and my foot noise. The Peloton Tread’s speakers are crystal clear and have plenty of bass. I love watching movies and TV shows on the Tread way more for its quality screen and speakers.
Bluetooth Audio
Both treadmills support listening to the audio with Bluetooth headphones. I had no issues with either service.
Heart Rate
The Sole F85 has EKG pulse grips and compatibility with Bluetooth heart rate monitors. The Peloton Tread also connects to Bluetooth heart rate monitors, but it does not have EKG pulse grips.
Storage
These treadmills have two cup holders apiece. The Sole F85 also has two small item compartments and a tablet rack. I wish both treadmills had a little more room to store things.
Fan
The Sole F85 has a fan, but it does not work very well. The Peloton Tread does not have a fan. I suggest using a floor or ceiling fan with either treadmill.
Other Features
The Sole F85 has a few other interesting features like the screen mirroring and a wireless charging pad. Screen mirroring works for iPhone and Android phones. Android users will need to download the Anplus screen mirroring app to screen mirror. The wireless charging pad will keep your device charged while you screen mirror content and connect to the Bluetooth speakers since both use a lot of phone battery.
Performance
It may take longer to set up your workout on the Sole F85 because there are so many content options. It’s well worth it to get the exact workout you would like to perform. The Sole F85’s style of training is best for runners and walkers who do not want to be locked into one subscription. It’s also a great option for runners who have set planning plans and want to build a workout to fit their schedule.
My favorite types of workouts to do on the Sole F85 are long runs and tempo runs. The treadmill feels very sturdy and powerful, so I can trust it for my longest and hardest efforts. Hill repeats and long intervals are also great on the Sole F85, but shorter intervals are a bit impeded by the Sole F85’s slow speed and interval adjustments.
The Peloton Tread’s performance strengths are pretty complementary to the Sole F85’s. It is best for frequent speed and incline changes. You can get from one interval speed to the next very quickly. The Peloton Tread is also great for users who are really into the Peloton subscription platform–maybe those who already own Peloton equipment. The Tread is best for users who want more direction to their workouts. It is also a good choice for runners who enjoy going to group runs, because it has a great social atmosphere.
Subscription & Content Options
Sole F85 Content
The Sole F85 Treadmill has so many content options. There are trainer-led classes from the Sole Plus app. Many of the Sole Plus classes are already available on the screen, and more are available for free through the Sole Plus app for your phone. You can find structured interval workouts on the F85 through the dashboard or the Kinomap app. Screen mirroring allows users to cast any content they would like to view onto the screen. I have tried iFIT, Peloton, and Zwift with the screen mirroring feature. If these training options aren’t enough, you can also create your own workout, save a previous workout as a template, or train in manual mode.
While you are training, you get access to a variety of entertainment options. As long as you already have an account through one of the services available on the F85, you can stream their content. You can also cast any entertainment you would like from your phone or tablet.
Peloton Tread Content
Peloton’s content is well-known and for good reason. The Peloton Tread’s content is set to music. The trainers guide you through every step of your workout, so you stay engaged the entire time. I really like how Peloton encourages you to run by feel in the same way you adjust the resistance on an exercise bike. This may be a hard task for those who focus on their training pace, but it is a great way to switch things up. Peloton classes are available live and on-demand. You can interact with others taking the class at the same time as you, which adds a social element to the workout. Classes are filmed in the studio and outdoors, but Peloton’s main focus is on the studio content.
In addition to the classes, you can run with Lane Break. This game is set to music. To earn points, you must increase your speed to fall within a certain range for a set interval and change your incline to switch lanes. It’s not too chaotic. The speed and incline changes are just frequent enough to make it fun while staying safe. You can pick the speed range of your class before you begin, so you don’t have to worry about the intensity getting too hard.
Peloton also has entertainment apps: Disney Plus, Max, Netflix, YouTube TV, and the NBA app. The screen and speaker quality make streaming TV shows and movies an awesome experience. You will need a subscription to the app and to Peloton to use these entertainment options.
Without a subscription, your training options on the Peloton Tread are practically non-existent. The features are extremely limited. Peloton fluctuates in what it offers to non-subscribers, but you will likely only be able to see a very basic training screen. No workouts will be saved for future viewing.
Bottom Line Review: Sole F85 vs Peloton Tread
While there are many features I enjoy on the Peloton Tread, the Sole F85 carries unbeatable value. It is a more powerful treadmill with unlocked features and a great incline and decline range. It has more training and entertainment options. It has a higher weight capacity and can fold for storage. The Peloton Tread has an impressive training system, touchscreen, and speaker quality, but it is otherwise lacking compared to other treadmills in its price range.
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