New Treadmill Comparison

Choosing the right treadmill for a home gym is a significant investment, impacting fitness goals, available space, and long-term satisfaction. With models ranging from tech-heavy smart machines to durable workhorses, the ideal choice depends on individual priorities. This comparison evaluates four leading home treadmills using a weighted scoring system across six critical criteria. After rigorous assessment, the Sole F85 Folding Treadmill emerges as the top recommendation, delivering exceptional performance in motor power, running surface comfort, and long-term durability, though the competition was exceptionally close. The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 placed a very close second, making it a compelling alternative for users who prioritize interactive training over raw construction.

The final ranking was determined by evaluating each treadmill against a set of prioritized features essential for home fitness. The winner is not simply the cheapest or the most feature-packed, but the model that best balances power, comfort, build quality, and value to serve as a reliable cornerstone for a home fitness routine.

Methodology

To ensure an objective and balanced comparison, each treadmill was evaluated against six weighted criteria reflecting key considerations for a home buyer. Scores from 1 to 5 were assigned for each criterion based on performance, specifications, and expert consensus. These raw scores were then multiplied by their respective weights (e.g., Motor Power score multiplied by 1.9) to calculate a weighted total. The treadmill with the highest cumulative weighted score is declared the overall winner, providing a data-driven recommendation that accounts for the relative importance of each factor.

Understanding the Evaluation Criteria

Selecting a treadmill involves more than just comparing price tags. The following criteria were selected and weighted to reflect what matters most for effective, enjoyable, and sustainable home workouts.

• Motor Power (Weight: 1.9): The motor is the heart of the treadmill. Measured in Continuous Horsepower (CHP), it determines smoothness, noise level, and the ability to handle high speeds and inclines without strain. A powerful motor ensures consistent performance for runners and enhances longevity.
• Running Surface (Weight: 1.8): This encompasses belt size and cushioning. A spacious belt (ideally 20" x 60" or larger) allows for a natural stride, while effective cushioning absorbs impact, protecting joints and making longer runs more comfortable.
• Build Quality (Weight: 1.7): This critical factor assesses the overall durability and stability of the treadmill, including frame construction, user weight capacity, and warranty terms. High build quality translates to a machine that feels solid during use and lasts for years, minimizing maintenance issues.
• Features (Weight: 1.5): This category includes pre-set programs, incline/decline range, maximum speed, and connectivity options (Bluetooth, touchscreens, app integration). While enhancing workout variety and engagement, features should be balanced against core performance.
• Footprint (Weight: 1.3): For home users, the physical size and storage options are practical concerns. This score considers both the in-use dimensions and the ease of folding and moving the treadmill, which is crucial for spaces that serve multiple purposes.
• Value for Money (Weight: 1.6): This evaluates the overall proposition, weighing the initial purchase price against the durability, performance, and features offered. The best value treadmill delivers on core promises without excessive cost or mandatory ongoing subscriptions.

Head-to-Head Treadmill Analysis

NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill

The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a premium smart treadmill designed to bring an immersive, studio-like experience home. It scores highly in areas driven by technology and interactive features.

• Performance Highlights: It boasts a top-tier 3.75 CHP motor (5/5) for smooth, quiet operation and excels with a perfect 5/5 in Features, thanks to its large 22" HD touchscreen and full iFIT integration offering automatic trainer-controlled workouts, incline, and decline.
• Considerations: Its major trade-off is a large footprint (2/5), requiring significant dedicated space. While the foldable design helps, the machine is heavy and awkward to store. Furthermore, its value score (3/5) is impacted by the high initial cost and the need for an ongoing iFIT subscription to access its full potential.
• Best For: Users who want a engaging, instructor-led workout experience and have the space and budget for a top-tier smart machine.

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Sole F85 Folding Treadmill

The Sole F85 is a powerhouse built for serious runners who prioritize durability and running comfort over flashy technology. It won the comparison by delivering top performance on the most heavily weighted criteria.

• Performance Highlights: It earned perfect 5/5 scores in both Motor Power, with a robust 4.0 CHP motor, and Running Surface, featuring a best-in-class Cushion Flex Whisper Deck that reduces joint impact by 40%. Its build quality (4/5) is underscored by a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor and a high 400 lb weight capacity.
• Considerations: The trade-off comes in features (3/5); the console is more basic, lacking the advanced smart integrations of its competitors. It is also a very heavy machine, making its footprint score (2/5) low despite the folding capability.
• Best For: Serious runners and high-mileage users seeking a durable, stable, and joint-friendly treadmill that will withstand years of intense use.

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ProForm Pro 2000 Smart Treadmill

The ProForm Pro 2000 aims to deliver high-tech features at a more accessible price point than the NordicTrack, with the added benefit of a space-saving design.

• Performance Highlights: It matches the NordicTrack's perfect Features score (5/5) with iFIT integration and the rare inclusion of automatic decline (-3%) at its price. Its footprint (4/5) is a strong point, as it folds effectively and includes wheels for mobility.
• Considerations: To achieve this, some concessions are made. The 3.5 CHP motor (4/5) is strong but not class-leading, and some users report long-term durability concerns (Build Quality: 3/5), particularly with the folding mechanism over time. Like the NordicTrack, it requires an iFIT subscription for full functionality.
• Best For: Tech-savvy users with limited space who want interactive training features and automatic decline but have a moderate budget.

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Horizon Fitness 7.8 AT Treadmill

The Horizon Fitness 7.8 AT is a responsive, no-frills treadmill focused on delivering solid core performance without complex subscriptions or interfaces.

• Performance Highlights: It is praised for its quick, responsive speed and incline changes powered by a reliable 3.5 CHP motor (4/5). It offers good value for money (4/5), providing essential running features and sturdy construction at a mid-range price.
• Considerations: It falls short in advanced Features (3/5), with a basic console and limited programs. The running surface (3/5), while adequate, doesn't offer the advanced cushioning of higher-priced models. Its footprint (2/5) is also substantial, limiting its appeal for tight spaces.
• Best For: Runners who prefer a straightforward, responsive machine for self-directed workouts and want to avoid mandatory monthly membership fees.

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Verdict and Final Recommendations

Winner: Sole F85 Folding Treadmill

The Sole F85 claims the top spot by excelling in the areas that matter most for long-term satisfaction: relentless power, superior cushioning, and overbuilt construction. Its perfect scores in Motor Power and Running Surface, combined with an exceptional lifetime warranty, make it the most reliable and joint-friendly platform for dedicated runners. The victory, however, is narrow. The choice ultimately hinges on whether the user values a immersive tech ecosystem or an uncompromising hardware foundation.

• Choose the Sole F85 Folding Treadmill if: Your top priorities are motor durability, joint protection, and a machine built to last for thousands of miles with minimal fuss. It is the definitive choice for performance-focused runners.
• Consider the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 if: You are motivated by interactive, trainer-led workouts and will fully utilize the iFIT ecosystem. Its near-identical overall score makes it a superb alternative if engaging content is more important than maximum mechanical durability.
• The ProForm Pro 2000 is a strong contender for: Buyers seeking smart features and automatic decline on a tighter budget or with significant space constraints, accepting potential trade-offs in long-term build quality.
• The Horizon Fitness 7.8 AT suits: The runner who wants a responsive, well-built machine for self-guided training without any subscription obligations.

Before purchasing, verify dimensions in your intended space, read the latest user reviews for long-term reliability notes, and check current pricing, as promotions are frequent in the fitness equipment category.

Where to Buy

For convenience and to compare current pricing, availability, and customer reviews, these treadmills can be found on Amazon:

• Sole F85 Folding Treadmill on Amazon
• NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill on Amazon
• ProForm Pro 2000 Smart Treadmill on Amazon
• Horizon Fitness 7.8 AT Treadmill on Amazon