The best treadmill reviews you can trust
The Peloton Tread+ makes a bold step back onto the scene with updated safety features and a shocking price point. Read our review of the Peloton Tread+ to decide if this expensive treadmill is worth it.
Updated: March 7, 2024
The Peloton Tread+ has quite the following, and I strongly believe that Peloton could have charged just about any price they wanted for the Tread+. Users who have been clamoring for its rerelease ever since it was recalled would have paid. But, for the average shopper who hasn’t been sucked into Peloton’s orbit, the Tread+’s shockingly high price deserves further justification. The Tread+ was updated for rerelease with new safety features which we will pay close attention to in this review of the Peloton Tread+. I’ll cover all the details of this treadmill so you can decide if it’s worth the investment.
The Peloton Tread+’s build has not changed much since its recall. However, we have seen an update to its warranty since we received our original Tread. The warranty is now longer on the motor and the belt. Still, it doesn’t live up to our expectations for a treadmill priced almost as high as a commercial-grade product. The frame and belt are covered for 5 years, unlike the 10-year to lifetime warranty expected. Likewise, the motor is only covered for 3 years.
When the Peloton Tread+ was recalled, Peloton had tons of them still in stock. These newly released machines have been retrofitted with the rear safety guard but are not necessarily new machines.
The frame is carbon steel. The Tread+ has the sleek z-shaped frame Peloton popularized. The uprights and arms are more robust than the Peloton Tread to support the massive touchscreen display.
The treadmill weighs 455 lbs, and it does not fold. You will need to find a dedicated spot to store the treadmill. It measures 75 inches long, 36.5 inches wide, and 72 inches tall. It’s not practical to move around often if at all. The non-folding frame and high weight are normal for a slat belt design.
The Tread+ has a 2.0 HP AC motor. DC motors are more common for home treadmills while AC motors are typically reserved for commercial-grade products like those you find in gyms. While we typically look for a 3.0 HP motor to classify the treadmill as a running treadmill, we realize that horsepower does not tell the whole story. An AC motor usually performs better than a DC motor, so the horsepower isn’t as concerning. I expect the Tread+ to support intense, long-distance running. However, the shortness of the motor warranty does give me pause. I also expect fast speed and incline changes like I have become accustomed to on the Peloton Tread.
The slat belt of the Peloton Tread+ is a huge draw for many shoppers. Slat belts provide soft cushioning. Some users find them soft while others find them more challenging than traditional treadmill belts. The Tread+ has been retrofitted with a rear safety guard to prevent anyone or anything from being pulled beneath the deck by the slats.
The Tread+ inclines to 15%. This maximum incline is more impressive than the Tread and most other home treadmills. The standard is 12%. However, the NordicTrack X22i and X32i are more affordable treadmills with -6% to 40% incline ranges. The Tread+ does not decline at all. We were hoping for a little more from a treadmill that costs thousands more than the others mentioned.
There is a button on the console that allows you to disengage the motor. You can then use the stability bar in front of the console to manually push the belt. This does not feel like a curved manual treadmill. You can’t run on the belt easily, and you have to use your hands to push against the bar. It’s useful for simulating a sled push, but it doesn’t provide resistance like some curved manual treadmills do.
Before you even look at what features the Tread+ offers I want to remind you that most of these are useless without a membership. The Tread+ is best for users who plan to subscribe long-term. If you don’t want to subscribe, consider the Sole ST90 instead.
Peloton’s sleek and clean consoles are one reason they have been so successful. They look nice and modern compared to other treadmill brands. Peloton has found an effective way to do away with physical buttons completely: speed/incline knobs and jump buttons. It’s intuitive and not at all disruptive to your workout. In fact, it’s my favorite feature on Peloton treadmills.
The 32-inch touchscreen display is by far the dominant feature on the Tread+’s console. While using the NordicTrack X32i, I felt that a 32-inch touchscreen was just too big. But, I’m only 5’4” and that puts me much closer to the screen than a taller user would be. The Tread+’s screen tilts to help you adjust it for your height.
Peloton has really impressed me with their screen quality in the past. If I had to pick a treadmill with the clearest screen, it would be the Tread, so I expect the Tread+ to perform the same. While the size of the Tread+ makes it really nice for off-treadmill viewing, it doesn’t rotate like NordicTrack’s commercial series treadmills. You’ll want to make sure that the Tread+ is positioned in an easily viewable place if you plan on using the screen to perform strength workouts.
The Peloton Tread+ has a few different audio options. It comes with a front-facing soundbar at the bottom of the screen. I’ve been really impressed with Peloton’s audio quality compared to other machines. It’s such an important aspect of their training style because music is so integrated into the classes. They do a good job here.
You can also pair Bluetooth headphones or use the audio jack to connect wired headphones. These are great options for users who don’t want to disturb anyone around them while they are training.
Peloton connects with Spotify so you can favorite songs you like from classes. You can export workouts to Strava. Bluetooth connects the treadmill to a heart rate monitor. They also support Apple and Wear OS watches. There’s a great range of connectivity to improve your treadmill training experience.
The Tread+ has water bottle holders and a storage tray. It doesn’t have the most convenient spot for a phone or tablet. It certainly wouldn’t be easy to view content on your smart device. But, there’s a decent amount of space for other small items.
Like most treadmills, the Tread+ has a safety key. It has also been upgraded with a rear safety guard to prevent anything from being pulled under the deck by the slat belt. This rear guard will shut the treadmill down if anything comes into contact with it. You also need a passcode to unlock the treadmill which keeps unauthorized users (children) from starting the machine. 45 seconds of inactivity will result in the passcode prompt popping up on the screen. It must also be unlocked when first turned on.
The Tread+ has a USB-A charging port to keep your device powered while you train.
The performance of the Tread+ has garnered quite a cult following. Many runners and walkers claim its slat belt cushioning revolutionized their training. The difficult thing about cushioning is that it may not complement everyone’s running style. I’ve heard many runners argue over whether a treadmill is soft or hard. Some users may find slat belt cushioning harder to run on than a traditional belt.
The warranty length of the Tread+ makes us skeptical of its longevity. There’s also the potential for acquiring a machine that has been sitting in a warehouse since the Tread+ was recalled. We are interested to see how these older machines hold up after being sold as new models.
Peloton equipment is designed for the subscriber. If you are interested in the Tread+, you should consider the practicality of subscribing to the Peloton All-Access service for the long term. I love Peloton’s training content, but it is a pricey addition. It’s more expensive to subscribe to Peloton’s content with their equipment than it is to subscribe to the full-access app version. This is worth considering if you are thinking about using the app with a different treadmill; it could save you money.
Peloton content for the treadmill is great for all levels of experience. There are tons of walking classes and running classes. There are also beginner to advanced running classes, so it’s perfect for a new runner. I’ve used some of their classes to train for upcoming marathons. The workouts are very fun with great trainers and music playlists. I feel motivated to work harder when I train with Peloton. I’ve even used their outdoor running audios when I don’t want to be stuck inside on the treadmill.
With the All-Access membership, you get access to all of Peloton’s content. There are cycling, rowing, and strength classes. You can use these with Peloton equipment or non-Peloton equipment. There are also yoga, pilates, barre, and stretching classes to help you create a well-rounded workout.
If you don’t feel like taking a class, you still have a few different training options. You can try the Lane Break game, which has several music options. In this game, you use the incline to switch lanes and accumulate points. There are scenic runs outdoors. Finally, there are entertainment streaming apps. Peloton is beta-testing different services from Netflix, the NBA, Disney Plus, and Max. We aren’t sure which services they will stick with for the long term.
Without a subscription, you can train in manual mode or take a sample class. Bear in mind that the features offered without a subscription have fluctuated over time, so don’t count on these options.
The Peloton Tread+ is one expensive treadmill. While it has a nice, premium design, it doesn’t have the knockout features that we have seen on treadmills that cost less than it like the incline on the NordicTrack X22i or the smart speed adjustments on the Wahoo KICKR Run. The Tread+ is ideal for users who don’t have a restricted budget, want a large display and a slat belt, and enjoy Peloton’s training content. The Peloton classes and instructors are amazing, and the Tread+’s screen and audio quality support them well. I also have to highlight the speed and incline knobs that make adjusting your metrics super easy.
