The best treadmill reviews you can trust
The TF50 is a large running treadmill with a compact folding design. In this review of the Matrix TF50 treadmill, our expert takes a look at its features, training options, and more.
Updated: April 10, 2024
The Matrix TF50 has a spacious and well-built treadmill deck that’s perfect for running. The solid frame is covered by a lifetime warranty and allows the treadmill deck to fold nearly upright. It has a high weight capacity, low step-up height, and great handles to accommodate a wider range of users. The TF50 is Matrix’s best folding treadmill. Find out what our expert’s pros and cons for this machine in this review of the Matrix TF50.
Matrix is a brand commonly found in gyms. In fact, I enjoy running on the Matrix treadmills in my gym! The TF50 is a great option for getting that same build quality into your home. The lifetime warranty on the frame, motor, and cushioning is reassurance of this treadmill’s longevity and durability. The parts warranty is 7 years, and labor is covered by a 2-year warranty.
The TF50 has a sturdy steel construction. The robust base of the frame creates the support needed for the TF50’s impressive folding. The uprights are slightly angled and strongly joined together by the continuous handle. If having good support is important to you, the TF50 is a good choice. The footrails are also supportive and wide enough that you can comfortably stand off either side of the belt.
The motor is a 3.25 continuous horsepower motor. While this rating is a little lower than we typically expect for a long-distance running treadmill at this price point, it should be suitable for such use. The maximum speed is 12.5 miles per hour, so you can run fast, too.
The running surface is 20” x 60”. The more affordable TF30 is a bit shorter, making the TF50 the better choice out of the Matrix folding treadmills for runners with long strides. The deck is 1-inch thick, which is ideal for durability. It also allows the treadmill to support a maximum user weight of 400 lbs. The deck height is 7 inches from the ground. The TF50’s lower step-up height is better for users who have difficulty stepping up or down.
The cushioning of Matrix treadmills is moderately soft. It feels not too soft or too firm. Matrix’s cushioning system is called the Ultimate Deck System. It feels softer than running on the road, but not as bouncy and soft as NordicTrack or Freemotion treadmills.
Folding is one of the Matrix TF50’s strongest features. The deck folds almost 90 degrees to a straight up position. The folded dimensions are bout half of its unfolded dimensions. Most folding treadmills only reduce their footprint by 40% or less in our experience. The Matrix TF50 is a heavy treadmill at 346 lbs. Despite its transport wheels, it is difficult to move around.
The Matrix TF50 has a 15% maximum incline. While we have not tested the TF50 in person, we have used the TF30 thoroughly. Unfortunately, we discovered that the TF30’s belt slips a lot when inclined above 12%. We are concerned that the TF50 could have the same problem, but we cannot yet confirm. Regardless, the treadmill should perform as expected at 12% incline or less. There is no decline option on this treadmill.
The Matrix TF50 has four console options. Three of these consoles are touchscreens and have the same features on different sized screens. The fourth, the XR console, is a non-touchscreen LCD screen. It has fewer features than the others but is the most affordable option.
The XR has 5 built-in workout programs and does not connect to WiFi. The screen consists of white text and graphics on a blue background. It does connect to Bluetooth to show your heart rate on the screen. The XR has more physical buttons, including a keypad that lets you type in your desired speed and incline level. There are also buttons for starting, stopping, and programming workouts.
The XUR, XIR, and XER consoles are all touchscreens. Their respective sizes are 22, 16, and 10 inches. The largest screen, the XUR, is the most expensive console. It increases the cost of the treadmill with the XR console by $2k for the XUR console.
The touchscreen consoles have more onboard training programs. They connect to WiFi and have Bluetooth, as we will discuss below.
The Bluetooth connectivity on the touchscreen consoles connects the TF50 to Bluetooth heart rate monitors and headphones. You can also connect third-party apps from your phone or tablet with the TF50 for more training options.
The touchscreen consoles have ports for wired headphones and music input as well as USB and HDMI ports. You can connect to a wide variety of devices to access limitless content.
The XR consoles does not have speakers. The rest of the console options have front-facing speakers located below their screens. These speakers allow you to listen to any of the onscreen content if you choose not to pair Bluetooth headphones.
There are two water bottle pockets with two cup holder sizes each. There is also a device rack where you can place your phone or tablet for easy access or viewing additional content.
EKG pulse grips are located on the sides of the treadmill handle. I prefer EKG pulse grips located on the crossbar so you hands can rest in front of you rather than out to the sides. Still, these EKG pulse grips are convenient for intermittently checking in on your heart rate while training. A wearable heart rate monitor is the better choice for continuous and accurate heart rate monitoring.
The Matrix TF50 is a running treadmill. It is suitable for runners with daily routines and walkers with intense training plans. It is also ideal for households with multiple users. It’s hard to put specific limitations on any treadmill, but the Matrix TF50’s impressive warranty and manufacturer’s reputation bodes well for the treadmill.
Matrix treadmills are suitable for long runs, interval training, and easy runs. The moderate cushioning fits a wide range of training goals. The TF50 provides relief from the pounding of running outside on the road or sidewalk.
The Matrix TF50 has 5 to 13 built-in training programs depending on the console option you choose. The touchscreen consoles have additional training programs, including an option to subscribe to iFIT.
iFIT is a digital fitness platform with thousands of trainer-led classes. These classes are filmed outdoors and follow routes filmed all over the world. The TF50 will adjust incline and speed to match the iFIT training content. The incline copies the real world terrain shown on the screen, so you get a more immersive experience. iFIT also has classes for off of the treadmill that you can access on your phone, tablet, or other compatible equipment.
Matrix also has Virtual Active, a series of videos that explore popular routes in various locations. These videos are not led by trainers. You can buy expansion packs to access more Virtual Active videos.
There are also tons of apps and connectivity options with the TF50 that expand your content options. The TF50 has plenty of training options for those who want to subscribe to a premium service and those who do not.
