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ProForm Performance 400i Treadmill Review

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Most affordable of the ProForm treadmills, the budget-friendly price of the ProForm SMART Performance 400i doesn't lessen its quality features. While designed predominately for walkers, users can still enjoy access to the iFit workout library for a year and can pick from thousands to make treadmill time more interesting.

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Features

6/10

Tech Specs

6/10

Build Quality

4/10

Treadmill Review

Last Updated: 9/10/2022


The ProForm Performance 400i is the least expensive of the treadmill ProForm has to offer and it is apparent. While the console has the sleek appearance of many other ProForm treadmills, its tinny speakers and less responsive console buttons show that it is not nearly the quality one would expect from ProForm.

With few top treadmill brands even offering a treadmill in this price range, we might have excused more of the Performance 400i’s faults if the Horizon T101 been also in the same price range. Compared to the T101, the Performance 400i showed that its construction had been too skimpy. With no fans, hydraulic system, shorter warranty period and a tendency toward instability when the user is jogging, we were not impressed by the Performance 400i.

Overall, we do recommend people buy the Performance 400i if they are okay with the fact that this is clearly a budget treadmill.

Price

The Performance 400i is currently priced at $599, with a retail price of $999.

The Performance 400i Is Built For Users who:

  • Want to walk only - While the Performance 400i can reach 10 MPH, we don’t recommend you utilize the higher speed much. The light frame can be bouncy at higher speeds, which can be unnerving. However, walkers can still put in a good workout by using the incline settings, which reach 10% incline.
  • Are willing to learn - The console on the Performance 400i can be a bit tricky to navigate if you are used to more straightforward treadmill consoles. Once you have it down, it is fairly simple but you need to be willing to take some time to familiarize yourself with it.
  • Have limited space - The Performance 400i is a small treadmill. Measuring only 35.5” wide and 73.25” long, it can fit into tight home spaces. And once it is folded up, it is only 39” long and can be easily put away.


Why The Performance 400i earned 2.5 stars

Here at Treadmill Reviews, we try to judge treadmills against others in its price range, with an eye to what consumers may want in a treadmill. Based on that criteria, the Performance 400i just didn’t stack up well.
  • Poor build quality - As mentioned above, the frame of the Performance 400i is light. The molded plastic parts are also somewhat flimsy and we aren’t sure how they will hold up over time. 
  • Decent specification - For a treadmill in this price range, the Performance 400i specs are not bad. It has a decent belt size of 20” by 55”, can incline up to 10%, and has a 2.5 CHP motor.
  • Limited warranty -  The Performance 400i has the least generous warranty we’ve seen from a top treadmill brand. While the frame has a lifetime warranty, the motor has a 25-year warranty and only 1-year for parts and labor.


Overall, while the Performance 400i isn’t a terrible machine, there are other options near its price which are a much better value.

Main Specs - 6/10


Specs “Quick Review”:
  • Motor Size: 2.5 CHP
  • Running Area: 20” by 55”
  • Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
  • Folding: Yes
  • Footprint In Use (W, L, H): 35.5" x 73.25" x 59.75"
  • Footprint Folded (W,L,H): 35.5” x 39” x 65.25”
  • Incline Range: 0-10%
  • Max Speed: 10 MPH
  • Treadmill Best For: Walkers
  • Electrical Requirements: 120V

Motor Size - The motor in this treadmill is 2.5 CHP. The small motor can be a bonus for those who want a treadmill that runs quietly. It also has smooth action and transitions speed and inclines without much noise.

Running Area - The running area of the Performance 400i measures 20” by 55”. This is the same size as other treadmills in its price range. When we measured it, it came just under 20” in width and turned out to be closer to 19.75”.


Weight Capacity - The official weight capacity of the Performance 400i is 300 lbs. However, due to its light frame, we aren’t sure if it is really up to holding a user that weighs near 300 lbs.

Folding  - The Performance 400i does fold up but it lacks the hydraulic system other treadmills have. Without it, users need to be careful when raising and lowering the treadmill’s deck. You also have to secure the treadmill with a spring-release bolt, rather than it automatically latching. This could be dismissed as a cheaper treadmill model feature except that the T101 has a hydraulic system and automatic latching.

Space / Footprint - Measuring 35.5" wide, 73.25" long, and 59.75" high, the Performance 400i is a fairly slim treadmill. When folded, it takes even less space, measuring 35.5” wide, 39” long, and 65.25 high. It is also a light treadmill, so if you want, you can pack it away in your closet after workouts.

Max Speed - The treadmill’s max speed is 10 MPH. We do not recommend you try and utilize the higher speeds often. The treadmill tends to bounce when you start jogging, and the problem only becomes worse as you go faster.

Incline - This treadmill has an incline range of 0-10%. As the Performance 400i is primarily a walking treadmill, it is good that it has a decent incline range. That way, you can still put in a good workout without running.



Features - 6/10

Features “Quick Review”

  • Display: 3” LCD
  • PreInstalled Workout Apps: 18
  • Speakers: Yes
  • Fans: No
  • Heart Rate Monitoring: EKG handlebar grips
  • USB port: No
  • Audio Jack: Yes
  • Water bottle holders: Yes
  • Device holder: Yes




Workout Apps - There are 18 workout apps preprogrammed into the Performance 400i. This does not include the workouts that can be made available when you choose to use the iFit app. The Performance 400i can sync with iFit to give you more workouts, coaching advice, meal planning and more. There is also a tablet holder attached above the Performance 400i console so you can use your tablet while on the treadmill.

To utilize the 18 workout programs, users will need to scroll through the apps to select a program. They are broken into two categories: tempo and interval.



You will need to scroll through either the tempo or interval apps to pick a program but they do not have much to define them.



Display - The LCD screen of the Performance 400i is quite small, measuring 3” wide by 1” high. Surrounding the screen, there are three sections of lights showing when you are in endurance, tempo or peak training zones. Navigating the display’s buttons to adjust your speed/wattage, incline, or just to see the other data options can be tricky. You may need time to familiarize yourself with how to operate the Performance 400i console.  



Speakers - There are two, 2-inch speakers mounted in the console of the Performance 400i. The sound quality isn’t great. It is clear but tends to sound tinny with very little bass.

Fans - There are no fans in the Performance 400i.

Heart Rate Monitoring - The Performance 400i only has EKG handlebar grips to help you with heart rate monitoring. This type of heart rate monitoring is notoriously inaccurate.  

Other Tech Features
  • iFit compatible
  • Audio port
  • 2 device/water bottle holders

Build Quality - 4/10



Performance 400i Review: Build Quality
  • Warranties - Lifetime frame, 25-year motor, 1-year parts and labor
  • Belt - 2-ply
  • Roller Size - 1.9” rear
  • Cushioning - ProShox™ Cushioning
  • Customer Support - ProForm has multiple ways to provide support for their customers. There is a live chat function on their website, a help request form, phone support and email options available to answer customer questions.
  • Return Policy - ProForm offers a 30-day trial period which you can return your product for a full refund, minus a 10% restocking fee. If your product is damaged or defective, you do not have to pay the restocking fee.


As the least expensive treadmill offered by ProForm, the Performance 400i does not have the same quality build as the rest of ProForm’s treadmills. Breaking into a mild jog causes the Performance 400i to wiggle alarmingly. The lack of a cross bar is likely the cause of this wiggling.

It is also somewhat odd that the warranty on the motor is not also a lifetime warranty. Most top treadmill brands offer lifetime warranties on both frame and motor, as well as more generous parts warranty. It is concerning that the Performance 400i warranty is so restrictive.

Also, unlike many modern treadmills from top brands, the Performance 400i has no hydraulics system or easy release. This may be a minor inconvenience for some, but other treadmills in its price range like the T101 has a hydraulic system for easy raising and lowering.



The cushioning on the Performance 400i is decent considering the main users of this treadmill should be walkers. We aren’t sure how much running the cushioning is good for as the treadmill’s bouncing frame made us uncomfortable with the idea of jogging too much on it.



Bottom Line Review Of The ProForm Performance 400i

The Performance 400i is an inexpensive treadmill and it shows. Not only does it lack many of the bells and whistles of more expensive treadmills, but it is outclassed by treadmills in its price range like the T101.

It takes time to become comfortable navigating the console, there are no fans and the speakers have a very tinny quality. Add the wiggliness of the treadmill when you try to go faster than a walk and the lack of a hydraulic system, we think you may be better off looking at other treadmills to purchase. ProForm puts out plenty of other, superior treadmills, so you may want to start there.

Best Place To Buy The ProForm Performance 400i

If you are still inclined to purchase the Performance 400i, we recommend you buy directly from the ProForm website. You will be able to receive the best deals as they run promotions all year long. Also, by buying directly from ProForm, you can skip the frustration of working with a third-party merchandiser if you need any treadmill support.

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