Peloton Treadmill Review: Is It Worth the Price?

Known for its flagship stationary smart bikes, Peloton has expanded its offerings to include the Tread and Tread+ treadmills.

Like the stationary bikes, they’re equipped with HD touch screens for streaming thousands of workout classes.

Led by certified instructors, these classes vary in length and difficulty. Classes also go beyond traditional treadmill workouts to include strength training, yoga, stretching, and more.

For the treadmill-based classes, you can follow along using the touch screen or cast the workouts to a nearby smart TV for viewing.

If you prefer to work out on your own, you can choose from several scenic walks, runs, or hikes to complete at your own pace.

“It’s one of the few treadmills I can run on for extensive periods of time and not get pain like shin splints,” says one Healthline reviewer. “I’m a former collegiate athlete, and after two knee surgeries, it is definitely my preferred treadmill.”

Through its All-Access membership, the Peloton app allows members to view and track workout metrics like speed, mileage, and heart rate.

Because they are quite large, Peloton treadmills include expert assembly, so you don’t have to worry about setting up the machine yourself.

After the treadmill is assembled, the installer will walk you through all of its features.

While the Tread is available, Peloton is currently making safety updates to the design of its original treadmill, so you have to wait to purchase the Tread+. There is no estimated time of arrival as of March 2023, but you can sign up for updates on their website.

There are many factors, including some that may not be so obvious, to consider when deciding which treadmill is the best fit for you and your space.

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs for the Peloton Tread and Tread+.

The Tread is currently the only Peloton treadmill available for purchase. Additionally, as the Tread+ is undergoing safety updates, there’s a possibility that the specifications listed above may change once the updated version is released.

That said, both models currently offer speeds of up to 12.5 miles per hour (20 kph), built-in speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, and HD touch-screen displays.

They’re also similar in size, though the Tread+ provides a larger running deck and requires additional head clearance.

While it lacks some of the bells and whistles found in the Tread+, the Peloton Tread is a solidly built treadmill that’s designed to provide a high-tech running experience.

Given the May 2021 recall, it’s understandable if you’re concerned about the safety of the Peloton treadmills.

The initial safety concern with the Tread (as opposed to the Tread+) was that, in rare instances, the touch screen would loosen, and in some cases, fall off the machine, potentially causing injury.

However, after being pulled from the market, the Peloton Tread was rereleased and now features a more secure screen plus two additional safety features:

• Tread lock: a four-digit digital passcode that users must enter before the belt will unlock
• Safety key: allows the belt to come to a halt quickly and safely in case of an emergency

If you have an older Tread model, there’s also an option to get the touch screen tightened and fixed through Peloton.

The updated Tread+ is not available yet, as the safety features are still being worked on.

Keep in mind that even with the new safety features, it’s still best to keep kids, pets, and small items like exercise balls or weights away from treadmills.

The Peloton Tread costs $3,495 plus tax. Delivery and setup are included.

For qualified customers, Peloton offers special financing that allows you to pay $82 per month for 43 months at a 0% annual percentage rate.

If you’re interested in purchasing additional home gym accessories, Peloton also offers three package deals:

• Tread Select ($3,340): includes Peloton Camelbak water bottle, reversible workout mat, two sets of dumbbells, and a heart rate monitor.
• Tread Ultimate ($3,420): includes everything in the Select package plus yoga blocks and a yoga strap

Peloton app subscription cost

In addition to purchasing the treadmill itself, Peloton requires you to sign up for a 1-year All-Access membership to the company’s app.

An All-Access membership costs $44 per month and allows you to stream thousands of on-demand classes and daily live Tread classes. It also allows each person in your household to create a separate profile.

You’ll also be able to access thousands of non-treadmill workouts, participate in live leaderboards, view your performance stats, and connect with other Peloton app users.

You can choose to cancel your subscription at any time. However, keep in mind that because the device prohibits users from downloading other apps, such as YouTube and Netflix, the HD screen is essentially useless without a Peloton app membership.

Warranty and returns

If you’re not satisfied with the Peloton Tread, you can contact the company and schedule a free pickup for a full refund within 30 days of delivery.

To protect your purchase, the Tread is covered by a 5-year warranty on the frame, 3-year warranty on the motor and belt, and a 12-month limited warranty on parts and labor.

Keep in mind warranty coverage is nontransferable and doesn’t cover cosmetic damage.

Reviews for the rereleased Peloton Tread are positive overall, with many customers noting how quiet and stable the machine is.

Reviewers also rave about the experience of using the Peloton app. In particular, users appreciate the variety of classes to choose from and the upbeat energy of the instructors. “The hardware is solid, and the instruction is what sets it apart,” says one Healthline reviewer.

“The classes are everything they are cracked up to be,” says another. “They keep it fun, provide a ton of variety, and the instructors will push you harder than you thought you could go. Whether it is running, walking, hiking, or boot camps, there is always a class to match your mood.”

However, not all reviews are positive. Several customers complain that, unlike several of NordicTrack’s treadmills that offer Automatic Trainer Control during classes, the Tread requires you to manually adjust your speed. However, the Peloton does offer auto incline.

One Healthline reviewer notes that the adjustment knobs are still a huge improvement: “So much more convenient than trying to mash buttons on a screen.”

Other users note that in some cases, the ceiling height — which needs to be 20 inches (51 cm) above your head when using the treadmill — is an issue, especially if you plan to use the Tread on its full incline.

Finally, some mention that the belt doesn’t feel as cushioned as those of competitor models.

The Peloton Tread is far from the only high-tech treadmill on the market. Here’s a look at how the Peloton treadmill stacks up to its competitors.

It’s hard to go wrong with any of the treadmills listed above. After all, they each include an HD touch screen and app integration for streaming live and on-demand classes.

Furthermore, they support users up to 300 pounds (136 kg) and have roughly the same max speed of 12 mph (19 kph), though the Peloton Tread just slightly pulls ahead with a 12.5 mph (20 kph) top speed.

Deciding which treadmill to choose comes down to whether class offerings, training options, or price is your top priority.

While iFit offers a wide variety of classes, Peloton tends to be more popular thanks to its music selection, fun workouts, and upbeat instructors. “I used to have iFit, and while they have more scenic runs, Peloton has more studio content and a variety of workout types,” says one reviewer.

Therefore, if you rely on classes to keep you motivated, the Tread is likely your best bet.

However, if you want a treadmill that’s packed with training features, it’s hard to compete with the NordicTrack x22i’s -6% decline to 40% incline settings. Plus, thanks to iFit integration, you can take advantage of the Automatic Trainer Control during classes.

Finally, if you’re looking to spend less than $2,000, you’ll want to choose between the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 and the ProForm 9000, both of which offer nearly identical special features and training options.

The biggest difference is size, with the ProForm being the most compact option.

The main consideration when deciding whether to buy the Tread comes down to whether you feel that the high-tech features are worth the price.

After all, as the Tread starts at $3,495, it’s not a small investment.

However, if you regularly attend studio fitness classes, which can cost up to $30–$50 per class, the Tread may still be a good alternative to save money in the long run.

Additionally, if you like classes but struggle with motivation getting there or don’t have regular child care or time away from work, having a Peloton at home makes it a bit easier to fit in a workout.

Alternatively, if you prefer to work out independently and don’t enjoy or want to rely on instructor-led fitness classes for motivation, your money may be better spent on a less expensive treadmill.

Still, for the number of training options and special features that it includes, the Tread provides excellent value for the cost.

Finally, keep in mind that while it’s unclear when the Tread+ will be rereleased, it may be worth the wait if you’re interested in a larger screen, longer deck, and cushioned running surface.

Can you use a Peloton treadmill without a membership?

No. The Peloton Tread requires a monthly membership to access live and on-demand classes. If you’re not interested in streaming live or on-demand studio classes, you may prefer another treadmill that doesn’t have a subscription fee.

Will Peloton remove my old treadmill?

Peloton does not currently offer removal services.

Is Peloton Tread good for beginners?

Yes. Peloton offers a variety of classes for the Tread that range from casual walks to high intensity runs. Instructors suggest an output range but often encourage runners to adjust as needed for how they’re feeling.

Does Peloton treadmill come assembled?

Peloton team members will finish assembling the Tread when delivering it.

They’ll assemble the various parts — the deck, feet, handles, and screen — and connect it to power wherever you’ve decided you want the treadmill to be. They will also walk you through how to use it. The whole process takes an hour or less.

Can you watch TV on Peloton treadmill?

No. The Peloton treadmill does not support third-party streaming subscriptions.

In addition to updated safety components, the Peloton Tread is packed with high-tech features and training options to keep you motivated and challenged.

While it’s relatively expensive, it may be worth the price if you value being able to stream thousands of live and on-demand classes from your living room.

Keep in mind that only the Tread has been rereleased. Peloton has yet to announce when the Tread+ is slated to return. In the meantime, fans of the Tread+ can sign up for product notifications on the company’s website.